I became a fan of Seneca James, author Ruth J. Hartman’s latest cozy mystery protagonist, in the first book of this series, Butterfly Betray4.5 stars
I became a fan of Seneca James, author Ruth J. Hartman’s latest cozy mystery protagonist, in the first book of this series, Butterfly Betrayal. So I was eager to hang out with her again – and sleuth alongside her – in Murder at the Painted Wings Cafe!
Seneca’s butterfly farm attracts tourists and hungry patrons… and also dead bodies, much to her dismay. In this case, the victim is an odious man who dares to rudely pick a fight with Seneca’s sweet cousin Evie shortly before his untimely demise. Fortunately, local sheriff (and Seneca’s best friend) Cody doesn’t think Evie is guilty, but Seneca isn’t taking any chances and decides this case needs to be solved sooner rather than later. Enter a cast of quirky supporting characters who had me laughing nearly from beginning to end. In fact, I was making a list of my favorite giggle-inducing scenes to mention in my review and finally gave up because the list was getting too long. (Okay, so the library scene was my favorite. Or maybe it was the inebriated castle stormers. Oh! Or maybe her conversations with the hardware store owner or with Johnny or … well, you see what I mean.) Basically, it’s barely-controlled chaos, fueled by small town gossip, and I loved every minute of it. Several of those eclectic characters do double duty as plausible suspects with believable motives too, and I kept changing my mind as to who I thought ‘done it’. I like being surprised in a mystery, and Murder at the Painted Wings Cafe did exactly that in its big reveal.
Bottom Line: Murder at the Painted Wings Cafe by Ruth J. Hartman is a lot of fun to read, with a town full of colorful characters who contribute hilarity, emotion, and motive to this entertaining story. The author skillfully uses a heap of red herrings mixed among the legitimate clues to craft a clever and layered plot, and I continue to enjoy spending time with Seneca and her costume-wearing cat Winifred in the process. BFF Sheriff Cody would make a marvelous romantic lead, in my opinion, and this book’s gossip about their near-miss kiss in the last book had me chuckling often. I still think there’s something simmering between Cody & Seneca, and I will keep following this series to watch where their relationship goes, but it stays in the background enough to appease mystery purists. This is another delightful visit to Seneca’s butterfly farm & cafe, and I look forward to the next one!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
I have eagerly been waiting for another book by Jessica Leigh Johnson ever since I fell in love with Fixed Up, so I couldn’t wait to start reading MorI have eagerly been waiting for another book by Jessica Leigh Johnson ever since I fell in love with Fixed Up, so I couldn’t wait to start reading More Than I Bargained For – especially when I saw that ADORABLE, festive cover. That cuteness alone made me all kinds of happy, and then I met Anna and Daniel and my happiness meter really lit up!
The story starts at Thanksgiving, giving us an engaging introduction to Anna, her sister Tamara and her young niece Kelsey and their dynamics/backstories, and (separately) Daniel, his young daughter Madison, and his brother-in-law Kurt and their dynamics/backstories. By the time we know that Anna and Daniel will each be showing up at the same store on Black Friday to grab THE toy of the season on sale, I was grinning with anticipation over their inevitably disastrous meet cute. And now cue all the surprise encounters, spark-filled chemistry, endearing holiday moments, and hilarious misunderstandings (with a few more serious ones too)… I’m in Christmas romcom heaven! There’s also a super sweet and meaningful thread involving homelessness and the less fortunate, one which reminds us to focus on the eternal this holiday season rather than the temporal (while not ignoring the ‘fun’ of Christmas gifts either).
Bottom Line: I became a fan of Jessica Leigh Johnson’s sense of humor and storytelling skills while reading her debut novel, and her new romcom More Than I Bargained For was well worth the wait! Anna and David each have touching backstories which introduce layered emotions into the equation as they continue to cross paths, intersect their families, and begin to develop deeper feelings for each other. But there is also a lot of fun to be had on these pages, from Black Friday mayhem to Christmas Day swooniness – and a host of heartwarming encounters in between. I loved watching Anna and David fall in love, and I’m putting in my order now for a follow-up novel featuring Kurt and Tamara because I think they have some great stories to tell, too. If you love sweet romance that makes you grin big (and sometimes chuckle), faith notes that are a natural extension of the characters’ lives, and witty writing, then you absolutely need to add More Than I Bargained For to your Christmas wish list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
What a delight it was to go on another visit to the quirky town of Why in North Dakota! The fun bits of magical realism always appeal to me,4.5 stars
What a delight it was to go on another visit to the quirky town of Why in North Dakota! The fun bits of magical realism always appeal to me, as does the humor. I mean… where else can you read a cozy mystery with an invisible-to-everyone-else-but-Thea chameleon from NYC AND a town buffalo that is basically everyone’s oversized pet? I loved the contest – and the subsequent ‘rivalry’ banter – to pick a name for the cuddle-loving & nosy buffalo in this book, as it just emphasized again to me why I love this series. (And yay! my fave name won!)
The mystery in Poisoned By the Book involves an elderly hoarder of rare books who (as you may guess) is poisoned to death by an unknown culprit or culprits. (Although… I do feel led to mention here… the internet assures us that it’s not hoarding if it’s books lol) The self-proclaimed ‘Three Investigators’ – which consists of our protagonist Thea, her grandmother (also the retired library director), and Hudson (the current library director) – are on the case once again. But they’ve got to sort through a suspect list of their own friends & neighbors and get around the new police chief who is not the friendliest flower. I thought the clues and red herrings were cleverly woven together along with some twists that took me by surprise, and I enjoyed trying to figure it out along with Thea and her ‘team’. Also making me happy in this book? More sparks between Thea and Hudson – I am rooting for them and think they would make such a fabulous couple. If Hudson can get past Thea’s ‘library guide’ (aka the chameleon), if he ever finds out about it.
