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Tuesday, April 5, 2016


A PIE TO DIE FOR by STACEY ALABASTER

I am becoming a huge fan of cozy mysteries. This book by a new author is sure to please all fans of this exciting genre. She writes with great enthusiasm and delivers a great story that is easy to follow. Her characters are funny, mischievous and downright loveable. The description of the bakery and their goodies was so realistic, I could almost smell the yummy desserts baking.

Rachel has a dream to open her own bakery and is excited when her store is opened. She is very diligent about her baking and believes it's the best in the town. Of course as luck would have it, she has a fierce competitor. Oh the story just gets better once Rachel and her dear friend decide to spy on the competition. I can see the writing on the wall. They can't seem to help themselves from getting  into trouble . When something happens at a street fair that causes Rachel to become a suspect , the duo are on a mission to prove Rachel innocent. I guess if you watch enough crime shows you become an expert in detective work. Of course that is what our dynamic duo must be thinking as they interview witnesses and basically interfere with the investigation. .

The story is a quick read but very enjoyable. I am looking forward to more books from this very talented author. If you are looking for a great cozy mystery with a cast of characters that will keep you laughing and guessing, this book is perfect .

I received a copy of this book from Fairfield Publishing for an honest review

Monday, April 4, 2016


WATER FROM MY HEART by CHARLES MARTIN

I always enjoy reading books from this author. I have come to love his writing style. It is very poignant and descriptive. He does  an excellent job of developing his characters and allowing the reader to feel the emotions . The places he writes about come alive with the picturesque style he is well versed in. Whatever topic the book is about is handled with real precision and he  holds nothing back. This is another great book that takes you for a journey of self discovery for the main character who at times seems to focus on his flaws a bit much.

Charlie will take an adventure to find someone important to him, but along the way he revisits old hurts that will stir great emotion in him and guide him to a place of comfort and healing. It isn't easy to let go of your past, to be able to forgive yourself for the hurt you have caused others. As the character goes deeper into his journey, his walk will be heavy at times. I loved how the book reminded me that we cannot change our past, but we can make our future better. Letting go of things that have held us emotionally captive is hard but well worth the reward. To be free of something that has defined you negatively for so long is life changing. I loved the way the author also shared something personal at the end of the book. This is one book you will not be able to put down. The story will be one that will stay with readers long after the last page has been read.

I received a copy of this book from the Goodreads Free Giveaway for an honest review.

Sunday, April 3, 2016


THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE by CELESTE FLETCHER McHALE

The main theme in this delightful book is friendship. Don't we all like to have those special friends that just make us feel at home? We can talk to them about anything, sit and chat over coffee and cake  and just relax . This is the kind of friendship these three women from the book have. It is easy, comfortable and lasting friendship that makes this story so inviting.

As we get to know each woman, the author gives us a look into their lives. Some  will face tragedy, pain and even loss . It is written with depth and true emotion. Yes you may want to grab a tissue for this book. The different subjects in the book are well defined with sensitivity and gives you a glimpse into what true friendship means. I really enjoyed the happiness the women felt at being a housewife. It is not an easy task, but the rewards are priceless. They took great care of their home and it showed through their actions. I loved the southern charm throughout the book and I could picture myself sitting with them on the front porch. We would be drinking iced tea and perhaps eating a slice of cake as we discussed our day. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story that explores friendship and perhaps along the way discover THE SECRET TO HUMMINGBIRD CAKE.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild for an honest review. .

Saturday, April 2, 2016


SHATTERED by SABRINA SAMPLES

Have you ever read a book that reached down into your soul and took your hurt and crushed it so your pain was gone? This book is one that delivers powerful words of a time where all the author felt was pain. Her struggle to survive is felt through every word written. So many people are out there asking for help, a hug or just a smile . I loved how the author took a subject like suicide and depression and brought it to the surface for everyone to understand. It is not easy to overcome a painful  emotional trauma in your life, but with the authors' words, you can feel healing and hope .

I'm glad I had the honor to read this inspiring book. It definitely hit home and has encouraged me to keep going and not give up. For anyone out there who struggles  with depression, suicide, low self esteem or lonliness , this book is a must read. The book is honest and shares how one person who was at the darkest moment in  their life  found a way to believe they were valued and loved. Thank you for writing a book that truly is a story of hope, survival and healing.

Friday, April 1, 2016


WISH YOU WERE HERE by SABRINA SAMPLES

I have just read a book so emotionally charged that it took my breath away. I love when an author writes with depth and shows a piece of  them that is raw and filled with great insight. This short book of poems honors the authors dad. Throughout the book we get glimpses of a bond between father and daughter that was so richly filled with admiration and love. As I read each poem I felt tears fall down my face. Sabrina Samples writes such heartfelt words that pierce the soul. Her pain and loss of her father is deep and through her words, she shares a tiny piece of a life taken to soon.

I tried to pick out one poem that was my favorite, but that was impossible. Each poem has its own story to tell and its own emotions to share that give readers a picture of unconditional love. Her loss was hard for a young girl to deal with and with each poem she has put her feelings down to forever remember her father. Take your time as you read this powerful book and absorb the quality of a well written book . At the end of the book there are several handwritten notes the author has written to her dad on special moments in her life. I loved those notes so much and I know he is proud of you Sabrina.

"If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died."