Books of a Feather

Can you believe it is Wednesday already?  My daughter, Betsy came by the other day and was startled to see a raccoon in our bottle brush tree at the front of the house next to the front porch (it was about 4:30 p.m.). The raccoon was eating out of the bird feeders in the tree.  This raccoon has been in our yard since it was a baby and comes down to eat when I fill the feeders every afternoon. Here is a picture of my little furry friend.

  

Books of a Feather by Kate Carlisle is the eleventh book in A Bibliophile Mystery series.  Brooklyn Wainwright and her fiancé, Derek Stone have returned to their renovated home in San Francisco.  Brooklyn is helping Genevieve Taylor with an inventory of Taylor’s Fine Books after the death of her father.  Brooklyn is amazed at the wonderful old novels (fourteen first editions so far) she is finding stashed around the store (and she gets to work on some of them).  The book has been the victim of robbery recently (someone is stealing the valuable books in her store).  Brooklyn heads home with the new books to restore to find her fiancé, Derek is entertaining a guest.  Crane is an old friend of Derek’s and is in town to talk to his black sheep brother, Bai.  Brooklyn and Derek will be attending a special event at the Covington Library and Museum and then ask Crane to attend with them.  The Covington is hosting an Audubon exhibit with Birds of America (a very big and beautiful book) on exhibit.  Brooklyn is approached by Jared Mulrooney at the exhibit.  Jared is the president of the Bay Area Birdwatchers Society.  He wants Brooklyn to restore a book.  Jared spilled wine all over a book owned by the birdwatcher’s society (it is normally kept in a glass case).  Brooklyn then meets up with Genevieve who asks Brooklyn to look at a very special novel.  It is wrapped and Genevieve asks her to wait until later to look at it (turns out to be a very valuable item).  Brooklyn goes looking for her friend later in the evening and discovers Jared Mulrooney dead (Brooklyn seems to attract dead bodies).  Who would want to kill Jared?  Does it have anything to do with the book he gave her to fix?  Brooklyn cannot help but investigate.  As if Brooklyn does not have enough on her plate, her parents show up for a surprise visit (that’s what happens when you let people know you have guest rooms).  As if that is not enough, they bring up a homeless man one night who they insist is an old friend (you just know this is going to take a bad turn).  The two couples go out to brunch the next morning and return to find the man dead in the apartment (and in Derek’s new robe).  Someone was trying to get into the safe where Brooklyn keeps the valuable books she is working on.  Which book are the thieves after?  They need to find the culprit before he returns.  Read Books of a Feather for another high flying adventure with Brooklyn and Derek (and their new kitten, Charlie). 

Books of a Feather is a delight.  It was nice to check in with Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone (such great characters).  I liked Books of a Feather, but I found it a little superficial.  Some of the information was repeated in the book (they have not started planning the wedding yet, how handsome Derek is--many times, how they have renovated the apartment, etc.).  Books of a Feather is nicely written (good flow) and easy to read.  The mystery plays out during the course of the book. Not all the players are revealed until the end.  You can take a guess at the person behind the murders (since there are not many suspects, it is easily figured out).  I give Books of a Feather 4 out of 5 stars.  I want to see more character development (depth).  Books of a Feather can easily be read alone (but you will want to read the other novels in the series).  The author makes it a point to tell the reader about Brooklyn and her prior adventures (I have read each and every book in this series).  I will be reading the next book in the Bibliophile Mystery series because I like the characters, and I want to see how their story plays out.

The other books in A Bibliophile Mystery series are Homicide in Hardcover, If Books Could Kill, The Lies that Bind, Murder Under Cover, One Book in the Grave, Peril in Paperback, A Cookbook Conspiracy, The Book Stops Here, and Ripped from the Pages (click here to find them).  I received a complimentary copy of Books of Feather in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Sorry I was so wordy today (sometimes it is hard to condense).  I am currently reading The Saddle Maker's Son by Kelly Irvin.  I hope everyone has had a pleasant day and may your evening be relaxing!  I am off to cook dinner and finish up a few things before relaxing.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder, Handcrafted

Happy Book Release Day!  I just love this day because of all the new books that show up on my Kindle!  Before my Kindle I would pre-order and have them delivered (or run out to a local bookstore). Are you looking forward to a certain book today?  A few of the books are Books of a Feather by Kate Carlisle (check in with Brooklyn Wainwright and her fiance, Derek Stone), Knit to be Tied by Maggie Sefton, Eclair and Present Danger by Laura Bradford, The Calamity Cafe by Gayle Leeson, A Premonition of Murder by Mary Kennedy, A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell, Murder at the Mansion by Janet Finsilver, Dead End Street by Sheila Connolly, Stitches in Time by Terri DuLong, Liar Liar by M.J. Arlidge, and The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron are just a few.  I will be reviewing all of these books here on my blog (reading them was the easy part).

