Merry Christmas!
I hope that you and your family have a very special day. I hope that you got the books you wanted from your wish list. It is a great day to spend relaxing, spending time with family, watching holiday movies, and/or reading a new book. Take care, be safe, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
Christmas with the Bobby Girls
Book Summary
My Thoughts
Christmas with the Bobby Girls by Johanna Bell is the third novel in The Bobby Girls. I recommend reading this historical series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters. I have enjoyed getting to know Maggie Smyth, Poppy David, and Annie Beckett. Christmas with the Bobby Girls focuses on Annie. She is finishing her wedding preparations. Annie cannot wait to become Richard’s wife. Annie’s world shatters when she receives devastating news. She crawls into her childhood bed and stays there. It takes a special visitor to get Annie back into the world and patrolling the streets with her friends. Annie spots a figure from the past while walking the beat with Maggie and Poppy. She becomes determined to investigate the person so she can put an end to their corruption. It is a risky case which excites Annie. She does not want her best friends to know what she is doing, which results in a few white lies. Will Annie be able to catch her quarry?
I thought Christmas with the Bobby Girls was
well-written with great characters. It
is great catching up with Maggie, Annie, and Poppy. They have a strong friendship. War is still raging on in 1915. Bombs are being dropped on London and wounded
soldiers are returning home for treatment.
As Christmas approaches, Londoners are determined to make it a jolly occasion. The author creates a rich atmosphere. She gives us just the right amount of detail. I thought she captured the time period very
well. There is quite a bit going on in
this story which I liked. I have enjoyed
getting to know more about the WPS.
These women were brave. They
worked hard with little gratification.
The men on the force did not want them nor did they feel they were
needed. The ladies worked hard to prove
themselves. I do not know how they withstood
the uniforms in the heat. There is actually very little Christmas in this story. I would have liked a little more of that
element. Christmas with the Bobby Girls is
a tale that will have you quickly turning the page to see how the story turns
out. I am looking forward to the next
book in The Bobby Girls series. Christmas with the Bobby Girls is a compelling story with bursting bombs, a final
fitting, painful news, agonizing grief, an intense investigation, firm friends,
and a cheery Christmas.
Christmas with the Bobby Girls is available from Amazon*. You can find the first two books in The Bobby Girls series here. You can follow Johanna Bell on Amazon so you can receive updates on her latest book releases. Thank you so much for stopping by today. This is my last post until January 3, 2022 when I will share an excerpt from Buried Cold Case Secrets by Sami A. Abrams. I hope that each of you have a very Merry Christmas and that you receive many wonderful new books from Santa. My mother always made sure we had at least one book under the tree. Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The
Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mrs. Morris
and the Ghost of Christmas Past
Charlene Morris and parents are dining at Bella’s in Salem, Massachusetts. It is a charity dinner to raise funds for Felicity House. After an awkward moment involving envelopes, David Baldwin (the restaurant’s co-owner) starts acting odd. He takes off running outside where he is hit by a car which promptly takes off. David has just won the lottery which had people coming out of the woodwork with their hands out. He has a wife who was enjoying the riches, but she is also has a boy toy on the side. Charlene sets out to dig up the truth. She is also trying to raise funds so the kids at Felicity House can have a happy holiday since someone decided to put the kibosh on a donation. Can Charlene wrap up the mystery before Christmas Eve?
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past by Traci Wilton is the third novel in A Salem
B&B Mystery series. I would suggest
reading the series in order. I found
myself a little confused for the first couple of chapters (and I have read Mrs. Morris and the Ghost). There were so
many characters introduced that I found it hard to keep everyone straight (it
gets better after the first couple of chapters). We get to meet Charlene’s parents who are in
town for ten days (and Charlene is counting down the days). I like Charlene’s father, but her mother is a
piece of work (a real negative nelly). I
just love Jack, the resident ghost of the bed and breakfast. He is handsome, kind, caring, thoughtful, and
amusing. Jack pulls some humorous
pranks. I love the setting of
Salem. It is a wonderful town rich in
history. I enjoy the vivid descriptions
of the area as well as Charlene’s beautiful bed and breakfast. Charlene actively investigates the
hit-and-run. She asks questions and
happens to overhear some pertinent information.
There is a red herring or two along with plenty of suspects. I liked the mystery. You need to pay close attention to the clues
if you are to identify the guilty party.
