Blueberry Bungalow by Konnie K. Viner: Recipe and Giveaway!

 Blueberry Bungalow

About the Book

Book: Blueberry Bungalow

Author: Konnie K. Viner

Genre: Fiction (Christian mystery/romance)

Release date: November 10, 2021

It’s been a year since Maci Driscoll’s husband passed unexpectedly, and she is stuck in lonely despair. As an established painter, she finds her inspiration and artistic spark is gone. In a desperate attempt to step out of her funk, Maci sells her seaside home and moves inland to a sleepy little town in Maine.

But peace and inspiration aren’t the only things she finds in Laurel Hill. The century home she buys has secrets to divulge, a long-lost couple to reunite, a murder to solve, and maybe even new love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Konnie Viner is also the author of Amaryllis Journey, a 2020 Golden Scroll fiction book of the year award winner. She writes to encourage women with the assurance of God’s love and faithfulness in difficult life experiences. Her first published book is Rested Soul, Resilient Heart, Finding Hope in the Storms of Abuse and Betrayal (2017),. She holds a BS in Education from the University of Kansas and an MS in Business Management from the University of Redlands, CA. Konnie cherishes time with her three grandchildren. Her hobbies include photographing God’s beautiful creation, quilting, and reading.

More from Konnie

Blueberry Bungalow, a 2022 Selah Award Finalist, is a cozy mystery set in the blueberry fields of Maine, Recently widowed and struggling, Maci Driscoll moves from the seaside of Maine to quiet little Laurel Hill to escape the past and figure out who she is without her beloved husband. Never did she expect to find a long-lost letter, solve a decades-old murder, or fall in love, but she does.

Maci's Blueberry Pie Recipe

Crust

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

1 cup unsalted butter, cold

½ cup water

Filling

4 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

Glaze

1 egg, beaten

coarse sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425º and place a rack in the middle of the oven.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.

Add the butter and mix it into the flour using two knives or pastry blender.

Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together.

Remove the dough from the bowl and shape into 2 equal balls, flattened into discs.

Wrap each in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.

When ready, unwrap the dough and allow it to warm up for a minute or two.

Lightly flour your surface, then roll one disc into a circle until its large enough to fit into the pie plate with an inch of overhang.

Fold the dough into fourths, then place carefully in the pie dish.

Unfold and smooth into the dish, dressing the crust however you choose (crimping, fluting, or my favorite, just pressing into it with a fork).

Fill with the blueberry filling, then roll out the remaining disc of dough and cover the blueberries entirely, making sure to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

Lightly brush the top crust with a beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to  350º and bake for an additional 45-55 minutes.

Keep an eye on the pie.

If the crust begins to brown too quickly, tent the pie with foil.

If the filling begins to bubble, you may also wish to place a baking sheet on the rack below the pie to catch any drips.

Remove from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool.

Serve warm.

My Thoughts

Blueberry Bungalow by Konnie K.Viner is a sweet Christian romance.  I liked the characters in the story.  I thought the characters were realistic and relatable.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the charming small town, Maci’s bungalow, the pond, and the blueberry festival.  I thought the author captured Maci’s emotions.  Maci has been a widow for a year and needs to move away from all the memories.  She found a cute bungalow in a nearby town that she makes her own.  Maci is a talented artist who has not picked up a paint brush since her husband’s death.  The new setting sparks her creativity.  Maci begins painting once again.  The author painted vivid descriptions of Maci’s artwork.  I could imagine them from the word imagery.  The romance between Maci and Wade played out nicely.  I like that they started off slow allowing time for them to get to know each other.  