Murder, Handcrafted by Isabella Alan is the fifth Amish Quilt Shop Mystery novel.  Angela “Angie” Braddock owns Running Stitch in Rolling Brook, Ohio.  Angie gets a call that her father hurt himself (his back) trying to take down cabinets in her parent’s kitchen (they are starting a renovation).  Her father insisted he could do it (you watched some videos).  Angie hurries over to her parents’ house with her dog, Oliver (she takes him everywhere with her).  While Daphne  (Angie’s mother) takes Kent (Angie’s father) to the hospital, Angie gets her best friend, Jonah Graber (they grew up together) to finish the kitchen.  Jonah is getting assistance from Eban Hoch, a newcomer to Rolling Brook.  But then Jonah finds out that the electrician is Griffin Bright.  Jonah blames Griffin for the death of his cousin, Kamon.  But the two agree to work together to complete the kitchen.  Things proceed until Angie gets a call early one morning.  She rushes over and finds out that Griffin Bright is dead (this kitchen project seems doomed).  He was electrocuted.  Jonah ends up being the number one suspect.  Sheriff James Mitchell (and Angie’s boyfriend) knows that Jonah would not hurt anyone, but he has to follow the evidence (which points to Jonah).  Angie blames herself since she got Jonah involved in the project and sets out to clear Jonah’s name.   Miriam, Jonah’s wife, intensely dislikes Angie (I believe she dislikes Angie more than the goat, Petunia—did I mention Jonah’s goat mowing service).  Angie does not understand why and this incident is not helping the situation.  Maybe Anna, Jonah’s mother can shed some light on the situation.  Angie will have to rely on her capable employee, Mattie Miller to take care of Running Stitch.  But Mattie has been a little secretive lately.  Something is up with her.  Then there is the Bigfoot problem!  Life is certainly not dull in Rolling Brook, Ohio.  Join Angie in her investigation in Murder, Handcrafted.

Murder, Handcrafted is just charming.  I liked how the murder was committed (very clever), but I was quickly able to identify the killer.  The Bigfoot subplot was funny and added some humor to the story (but was not too ridiculous).  There was a lack of clues in the book.  They did not seem to pop up until right before the reveal of the killer (not that you need them, but I like finding the clues in the story).  The novel had a sweet, romantic ending that I enjoyed.  I give Murder, Handcrafted 4 out of 5 stars.  I did find that some information was repeated a couple of times.  Overall, the novel is well-written and had a good flow (pace) which made for a pleasurable reading experience.  I will definitely be reading more books by Isabella Alan (aka Amanda Flower) in the future.  There is a preview of Prose and Cons at the end of the book.

The other novels in the Amish Quilt Shop Mystery series are Murder, Plain and Simple, Murder, Simply Stitched, Murder Served Simply, and  Murder, Plainly Read.  I received a complimentary copy of Murder, Handcrafted from NetGalley (thanks to the author and her publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Thank you so much for visiting and reading my review.  I hope everyone had a delightful day!  The rains have finally passed in our area and now I have to pick up all the debris littering the yard (lots of limbs).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Against the Paw

Happy Monday!  It has been a very rainy twenty-four hours here in Florida (it is still raining).  There is a tropical storm in the area. About 2 a.m. my whole room shook.  I went to investigate (I was still awake) and there is a big branch (giant limb) on our roof.  We have also discovered a leak in the roof in my mother's room.  Home ownership is not for the weak!  What is it like in your area?

