Kale to the Queen: A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery

Thank you for stopping by today!  I hope each of you had a lovely Palm Sunday.  It is hard to believe that Easter will be here in just a few days. I went out yesterday to pick up items for Easter dinner. My mother believes in a traditional dinner of ham, sweet potatoes and rolls.  I will also make a special dessert.  What do you cook for Easter dinner?  Are you traditional or prefer something unique? I would be just as happy with Chinese!

Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton is the first book in A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.  Carrie Ann Cole from Chicago, Illinois has just been hired to be the personal chef to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  Carrie Ann arrives to work early the next morning and enters the greenhouse attached to the kitchen to pick what she needs.  In the kale section, Carrie Ann stumbles upon Frank Deems, one of her assistants.  It is obvious that Frank is dead, and Carrie Ann rushes to get assistance.  Ian Gordon, the security chief, swiftly arrives on the scene.  Blame is quickly laid on Michael Haregrove, Carrie Ann’s food prep assistant.  Though she has not known Michael long, Carrie Ann knows he did not kill Frank.  Carrie Ann is determined to clear Michael’s name so he can return to work.  Her investigation time is limited because meals still need to be cooked and served to the royal family.  Carrie Ann is off to a bumpy start in Kensington Palace, and Chef Butterbottom is less than friendly.  Chef Butterbottom does not like American’s and is very particular about his kitchen (likes the floor to be scrubbed with a brush by hand).   A further wrinkle in Carrie Ann’s new life is Chicago boyfriend, John.  John’s cooking star is on the rise and he had no wish to relocate with Carrie Ann.  But then he shows up in her quarter’s one night with unexpected offer.  Carrie Ann will need to make a decision.   To see how Carrie Ann investigation turns out and her choice, check out Kale to the Queen.

I enjoyed reading Kale to the Queen.  It has a wonderful setting, lovely descriptions of food and London, and a delightful main character.  The book is well-written and has a good pace.  I did find Carrie Ann a little too chatty with regard to the mystery.  She should have been more discreet with her investigation.  I also did not feel we needed a description of every item of food that Carrie Ann made for the royal family.  I can understand some food imagery, but not for every single dish (especially those for the children).  I liked how Carrie Ann evolved over the course of the story.  It was nice to see her grow from her experiences and face some realities about her relationship with John.  I give Kale to the Queen 4 out of 5 stars.  While the mystery was interesting, there is a very limited suspect pool.  I thought the identity of the killer was apparent.  I wish the author had made the whodunit a little more complex (added more depth and layers). There is a new love interest for Carrie Ann, and he seems to be a mysterious fellow (much better than the Chicago boyfriend).  I just hope that the author develops the relationship slowly and keeps it playing softly in the background (it is a mystery novel, not a romance novel).  Kale to the Queen captured my interest right away and held it throughout the story.  I thought this was a good first book in the series and I will definitely be reading the next book in A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery.  Kale to the Queen will be out on Tuesday, April 11.

I hope each of you have a trouble free Monday.  I will be back tomorrow to evaluate The Night the Lights Went Out by Karen White.  I am currently reading One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Cat Got Your Cash: A Kitty Couture Mystery

Happy Sunday!  The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton will be published on Tuesday, April 11.  It is a Christian novel.  One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline also releases on Tuesday.  There are new books coming out every week this month!

Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase is the second book in A Kitty Couture Mystery series.  Lacy Crocker owns the Furry Godmother in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She designs outfits for animals and creates organic treats.  Lacy is picking out which of her pet couture creations she is going to show Annie Lane, fashion designer.  Lacy is hoping to partner with Annie and have a pet companion line to Annie’s Mardi Gras designs.  Lacy arrives at Annie’s home and receives no answer to the ringing of the bell.  Lacy knocks on the door, and it swings open to a meowing Siamese kitten.  Lacy follows the kitten into the kitchen where another kitten awaits along with Annie in a pool of blood. A startled Lacy drops her box of designer creations into the blood, and then picks up the murder weapon.  Lacy contacts Detective Jack Oliver instead of 911 believing he will understand the situation (like her fingerprints on the murder weapon).  When Lacy finds out that the kittens are being sent to animal shelter, she steps in and offers to take care of them.  The next day Lacy returns home to pick up the kittens to find them gone.  Someone broke in and stole them.  Thankfully, the kittens are quickly retrieved, and Lacy relocates them to her parents’ home.  Lacy discovers that Annie set up a trust for Cotton and Cashmere, the kittens.  Dylan Latherope, Annie’s ex-husband, wants to regain custody of the kittens and stalks Lacy trying to obtain them.  Lacy sets out to discover the identity of Annie’s killer while working on new costume designs and handling obligations she has incurred from her parents in return for cat sitting duties.  She does manage to find time to flirt with Jack Oliver and Chase Hawthorne.  But then the killer decides to take matters into his own hands, and Lacy finds herself and her beloved cat, Penelope in danger.  Lacy will need her wits about her if she is going to make it out of this situation alive along with Penelope.

Cat Got Your Cash is easy to read and has a fast pace.  This book is definitely more cozy than mystery.  I felt that more time is devoted to the Lacy’s zany antics than the murder mystery.  There was one wacky incident after another in this book.  It is a screwball type of humor that reminds me of I Love Lucy (I know I am dating myself with this reference—how about Young and Hungry for the millennials).  I did find information repeated especially regarding Penelope wanting to ride the robotic vacuum cleaner at the store, Lacy’s mother with her phone calls and parties, Lacy’s attraction to the two men, and Imogene, her shop assistant, mystic abilities.  I give Cat Got Your Cash 3 out of 5 stars.  The mystery is not complicated and many readers will be able to identify the killer.  Cat Got Your Cash is the second book in the series, but it can be read alone.  Details from the Cat Got Your Diamonds (first book in series) and Lacy’s history are included in this novel.  I was not a fan of this cozy mystery.  It was just too inane and unrealistic for me.  Lacy is a businesswoman (running her shop at a profit), but comes across as seriously lacking in the brains department.  Then there is the love triangle (they certainly are popular in books this year) that dominates the story.  If you enjoy outlandish, humorous type of novels (my mother loves them), then you should check out Cat Got Your Cash (releases 04/11).  The next book in A Kitty Couture Mystery series is Cat Got Your Secrets.  It will be out on September 12, 2017.

Thank you for visiting today and reading my review.  I will be reviewing Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton.  I am currently reading Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjussen.  I hope you have a lovely, relaxing Sunday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Called to Justice: A Quaker Midwife Mystery

Welcome!  Give the Devil His Due by Steve Hockensmith and Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell are out today.  Appetite for Innocence by Lucinda Berry and Murder is For Keeps by Elizabeth J. Duncan will be out on Tuesday, April 11.  I am amazed at the number of books that are being released this spring.  I am adding so many to my TBR list (it will take me years to get through it).

Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series.  Rose Carroll is a Quaker midwife in Amesbury, Massachusetts.  Rose is watching the Fourth of July parade when she is approached by Hannah Breed, a seventeen-year-old mill worker.  Hannah confides in Rose that she is pregnant, but she is unwilling to reveal the identity of the father.  Rose agrees to help the young woman. Later that evening, Rose is enjoying the fireworks display with her beau, Dr. David Dodge.  There are men shooting off guns nearby and soon screams ring out.  David and Rose run over to find Hannah on the ground (someone took advantage of the chaos).  When the police arrive, the manager of the Hamilton Mill, Lester Colby, makes sure to point fingers at Akwasi Ayensu, an African-American Quaker and local businessman.  Rose is astounded that anyone would accuse Akwasi and is further incensed when he is arrested for the crime.  Rose knows that Akwasi would not harm a soul and sets out to find the true culprit of the crime.  In the meantime, Rose approaches John Whittier to hire counsel for Akwasi.  Rose has to work in a little sleuthing in between her midwifery duties.  Rose’s relationship with David is going along splendidly until his mother decides to interfere (she does not approve of Rose).  This causes a rift between the pair that hopefully can be repaired.  With Akwasi soon going to trial, Rose needs to step up her game if she is to find the real killer.  The villain will not go easily, and Rose soon finds her life in peril. 