There are two side storylines.  Maci has a wall taken down on the main floor of the bungalow.  The carpenter, Bill finds a letter from 1965.  Maci is taken with the contents of the letter and sets out to get the letter to its intended recipient.  An eighteen-year-old girl was found drowned in the pond behind Maci’s home approximately twenty years ago.  The case was never solved.  Maci learns that Wade had been dating the victim and had been questioned by the police. When new evidence is found, it looks like the case might finally get a resolution.  Maci also spends time reading the journals of the wife of the original owner of the bungalow (it was a general store at one time with a post office).  This woman’s journey might help Maci rediscover her faith.  I enjoyed the epilogue that nicely wrapped up Blueberry Bungalow.  Secrets, healing, forgiveness, love, and faith are some of the themes in Blueberry Bungalow.  We get to see that forgiving someone helps both parties not just the person being forgiven.  We get to see that God never forsakes us or leaves us.  He is always there for us when we need Him.  Blueberry Bungalow is a charming Christian tale with beautiful bungalow, plein air painting, a lost letter, a cold case, a nosy neighbor, a tender romance, and God’s goodness.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Konnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and signed copy of book!! Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here to enter.  Good Luck!

Blueberry Bungalow is available from Amazon*.  You can find Konnie Viner's other novels here. Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on Monday with The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  I have some indoor chores to take care of this weekend.  My closet needs some organization.  My hanging clothes are in order (summer in one section and winter in another with the clothes organized by color).  I need to organize the shoes, blankets, sheets, and other items that are in the closet.  Who knows what I will find in there!  Do not forget to enter the giveaway and leave a comment for an extra entry in the contest.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 1

An Author’s Take, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5

Inklings and notions, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

deb’s Book Review, July 8

The Avid Reader, July 9

Blogging With Carol, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 12

Pause for Tales, July 12

Florida Blueberry Festival

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 14

Book Looks by Lisa, July 14

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow

 Death by Bubble Tea

Book Summary

Two cousins who start a food stall at their local night market get a serving of murder in this first novel of a delicious new cozy mystery series by Jennifer J. Chow, author of Mimi Lee Gets a Clue.

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it’s a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn’t cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine’s career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she’s just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.

Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine’s surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They’re quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit—literally—when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they’ll be serving is time.

My Thoughts

Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is the debut of LA Night Market series.  We meet Yale Yee who lives in Los Angeles, and her cousin, Celine who is visiting from Hong Kong.  Yale’s father asks the pair to run his stall at the Eastwood Village Night Market which will feature some items that Yale has wanted her father to add to the menu of the family restaurant.  Yale will do the food and beverages while Celine will be in charge of marketing and decorations.  After a bumpy start, the evening turns out to be a hit.  As Yale is walking home, her cart hits an obstacle near the fountain.  It turns out to be a dead woman.  Yale later learns that the victim has visited their stall at the market and purchased a drink. Yale and Celine find themselves at the top of the suspect list because Celine added gold flakes to the drink (without letting Yale know).  The two cousins must work together if they are going to clear their names and restore the reputation of the Yee family restaurant.

I like the concept for Death by Bubble Tea.  There are few cozy mysteries that feature people of Asian descent.  There are mouthwatering food descriptions (I really need to find a good Chinese restaurant in my area).  I was not a fan of either main character.  Yale and Celine are opposites.  Yale avoids technology while Celine posts pictures of food and drinks on Instagram.  Celine likes fashionable clothes and high-end everything.  Yale is happy to wear comfortable clothing and work in the local bookstore.  Yale loves books which I can relate to, but she is also a bit of Debbie downer.  She is still mourning the loss of her mother and feels that her mother’s death was her fault.  The reason why Celine had to depart Hong Kong was silly in my opinion.  I did not feel it warranted banishment.  The mystery had several suspects along with misdirection.  The clues are subtle.  You never know what detail might be important.  The mystery can be solved before the reveal for those who are avid armchair sleuths.  I liked that there was a complete wrap up.  I did feel that the medical examiner should have been more on the ball.  I know it is fiction, but there does need to be realism. Certain details did not track with the supposition.  I was not a fan of Yale’s old high school rival.  He is an obnoxious jerk (Yale should have told his mother what he was doing).  I found the pacing of Death by Bubble Tea to be slow courtesy of the overly detailed descriptions.  I liked Yale’s sweet father.  He is a good man with a big heart. It was interesting learning about the night market.  It sounds like quite a festival with the food, costumes, games, and socializing.  Death by Bubble Tea was a mixed bag for me.  Death by Bubble Tea is a culinary cozy with a brilliant beverage, night market magic, a poisoned ninja, a nasty nemesis, a determined detective, enticing nibbles, and a cold killer.