Against the Paw by Diane Kelly is the fourth book in A Paw Enforcement series.  Megan Luz is an officer with the Fort Worth Police Department.  Megan’s partner is Sergeant Brigit (Megan does not play well with others—a Taser was involved).  Megan is a patrol officer and they are currently on the lookout for Ralph Hurley, a dangerous fugitive. He targets females (who are alone), breaks in, steals their debit cards and coerces their PIN from them (awful man).   In addition, a peeper has popped up!  Megan is determined (and a little fixated) to catch this creeper before he escalates. The press dubs him the Berkley Place Peeper (not very original). The local neighborhood watch is getting involved thanks to Garrett Hawke, president of Berkley Place Neighborhood Watch.  Garrett is very proactive and is increasing the neighborhood watch patrols (and getting in the way of the police).  Will Megan and Brigit be able to find this guy (without getting into more hot water with the chief)?   Of course, Brigit might go on strike. The vet stated that Brigit needs to lose some weight, but Brigit does not agree.  Brigit looks forward to her rewarding liver treats (for doing a good job).  Megan has her work cut out for her.  Join Megan and Brigit in Against the Paw to see if their hard work pays off with an arrest (and treats for Brigit)!

Against the Paw has good writing, some interesting characters, and a good setting of Fort Worth, Texas.  I love Brigit’s comments (she gets her own chapters). They are hilarious and provide a nice humor to the book.  I love how she manages to get her treats despite her diet.  Dogs can be stubborn and that is shown with Brigit.  She loves her work as long as she gets the appropriate rewards (food).  Brigit is a nice contrast to Megan.  The story is told is alternating points-of-view:  Megan, Brigit, and “Tom” (the peeper).  There are parts of the novel that I really did not like.  There is one character, Derek “The Big Di—“ Mackay that is rude, crude, and sexist.  I really wish the author would write him out of the series (he is what prevents this book from being a true cozy mystery).  Mackay is sexist and makes horrible (degrading) comments.  I do not understand why Megan does not file a sexual harassment complaint with human resources (I would document his comments and find a way to record them).  I know it is just a book, but Mackay and his remarks extremely offensive (and they affect my enjoyment of the novel as well as the rating I give it).   I thought it was easy to figure out the identity of the peeper.  I give Against the Paw 3.75 out of 5 stars.  The book does contain some foul language and there are a couple of slow areas.  I thought there was a little too much of the book devoted to the romance between Megan and Seth Rutledge (bomb person with the Ft. Worth Fire Department).    We get to see them on a date and then a double date (and then there is Sean’s mother).  Will I read the next book in the series?  Yes.  I can hope that Mackay gets another Taser taken to his nether regions (that really made me laugh because he deserved it).  Also, I like the characters and want to see what happens with them (especially Brigit).  Against the Paw can be read as a stand-alone novel (the author does a good job of bringing the reader up-to-date).

The other novels in the A Paw Enforcement series are Paw Enforcement, Paw and Order, and Laying Down the Paw (such cute titles).  I received a complimentary copy of Against the Paw from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, June 7) is book release day!  Some great books are coming out!  I will share some titles with you tomorrow. I am currently reading Liar Liar by M.J. Arlidge (great series). Have a great evening (you deserve it), stay dry, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Can You Keep a Secret?

Hello again.  I am sharing an extra review today.  I have had one of those days that I wish I had not gotten out of bed.  One thing after another went wrong.  Have you ever had one of those days?  If you have, then you know how I feel!

Can You Keep a Secret? si the latest Fear Street novel by R.L. Stine.  Emmy, Eddie, and their friends (Danny, Riley, Callie, and Roxie) decide to party out in Fear Street Woods.  Emmy and Eddie sneak off from the group.  Eddie is going to carve their initials in a tree.  While over there they find money stashed in the tree (turns out to be hollow).  Before they can decide what to do, the rest of the group finds them (and the money).  They agree to take the money (several of their families are experiencing money problems) and hide it in a safe place (in the pet cemetery).   But when one of them needs the money, they find it is gone.  Who took it and why?  Each teen turns on the other.  Then they discover someone is following them.  Could it be the owner of the money?  Are any of them safe?

Emmy is having these strange dreams about wolves and they coincide with attacks in the area.  Her Aunt Marta from Prague comes to visit and tries to help her.  Aunt Marta remembers Emmy being bitten by a dog while visiting in Prague when she was a child.  What happened to Emmy?  Is she a wolf?

Can You Keep a Secret? by R.L. Stine was not the scary book I was looking forward to reading.  I found it predictable especially the wolf subplot.  I knew the twist before it was revealed.  One thing that I did not enjoy was the drama between the sisters (Emmy and her younger sister, Sophie).  I give Can You Keep a Secret? 2.75 out of 5 stars.  The book would more suitable for young adults (tweens) except for the gore and violence (geared toward older readers).  This book was not what I was expecting from a Fear Street novel and R.L. Stine.  Can You Keep a Secret? has sibling jealously (and rivalry), romance between teenagers, jealousy, and greed.  With the right writer, they make a compelling novel.  Unfortunately, they just did not come together in this book.  I found CanYou Keep a Secret? to be a very contrived novel.

