Review: Dangling By A Thread (A Mainely Needlepoint Mystery Series Book 4) by Lea Wait

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Scheduled Release Date: October 25, 2016

Dangling By A Thread is the 4th installment of the Mainly Needlepoint Series.  I have read the first book in the series, but somehow missed reading the next 2. It didn't make me feel like I needed to read the others first. There were a couple of things that were referred to from the past books but it was explained enough that I didn't feel lost. It does, however make me want to go back and read the 2 that I have missed, and I will do! 

I enjoyed the mystery of this book. Jessie Lockhart is a hermit who lives alone on King's Island.  It's a sanctuary for an endangered bird species, the Great Cormorants, and he's made it his mission to keep the island safe for his birds.  But a wealthy family shows up in the area, and wants to buy King's Island and Jessie will have none of that.  When Jessie turns up dead, Angie is determined to find his killer and take up the cause to save the island.  

There were lots of twists and turns throughout the course of the story, it wasn't easy to figure out 'whodunnit'  I'm a bit torn on the story though, I would have liked more interaction of the Needlepointers. Angie didn't seem to do much for the business throughout the story.. she did check in here and there with people but, it seemed like she wasn't really running a business at all.  I enjoy the backstory or I guess the secondary stories in most cozy mysteries with the main character running their business, not just all mystery.  I did like that at the beginning of each chapter, there is a quote of a sampler and the history behind it, it's quite unique. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a solid cozy mystery series. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

Review: The Girls Next Door (Detective Eden Berrisford Crime Thriller Series Book 1) by Mel Sherratt

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Scheduled Release Date: October 27, 2016

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I absolutely loved this book. So much so, that I had to complete it in one day, I had to know what was going to happen, it just totally drew me in!

This is the first novel that I've read by Mel Sherratt, but it certainly will not be the last.  I enjoy reading Police Procedurals, but this one is different than ones I've read in the past. 

Detective Eden Berrisford is on the hunt for the suspects who have been attacking teenagers in the area.  All this, after sixteen year old Deanna Barker was murdered.  The story is already intense, but when Eden realizes her neice Jess has gone missing, then all bets are off. She's determined to find the kidnapper and bring Jess home safely...but time is running out.

The characters in the story are well developed and quite believable. It's easy to believe that the situations they find themselves in could happen in our world. I really enjoyed the interactions of Eden and her team, and can't wait to read more about them in the future. The story is quickly paced and doesn't get boring. On the contrary I didn't want to put it down.  I highly recommend this book! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC of this novel for an honest and unbiased review, also a huge thank you to THE Book Club on Facebook TBConFB for introducing me to some great authors! 

Review: Muffins And Mourning Tea (Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series Book 5) by H.Y. Hanna

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Muffins and Mourning Tea is the 5th book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries.  H.Y. Hanna once again brings us a truly wonderful cozy mystery. Each book in the series is better and better, for me anyway! I seriously can't get enough! 

When we pick up where we left off with Gemma, she's now moved into her own quaint little cottage, enjoying her freedom and privacy. But of course, Gemma's mom, being who she is, has decided that she needs some plants to liven up the place ... and so starts the hilarity! 

Unfortunately for Gemma, she's again dragged into a murder investigation when she inadvertently on the scene where an Oxford Student is killed during the early morning May Day Celebrations.  Her employee Dora's friend Miriam, asks her to look into it. After all, she's looked into all the previous murders recently hasn't she? So, along with The Old Biddies, Gemma sets out to solve the case, even though her boyfriend CID Devlin O'Connor insists she has to stop interfering in investigations.  

There are some absolutely incredible laugh out loud moments in this book, especially with The Old Biddies and the Krav Maga class they take part in! I think this is one of my favourite scenes in the series. We can't forget dear sweet Muesli, she's also got some antics up her kitty sleeves, and I hope to see more of her actions as a therapy cat. On the flip side, there is quite a bit of tension building up between Gemma and Devlin... and while it hasn't been completely resolved by the end of the book, I am hoping it is soon into the next one! 

Again, as with the other books in the series, there are lots of red herrings and just when I thought I knew whodunnit, there was another twist. This makes for a very enjoyable book, I love trying to figure out who the murderer is and was wrong yet again! 

I am very much looking forward to the next installment in the series, and am hoping in the next one there will be more interaction between Cassie and Seth.  There is a great potential story there and I can't wait to see how that all unfolds.  If you're looking for a great cozy series, look no further. The Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series fits the bill and I highly recommend it! 