Called to Justice is an interesting historical mystery novel.  I liked the time period, the lovely setting, and the Rose’s occupation.  I do wish, though, that the story had been written in the third person to make it easier to read.  With the story being written in the first person, I found it harder to read the Quaker dialogue.  I thought that the dialogue was stilted and old fashioned which suits the novel, but it hard to get through (in the beginning).  The book is well-written, and I liked the mention of historical figures like Louisa May Alcott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony.  There are also some appealing details that help set the time.  Mail is delivered twice a day which aided communication between people living in different towns as well as businesses.  Also, the telephone was just starting to be installed in homes. I give Called to Justice 4 out of 5 stars.  While Called to Justice is the second book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series, it can be read alone.  The author provides all the necessary background details on Rose, her family, friends, and life.  The mystery was intriguing but not overly complex.  Most readers will be able to discern the identity of the killer before the reveal.  The relationship between Rose and David did not dominate the book.  It was nice, light and romantic which I appreciated.  I will be looking for more of Edith Maxwell's novels to read.  The first book in A Quaker Midwife Mystery series is Delivering the Truth (which is currently $1.99 on Amazon).

I hope you have a satisfying Saturday.  I am hoping to relax, read and watch some television (it will not happen, but a girl can dream).  I will return tomorrow to review Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase.  Until then, take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Last Chance Olive Ranch: A China Bayles Mystery

Salutations!  I hope you are enjoying your Friday.  We are lucky enough to have some cooler weather and it is just delightful.  I am loving it.  Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton and Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase will be out on Tuesday.  I will be reviewing both books before they are released.

The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert is the twenty-fifth book in The China Bayles Mystery series.   Mike McQuaid and China Bayles are awakened early by the phone ringing.  The call is for McQuaid to let him know that Max Mantel, a convict he put away in prison, has broken out of Huntsville prison.  Mantel has already killed Paul Watkins, the prosecutor at his trial.  McQuaid is glad that China is going out of town for the weekend to teach a conference.  China, though, would rather stay in town and make sure that McQuaid is safe.  McQuaid is not going to risk China’s life, so he ensures that she is off with Ruby.  China agreed to teach a workshop at Maddie Haskell’s Last Chance Olive Ranch.  After teaching on Saturday, they will have the rest of the weekend to relax.  It turns out that Maddie has a little problem.  She inherited the ranch from Eliza Butler and Eliza’s nephew, Billy Butler is less than thrilled.  Billy is contesting the will and has the probate judge in his pocket.   The weekend is not going to be as restful as China was hoping nor as safe as McQuaid was expecting.  Meanwhile, McQuaid is setting a trap to capture escaped Max Mantel.  The plan goes awry when Sally, McQuaid’s crazy ex-wife shows up in town.  Sally ends up getting kidnapped by Mantel who believes he has China.  Mantel wants McQuaid to turn himself over in exchange for Sally.  McQuaid sets out to capture Mantel and reluctantly save Sally (she is one nutty lady).  China and McQuaid are in for a rough weekend. 

The Last Chance Olive Ranch is nicely written and has some interesting information about olives and olive oil.  I did not know olives could grow in the United States.   I found the pace to be a little slow at times especially during the McQuaid sections (it did help me fall asleep one night).  The story is told from two different perspectives: China and McQuaid.  I would have preferred third person to make the story more cohesive and logical (instead of switching back and forth every other chapter).  Personally, I wish the author had only done one storyline.  The McQuaid sections are not the type normally included in cozy mysteries.  I keep hoping the author will find a way for McQuaid and China to solve cases together (cozy mystery cases).  Actually, I was a little bored with no mystery to solve.  The revelation regarding Maddie was no surprise.  I am sure that the majority of readers will figure it out long before the secret is revealed.  I give The Last Chance Olive Ranch 3 out of 5 stars.  I did not find this novel to have any suspense (and it was supposed to).  The writing is descriptive (overly so), and I never was able to get into the story.  This is one of those books that I just read.  I love it when a book fully engages my attention and draws me in.  While reading the McQuaid storyline, I kept hoping that McQuaid would capture Max and Sally would get hit by a stray bullet (and then bite the bullet if you get my meaning).  I found Sally to be a very unlikeable character and an unwelcome addition to the book (I do not understand why she is not in a mental health facility). While The Last Chance Olive Ranch is the twenty-fifth book in the series, it can be read alone.  The author provides all the necessary background details on China, McQuaid and the family (including Sally).  I preferred the early books in The China Bayles Mystery series.  I did appreciate the ending of The Last Chance Olive Ranch.  It is sweet and nicely wraps up the storylines.  You can find the full list of The China Bayles Mystery series by clicking here!  Susan Wittig Albert also writing the Darling Dahlias series.

Thank you for your visit.  May you have a lovely day.  I will be back tomorrow to review Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell.  I am off to work around the house (lucky me) and, hopefully, get in some reading.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Cut in Darkness: Second book in the In Darkness series

Greetings!  On April 8, Called to Justice by Edith Maxwell will be released.  It is the second book A Quaker Midwife Mystery series. The first book in the series is Delivering the Truth and is currently $1.99 on Amazon.  Give the Devil His Due by By Steve Hockensmith also comes out on April 8.  It is the third book in A Tarot Mystery series. The White Magic Five and Dime and Fool Me Once are the first two books in this series.  Maybe you will find a new book to read this weekend!

Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri is the second book in the In Darkness series.  It is the weekend of the fourth of July and Midland, Kentucky is gearing up for their parade.  Unfortunately, Special Agent Brooke Fairfax is going to miss it.  She has been called in to the local hospital by Special Agent Erica Marshall.  There have been an unusually large number of overdoses occurring in the area among the homeless and women of ill repute.  There seems to be a new designer drug in town that someone is testing on what they must consider the “disposable” populace.  But then Senator Westbrook’s daughter, Angela dies of an overdose.  FBI Director Jack Waller (Brooke’s father) puts Brooke in charge on the Westbrook case.  This leads her into the world of OMGs (outlaw motorcycle gangs) which she has been researching for the last few weeks since starting back to work at the FBI.  It seems that Samael’s Army may be behind the new drug, but Brooke needs irrefutable proof to put the leaders away.  The FBI needs information about this new drug, and they turn to Declan O’Roark (did I mention he is Brooke’s boyfriend) for answers.  Declan’s lab will be able to quickly analyze the drug and provide Brooke with the necessary results (state lab is backed up).  Brooke investigation turns dangerous when her stalker, Romeo reveals her identity to Gray Packstone, son of Samael’s leader.  Samael’s Army is out to eliminate her, and Declan will do what it takes to keep Brooke safe.  Samael’s Army will not go down without a fight and neither will Brooke. 

I found Cut in Darkness to be well-written, have a good pace, and a complex mystery.  Brooke Fairfax is starting to grow on me.  I had trouble liking her in the first book, but Brooke gets better over time (like a fine wine).  The drug situation in the book is complex and readers are given many details about illegal drugs and motorcycle gangs (OMGs).  I did feel, though, that the romance portion of the book was extremely prevalent.  I wish the author would tone it down a notch (bedroom scenes).  While Cut in Darkness is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  The author gives the reader all the information needed to read and enjoy Cut in Darkness.  I give Cut in Darkness 4 out of 5 stars.  I am glad to see Brooke start to overcome her past towards the end of the book.  The story is told from Brooke’s and Declan’s point-of-views.  Personally, I would have preferred if it had been told from the third person for consistency (instead of wondering is this Brooke or Declan).  I am wondering, though, how Brooke makes a good agent when people can tell when she is lying or uncomfortable (especially around a person she does not like).  It just seemed a little off to me.  At the end of the book, readers are left with two unanswered questions (identity of Romeo and the identity of the police informant).  I hope that the stalker storyline picks up the pace in the next book in the series.  It would be nice to know his identity or motive.  It will be interesting to see what happens next with Brooke as she starts a new job and the relationship between Declan and Brooke deepens.  The first book in the series is Exposed in Darkness. The next novel in the In Darkness series is going to be Covered in Darkness which is expected to be released in August.  

Thank you for visiting.  I hope my review is helpful to you.  I am off to run an errand and then there is housework to complete (of course).  I will return tomorrow to review The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert.  I hope you have a fun day (aim high and then settle for okay).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Of Books and Bagpipes: A Scottish Bookshop Mystery

Happy Hump Day!  We are halfway through the first week of April. Kale to the Queen by Nell Hampton will be out on April 11.  It is the first book in A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery series.  If you enjoy good characters, beautiful (and unique) setting, and an interesting mystery, then you should pre-order this new cozy mystery.  I will be reviewing it soon.

Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Shelton is the second book in A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.  Delaney Nichols works at The Cracked Spine in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Her boss, Edwin MacAlister has sent her on a special errand to Castle Doune to pick up a rare copy of Oor Wullie (an old Scottish comic).  Delaney only knows that her contact will be in costume.  She is driven by friend and landlord, Elias (also a cabdriver) who wishes to keep Delaney safe while on this errand.  Delaney is looking around and notices a body backward on a staircase.  It turns out to be the man Delaney was to meet.  While awaiting the police, Delaney does find the book which she quickly hides out of sight.  Upon returning to The Cracked Spine, she shares what happened with Edwin (and then the rest of the staff).  The deceased is Billy Armstrong, son of an old friend of Edwin’s, Gordon Armstrong.  Gordon had died two years previously in a boat fire.  The group is shocked when Gordon shows up later that day in the bookshop.  Gordon wants to know what happened to his son.  They find out that Gordon had sent the book to Edwin via Billy, and it contained the details on what had happened two years prior.  Delaney starts seeking the truth and to uncover who killed Billy Armstrong.  She is aided by her friends at The Cracked Spine and her “bookish voices”.  Delaney will need support if she is to uncover the lies and expose a killer.

I had not had the opportunity to read The Cracked Spine since its publication.  I discovered that it is better to read the first book (The Cracked Spine) before starting Of Books and Bagpipes.  Some background details are provided on the main character, but not all the needed information is included.  Of Books and Bagpipes is an arduous novel to read.  I found the Scottish dialogue difficult to decipher.  If it was just in small sections, it would be manageable (but it was not).   The pace of the book is slow and untangling the interchanges significantly slows down the reading.  There are several obscure and famous Scottish authors mentioned throughout the novel.  I believe most readers will like the inclusion of this information.  I give Of Books and Bagpipes 2.5 out of 5 stars.  The saving grace of this story is the mystery.  It is complicated and challenging to solve.  A reader needs to pay close attention to the details to unscramble the clues and crack the case.  Also, included in the novel is information on various historical sights.  While the information is interesting, it does bog down the story.  I was not a fan of Delaney’s boss, Edwin.  I find that he keeps too many secrets.  I believe the author was trying to make him mysterious, but it does not quite work.  I wish the author had stuck with a warehouse full of unusual and unique items (instead of all the secrets and lies). I did not see how Delaney’s “bookish voices” enhanced the book.  I would have preferred ghosts.  Ghosts associated with old historical sites (like Castle Doune) or maybe spirits that live in The Cracked Spine (I prefer this scenario).  While Of Books and Bagpipes was not to my liking, I am a fan of Paige Shelton’s other series (especially A Dangerous Type Mystery series).  

I hope you have found my review helpful.  I am off to rake and pick up leaves before the rain comes in on Thursday.  I am finally starting to see the ground (progress at last).  I will return tomorrow to review Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri.  May you have a delightful Wednesday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Southern Fried: A Kenni Lowry Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  Some wonderful books are coming out today.   I have listed some of them for you:  Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Sheldon, A Frying Shame by Linda Reilly, The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert, Occult and Battery by Lena Gregory, Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood, The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis, Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper, Behind the Scenes by  Jen Turano, Caramel Crush by Jenn McKinlay, Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes, Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri, Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson, Miss Julia Weathers the Storm by Ann B. Ross, Town in Maple Madness by B.B. Haywood, The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller.   I bet you will be adding some new books to your TBR list (I know I did).

Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes is the second book in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni Lowry is the sheriff in Cottonwood, Kentucky.  Kenni is enjoying time with Finn Vincent, her new deputy and romantic interest, when she is called out to a scene.  Kenni arrives at Myrna Savage’s greenhouse to find a person face down on her prize tomatoes.  Myrna is not a happy camper since she needs those tomatoes for a food competition.  When the body is turned over, they discover it is Owen Godbey, Myrna’s delivery driver.  Myrna owns Petal Pusher Landscaping (she does flower arrangements as well).  Owen was a contestant in the food competition along with Myrna.  Is someone trying to wipe out the competition?  Upon further investigation, Kenni discovers that there is a secret family cookbook in Owen’s family.  Everyone wants the cookbook, but no one knows where Owen hid it.  Kenni, with the help of her newly sworn in deputy, Finn along with Poppa, her ghostly grandfather, set out to get answers and round up the guilty party.  When Kenni gets a little too close to the killer, they take something that Kenni loves dearly.  Kenni will not stop until she catches the culprit and gets back what belongs to her.

I found Southern Fried to be easy to read and to have a fast pace.  It is a humorous novel that is more cozy than mystery.  The book is full of quirky characters who love to meddle and gossip (especially Kenni’s mother).  My favorite character is Poppa, Kenni’s grandfather.  He is a charming man who dearly loves Kenni and provides keen insight.  I hope Poppa will be featured more prominently in future books.  While Southern Fried is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  The author provides background information on the main characters and updates the reader on what occurred in Fixin’ to Die.  I give Southern Fried 4 out of 5 stars.   I thought the mystery was well crafted.  It is complex and there are some twists involved.  Those that enjoy figuring out whodunit will enjoy solving this one.  I appreciate the entertaining Southern phrases in the book.  It will be interesting to see how the re-election campaign plays out in future books.  If you are looking for an amusing cozy mystery novel with a paranormal element, then check out Southern Fried.  My mother picked up my Kindle by accident and was soon laughing out loud while reading this story.  It is a good thing I have more than one Kindle.

I hope you found my review helpful.  May each of you enjoy a sunny Tuesday.  We are in the high 80s in my area with allergy season in full swing.  I will see you tomorrow when I return with another book evaluation.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Promise Girls

Hello.  I hope all of you are well this Monday morning.  Tonya Kappes has a new book in her A Kenni Lowry Mystery series coming out tomorrow.  The new cozy mystery is Southern Fried.  It is a humorous story set in a small town and there is a ghost!  The first book in the series is Fixin' to Die and is available for $.99 (as of this very moment, but you know it can change) on Amazon.

The Promise Girls is the newest book by Marie Bostwick.  The story begins in 1996 with Minerva Promise and her three girls on a national news talk show promoting her book.  Joanie, Meg, and Avery were told the tour would only last three weeks but now it stretching out into months.  Joanie knows she has to do something to stop it and take back their lives.  But Joanie did not calculate how upset her mother would be with her and the repercussions.  Twenty years later, the three girls are grown up and living in Seattle, Washington.  None of the girls are living the careers their mother had planned for them.  Meg has not been happy lately, and one day she receives out some very upsetting information.  On the way to pick up her daughter, Trina, she receives a call from Minerva.  Meg gets very upset and ends up running her car into a cement wall.  Meg wakes up six days later without a memory of her family.  The doctor believes her memory will return in time.  In the meantime, medical bills have mounted up, and they need to find a way to pay them.  Joanie decides she will agree to Hal Seeger’s request to make a documentary of their lives in exchange for the money the family needs for Meg’s medical expenses.  All of them are reluctant to open up in front of the camera, but Hal is determined.   Each sister discovers something about themselves and, ultimately, Minerva reveals the biggest secret of them all.  While Meg’s accident was unfortunate, it just may be the best thing that has happened to the family.  Join The Promise Girls on their journey of self-discovery.