You can check out R.L. Stine's other novels on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of Can You Keep a Secret? From NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy days to check out my book reviews.  I am going to collapse on my bed and hope for a better day tomorrow!  I thought I would give you a good laugh. Check out the picture below.  That is my mother, myself (can you guess which one is me), and my younger sister, Nicole many, many years ago!  This was taken in the late 1970s. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

My Mother loved to do up my sister and myself like twins!

Dear Thing

Happy World Environment Day!  This day was created by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.  It is a day to focus on important environmental issues and promote awareness among the public.  It is raining in our area today.  This is the perfect weather to stay inside and read!  I have also been enjoying the UnReal marathon (getting ready for the new season that starts tomorrow).

Dear Thing by Julie Cohen is a very predictable novel.  Claire and Ben have been trying to have a child, but they have been unsuccessful (Claire’s fault).  Romily met Ben in college, and they are the best of friends (for the last eleven years).  What Ben does not know is that Romily is in love with him (by the time she worked up the nerve to ask him out, he was dating Claire). Romily has appreciated Ben and Claire’s help over the years.  Romily got pregnant and they have helped her raise her daughter, Posie (short for Mariposa).   Ben and Romily are enjoying their pub night (quiz night at the pub) when Ben tells Romily that they are giving up on trying to have a child of their own.  So Romily suggests that she be the surrogate (you just know this is not going to end well).  Ben is excited.  The next day Romily is sorry she suggested it and hopes that Ben was too drunk to remember.  Ben remembers.  Claire reluctantly agrees to the scheme.  Things proceed quickly thanks to Ben.  Romily easily becomes pregnant, and Ben is very excited.  Claire handles things by buying books, vitamins, and arranging for organic food to be delivered to Romily.  But what happens when Claire finds out that Romily is in love with Ben?  Then Posie’s birth father returns to London (he did not know that Romily went through with the pregnancy).  Will Romily be able to give up the baby after its born?  You will have to read Dear Thing to find out what happens.

Dear Thing was okay.  Dear Thing plods on to its expected conclusion.  I kept hoping for an alternative ending.  I could have told you how the book would play out after I got through the first chapter or so (I kept hoping I would be wrong.  Too much of the book was devoted to Romily’s thinking and Claire’s worries (which were numerous).  I ended up skimming through these sections.  My favorite character was Posie.  She was a precocious young lady.  I give Dear Thing (which is what Romily called the baby in her diary) 3 out of 5 stars.  If you are looking for a light read (for an escape), then you should check out Dear Thing.

You can check out Julie Cohen's other novels on her author page on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of Dear Thing from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. 

I am going to go work on the mountain of laundry that has piled up. When my mother (well, technically, when I change her bed) changes her bed, I have five loads of laundry (no, I am not exaggerating).  I hope everyone has a nice, relaxing Sunday.  Make sure to take some time for yourself today before the work week begins.  I am currently reading Premonition of Murder by Mary Kennedy.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Year We Turned Forty

Happy Saturday!  It is Hug Your Cat Day!  I would be very careful hugging just any cat.  Make sure the cat you are going to hug likes to get them (or you will end up in the ER).  Cat scratch fever is very unpleasant (yes, I know from experience).  I went to pull up the review I wanted to use today and there was nothing there except one sentence.  The rest of the review is gone.  This is the second time this has happened this week.  It is very frustrating.  Luckily for me, I had another one written and it had not disappeared into thin air!  I had to run some errands today, so I did not have time for rewrites.

The Year We Turned Forty by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke is a novel about three women who get a chance to relieve the year they turned forty.  Claire, Jessica, and Gabriella are getting ready to turn fifty and have gone to Vegas to celebrate.  They meet the celebrity magician, Blair Wainright who gives them a wonderful opportunity.   He offers to let the three of them go back exactly ten years and relieve that year again.   The three of them have to agree on the choice (it is all for one and one for all).  At the end of the year they have to decide to stay there or go back to the future (I couldn’t resist).  There are some conditions (of course).  Can they make the right choices this time?  Join Claire, Jessica, and Gabriella on their journey.  Is it possible to change the past to improve your future?