Death by Bubble Tea is available from Amazon*.  I suggest you download a sample of Death by Bubble Tea so you can judge the book for yourself.  While it was not a good fit for me, others love it.  That is the beauty of books!  You can find Jennifer J. Chow's other novels here.  If you follow Jennifer J. Chow on Amazon, you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring Blueberry Bungalow by Konnie Viner.  There will be a recipe for blueberry pie as well as a giveaway.  Please stop by tomorrow to check it out.  I hope that you have a uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen

 Listen to Me

Book Summary

Mothers know best . . . But who will listen?

Boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles are newly plagued by what seems like a completely senseless murder. Sofia Suarez, a widow and nurse who was universally liked by her neighbors, lies bludgeoned to death in her own home. But anything can happen behind closed doors, and Sofia seemed to have plenty of secrets in her last days, making covert phone calls to traceless burner phones. When Jane finally makes a connection between Sofia and the victim of a hit-and-run from months earlier, the case only grows more blurry. What exactly was Sofia involved in? One thing is clear: The killer will do anything it takes to keep their secret safe.

Meanwhile, Angela Rizzoli hasn’t had a decent night’s sleep in all the years since her daughter became a homicide detective. Maybe the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree: Nothing in Angela’s neighborhood gets by her—not the gossip about a runaway teenager down the block and definitely not the strange neighbors who have just moved in across the street. Angela’s sure there’s no such thing as coincidence in her sleepy suburb. If only Jane would listen—instead she writes off Angela’s concerns as the result of an overactive imagination. But Angela’s convinced there’s a real wolf in her vicinity, and her cries might now fall on deaf ears.

With so much happening on the Sofia case, Jane and Maura already struggle to see the forest for the trees, but will they lose sight of something sinister happening much closer to home?

My Thoughts

Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen is the thirteenth novel in the Rizzoli and Isles series.  I have not read any of the previous books in the series, but I have watched every episode of the television series.  This knowledge allowed me to read Listen to Me.  Listen to Me is an engaging story.  The story is told from Amy, Angela, Maura, and Jane’s point-of-view.  It did take me a little bit of time to adjust to the alternating POV.  It does allow readers to see things from each character’s perspective.  There are a couple of different storylines in the book.  There is the murder of nurse, a nineteen-year-old hit by a car, a missing teen, and Angela Rizzoli is worried about her mysterious new neighbors.  I enjoyed following the various stories and seeing how it all came together in the end.  There are some twists along the way (some expected and other are not).   

The characters are realistic and developed.  I enjoyed learning more about Jane Rizzoli, Angela Rizzoli, Barry Frost, and Maura Isles.  Vince is out of town taking care of his sister, but we get to interact with him through phone conversations with Angela.  The mystery was well-plotted.  I thought it was cleverly done.  I enjoyed the challenge (it was a fun whodunit to solve).  There are good clues to help readers identify the guilty party.  It was great how all the various parts came together.  I thought there was a good reveal and wrap-up.  Jane’s mother, Angela is certainly a busy body.  I would not want her in my neighborhood.  She knows everybody’s business (and if she does not, she will make it her mission to learn it).  Angela is a spunky woman.  I like that Angela is with Vince.  I am glad that I picked up Listen to Me.  It has good characters and a thought-out mystery that makes for an enjoyable reading experience.  Listen to Me is an intriguing mystery with a hit-and-run misfortune, a curious stalker, a slain nurse, new neighbors, a meddlesome mother, baffling burglaries, an absent teen, a marvel of a medical examiner, and a dedicated detective.  