I received an ARC for an unbiased and honest review.

Review: The Devil's Work by Mark Edwards

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For a while now, I've been hearing about Mark Edwards' books and how amazing they are, but I've never read one.. until now. And all I can say is wow, I've been missing out! Why have I waited so long to read any of his work? 

The Devil's Work was a great introduction for me to Edwards' novels, and although it was the first I've read, it definitely will NOT be the last! I was so absorbed in the story, 

I had to finish it in one day. 

A riveting psychological thriller with plenty of twists and Oh! My! Gosh! moments, I felt myself getting so involved in the story I started reading faster as I felt the tension Sophie was feeling. I'd realize how involved I was and would have to sit and take a breath. Fantastic! 

The book goes back and forth between the past and the present and normally I don't like this since many times it comes across as disjointed and bumpy. However, Edwards' has written it in a way that it is smooth and transitions well consistently throughout without interrupting the pace of the increasingly frantic and gripping tale.

I honestly can't praise this book enough! If you are looking for an 'oh-my-gosh-frantic-page-turning-nail-biting-mind-messing-with-I-just-can't-put-this-down!!' kind of book, this is it! Mark Edwards, you have a new fan! 

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book for an honest and unbiased review, to Mark Edwards for writing such a gripping story, and to the members of THE Book Club on Facebook (TBC; #TBConFB) for introducing me to some truly awesome writers! 

I Finally Caught Up!

It's been a busy couple of weeks! Between getting some things organized, getting some crafts done for a few craft fairs, watching hockey tryouts (not mine! haha) and other day to day boring things... I finally did it, I am actually 4 books ahead of my Goodreads Challenge to read 100 books this year! From being behind to getting ahead.. well I'm pretty excited! I've read some pretty great books, and a few not so great, but that comes with the territory. The good thing is, that means I have some great reviews to post! 

So in the coming days, watch for reviews of books by some great authors, including H.Y. Hanna's "Muffins and Mourning Tea",  Mark Edwards' "The Devil's Work", M.A. Comley and Tara Lyons "The Caller" just to name a few! 

And now that summer is officially over and done with (boooo!) it's time to get back to the grindstone and get back down to a regular schedule.  So, I'm off to get more reading done, and get some more reviews ready to go.  

Happy reading! 

Review: Clever Deception by M.A. Comley and Linda Prather

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Absolutely brilliant novella! Right from the get go, we are drawn into the world of the serial killer known as the Escape Artist who is abducting, torturing and murdering women.. ten of them so far this year! He enjoys contacting the families, many of them police officers, and letting them hear the screams of terror and pain he is inflicting upon them.  The main character, Sergeant Alexandra Fox,  is on the hunt for justice, and is determined to bring an end to the Escape Artist's spree.  But when she gets a warning to back off and doesn't, she couldn't even begin to imagine what he could possibly do to punish her...

From the moment I started reading this book I was hooked. The Escape Artist is evil, and sadistic.. and I think is really going to be a fantastic villain. He brings to mind another of Mel Comley's villains (The Unicorn).  I love the character of Alex Fox. She is immediately likable, as is her colleague Bob.  They work well together, she is impulsive and Bob (does his best) to really keep her grounded and thinking before acting.  I'm very... leery about the lead on the case, Inspector Jordan. There's just something that doesn't sit right with me. I know this was a novella but I wish it was longer! I am just dying to find out what happens next, which is just what you want in a book like this, bravo!

I've never read any of Linda Prather's books, but I have read quite a few of Mel Comley's and have never read one that I haven't loved!  I'm looking forward to book 1 in this series, as well as looking up some of Prather's novels.  If I could have rated this more than 5 stars I would have!

Review: Murder Most Fowl (Local Foods Mystery Series Book 4) by Edith Maxwell

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I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you Netgalley! 

Murder Most Fowl is the 4th book in the Local Foods Mystery Series.  I hadn't previously read the other books in the series, but it didn't matter; I was able to follow along and not feel like I was missing something, and I went back to the beginning to read the others once I finished this one, I enjoyed it so much! 

Cam Flaherty is a local organic farmer who just can't seem to stay away from trouble! When one of her fellow chicken farmers is found dead, Cam is ready to jump in and solve the case. But can she balance her daily life, dealing with vandalism on the farm, and a murder investigation? 

Definitely a page turner, I would have read this all in one sitting had I not started it late in the evening. The characters in this book are really great and it's fun to read and learn about life on an organic farm.  The mystery is well done and there are lots of twists and turns. I wasn't able to figure out the 'whodunnit' right away which is something that I like.  If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery, look no further! 