The Year We Turned Forty started out pretty good, but then it started slowing down.  It got bogged down in should I or shouldn’t I thoughts and discussions (they went on for pages).  I found Gabriella to be the most annoying (though it was hard to like any of the characters).  The one thing I liked in the book was the Gilmore Girls reference (have found it in several books recently).  The Year We Turned Forty had an interesting concept. What would you do if you could change your life?  Would you really be able to change it?  Sometimes you can try too hard.  I give The Year We Turned Forty 3 out of 5 stars. It was an adequate book (it could have been more).  I was hoping for something unpredictable or different instead of cliché.  This books reminds me of the movie 13 Going on 30 (similar concept and characters).

You can find Liz Fenton and her books here on Amazon.  I received a complimentary copy of The Year We Turned Forty from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am off to finish up a few things before collapsing on my bed.  I am worn out (my back hurts so bad I cannot even stand to let someone touch it).  I hope everyone had an enjoyable (and fun or relaxing--depending on what you wanted) day!  I am currently reading A Shattering Crime by Jennifer McAndrews. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Bloodroot

It's Friday!  It is National Donut Day!  Do you have a favorite donut?  My favorite is glazed munchkins from Dunkin Donuts.  Every three months I have to get up early for an appointment, but I don't mind because I get my munchkins!   Technically, this day is really about ladies who volunteered to help soldiers in France during World War I (called Salvation Army lassies).  Two ladies came up with the idea of frying donuts in soldiers helmets.  For more details, check out this page on the Salvation Army site.

Bloodroot by Cynthia Riggs is the twelfth book in the Martha's Vineyard Mysteries.  Victoria Trumbull has a painful wisdom tooth and needs to have it pulled. Victoria is waiting at Island Dental Clinic when there is a commotion.  Mildred Wilmington, a patient, is dead.  The West Tisbury police are called out. The receptionist, Vivian Parsons is very upset over the death and unable to drive home.  A co-worker agrees to take her, but he makes a pit stop (for alcohol) along the way.  Vivian waits in the car, but she is not there when the co-worker returns.  Vivian is later found dead in the water (and it is not an accident).  Someone wanted to make sure that Vivian did not talk.  What did Vivian know or had she seen something?  The investigation is not helped when Dr. Horace Mann (the head of Island Dental Clinic) has the staff clean the clinic before the forensic crew can be called in (very suspicious).  Police Chief Mary Kathleen O’Neill and her staff are stretched thin because of an upcoming presidential visit.  When it turns out that Mildred was poisoned, Victoria (who is a police deputy of sorts) sets out to figure out who killed the two women.  Mildred was a rich woman with four grandchildren.  Each one with a motive.  But they are not the only suspects.  Victoria has also to deal with her Elizabeth’s (granddaughter) ex-husband, Lockwood.  Lockwood is a nasty and cruel man.  He has decided that Victoria’s home should belong to him.  What will Lockwood do to achieve his goal?  It is going to be a busy week for Victoria! 

Bloodroot is the first book I have read in this series (I had not heard of the series prior to seeing this book listed). I did not know it was the twelfth book in the series when I agreed to read it.  It is extremely confusing at first (and through most of the book).  There are a lot of characters (especially from the dental clinic) and suspects (over a dozen).  The two murders occur withink the first two chapters (a writer should never put the crime right at the beginning of the book).  The mystery is complex (which I loved), but the killer was the person I picked out at the beginning.  The clues (which we get in the last half of the book) will lead you in the direction of the killer.  I liked how the main character, Victoria Trumbull conducted her investigation.  I give Bloodroot 4 out of 5 stars.   The book has a good pace and is nicely written (which makes the novel easy to read).  This book can be read alone.  The main characters are easy to keep straight (it was just all the dental staff that made it confusing).  I will definitely be reading the other books in this series and look forward to future novels.

