Have you ever?

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? As someone who loves to read... I've often wondered what it would be like to be an author, able to tell wonderful stories with quirky characters, solving mysteries and getting themselves out of trouble. I think it would be fun, the whole process with coming up with the plot, developing each character and weaving their fates together...  Someday maybe I will travel down that road, but for now I am lucky enough to be able to read some amazing stories by some very talented authors, and to be able to review their wonderful stories.

I was surprised and honoured the other day to find out that one of my reviews of a recent book that I've read by H.Y. Hanna called "A Scone To Die For" (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, Book 1) was sent out in her newsletter along with excerpts of her book. I was reading her newsletter (of course I'd subscribed to it while I was reading her book, I wanted to make sure I didn't miss any of her new works!) when I came to the part where she had posted a couple of reviews of her book I thought "whoa wait, I wrote that!"   I'd reviewed her book on my blog as well as on the website Goodreads.  It's so exciting to know that the author of a book that you've really enjoyed has read what you've written about it, enough to share it with others!

I think that it's important that if you like a book that you are reading, that you write about it and let the author know how much you are enjoying it. I'm sure they will appreciate it!  Feedback is important to an author, to let them know the good and the bad.  Be tactful, and be kind with your feedback. It's okay to say you don't like something, it's all in how you say it. Just remember, authors are people too!  

And now it's time on this blustery snow day to get some more reading done... My TBR (to-be-read) pile is huge and I've got a mountain of pages to read, new stories to find with and characters to fall in love with.  What are you reading today?

Review: The Useful Book: 201 Life Skills They Used To Teach In Home Ec And Shop by David Bowers and Sharon Bowers

I received this book from NetGalley for an honest and unbiased review. 

Publish Date: May 3, 2016

Great book full of lots of tips and tricks for pretty much anything and everything! Though I don't necessarily agree with everything that's listed (some of these things just don't work for me, I have my own way to do them and that's okay!) there are some pretty handy skills listed here, along with some things I really had no idea of! I can see me going back to this book often. I like the recipes that they have in the cooking section especially, along with the check lists and DIY projects.  Plus... it teaches how to fold a fitted sheet... I mean, come on, we all need that! 

I would definitely recommend this book! 

Review: A Girl's Guide To Moving On by Debbie Macomber

I received an advanced copy of Debbie Macomber's 

A Girl's Guide To Moving On from NetGalley for an honest and unbiased review

Publish Date: February 23rd, 2016

When Nichole discovers that her husband, Jake, has been unfaithful, the illusion of her perfect life is indelibly shattered. While juggling her young son, a new job, and volunteer work, Nichole meets Rocco, who is the opposite of Jake in nearly every way. Though blunt-spoken and rough around the edges, Rocco proves to be a dedicated father and thoughtful friend. But just as their relationship begins to blossom, Jake wagers everything on winning Nichole back—including their son Owen’s happiness. Somehow, Nichole must find the courage to defy her fears and follow her heart, with far-reaching consequences for them all.

Leanne has quietly ignored her husband’s cheating for decades, but is jolted into action by the echo of Nichole’s all-too-familiar crisis. While volunteering as a teacher of English as a second language, Leanne meets Nikolai, a charming, talented baker from Ukraine. Resolved to avoid the heartache and complications of romantic entanglements, Leanne nonetheless finds it difficult to resist Nikolai’s effusive overtures—until an unexpected tragedy tests the very fabric of her commitments.

Debbie Macomber has a talent for introducing us to characters that speak to us. We care for these characters, for their well being, and want to know what happens to them even after the story is over.  This is the 2nd book in the "New Beginnings" Series, and again she does not disappoint! 

It follows sister Nichole along with her ex mother-in-law, Leanne. I love how each of the ladies' stories is told by them, in the first person narrative.  Leanne and her daughter, as she still calls Nichole, really support each other through the tough times. This is a wonderful story about women supporting each other, redemption, reinventing yourself and your life, and the hope of finding new love.  Some of my most favourite moments in this book are between Leanne and Nikolai. Lots of tender moments, understanding, and Nikolai's understanding (or misunderstanding I should say) of some sayings really brought a smile to my face. 

Another fantastic read by Debbie Macomber. Even though I was given this novel to read as an e-book to review, I will still be purchasing for my collection. I have yet to read one of her books I haven't liked! 

Review: The Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum by Kirsten Weiss

I received this book as an advanced reader copy from NetGalley for a true and unbiased review. 

Publish Date: March 8, 2016

When Maddie Kosloski’s career flatlines, she retreats to her wine-country hometown for solace and cheap rent. Railroaded into managing the local paranormal museum, she’s certain the rumors of its haunting are greatly exaggerated. But a new ghost may be on the loose. A fresh corpse in the museum embroils Maddie in murders past and present.

With her high school bully as one of the officers in charge, Maddie doubts justice will be served. When one of her best friends is arrested, she’s certain it won’t be.

Maddie grapples with ghost hunters, obsessed taxidermists, and the sexy motorcyclist next door as outside forces threaten. And as she juggles spectral shenanigans with the hunt for a killer, she discovers there truly is no place like home

This is a fun to read cozy mystery by Kirsten Weiss.  This is the first book that I've read by this author and I'm sure it will not be the last! Weiss has created some very interesting characters who are charming and quirky.  The Paranormal aspect of the story is subtle and the reader isn't beat over the head with it, it blends all together nicely for a very interesting first book. The mystery itself kept me guessing, and I was wrong in who I thought did it, but eventually once it was revealed, made perfect sense.  

I'm very interested to see how things develop and how some secrets will be revealed in the future releases in this series. I'm definitely a fan! 

Review: A Scone To Die For (An Oxford Tearoom Mystery) by H.Y. Hanna

Publish Date: January 22, 2016

I absolutely loved this book! 

This is one of, if not THE, best cozy mysteries I have read. The descriptions of places and people are fantastic. As I read the story I could picture being there, sitting in the tearoom, or in the University.  The characters are developed really well. The relationships are explored and explained... characters aren't popping in for the sake of needing a character. (I love the descriptions of the exasperation that Gemma has with her mom and always forgetting her ipad password, it's bang on!) 

The mystery is well played out, and kept my mind going the entire time. It wasn't obvious until it was revealed (to me anyway) and I like that in a book.  And that little kitty, Muesli.... awww  I didn't want to put this book down!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series! 

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.. and I'm so glad I was!