Bottom Line: Poisoned by the Book by Ellen Jacobson had me chuckling, grinning, and putting on my own sleuthing cap to solve the mystery of who killed this eccentric character (and by Why’s quirky standards, calling someone ‘eccentric’ is saying something). The suspect list was long, the characters were layered, the humor was on point, and the red herrings were satisfyingly difficult to separate from the real clues. Mystery notwithstanding, I loved the progress that was made in the ‘will they or won’t they’ romantic chemistry between Thea and Hudson but it doesn’t overpower the story if you are more of a mystery purist. I also loved seeing more of Thea’s grandfather’s personality – he’s such a classic Midwestern male character and I’m very curious to see how the events at the end of this book will play out in the next one where he is concerned. If you’re looking for a story that entertains & delights you, make sure you add Poisoned by the Book to your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Goodness, I love this series! Amanda Cleary Eastep has a great talent for writing children’s voices and – courtesy of Jack’s first person POV – their Goodness, I love this series! Amanda Cleary Eastep has a great talent for writing children’s voices and – courtesy of Jack’s first person POV – their thought processes as well, reminiscent of delightful authors such as Beverly Cleary (no relation), Kevin Henkes, Paula Danziger, and Judith Viorst. Jack’s adventures with his friends, family, and neighbors always put a smile on my face and in my heart, and The Beastie of Brambly Bald may be my favorite yet.
While this series normally takes place in the Chicago area in the 90s, this 5th book sees Jack, his mom, his little sister Midge, and his friends Ellison and Roger heading to the mountains of Western North Carolina for Thanksgiving with his mom’s parents. Yes, those mountains. The ones currently struggling under the weight of the kind of disaster that sounds fictional but is actually real life. And while The Beastie of Brambly Bald is not about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, nor was its release planned to coincide with an event that no one could have predicted, it nevertheless provides a great opportunity to bring the mountains, its people, and their way of life into more personal focus for your middle grade reader.
All the things I love about the Tree Street Kids series are back in The Beastie of Brambly Bald, like Mr. Bruno, all the Tree Street Kids, Jack’s family, and clever elements like the mini ‘story breaks’ which feature science facts, literary tie-ins, historical tidbits and more. In this 5th book, we are also treated to Fun With Forks (which is not what it sounds like) and a few new characters like Jack’s Granny Byrdie and Grandpa Tom and even an unexpected guest who captured my heart. I had such fun tagging along on this latest adventure, learning survival skills and reading secret diaries and tracking the legendary beastie of the mountain. Through the eyes of 10-year-old Jack, Eastep wonderfully immerses readers of all ages in the sights, sounds, lilts, scents, and culture of Appalachia while also making it relevant for children from a variety of backgrounds. I most appreciate how the author tenderly addresses tough themes that her young readers might experience, like foster care, estranged family, parental unemployment, common fears and even why the family trees of African Americans are difficult to research. She acknowledges each of these realities while also framing everything from a Jesus-focused worldview and achieving the perfect tone for this age group.
Bottom Line: Middle grade readers (and the adults who love them), grab your sense of adventure, your sense of humor, and your sense of taste (it IS a Thanksgiving story, after all, AND there are snacks) and gear up for tracking The Beastie of Brambly Bald by Amanda Cleary Eastep! You’ll love Jack, his family, and his friends (who have become family), and you’ll have loads of fun joining them on this exciting trip to the mountains. You’ll learn how to find out more about your family tree and how to accept God’s invitation to be part of His family! The story moves along at a steady pace, with warmth and wit and a handful of faith lessons that are not only age-appropriate but meaningful for adults too. This series – and this fifth book – belongs in every home and classroom library. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
Every time I pick up a book or novella by Shannon Sue Dunlap, I do so with a big grin of anticipation. Because I know that there are giggles4.5 stars
Every time I pick up a book or novella by Shannon Sue Dunlap, I do so with a big grin of anticipation. Because I know that there are giggles and swoons and more giggles in store, and who doesn’t need some of both in these crazy stressful times we live in?
Substitute Sweetheart returns us to the author’s quaint and quirky setting of Sweetheart, Texas, which always delights me to visit. In this second official book of the series, it’s Ryan Park’s buttoned-up sister Victoria in the spotlight. (If you’ve read Lone Star Sweetheart you’ll recognize Ryan as that book’s romantic hero. And while it’s not strictly necessary to have read it before you read this one, you’ll definitely want to at least go back and catch up because it’s such a fun romcom!) This story begins with Ryan’s wedding where the chemistry between Victoria and groomsman Andrew Zimmerman is flirty and full of sparks. When, through a series of unfortunate (or fortuitous) events, she becomes his boss (at least temporarily) and his literal-next-door neighbor those sparks fly for other reasons, too! I loved these two together, and I loved watching them challenge each other. There’s more to both Andrew & Victoria than meets the eye, and the author does a great job of digging deeper into their layers in meaningful ways while still keeping the tone romcom-light.
As a former (short-lived) third grade teacher, I especially loved the elementary school setting in Substitute Sweetheart. It’s clear that the author has personal experience to draw upon for authenticity when writing the kind of multifaceted story that involves teachers, students, parents, and of course the strict new principal (i.e. Victoria). And how much did I love that Andrew is the favorite teacher of Sweetheart’s elementary population? There’s something super swoony about a guy who is beloved by children, isn’t there? As the resident favorite (and a music teacher, no less!), Andrew is in the perfect position to help soften Victoria’s rough edges, especially when the number of her haters quickly outnumbers her friends. This aided character development goes both ways, though, and I found Andrew’s growth (aided by Victoria) just as heartwarming.
