Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg

 Something to Look Forward To

Book Summary

A tapestry of joyful and startling interconnected stories that celebrate how people from all across America cope with adversity and unexpected changes in a confusing world—from the beloved New York Times bestselling author of Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Fannie Flagg once said that what the world needs now is a good laugh. And that is what she gives us in these warmhearted, always surprising stories about people who are finding clever ways to deal with the curveballs life sometimes throws at us.

Velma in Kansas, a loving great-grandmother, struggles to bridge generational gaps with her family. We cheer for Helen, in Ithaca, New York, who takes an audacious course of action when her husband leaves her for a younger woman. In Bent Fork, Wyoming; in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; in Tucson, Arizona; and in towns and cities all across America, people figure out inventive ways to overcome obstacles to happiness. And in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Special Agent Frawley is studying the mysteries of being human from an original perspective.

With her imagination, humor, and great understanding of the human heart, Fannie Flagg holds a mirror up to the foibles, ingenuity, and imagination of people, inspiring us to laugh at the sometimes eccentric, sometimes brilliant ways people cope with, and ultimately prevail over, the challenges of modern life.

My Thoughts

Something to Look Forward To by Fannie Flagg is a collection of thirty character driven short stories.  The stories vary in length and many of them are interconnected.  My favorite involves Velma who is eighty-three years old and lives in Cottonwood, Kansas.  She loves her granddaughter and great-granddaughter dearly, but they live in California.  Velma is always asking them to visit, but the granddaughter always has a reason why they cannot.  Velma is very upbeat and finds joy in the simplest things (such as a field of blooming flowers or her chickens).  I had to crack up at Velma’s comments on modern ideas (they/them through her for a loop).  I was a tad disappointed at how Velma’s story ended.  Some of the stories were better than others. There was one that I just loved.  The woman was certainly clever. The alien story did not go with the rest of the collection (it was different).  Most of the stories, though, had endearing characters, warmhearted humor, and homespun wisdom in true Fannie Flagg style.  I liked how she captured the small joys, everyday struggles, and people’s quirks.  Fannie Flagg shows us with the stories in Something to Look Forward To that life can be funny, a little messy at times, sometimes odd, but full of good people and love.  

Something to Look Forward To is available from Amazon*.  You can find Fannie Flagg's other novels here.  If you follow Fannie Flagg on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols.  I am off to run a couple of errands.  While I can get most items delivered, there are one or two that I cannot (and I really tried). 

Here is a duck update. The ducks are growing up so fast.  They have doubled in size.  They are now too big to swim in the water dish, but they are tall enough to reach the plants in my raised garden beds (I had a discussion with Mama Duck about it).  They are also at the stage where they play.  They are fun to watch.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, stay cool (our air conditioner is having a hard time keeping the house cool against the record temperatures--102 degrees is too hot), and Happy Reading!

Kris 

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

 A Christmas Duet

Book Summary

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of becoming a professional songwriter, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of spending Christmas with her family and dodging her mother’s meddling questions about her love life.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her the use of her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo holiday retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in the small town of Podunk, Oregon, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin has been invaded by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the son of the town’s main store proprietor—and an incredibly handsome and charming former musician to boot—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.

My Thoughts

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber is a sweet holiday tale.  I look forward to reading Debbie Macomber’s new holiday tale each year.  I found A Christmas Duet easy to read with steady pacing.  I like how a racoon provided an entertaining meet-cute between Hailey and Jay. I understood why Hailey did not want to spend the holidays with her ex-boyfriend with her mother pressuring her to get back together with him.  However, I thought the background details were lacking.   Had the mother always been this overbearing?  I wanted more information to explain why Hailey would abandon her family for the holidays.  There was plenty of Christmas spirit in the story as well as romance.  I did feel the romance was a little rushed (instant attraction). 

There were a couple of items that were mentioned that were out of place.  I did not know how the townspeople could love Hailey if they did not know her.  The story could have used more depth.  It felt more like a novella than a novel.  That does not mean that I did not enjoy A Christmas Duet.  It is a cute story with some feel-good moments.  A Christmas Duet, though, is not on par with Debbie Macomber’s previous Christmas stories.  A Christmas Duet is a happy holiday tale with a domineering mother, a brash ex-boyfriend, a helpful friend, a marauding racoon, domestic drama, singing songs, cutting down a tree, and unforeseen blessings.

