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Saturday, April 22, 2017


PURSED by LISA HARRIS

The book starts out with terror in the skies and doesn't let up as Nikki is on the case of a missing woman. What would you do if you were sitting on a plane talking to someone and there is no record of them being on the flight? Nikki knows the missing woman was there and will not stop till the mystery is solved.  Who is the man sitting next to him on the plane? I love this character because she is determined, smart , relies on God and is resilient. I loved how the author allows Nikki to be vulnerable at times and allows readers to see in her weakest moments she calls out to God.

I really am not a big fan of flying and the opening scene was so well written I felt like I was on the plane waiting for the crash to happen. The author writes such explosive scenes that pop off the page with heart pounding speed. Nikki has been assigned the case for the missing woman on the plane and gets deeper into a story that had my adrenaline pumping . Nikki and her partner Jack seem to find danger as each turn they take in the case . I began to wonder just  how much Nikki was going to be able to endure when she encounters life threatening injuries . The story is a web of deceit, secrets and twists that keep readers on the edge of your seat.

I enjoyed the interactions between Nikki and Tyler.  After being apart due to work, they finally hope to spend some much needed time together. Will Nikki's job leave Tyler second guessing their relationship? Can Nikki and her team find the missing woman before disaster strikes? Get ready for action at full throttle  in this installment of The Nikki Boyd Files.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Books and Librarything Early Readers Program. The review is my honest opinion.

Friday, April 21, 2017

Cat Got Your Cash
by Julie Chase

Come for the felines and fashion, stay for the fun and flirtations.
~Laura’s Interests
Holy Moly, this book blew the first book, Cat Got Your Diamonds, away, and I LOVED the first book!
~Classy Cheapskate
I absolutely loved Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase…
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
Cat Got Your Cash is a fast paced keep you on the edge of your seat as Lacy and friends try to discover the real mysteries without becoming the next victim.
~The Journey Back
Engaging characters, a vivid setting (complete with the Deep-South mood of suspense that clings to the air), a well-plotted mystery, and a brewing romance – Cat Got Your Cash has it all!
~Reading is my SuperPower
…a delightful read.
~Valerie’s Musings
Starting from the cover that I loved, this book hooked me since the first page!
~ Varietats
I adore Julie Chase’s Kitty Couture series and it has quickly become one of my favorites.
~ The Power of Words
This was a very entertaining read with a good bit of humor in it. It was well written and fast-paced, making it an easy read.
~Melina’s Book Blog
Reading this book brought me laughs, smiles, and moments of “did they do it?” it was the perfect mystery!
~Bibliophile Reviews
Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase is a superb visit to the heart of the Big Easy. You get the French Quarter and the Garden District, the distinctive food and music, as well as the magic and endurance of the city and its people.
~Back Porchervations
I really liked the idea of Lacy’s shop. It’s such a unique and cute idea.
~Bookworm Mom
I thought it was a really good mystery with great characters and I can’t wait for the next one!
~Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my!
With a clever heroine, a dash of romance, and cats galore, there’s something in this cozy to please almost everyone.
~The Book’s the Thing
This is a sweet cozy that you won’t want to miss.
~A Chick Who Reads
Julie Chase is an awesome storyteller. These characters really pop and the mystery pulls you right in. The cover grabbed my attention and the story held it from start to finish.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book 
Cat Got Your Cash is a captivating and fast-paced cozy whodunit tale that has enough quirky characters, witty banter and humor, romance, drama, danger, and intriguing twists and turns.
~Jersey Girl Book Reviews

Cat Got Your Cash: A Kitty Couture Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Crooked Lane Books (April 11, 2017)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1683311089
E-Book ASIN: B01MR48G5L

Synopsis

Lacy Marie Crocker’s whimsical pet couture has gained a following in New Orleans’s cozy Garden District, and word of mouth has traveled all the way to her favorite fashion designer, Annie Lane. Lacy’s thrilled when Annie schedules a private session at her home to discuss a companion line for her evening wear, but when Lacy arrives for the appointment, she enters the kitchen to two mewling Siamese cats–and one very dead Annie.
Lacy takes the kittens home to care for them until they can be properly claimed by Annie’s family or friends, but after a busy day of work, she returns home to find them missing. And when Lacy learns the cats are set to inherit Annie’s fortune, she begins to wonder if the killer was after the kittens all along. Now Lacy will stop at nothing to save the Siamese and find justice for Annie–if the killer doesn’t sink his claws into her first.
Luckily, Lacy has the help of handsome NOLA PD homicide detective Jack Oliver to help her catch the cat-napper before its too late in Cat Got Your Cash, the endearing second Kitty Couture mystery from Julie Chase.

About The Author

Julie Chase is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Julie is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC). She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyons Literary Agency.
Julie also writes as Julie Anne Lindsey. Learn more about Julie at http://juliechasebooks.com/
Purchase Links:
Amazon     B&N     BAM!    IndieBound



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I enjoyed the first book in this series and eagerly awaited the next installment. I am thrilled to say it's as good as the first and maybe a bit better. I love cozy mysteries that have animals in the forefront. We are introduced to two cute and adorable Siamese cats named Cotton and Cashmere. They were the attraction for me that made me want to really dive into the book. I love Siamese cats and miss mine terribly. I loved how the author gave them very distinct  personalities. They become very important in this cute mystery.

Lacy is still busy trying to make it big with her speciality pet shop. She has a knack for making bling for pets and yummy treats that are special made with ingredients that won't harm animals.  I have seen some really adorable outfits for dogs and cats so it was easy to picture Lacy's  design with the authors vivid descriptions. It's a big day for Lacy as she gets prepared to meet with Annie Lane. Did I mention that Annie is very well known and can help Lacy become famous in the clothes design  design world for pets? This could be Lacey's chance to make a name for herself.  Some meetings don't turn out like you hope and Lacy's has hit rock bottom. What a shame that Annie is dead when Lacy arrives for their meeting .

I must admit I like Jack Oliver a lot. He cracks me up with his surly attitude and quick banter with Lacy. The author really gives them a complicated relationship which I found very intriguing. Is Jack getting tired of helping Lacy out of trouble? It seems Lacy has a stalker called trouble. Poor thing can't get a break with dead bodies turning up. The author gives readers several suspects which leads to shoddy relatives, jealous workers and an ex that all add up to someone who wanted Annie dead. Let's not forget Annie's prized possessions. The Siamese twins need a new home and will come with a nice hefty allowance. Did someone kill Annie for the kittens?

There is a bit of a love triangle of sorts in the book that kept Lacy on her toes. I did like the fact that the author gives Lacy and her mother time together and perhaps a chance to mend some fences in their strained relationship. The book moves at a nice pace and the characters were well written. It's a great story that pet lovers are sure to enjoy. cozy mystery fans  will love the twists and great ending. Don't forget to check out the recipes at the end of the book.

I received a copy of the book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Participants
April 11 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
April 11 – Classy Cheapskate – REVIEW
April 11 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 12 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
April 12 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
April 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 13 – My Journey Back – REVIEW  
April 13 – Books,Dreams,Life – INTERVIEW, SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
April 14 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
April 15 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
April 16 – Varietats – REVIEW
April 16 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
April 16 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
April 17 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 17 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW
April 18 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
April 18 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
April 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 19 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 19 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW,
April 20 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
April 20 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 21- Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 21- Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW  
April 22 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
April 23 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 24 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
April 24 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Two Heads Are Deader Than One
by Elena Hartwell

…the author does a great job of weaving details and people together making a ‘Who Dun It’ that mystery lovers will want to read!
~The Journey Back
Eddie’s witty no-nonsense personality and Hartwell’s well-paced writing style make the chapters fly by. This book is a buy.
~Readeropolis