Review: Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman

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I received an ARC of this book for an honest and unbiased review. Thank you NetGalley.

I think this is one of my favourite reads for this year, it's definitely in my Top 5! 

Britt-Marie is a quirky character.  She knows how she wants things, and that's just the way things have to be. She's a lady that firstly just seems to be quite passive-aggressive, suffering from OCD and very set in her ways.  But, she's much more than what is showing on the surface. Throughout the course of the novel, we see just why she's left her husband, what has made her the way that she is today, learn why she has no self esteem and why she is so obsessed with cleaning.  Suddenly she's not the annoying lady we first meet looking for a job at the employment office (that poor girl!) she is someone who finds herself, who becomes important to those around her, and is finally seen.  I don't want to give anything away with this review. It's such a wonderful story that I think you really need to read it for yourself.  If I could give it more than a 5 star rating, I certainly would! 

So Many Books, So Little Time...

Hey everyone! 

So, I've taken some time for me this summer, for learning new things, lots of hockey (yes in the summer!) and other things.  I've been reading, though not as much as I normally have. I got as close as being 3 books behind schedule for my 100 books read that I challenged myself on Goodreads, and currently I am sitting at 5 books behind schedule though I do have 2 that I am almost finished!  I always have a couple of books on the go and read them depending on the mood that I am feeling.  

I've been getting ready and creating things for the Christmas craft shows this fall, and we've got tables in 3 of them so that is where some of my free time has been going.  It makes me want to read cozy mysteries about knitting and crocheting!  

I've got a backlog of reviews that I have to get done, and really will just need to take a day and punch them all out and get them posted properly.  My *plan* is to have most of them finished up by Friday.  Let's see how that goes, I also have to start getting some pickles made and other canning projects.  I really should make another blog for all the other things that I get involved in.... maybe someday soon :) 

Hope you are all enjoying what is left of the summer! 

Review: Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen (A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Book 1) by Vicki Delany

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Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany is the first book in A Year-Round Christmas Mystery Series.  First off, what a wonderful cover! I don't always speak about the covers of books when I am writing a review, but... I just had to mention it.  There's something about it that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I love Christmas, and even though I'm reading this in August, it's put me in the Christmas spirit! 

Merry Wilkinson had lived her dream with a great job in the big city. But she's since moved back home to Rudolph, New York aka "Christmastown"  where she is the owner of Mrs. Claus's Treasures, a wonderful store filled with beautiful creations made by local artisans.  It's Christmastime all year round in Rudolph, and we find ourselves at the semi-annual Christmas parade (Because they have it every 6 months, can't forget about Christmas in July!) and the tractor that is supposed to pull Merry's float has been sabotaged! And she was a favourite to win the best float prize this year.   When she stumbles across a body in the park, her best friend, Vicky, is implicated in the murder and it's up to Merry to figure out who the real murderer is and if all these strange happenings around town are related or just a string of coincidences.... Can Merry discover the truth before the Grinch steals Christmas from Christmastown? 

What a great start to a series! The characters are likable, fun and quirky.  I was able to picture myself transported to Christmastown, wandering through Merry's shop with the beautiful glass ornaments, handmade train sets and beautiful jewelry.  They mystery was fun to try to solve, there is no shortage of suspects and I was left guessing right to the end.. and still got it wrong!  Filled with lots of laugh out loud moments, I didn't want to put this book down and would have finished it all in one day had I not started it so late in the day.

This is definitely going to be a series I will be following and I am very much looking forward to the next installment! 

Review: All-Butter Shortdead (Prequel. Oxford Tearoom Mystery Book 0) by H.Y. Hanna

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All-Butter Short Dead is the story of how Gemma comes back to Oxford and sets up her lovely new business, The Little Stables Tearoom.  There is also, of course, murder afoot! Gemma is the prime suspect when the mysterious stranger that she sat next to and befriended on her plane ride home is murdered. It's now up to her to clear her name and find out who the real killer is! 

Whether you read this prequel before you actually start the series, in the middle of it, or after you've finished the current installment it truly does not matter.  It can be read as a standalone book and won't ruin anything in the series.

I was really excited when I received this book! I'm already a huge fan of the series (as you know!) and this peek into how everything came about was just my cup of tea. It was fun reading the history of how things actually started, and some insight into how her relationship with "The Old Biddies" started, and of her first meeting of good old Muesli :) 

As with Hanna's other books in the series, there are lots of great laugh out loud moments and I did not want the story to end.  It's a great little story to tide me over until the next book is released, which I am looking forward to immensely! 