A Christmas Duet is available from Amazon*.  You can find Debbie Macomber's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return on  Tuesday, October 22 with A Courtship for the Amish Spinster by Vannetta Chapman. It is the fifth book in the Indiana Amish Market series (Eunice's story). I am off to fill out more paperwork and make more calls regarding our home (Hurricane Milton damage).  My mother and I were very lucky compared to others (we could have been swept out with the tornado).  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Joy by Danielle Steel

 Joy

Book Summary

When she is only six years old, Allegra Dixon’s party-loving mother leaves without so much as a goodbye. Her father, an emotionally distant military officer, is also unable—or unwilling—to care for her. Sent to live like a ghost in her grandparents’ joyless home, Allegra finds her only solace through an escape into books.

Attending boarding school, life finally takes a turn when she meets a dashing young West Point cadet named Shep Williams. Soon their friendship blossoms into something more, and they fall deeply in love. 

After college, Allegra has established herself as a book editor and Shep is rising through the ranks of the military. But then Shep suddenly receives a posting to Afghanistan, and they decide to marry before he goes. Between his deployments, they cling to their brief and fraught stolen moments together. Each time he leaves, Shep promises the separations will soon come to an end. 

But soon Allegra realizes that the horrors of war have begun to change her husband into a man she no longer recognizes. The trauma he has experienced proves to be too harrowing, and Allegra will find herself feeling utterly alone again just when she thought she’d finally found happiness.

In her new novel,Danielle Steel tells the unforgettable story of a woman who refuses to give up until she finds the joy she deserves.

My Thoughts

Joy by Danielle Steel tells the story of Allegra Dixon, a resilient woman, who leads a lonely, sad life.  The story is easy to read, and it is just the right length (256 books).  If the repetitive details were removed, it would be even shorter.  Despite the title, Joy is a depressing story.  It does become better near the end when it ends abruptly.  I wish that the story was not so predictable (nor so dismal).  There were some small bright spots, but they were fleeting.  I was not a fan of the cheesy and abrupt ending. Joy is not what I would consider an escapist novel (not a story that you wish to read at the beach or while lounging by the pool).  My favorite line from Joy is, “It took courage to hang to on joy, and determination not to lose it.  The bad people and the bad times made one grow stronger and appreciate joy even more when one found it again, still intact, its light shining even brighter than before.”  While Joy was not joyful, I am looking forward to reading Danielle Steel’s next novel.  I have been reading this author’s books since I was twelve and I am not about to stop now.  

Joy is available from Amazon*.  Danielle Steel has Triangle coming out October 1, Trial by Fire on November 19, and Never Say Never on January 7, 2025.  If you follow Danielle Steel on Amazon, they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I will return tomorrow with Keeled Over at the Cliffside by Nancy Stewart.  It is the debut of the Saltcliff Mysteries.  I hope that you have a positive day!  Sorry to dash, but I have someone knocking on my door. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own. 

*This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader.

Second Act by Danielle Steel

 Second Act

Book Summary

In this gripping novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a top Hollywood executive seeks a new beginning when his career takes an unplanned turn.

As the head of a prestigious movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy Westfield has had every conceivable professional luxury: a stunning office on the forty-fourth floor, a loyal assistant who can all but read his mind, access to a private jet and company cars. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy always put his career before his marriage, and now, besides his daughter and young grandchildren, it’s the only thing he truly loves.

But then Andy’s world is upended. The studio is sold, and the buyer’s son demands the top seat. Out of a job and humiliated, Andy spirals. When his head clears, he decides to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible until the dust settles and he can find a new way forward.

Andy signs a six-month rental agreement for a luxurious home in a tiny, forgotten coastal town two hours from London. When he arrives, he hires a local woman to help get his affairs in order. A former journalist, Violet Smith is at a crossroads as well, and this temporary job is exactly what she needs to tide her over. But when Violet leaves the manuscript of her unfinished novel behind after work one day, Andy lets his curiosity get the best of him and is captivated by a story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Could this be the miracle they’ve both been looking for? 

In Second Act, Danielle Steel presents a heartening tale of how challenging times give way to opportunities and an original outline does not always contain the perfect ending.

My Thoughts

Second Act by Danielle Steel provides an escape from reality for a couple of hours.  I found the story to be easy to read.  The characters are developed.  I liked that there were not too many.  I was able to envision the characters from the author’s vivid descriptions.  The glowing depictions also allowed me to visualize the settings including Andy’s California home and the unique house he rents in England.  It is a story about staring over and self-discovery.  Sometimes it takes hitting bottom for someone to realize that family is more important than power or money.  At one time, if a person lost their job and they were in their 50s, it would be challenging for them to get another position.  Now, you can begin a new chapter of your life by going to college or changing career paths.  I could understand Andy struggling after losing his position especially since he did nothing to warrant the loss of it.  The author captured the feelings of humiliation, lack of self-worth, and anger.  