Listen to Me is available from Amazon* (available in kindle, hardcover, and audiobook).  You can find the other Rizzoli & Isles novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today and reading my book review.  Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is on deck for tomorrow.  It is the debut of the LA Night Market series.  I am heading off to put away the Fourth of July decorations (unfortunately, the inflatables do not roll up themselves).  I also need to switch out my garden flags for the summer themed flags (I could fill two large totes with garden flags).  I can start planning my Halloween display (I go all out for Halloween).  I need to decide whether to go cute or scary.  I did cute last year because there was a two year old living across the street.  I hope that you have a blissful day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin

 The Warmth of Sunshine

Book Summary

Abigail’s Amish life has always followed a certain path . . . until an Englisch woman disrupts all she’s known to be true.

Growing up Amish, Abigail Bontrager often felt like a square peg in a round hole. Her pie crusts always turned out tough. Her stitches always ran crooked. She was clumsy. Not ideal for an aspiring Amish wife and mother, but her faith and love of her family, which are so much more important, are solid. Plus, her relationship with the attractive and kindhearted Owen Kurtz is moving in the right direction.

Owen is part dreamer, part entrepreneur. His friendship with Abigail has gradually blossomed into a sweet and loving courtship. Inspired by the hope of a future with the girl of his dreams, he decides to take the next step in building a business of his own—in the promising new industry of growing sunflowers.

When an outsider claiming to be Abigail’s birth mother abruptly enters her life, Abigail’s world comes crashing down. Confused and upset, she is determined to discover who she really is. Her journey of discovery leads to the possibilities of a new life waiting for her in the Englisch world. But is this new life really worth giving up everything and everyone she’s known? How can Abigail and Owen follow their hearts—and God’s plan—when these new paths now lead them into the unknown?

In this second book in the Amish Blessings series, bestselling and award-winning romance novelist Kelly Irvin shares an inspiring story of following your heart while trusting God to lead you into your future.

My Thoughts

The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin is a touching Amish tale.  Abigail Bontrager has her life turned upside down when she learns that she was adopted.  Her birth mother, Heather shows up at the family farm wanting to get to know Abigail. Abigail is confused and no longer knows who she is.  Abigail decides to visit her birth mother and siblings in Abilene to see if it can provide clarity.  Abigail hopes that God will lead her down the right path.  I thought The Warmth of Sunshine was well-written with developed characters.  I like Kelly Irvin’s engaging writing style.  I was drawn into the story and just wanted to keep reading.  I cannot imagine what Abigail was feeling after discovering that she was adopted.  She has always felt like she did not fit in since she struggles to accomplish the normal female tasks (cooking, baking, etc.).    Abigail’s cookies could break a tooth.  I thought the author did a wonderful job at portraying Abigail’s emotional and her mental state after this revelation.  

We also meet Owen who has been courting Abigail.  He works for his father’s metal shed construction company, but Owen prefers farming.  He wants to grow sunflowers as a cash crop on his father’s land, but Owen’s father is not keen on the idea.  When Abigail departs for Abilene, Owen is left wondering if she will return to Haven.  Owen’s father is also courting a local widow.  It looks like he will be proposing soon which means a new stepmother and five new siblings.  The story is told from Abigail and Owen’s point-of-view in alternating chapters.  I found the pacing to be a little on the slow side as Abigail decides what to do and then visits her birth mother.  There are good life lessons in the story.  Everything happens for a reason.  God has a plan that will unfold according to His schedule (not ours). The Warmth of Sunshine is a story about hope, love, family, friendship, and faith.  It is the second book in the Amish Blessings series, but it can be read as a standalone.  The Warmth of Sunshine is a poignant Amish tale with an unexpected announcement, baffling feelings, bewildering birth family, crop conundrum, displeased parents, and a gracious God.

