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Monday, April 10, 2017


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A TRAIL OF CRUMBS by SUSIE FINKBEINER

I loved reading this book so much, I hated to see it end. It sure did bring back some memories for me. My granddad lived in Oklahoma. We would go there every summer and stay at his farm. As the author described the dust storm, I vividly remember going to the cellar one time when the storm started heading to my granddad's farm. The author captured the moment with clarity and I could feel the dust as it pelted my skin as I ran to safety.

What a terrifying moment for Pearl and her family that tragic day when the storm hit suddenly. I found myself screaming at Pearl to run faster as the storm engulfed her. The family is devastated by a tragic loss and I could feel the powerful emotions of the pain they endured.  I cried when the family grieved for their loss. When the decision is made to leave Oklahoma , each family member must say goodbye to their home . Can you imagine leaving most of your belongings and traveling to another state?

The author takes us to the depression era where rations are the norm for families.  They must be careful with their food and make it last as long as they can. I loved learning about this era and thought the author did a great job of making the story come to life.  Pearl has had a hard time in her short life and hopefully the move will help her move forward. It was nice to see her friend Ray join the family on their move. Ray was sad that his mom wasn't able to provide for him, but his dream was for her to send for him soon. As a mother I don't think I could leave one of my children behind. It must have been painful for Ray's mother to let her son go, but perhaps she was hoping for a better life for him. The story is emotional, and has  quite a few surprises in it.

I loved the librarian that Pearl met in their new town. She tried so hard to pick out a book she thought  was proper for Pearl to read. I did laugh at this because I remember going to the library every week and hoping I could find just the right book. When Pearl started reading The Wizard of Oz my eyes lit up. I loved that book as a child and never missed the movie when it came on TV. Pearl is such a wonderful character and I loved her strength and faith. The author writes a story that tells about a family who must have  faith , hope and love as they journey to what God has for them. I look forward to the next book that continues Pearl's story.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel  Book Tours. The review is my own opinion.
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Called to Justice
by Edith Maxwell

I loved going to 1888 seeing how the author brought us into Rose’s life…
~Community Bookstop 
I enjoyed reading Called For Justice. The authors attention to detail in describing the job(s) tasks of mid wife in the time period made for an interesting read.
~The Journey Back
Called to Justice is as much historical fiction as it is cozy mystery, and I found both aspects of the story to be riveting.
~The Book’s the Thing

Called to Justice (A Quaker Midwife Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Midnight Ink (April 8, 2017)
Paperback: 312 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738750323
Kindle ASIN: B01FOR0YRW
Quaker midwife Rose Carroll is enjoying the 1888 Independence Day evening fireworks with her beau when a teenaged Quaker mill girl is found shot dead. After a former slave and fellow Quaker is accused of the murder, Rose delves into the crime, convinced of the man’s innocence. An ill-mannered mill manager, an Irish immigrant, and the victim’s young boyfriend come under suspicion even as Rose’s future with her handsome doctor suitor becomes unsure. Rose continues to deliver babies and listen to secrets, finally figuring out one criminal – only to be threatened by the murderer, with three lives at stake. Can she rescue herself, a baby, and her elderly midwifery teacher in time?
Praise for Delivering the Truth
by Edith Maxwell (Book 1 in this series)
Ms. Maxwell weaves a sturdy cloth from the stories of the various characters in Delivering the Truth.
~Back Porchervations
I enjoyed every minute of this book…
~Shelley’s Book Case
This was a very entertaining read. I really enjoy reading Edith Maxwell’s writing as it flows so well.
~Melina’s Book Blog
…a different type of historical cozy…I enjoyed reading a book where the protagonist is a midwife and of the Quaker faith…
~Storeybook Reviews
Rose is a smart character and the history of the story is done well.
~A Chick Who Reads
The author takes us into Rose’s life, making us feel as though we are right there with her in every situation. The mystery is well-developed and leaves the reader guessing right to the end.
~Book Babble
Maxwell
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Agatha-nominated and Amazon best-selling author Edith Maxwell writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries and the Local Foods Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries (as Maddie Day), and the Lauren Rousseau Mysteries (as Tace Baker), as well as award-winning short crime fiction. Maxwell lives north of Boston with her beau and three cats, and blogs with the other Wicked Cozy Authors. You can find her on Facebook, twitter, Pinterest, and at www.edithmaxwell.com.