The Promise Girls is well-written and easy to read.  I liked the characters.  I found them all likeable and relatable.  I love the setting of Seattle, Washington.  How can you not love a city that has ferry boats?  I was entertained by Asher’s occupation as a tiny home builder.  It is turning into such a big movement in our country, and I have not seen it included in a novel previously.  I give The Promise Girls 4 out of 5 stars.  The secrets that are revealed at the end of the book are not revelations.  I believe most readers will figure out Joanie and Minerva’s confidences long before they are disclosed.  It was interesting to read about each woman’s journey.  I really like Joanie’s occupation as a creator of costumes for reenactors.  I imagined Ichabod Crane (of the show Sleepy Hollow) would appreciate her services (his last seamstress was murdered).  While I enjoyed The Promise Girls, I did not feel it is not up to the standard of Marie Bostwick’s Cobbled Court Quilt series which I really loved (such wonderful, endearing characters).  The Promise Girls, though, is a pleasurable story and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.

I really do appreciate you visiting and reading my latest blog post. I sincerely hope you have a splendid day.  I will see you tomorrow when I share another book review with you.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Ebb Tide: The Latest Novel by Beverly Lewis

Happy Sunday!  On Tuesday, April 4 some new novels will be available to read.  They include Of Books and Bagpipes by Paige Sheldon, A Frying Shame by Linda Reilly, The Last Chance Olive Ranch by Susan Wittig Albert, Occult and Battery by Lena Gregory, Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood, The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis, Dying on the Vine by Marla Cooper, Behind the Scenes by  Jen Turano, Caramel Crush by Jenn McKinlay, Southern Fried by Tonya Kappes, Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri, Silence of the Jams by Gayle Leeson, Miss Julia Weathers the Storm by Ann B. Ross, Town in Maple Madness by B.B. Haywood, The Chapel Car Bride by Judith Miller.  That is quite a list.  I have pre-ordered several of these books.  Now I just need time to read them!

The Ebb Tide is a new Amish novel by author Beverly Lewis.  Sallie Riehl is just shy of twenty years old and lives with her family in Paradise Township, Pennsylvania.  Sallie has yet to join the Old Order Amish community, because she has dreamed of traveling for years.  Her goal is a trip to Australia, and she has finally saved up enough money.  Sallie purchases her trip and announces to her family that she will be leaving in two weeks.  The Riehl family receives news that Aaron, Sallie’s four years old newphew, has a heart murmurer.  He needs tests and possibly surgery.  Vernon, Aaron’s father and Sallie’s brother, is worried about the costs.  Sallie knows what she most due and cancels her trip.  The money is put towards Aaron’s tests.  But when God closes a door, he opens a window.  Sallie is asked to be a nanny for the summer for young Autumn Logan in Cape May, New Jersey.  This will be Sallie’s chance to travel.  It would mean, though, putting off her baptism instruction classes for another year (much to her mother’s dismay).  Sallie’s parents agree, and she is quickly off to the seashore.  Sallie takes Autumn to visit the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center and meets intern, Kevin Kreider.  Kevin is studying to be a marine biologist and is a Mennonite.  Kevin and Sallie start spending time together.  Sallie knows she can only be friends with Kevin, but she greatly enjoys his company.  At the end of the summer, Sallie returns home.  But she is not content upon her return.  Sallie needs to reflect and decide what she wants for her future. 

The Ebb Tide is a well-written and engaging novel.  I liked the characters and the setting.  Cape May sounds just beautiful.  I felt that the book had a good flow and was well-paced.  The religious aspect of the novel is not as light as in other Amish novels, but it is not dominant or overwhelming.  We are shown how prayer, love, faith and reflection can help (benefit) a person’s life and those around them.  I appreciated that the author included an epilogue that nicely wrapped up the story.  I give The Ebb Tide 4 out of 5 stars.  I found The Ebb Tide to be a lovely novel.  It is a nice break from what is going on in the world.  I did feel that it was a little too long, but, otherwise, I liked it.   I look forward to reading the next Beverly Lewis novel when it releases.  You can follow Beverly Lewis on Amazon and get email updates on her new releases.  If you enjoy Beverly Lewis' novels, check out the Beverly Lewis Book Club on Facebook.  The Ebb Tide will be available on Tuesday, April 4.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my review.  I am off to enjoy the Home Fires marathon on PBS.  May each of you have a special Sunday. I am currently reading Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri.  I will be back tomorrow to review The Promise Girls by Marie Bostwick.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris 
The Avid Reader

Dying on the Vine: A Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mystery

Happy April Fool's Day!  This is my least favorite day of the year. My parents delight in playing practical jokes on me!  Do you have a prankster in your life?  If so, you have my deepest sympathies!

Dying on the Vine is the latest novel by Marla Cooper. This is the second book in Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding Mysteries.  Kelsey McKenna is a destination wedding planner in San Francisco, California.  She is attending the Wine Country Wedding Faire to assist her friend, Brody, a wedding photographer.  He has a booth at the fair and needs extra assistance.  In the afternoon, Brody introduces Kelsey to Haley Bennett and Christopher Riegert.  They are in desperate need of a wedding planner for their event in four weeks at the Higgins Estate.  Kelsey agrees to meet them the next morning.  The day is going well until she runs into the obnoxious Stefan Pierce, assist to Babs Norton of Weddings by Babs. Stefan seems to delight in being rude, condescending and nasty.  Kelsey is glad when she escapes his presence.  The next day she meets with her new clients.  It turns out that they originally had Babs as their wedding planner until Haley’s father fired her.  Kelsey bites the bullet and calls Babs.  Babs agrees to meet Kelsey the next morning and turn over the files on the wedding (the bride knows none of the details regarding her wedding).  Kelsey picks up pastries along the way.  Kelsey hits the buzzer and receives no answer.  She finally sneaks in when someone exits.  The door to the offices is open and Kelsey enters when no one responds.  Kelsey is startled when a phone rings and the pastries go flying around the room.  She gets down on the floor to pick them up and discovers Babs dead behind the couch.  Kelsey manages to call the police despite her fright.  She attends Babs’ funeral with her assistant Laurel and is invited back to Babs house afterward by the deceased sister, Margot.  Stefan is not pleased by Kelsey’s attendance and announces to one and all that she killed Babs.  When this announcement affects her business, Kelsey starts searching for the real killer.  Kelsey will need to be cautious since it seems to be open season on wedding planners.  The killer strikes down another one and, if Kelsey keeps poking around, she could be next.

Dying on the Vine is a humorous cozy mystery that has more of the cozy element.  I found the book to be easy to read with a good flow.  The main character owns her own business, is clumsy, babbles when nervous, and prefers to avoid confrontations (uncomfortable situations, people she does not like, etc.).  I prefer strong female characters who are intelligent and confident (especially when they own their own business).  While this is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  Terror in Taffeta is the first book in this series.   I give Dying on the Vine 3 out of 5 stars.  It is just not my type of book.  I am not a fan of the inane humor in Dying on the Vine.  It had me rolling my eyes until I gave myself a headache.  The mystery was complex (which is why I gave it a 3) and many readers will not guess the identity of the killer.  The descriptions of the wine country were lovely.  I can see why brides like to have weddings in Napa Valley.  If you enjoy comical cozy mysteries, then I suggest you give Dying on the Vine a try.

Dying on the Vine will be out on April 4.  Thank you for visiting today and reading my latest review.  I will see you when I return tomorrow with my review of The Ebb Tide by Beverly Lewis. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader