Showing posts with label Christin Brecher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christin Brecher. Show all posts

Monday, October 24, 2022

Photo Finished by Christin Brecher

 Photo Finished

Book Summary

While some people escape into books or music, Liv Spyers escapes through her camera’s lens, which inspires her to jump into things she might otherwise have no business tackling—like moving to New York City. Hustling to make her dreams come true as a portrait photographer, she runs a pocket-sized studio below her grandparents’ West Village brownstone and key shop, where she also lives and works part-time. All of which still has her down to the end of her savings as the holidays approach. Everything changes in a flash, however, when elite events photographer, Regina Montague, invites Liv to shoot with her at New York City’s most exclusive socialite event of the year—the Holiday Debutante Ball!
Liv snaps at the opportunity, convinced that a job with Regina will launch her career. But when her fabulous new gig ends with the murder of billionaire Charlie Archibald, her dream job may never develop with Regina framed for murder. Once Liv begins to focus on her photos from the ball, she’s convinced they reveal Charlie Archibald’s real killer. Now, between cracking the world of high society—and the attentions of a handsome stranger—Liv must hustle once again to expose the killer . . . before she gets cropped from the picture!

My Thoughts

Photo Finished by Christin Brecher is the debut of A Snapshot of NYC Mysteries.  Liv Spyers has just opened a photography studio in New York City under her grandparents locksmithing store.  Liv gets a big break when photographer Regina Montague comes needing a key.  Liv overhears Regina complaining about a photographer who quit at the last minute.  Liv gets hired to take photographs at the Holiday Debutante Ball.  Unfortunately, the evening ends with billionaire Charles Archibald dead and Regina the prime suspect.  Liv does not believe that Regina killed Charles despite how it looked at the time.  Liv uses her keen eye for detail to help her focus in on the killer.  

Photo Finished is a cute story.  Liv Spyers is an acquired taste (she grows on you).  We get to learn more about Liv as the story progresses.  Also, Liv’s personality comes alive as we delve deeper into the story.  I like her lively and friendly Italian family.  Her grandmother is a dear. The mystery was interesting.  It was complex in some ways yet simple in another.  There are a number of suspects who were present at the ball.  Liv actively investigates the whodunit.  She asked questions, looks over her photographs, and searched for clues.  I enjoyed the tension filled reveal.  I like how everything tied together (the clues are there throughout the book, but the trick is to spot them).  Liv had help from her new friend, Harry.  There is a smidgeon of romance in the story.  I am glad that the author kept it to a minimum in this first installment.  We get to meet some other interesting characters that include Bernie and Manjeet.  The author did a good job at setting the stage in Photo Finished.  It will be interesting to see what Liv stumbles into next time.  Photo Finished is a snappy whodunit with a lost camera case, a big break, a clothing calamity, the body of a billionaire, a fixated detective, a helpful Harry, and a photo finish.

Photo Finished will be out on Tuesday, October 25 and it can be preordered from Amazon*.  You can follow Christin Brecher on Amazon to receive updates when she has a new book release.  Thank you so much for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Happily Ever Amish by Shelley Shepard Gray.  It is the debut of The Amish of Apple Creek.  I hope that you have a happy day.  I am off to do a little housework (as little as possible) before laying down to relax (and hopefully get a nap). My neighbor decided to blare rock music all weekend which meant I had severe migraines (the nasty type where you cannot stand any type of light, being vertical, and get extremely nauseous).  Unfortunately for me, music is a migraine trigger for me.  I am glad the rock festival is over (probably because the community manager is back).  Are you ready for Halloween?  It is almost here!  I am hoping to win the best decorated house in our community.  I decided to add another decoration or two (I could not help it there was a blank spot).  I will share more pictures soon.  Take care and Happy Reading!


Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Wednesday, September 23, 2020

15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher: Review & Giveaway!