*This book was being offered by H.Y. Hanna free at the time of posting. I don't know how long it is going to be free so head on over and download it and get started!*

Review: Grilled For Murder (Country Store Mysteries #2) by Maddie Day

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Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  

Grilled For Murder by Maddie Day is the 2nd book in the Country Store Mystery Series. In the small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie Jordan has turned a run down store into a wonderful, successful restaurant in which she also sells retro cookware called Pans n Pancakes.  She's stayed open late to cater a welcome home party for Erica, but the next morning when Erica turns up dead... in the STORE!... it's up to Robbie to figure out who hated Erica enough to commit the crime, and there is no shortage of suspects! 

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery it really has everything that a good cozy should!  There are some really great characters, a wonderful small town setting and a great mystery that will just keep you guessing! I loved the local dialect, I admit it did take a bit of getting used to, but that's part of what makes the characters unique.  I wanted to read it as quick as I could, but at the same time I wanted to slow down. I wanted to know what happened, but just didn't want the story to end.  

I liked this book so much that I went online right as I finished it, and purchased the first book in the series "Flipped For Murder"  If you are a cozy mystery fan, I definitely recommend this series, you won't be disappointed! 

Review: Till Death Do Us Tart by H.Y. Hanna (Oxford Tearoom Mystery Book 4)

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**Missed my reviews for the previous books in this series? You can find them by clicking each link: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3**

Till Death Do Us Tart is the latest in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Series by H.Y. Hanna. The "Old Biddies" are at it again and take it upon themselves to investigate the latest murder. Only, is it murder? They have decided that it is, and have involved Gemma's mother in the case! But, the victim's own doctor was on the scene of the 'crime' and ruled that the death was due to natural causes. But now, Gemma has been convinced, and of course our favourite Tearoom owner can't let someone get away with a crime unpunished! Can she convince Devlin to change his mind and begin an official investigation, all while dealing with some strange happenings in her very own 

tearoom kitchen (Was that an explosion?!?) 

and looking for a new place to live?

From the very first book, this has become one of my favourite cozy mystery series and I look forward to each and every one! H.Y. Hanna's characters are fun and quirky, and I really love how the book flows, filled with just enough suspense, crazy antics (I just love those old biddies!) and laugh out loud moments. The interaction between Gemma and her mother, I think is perfectly written, I can just imagine the frustration Gemma feels, even though she knows her mother has her best interests at heart. I was able to figure out the culprit a bit easier this time than in some of the previous books, but it's well done and there are lots of clues that lead you this way and that. It was a fun journey figuring out ohh I WAS right! and oh THAT'S how it happened! There are some great new characters introduced along with our old favourites and I am hoping to see a few of them possibly in future installments of the series. (I won't say who I mean, since it may be a partial spoiler really. If they are in future stories, they couldn't be involved in the crime... or, could they?) The romance isn't overpowering or 'in your face' either which is enjoyable. I like Gemma and Devlin's relationship, it's realistic and circumstances what they are, I like how it's playing out. Oh and I can't wait to see if Seth finally confesses his feelings to Cassie or if she is going to figure it out all on her own! There are lots of ways that story line can go, I enjoy both of these characters and hope they make many more appearances in the future.

I would love to visit Gemma's tearoom, and with the inclusion of some recipes I (and other readers) am able to taste some of the delicious treats they serve. While reading the stories (all of them, not just this one) I can picture everything.. the scenery, the buildings, beauty of the gardens.. I just love the writing style and completely appreciate the talent of an author who can pull you into the story.

The Oxford Tearoom Series is everything that a cozy lover wants! They are all 'can't put it down!' books that you are sorry when they are done.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery! Grab a cuppa and enjoy :) If you've not read any of the books in the series, I suggest you grab the first one and get started, you will not be sorry!

**Thank you to H.Y. Hanna for sending me an ARC for my honest and unbiased review**

It's Been A While....

Hey everyone... It's been a bit since I've been around. Real life can sometimes get in the way and throw some wrenches at you. And that's pretty much what happened.  Throw in some reading block (as opposed to writer's block), working, and other fun stuff and it equals me being away for too long. 

But, I'm back around and reading as much as I can while working on some projects that I just have to get done. I have some reviews to post soon, lots to catch up on, and a couple of current ones.  I'm about 15 books behind schedule on my reading challenge, but I'm hoping to catch up on that on my week's vacation. Let's see how many I can actually get done and if I'll be caught back up by July 24th. (That's 2 weeks away... fingers crossed!) 

