Better Off Thread
by Amanda Lee

A true cozy lover’s cozy that might just surprise you at the end.
~Laura’s Interests

I really enjoyed this book with the themes of Christmas and of course murder…
~Community Bookstop

I’ve really love all the characters in this book and their friendships. I feel like I’m visiting friends when I read a book from this series..
~A Chick Who Reads

I enjoyed this book and thought it was a perfect December read.
~Grace. Gratitude. Life. by Marie McNary

This one got my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout the book. It was a great holiday read
~Melina’s Book Blog

Whether you’ve been with this one from the beginning or are just jumping in now, you’ll want to catch this installment. Better Off Thread is the perfect cozy to get you in the mood for a little holiday music and some Christmas shopping!
~The Book’s the Thing

The mystery is well plotted and kept me turning the pages. Character depth can make or break a book for me, and that is one of this story’s strengths.
~The Power of Words 

A fun misadventure for the holidays, you can’t go wrong here.
~FUONLYKNEWLaura’s Ramblins and Reviews

Better Off Thread has all the elements that make a cozy mystery a good cozy mystery.
~ MysteriesEtc

Better Off Thread (Embroidery Mystery)
Series: Embroidery Mystery (Book 10)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley (December 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-0451473851
E-Book ASIN: B01CZCW26A

Santa finds himself in a stitch of trouble in the tenth in the series from the national bestselling author of The Stitching Hour…

Marcy is busy helping her customers make hand-crafted ornaments at her embroidery shop, the Seven-Year Stitch. But despite the yuletide bustle, when her friend Captain Moe asks for her help, she can’t refuse—especially when the favor is to play the elf to his Santa for sick children at a local hospital. Despite the ridiculous outfit, Marcy finds herself enjoying spreading cheer—until the hospital’s administrator is found murdered.

Although the deceased had plenty of people willing to fill her stocking with coal, evidence pins the crime on Moe. Now it’s up to Marcy, with the help of her police officer boyfriend Ted and her Irish Wolfhound Angus, to stitch together the clues to clear Moe’s name—before someone else winds up crossed off Santa’s list for good…

About This Author

Your Biography Information for your tour page and for use by the bloggers – Gayle Trent (and pseudonym Amanda Lee) writes the Daphne Martin Cake Decorating series and the Embroidery Mystery series. The cake decorating series features a heroine who is starting her life over in Southwest Virginia after a nasty divorce. The Embroidery Mystery series features a heroine who recently moved to the Oregon coast to open an embroidery specialty shop. She also writes the Down South Café Mysteries as Gayle Leeson. 

Author Links

https://www.facebook.com/GayleTrentandAmandaLee

https://twitter.com/GayleTrent

Purchase Links:

Amazon B&N kobo

I have read quite a few cozy mysteries lately . This book is probably one of the best I've read in awhile. The characters are extremely well developed and the mystery is one I found to be so skillfully  written , I couldn't put the book down. The book has a lot of characters, but the author does a great job of introducing them with ease. They each play a pivotal part in the storyline and make the story interesting.

I loved the shop that Marcy owns. It's called the  Seven-Year Stitch and is a perfect setting for a small town store. The details of the shop were so perfectly described I could see the needlework as Marcy worked on it.  I loved how the author showed how much Marcy loved her job and was always willing to sit with customers and show them how to do a particular stitch. It's funny how the story kept reminding me of my mom. She loved to crochet, do embroidery and make beautiful things from a needle and thread.  I was so captivated by the store and how Marcy was truely gifted.

Marcy's side kick was such a nice treat to be introduced to. Angus the Irish Wolfhound was at the center of the story and I found him to be adorable, fierce and very protective . He is a perfect fit for Marcy as he keeps her company at the shop. Her boyfriend Ted , a detective is smart, loveable and has deep feelings for  Marcy. They are funny at times and he has such a cute nickname for her. I can't wait for you to find out her nickname cause it is so fitting for her.

Now Marcy has been asked to do a huge favor for her friend . He needs her to dress like an elf and help hand out candy and coloring books while he talks to children. . Santa must hsve his elf to help and who better then Marcy. I can picture her in her little costume all cute and happy. Well her happiness doesn't last long, when her Santa finds a body in the room where the  children were to meet Santa. The story really picks up with many suspects and a trio of ladies who are bent on  solving the crime. Marcy is determined to clear her friends name and she  puts herself in danger on more than one occasion. Marcy just can't let things go and finds herself making enemies fast.

The author does talk about organ donors and sick children with great compassion and I appreciate that she brought these subjects into the story. Christmas time is suppose to be cheery and a time to spend with family. I loved how the author brought Marty together with several families who were dealing with very ill family members. Marty has a real gift to make people feel at ease and special. The story is full of little twists and surprises. Will Marty help solve the crime and help set her  friend free from prosecution?  Will it be a Merry Christmas in the town? Make  sure you don't miss this Christmas cozy that will give  you a smile, laugh and appreciate the love of family and friends.

I received a copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review was my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Tour Participants

December 1 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

December 1 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW

December 2 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW

December 3 – Grace. Gratitude. Life. by Marie McNary – REVIEW

December 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

December 4 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT

December 5 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

December 5 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

December 6 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – GUEST POST

December 7 – fuonlyknew – REVIEW

December 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 8 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW

December 8 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW

December 10 – LibriAmoriMiei – REVIEW

December 10 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

December 12 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW

December 13 – Varietats – REVIEW

December 13 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

December 14 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST

December 14 – Carole’s Book Corner – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST

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What Fresh Smell
by Jeffrey Marks

The story line is interesting, has multiple twists, and no clear suspect other than Pamela.
~Christa Reads and Writes

What Fresh Smell (Marissa Scott Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Self-Published (August 9, 2016)
Paperback: 164 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1535456913
E-Book ASIN: B01IYX5V3A

Synopsis

There’s Murder in River City – Daycare that is.

When Marissa learns that a teacher at the daycare center has been murdered, she comes to the realization that she really didn’t know much about the people who worked there, especially the murdered woman. She’ll now have to manage her son, her mother, her mother’s Scottish terrier, and an ex-boyfriend as she tries to hunt down the people behind a robbery ring and the person who killed a daycare teacher. If she’s not careful, she might meet the same fate.

Jeffrey Marks is a long-time mystery fan and freelancer.  After numerous mystery author profiles, he chose to chronicle the short but full life of mystery writer Craig Rice.

That biography (Who Was That Lady?) encouraged him to write mystery fiction. His works include Atomic Renaissance: Women Mystery Writers of the 1940s/1950s, and a biography of mystery author and critic Anthony Boucher entitled Anthony Boucher. It was nominated for an Agatha and fittingly, won an Anthony. He won a Malice Domestic Grant for The Scent of Murder, which has spurred the Marissa Scott series. What Fresh Smell is the third novel in the series.

His work has won a number of awards including the Barnes and Noble Prize and he was nominated for a Maxwell award (DWAA), an Edgar (MWA), three Agathas (Malice Domestic), two Macavity awards, and three Anthony awards (Bouchercon). Today, he writes from his home in Cincinnati, which he shares with his spouse and three dogs.

Website: jeffreymarks.com (blog is a link from the site),

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Jeffrey-Marks-271929135155/,
Twitter: twitter.com/jeffrmarks,
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/383303.Jeffrey_Marks

Purchase Links

Amazon

The story is very well written and I enjoyed the selection of a daycare for the focus of the story. It was a different location than the normal quaint little shop which made the story a bit more serious. Parents drop their children off everyday at day care thinking they will be safe. The staff is nice and the atmosphere seems happy. What if one day you get a call that a  shooting  has happened at the day care you use?

For Marissa Scott dropping  her child off at daycare is a routine she does everyday, Her job is working at the cosmetics department in a store. She seemed to enjoy her job and I loved how the author made her character very  strong. She is very responsible and funny at times. The unthinkable happens one day when someone is shot and killed at her child's daycare . I know if I had gotten a call like that, I would be in panic mode.

Gavin is Marissa's ex boyfriend who is a police officer. He seemed kinda moody and not really wanting to share much information with Marissa. Does Gavin  know the person who was killed?  The author does a great job of giving subtle hints about the killer, but I was totally shocked at the end of the story. There is a lot going on with break -ins  around town that leave Marissa suspicious of several people. I  enjoyed the twists in the story and the determination of the main character to solve the crime. The ending is good and left room for hopefully another book about Marissa and Gavin . I would love to read more about their relationship and also to resolve the friction between Marissa and her mom.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for 

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Tour Participants

December 7 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

December 7 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

December 8 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

December 8 – Readsalot – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – T’s Stuff – GUEST POST

December 9 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

December 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

December 12 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf -INTERVIEW

December 12 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – SPOTLIGHT

December 13 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

December 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – GUEST POST

December 14 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – GUEST POST

December 16 – The Power of Words – SPOTLIGHT

December 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST

December 18 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

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The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn't been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town.

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people's lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter's grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Nook   iBooks   Kobo   Amazon Paperback   Barnes and Noble

"Christmas at the Timberton Hotel is special. The beauty and peace people find there is magic. Strangers come to escape their pain and find solace and strength. I loved this story. It gave me a sense of hope. The characters are amazing." 

"Deborah weaves a beautiful mosaic of Christmas sights, sounds and smells and introduces us to memorable characters. From the grieving widow to the five-year-old child who lost his brother to a reclusive scholar who only wants to sit in front of the fireplace and read, each are treated with genuine emotion and care which adds to this uplifting story."

 "Deborah did it again. What a great christmas story. I love christmas stories and this will be one that I will read year after year." 

Above reviews from Amazon.com

NEW RELEASE also available..
Silver Bells at Moonglow
Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there's more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door's wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

Available to buy from....

Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page

Follow the book tour

I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

The first thing I decided to do after reading this book, was check myself into the Timberton Hotel. I want Mist to cook for me and be her friend. I know what you are thinking. This is a fiction book and there is no Timberton  Hotel. But the author did such an amazing job of making the hotel sound inviting, I wish it were a real place. It is nestled in a beautiful town in Montana with a breathtaking view. I could picture the hotel as guests walked in. The smells of fresh flowers and pine cones filled the air. The aroma of fresh baked cookies billowed thought the hotel welcoming guests as they entered.

Mist is unique character that reminds me of a friend you have known forever. . She seems to know what guests need before they even ask. Her presence makes people feel calm and welcomed as she goes about her day. As the guests check in they each  bring their share of sadness, grief or worry. Will they find a new sense of happiness when they leave? There is nothing worse than feeling lonely or sad during the holidays. You feel like the world is moving forward but you are stuck in your own pity.  Maybe this year will be different for the guests staying at the hotel.

The author gives us great characters that at times left me with tears rolling down my face slowly as I felt their pain. The book is emotional, happy and hopeful wrapped in a story full of surprises. The special gift Mist gives to each guest is priceless. The memories will linger on for years to come with the help of a very special person who has a heart that loves unconditionally. I didn't want the book to end because I truly felt like I was a guest at the hotel and wanted to savor each moment. The ending is beautifully written with a feeling of contentment. Don't miss this enduring story that will brighten your holiday with love, hope , family and the kindness of a special young woman.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Beck Valley Books Tours. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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FATAL FICTION
by Kym Roberts

Fatal Fiction by Kym Roberts is a fun new cozy mystery with a sassy southern flair, a most unique pet, very likable (and diverse) characters…
~Reading is my SuperPower

Kym Roberts debut book brings fresh new characters with southern charm and witty fun.
~Shelley’s Book Case 

The pace was perfect, the twists are sharp, the hint of romance was just right and the humor was blended throughout the entire story with skilled precision.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

What a great start to a new series! I always love books set in small towns in Texas especially if the author gets the feel of the characters/town right, and Kym does that in this book.
~Storeybook Reviews

Fatal Fiction
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (December 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1601837325
E-Book ASIN: B01CWYTJVC

Synopsis

When kindergarten teacher Charli Rae Warren hightailed it out of Hazel Rock, Texas, as a teen, she vowed to leave her hometown in the dust. A decade later, she’s braving the frontier of big hair and bigger gossip once again . . . but this time, she’s saddled with murder!

Charli agrees to sell off the family bookstore, housed in a barn, and settle her estranged dad’s debt—if only so she can ride into the sunset and cut ties with Hazel Rock forever. But the trip is extended when Charli finds her realtor dead in the store, strangled by a bedazzled belt. And with daddy suspiciously MIA, father and daughter are topping the most wanted list . . .

Forging an unlikely alliance with the town beauty queen, the old beau who tore her family apart, and one ugly armadillo, Charli’s intent on protecting what’s left of her past . . . and wrangling the lone killer who’s fixin’ to destroy her future . . .

About The Author

Three career paths resonated for Kym Roberts during her early childhood: detective, investigative reporter, and . . .nun. Being a nun, however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys—they were the spice of life she couldn’t deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. From that point on there was no stopping Kym’s pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Kym followed her dream and became a detective who fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk—a badge. Promoted to sergeant, Kym spent the majority of her career in SVU. She retired from the job reluctantly when her husband dragged her kicking and screaming to another state, but writing continued to call her name, at least in her head. Visit her on the web at kymroberts.com.

http://www.kymroberts.com/

https://twitter.com/kymroberts911

http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31810

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N

What a hoot this book turned out to be. The characters are over the top funny and kept me laughing throughout the book. The story is set in a little town called Hazel  Rock, Texas.  The description of the town was like going back to the old days of a town like Mayberry. I remember that show so well. The town gathered at the barbershop to gossip and there was always cooky characters  to keep the show interesting. In Hazel Rock ,we have the local beauty parlor where all the latest news can be found. I especially liked the Texas twang that was used such as "fuzz buckets."

Charli  has been gone from her hometown for a long time. She is hoping to sign papers on the bookstore her dad wants to sell and head back to her nice life as quickly as possible. The store is called The Book Barn Princess and I could visualize   how  different it  looked  compared to the other stores in the town. As Charli arrives at the store she finds a dead body. Who is the person found dead in the store? It sure isn't a great welcome home for Charli.

The story has many diverse characters and plenty of suspects. The town at first seems to blame Charli for the murder. Will anyone come to Charli's defense? After leaving town for  so long Charli senses that she is not quite welcomed back like she thought she would be. The high school rumors about her seem to stick in people's minds.   As she walks into the diner you could hear a pin drop. The big question is where is her dad? Why  is he suddenly missing? There are some great characters you meet throughout the story and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. I don't want to give anything away, but there are many surprises in this funny cozy mystery. I loved the banter between Charli or as  people know her "The princess" and her old high school boyfriend.

Grab yourself a glass of sweet tea and enjoy this funny and sometimes quirky mystery. Some of the characters were a bit over the top and I especially loved the pet in the story. I think the pet was one of the  most creative additions to the story. Will the killer be caught before the bookstore gets destroyed? I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Tour Participants

December 5 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

December 5 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

December 7 – deal sharing aunt – INTERVIEW

December 8 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW

December 8 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

December 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

December 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

December 10 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

December 11 – T’s Stuff – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – Dalene’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

December 12 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

December 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

December 14 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Laura’s Interests – SPOTLIGHT

December 15 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW

December 16 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW

December 17 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

December 18 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 18 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW

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