The other novels in a Martha's Vineyard Mystery series are Deadly Nightshade, Cranefly Orchid Murders, The Cemetery Yew, Jack in the Pulpit, The Paperwhite Narcissus, Indian Pipes, Shooting Star, Death and Honesty, Touch-Me-Not, The Bee Balm Murder, and Poison Ivy Murder.  I received a complimentary copy of Bloodroot from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I am currently reading Dead End Street by Sheila Connolly.  I am going to go eat dinner and relax in the air conditioning.  It is very hot outside today (and humid).  In Florida during the summer we go from a/c house, to a/c car, to a/c shops.  We try to avoid staying outside for any length of time.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Charm Bracelet

I have more reviews than days of the month so I am sharing an extra one with you today.  The cats are still up to their nonsense. Miss Penny keeps trying to take up residence in my bedroom, but Doozy is not having it! Doozy is now posted in the doorway to prevent her from entering (she is the only cat allowed to live on the dogs side of the house).  Please be assured that my cats live a very comfy existence (they have two rooms all to themselves).  The cats have cats trees (3), shelves (they love climbing them), toys (my daughter is always bringing them new ones), and other things (like tunnels) to keep them happy and occupied.  They are very spoiled!

The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman is set in Scoops, Michigan.  Lolly Lindsey has the beginning of dementia.  She knows that this will be her last chance to tell her stories and family history to her family.  Arden, Lolly’s daughter, gets a call about her mother from a neighbor.  Arden and her daughter, Laurel hurry back to Scoops to check on Lolly.  This is Lolly’s chance to spend time with her busy daughter and granddaughter.  Lolly tells her story via the charms on her charm bracelet.  Each charm represents a special event or time in her life.  Each charm is a story and has a life lesson.   Lolly wants to pass along to Arden and Lindsey about living life to its fullest and enjoying each day.  Can Lolly change Arden’s and Lindsey’s perspective (and what is most important) on life?  Come join Lolly, Arden, and Laurel on a journey towards a better life.

The Charm Bracelet was sweet (though extremely predictable) story.  It was passable, but not riveting (engrossing or engaging).  It is a story that has been told before and has a expected outcome.  The writing is satisfactory, and the characters (for the most part) are relatable (especially Arden).   But there is something off (did not feel right or seem right about the female characters).  I did not discover it until after I finished the book (I wanted to see what other people were saying about the book).  The author is not a woman and it explains so much (hard to put into words).  I finished The Charm Bracelet, but I did a lot of skimming (i.e. speed reading--best thing I ever learned in the advanced reading class in middle school) to finish it.  I give The Charm Bracelet 2.5 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a light, summer read, then you will enjoy The Charm Bracelet (it was just not for me).

This was Viola Shipman's debut novel.  You can follow the author on Amazon to get updates on new books.  The author is currently at work on his next novel (no, I will not be reading it).  I received a complimentary copy of The Charm Bracelet from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.

Thank you so much for visiting.  I am currently reading Blessings in Disguise by Nancy Mehl.  It is the first book in a new series by Guideposts.  They produce some wonderful books.  Have a great night and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Better Get To Livin

Do you like rocky road ice cream?  Then today is your day. It is National Rocky Road Day (not officially).  It is also National Bubba Day.  This day honors anyone named Bubba (who would do this to a person).  It was a quiet day in our house today (I have a migraine) except for the creative cats.  They kept popping up in the strangest places (one came out from under the sink and startled me).  How they managed to sneak over I do not know (I have to keep the dogs and cats in separate areas). One keeps trying to insist that my pillows are her new bed (she is very wrong). Doozy does not tolerate any cats in my bedroom (he takes his muzzle and pushes them out of the room)!

Better Get To Livin is a new novel by Sally Kilpatrick.  Presley Ann Cline is an actress (not even a B actress) in Los Angeles.  She is hoping to get the part of a fairy godmother in a new movie titled Secret Lives of Fairy Godmothers.  The producer would guarantee her a role if she sleeps with him.  Presley Ann is unable to go through with it, but the paparazzi catch her leaving the gentleman’s place with her skirt in her underwear (not a good picture).  Her agent advises Presley Ann to leave town until the hoopla dies down.  Presley Ann only has one place to go with her limited funds (her last boyfriend cleaned her out and then disappeared) and that is home to Ellery, Tennessee.  It will also give Presley Ann a chance to get away from the depressing ghost in the corner of her apartment.  Did I mention that Presley Ann can see ghosts (and has the ability to help them cross over)?  Presley Ann shows up at her mother’s trailer home in Green Acres Estates Mobile Home Park.  It is a good thing that Presley Ann came home because her mother could use some assistance.  Presley Ann is given a job by the very reluctant Delilah of Holy Roller (I have a feeling there is a story there), the town’s beauty shop.  Her first assignment is to take care of a client at Anderson’s Funeral Home.  I think Presley Ann’s ability to see ghosts will come in handy!  Declan Anderson works at the funeral home with his stepmother, Caroline.  This is not Declan’s dream job, but he would not disappoint family.  When tornados strike the town and ruin trailer homes, Declan offers Presley Ann and her mother a place to stay (the funeral home used to be a real home).  Presley Ann is less than excited after she discovers the overabundance of ghosts residing above stairs.  But she cannot turn down a place to stay (for her or her mother).  Then Declan’s Uncle Hollis comes back to the funeral home (people do not understand him and his boisterous ways).  Turns out that Uncle Hollis and Presley Ann have a lot in common.  Life is never dull in Ellery, Tennessee.  Will Presley Ann decide to stay or head back to her life in Hollywood?  You will have to read Better Get To Livin to find out.