While I enjoyed reading Second Act, I was not a fan of the repetition.  I really do not need the same details repeated ten times (Andy not being around for his daughter while she was growing up, how Andy got his position at the studio, Alana was only with Andy to help her career).  The plot twists can be anticipated (such as Andy being fired).  There is mild foul language along with the consumption of copious quantities of alcohol.  I can always count on Danielle Steel to provide a relaxing read (which is what I needed).  Second Act is a touching tale with a surprise termination, a UK hideaway, a pretty assistant, a captivating tale, career change, and a singular romance.  

Second Act is available from Amazon*.  Danielle Steel has Upside Down coming out January 2, 2024.  You can find the author's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be back on Tuesday, October 10 with Sugar Plum Poisoned by Jenn McKinlay.  It is the fifteenth A Cupcake Bakery Mystery. My clumsiness has me injury once again.  I ended up tripping over a rope on one of the inflatables in my front yard.  I ended up spraining my right foot (the big toe swelled to twice its size).  Just as it was beginning to heal, I went down the stairs to outside and tripped over a package on the bottom step (I did not see it).  I will be spending the weekend with my foot propped up (it will give me a chance to catch up on my reading).   I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber

Must Love Flowers 

Book Summary

Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With Emmie’s support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.

Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She lives with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan’s home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie’s budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she’s only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who’s been revitalizing her garden—a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own? 

As Maggie and Joan confront difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.

My Thoughts

Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber is a story about grief, starting over, friendship, family, and romance.  I always look forward to reading Debbie Macomber’s latest novel. They provide a great escape.  The author has a casual writing style that draws the reader in and holds their attention.  The characters are friendly, relatable, and realistic.  I could certainly understand what Joan was going through.  Grief is not something that will go away overnight.  Shutting yourself away, though, is not good for you.  I like how her family encouraged her to see a therapist and get a boarder.  The letter from the HOA about the condition of her yard was actually a good thing.  It helped Joan to get interested in gardening again.  Must Love Flowers has a couple of intersecting storylines.   

We get to meet Maggie, a nursing student who is living with her alcoholic father.  Her father has not been the same since Maggie’s mother passed.  Nick, one of Joan’s sons, worries about his mother.  He is not in favor of her taking a boarder.  Maggie’s other son is so focused on work, he is missing out on a special woman.  Phil, Joan’s landscaper, happens to be in Joan’s grief support group.  He knows what Johan is going through.  Phil is there to lend a listening ear when Joan needs one and to offer a helping hand.  The author captured what it is like to suffer a loss and the long healing process.  Must Love Flowers hit all the right notes.  I started reading Must Love Flowers and kept going until I turned the last page.  Must Love Flowers is more than a romance.  We get to see people going outside their comfort zone.  They are making changes to their lives and meeting new friends while dealing with their grief.  An epilogue nicely wrapped up the character’s storylines.  Must Love Flowers is a touching tale with a messy yard, a concerned sister, a nursing student, a workaholic son, a helpful therapist, and a hopeful future.  

Must Love Flowers is available from Amazon*.  You can find Debbie Macomber's other novels here. Three other books out today are A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert, An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo, and Macaroons Can Be Murder by Rose Betancourt.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return tomorrow with An Evil Heart by Linda Castillo.  It is the latest A Kate Burkholder Novel.  I hope that a joyful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel

 Worthy Opponents

Book Summary

Spencer Brooke always knew she was destined to be CEO of her grandfather’s business—the most respected and luxurious department store in New York City. Brooke’s has been at the center of every happy memory she has, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. Seven years after her father’s death, her life is very different from the days when she walked through the store with her grandfather as a young girl. She may be the owner of Brooke’s, but she’s also now a divorced single mother of twin boys. And with the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry comes new challenges for Spencer and the legacy she’s inherited.

Mike Weston is known for making enormous profits by transforming small businesses into bigger, more successful ones. With his marriage at a breaking point and his children grown up, investing is where he thrives—where he can build something greater. And Brooke’s feels like the perfect opportunity. Yet the firm’s beautiful and savvy CEO turns down the offer before they even meet.

Spencer has no interest in outside investors meddling in her family business; her grandfather never saw the need for them, and neither does she. She refuses to be tempted by Mike’s offer, despite her big dreams of expanding the store. But when bad luck strikes, suddenly she is backed into a corner.

In Worthy Opponents, Danielle Steel crafts a thrilling story about a powerful woman—and her equally formidable opponent.

My Thoughts

Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel is a story that spans three generations.  I thought Worthy Opponents was an easy-to-read story.  I was immediately drawn into the tale.  I like the author’s casual writing style.  I enjoyed the wonderful descriptions of Brooke’s.  It sounds like a very special store.  If I had the money, I would want to shop there.  I liked the majority of the characters in the story (Spencer’s father and wife were the exceptions).  Spencer is a strong, smart woman with a good heart.  I liked how she wanted to preserve her grandfather’s legacy.  Spencer is a woman who works to overcome the obstacles thrown in her path.  She had a great attitude.  Spencer sees no reason why she could not have a career and a family.  It takes hard work, courage, love, and help from the right people.  I enjoyed the heartwarming ending. 

Worthy Opponents is a story about dedication, hard work, family, second chances, and love.  The first couple of chapters are the backstory.  They set the stage for the rest of the book.  There is repetition of the main details.  I am not sure why author’s feel the need to repeat key details (do they think we forget).  I have been reading Danielle Steel’s novels since I was twelve years old.   I am always eager to read her latest creation.  Worthy Opponents is a great escape.  I like it when I begin reading and the world falls away.  For a few hours, I am immersed in a different world.  Worthy Opponents is an uplifting tale about a family legacy, a resilient woman, a  special store, a disheartening hardship, a money man, and a lasting love.

Worthy Opponents is available from Amazon*.  Danielle Steel has The Wedding Planner coming out May 2 and Palazzo on June 27.  You can follow Danielle Steel on Amazon and they will send you an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am off to finish organizing my outdoor decorations.  I am getting them organized into totes by holiday.  I am then storing them in order.  This will make things much easier (as I cleaned things out, I kept finding new inflatables and lights).  I will return on Tuesday, March 14 with Methods of Malice by Ellery Adams and Tina Radcliffe.  It is the seventh A Hope Street Church Mystery.  I hope that you have a delightful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

The Whittiers by Danielle Steel

 The Whittiers

Book Summary

Preston and Constance Whittier have built a happy life together, with a brood of six children raised in a beautiful historic Manhattan mansion. Now, with a nearly empty nest, it’s easier than ever for the Whittiers to maintain their tradition of a solo romantic “Wintermoon” ski trip.

But with this year’s trip comes tragedy, and suddenly the Whittiers’ adult children find themselves reuniting in the family home without their parents for the first time ever. The oldest, Lyle, is reaching a breaking point in his marriage and must decide whether a divorce would be best for him and his two children. Gloria’s big job on Wall Street has kept her single at thirty-nine, and growing ever more cynical. The twins, Caroline and Charlie, moved out long ago to start a fashion business that may now be faltering. Benjie, with special needs, is hit hard by the loss of his parents and needs his siblings’ help. And Annabelle, the youngest, drops out of college and starts to spin out of control.

The eldest four are forced to put aside their personal issues and their grief to keep the family together and support each other and their two youngest siblings. Selling the house, along with all the memories that live in its walls, feels like yet another devastating loss. Could there be another way, as unconventional as it seems?

In The Whittiers, Danielle Steel delivers an inspiring story about the everlasting bonds of one unforgettable family.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading The Whittiers by Danielle Steel.  Preston and Constance Whittier go on a “wintermoon” each year.  Unfortunately, this one was their last.  We see how their six adult children cope with the loss of their parents.  I was drawn into the story.  I like the author’s writing style which is relaxed and friendly.   The story moved along at a fast clip.  There are quite a few characters to keep track of.  I found it easier as I got further into the story. I liked that the characters were not perfect.  Each character had something happening in their lives (life is messy).   Benjie is the youngest son, and he is at the high end of the autism spectrum.  The family soon learns just how much their mother did for Benjie.  The family will need to step up to fill the gap.  Benjie provides many of the uplifting and funny moments in the book.  Annabelle is the youngest child, and she was on a downward spiral before her parents’ death.  After the parent’s death, Annabelle’s life quickly spirals out of control.  The four older siblings are needed to handle the parent’s estate and help their youngest siblings.    There are many moving moments in this emotional story.  I found myself staying up late to finish The Whittiers.  It is a story that will leave you with a smile on your face.  My one negative is the repetition of backstory details.  It is a trait found in all of this author’s books, and I really wish she would discontinue doing it.  The Whittiers is a feel-good story with grief, regret, love, humor, and family.  I enjoyed seeing the family came together after such a tragic event.  The Whittiers is a touching tale with a terrible tragedy, a dreadful divorce, an unrestrained sister, dear dogs, a captivating Italian, cute kids, and a happy house.

The Whittiers is available from Amazon* along with other major retailers.  Danielle Steel will have Without a Trace coming out January 3, 2023 and Worthy Opponents on March 7, 2023.  You can find Danielle Steel's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire

 Dead and Gondola

Book Summary

Ellie Christie is thrilled to begin a new chapter. She’s recently returned to her tiny Colorado hometown to run her family’s historic bookshop with her elder sister, Meg, and their beloved cat, Agatha. Perched in a Swiss-style hamlet accessible by ski gondola and a twisty mountain road, the Book Chalet is a famed bibliophile destination known for its maze of shelves and relaxing reading lounge. At least, until trouble blows in with a wintry whiteout. A man is found dead on the gondola, and a rockslide throws the town into lockdown—no one in, no one out.

The victim was a mysterious stranger who’d visited the bookshop. At the time, his only blunders had been disrupting a book club and leaving behind a first-edition Agatha Christie novel, written under a pseudonym. However, once revealed, the man’s identity shocks the town. Motives and secrets swirl like the snow, but when the police narrow in on the sisters’ close friends, the Christies have to act.

Although the only Agatha in their family tree is their cat, Ellie and Meg know a lot about mysteries and realize they must summon their inner Miss Marple to trek through a blizzard of clues before the killer turns the page to their final chapter.

My Thoughts

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire is the first A Christie Bookshop Mystery.  Ellie Christie has returned to her hometown of Last Word, Colorado to run the Book Chalet, the family bookshop with her older sister, Meg.  A stranger comes into the bookstore looking for someone, but he refuses to provide any information.  The man left his satchel behind with a rare, signed copy of a Mary Westmacott novel inside.  As Meg and Ellie are getting onto the gondola, they notice the mystery man ahead of them.  By the time the gondola reaches the bottom, the man is dead.  The police do not find any identification on the victim.  Ellie, Meg, and Gram are curious about the victim.  They do a sleuthing in the hopes of uncovering the guilty party. 

Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire a quirky new cozy mystery.  The story is told in the first person with Ellie Christie as the narrator.  The author gives picturesque descriptions of the town, bookshop, and characters.  I did not feel that there always needed to be such wordy descriptions utilizing multiple adjectives.   I wish I could visit Book Chalet, the Christie’s bookshop that was a former ski chalet. It has a rabbit warren of shelves filled with books (every booklover’s dream).  We meet a number of characters in the beginning as the Mountains of Mystery group meets in the reading lounge.  It is difficult to keep them all straight (even after reading and rereading the chapter).  I felt bad for Ms. Ridge when Morgan Marin sashayed in and took control of the group.  There are references to Agatha Christie and her books scattered throughout the story.  I love the gondola line that runs from Last Word to the base of the mountain.  

The whodunit was a letdown for me.  The mystery can be solved quite early in the book.  There are several suspects along with misdirection.  There are plenty of clues to aid readers in solving the crime.  The reveal reminded me of Murder, She Wrote with a touch of Scooby Doo.  I liked that all the details of the mystery were wrapped up at the end.    There is a secondary mystery involving Ms. Ridge. She disappears during the Mountains of Mystery meeting.  Ms. Ridge fails to return to work, and she is not at home.  It is easy to guess what made Ms. Ridge do a runner.  There is humor scattered throughout the book.  Gram particularly provides lighthearted moments.  There is also the pretentious Agatha C., a long-haired Siamese who is the queen of the Book Chalet.  Let us not forget Calamity Janet, a pony with attitude.  Dead and Gondola failed to capture and hold my attention.  The story was a little humdrum at times, and I thought it was too long.  There were also repetitive details.  Those who are fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy this cozy mystery.  Dead and Gondola takes us to chilly Colorado where there is a mysterious man, a pretentious pony, a silly séance, an absent assistant, curious club members, gratis gondola rides, and a Ouija board omen.

Dead and Gondola is available from Amazon*.  Readers can follow Ann Claire on Amazon so they can be notified when she has a new book release.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I will be back on Tuesday with Christmas at the Amish Market by Shelley Shepard Gray. I am cutting back on my blog a bit due to health reasons.  I have been overdoing it which makes my condition worse.  The doctor said I need more rest and less stress (easier said than done).  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  I will be busy putting away the Halloween decorations (this is the part I do not enjoy).  I will do a little at a time, so I do not overdue.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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