15 Minutes of Flame 


A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery 


by Christin Brecher


About 15 Minutes of Flame

 

  15 Minutes of Flame (Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery) 

  Cozy Mystery 

  3rd in Series 

  Publisher: Kensington (August 25, 2020) 

  Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages 

  ISBN-10: 1496721438 ISBN-13: 978-1496721433 

  Digital ASIN: B082WR2LH6 

 

As Stella Wright’s Nantucket candle store thrives, her knack for solving mysteries burns equally bright—especially when a Halloween haunted house uncovers evidence of a centuries-old murder . . .

   When Stella’s friend inherits a creaky, abandoned home in Nantucket, she knows it’s the perfect setting for the town’s annual Halloween fundraiser. A deserted, boarded-up building on the property—once used as a candle-making shop—adds to the creepy ambiance. But as Stella explores the shack’s dilapidated walls, she discovers a terrible secret: the skeleton of a Quaker woman, wrapped in blood-soaked clothing and hidden deep within a stone hearth . . .

While police investigate, Stella wastes no time asking for help from friends with long ties to Nantucket’s intricate history. The key to the murder may lie within a scorching 18th century love triangle that pit two best friends against one another over a dubious man. But before the case is solved, another life will be claimed—leaving Stella to wonder who in Nantucket is friend, and who is foe . . .


About Christin Brecher

Christin Brecher was born and raised in NYC, where her family and many childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a small-town girl as any. The idea to write the Nantucket Candle Maker series sprang from her life-long connection to the small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child, Christin read from her family’s library of mystery novels, after which she began to imagine stories inspired by the island’s whaling heyday, its notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach. After many years in marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children, Murder’s No Votive Confidence is Christin’s debut novel. Visit her at www.christinbrecher.com.

Author Links






My Thoughts


15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher has Stella Wright helping the local Girl Scout troop with their Halloween Haunts fundraiser which will be held at Morton house.  Stella goes into what the girls dubbed The Shack to find a “Cooper’s Candles” sign.  When Stella removes the sign, she finds a carved-out space behind it with a skeleton dressed in a Quaker clothing.  She quickly calls Officer Andy Southerland.  Anthropologist Dr. Robert Solder and his assistant, Leah Paik from Boston University soon arrive to examine the remains.  The skeleton ties to an old scandal and another skeleton at the bottom of a well.  Exploration of the site leads to a modern murder.  Stella works to solve both crimes with the aid of her friends. 

15 Minutes of Flame is the 3rd novel in A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Christin Brecher upped her game with 15 Minutes of Flame.  Stella Wright owns Wick & Flame on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.  It is interesting learning about unique candles and how to make them in each book.  This time Stella teaches the Candleers how to make clock candles.  I enjoyed the word imagery describing Nantucket Island especially the Morton house.  I can understand why Stella loves the beautiful old home.  Stella is a likeable and relatable protagonist.  She is a clever, friendly, kind, and brave.  Stella stands up for herself and her friends.  She is quick to notice details and discern clues.  Stella also has a knack for getting people to talk which is helpful in her investigations.  There are a variety of quirky characters including Old Holly, Agnes, Jameson Bellows, and Brenda Worthington.  The mystery was fascinating.  I like how the modern mystery weaves effortlessly with the historical one.  There were a variety of suspicious suspects.  There are some great twists as well.  It was fun following Stella as she worked to solve the two whodunits.  Who does not love a mystery that involves a treasure map?  There was a good wrap up of both mysteries with the exception of one little detail (I cannot say because it would be a spoiler).  The ending was satisfying and just what I had hoped would happen.  15 Minutes of Flame is my favorite book so far in this series.  I am eager for Stella’s next adventure.  15 Minutes of Flame is a delightful whodunit with clock candles, scary skeletons, a tumbling tree, a missing map, creepy cobwebs, and a curious candlemaker.   

15 Minutes of Flame is available from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Google Play, and IndieBound.  The other two novels in A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series are Murder No Votive Confidence (ebook currently $1.99 on Amazon) and Murder Makes Scents.  As part of the tour, the author is giving away five (5) ARC copies of 15 Minutes of Flame (sorry, but U.S. residents only).  You can enter by clicking here or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Do not forget to leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  The graphics I used today are of clock candles which Stella teaches a class to make in 15 Minutes of Flame.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I must say that I am not a fan of the new Blogger interface.  It is not as user friendly as the previous version.  It is not as easy to insert pictures or HTML. If there are any errors, I apologize. I will be back tomorrow with Secrets of the Railway Girls by Maisie Thomas.  It is the 2nd book in The Railway Girls series.  I hope you have a happy day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Participants


September 15 – Socrates Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT 

September 15 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT 

September 15 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT 

September 16 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, RECIPE

September 16 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
September 17 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST 

September 17 – Reading Authors Network – SPOTLIGHT 

September 17 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

September 18 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW 

September 18 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT 
September 18 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

September 19 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

September 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW 

September 19 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – GUEST POST 

September 20 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST 
September 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW 

September 20 – Hearts & Scribbles - SPOTLIGHT 

September 21 – eBook addicts – REVIEW 

September 21 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

September 21 – Baroness' Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT 
September 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 

September 22 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW 

September 22 - Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

September 23 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
September 23 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

September 23 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
*This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher: Review & Giveaway!


Murder Makes Scents

Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery


by Christin Brecher

About Murder Makes Scents

Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (February 25, 2020)
Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1496721411
ISBN-13: 978-1496721419
Digital ASIN: B07R6P9Z8M
Stella Wright loves creating candles at her Nantucket store—and she also has a burning passion for justice. Now, after visiting a perfume conference, she must solve a vial crime . . .

Stella and her globe-trotting mom, Millie, have come home from a perfume industry conference in Paris, where their trip was marred by witnessing the stabbing death of a young man. It’s a relief for Stella to be back on her picturesque island, with the comforting company of her cat, Tinker. But lingering danger may have followed them back across the ocean.

After someone breaks into her candle store, the Wick & Flame, Stella starts feeling spooked. And just as things threaten to ignite, Millie suffers a blow to the head. Stella receives an anonymous note claiming that her mother smuggled a secret formula out of France—and threatening her life if it isn’t returned. Now Stella’s picked up the scent of a cold-hearted criminal and an intriguing puzzle, and things are about to get wicked . . .
Nantucket Island Main Street (where Wick & Flame is located)

About Christin Brecher

Christin Brecher was born and raised in NYC, where her family and many childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a small-town girl as any. The idea to write the Nantucket Candle Maker series sprang from her life-long connection to the small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child, Christin read from her family’s library of mystery novels, after which she began to imagine stories inspired by the island’s whaling heyday, its notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach. After many years in marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children, Murder’s No Votive Confidence is Christin’s debut novel. Visit her at www.christinbrecher.com.
Paris Luxury Candle Boutique Shop Review: Cire Trudon
Cire Trudon is candle shop Stella visited in Paris (open since 1643)

Author Links


Amazon – https://amzn.to/2P9JzSj
(3542) Make Your Own Silicone Mold From Caulking & Dish Soap! - YouTube
Stella has a class on making your own silicone molds
Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher has Stella Wright with her mother, Millie in Paris for The World Perfumery Conference.  Before Millie gives her talk, they stop so she can check her materials one more time.  A commotion breaks out and Stella sees a man with a knife in his back.  Stella later learns that the killer was after sensitive information, but he eluded the gendarme.  Millie and Stella return to Nantucket Island where Stella notices a woman on a yacht watching them through binoculars as they depart the ferry.  Unable to sleep that night (Millie snores and hogs the bed), Stella heads to her shop to catch a cat nap with Tinker.   Before she drifts off, she can hear the bell on the door.  Someone had been in her shop, but Stella has no clue what they were after. While trying to escape the affectionate Tinker, Millie gets injured which requires an overnight stay at the local hospital.  The next morning, Stella finds a threatening note on her door.  The person wants a formula hidden in Millie’s special bag or they will harm Stella’s mother.  Stella intends to unravel this malodourous puzzle and catch the guilty party.  Murder Makes Scents is the second book in A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone if you have not picked up Murder’s No Votive Confidence.  I like the characters and the setting of Nantucket Island.  The story moved along steadily, and I liked the action that kept things lively.  The mystery was unique for a cozy mystery which I just loved.  There was intrigue, mysterious individuals, a special formula, international espionage and action.  Your ability to solve this whodunit depends upon your sleuthing level.  I like the humor sprinkled throughout (I love a book that makes me laugh).  Tinker was a hoot.  The author captured how a cat behaves perfectly especially when they know someone does not wish to be their friend.  There is a side story involving Stella’s thirtieth birthday and the possibility that her beau might ask a certain question.  There is an excerpt from 15 Minutes of Flame, the 3rd A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery, at the end along with a recipe and discussion on making your own candle molds.  Murder Makes Scents is an engaging cozy mystery with a funny formula, mold making masterclass, curious clues, a perplexing prowler, and a comical cat.
Candlemaking Class
Murder Makes Scents is available at Amazon*, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, BAM, IndieBound, Hudson Booksellers, and Google Play.  Murder's No Votive Confidence is the first A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery.  15 Minutes of Flame is the third A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery and it releases on August 25, 2020. You can pre-order it now through Amazon.  Would you like to win a copy of Murder Makes Scents?  You can enter the giveaway to win one of three print copies of Murders Makes Sense (Sorry, but U.S. Only).  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment on my blog for an extra entry.  Visit the other stops on the tour (schedule below) to read an excerpt from the book, other chances to win, and candle tips. Good Luck!  There are numerous videos on Pinterest and YouTube on how to make your own silicone molds.  I cannot wait to experiment (remember ventilation is important).  Thank you for joining me today.  I will be featuring Eternity Springs:  The McBrides of Texas:  Tucker by Emily March tomorrow.  I hope you have a creative day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Tour Participants


February 24 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

February 24 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

February 24 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW

February 25 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 25 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

February 25 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 26 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 26 – TBR Book Blog - REVIEW

February 26 – Christy's Cozy Corners – GUEST POST

February 26 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews - REVIEW
These colorful candles in the shape of eggs add a delightful touch to any Easter display. Molded in actual egg shells and dyed with crayons, they're surprisingly easy to make.
A handmade molded candle (perfect for Easter)
February 27 – eBook addicts – REVIEW

February 27 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 27 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

February 28 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

February 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

February 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

February 29 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

February 29 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW

March 1 – Gimme The Scoop Reviews - REVIEW, CANDLE TIPS PAGE

March 1 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW
Make your own candles using cookie cutters
March 1 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – The Book's the Thing - REVIEW

March 2 – Diary of a Book Fiend – REVIEW

March 2 – Socrates Book Reviews - REVIEW

March 2 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*

March 3 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 3 – The Book Diva's Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 4 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

March 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 4 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
Three Women Read in Paris | Etsy
*This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Murder No Votive Confidence by Christin Brecher: Review & Giveaway!


Murder's No Votive Confidence

(Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery)
by Christin Brecher


About the Book 

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Kensington (June 25, 2019)
ISBN-10: 149672139X
ISBN-13: 978-1496721396
Digital ASIN: B07HVYJNRD

Nantucket candle store owner Stella Wright specializes in creating unique candles for every occasion. But someone sets the stage for murder when a Memorial Day celebration becomes a wedding to die for . . .

Jessica Sterling’s candlelight-themed nuptials promises to be the perfect kick-off to the summer’s first official holiday weekend. Stella’s thrilled to have been chosen to provide the decorative centerpiece for the wedding ceremony: a two-foot-tall scented unity candle—a symbol of the happy couple’s love. But it looks like the bride-to-be’s uncle won’t be walking his niece down the aisle after he’s found dead. The murder weapon is Stella’s seemingly indestructible candle, now split in two.

When a beloved local bartender is arrested, Stella’s sure a visiting police captain running the case made a rush to justice. With superstitious brides-to-be canceling orders and sales waxing and waning at her store, the Wick & Flame owner decides to do some sleuthing of her own. Abetted by a charming reporter and challenged by the town’s sexiest cop, Stella’s determined to shine a light on the truth and uncover a killer who’s snuffing out her own flame.

About the Author

Christin Brecher was born and raised in NYC, where her family and many childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a small-town girl as any. The idea to write the Nantucket Candle Maker series sprang from her life-long connection to the small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child, Christin read from her family’s library of mystery novels, after which she began to imagine stories inspired by the island’s whaling heyday, its notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach. After many years in marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children, Murder’s No Votive Confidence is Christin’s debut novel. Visit her at www.christinbrecher.com.
Classy Girls Wear Pearls: Nantucket Weekend

Author Links

Proclaim your love with amazing unity candles! A candle lit wedding is sure to impress your guests while staying under budget!

My Thoughts

Murder’s No Votive Confidence by Christin Becher is the first A Nantucket Candle Maker Mystery.  Stella Wright owns Wick & Flame on Nantucket Island.  She has been commissioned by bride-to-be, Jessica Sterling to create candles for her wedding including a one-of-a-kind unity candle.  On the day before the wedding, the unity candle is found broken on the floor next to Jessica’s uncle, Simon Sterling.  Someone took the candle and bashed in the man’s head (talk about crime of passion).  When family friend, Bill Duffy is arrested by a visiting police chief for the murder, Stella sets out to find the real killer.  I thought Murder’s No Votive Confidence was nicely written and it had steady pacing.  The story is told from Stella’s perspective.  I like the lovely setting of Nantucket Island.  The author provides beautiful descriptions of the island flora and fauna, the shops, homes and, of course, the ocean.  Stella is an affable character who prefers comfort clothes over fancy (much to her friend’s distress), a wee bit clumsy and has a contingent of cousins (I like Kate who forbade the others from cursing—good for her).  The secondary characters are introduced with the barest of details.  I am sure we will learn more about Stella and the others as the series progresses.  I especially want to know more about the Candleers (Stella’s candle class students).  I love that Stella is a candlemaker and I hope we get more information on the process of creating candles in future books.  Stella provides some helpful candle tips and her creations sound lovely.  The mystery was interesting with a unique twist.  While I could identify the killer early in the game, I was curious to know more.  I had questions and I wanted the answers.  Tinker, Simon’s cat, was a great addition to the book.  I like how he was involved in the investigation.  I enjoyed Christin Becher’s debut cozy mystery and I look forward to reading more of this engaging new series.  Murder’s No Votive Confidence is a delightful new cozy mystery that has a scenic setting, a nosy newspaperman, a nervous bride, a meddling mama, a mysterious feline, handcrafted tapers, and one determined amateur sleuth.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Murder's No Votive Confidence is available at the following online retailers:  Amazon, B&N, Kobo, BAM, IndieBound, Hudson Booksellers, and Google Play.  The next novel in this series is Murder Makes Scents which comes out February 25, 2020.  To win a print copy of Murder's No Votive Confidence (sorry, but US only), enter via the Rafflecopter form below or click here.  Good Luck!  Visit the other stops on the tour for character guest posts, reviews, excerpts, character interview, candle making 101 notes and author interviews (schedule below).  Thank you for visiting today.  I will be back tomorrow with my review of A Patchwork of Clues by Sally Goldenbaum.  Take care, stay cool and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader


Tour Participants


July 8 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

July 8 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 8 – Books Direct – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

July 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

July 9 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

July 9 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST

July 9 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  

July 10 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 10 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 10 – The Avid Reader  REVIEW

July 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 11 – Author Teresa Watson – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

July 11 – Babs Book Bistro - Candle Making 101 Notes Post

July 12 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW  

July 12 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW

July 12 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

July 13 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT

July 13 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

July 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

July 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 15 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

July 15 – The Book Diva's Reads – CHARACTER GUEST POST

July 15 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

July 16 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

July 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

July 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

July 17 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW, GUEST POST  

This is at the top of my summer to do list. Sand at my feet and a book in my hands, true happiness.