The Warmth of Sunshine is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Amish Blessings series is Love's Dwelling.  Every Good Gift will be the third book in the Amish Blessings series and it will be out February 7, 2023. You can find Kelly Irvin's other novels here.  Thank you so much for visiting today.  I will be back tomorrow with Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen.  It is 13th novel in the Rizzoli & Isles series.  I hope that you have cheery day.  Take care, stay cool (it is so hot), and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Hidden One by Linda Castillo

 The Hidden One

Book Summary

The discovery of an Amish bishop's remains leads chief of police Kate Burkholder to unearth a chilling secret in The Hidden One, a new thriller from bestselling author Linda Castillo.

Over a decade ago, beloved Amish bishop Ananias Stoltzfus disappeared without a trace. When skeletal remains showing evidence of foul play are unearthed, his disappearance becomes even more sinister.

The town’s elders arrive in Painters Mill to ask chief of police Kate Burkholder for help, but she quickly realizes she has a personal connection to the crime. The handsome Amish man who stands accused of the murder, Jonas Bowman, was Kate’s first love. Forced to confront a painful episode from her past, Kate travels to Pennsylvania’s Kishacoquillas Valley, where the Amish culture differs dramatically from the traditions she knows. Though Bishop Stoltzfus was highly respected, she soon hears about a dark side to this complex man. What was he hiding that resulted in his own brutal death?

Someone doesn’t want Kate asking questions. But even after being accosted and threatened in the dead of night, she refuses to back down. Is she too close to the case—and to Jonas—to see clearly? There’s a killer in the Valley who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried. Will they get to Kate before she can expose the truth? Or will the bishop’s secrets remain hidden forever?

My Thoughts

The Hidden One by Linda Castillo is the fourteenth novel in the Kate Burkholder series.  It can be read as a standalone as the author provides Kate’s background information for new readers.  You will be missing out though if you do not read this series from the beginning.  Kate travels from Painter’s Mill, Ohio to Belleville, Pennsylvania where elders from an Amish community paid her a visit.  Kate’s first love, Jonas Bowman has been arrested for murder.  Ananias Stoltzfus, the bishop of the community, disappeared eighteen years ago.  His remains were found two months ago in a farmer’s field along with a gun.  The gun belongs to Jonas.  Jonas and Ananias had been at odds at the time of the bishop’s disappearance.  Kate travels to Pennsylvania to see if she can prove Jonas’ innocence. 

I thought The Hidden One was well-written with realistic, developed characters.  I like that we get to learn more about Kate’s past.  I did miss Painter’s Mill and Kate’s significant other, John Tomasetti.  I like how the author portrays the Amish people.  We see them as they are (not sugarcoated).  There are explanations for the way they live and how they do things.  The mystery was intriguing (I love solving the mystery before the reveal) and well-plotted.  It is a cold case which makes it more of a challenge.  I liked all the action in the story.  Someone did not want Kate to find out the truth.  You can tell that they do not know Kate (she is tenacious).  There are clues to help readers solve the crime (if you pay close attention).  People were judging Jonas for his past actions and not the man he is now.  There was one piece of the puzzle that gave me the answer to this clever mystery.  I enjoyed the suspenseful reveal.  The books ending was sweet.  I enjoyed reading The Hidden One. This is one of my favorite books in the series.  I am looking forward to Kate’s next adventure.  The Hidden One is a revealing suspense novel with a confusing cold case, an old love in jail, a beau’s birthday, meaningful memories, perilous incidents, and one curious Kate.

The Hidden One is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other thirteen Kate Burkholder novels here. You can follow Linda Castillo on Amazon in order to receive updates on her latest book releases.  Some other books that were released today are A Cold Nose for Murder by Jennifer Hawkins, The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin, Listen to Me by Tess Gerritsen, and Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow.  I appreciate you stopping by today and reading my review.  I hope that everyone had a fun and safe Fourth of July weekend.  I learned how to use an automotive battery charger.  I needed to pick up a prescription.  I got in the car and nothing happened.  I was able to hook this device up to the car battery and get it charged enough to get to Autozone.  They were very nice and helpful.  They installed the battery for me.  I was on my way within twenty minutes.  I am glad that my brother-in-law told me to get that device for my car. It also helps maintain it (since I do not go out often). I will return tomorrow to share my thoughts on The Warmth of Sunshine by Kelly Irvin.  It is the second book in the Amish Blessings series.  I hope that you have a happy day. Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Happy Fourth of July!