So, today's challenge is getting a couple of reviews done for books I've recently read, update my pinterest, goodreads, etc and make my list of what needs to be read next for reviews. I discovered this morning I'd pre-ordered a few books and they magically have appeared on my Kindle :)  Fun stuff! 

Happy Reading! 

Review: Murder In An Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor

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Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

Murder In An Irish Village is the first in the Irish Village Mystery Series by Carlene O'Connor.  Siobhan O'Sullivan runs the family bistro along with her 5 siblings after their parents died almost a  year ago in a car crash.  Naomi's Bisro has always been great little meeting place, somewhere to visit with neighbours while enjoying some wonderful brown bread and tea, along with a helping of local gossip of course! 

And gossip there is! One morning when they open up the bistro, they find a man dressed up in a suit with a pair of hot pink barber scissors stuck in his chest! Can Siobhan solve the crime and save her family? 

To be honest, the book started out a bit slow for me, but once it got into it a bit, well, I did too! The characters were well developed, there were lots of twists and turns, like a good cozy mystery must have! There are also some fun, laugh out loud moments and I felt like I myself was in Ireland and trying to figure out 'whodunnit' (which I didn't actually. Bravo!) 

Definitely would recommend to cozy readers everywhere. Give it a chance to get through the lower moving beginning, you won't be sorry! 

Review: Silence Of The Lamps by Karen Rose Smith

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

This series just keeps getting better and better!

Silence of the Lamps is the 5th installment of the Caprice De Luca Mystery Series by Karen Rose Smith.  Caprice is again on the case, determined to clear the name of her sister, Nikki, when former employee turned rival Drew Pierson winds up dead.  Drew has been pummeled to death with his very expensive (and very authentic!) Tiffany lamp, and of course, Caprice and Nikki are the ones to find his lifeless body.  What choice does Caprice have, she MUST find out what really happened before the police try to pin the murder on her sister! 

There is no shortage of suspects in the case, and it keeps the story moving at a great pace. I wasn't able to figure out 'whodunnit' until it was actually revealed in the story, well done!! It really kept me guessing, which is something that I am looking for in a great cozy mystery.  I love the characters in this series, especially Caprice and her vintage wardrobe. Smith uses great descriptions throughout the book, from her outfits to how she is staging a room and I can just picture everything perfectly! 

This has everything a great cozy should have: Great characters, an interesting story that keeps you wanting to read more and more, and some great recipes shared with the reader, can't forget those!  I am really looking forward to the next in the series to see what happens with Caprice and her friends! 

Friday Funday

I can't help but chuckle at this one :)  I'm a fast reader, and I know how this kitty cat feels hahaha   

So, this weekend I have no real plans other than maybe taking a trip to the local used book store, and getting my yarn stash sorted and get to work on some gifts. And yes of course some reading, that's a given! 

I've finished a couple of the books I was reading this week, and I've got a few reviews to catch up on along with getting some other things done for the blog.  

What are your big plans for the weekend? 

Have fun, stay safe, and happy reading! 

Review: Raisin The Dead by Karoline Barrett

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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. 

Raisin The Dead is the 2nd book in the Bread and Batter Mystery Series by Karoline Barrett.  Even though I have not read the first book in the series, I didn't feel at all lost or that I was missing information from the first book. 

Molly, co-owner of the bakery, Bread and Batter, is surprised to find her mother, Anne, on the front page of the local paper. There's a picture of her in a romantic restaurant with a member of the library advisory board, Philip Baldeli.  Anne, who is the library director, has been working on an expansion project for the library which has the town divided.  What's even more surprising, and most troubling, is that a few days later, Philip turns up dead and Anne becomes a 'person of interest' in the case.  

Molly's love interest, Detective Sean Corsino, is in a difficult position. He's involved with the daughter of the person he must begin investigating. But he's determined to keep everything professional and by the book.   Molly is determined to help clear her mother's name, even if she's getting nowhere pumping Sean for information or not. She must ramp up her investigation when Sean is injured on the job.   Can Molly and her business partner, Olivia, find the clues they need to finally clear Anne? 

A lot of the book is focusing on the romance between Molly and Sean and the difficulties they encounter. Sean's ex sister-in-law is in town and causing trouble between them (she's the twin sister of his deceased wife) and he needs to interview Molly's mother as a person of interest in the murder.  To me, it focused a bit too much on the romance and not enough on the mystery.  Some people like a bit more romance in their cozies and if that's something you enjoy then I believe this book is for you!  She didn't seem to spend much time in her bakery which really could be a source of information and gossip from the folks in town while providing some character development for secondary characters for upcoming books.  

I really wanted to like this book more than I do. Don't get me wrong, I did like it,  I needed a bit more mystery though.  There are some fun characters and good moments in the book, but there are parts of Molly's character I just didn't like.  I think I would class this more of a romance with a bit of mystery rather than a full out cozy, but that's just my opinion. It's still a good story with some very enjoyable characters and I really like their town, Destiny.  I haven't given up on this series by any means, I plan on reading the first in the series and the next to see what develops next for these characters.  

Whatcha Reading Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! It's a beautiful, sunny day where I live. All I want to do is relax in the sun, and break out my Kindle to read.  

I've currently got 4 books on the go. Yep, 4. I have a book addiction, I know that... and I tend to have more than 1 book on the go because I never know what type of book I'm going to be in the mood for. 

So, currently, I am reading... 

1.  Raisin The Dead by Karoline Barrett

2. Games People Play by Owen Mullen

3. Murder In An Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor

4. The Friends We Keep by Susan Mallery 

I'd love to hear about what you are reading! Leave me a message in the comments or shoot me an email using the 'contact me' form on the right of the page.  

Have a wonderful day and Happy Reading! 

Review: Flowers For The Dead by Barbara Copperthwaite

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Where do I even start? Wow!  What a great read. You need to put this on your 'to be read list' seriously.  

Adam Bourne is a serial killer.  But, he believes he is a saviour. He's only killing the women that he's fallen in love with to save them from their lives and to make them happy.   Adam meets Laura Weir, and begins to 'woo' her... only she has no idea what is happening, no idea she's become the object of affection to a twisted serial killer. She only knows there are strange things happening around her, and no one seems to want to listen to her.  

This is the first book that I've read by Barbara Copperthwaite and I can assure you it won't be the last. She has weaved an incredible story about a serial killer, and she has managed to make me feel sorry for Adam, to wish more for him and I saw his life through his eyes.   It is actually an incredibly dark tale, of a man who stalks the women he 'falls in love with' learning everything he can about them in order to 'woo' them and make them fall in love with him in return. When they don't reciprocate his love, he must 'save' them.  

One of the things I loved and found really interesting was the way Adam would 'talk' through the flowers. I didn't realize so many flowers had meanings, and it's got me very curious and I'd like to learn more about that.  It's an interesting way for him to communicate when he doesn't have the words... 

There are many flashbacks through the story, to when Adam was growing up, and we learn what has made him into the sociopath that he is today.  We know how he sees these women, how much he yearns for love, how lonely he really is.  Another thing I loved about this story, is it is told by several points of view so not only do we understand and learn about Adam, but we also learn about Laura and her past, what's made her struggle with life today and dealing with the realization that she's got a stalker and the detective, Mike who is working on the case, the loss of his wife and dealing with being a single dad. I hope to see more about Mike in upcoming books, he is a great character! 

Excellent, excellent read! For an author to make me feel the way I did about such a twisted, sadistic character... I wouldn't have thought it possible for me to actually root for a serial killer.  I would have rated this higher than 5 stars if I could!   Highly recommended! Go read this.. now! 

Thank you to TBC (THE Book club on Facebook) for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  I'm so glad I read this! 

Monday's Minutes

Weekend Update, Pre-orders, and an Author Giveaway

Did everyone enjoy their weekend? Happy Monday! It's that day again, the one that everyone hates... Actually I don't hate Mondays.. as long as there is coffee... or tea.. and lots of it! 

So, this weekend I didn't even pick up my Kindle. Or a physical book. Nothing. Nadda.  I'm as surprised as you are! We were away for the Under 14s hockey games with my nephew and I brought my Kindle and a book with me, but put them aside. We spent a lot of time in the rink and just hanging together and having fun, and that's what it's all about! 

So, this week I've got a few books to review, I need to organize my book shelves; I was given some more books from a cousin (thanks Pam!) and I found a bag of books that I'd purchased and forgot I had them.. you know, put them in a safe place and then forget said safe place haha   I also have some hockey games to go to, and a girl's night out.  

I pre-ordered a couple of books for my Kindle, the upcoming release The Caller by M.A. Comley and Tara Lyons 

(you can preorder HERE) due out on June 16th 

and 

The Sister by Louise Jensen 

(you can preorder HERE) due out July 7th.  

Mel Comley also has a great giveaway going on over on her Facebook Page  so head on over there and check that out! 

