It is time for a change. I want to grow my blog so I can reach more readers. There are so many great authors that I do reviews for. I don't have the exposure that other blogs do. So it's time for Texas Book-aholic to kick up their boots and do some work. Authors if you would like to be featured on my blog, send me a message. I would like to showcase authors and do giveaways. I'm willing to do giveaways myself. My blog is to bless authors for their hard work and to let readers know about great books. I'm willing to take suggestions , feature books, do reviews and offer giveaways. Let's start this off with a 20.00 Gift Card . How do you win? It's easy. Go to my blog, leave a comment and your email address. Please follow and like my page. Don't forget to like both Texas Book-aholic and my blog. If you already like both just tell me that in the comments. On Friday I will choose a winner . Authors I look forward to hearing from you. Let me promote your books, do a review for you and help with a giveaway.
http://deana0326.blogspot.com
Monday, August 7, 2017
Sunday, August 6, 2017
A GROOM FOR CHRISTMAS by ANNE GREEN
I am a huge fan of this author. I love her writing style that is funny, full of adventure and always grounded on faith. This story really took me back to a time when my granddad would talk about his adventures as a young married man. He and his wife traveled by covered -wagon to Oklahoma to homestead their land. As I read this story I was taken back to a time where people sought after their dreams and overcame many obstacles.
Felicity is a real looker but her sign advertising for a husband sure drew stares from the townspeople. She just has to find a husband and fast. She promised her daddy she would marry and homestead 640 acres . What would you do if you needed to find a husband fast? Well of course you put up a big sign in the store and wait for men to apply. Felicity sure had her hands full with all the men showing up to apply. I loved how her friend Jed took his promise to her dad seriously. There was no way she was going to travel without him. I loved how the author showed how dedicated Jed was to watch out for Felicity.
With her selection made the wagon-trains are ready to head out. Has she chosen the right husband? Ben has his own agenda. He wants to go to California to the gold rush. Can he be trusted? I loved how the couple grew closer as they traveled the cold trails and looked to each other for guidance and security. The story is one I really liked because I love stories about wagon -trails, and the difficult terrain they travel for a better life. I loved that the main characters had a direction that God gave them and watched as they relied on Him to show them where their life together would be. It's a great story filled with adventure, compromise and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion.
Felicity is a real looker but her sign advertising for a husband sure drew stares from the townspeople. She just has to find a husband and fast. She promised her daddy she would marry and homestead 640 acres . What would you do if you needed to find a husband fast? Well of course you put up a big sign in the store and wait for men to apply. Felicity sure had her hands full with all the men showing up to apply. I loved how her friend Jed took his promise to her dad seriously. There was no way she was going to travel without him. I loved how the author showed how dedicated Jed was to watch out for Felicity.
With her selection made the wagon-trains are ready to head out. Has she chosen the right husband? Ben has his own agenda. He wants to go to California to the gold rush. Can he be trusted? I loved how the couple grew closer as they traveled the cold trails and looked to each other for guidance and security. The story is one I really liked because I love stories about wagon -trails, and the difficult terrain they travel for a better life. I loved that the main characters had a direction that God gave them and watched as they relied on Him to show them where their life together would be. It's a great story filled with adventure, compromise and unconditional love.
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion.
THE CHRISTMAS ADMIRER by LAURA V HILTON
This is a quick read but full of such wonderful characters and beautiful scriptures. I loved how much faith Susanna had , even though at times she may have wavered a bit. It is hard when things seem to crumble around you, to trust God. Susanna is charming, loves her dad and has dreams of marrying Benaiah. But that all falls apart when Benaiah calls off the wedding. I can't imagine how hard it would be to see the man you love everyday knowing that he broke your heart.
Benaiah loves Susanna but can't put such a burden on her by helping raise his siblings and taking care of his grandmother and dad. I found it interesting that Benaiah didn't seem to have enough faith in Susanna to allow her to show him that she was willing to take on the role of wife and caretaker for his family. I sensed a bit of pride in Benaiah by thinking he had to do it all himself.
I was very disappointed in Susanna's dad. I found him to be selfish. When he tells his daughter that his soon to be bride is coming for a visit , Susanna was beside herself. Not only is she shocked to learn that her dad is remarrying but she has quite a few kids. Irene reminded me of a wicked stepmother who treated Susanna like a servant. The story does bring some sadness and a feeling of abandonment to Susanna. Will she do as her dad asks and follow him to Iowa to be with his new wife and kids? Can Benaiah trust God to supply his needs? I loved the Mary and Martha comparison with Susanna. It really made me think about how concerned she was with taking care of everyone, but not taking time to listen to God. This is a great book about family, faith and learning to trust God.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
"Love gives the other person a choice."
Benaiah loves Susanna but can't put such a burden on her by helping raise his siblings and taking care of his grandmother and dad. I found it interesting that Benaiah didn't seem to have enough faith in Susanna to allow her to show him that she was willing to take on the role of wife and caretaker for his family. I sensed a bit of pride in Benaiah by thinking he had to do it all himself.