I do not know why Sam bothers to tell Charlene to stay out of the
case. He should know by now that she is
not going to do it. I love how Jack
helps Charlene work through the clues. I
would like to see more of Jack in future books (he needs to work on his
jealousy though). There is a great Christmassy
atmosphere in the story. I thought it
was wonderful what Charlene is trying to do to help Felicity House. Overall, an enjoyable and entertaining cozy
mystery (except for Charlene’s mother).
Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is a charming whodunit with flavorful
pasta fagioli, a deadly hit-and-run, a glum mum, a jealous Jack, a dearth of
donations, a handy new helper, and a Happy Holiday!
Kris
The Avid Reader
Snow Angels
Snow Angels by Nadine Dorries takes
us to Liverpool, England in the 1950s at St. Angelus Hospital. Emily Horton and her husband, Dessie cannot
wait to finalize the adoption of Louis. Emily
is busy teaching the student nurses during the day and gets assistance from the
staff at St. Angelus in the care of Louis. Someone, though, does not like how
Louis is being raised and decides to take action. Emily told a lie that could have devastating
consequences. Mrs. Duffy loves her job
as housekeeper to the ladies who live in the Lovely Lane nurses’ home. It is getting harder for her to get up each
day and her memory is not as sharp as it once was, but she has no intentions of
retiring. Matron hires Gracie
Botherwaite as Mrs. Duffy’s assistant and Mrs. Duffy is not happy. Victoria is pregnant and her due date is
close to Christmas. She is determined,
though, to attend the Christmas festivities at St. Angelus with her
friends. The snow starts falling heavily
as they make their way to Liverpool and Victoria starts feeling
uncomfortable. A woman turns up one
night at the Seaman’s Stop asking for a room.
Malcolm Coffey reluctantly allows her to stay. She says she needs to be close to St. Angelus
and people see her outside the gates frequently. It looks like it will be an eventful Christmas
for the staff at St. Angelus.
Snow Angels by Nadine Dorries is the fifth novel in The Lovely Lane Series. I like the authors engaging writing style (like having a conversation with a friend) which drew me into the story. I suggest reading The Lovely Lane series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines since each book in the series builds upon the previous. There is a great cast of characters. I find them realistic and relatable. Most of them are friendly, but there is one or two squeaky wheels. The story concentrates on Sister Emily Horton and her husband, Dessie. They have loved Baby Louis since he came to the hospital and his adoption is very close. I like how the story unfolded and how it all came together at the end. We do get to catch up with the rest of the nurses. I liked getting to know Gracie Botherwaite. She is only fourteen years old, but she is very mature for her age. I like that she did not take any guff from her father. Gracie has great potential and I am sure that the staff at St. Angelus will help her achieve it. Teddy regrets his actions and misses Dana. He wants a chance to explain and see if they can find a way to move forward. Snow Angels is such a sweet story. It has its ups and downs just like real life. The ending is bittersweet. Snow Angels is a gratifying story that will delight fans of The Lovely Lane series.
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Christmas Card Murder contains three cozy mystery novellas by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart. I like to read holiday themed stories as it gets closer to the holiday. Christmas Card Murder by Leslie Meier has Lucy Stone finally getting something she has dreamed of for years—a master bathroom. It is about time. While removing a wall, Bill finds a Christmas card with a nasty message. Lucy begins digging into the past to learn who received the card and the reason for the message. Also, a murderer is up for parole, and it has the community up in arms. I love visiting Tinker’s Cove, Maine. I like Lucy Stone who is a hardworking mother, wife, and reporter. The mystery was different and there was suspense in the story as well. There is also humor and warmth. Death of a Christmas Carol by Lee Hollis has the newspapers Christmas party taking a downturn when they receive a nasty missive from Carol Waterman, the town flirt who later turns up dead. Hayley sets out to bag the guilty party before Santa comes to town. This was a humorous story that fans of the series will enjoy. The mystery was simple, but it suited the length of the novella. Peggy Ehrhart gives us Death of a Christmas Card Crafter which has Pamela and her knitting group searching for the individual who killed the high school’s art teacher. There are nice characters in this series. I enjoy the descriptions of the yarn and their projects. I did find the pacing to be on the sluggish side. The mystery was different. The whodunit took a backseat to eating, the detailed descriptions of the character’s clothing, knitting, and the endless conversations. The resolution was drawn out and it felt like it came out of left field. These novellas are best read by those who are familiar with the series. I enjoyed learning more about Christmas cards and their history in Christmas Card Murder. You can read one or all three of these holiday cozy mysteries.