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! What did you do this weekend, did you read any good books? Do you have any recommendations for books for me? Leave me a message in the comments or be sure to shoot me an email using the 

'contact me' link to let me know! 

Enjoy your day and happy reading! 

How do I get some of my books? Like this!

I love free things, I mean, who doesn't? There are 2 sites that I belong to where you can earn points and redeem them for free stuff. Sounds cool right? It doesn't even take a lot of work to earn points.  There are more opportunities if you are in the US, but it's still good here in Canada (it's also available in the UK) You can turn your points into gift cards from lots of different websites, even a paypal gift card! 

The first one is Swagbucks have you heard of it? I've earned a lot of points on that site, and I use the points to get free Amazon gift cards. I've purchased video games and other Christmas gifts for my nephew using points.

 I've been saving up so I can order myself some new books! 

If you're interested, 

click HERE 

to sign up.  

Yes, I get referral points if you use my link, and I'd appreciate it! But I'm interested in sharing so that you too can earn free stuff if you are so inclined.  There are surveys, videos, games, tasks, free codes given out on Facebook, Twitter, etc. 

The other one that I use is InstaGC.  This is similar to the previous site, but I find that points are easier to earn on this one a lot of the time.  Again it has surveys, videos, games, codes given out in the chat feature (there's a built in chat room and people are very helpful!) among other things. 

I've earned a lot on InstaGC,

you can join by 

clicking HERE

. 

 Again yes I'll get referral bonus if you join 

and I'd appreciate it. I'm earning and saving up points to buy some books, maybe even do some giveaways if I can earn that many.  If you join up, shoot me a message and I'll help you earn points as much as I can! We can help each other earn points and cash in on some free gift cards! 

Review: A Beautiful Family by Marilyn Cohen De Villiers

A Beautiful Family (Silverman Saga, Book 1)

by Marilyn Cohen De Villiers 

  is Available: 

In Canada

In the US

In the UK

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased an honest review.   When I was asked to read and review this book, I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  But it really drew me into the story.  

When the story starts out, socialite Brenda Silverman dies suddenly in her home. There was no signs of break-in, no struggle, so of course there will be questions.  Many questions.  Her husband, Alan Silverman, is a pillar in Johannesburg's Jewish community. He is handsome and charming, a former political activist who after fleeing South Africa in the 80's returned to his homeland to help build the nations new democracy.  

Tracy Jacobs is the young reporter who has been assigned to cover the case.  She knows the family, she herself is Jewish, and she went to school with Alan and Brenda's children.  Covering this case puts her in the center of conflict. She must do her job and cover the story, but she is receiving backlash from those in the Jewish community, from her mother telling her every day she must stop this, stop saying such things. Jewish don't do this to their own.  Things like that just don't happen to people like us.  

The story is told in many points of view, from each of the main players in the story. Their story actually begins more than 30 years ago and brings you into the present day. It allows you peek into their world, what they were doing, feeling, what was happening to each of them.  I thought it may get confusing, but as the story was unfolding, it just flowed beautifully. You could see how each character actually interpreted different things in their own way, how 2 people could see the same situation on totally different sides of the spectrum.  You could see each character growing and evolving, what made them into the people they had become.  

The story has some dark moments, and touches on some difficult and uncomfortable topics.  Reading those, yes it was uncomfortable, I am not going to lie. But it's important that things like this are talked about, and not hidden and shoved under the rug.  Abuse happens in our society, in all society, whether it's talked about or not. It makes you think, how many are putting on the 'beautiful family' facade and are living with these horrors? 

I really enjoyed this story and how it was written. I couldn't figure out all of the slang, but it really adds to the characters and story for me. (note there is a glossary, at least in the ebook that does explain a lot! I found that after I'd finished the book)  It brought out a multitude of feelings from me... joy, anger, disgust, sadness, satisfaction.. my emotions were on a roller coaster, and I enjoy book that can do this, that can make me feel for the characters.  It's a book that makes you think, and reflect on our world and what happens in it.   

I would definitely recommend this book, but not to anyone that is younger (language and subject matter is most assuredly an adult topic) or someone who has a lot of difficulty reading about abuse.  It's truly a memorable story, and I am looking forward to reading the next book by this author! 

Review: A Grand Murder by Kate Lucky

Available Now! 

In Canada

In US

In UK

I like reading cozy mysteries that have a different theme than the 'norm'  In Kate Lucky's debut cozy novel A Grand Murder, the main character, Sammy Young is piano tuner who runs her own business not only tuning pianos, but repairing
and restoring them as well.
 