Better Get To Livin was not as good as it sounds (it does not live up to its potential).   Presley Ann is a twenty-five years old virgin.  Presley Ann is afraid to have sex and this seems to dominate the book (because her mother warned her about the cow giving the milk away for free).  The pace of the novel is extremely sluggish.  My favorite part of the book was the Gilmore Girls reference (such a cute show).  The story is told (in the first person) from Declan and Presley Ann’s point-of-views (it goes back and forth).  This makes it a wee bit confusing at times when it switches.  There is mild foul language and sexual references in the book (not explicit but fair warning).  There was not enough about the ghosts.  I think it would have made for a better story if the ghosts had been integrated more.  My favorite character was Uncle Hollis.  He was interesting and fun.  There is more that goes on in the story.  I just told you some of the activity that takes place (it is too much for one book). I give Better Get To Livin 2.75 out of 5 stars.  It was okay, but not great. With a little tweaking, it could have been a very good story.

You can follow Sally Kilpatrick on Facebook.  The Happy Hour Choir is another book by this author.  I received a complimentary copy of Better Get To Livin from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am currently reading Stitches in Time by Terri Dulong.  I am off to finish up the laundry (I lead such an exciting life) and cook my dinner (love the grill).  I hope all of you have had a wonderful and fulfilling day (you deserve it).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Muddied Murder

Happy first day of June and Flip a Coin Day!  Do you have a decision to make today?  Then flip a coin to get the answer.  This tradition (according to one site) dates back to Julius Caesar.  He would take a coin and toss it when the right decision was unclear. The correct side was "heads" that the image of Julius Caesar on it!  I installed our new phone system today. Our our old phone system lasted over ten years, but they slowly quit working (each phone quit charging).  Our new one has a video doorbell!  I was amazed at the different features available (I rarely go to an electronic store).

A Muddied Murder by Wendy Tyson is the first book in A Greenhouse Mystery series.  Megan Sawyer has returned to Winsome, Pennsylvania to stay with her grandmother, Bibi.  Megan did live in Chicago and worked as a lawyer but came home when Bibi needed her.  Megan is helping with the family farm, Washington Acres, and is opening a combination store and café in town.  Megan is also turning the Washington Acres into an organic farm.  But Megan has been encountering difficulties in opening the store/café.  She keeps getting denied the appropriate permits (methinks someone is against her new venture).  Simon Duvall is the person behind it (and he is one nasty man).  Then Simon Duvall ends up dead in her barn.  When Bibi ends up being a suspect, Megan sets out to clear her with help from the local vet, Dr. Daniel Finn (there is a romantic spark between them).  Then the sabotage starts.  Will Megan be able to find the culprit and open her new store/cafe? 

I enjoyed A Muddied Murder.  It has good characters, a lovely setting (sounds like a beautiful town and farm), and a good mystery.  The mystery was complicated (just the way I like them), but there are few clues provided (you can solve the mystery without them).  One thing I did not like was Megan’s impatience.  She wanted answers NOW (became frustrating).  The romance in the book was a little rushed.  It was too much for the first book.   I give A Muddied Murder 4.25 out of 5 stars (since I was able to solve it).  I think this is the beginning of a good series.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series next spring.

You can follow Wendy Tyson on Amazon to get notified when she releases a new book.  I received a complimentary copy of A Muddied Murder from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am currently reading Murder at the Mansion by Janet Finsilver.  I am off to spray paint (and cook my dinner on the grill).  I finally found the right color red.  The last one was too orange.  Thank you so much for visiting! Have a great evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader