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Sunday, May 14, 2017


SECOND CHANCE LOVE by PAMELA S. MEYERS

Sydney is such a wonderful character. I loved how the author showed her flaws and struggles. As I read the story I could see a bit of myself in Sydney. She had been carrying guilt for such a long time because of her brother's accident. When her father died she once again blamed herself. Those painful memories have kept her locked away in her own prison where she wouldn't allow herself to be happy. She stopped doing things she loved because the memories were to painful for her. I think in a way she was punishing herself. How many of us go through something traumatic and shut the world out?  When we get hurt we seem to turn away from people and have a hard time trusting anyone.

When Sydney gets an assignment to try to help renegotiate a contract I was excited to see how she would handle the situation. She has been looking to prove herself as a lawyer and maybe this can help her chances of getting a promotion. I absolutely loved the setting in Texas that she traveled to. I could picture the ranch she went to where her client lived. The author does a great job of giving readers insight into rodeos and how to take care of horses.

Jace is a changed man from when Sydney knew him several years ago. His priorities have changed and I loved how his faith played into the decisions he made about his life.  Sydney has a lot to overcome and forgive herself for. Will she be able to open her heart and let Jace in? Jace has his own worries dealing with trying to keep the ranch, helping his brothers while getting to know Sydney again. I loved how each character prayed and asked God for help when the hard decisions had to be made. It's a lovely story that reminds us that we may not deserve a second chance, but God is merciful and gives us grace.

I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network. The review is my own opinion.

Bad To The Bone
by Linda O. Johnston

The premise of this storyline is cute. I loved all the pets and their owners who frequent Barkery & Biscuits and Carrie has endeared herself to the townspeople.
~Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder
I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed getting to know the characters.
~The Journey Back
This book is a great example as to why I have a newfound love for cozy mysteries…This was a really fun yet mysterious and a little romantic read…
~Rainy Day Reviews

Bad to the Bone (A Barkery & Biscuits Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2017)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738746289
E-Book ASIN: B01M0SXJTR

Synopsis

Veterinary technician Carrie Kennersly, owner of the Barkery & Biscuits bakery for dogs, is reluctant to sell her recipes to pet food manufacturer VimPets. Jack Loroco, a VimPets representative, assures Carrie that it would be a great opportunity to grow her business. His promising new relationship with Carrie’s friend, Billi Matlock, doesn’t hurt his cause. But the budding romance takes a bad turn when Wanda Addler, another VimPets employee, sets her sights on Jack.
After threatening to ruin Jack’s career if he doesn’t give her what she wants, Wanda is found dead. Jack and Billi are put at the top of the suspect list, and Carrie is doggone determined to rescue them from a life behind bars.
linda o johnston

About The Author –

Linda O. Johnston’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won the Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the year.   Since then, Linda, a former lawyer who is now a full-time writer, has published more short stories, novellas, and 38 romance and mystery novels, including the Pet Rescue Mystery Series, a spinoff from her Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mysteries for Berkley Prime Crime, and Harlequin Romantic Suspense as well as the Alpha Force paranormal romance miniseries for Harlequin Nocturne.  She additionally writes the Superstition Mysteries for Midnight Ink.  Her latest cozy mystery series, the Barkery and Biscuits Mysteries are also from Midnight Ink.

Author Links:
Purchase Links:
Amazon  B&N 

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I have enjoyed reading this series. Carrie is a great character and I live the two shops she owns. What a treat for customers to get goodies for themselves and go next door and grab some great healthy treats for their dogs. The author makes the shops sound so inviting and I would love to try one out for my little dogs.

Carrie has been approached by a big company to add her treats to their line of products. It would be a great boost for her company but she is just a bit hesitant to say yes . I liked her brother Neal and her boyfriend Reed. They seemed to be protective of Carrie. If you have read the first two books in the series, you know Carrie seems to find herself embroiled in murder and "helping" the police catch the killer.

When one of the employees from the company that wants to carry Carrie's product is found dead, the book starts really delving into several people who could easily have killed the poor murder victim. I wasn't surprised that the woman killed was not well liked. She was pushy, mean and down right unfriendly. I really got a great laugh out of the murder weapon used. I though the author was genius using a poop scooper as a way to kill someone. Carrie can't seem to stay out of the investigation and soon finds herself with a list of suspects. I know there were hints throughout the book of who the killer was, but for some reason I was still a little surprised at who it was.  The story was good and I'm glad we got to know more about Carrie and Reed's relationship. I wonder if there will be wedding bells soon for these two?

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

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Participants
May 8 – T’s Stuff – INTERVIEW
May 9 – My Journey Back – REVIEW
May 10 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW
May 11 – Bookworm CafĂ© – SPOTLIGHT  
May 11 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – SPOTLIGHT
May 12 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
May 13 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
May 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
May 14 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
May 15 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW  
May 15 – Author Annette Drake’s blog – SPOTLIGHT
May 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 16 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST
May 17 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
May 17 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
May 18 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW
May 18 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
May 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST
May 20 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
May 21 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – INTERVIEW
May 21 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
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Thursday, May 11, 2017

The Final Vow
by Amanda Flower


As we go through the lists of suspects you will be changing your mind and I was really surprised as to whom the culprit was.
~Maureen’s Musings


The Final Vow (A Living History Museum Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Midnight Ink (May 8, 2017)
Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0738745923
E-Book ASIN: B01LWKJTY7

Synopsis

Summer weddings in Barton Farm’s picturesque church are standard procedure for museum director Kelsey Cambridge. At least they were until the Cherry Foundation, which supports the museum, orders Kelsey to host her ex-husband’s wedding on Farm grounds.
Ambitious wedding planner Vianna Pine is determined to make the bride’s Civil War-themed wedding perfect. But each time Vianna’s vision threatens the integrity and safety of the Farm, Kelsey has to intervene.
When Kelsey finds Vianna’s dead body at the foot of the church steps, everyone’s plans fall apart. With both the wedding and Barton Farm at risk of being permanently shut down, Kelsey has to work hard to save her own happily ever after.

About This Author

Amanda Flower, a two-time Agatha Award-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland.
Author Links:
Pen Name Website: http://isabellaalan.com/
Purchase Links
Amazon  B&N

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The author has written another great mystery that kept me guessing throughout the story. I loved the setting of the story and fell in love with Barton Farm. Kelsey is a wonderful character and I love her determination to make the guests always happy . However,  Kelsey finds herself in an awkward position when her ex -husband and his fiancĂ©  want to get married at the farm. I can see how inviting the place would be for a bride. The church is filled with history and surrounded by  intriguing artifacts.  Krissie is the essential bridezilla . I instantly disliked her and felt sorry for Kelsey. With so many demands I would be pulling my hair out.

Of course Krissie has the best wedding planner around. I don't know who was more annoying; Krissie or Vianna the wedding planner. I'm sure Kelsey was hoping that Krissie would change venues when she is told no to some crazy ideas she has. When a body is found at the church late one evening, it looks like the wedding may be off. Who wanted to kill Vianna? I was quite surprised that Vianna was dead. I really thought it was going to be the bride. Poor Krissie  is beside herself when she finds out the church may not be available for the wedding. I suppose learning her wedding planner was dead wasn't very important to her.

I loved how the author wrote such a great story with a few surprises that caught me off guard. There were plenty of suspects when it was determined that Vianna had been murdered. When Detective Candy Brandon started questioning Kelsey and her employees I wanted to tell her to go away. Detective Brandon is a very rude and snotty person. She seemed to really have it in for Kelsey. This is one story that gives readers wonderful characters and a mystery  that was hard for me to solve. I was very , very surprised when the killer was revealed. I highly recommend this cozy mystery complete with a surprise guest from the past, and a story that I didn't want to see end. I look forward to more books from this talented author.

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


 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Participants
May 8 – Maureen’s Musings – REVIEW
May 8 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
May 9 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW
May 9 – Books Direct – GUEST POST
May 10 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW, INTERVIEW
May 11 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
May 11 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
May 12 – Babs Book Bistro – REVIEW
May 13 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
May 14 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW  
May 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST
May 15 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
May 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
May 16 – Curling up by the Fire – REVIEW
May 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
May 17 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
May 18 – Girl with Book Lungs – REVIEW
May 18 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST
May 19 – My Journey Back– REVIEW
May 21 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?



Tuesday, May 9, 2017


TOO DEEP FOR WORDS by ANDREA BOESHAAR

I love reading books about the civil war. In this story the author has captured the time period perfectly. You can feel the tension as the war rages on. The  anguish that families deal with wondering if their loved one is coming home safe is overwhelming.

Carrie is a newlywed and is excited to begin her life with her husband, Peyton. The war takes him away and she worries everyday about his safety. When she gets word that he is missing , she will do everything in her power to find him. Carrie feels in her heart  that he is alive. What would you do to find your missing husband? There are so many intriguing parts to this book, I couldn't put it down. The author showed us how Carrie had faith that her husband would be fine. I loved that Carrie held  on to hope and never wavered.

The author gives readers a glimpse of a time period that is easy to picture with her incredible words. I loved how the story kept readers wondering what had happened to Peyton. There are a few surprises in the book and I was very intrigued by an old friend that shows up. Is this friend  here to help Carrie find her husband? The book moves at a great pace and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The author really keeps her readers  glued to the story with excitement, mystery and hope. Make sure you pick up this book and get swept away to a place where one woman is willing to cross enemy lines to find her husband . Is Peyton alive? Did he fall into the enemy's hands?

I received this book from Kregel Book Tours.  The review is my own opinion.

Monday, May 8, 2017

WELCOME AMY CLIPSTON TO MY BLOG


I'm honored to have you on my blog today. I loved your book The Beloved Hope Chest.  Everyone needs to grab a copy of it.  Don't miss your chance to enter the giveaway at the end.
Now let's get started with some questions, Amy.





What was your most favorite book to read to your boys when they were little?

Zac absolutely loved Big Joe’s Trailer Truck by Joe Mathieu! He knew it by heart! It’s the cutest book, and I read it to Matt also. We kept it and will pass it on if they have children.


Out of all of your novels, who is your favorite mother?

Mattie Fisher from my Amish Heirloom series is my favorite! She’s modeled after my mother with her patient, loving heart. My mom and I sit together and have a cup of tea every night, just like Mattie and her daughters do.

What advice would you give to those who are not Mothers, yet long for children?

Since I have experienced a miscarriage and I know how it feels to lose a baby, my heart goes out to those who long to have children. I don’t feel I have the authority to give any advice, except to suggest that they speak to a fertility specialist. I hope those who long for children will have their prayers answered soon.

Can you share a special memory of your mother?

My favorite memory as a child is going to the movies with my mother every Saturday. We would go to see a matinee, and we had the best time! My love of movies truly comes from my parents.

This might sound corny, but my mom and I make special memories every day. She lives with my family and me, and she’s my best friend. We watch movies and television shows together, and we share books. While I’m working on a book, she sits in the same room and reads in order to keep my company. She helps me plot out my stories and she reads my books for typos. I can’t imagine not having her in my life. I’m so thankful God blessed me with the best mom!


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