I was very disappointed in Susanna's dad. I found him to be selfish. When he tells his daughter that his soon to be bride is coming for a visit , Susanna was beside herself. Not only is she shocked to learn that her dad is remarrying but she has quite a few kids. Irene reminded me of a wicked stepmother who treated Susanna like a servant. The story does bring some sadness and a feeling of abandonment to Susanna. Will she do as her dad asks and follow him to Iowa to be with his new wife and kids? Can Benaiah trust God to supply his needs? I loved the Mary and Martha comparison with Susanna. It really made me think about how concerned she was with taking care of everyone, but not taking time to listen to God. This is a great book about family, faith and learning to trust God.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
"Love gives the other person a choice."
Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron
by R. L. Syme
A new to me author and a book that will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can to see what happens.
~Babs Book Bistro
~Babs Book Bistro
What I wouldn’t give to be in this story. It was fun, imaginative and full of yummy treats.
~Bibliophile Reviews
~Bibliophile Reviews
I liked the neighbourhood friendship all the characters have, they agree and of course disagree, and let me say I can’t wait to discover more characters and more delicacies from Vangie!
~Varietats
~Varietats
It might have been the book cover that drew me in.
But it was the story and plot that kept me and lured me all the way to the end.
~My Reading Journeys
But it was the story and plot that kept me and lured me all the way to the end.
~My Reading Journeys
Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron (The Matchbaker Mysteries Book 1)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Montana
Hummingbird Books (July 21, 2017)
Paperback: 362 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1548024437
E-Book ASIN: B073ZLKBZT
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Montana
Hummingbird Books (July 21, 2017)
Paperback: 362 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1548024437
E-Book ASIN: B073ZLKBZT
Small towns and gossip go together like flaky crust and sweet pastry cream. Between the police scanners, social media, and the senior center, it’s like a zombie apocalypse where the undead consume people’s secrets instead of living flesh.But Vangie Vale wants nothing more than to stay under the radar…especially the police radar.So when her new bakery becomes linked to a murder investigation, nothing will stop the gossip mill from connecting her to the dead body. Can’t have that.Forced into the role of investigator, this new-in-town bakery owner has to become the very thing she hates–a nosy, small-town gossip–in order to clear her good name, and keep her face off the front page. But when a dating debacle brings her face-to-face with the Sheriff, Vangie can’t ignore the fact that one of her macarons was involved in a murder. She has to find the who-dun-it.Book One in a cozy culinary mystery series from USA Today Bestselling Author, R.L. Syme.
About The Author
Rebecca Syme writes small town romance as Becca Boyd and cozy mystery as R.L. Syme. She is a long-time foodie and loves fancy cheese. Becca calls the mountains of Montana her home and draws inspiration from the beautiful vistas and heartwarming people. She is the USA Today bestselling author of the Line of Fire series of sweet romances and part of the Chick Tales series set in Somewhere, TX. You can find her on Twitter talking #fancycheese or #Chopped, and on Facebook with her fans in Becca Nation.
- Webpage http://rlsyme.com/
- Blog: same
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bighopesbigheroes/
- Becca Nation Facebook Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeccaNation/
- Twitter @beck_a_tron
- GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6878258.R_L_Syme
- Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2ptfwtp
I am so glad I got the chance to read this book. It is a refreshing book with wonderful characters that make the story so good. Vangie Vale is not your typical character in a cozy book. She is one complex woman in a small town in the beautiful setting of Montana. I have been to Montana before and it is easy to fall in love with the state. The landscape alone takes your breath away. The people are friendly and always helpful. It's the perfect place for Vangie to start over. She owns a bakery that has a quirky gimmick. I did have to laugh at how clever it was . Tourists couldn't resist stopping in at the bakery for fresh baked goods matched up especially for them. What I really liked about Angie was her other job as pastor of the small town. As you get further into the story, you will discover some background on her that will explain why she landed in Saint Agnes, Montana.
Vangie has several goals in mind. She wants to help people and stay out of the limelight. Oh if only that could happen her life would be carefree. But it is not to be when a famous actor shows up in her bakery. I liked how Vangie wasn't that impressed about who he was which I'm sure must have hurt his ego. The mystery is subtle, and leaves behind secrets, blackmail and bodies. The best part of the entire book is that I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I had in my head who I thought it was, but with the twists the author delivers I quickly went to another suspect. The book is well written and I liked how the author touched on religion in a way that was not preachy. Along the way I found myself so engrossed in the book I forgot about everything going on around me.
I loved the ending and how the author left us with questions as to where Vangie finds herself next. This is sure to be a series to follow and don't forgot to try the recipe at the end of the book. Thank you for a clean mystery that deals with forgiveness, redemption and family.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The review is my own opinion.
Vangie has several goals in mind. She wants to help people and stay out of the limelight. Oh if only that could happen her life would be carefree. But it is not to be when a famous actor shows up in her bakery. I liked how Vangie wasn't that impressed about who he was which I'm sure must have hurt his ego. The mystery is subtle, and leaves behind secrets, blackmail and bodies. The best part of the entire book is that I couldn't figure out who the killer was. I had in my head who I thought it was, but with the twists the author delivers I quickly went to another suspect. The book is well written and I liked how the author touched on religion in a way that was not preachy. Along the way I found myself so engrossed in the book I forgot about everything going on around me.
I loved the ending and how the author left us with questions as to where Vangie finds herself next. This is sure to be a series to follow and don't forgot to try the recipe at the end of the book. Thank you for a clean mystery that deals with forgiveness, redemption and family.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. The review is my own opinion.
Tour Participants
August 1 – Blogger Nicole Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 1 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
August 2 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
August 2 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 3 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW
August 4 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 5 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
August 5 – My Funny View of Life – REVIEW
August 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 7 – Sleuth Cafe – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
August 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 8 – Teresa Trent Author Site – INTERVIEW
August 8 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
August 9 – The Power of Words – SPOTLIGHT
August 9 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 10 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
August 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 11 – Book Babble – REVIEW
August 12 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
August 12 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
August 13 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW
August 13 – Girl with Book Lungs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
August 14 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
August 14 – Jane Reads – REVIEW, GUEST POST
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Saturday, August 5, 2017
Knot What You Think (A Quilting Mystery)
by Mary Marks
The author really knows how to write a story that will keep the reader glued to the book. You will not want to put this story down until the end and what an ending it is.
~Babs Book Bistro
~Babs Book Bistro
I love the characters in Mary Marks’s quilting mystery series.
~Laura’s Interests
~Laura’s Interests
These characters sweep their way into your heart and don’t let go.
~My Reading Journeys
~My Reading Journeys
Knot What You Think (A Quilting Mystery)
COZY MYSTERY
5th in Series
Kensington (July 25, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1496701824
E-Book ASIN: B01M8OZL19
The newest member of Martha’s close-knit quilting circle has an eye for couture. But when the designer’s fingerprints are found blanketing a crime scene, Martha must prove that he didn’t have a hand in homicide!
Martha Rose is alarmed by the discovery of Dolleen Doyle’s dead body, especially when evidence suggests a fellow quilter committed the crime. Set on clearing her pal, Martha searches for answers—but with ties to a convicted fraudster’s stolen millions and a secret office room, the victim’s past raises even more questions. As Martha inches towards the culprit, she learns that wrapping the case up—and living to baste another square—will be trickier than she ever imagined . . .
About the Author
Born and raised in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, Mary Marks earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UCLA and an M.A. in Public Administration from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. In 2004 she enrolled in the UCLA Extension Writers Program. Her first novel, Forget Me Knot, was a finalist in a national writing competition in 2011. She is currently a reviewer of cozy mysteries for The New York Journal of Books at www.nyjournalofbooks.com.
Readers can visit her at www.marymarksmysteries.com and https://www.facebook.com/mmarks2013
Purchase Links
Amazon – B&N Google Play kobo
A Rafflecopter Giveaway
What a wonderful story filled with facts that kept my attention. I appreciated the history behind Passover and the different foods that are eaten during this holiday. The Jewish faith play a big part in Martha's life and I loved her family. As Martha and her friends are ready for a day of quilting , Jazz rushes in with astounding news. One of his esteemed clients is not answering her phone or door. I loved Jazz instantly and thought his job of designing dog outfits to be amusing. I know people love to dress their dogs up in outlandish costumes and Jazz is the perfect person to design them. He is talented and loved by many. But oh my the poor little things have to wear attires that are so over the top I had to laugh. The great news is Jazz well known and has a very prestigious client list.
I will get to the chase and just say one of Jazz's clients is found dead and yes you guessed it, he is a person of interest. Martha is having none of that and starts her own "investigation." She is very smart and her eye for details is a very good quality when turning detective . My favorite character has to be Crusher. He is a man to be reckon with. He works with the ATF and with his looks and build, he could put fear in anyone. Why can't Martha just give in and marry him already? Could it be that she still has feelings for a certain detective who cheated on her?
As suspects go, there were the vast array of finger pointing going on. I loved the mystery and secrets that the dead woman held close to her. Now the question arises , what secrets was she keeping that got her killed? I know some will figure out the killer but I was a bit taken back when it was revealed. I was so sure of who it was , only to be surprised by a twist in the story. I loved the suspense the author built up.
If you are a quilter or one who loves quilts, then you are in for a treat while reading this book. The author gives great detail in how to make one. The description is so vivid I could see them sewing as the group talked about the murder. One last thing I have to mention. Will Martha ever decide who to marry? My money is on a certain tall dark and handsome ATF guy. I can't wait for the next book to find out what Martha is up to.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Blogging Tour. The review is my own opinion.
A Rafflecopter Giveaway
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 1 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
August 2 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 2 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – SPOTLIGHT
August 3 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 3 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 4 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 5 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
August 6 – Mystery Playground – INTERVIEW
August 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
August 8 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
August 9 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 10 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW, GUEST POST
August 10 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
August 11 – My Funny View of Life – REVIEW
August 11 – Teresa Trent Author Site – SPOTLIGHT
August 12 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT
August 13 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
August 14 – Valerie’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
August 14 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
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