Bottom Line: What do you get when you take a goal-oriented, reserved woman and pair her with a music teacher, cinnamon roll hero with a heart of gold? Throw in a doozy of a first kiss, a dose of forced proximity, a dash of ‘fish out of water’, some adorable little kids, a few stressed-out parents and disgruntled teachers, a graffiti vandal, and a quirky small town … and you’ve got a delightful romcom sure to keep a grin on your face from beginning to end. Substitute Sweetheart by Shannon Sue Dunlap has vividly-drawn characters that take up residence in your heart, and the mix of swoony, sweet, and witty moments also accompanies a meaningful look at walking in God’s purpose for your life. Even if – especially if – that purpose looks vastly different than you had planned. Fans of Angela Ruth Strong, Becca Kinzer, and Jaycee Weaver need to be reading Shannon Sue Dunlap too… and the Sweetheart series is a great place to start!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
“Difficult times end up making us the best we can be.”
A Healing Touch is a heartwarming (and sometimes heartwrenching) new addition to Suzanne Woods F“Difficult times end up making us the best we can be.”
A Healing Touch is a heartwarming (and sometimes heartwrenching) new addition to Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge universe. It works perfectly as a standalone but if you’ve read any of the other books set here you’ll enjoy getting to hang out with your faves like Bishop David, his sister ‘Dok’, and of course the one and only HANK LAPP (if you know Hank at all, you’ll know why I all-capped him).
As is typical of a Fisher novel, we are walking into this community to find a handful of stories in progress among several primary characters, initially connected loosely by one person or event and then continuing on throughout the novel in their respective plot lines. I really enjoy this style of storytelling because it feels like I’m visiting Stoney Ridge in person and spending time with three or four characters as they live their lives. In A Healing Touch, as the title would suggest, all of the subplots have Dr. Ruth Stolzfus (aka ‘Dok’) as a connecting factor. There’s recent widow Bee Bennett and her new cancer diagnosis (as well as a blast from her past who shows up to help with the horses, and the practical Fern Lapp who helps Bee with her grief), Dok’s smart-but-shy young assistant Annie Fisher (along with Annie’s hypochondriac mother, and the handsome Amish EMT who opens Annie’s heart to more than one dream), and an abandoned newborn who upends Dok and her husband Matt’s lives. And y’all… SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH HANK LAPP. Oh my heart!
Each main female in A Healing Touch – Bee, Annie, and Dok – is well-crafted with developed layers that draw you in while you follow the compelling journeys they take on these pages. Themes of grief, loss, fear, forgiveness, and surrender are presented compassionately and sincerely and, while these are indeed deep topics and handled with the care they deserve, the book itself never becomes heavy. Emotional at times, yes. But the tone nevertheless remains uplifting and positive. And then, of course, there were moments of humor that made me giggle (as per usual when HANK LAPP is in the story). Like when Dok finds him high-stepping it in a hurry to flee the angry goose that has him in its sights…. or this exchange of dialogue:
“CALM as a CUCUMBER,” Hank bellowed. “Unflappable,” Sarah said. “Our ANNIE can NOT be FLAPPED,” Hank said.
Bottom Line: A Healing Touch by Suzanne Woods Fisher is touching and heartfelt, pointing readers to the mercy & grace of God even as it entertains us with relatable characters (including some beloved favorites) and engrossing subplots. Bee, Dok, and Annie experience layered character growth over the course of this novel, and I found that each woman spoke to my heart in some way. Fisher’s charming writing voice makes it easy to fully immerse yourself in this story and difficult to put it down. I enjoyed this visit to Stoney Ridge, including the dash of romance, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Oh!! Y’all!! I adored everything about Kit Tosello’s stellar debut novel, The Color of Home. Usuall4.5 stars
“The unexpected life IS our actual life.”
Oh!! Y’all!! I adored everything about Kit Tosello’s stellar debut novel, The Color of Home. Usually I give a lot of grace to debut novels because … well… when I go back and look at my first blog posts I realize that a whole lot of people gave me a whole lot of grace (how about a purchase link somewhere, Carrie? anywhere?) But The Color of Home needs no grace from me – it is everything delightful and winsome, and it just wrapped me up, heart and soul.
I provide Tawny with the thumbnail version, up to but not including the part where I ran into Cade, and altogether omitting the part where I zoned out for an hour scrolling through Bob Ross memes. Which was worth it, if only for “Ever make mistakes in life? Let’s make them birds. Yeah, they’re birds now.”
Tosello’s charming first person narratives (alternating between Audrey and her great-aunt Daisy) feel deliciously conversational, giving off a wonderful vibe of ‘Audrey (or Daisy) is telling me this part of the story while we’re seated around their kitchen table with a mug of tea’. Their personalities and relatability leap immediately off the pages and burrow deeply into your heart as the story progresses, a testament to the author’s effortless skill in the art of ‘showing vs. telling’ – also evident in how we easily come to know the other characters through their interactions with these two narrators. And even though this novel wrestles with some tough subjects – like Alzheimer’s, grief, incarceration, career pressures, etc – the tone of Tosello’s writing voice achieves the perfect balance between humor and hard … in large part, i think, because it allows for humor within the hard without diminishing the impact of either one.
“Grief isn’t something you move past, ever. It’s something you learn to carry.. And honey, we have got to allow our disappointments to draw us closer to God, not give us an excuse to drift further away.”