When Sammy is accused of murder, her business begins to suffer, so she decides that it's up to her to find out who the real killer is.  Things aren't always as they seem in this book, and there are some fun, quirky characters along with a few creepy ones!

Definitely a little bit edgier than some of the other cozies I've read, there are some really great moments (I won't spoil them, you've got to read for yourself!) and I often found myself laughing out loud. I look forward to see what's next in store for Sammy and her friends!

If you're looking for a cozy that has just a bit more edge (think different settings and maybe some unlikely allies) but still all the elements that makes a cozy a cozy, then this series just may be for you!

I received an ARC of this book for an honest and unbiased review.  

Review: Two Down, Bun To Go by H.Y. Hanna

Now Available!

In Canada

In US

In UK 

(If you missed my reviews of the previous 2 books in the series, you can find them HERE and HERE)

If you are looking for a fantastic cozy mystery series to read, look no further! 

Two Down, Bun To Go is the third installment of the Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series by H.Y. Hanna.  

Right from the start, you are drawn into the book with Hanna's excellent story telling, well rounded characters and laugh out loud moments.  

Gemma gets a strange late night phone call from her friend, Seth... begging, pleading with her to help him.  Of course she has to help Seth, they've been friends forever!  As it turns out, Seth ends up being arrested for murder (but.. he could never commit murder... or... could he??) and who ends up being assigned to the case, none other than  CID Devlin O'Connor!  Gemma begins looking for clues to the real murderer (no matter what Devlin says!) and of course the "Old Biddies" are there to lend a helping hand.  Gemma has her hands full, with Museli getting into mischief, trying to find a new baking chef for the tearoom, trying to solve a murder mystery all while trying to figure out her love life since she's caught between two wonderful men.  

This series just gets better and better with each book. As usual, I was completely drawn in to the story and loved revisiting some of my favourite characters.  I really do love the "Old Biddies" and can picture them holding court in Gemma's tearoom.  The relationship between Gemma and her mother is hilarious as ever and doesn't disappoint.  As for the mystery, I wasn't able to piece together the whodunnit until quite late in the book, and there isn't a shortage of suspects or twists to keep you wondering. There were some moments where I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen, it got pretty intense!  During the entire book, I was wanting to read faster to see what was going to happen, all the while wanting to read slower because I didn't want it to end. Another fabulous book!  

I recommend this to anyone who loves a good cozy mystery, you will not be disappointed! I look forward to the next installment in the series. 

Thank you to H.Y. Hanna for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  

Monday's Minutes

Happy Monday! 

Hopefully everyone enjoyed their weekend! I read some really great books this week, and started a few more. These days it's rare for me to have at least 2 books on the go.  I'll be writing reviews of these books and have them posted soon! I also got approved for 3 more books on NetGalley... it's so addictive!

I'm also a crafter.. I don't talk about that much, but I got one of my yarn orders in the mail and I'm so excited to get to working on a few projects that I've been looking at! It's hard when you have more than one addiction, but hey.. books and knitting... can't go wrong there :) One of these days I'll start another blog for that addiction... but reading is still my number one hobby! 

So, this week I'm hoping to get a few more books read for my reading goal of 100 books this year.. I'm a few books ahead of schedule thankfully! I also plan on working on the blog a bit more, and getting my reading challenges updated to see where I stand on some of them. I am currently doing 3 challenges... there was 4 but, I kind of let one of them fall to the wayside. 

Hope you all have a great week! Don't forget to follow my blog so you don't miss any of the good stuff! 

Great Giveaway Alert: Storytellers Unlimited 4/11/16

Hello friends! 

I stumbled upon this great giveaway while I was on Facebook today. Over on the Storytellers Unlimited website, they are giving away a Kindle Fire and 35 ebooks ! What a great way to find some new authors, and who wouldn't love to win a new Kindle? 

To enter the giveaway, you just have to

 click HERE

Good luck to everyone that enters!  

Friday Funday!

Sorry I couldn't resist :) 

It's Friday! What are your reading plans for the weekend? I have 3.. yes 3! books on the go, so I am hoping to get them finished this weekend, or at least 2 of them.  One of my favourite authors also has a book coming out to her review team, and I just happen to be on it ;) So I am looking forward to receiving that book! 

Other than of course reading, I'll also be spending some time at the rink and hopefully getting some spring cleaning started... though.... my books just might distract me! 

What are your plans this weekend? Hope it's a great one!