Two Heads are Deader Than One (Eddie Shoes Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Camel Press (April 15, 2017)
Paperback: 286 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1603813136
Private Investigator Eddie Shoes is enjoying a rare period of calm. She’s less lonely now that Chava, her card-counting mom from Vegas, is sharing her home. She also has a new companion, Franklin, a giant dog of curious ancestry.
Hoping for a lucrative new case, Eddie instead finds herself taking on a less promising client: her best friend from her childhood in Spokane. Dakota has turned up in Bellingham in jail, where she is being held on a weapons charge. Eddie reluctantly agrees not only to lend her friend money for bail but to also investigate who is stalking her. Soon after Dakota is freed, she disappears again, leaving Eddie to answer to the local cops, including her ex-boyfriend Chance Parker. Has Dakota been kidnapped? If not, why did she jump bail? What are Eddie’s business cards doing on the bodies of two murder victims?

elenahartwellheadshotbAbout The Author

After twenty years in the theater, Elena Hartwell turned her dramatic skills to fiction. Her first novel, One Dead, Two to Go introduces Eddie Shoes, private eye. Called “the most fun detective since Richard Castle stumbled into the 12th precinct,” by author Peter Clines, I’DTale Magazine stated, “this quirky combination of a mother-daughter reunion turned crime-fighting duo will captivate readers.”
In addition to her work as a novelist, Elena teaches playwriting at Bellevue College and tours the country to lead writing workshops.
When she’s not writing or teaching, her favorite place to be is at the farm with her horses, Jasper and Radar, or at her home, on the middle fork of the Snoqualmie River in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, their dog, Polar, and their trio of cats, Jackson, Coal Train, and Luna, aka, “the other cat upstairs.” Elena holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.
Purchase Links:
Amazon   B&N 



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I really liked the character Eddie Shoes. It's a catchy name and she is one tough person. Her job as a private dectective is interesting and she never knows who her next client may be. It's funny how your past can sometimes come back to haunt you. Eddie is about to find her past meeting her present when an old friend shows up . Is Eddie surprised to see her old high school friend?  Dakota was not someone I would hang out with. She seemed shady and quite frankly had it in for Eddie.

Some highlights for me were Eddie's mom and her sidekick Franklin. Her mom is one tough as nails woman. She tends to want to "help" Eddie in her investigations. That is not always a good idea but she means well. The other thing I loved was Eddie's dog. Franklin is an enormous dog that could Ryan be mistaken for a pony. He is a great companion for Eddie and I loved the genuine affection Eddie has for him. When you treat your pet with respect you are ok in my book.

Now let's get to the meat of the story. Dakota shows up to hire Eddie to help her out of a jam. How strange would it be for someone from your high school days to  just show up out of the blue? It's not like they kept in touch so Eddie finds it suspicious. Dakota is a complex character that loves to make Eddie feel guilty about things that happened long along. I learned to hate Dakota because she was just a mean person who blamed Eddie for having a better childhood than she did. I thought the author did a great job of developing Dakota and me not liking her is just the brilliant writing of an author. If you hate a character because of their actions, then the author has done a great job .

When a body is discovered across from Eddie's office, the police have some tough questions to ask Eddie. Why did the dead body have Eddie's business card on them? Why has Dakota disappeared after Eddie put up bail for her? I loved the intense story and appreciated the author bringing up mental health. The story does have a few characters that deal with mental health problems and the author explained it with directness and realism. Dakota has had a hard life and as you read the story you will find some unsettling things that happened to her. I enjoyed the story and I especially liked how the author took us back a few years to understand Dakota's anger towards Eddie. It is story that finds characters dealing  with abuse, death and finding the truth. Will Dakota and Eddie be able to let the past go? What connection does the body found near Eddie's office have in common with Dakota? Don't miss this intense story that grabs your attention from the very beginning .

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

Tour Participants
April 14 – My Journey Back and My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
April 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
April 16 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
April 17 – Readeropolis – REVIEW
April 18 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
April 19 – Books Direct – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
April 20 – Omnimystery News – INTERVIEW  
April 21- Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 22 – Lori’s Reading Corner – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
April 23 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
April 24 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
April 25 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 26 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY
April 27 – Community Bookstop –  REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Becky Wade's 'True to You' Author Chat Party

Raise your hand if you're ready for Becky Wade's new series! Celebrate the release of book one, True to You, with Becky and other readers on Facebook on May 4th during a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Becky will be chatting about the book and answering your questions about the new series, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways too!

Pre-order your copy of True to You so you're ready for a fun book discussion. Find out more about the book here.

Hope to see you on May 4 for Becky's True to You Facebook Party!

Monday, April 17, 2017

HOME by GINNY YTTRUP

This was truly an experience to read. I wasn't sure at first if I could keep all the characters straight. The author bounced back and forth between characters in a way that helped me start to connect with them. It's funny how we go through life and suddenly a memory, a sound or even a smell will give us a glimpse of a long forgotten memory. I loved how the author dug deep into relationships, mental disorders and self worth and wrote a story so compelling I couldn't put it down.

I easily identified with Jill. She starts having nightmares that she doesn't understand and they start to take over her life.  Jill doesn't understand why she is having so much anxiety along with OCD.  I was so upset when her mother felt no sympathy for her daughter. I sure know how that feels. What would it be like to learn a dark secret from your past? Could you confront those who held the secret from you? Jill's husband was a very understanding  man and I loved his devotion to stand by his wife and help her seek answers.

Melanie was difficult to connect with for some  reason until I started to know her deep hurt . She is a writer trying to finish a novel and is stuck trying to decide what direction to take it. I loved how the author used Melanie's book she was writing to tell Melanie's story. If that doesn't make sense, it will as you get to understand  her better. Her husband Craig is also a good man but I think there were times he was discouraged by their marriage.

The story is very deep and emotional and deals with grief in a way that I found comforting. Each couple is looking for happiness  and  peace. Will they find the answers they are looking for? Will Jill have a breakthrough and be set free from the nightmares she has lived with? Can Melanie finally grieve for something she kept buried for so long? With strong characters and a story that captured the heart of family  and marriage you won't be able to forget this story.  It's time to find your home  where you are happy and content.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Home by GINNY YTTRUP

This was truly an experience to read. I wasn't sure at first if I could keep all the characters straight. The author bounced back and forth between characters in a way that helped me start to connect with them. It's funny how we go through life and suddenly a memory, a sound or even a smell will give us a glimpse of a long forgotten memory. I loved how the author dug deep into relationships, mental disorders and self worth and wrote a story so compelling I couldn't put it down.

I easily identified with Jill. She starts having nightmares that she doesn't understand and they start to take over her life.  Jill doesn't understand why she is having so much anxiety along with OCD.  I was so upset when her mother felt no sympathy for her daughter. I sure know how that feels. What would it be like to learn a dark secret from your past? Could you confront those who held the secret from you? Jill's husband was a very understanding  man and I loved his devotion to stand by his wife and help her seek answers.

Melanie was difficult to connect with for some  reason until I started to know her deep hurt . She is a writer trying to finish a novel and is stuck trying to decide what direction to take it. I loved how the author used Melanie's book she was writing to tell Melanie's story. If that doesn't make sense, it will as you get to understand  her better. Her husband Craig is also a good man but I think there were times he was discouraged by their marriage.

The story is very deep and emotional and deals with grief in a way that I found comforting. Each couple is looking for happiness  and  peace. Will they find the answers they are looking for? Will Jill have a breakthrough and be set free from the nightmares she has lived with? Can Melanie finally grieve for something she kept buried for so long? With strong characters and a story that captured the heart of family  and marriage you won't be able to forget this story.  It's time to find your home  where you are happy and content.

I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. The review is my own opinion. .

WRITTEN IN LOVE by KATHLEEN FULLER

I can remember when I was younger , I had a pen pal who lived in Scotland. I looked forward to his letters and read them over and over. It was like having a friend you hoped to see one day but until then you got to hear about their country. Phoebe is a sweet and kind woman. Something has happened to make Phoebe and her son Malachi come to live with her overbearing aunt. Oh I didn't like the aunt at all and wanted Phoebe to leave her as soon as she could.

When the mail is delivered one day, Phoebe notices that she has gotten mail not belonging to her. She writes to the gentleman named Jason . Now I don't believe in coincidences so I believe Phoebe was suppose to get that letter. They soon start writing to each other, but there are secrets between them. I loved how the author slowly developed their friendship . Will it turn into something stronger? I cheered when Jalon  decided  to go see why Phoebe had stopped writing so suddenly. It made me think of a knight  in shining armor. Phoebe sure  could use one in her life. I loved how Jalon stood up to Phoebe's crabby old aunt when he  saw how Phoebe was being treated by her.

With nowhere else to go, Jalon  takes Phoebe and her son to his farm. It's funny how their letter writing had turned into perhaps something more. It must have felt uncomfortable for Phoebe to go to someone's house she didn't really know well. What would you do if you needed to escape from a bad situation? I was quite surprised at the anger that Jalon showed when Malachi had disobeyed and put himself in danger. Was he angry at Malachi for not listening? Did he blame Phoebe for not watching her child better? Or was his anger directed at something else going on in his life?

Phoebe and Jalon have done things  they regret and they have let themselves feel ashamed and not knowing how to forgive themselves. It seems it is easier to forgive others than it is to forgive ourselves. Do you think it is our pride that won't let us forgive ourselves? I loved when the author talked about worry. I'm so guilty of worrying about everything. Jolen and Phoebe are struggling with the same thing. "Worry was about living in the future and not the present. If we're focused on each day and not fretting about tomorrow, we won't worry."

I have fallen in  with Malachi. He is a dear boy who is looking for acceptance and someone to tell him how important he is. Have you ever felt that you couldn't do anything right? The author has created characters that are easy to relate to. Their story is emotional and it shows that we all make mistakes, but we can't let the enemy use it to beat us up. I have enjoyed this story so much and have fallen in love with the characters. Wouldn't  it be nice to see letter writing become something we do again? You never know when you may find a new friend. I'm looking forward to the next book in this enchanting story. I'm hoping to learn more about Karen and Adam.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

Sunday, April 16, 2017


NO CHARM INTENDED by MOLLIE COX BRYAN

I loved the setting of Indigo Gap, North Carolina. It is a small little town where the people seem nice and the atmosphere is cheery. I thought the author did an amazing job of describing the different crafts in the book. I'm not very crafty at all but I so admire the wonderful craftwork of others.

Cora is a very likable and talented woman. I would love to be a guest at her "wildcrafting" retreat. Just think of all the  talented people you would be surrounded by. Cora is excited to spend time hosting the retreat along with her business partner , Jane  and share her crafting abilities until someone turns up missing. It sure does put a damper on the retreat. How do you make sure your guests are having a great time when police officers stop by with questions? I thought Cora handled  their appearance with grace .

I found it very interesting that a computer game called The Wizard of Oz could be behind the disappearance of the young woman who is missing. There are so many people playing online games these days that you don't really know who you are playing with. Did someone lure the unsuspecting woman into danger? I was not surprised that the first suspect was the boyfriend. Paul is a likable guy but at times I wasn't sure if he was guilty or not. He seems to have such bad luck that it's no wonder he is a suspect. Would you invite a suspect to stay at your house? I wonder what was going through Cora's mind when she said Paul could stay with her?

Cora, her friend Jane and Paul decide they can find the missing woman faster than the police and off they go on a journey that keeps readers guessing at every turn. This is not a typical funny cozy but one that challenges readers to look at topics that aren't easy to read or talk about. I appreciate the authors candor on the topics and the realism written about them. I have come to really like this book and enjoyed the writing style of an author that gives subtle hints of the mystery . What happens when a body turns up? That is when things start really heating up. I loved how the characters seemed to mesh so well together. This is one book you won't want to miss. It has intrigue, surprises and characters that are fascinating . Thanks for a great book that kept me entertained and moved at a good pace.

I received a copy of this book from the Cozy Mystery Book Review Crew and the author. The review is my own. opinion.