Bottom Line: Is ‘home’ only a residence? Can it also be a sense of place? A memory? Or maybe it can also be an inspired calling, a place where we come alive, a Divine embrace, a redeemed life, a second chance. In The Color of Home, debut novelist Kit Tosello explores these nuanced layers with sacred insight and oodles of charm. I fell head over heels in love with Charity Falls (dare I hope we can return for another visit??), as well as Audrey, Daisy, Dean, Cade, Nash, Paige, Tawny, and so many other endearing and vividly-sketched characters who started out as strangers to me but quickly became the dearest of friends. Faith is presented naturally as a meaningful extension of what’s going on in the story, and the attraction between Cade and Audrey is the icing on the cake. I cannot wait to read more books by Kit Tosello, and if you’re a fan of Cynthia Ruchti, Amanda Cox, Angela Ruth Strong, Holly Varni, and Katie Powner, you absolutely need to make sure The Color of Home is at the top of your TBR list!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma! is SO CUTE! My husband and I both loved looking through this brightly-illustrated and witty graphic novel, even Pencil & Eraser: We Have a Dull-Emma! is SO CUTE! My husband and I both loved looking through this brightly-illustrated and witty graphic novel, even though I’m not typically a fan of that style of book. The humor is spot-on for adult readers too but will most definitely have elementary students giggling often – especially at Pencil’s exuberance and Eraser’s curmudgeonly-ness. No big moral lesson or agenda, just some good clean lighthearted fun.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
A Cowgirl on His Doorstep is all kinds of fun, y’all! I love Anna J. Stewart’s writing style and her always-on-point talent with dialogue and characteA Cowgirl on His Doorstep is all kinds of fun, y’all! I love Anna J. Stewart’s writing style and her always-on-point talent with dialogue and characters, and this one may just be my favorite example to date. I could particularly hear Shane’s voice in my head (swoon!) and adored the banter and conversations between him and Iris, as well as with the kids and his dad Butch. Basically I just had a big ol’ smile on my face from the first page to the last and definitely plan to keep a copy on my shelves so I can re-read it when I need a pick-me-up.
Like her other 4 sisters, Iris Blackwell is estranged from her mother, Flora. And, honestly, if I had a mother like Flora I’d probably want as much distance between us as possible too! Stewart does a great job of depicting Flora as a character who drives you crazy (but you also can’t help but begrudgingly love her) and makes you sad since it’s clear she hasn’t figured out who she is outside of the glory days of her showmanship past. As a result, not only has her oblivious single-mindedness pushed her daughters away (hence the necessity of her ‘apology tour with Big E and Denny), it’s made them all the more determined to do what she can’t – define themselves without the ‘Blackwell Belles’ label. And boy has Iris done that! I loved her unique career (refurbishing/restoring RVs and trailers) as well as watching her excel at it. But most of all? I loved her sense of humor and her big heart. Iris is exactly the kind of person I’d want to be friends with in real life, and I would be first in line to shove her toward taking a chance at ‘forever’ with Shane and his family.
Because oh sweet mercy. From swoony cowboy uncle Shane to his adorable nephews Miles and Eric, his precious niece Ruby Rose, and his crotchety-but-loving dad Butch, the Holloways completely stole my heart. Shane had the ability to make me laugh AND melt at the same time (usually when he got a little exasperated at how easily Iris was taking over his heart… if you haven’t noticed it before the Sundance scene, you will for sure then). I also confess to shedding a few tears. You see, the Holloways are grieving, and here again Stewart fabulously captures the nuances of their emotions and the different layers to how it affects their dynamics. Iris is a breath of joy-filled air for them, yes, but they provide the same respite for her heart too. Needless to say, Shane and Iris easily became one of my favorite couples in recent memory, and it’s in large part to the family he brings with him to the relationship.
Bottom Line: If you’re in need of a warm, heartfelt story with plenty of fun humor, complex family dynamics, and swoony romantic chemistry, then A Cowgirl on His Doorstep by Anna J. Stewart should be your next read! While this is part of a continuing, multi-author series (that builds off other Blackwell series by the same authors), you can still enjoy it as a standalone title if needed. But I highly recommend bingeing on the Blackwells if you’ve got time over the holidays because they’re all delightful. Iris and Shane – and his family – are delightful too, and they moved right on in to my heart as though that’s where Iris was working instead of Butch’s old RV. Stewart’s pitch-perfect & witty writing voice always sweeps me into the story and keeps me immersed in every word until the end, and A Cowgirl on His Doorstep was no exception. Looking forward to meeting the next Blackwell sister soon!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Prepare one RV (that’s seen better days) with a couple of meddling (and stubborn) senior citizens and a diva or two to test your patience. Then, take Prepare one RV (that’s seen better days) with a couple of meddling (and stubborn) senior citizens and a diva or two to test your patience. Then, take one cowboy in love with his best friend (while she hasn’t a clue), toss him over an angry bull until his brains are nicely scrambled, and heat things up with a delicious kiss and a woozy confession of love. Blend all of the above together (it will take a while for everything to smooth out) and continue adding fuel to the fire until sparks fly.
I was super excited to dive in to A Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis for a variety of reasons. First, it marks the beginning of a new group of books revolving around the Blackwell clan and the lovably frustrating Big E. I have thoroughly enjoyed previous Blackwell stories from various Harlequin Heartwarming authors, and even though I missed The Blackwells of Eagle Springs continuity series before this one, it didn’t take me long to acclimate to the addition of Big E’s octogenarian sister Denny from those books. She’s just as spirited and hilariously meddlesome as he is, and the two of them pairing up to ‘fix’ their family fractures and match up their grandkids make a formidable team, to be sure. Add in Denny’s high maintenance daughter-in-law (and Maggie’s mom) Flora who can’t quite separate her real self from her show self and has given her daughters plenty of therapy session material… and Flora’s dog Zinni who gives her some good competition for the title of ‘likely to cause the most drama’… and you’ve got an RV-load of big personalities just waiting to entertain readers!
Another reason I couldn’t wait to read A Cowgirl Never Forgets is the combination of two of my fave tropes – friends-to-more and fake relationship (thanks to a bout of amnesia, which is also a trope I enjoy)! Clem and Maggie have been the best of friends since she moved to Clementine and started working for the Done Roamin’ Ranch (which you might recognize if you’ve read this author’s The Cowboy Academy series too). But all it takes is a good knock to the head courtesy of a rodeo clown gig-gone-wrong, for Clem’s deeper feelings for Maggie to surface from where he’s been repressing them, along with a doozy of a kiss and the mistaken belief that they’re practically engaged. And with this setup, the author has me right where she wants me – swooning, grinning, and solidly invested in watching Maggie deal with how much that kiss threw her happy-with-friendship-feelings for a loop.
Bottom Line: A Cowgirl Never Forgets by Melinda Curtis is an entertaining combination of laughter, family, friendship, and happily-ever-after that’s sure to hit the spot! I really enjoyed Maggie and Clem as individual characters, as friends, and as a couple. Their personalities complement each other perfectly, and the banter/humor shared between them is fun to read. As a couple – fake or otherwise – they certainly aren’t short on chemistry (whew! those kisses!) but it’s also balanced with the sweetness that comes from a deep connection as friends, and I loved that! Maggie and Clem both have difficult family layers to their respective backstories too, and these complex dynamics definitely influence the plot as well as the character growth. I experienced a range of emotions as they dealt with their inner scars and took the first steps in a long while toward healing rifts while also setting important boundaries for the protection of their own mental health. Such a rewarding, swoony, and heartwarming journey.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Denise M. Colby has officially done the impossible – made me fall in love with a rooster! haha! Bert (the rooster in question) may only be a4.5 stars
Denise M. Colby has officially done the impossible – made me fall in love with a rooster! haha! Bert (the rooster in question) may only be a supporting character in When Plans Go Awry but he totally steals the show. This quirky town mascot takes our heroine Olivia under his… well… wing (lol) in the most fun and endearing of ways. I absolutely adored Bert and his laugh-out-loud antics and silly personality. Colby demonstrates wonderful comedic instinct in writing Bert and a natural ability to ‘show’ him to us in our mind’s eye without over-telling it.
Olivia and Luke are also easy characters to love, and right from their ‘meet-cute’ the chemistry between them was tangible. Both are in equal turns comical and serious, and both struggle to trust God in the wake of unimaginable losses. And even while authentically wrestling with those complex layers and delivering some very profound reminders of God’s care for us despite our feelings to the contrary, the tone of the book remains lighthearted and sweet – a perfect choice when you want a read with depth but not heaviness. Olivia and Luke’s inconvenient draw to one another – since a marriage for love is not in either of their plans (see book’s title for a hint as to how that works out for them) – made for some wonderfully delicious and electric moments where they lock gazes or accidentally brush hands. Once again, the author does a great job of showing us their growing feelings without over-telling us, making for a very natural flow to both the story and their relationship progression.
Bottom Line: When Plans Go Awry by Denise M. Colby is a winsome debut novel that hooked me from the beginning and kept both my attention & my heart engaged until the end. As the town of Washton embraces Olivia like family, readers will be drawn to wonderful supporting characters like the Martins and the Woodwards, Pastor Will, Uncle Jimmy, Olivia’s students, and of course Bert the rooster. Luke and Olivia’s budding romance involves the perfect blend of breathless anticipation and sweet friendship, and the author’s witty writing voice makes it even more entertaining to follow. Fans of Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Mary Connealy will feel right at home in When Plans Go Awry!
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
Ohhhhhh y’all. Prepare to laugh out loud, fall in love with a whole tiny soccer team, be reminded of JesusReviewed: Out of Play by Angela Ruth Strong
Ohhhhhh y’all. Prepare to laugh out loud, fall in love with a whole tiny soccer team, be reminded of Jesus’ love for you, and swoon over a deliciously fun romance when you read Out of Play by Angela Ruth Strong!
Ok, it’s no secret that I’m always here for the romance and KissingBooks and all the swoons. But I would be absolutely remiss if I didn’t spend a good chunk of time in this review talking about the Ladybugs soccer team who quite honestly steal the show in all their adorable quirkiness. Strong has captured to a hilarious T the group dynamics of a bunch of eight-year-old girls playing soccer. Anyone who has ever sat in camp chairs along a makeshift soccer field on a Saturday morning, cheering for a young ‘athlete’ with a gaggle of parents and grandparents and aunties and uncles and siblings will appreciate the humor so endearingly captured here. Each girl on the Ladybugs has such a unique personality and style that I laughed out loud basically in every practice & game scene. And reading Skylar and Bex’s internal observations had me easily picturing every pirouette, Broadway show tune, pose for photos, brilliant play, and warm-up dance, even as I kept laughing. I maintain that it is impossible for you to read about these cute Ladybugs and NOT fall in love with each and every one.
Speaking of Skylar and Bex, I adored their back-and-forth from their opposite coaching styles to their banter and every fun interaction in between. And as their eventually-easy friendship begins to grow into something far more affectionate and life-altering, I could hardly breathe in some scenes from their off-the-charts chemistry and in anticipation of that much-awaited first kiss. Both of these characters have great reasons for being wary of a romantic relationship, though, and Strong addresses these obstacles with such authenticity and tenderness. Through their tentatively-honest conversations and in their respective acts of sacrifice on the other’s behalf, both hero and heroine – and readers, too – are pointed to Jesus’ unfailing love for them and His longing to ease their burdens.
Bottom Line: I have been reading some phenomenal books lately, and Out of Play by Angela Ruth Strong is yet another to add to my ‘best of 2024’ list. All of the story elements came together to fill my reader heart like opening a bag of assorted Starburst and discovering they’re all the strawberry flavor (my best possible scenario). I loved the humor, the faith, the characters, and of course the romance (swoonyswoon) but my favorite part was the greater Love story being spoken over each reader, too. I plan to keep reading the Starry Nights collection and the Bright Lights one as I have time, but Out of Play definitely gave me a great preview of what’s in store.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Before I talk about anything else related to Muffalettas and Murder, I must give Shorty his due time. In fact, I could probably do an entire review juBefore I talk about anything else related to Muffalettas and Murder, I must give Shorty his due time. In fact, I could probably do an entire review just about Shorty because he is quite the character, this newly-minted private investigator who idolizes Jim Rockford, eats everything in sight, charms all the ladies, and is honestly a pretty good guy when it comes down to it. If you’ve read any of Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Stoney Ridge books, you’ll have a good idea of Shorty’s personality when I say that he and Hank would either be the best of friends or drive each other crazy. I adored Shorty from the safety of the pages and I laughed out loud more than once at his quirky antics, theories, and turns of phrases, but I think in real life he would be better in small doses haha! Poor Evangeline ends up clocking lots of time with Shorty in this book, but fortunately she has a high level of tolerance (and a fond affection) for him and he does end up being a solid friend. So even though she periodically wants to choke him (like when he eats her out of house & home or comments on her bad breath), she won’t actually act on it. At least not in this book – who knows if her patience will last through the other three books LOL.
When I wasn’t guffawing at Shorty or praying for Ev’s sanity, I enjoyed watching this unlikely sleuthing duo work on a local cold case. They actually make a great team. After all, there’s a lot more to Shorty than just a bottomless stomach and a pretty face, and Ev’s past as a detective’s wife and mystery writer (and fan of Murder She Wrote) serve her well. The prologue from the victim’s perspective had me instantly invested in finding the culprit(s) and trying to figure it out before Ev & Shorty did. (I didn’t. lol.) The suspects do pile up though, as they work through Ev’s brother’s case notes, and while their interrogations often went comically awry (thanks mostly to Shorty) they ended up getting the job done just fine.
Bottom Line: Muffalettas and Murder by Jann Franklin is an often-hilarious and layered small town mystery with endearingly quirky characters, a sweet new canine sidekick, and loads of Louisiana charm (and food). Ev’s inner monologue had me giggling (when I wasn’t laughing at Shorty’s antics), but I also appreciated how naturally her thoughts slipped into a prayer from time to time. It’s clear that her faith in God affects her life but it’s not done in a preachy way, and I even loved watching Shorty be affected by Ev’s faith too. The cold case murder mystery they’re solving kept me guessing and held my interest, and I can’t wait to read the next book at my first opportunity to see what these two unlikely friends get up to next.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
They say you can’t go home again, and Hollywood-gossip star reporter Emily Delaney has been counting on that to be true ever since she left Gilman, OrThey say you can’t go home again, and Hollywood-gossip star reporter Emily Delaney has been counting on that to be true ever since she left Gilman, Oregon, in disgrace right after high school. Which was also right after she nearly ruined her journalism career before it got started – and, as far as she knows, the lives of at least three other people. Yet, Gilman is where Emily suddenly finds herself summoned after the surprising death of her journalism mentor, and her plan for a quick exit is derailed when she learns she’s not only the owner of Lois’ sweet dog now but of the town’s failing newspaper – and its impossible debt – too.
I enjoyed getting to know Emily’s character, and by default her mentor Lois, as we trail along with Emily’s search for a big enough story to save the Gilman Gazette. Along the way we meet several of her old friends (including BFF Crystal and swoony detective Josh) as well as new ones (like flamboyant Bryce and earnest Cody), and I thought the author did a great job of crafting each distinct personality in a way that makes me want to come back for another visit. The mysteries that Emily stumbles onto during her quest to save the Gazette kept me turning the pages to see how – or if – they were all connected, and there were a couple of stunning twists that took me completely by surprise!
Bottom Line: From the very first page of Secrets & Scandals, I was hooked on Piper Glendale’s witty writing voice and the engaging characters she created. Emily Delaney, our intrepid protagonist, felt relatable in her flaws as well as her strengths, and I was rooting for her to embrace Gilman as the home of her heart once more. The layered mysteries are expertly plotted and unpredictable, and there was no ‘dead weight’ when it came to the supporting characters, the red herrings, or the legitimate clues. Everything, even the dialogue, served to move the story forward, and the whole book whet my appetite for more of this series. Fortunately, there are already two more books waiting for me!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Ok…. I really thought that book one would stay my favorite of this series because I adored Eddie & Chava’s getting-used-to-each-other-again banter so Ok…. I really thought that book one would stay my favorite of this series because I adored Eddie & Chava’s getting-used-to-each-other-again banter so much. But I don’t know… I think Three Strikes, You’re Dead is my new favorite. So far. I am hoping earnestly that there are more Eddie Shoes books in store because this series is just so much fun and I need more of Chance & Eddie’s second chance at love. (It always comes back to the romance for me, after all lol)
The main reason that I loved this third book as much as I did is because Eddie’s father figures in so prominently this time. Chava and Eddie are hilarious together but adding Eduardo to the mix gives the story exactly the right contrast it needs. His mysterious “I may be a hitman for the mob” persona is the perfect foil for Chava’s “I will never stay in the car when told to do so”, leisure-suit-wearing flashiness (I picture her as Fran’s mom on The Nanny lol). And the two of them being all parental and loving toward Eddie made my heart smile. Of course, Eddie’s 1st person narrative commentary on the two of them made my face smile, too – and laugh out loud on occasion. And Franklin, the endearing dog who has become a part of Eddie’s ragtag family, was the adorable icing on the cake.
Poor Eddie – she just wants to enjoy a vacation with her mother at a cushy resort. Instead, an ‘easy’ day hike turns into a fight for Eddie’s life as she dodges a forest inferno while trying to get a wounded man to safety. A man who asks her to find his missing daughter before going missing himself. As you might imagine, the mystery in Three Strikes, You’re Dead involved several high-tension moments – inclusing some standoffs at gunpoint – where my heart stayed in my throat and my breath lodged in my lungs. Not to mention the swoony fireman with the sexy voice… which also had the same effect haha. I had some suspicions as to who was behind all of these nefarious events … and I ended up being partially correct… but a couple of twists still took me by surprise.
Bottom Line: Three Strikes, You’re Dead by Elena Hartwell is loads of fun, cleverly written, and full of heart. Eddie Shoes is such a delightful protagonist, and so are her parents and the rest of her inner circle. I absolutely loved seeing more of Eddie’s dad, and as I’ve already said I’m really hoping this series continues with several more books. I need more witty banter, more layered mysteries, more adorable pets, and more progress toward a renewed romance between Chance and Eddie! This author’s talented and engaging writing voice drew me instantly into the story and kept me engrossed until the very end… at which point I kept trying to swipe my Kindle for more pages because I hated to say goodbye (only for now, I hope) to these wonderful characters.
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is some occasional cursing in this book – really scattered, not prevalent – most of it mild except for one profanity near the end.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Welcome to the Ballad Inn in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina – a place where you’ll meet the delightful Ballad sisters and feel right at home. I qWelcome to the Ballad Inn in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina – a place where you’ll meet the delightful Ballad sisters and feel right at home. I quickly wanted Mia, Margo, and Micki to be my BFFs – their sisterly banter with each other, with Enid (the woman who basically raised them), with their older neighbors (who were all a hoot), and with Ryan (the new doctor in town) keeping a big smile on my face and even making me laugh out loud a couple of times (the dog costume scene!). You can’t help but love these characters, which makes me all the more excited about the rest of this series.
Mia Ballad is the first born daughter who really had to parent her younger sisters in the absence of their jet-setting parents during their growing-up years. As a result, she craves the security of numbers and home, and her jobs as an accountant & a proprietor of the Ballad Inn allow her to embrace both. She’s not a fan of people who pop in and out of her life – thanks to her parents doing exactly that her whole life – and if she ever does fall in love it will be with someone who is just as interested in putting down roots as she is. Enter swoony Doctor Ryan, a pediatric heart surgeon whose volunteer work frequently has him dropping everything to fly to dangerous locales to perform intense life-saving operations on the tiniest of patients. The kind of guy that romance readers fall head over heels for, of course, but definitely not the one for Mia. Except… since the road to happily-ever-after is rarely smooth… cue lots of delicious romantic tension between these two polar opposites and the sweet surprise of falling in love with an unlikely match.
Bottom Line: A Home for the Doctor by Kellie A. King is a sweet romance with vibrant characters and laugh-out-loud moments. It will also tug at your heart with some emotional scenes and leave you swooning at the delightful romance. I adored the Ballad sisters, their dear friend Enid, their quirky neighbors, even Doodle the cat and his murderous intents. Ryan won my affections, too, though he also frustrated me on several occasions (not nearly as much as the Ballad parents did, however, which earned him additional brownie points lol). The ‘love at first sight’ trope was well-written and fit with these characters and their situation. Visiting Charlotte vicariously on the pages of this fun read made me want to book a vacation there post haste, and I enjoyed that it was different from the more typical North Carolina locations we travel to in fiction (though I love those too). Looking forward to Margo’s story next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
After really enjoying the tone and characters in One Dead, Two to Go, I eagerly dove into Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell. All the thiAfter really enjoying the tone and characters in One Dead, Two to Go, I eagerly dove into Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell. All the things I loved in book one are still just as lovable in book two, especially Eddie’s delightful dry wit and snark – and the banter between her and her eclectic (and polar opposite) mother, Chava. Eddie’s first person narration keeps the story moving right along, with fun commentary and wry asides. And don’t get me started on how much I love Franklin, her newly acquired giant mop of a dog. The author has captured his quirky canine personality so well, enabling the loyal companion to fit in well with the story’s sense of humor.
Once again, poor Eddie manages to get herself right in the middle of a murder investigation through (mostly) no fault of her own, not to mention the odd reappearance of her childhood best friend and maybe a ghost from her past too. This of course puts her in close proximity with her first love – and local detective – Chance Parker, who I am still depending on for eventual romantic swooniness. I enjoyed the slow shuffle they did toward the maybe-possibility of more-at-some-point, and I’m holding onto that thread of hope like the KissingBooks fan that I am. As for the mystery aspect of Two Heads are Deader Than One, the author smoothly juggles several different elements from murder to break-ins, theft, and missing persons, and most of it seems to keep coming back to that childhood friend that might not be 100% on the up-and-up. Eddie has her work cut out for her, and I had a blast tagging along with her and Chava and Franklin.
Bottom Line: Two Heads are Deader Than One by Elena Hartwell showcases the author’s impeccable skill in combining smart prose, snappy dialogue, layered mysteries, and character growth with steady pacing to deliver an entertaining read that grabs your attention and holds on tight. Eddie continues to be a compelling and delightful protagonist that you can’t help but love immediately, flaws and all, and her inner circle – including her quirky mother and endearing dog – are just as engaging. My mind is already whirring with possibilities for book three, so I’m glad it’s on my TBR pile to read soon!
Reviewer’s Note: Followers of my reviews may want to be aware that there is some occasional cursing in this book – really scattered, not prevalent – most of it mild except for a few stronger ones.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“What am I going to do with a refrigerator full of elderly men?”
I wasn’t sure how Holly Varni was going to top my love of On Moonberry Lake, but boy d“What am I going to do with a refrigerator full of elderly men?”
I wasn’t sure how Holly Varni was going to top my love of On Moonberry Lake, but boy did she ever! The Blooming of Delphinium had me snort-laughing from beginning to end, with a couple of bouts of ugly-crying to balance it all out lol.
I have discovered something about myself in the last few years. I have a thing for adorable and/or hilarious older people. If you want to find the way to my heart in a book or TV show or movie (besides the romance), throw in some quirky and sassy senior citizens. Something which Holly Varni does in abundance in The Blooming of Delphinium. I guffawed frequently over the antics of the local senior living residents who have suddenly taken over the back room of Delphinium’s florist shop in protest over the rules at The Gardens assisted living home. Complete with a hunger strike (except for their snack demands for Delphinium), sneaking out of the home ‘in disguise’, and later staging a hilarious sit-in gone amuck (on an issue unrelated to The Gardens), these wily characters took over more than her shop – they took over Delphinium’s heart, and mine, as well. Watching them come alive under her friendship and how she truly saw them touched me as well. But yeah… expect to laugh a lot in this entertaining novel.
“It’s like dealing with delinquents. They’re always one step ahead of you.”
But as I also mentioned, expect to shed a few tears as well. Loving a handful of senior citizens (and they really are a handful haha) means having your heart broken sometimes too, and that certainly is the case in this story. Varni crafts these emotional scenes with tenderness, affection, and lots of love which, yes, may bring on an ugly cry or two but it also makes it so worth the read. (Seriously, mostly you’re laughing in this book so don’t let a few tears scare you away.) And then there’s Delphinium, the star of our story (though I’m pretty sure the band of rebels from The Gardens steals that distinction pretty early on lol). She’s grown up feeling like an outsider when it comes to her creative gifting and her straitlaced parents. Still feeling the loss of her beloved grandmother who was gifted with a similar form of synesthesia, Delphinium now faces what feels like losing her all over again as her florist shop struggles financially. Varni delivers some tenderly-redemptive character growth here, and one scene in particular really touched me (and had my eyes welling up yet again).
OH! and the ROMANCE. Can’t forget that. Though… I don’t want to say too much about that for the sake of avoiding spoilers. Suffice it to say, however, that there are sparks aplenty, some delicious romantic tension, and a marvelous enemies-to-more/opposites attract love story going on in the background here. Of course there are the usual obstacles and miscommunications but it’s all leading up to a delightful resolution that I think will make you smile as much as it did me.
Bottom Line: The Blooming of Delphinium is charming and hilarious and heartfelt. Varni’s warmy and witty writing voice draws you instantly into the story and vividly defines the characters until they leap off the page and into your heart. I found the synesthesia aspect of the story to be fascinating and it added some intriguing layers to Delphinium’s character as well as others – everything I love about magical realism but about an actual sensory phenomenon. Themes of seeing someone for who they really are, investing in the lonely and giving them a place to belong, giving second (and third) chances, and loving people for all their uniqueness, quirks and all, resonated with me, and the swoony romance simmering throughout this delightful story was icing on the cake. It deserves more than 5 stars just for making me laugh so much and FEEL so deeply.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. And she was definitely in the wrong Dickens story.”
I have three words for you when it comes to L“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. And she was definitely in the wrong Dickens story.”
I have three words for you when it comes to Liz Johnson’s new Christmas romance, Meddling with Mistletoe – I LOVED IT. Okay one more word – MISTLETOE. And when you take that word and combine with KISS, well scoop me up from the floor because WOW. I’m still fanning… and apparently still adding words to this review.
But I can’t help myself because, oh my stars, this fairly quick (but not too quick) read is so much fun! I grinned a lot, I chuckled some too, and I even got a little misty-eyed toward the end. Johnson’s writing voice is so witty here – definitely my kind of humor – and the romance is super swoony with some toecurling kisses and emotional heart-tugs. And the characters! I loved being back at the Red Door Inn with familiar and beloved friends such as Jack & Aretha (though I side-eyed her a few times in this one) and Marie & Seth and their absolutely adorable kids (especially Julia Mae). But I also loved loved loved Daniel and Whitney and their opposites-attract dynamics and gosh they made me smile. Even when I was frustrated with these two, I understood why they reacted the way they did based on their backstories and well-drawn layers. I adored Julia Mae & Daniel’s interactions too, and I thought the author did such a fabulous job of making them simultaneously humorous and meaningful.
Bottom Line: Bring your pie cravings, a mug of your fave winter beverage, a quirky turkey toque, a cozy quilt, and a fan when you settle in to read Meddling with Mistletoe by Liz Johnson! This delightful Christmas romance has it all – fun humor, precocious kids, yummy food, a little drama, a sweet message of faith and purpose, multi-dimensional characters, all the festive vibes, and a swoonilicious romance! I so enjoyed reading this book (in case you couldn’t tell) and it’s going on my shortlist of Christmas stories that I recommend ad nauseam. Do yourself a Christmas favor and grab Meddling with Mistletoe ASAP!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Dana Mentink always writes dogs with such affection, hilarity and personality, so I’m really enjoying her new series about search & security4.5 stars
Dana Mentink always writes dogs with such affection, hilarity and personality, so I’m really enjoying her new series about search & security dogs. Okay, well, technically the series is about a family who has recently launched an investigations company that utilizes the search & security dogs they train…. but I’m sure Wally (from book one) and Pinkerton (from Fugitive Search) would happily tell you that they are the real stars of these stories. Pinky is an endearing, slobbery, affectionate tracking dog who steals every scene he’s in, and I delightedly let him. I especially loved his loyalty to and love for his human, Garrett, and his easy relationship with Catherine right from the beginning (Pinky’s, not Garrett’s because Garrett & Catherine’s relationship is pretty complicated). Pinky seemed to know that Catherine should be Garrett’s person, and this lovable pooch decided he’d go ahead and adopt her too. All the cuteness and sweetness you’re imagining right now… it’s there, in Fugitive Search!
But Fugitive Search is first and foremost a riveting, high-stakes romantic suspense novel, and Mentink doesn’t let us forget that with a heart-in-your-throat combination of danger, mystery, action, surprises, and some thriller vibes too. (Pinky is right there in the midst of it all, of course, as Garrett’s K-9 partner, providing humorous moments and sweet ones throughout the story.) I especially appreciated the complex layers that were added to both the suspense and the romance from Garrett’s prior role in the investigation into who murdered Catherine’s father. Providing protection for Catherine and her sister – from the escaped prisoner who had finally been arrested for the murder – is easier said than done for a variety of other reasons too, and Mentink does a phenomenal job of keeping the tension crackling from beginning to end. Speaking of crackling, the romance delivers a heart-satisfying blend of sparks and tenderness, along with a few potholes on the trail to happily-ever-after.
Bottom Line: Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink has it all – witty humor, gentle romance, meaningful faith, riveting suspense, relatable characters, and smart, quirky dogs. I loved all the different layers to this story, and more than one stunning twist drove me to keep reading ‘just one more chapter’ until I reached the end. Every time I thought, “Ok, I can pause here and go to sleep… NOPE. Mentink threw another curveball that kept me glued to the pages, and I enjoyed every sleepless minute of it! I love everything that Dana Mentink writes, but I think this Security Hounds Investigations series is my favorite yet. Cannot wait for Stephanie’s story coming in December (is it December yet?!?)
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)