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes is the 10th A Killer Coffee Mystery. Roxy is looking forward to the holidays in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner with the proceeds benefiting the Pet Palace, their local SPCA. At the Bean Hive, Roxy will be providing coffee and dessert. The day of the progressive dinner, the woman providing the appetizers has to bow out after breaking her ankle. Loretta is quick to step in, but her food is the last thing Aunt Maxi wants served. Aunt Maxi comes up with a plan to save the day. Before the guests can move on to the main course, a body is found on the beach. Loretta and Aunt Maxi are at te top of the suspect list. The pair declare a truce until the case is solved. They are relying on Roxy to sift through the clues and produce the killer. Can Roxy serve up the guilty party before her Christmas dinner?
Spoonful of Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Everything you need to know is included. Christmas is quickly approaching which means plenty of activities in Honey Springs. Aunt Maxi dreamed up the progressive dinner which has Roxy providing coffee and dessert. Roxy is looking forward to the Paw Parade and the other fun activities. She is also hosting dinner at the Bean Hive for family, friends and anyone who wishes to attend. Spoonful of Murder is an amusing cozy mystery with Aunt Maxi and Loretta up to their old tricks. Loretta wants to provide the appetizer for the progressive dinner which has Aunt Maxi (and many others) in an uproar. There is no one that wishes to eat Loretta’s cheese balls. I like the characters in this series. They are relatable and realistic. Honey Springs is a typical small Southern town where gossip spreads faster than butter on hot pancakes. I noticed a continuity issue or two in the book which I hope will get corrected. The mystery was uncomplicated. There was a lack of suspects which made it a cinch to identify the wrongdoer. There are good clues in the story and Roxy is good at obtaining information. The puppy up for adoption at the Bean Hive stole the show. He is a cutie pie. I wanted to bring him home. There is a special surprise at the end that will delight fans. Spoonful of Murder is a lighthearted tale with a precious puppy, delectable coffee, cheese ball bedlam, a merry mystery, a crafty killer, a resolute Roxy, and a cheery Christmas.
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Christmas Candy Corpse
Courtney Archer is a filming a holiday version of The American Baking Battle at Coal Castle Resort. There is tension on the set as Shannon Collins, a judge for the baking competition, and the assistant director, Kinzy Hummel clash. Courtney has noticed that Shannon has put on some weight and her attitude has taken a nosedive. Courtney is unable to get Shannon to talk about what is bothering her. When Kinzy is found strangled with one of the aprons from Shannon’s new apron line, she becomes the prime suspect. If Courtney wants to save her new show, she needs to clear Shannon. She will need to be careful, or Courtney will end up being the next victim.
Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross is the third A Courtney Archer Mystery. I
recommend reading the series in order.
It is the best way to get to know the characters and their
relationships. Christmas Candy Corpse is
an easy-to-read story. It moves at a good
pace. There are numerous sweet temptations mentioned that will have you heading
for your local bakery. I liked the challenges that has the characters doing
treats to represent past, present, and future.
The past sweet treats featured two items that many people will not have
heard of or tasted (divinity and anise candy).
I thought the author created an authentic experience of a television
baking competition. I was not a fan of
the references to Shannon’s weight gain.
I knew there was a good reason for it, and it was not because she had
developed a sweet tooth. I like how
Shannon’s friends rallied around her when the truth was revealed. The mystery was simple. I knew who would die and who did the deed
before the crime occurred. I kept hoping
for a good twist to surprise me. Some of
Courtney’s theories regarding the murder were half-baked. I like how the method of murder tied back to
Shannon and the show. I enjoyed the
holiday atmosphere. Christmas cozies are
always fun to read and get me into spirit of the season. Christmas Candy Corpse is a lighthearted tale
with sweet treats, an apron argument, an imperious mother, holiday happenings, a
mounting midriff, a mysterious murder, and a curious chef.
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
My Thoughts
Amy Webber Muir is the library director in Taylorsford, Virginia. She is enjoying married life with her husband, Richard who is being with the upcoming arts festival. Aunt Lydia stops by and mentions that her best friend, Zelda Shoemaker has not been herself. Aunt Lydia gets a call for help from Zelda, and they rush over. They find a woman dead in Zelda’s gazebo, and she looks eerily like Zelda. The evidence mounts up against Zelda putting her at the top of Chief Deputy Brad Tucker’s suspect list. Amy must use her skills to help clear Zelda’s name before she ends up in the hoosegow.
Renewed for Murder by Victoria Gilbert is the sixth A Blue Ridge Library Mystery. It can easily be read as a standalone for those new to the series. There is a diverse cast of characters in this series. They are developed and relatable. I have enjoyed getting to know the people of Taylorsford. It is a charming Southern town that appreciates books and the arts. The mystery was well plotted. There are several suspects in this whodunit that could have committed the murder. Amy is busy researching the background of each suspect in the hopes of finding a clue. She enlists help from her friends in obtaining information since the case seems to tie back to the 1970s. The whodunit is a bit convoluted, and I thought the reveal dragged on a little too long. There seemed to be no urgency to solving the crime. The pace of the story was languid (it needed an injection of action). There are clues to help readers solve the crime. You just need to pay attention and piece it all together. The mystery is completely resolved at the end. There are plenty of cozy moments with relatives and loved ones. It is good to see Richard and Amy happy together. Aunt Lydia is enjoying time with her beau as is Sunny. There might even be a special someone for Zelda if they can clear her of this pesky murder charge. Renewed for Murder ends on a high note with a lovely ending. Renewed for Murder is a charming whodunit with a bothered best friend, a dead doppelganger, curious clues, a choir congregation, a lovey dovey duo, a fun festival, and a mysterious murderer.
Renewed for Murder is available from Amazon*. You can find the other A Blue Ridge Library Mysteries here. The digital version of Shelved Under Murder and Bound for Murder are on sale (they were on sale when I wrote this post but the prices are subject to change without notice). You can find all of Victoria Gilbert's novels here. I appreciate you stopping by today. I will return tomorrow with Christmas Candy Corpse by Rosemarie Ross. It is the 3rd A Courtney Archer Mystery. I hope that you have a peaceful day. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!
Kris
The
Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Dreamer: Harlequin Winter Blog Tour
FALLING FOR THE BALDASSERI PRINCE by Rebecca Winters (on-sale Jan.25, Harlequin Romance): Two feuding families…one redeeming love. Vet Francesca has started a new life in the Baldasseri’s kingdom. But she’s hiding a sensational secret—she’s really a Visconti princess! And the Viscontis have been feuding with the Baldasseris for generations… When handsome Prince Vincenzo Baldasseri brings his dog in for treatment, there is a powerful connection between them from the get-go! Dare Francesca reveal the truth? And is their love strong enough to overcome all their obstacles?
About the Author
Rebecca Winters
lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. With canyons and high alpine meadows full of
wildflowers, she never runs out of places to explore. They, plus her favorite
vacation spots in Europe, often end up as backgrounds for her romance novels
because writing is her passion, along with her family and church. Rebecca loves
to hear from readers. If you wish to e-mail her, please visit her website at:
www.cleanromances.net.
Excerpt
Much
as he’d wanted to take her to a restaurant, he didn’t want to create publicity
until the news of his broken engagement had circulated and died down. For now,
this kind of excursion would have to do. Despite saying goodbye to Karl, he
couldn’t remember the last time he’d been this relaxed and happy. She’d made
all the difference.
Once
he’d driven her to the apartment complex, he shut off the engine and turned to
her. “I want to thank you for helping me get through this day.”
“To
be honest, it helped me too,” came her unexpected response without looking at
him. “I find I’m attached to all my patients, especially ones that look like
my last dog. Karl headed the list. Daniel says I need to toughen up, but I have
a feeling there’s no cure for it.”
Every word out of
her mouth enchanted him. He had to see her again. “Since you told me Daniel
asked you to watch some videos on the Biosphere Reserve, I thought you
might be interested in meeting the
biologist who used to work with Dr. Zenger. The conservation board is meeting
Tuesday evening at the information center here in Zernez. The chief ranger of
the park will be speaking.”
“I
would absolutely love it!” she exclaimed without hesitation. “I was envious
when Daniel told me Dr. Zenger helped take care of some of the animals up
there. What time does this meeting start and I’ll drive over.”
“Seven
o’clock. The information center consists of three buildings. The meeting will
take place in the Planta-Wildenberg castle. I’ll look for you there.”
“Thank
you so much for giving me the opportunity, and for the dinner.” She started to
get out of the car.
“It
was my pleasure. See you there.”
He
waited until he could see she was safely inside her apartment, then he left for
home with a new excitement. Only three more days before he saw her again.
Kris
The Avid Reader
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