 Happy Fourth of July!

I hope that you have a happy and safe Fourth of July!  

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Brush with Murder by Gail Langer Karwoski

  A Brush with Murder

Book Summary

Jane Roland and her painter friends are enrolled in a watercolor retreat at the picturesque Gardens and Horses Resort. They're looking forward to a week of sun-drenched landscapes, sleek racehorses, art instruction, and — best of all — laughter and conversation.

Out for their first stroll, the women discover a dead thoroughbred in the pretty reflecting pool. Next evening, they find the handsome young stable man in the horse watering trough. Surely, there's a link between them?

When a painter from their workshop goes missing, Jane realizes that her class notes are valuable clues to catch the culprit in this light-hearted cozy mystery.

My Thoughts

A Brush with Murder by Gail Langer Karwoski has three women from Georgia heading to a painting retreat at the luxurious Gardens and Horses Resort.  After checking in, the ladies decide to explore the grounds.  They look in the reflecting pool to see a dead thoroughbred.  Their plein air watercolor retreat begins the next day.  One of the men from the stables agrees to give them a tour at the end of the day.  The ladies arrive at the stables to find the man dead in a horse trough.  Jane Roland believes the two cases are connected.  She takes the class roster and begins keeping detailed notes about each person.  When one of their fellow classmates turns up missing and is later found in the lake, Jane feels her observations could help catch the culprit.  

A Brush with Murder is the debut of A Watercolor Mysteries.  The author provides a Class List at the beginning of the book (a list of all the characters).  There are a number of characters so it can be difficult to keep them all straight.  The author is a detailed descriptive writer.  She likes to tell you what each person looks like (hair coloring, demeaner, clothing) as well as descriptions of the gardens, artwork, food, etc.  This type of detail does slow down the pacing of the story.  The book moves at a leisurely pace as the characters enjoy the watercolor class, tour the grounds, eat their meals, and socialize.  The mystery is not at the forefront of the story.  I wish it had been more prominent (with Jane searching for clues).  The death of the horse was disturbing, and it happened in the first chapter.  The details gave Jane and her friends nightmares as well as me.  There are several suspects, but one individual stands out.  I struggled to finish A Brush with Murder.  The pacing is so slow plus (I am sorry) it was boring.  There was no action or lively activity.  I did find some details to be off (when you find yourself saying that they never mentioned this or when did this happen you know something is off or left out).  A Brush with Murder is more cozy than mystery.  I liked that the main characters were older (in their 60s).  It is nice that they are close friends, so they know each other’s quirks and habits.  One of my favorite characters was Maggie, a fifteen-year-old with a domineering grandmother.  Maggie is a talented artist who loves horses.  A Brush with Murder is a lighthearted tale with plein air painting, gorgeous gardens, a retreat romance, suspicious passings, health happenings, essential notes, and a curious watercolorist.

A Brush with Murder is available from Amazon*.  If you are a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read it for free.  You can find Gail Langer Karwoski's other novels here. Thank you for dropping by today and reading my review.  Tonya Kappes has Rangers, RVs, and Revenge out today.  It is the 26th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  Amazon Prime Day is two days this year.  On July 12 and 13, there will be great deals available on Amazon.  That will be a good time to join Amazon Prime (I love the free shipping).  I am taking the next few days off to relax (aka reover) and enjoy the Fourth of July holiday. I have overdone it and I am having a flare up of my fibromyalgia (which means I am in a dark, cool room that is quiet where I can be in pain in peace).  It is my fault for doing too much (I know better than to overdo it).   I will return on July 5 with The Hidden One by Linda Castillo.  It is the 14th A Kate Burkholder Novel of Suspense.  I hope that you have a fun and safe Fourth of July.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.