Purchase Links:
Amazon  B&N


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The author does a great job of detailing the time  period the story is set in. I loved reading about the Quakers and their way of life.  It was interesting to learn how they spoke in those days. They definitely had strong faith and abided by the rules. Rose Carroll is a midwife and sometime sleuth. The combination makes for a very well written mystery with twists that are sure to surprise readers.

While attending an Independence Day celebration Rose  encounters a young girl distraught and needing help. Hannah is a slight girl with a soft spoken voice. Hannah is very troubled and confides in Rose . I can't imagine what it would be like in those days to have a secret like Hannah's. Before the evening is over a gunshot is heard and a life is cut short. Who killed Hannah? I found it interesting that fingers started pointing at a former slave who Rose knows is innocent. The author does a good job of showing what kind of detective work was done in those days.

We are  fortunate  to have the technologies available to us today to help solve crimes. Rose is determined to prove her friend innocent which leads to danger for her. The suspects start stacking up and I loved reading about the reasons they each had to kill the young girl. The story is intense at times and I liked how the author spoke of abuse in a sensitive way.  Who would abuse a young girl and try to blame someone else? Did Hannah know something that cost her dearly?

I thought the author did an excellent job of describing a baby's birth during a time when there were no modern equipment. Rose is very calm while delivering a child and I loved how she calmed the mother down . Rose is a great character and I loved the little romance going on between her and her boyfriend. This is a great book with a mystery that takes us to the nineteenth century. We get to see first hand how people lived through the words of the author. It was a wonderful glimpse into the past and a mystery that is intriguing. The ending is so good with unexpected twists . I look forward to the next book in this exciting series.

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


Tour Participants
April 5 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
April 5 – My Journey Back – REVIEW
April 6 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, INTERVIEW
April 6 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
April 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – INTERVIEW
April 8 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
April 8 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
April 9 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
April 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
April 10 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
April 11 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW
April 11 – Island Confidential – GUEST POST
April 12 – Book Babble – REVIEW
April 12 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW  
April 13 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
April 14 – Leigh Anderson Romance – REVIEW
April 14 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT
April 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
April 15 – deal sharing aunt – INTERVIEW
April 16 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW, GUEST POST
April 16 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

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Friday, April 7, 2017


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PLAIN TARGET by DANA R. LYNN

From the opening words I knew this book was going to keep me on the edge of my seat. It starts with a fire in a barn that endangers horses. As Jess and the others rush to save the horses, the fire starts to pick up. What an exciting start to a story that I couldn't put down. I loved Jess instantly and thought the author did an excellent job of developing her into a smart, and determined woman. Her faith was first in her life and I loved how she never wavered from it. I am glad to see that the author has put a hearing impaired person in her story.  I always wanted to learn sign language because I had a child in my Sunday School class that was deaf. I took classes so she would not feel left out. I'm so glad that the author brought her expertise of working with the deaf into a story that highlights how someone like Jess can do anything by adapting to sign language , hearing aides and lip reading.

Jess loved training horses but she is still grieving the loss of her brother. She knows in her heart that he didn't commit suicide and is willing to risk everything to proof that. Jess is heartbroken to hear all the accusations about how her brother was mixed up in something illegal. When Jess runs into someone from her high school days, she isn't exactly excited to see him. Seth who is a paramedic remembers Jess well. He wasn't very nice to her during their school days. In fact he made her feel horrible about herself and pretty much bullied her.

As danger starts to follow Jess, Seth is there to protect her. I loved how they both had some things to work through and relied on God to help them forgive. Seth has turned his back on God and I thought Jess was very helpful in guiding him to find his faith again. The story is very fast paced and I loved how the author incorporated the Amish in the story. She weaves a story that has  Jess and Seth running for their lives. Can they prove Jess's brother was innocent? Who is behind the stalking of Jess? Why is someone trying to kill her? This is one book you don't want to miss if you enjoy intrigue, action, a bit of romance and the reminder that God never leaves us and is there to forgive us.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
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Thursday, April 6, 2017


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Silence of the Jams
by Gayle Leeson

A strong story about family and friendship, weathering life’s storms, and discovering that everyone has secrets.
~Laura’s Interests
The plot of Silence of the Jams is engaging and fast paced, pulling the reader along on a wild tale of murder and suspense.
~Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
I love that the author was able to write in a way that made me feel if I shut my eyes I could see the story unfolding around me.
~Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting
 
Silence of the Jams (A Down South Café Mystery) 
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Berkley (April 4, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1101990803
E-Book ASIN: B01IAUG44C

Synopsis

In the latest Southern cozy from the author of The Calamity Café, small-town chef Amy Flowers can’t take her freedom for granted when she’s served up as a murder suspect… 
It’s Independence Day in Winter Garden, Virginia, and the residents are gearing up for their annual celebration. The Down South Café is open and flourishing, and Amy Flowers is busy making pies and cakes for the holiday. The only thorn in her side is Chamber of Commerce director George Lincoln, who is trying to buy the café so he can tear it down and build a B&B on the site.
When George collapses while eating at the Down South, everybody assumes it’s a heart attack—until the autopsy declares it to be poisoning. Now, it’s up to Amy to prove her innocence before her liberty is lost.
Includes delicious Southern recipes!
Gayle&Cooper
About The Author –
Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. I also write as Amanda Lee. As Gayle Trent, I write the Daphne Martin Cake Mystery series and the Myrtle Crumb Mystery series. As Amanda Lee, I write the Embroidery Mystery series. I live in Virginia with my family, which includes her own “Angus” who is not an Irish wolfhound but a Great Pyrenees who provides plenty of inspiration for the character of Mr. O’Ruff. I’m having a blast writing this new series!
Authors Links:
Gayle Trent Webpage – http://www.gayletrent.com
Purchase Links
Amazon     Barnes & Noble      Books-A-Million       Indiebound      Kobo




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I didn't get to read the first book in this series but it didn't stop me from enjoying this second addition. The writing is so good it kept me glued to the book. The author has a great way of developing her characters with ease. I loved the setting and could find myself sitting at one of the tables enjoying  the special of the day. Amy would be busy preparing her delicious cuisine while Jackie scrambled to get orders out. It would be a fun place to gather with friends and enjoy the delicious aroma that filled the cafe.

Amy is really busy in the cafe lately and hardly has time to visit with the customers. To her dismay in walks George Lincoln. He is the president of the Chamber of Commerce and is not very friendly. He seems to be pushy and intimidating. George has had his sight on Amy's cafe for some time. His plan is to tear down the cafe and build a B&B. Amy is having none of this and is really not in the mood for him this morning. After he is severed breakfast he starts talking to Dr.Kent. A commotion is heard as George falls to the ground. It doesn't look good for poor old George. Can you imagine eating at a cafe and suddenly a customer falls dead?

George's death raises suspicion when it is discovered that someone may have poisoned him. He had plenty of enemies and for some reason he had secret files on people in the town. What was George doing with these files? Did he know something that got him killed? The mystery is well written and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. It was fun reading about the different townspeople and to me they were all on my suspect list. I was very surprised when the killer was revealed and thought the author did a brilliant job of keeping readers guessing.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Amy's family and applaud the author for writing about a subject that is hard to have a family member go through. It was written with sensitivity and I loved how the author gave details that were helpful and encouraging . I can't forget about Aunt Bess. She is quirky and funny and most definitely a hand full. She lightened up the story with her shenanigans and I loved her compassion for her family and friends. I will be looking  forward to  the next book in this series. I'm sure as you read the story you found yourself getting hungry with all the wonderful dishes being served up at the cafe. As a bonus the author has included several amazing recipes at the end of the book. I know what I'm having for dinner tomorrow.

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

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants
April 3 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
April 3 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 4 – Book Babble – REVIEW
April 4 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 5 – Bookworm Mom – REVIEW  
April 5 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW
April 6 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
April 6 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW *
April 6 – Shelley’s Book Case – REVIEW
April 7 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
April 7 – Books,Dreams,Life – INTERVIEW
April 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
April 8 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – INTERVIEW
April 9 – Brooke Blogs – CHARACTER GUEST POST
April 10 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
April 11 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
April 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW *
April 12 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
April 12 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
April 13 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW
April 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
April 14 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
April 14 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW *
April 15 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
April 15 – deal sharing aunt – REVIEW, INTERVIEW*
April 16 – Varietats – REVIEW
April 16 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?


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