Love's Christmas Blessing by Laura V. Hilton and Rachel J. Good plus a Giveaway!

About the Book

 Book: Love’s Christmas Blessings

Author: Laura V Hilton, Rachel J Good

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish, Christmas

Release Date: November, 2018

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Winter’s Treasure by Laura V. Hilton

Paris Kauffman believes she is about to embark on her family-tradition birthday treasure hunt, but for the first time ever, her daed is sending her to various businesses and homes in the community. Little does Paris expect that when she enters the bakery to collect her gift, the bus will drop off none other than her old crush, Aquila Stutzman, the man she’d done everything except cartwheels and handstands to get his attention. And failed. Of course, Quil doesn’t remember her.

Quil was offered employment working on his grandparents’ new tree farm in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Since he’s recovering from a broken heart when his longtime girlfriend Priscilla up and married his cousin, a move Quil never saw coming, he decides to take the job. This will give him time to separate himself from the hurt and maybe, eventually, move on.

Paris and Quil have sparks from the beginning, especially since his appearance causes a vicious rivalry between friends. But who can resist when a chance meeting beginning with donuts and coffee ends with a missing person, puppies, a skunk, and a sleigh ride—not to mention a trip the Amish young people plan to Niagara Falls. Could it also involve falling in love?

Mistletoe and Miracles by Rachel J. Good

Daniel Graber has spent years caring for his aging parents. Now Daed’s in rehab with a broken hip and a bad case of irritability. He snaps at the workers and complains about doing physical therapy, so Daniel is grateful for the new aide, Fern Chupp, who uses her sweetness and charm to convince Daed to cooperate. Turns out, Daed isn’t the only one she charms.

As a widow, Fern is grateful for her new job at Fairview Rehab Center, even though it meant relocating to Ephrata, Pennsylvania, with her nine-year-old daughter, Lyddie. But Lyddie is grieving the recent death of her grandfather and dislikes leaving her Ohio home. Lyddie’s shyness also makes it difficult to make friends or recite school lessons.

When her class goes to the rehab center to interview patients, Lyddie’s too scared to do her assignment, so she runs away. During the hunt for her missing daughter, independent Fern learns to accept and appreciate Daniel’s help and support. By the time they discover Lyddie, she’s made a very unusual friend, and Fern and Daniel have developed a . Can four lonely heart create special bonds to make it a Christmas to remember?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with over twenty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs, and writes devotionals for blog posts for Seriously Write.

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House & Harlequin), Love & Promises (Hachette/Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and the forthcoming Surprised by Love (Kensington). She also has several anthologies in print as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Book.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her at www.racheljgood.com.

Coconut Potato Fudge Recipe

1/2 cup plain, mashed potatoes, either instant or one medium potato, cooked

1/8 cup finely chopped (or crushed) almonds (optional)

3 cups powdered sugar

1 cup shredded coconut

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate

give

3 tablespoons butter

Beat powdered sugar and coconut into warm potatoes; then add the vanilla extract and almonds.  Press into a lightly-greased 8-inch square pan; set aside.  In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally. When melted, pour over top of the potato mixture.  Refrigerate until set and then cut into squares.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

My Thoughts

Love’s Christmas Blessing contains two Amish stories by Laura Hilton and Rachel J. Good.  Winter’s Treasure by Laura V. Hilton takes us on a journey to Mackinac County, Michigan.  Paris Kauffman is enjoying the birthday treasure hunt organized by her father with new friend, Sarah Fisher.  While at the bakery, the bus stops and lets out Quil Stutzman.  Paris remembers Quil and the crush she had on him, but, at the time, he only had eyes for Priscilla Graber.  Sarah is quick to latch onto Quil, but he only prefers Paris.  Quil needs to show Paris that he has mended his ways and wishes to court her.  Join them on their journey towards love that involves puppies, a skunk, misunderstandings, donuts, a jealous friend and a trip to Niagara Falls.

Rachel J. Good has written Mistletoe and Miracles set in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.  Daniel Graber’s father, Moses is currently staying in the Fairview Rehab Center and has four weeks left on his stay.  Daniel visits his father each day despite Moses’ cranky attitude.  Fern Chupp is a widow and mother who recently moved to town from Charm, Ohio.  She sold everything to give the two of them a fresh start.  Fern works as an aide at the rehab center, and Daniel is taken by her friendly demeaner and lovely appearance.  Lyddie’s teacher, Ruthie wishes to have the children visit the patients and brighten their days.  Lyddie is a shy child who prefers to spend her time engaged in a good book.  On visiting day, Lyddie disappears and is later found in an unlikely place.  Christmas is a time for miracles, and four lonely people might get a very special gift.

I enjoyed reading the two sweet stories in Love’s Christmas Blessing.  They both contain good writing and have steady pacing.  The stories are set in Lancaster County which has a large Amish population.  Both novellas contained pleasant characters apart from Sarah in Winter’s Treasure (I am hoping she will change when she matures).  I especially enjoyed the relationship between Lyddie and Moses (it was cute).   The romances were adorable and the attraction between the couples was plain.  The two stories are told from alternating point-of-views which allows readers to see issues from a male and female perspective.  We can see how confusion develops and misunderstandings arise.  I liked that a child’s shyness is addressed (I suffered from this affliction myself) and how loneliness can affect a person’s attitude.  Some of the Christian elements woven into the story are prayer, having faith, and events happen in God’s timing.  There is a unique recipe for coconut potato fudge at the end of the book.  Love’s Christmas Blessing contains two heartwarming Amish stories that will have you smiling. 

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away:

Grand prize of $25 Amazon gift card

1st place: Paperback copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings

2-4th place: eBook copy of Love’s Christmas Blessings

Be sure to comment on the blog stops (schedule below) for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click here enter. Love's Christmas Blessing will be out on November 15 and will be available on Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will return tomorrow to feature A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston.  It is the third An Amish Homestead Novel.  I hope you have a blessed day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, November 11

The Avid Reader, November 11

Bigreadersite, November 11

Among the Reads, November 12

Wishful Endings, November 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 13

Britt Reads Fiction, November 13

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 14

Maureen’s Musings, November 14

Quiet Quilter, November 15

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, November 16

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, November 17

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 17

Bibliophile Reviews, November 18

Splashes of Joy, November 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 19

Mary Hake, November 19

Miss Tina’s Amish Book Reviews, November 20

Just the Write Escape, November 20

Moments, November 21

Bukwurmzzz, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Janices book reviews, November 23

Carpe Diem, November 24

A Baker’s Perspective, November 24

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann

Welcome!  Violet Tendencies by Kate Dyer-Seeley comes out on November 27 along with The Coloring Crook by Krista Davis and Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith.  

High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann is the latest edition to The Georgia Davis PI series.  Georgia Davis is hired by Erica Baldwin Stewart to find out more about her daughter, Dena’s death.  The family received an anonymous email several weeks after her assassination and it bothers them.  Dena Baldwin was the leader of ResistanceUSA, a group against the current president with 42,000 followers.  Dena was vocal against the current regime and their practices.  At a demonstration in Grant Park in Chicago, Dena was assassinated and the gunman, Scott Allen Jarvis, was found dead on a nearby rooftop.  Georgia’s search for the truth takes her on a perilous journey.  She soon learns that someone does not want the truth to come to light, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to keep their secrets hidden.  While handling the case, Georgia’s mother reenters her life.  It brings up the old feelings of resentment, abandonment and jealousy.  Georgia’s case takes a dangerous turn when people begin disappearing.  Her quest for the truth could find Georgia paying the ultimate price. 

If you have not read the previous books in The Georgia Davis PI series, I recommend beginning with Easy Innocence (the first book).  I have not read any of the other novels in this series, and I felt I was missing key details on Georgia.  I was not able to get into High Crimes (I ended up reading two other books while attempting to wade through High Crimes).  I felt it lacked continuity and an ease.  It jumped around to various characters and time periods which I found confusing.  I tried to like Georgia, but it did not happen.  I especially disliked her sister, Vanna.  I found her self-centered and whiny.  High Crimes contains an intriguing mystery with various twists that will surprise readers.  It is the best part of the book.  The writing is extremely detail oriented.  Some of the extraneous information could have been eliminated.  High Crimes takes punches at our current administration.  It is obvious that the author is not a fan of the current president.  If you are looking for an escape from all the political goings on in the news, then High Crimes is not the book for you.  There is a significant amount of foul language (which I find offensive and unnecessary) and there is intimacy between couples (fair warning) that I was not expecting.  As you can tell, I am not the right audience for High Crimes.  However, that is the beauty of people and books.  We are all unique and like different things. I suggest you obtain a sample of High Crimes to see if it is the right fit for you.

Thank you for checking in today and reading my review.  I will be featuring Love's Christmas Blessings by Laura Hilton and Rachel J. Good tomorrow (there is a giveaway).  Have a jubilant day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier, Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis

Happy Friday!  I hope you have had a lovely week.  Death and Daisies by Amanda Flower will be out on November 13 along with A Seat by the Hearth by Amy Clipston and Murder at Harbor Village by G.P. Gardner.  So many delightful books have been published recently and there are not enough hours to read them (or bookshelves to hold them).

Yule Log Murder contains three short cozy mysteries by Lucy Stone, Barbara Ross and Lee Hollis.  Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier takes us to Tinker’s Cove, Maine.  Lucy is playing an extra in the period film, Guinevere being filmed at Pine Point.  Lucy finds it tedious until the cook’s assistant is found dead smothered in pink icing from a yule log and a knife to the stomach.  When Phyllis Lundquist’s relative is arrested for the crime, Lucy is tasked with finding the culprit.  She must work in her sleuthing in between working at the paper, her role in the film and the final preparations for Christmas.  Lucy gets an early Christmas present when her son, Patrick and his family arrive to celebrate the holidays.  Surprise turns to shock when she encounters their new pit bull, Skittles and hears their unexpected news.  Spending time on the set tracking down a killer sounds like a welcome escape to Lucy.

Lee Hollis entertains readers with Death by Yule in Bar Harbor, Maine.  Hayley Powell’s holidays are not starting off as planned when her son, Dustin becomes snowed in with his father.  Her daughter, Gemma arrives with her new actor boyfriend, Conner who seems too perfect.  They attend Liddy’s annual Christmas party which has a significant number of party crashers including local bad boy, Ryan Toledo.  After an altercation between Ryan and Conner over Gemma, Ryan is escorted out of the party.  A few hours later, Ryan is found in the woods near Liddy’s house with remnants of one of Hayley’s Yule logs on his body.  Connor is at the top of the suspect list and a distressed Gemma asks Hayley to clear his name.  Which resident of Bar Harbor is getting an orange jumpsuit for Christmas?

Logged On by Barbara Ross is set in Busman’s Harbor, Maine.  Julia Snowden wants to start her own Christmas tradition and she has decided it will be a Buche de Noel (oh dear).  Julia is not going to let the fact she cannot make a decent one stop her.  Julia’s mother suggests she consult their crusty neighbor, Mrs. Odile St. Onge.  The baking lessons begin, and they give Julia a chance to learn more about the reclusive woman.  Julia has noticed that Mrs. St. Onge’s caregiver quit showing up recently along with her grand-nephew which leaves the older woman without assistance.  She decides to investigate the matter, and Julia is dismayed when she learns that Mrs. St. Onge has had a few relatives pass away during the holidays after eating her Buche de Noel.  The more Julia learns the more alarmed she becomes.  Julia is determined to get answers, but she is wary of becoming the next victim. 

Yule Log Murder contains three entertaining cozy mysteries.  While the three tales are part of existing series, you can read them as standalones.  I enjoyed visiting some of my favorite characters during the holiday season.  Yule logs are woven into each story.  While these delectable cakes are beautiful, they are not easy to make.  There are friendly characters, charming small towns, holiday cheer and mysteries in each novella.  All three are well-written with steady pacing and good flow.  I was a little surprised by what is happening with Patrick Stone’s family in Yule Log Murder.  They are not as I remember them, and I hope we see significant changes before they appear in the series again (I know I am being vague, but I do not want to spoil it for you).  All three mysteries have humor, but I found myself laughing more at Julia’s antics in Logged On.  All three crimes can easily be solved, but they are still pleasing to read (I stayed up very late finishing this collection).  I am giving Yule Log Murder 4 out of 5 stars.  Find yourself a comfy chair to relax in while reading the diverting and merry novellas in Yule Log Murder.

Thank you so much for visiting today.  What are you currently reading?  I am always looking for new books and authors (and so is my mother).  I will be sharing my review of High Crimes by Libby Fischer Hellmann tomorrow.  It is the fifth novel in The Georgia Davis PI series. I hope you have a fulfilling day.  I will return tomorrow.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James: Review of the latest A Cat in the Stacks Mystery

Good Day!  A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes and Wreath Between the Lines by Daryl Wood Gerber are out today.  I will feature Wreath Between the Lines on November 16 (I believe there is a giveaway).  You do not want to miss reading these two delightful cozy mysteries.

Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James is the tenth novel in A Cat in the Stacks Mystery series. Charlie Harris has a new neighbor, Gerry Albritton who makes him uncomfortable with her overly flirtatious manor. Gerry is hosting a Christmas party to meet her new neighbors, and she sends over her assistant to make sure Charlie will be attending.  Charlie will attend if his girlfriend, Helen Louise Brady can be on his arm (protection).  Christmas is approaching, and it is Charlie’s first one as a grandfather.  He is worried about his daughter-in-law, Alex who seems exhausted from work and taking care of a colicky baby.  But Alex is not ready to accept help.  Charlie opens the door one day to find a box of five kittens on his doorstep with a note asking him to keep them safe.  Diesel decides it is his duty to keep the little frisky felines out of trouble.  At Gerry’s Christmas party, the whole neighborhood has shown up.  Gerry has been causing a stir with her attempts to buy up the houses on the street and her over-the-top outdoor Christmas decorations.  There is quality champagne and inexpensive appetizers.  Suddenly there is a loud crash and, when the crowd parts, Charlie sees Gerry collapses on the floor.  Helen Louise performs CPR, but Gerry is pronounced dead by the EMTs. Gerry’s death is suspicious, and Charlie is curious which one of the party attendees is the killer (and will be getting coal in his stocking this Christmas).  Charlie has two mysteries to solve and Christmas preparations to complete.  Will he get is all accomplished before Santa slides down the chimney? 

Six Cats a Slayin’ is a light and joyful Christmas cozy mystery.  Charlie is a unique main character for cozy mysteries because he is male.   Charlie Harris is a librarian at the local college in the archive room.  His cat, Diesel goes with him to work (and about town) and contributes with his little chirps which are so cute (and expressive).  Diesel appoints himself guardian of the kittens which exhausts him since they are so busy.  Thankfully, Charlie’s renters come up with an idea to keep the curious kitties contained.  Gerry Albritton has moved into the neighborhood and is wasting no time making her mark.  She has flirted with every man she has encountered and is now trying to buy up her neighbor’s homes.  It is no surprise when when Gerry ends up murdered.  Solving Gerry’s murder was a cinch.  I was surprised when it did not occur until I was almost halfway through the book.  One little detail gave me the identity to Gerry’s killer (I kept hoping it I would be wrong since I would have loved a twist).  I did enjoy reading on to find out more about Gerry since she was mysterious about her background.  The mystery surrounding the kittens was a puzzle and who doesn’t love cute felines.  Six Cats a Slayin’ contains good writing with a gentle pace. Six Cats a Slayin’ contains Christmas preparations, taking care of the kittens (in detail), speculation on Gerry’s killer, shopping for Christmas presents, food preparation and eating, playing with kittens, Charlie talking about his weight and needing exercise, attempts to catch the kittens’ owner, time spent at work, and concern about Alex.  Charlie has caring friends and a loving family.  They rally round to help out when there is a need.  You can read Six Cats a Slayin' as a standalone, but I recommend reading this series from the beginning (the earlier books are the best ones).  Six Cats a Slayin’ is a merry cozy mystery that will have you laughing over the rambunctious kittens’ behavior.

Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am going to feature Yule Log Murder by Leslie Meier, Barbara Ross, and Lee Hollis.  Three entertaining cozy mysteries in one book.  I hope you have a delightful day filled with engaging novels.  Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes: Review & Giveaway

A Vintage Death (A Keepsake Cove Mystery)

by Mary Ellen Hughes

About the Book

A Vintage Death (A Keepsake Cove Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

2nd in Series

Midnight Ink (November 8, 2018)

Paperback: 264 pages

ISBN-10: 0738752274

ISBN-13: 978-0738752273

Digital

ASIN: B0795RTP2B

As the new music box store owner and resident of Keepsake Cove, a quaint town full of collectible shops on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Callie Reed is eager to get more involved in her community. She volunteers to plan the Fall street decorations and welcome a visiting author who's come for a special book signing. But the celebratory mood is cut short when the local B&B owner is found dead, killed by a pair of vintage scissors.

Suspicion is cast on the victim's estranged wife, Dorothy, who owns Keepsake Cove's vintage sewing shop. Callie is sure Dorothy is innocent, and the visiting author agrees. Together, they begin their own investigation, only to discover that many people in Keepsake Cove have secrets. Secrets that are worth killing to keep quiet.

About the Author

Mary Ellen Hughes is the bestselling author of the Pickled and Preserved Mysteries (Penguin), the Craft Corner Mysteries, and the Maggie Olenski Mysteries, along with several short stories. A Fatal Collection is her debut with Midnight Ink. A Wisconsin native, she has lived most of her adult life in Maryland, where she’s set many of her stories. Visit her at www.MaryEllenHughes.com.

Author Links

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/MaryEllenHughesauthor

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/mehughes13/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/mehughesauthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/402922.Mary_Ellen_Hughes

My Thoughts

A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes returns readers to Keepsake Cove, Maryland.  Callie Reed runs House of Melody, a collectible music box shop that she inherited from her aunt.  Callie has volunteered to plan the autumn decorations for the town as well as the book signing event for Lyssa Hammond.  She has the able assistance from her friend, Dorothy Ashby who owns Stitches Thru Time.  After Lyssa arrives in town, Callie takes a welcome basket to her at the Foxwood Inn which is owned by Clifford Ashby.  Clifford is a chatty fellow, but he makes people uncomfortable.  On Monday, while the townspeople are decorating their shops with autumn décor, Callie is surprised to hear that Clifford was found dead in the park with a pair of vintage scissors sticking out of his chest.  Dorothy, Clifford’s estranged wife, becomes the prime suspect since the scissors came from her shop.  Callie knows her friend did not commit the crime and, with the aid of an eager Lyssa, starts searching for clues.  Several local townspeople had reason to harm Clifford who had developed a scheme to earn extra money.  Which suspect committed the wicked deed?  Before Callie and Lyssa can zero in on the killer another body is found in the park and, once again, the weapon is a pair of scissors.  Can Callie solve this whodunit and save Dorothy from a life in prison?

A Vintage Death is the second tale in A Keepsake Cove Mystery series, but it can be read alone.  The author provides Callie’s backstory to bring readers up to date.  We get to know more about Keepsake Cove, its adorable shops and its amiable characters.  Each shop features a different type of collectible item which I find very unique.  Callie has become friends with several of the locals and has begun dating Brian Greer who owns the Keepsake Cove Café.  Lyssa was a nice addition to the book, and I hope we see her again in future installments.  We get to know more about Callie in this story (good character development). Tabitha, Callie’s shop assistant, is a off-beat character with her unconventional style of dress.  She dresses up as a different character each day and her clothing is described in detail.  I liked the author’s conversational writing style (what I call easy breezy) which makes the book easy to read and enjoy.  The mystery was intriguing with an unusual murder weapon and several suspects.  I was not surprised by the killer’s identity, but I appreciated how the mystery played out.  The crime is actively investigated by our amateur sleuths.  It has a dramatic ending and a twist that will surprise you. Grandpa Reed’s music box is the paranormal element in the story.  It will play out at times to aid Callie in her investigation.  I am a fan of paranormal, but the music box is not working in this story.  We do not know what the music box means when it plays out a tune (too vague).  I hope it becomes clearer in future books in this series.  A Vintage death a pleasing cozy mystery with its quaint town, charming shops and friendly characters. 

A Vintage Death will be published on November 8 and can be purchased at Amazon, B&N, and Midnight Ink.  A Fatal Collection is the first novel in A Keepsake Cove Mystery series (Kindle version currently $.99 on Amazon).  In honor of the tour, Mary Ellen Hughes is having a giveaway.  You can click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Make sure to leave a comment for an extra entry and visit the other stops on the tour (schedule below).  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am going to share my thoughts on Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James tomorrow.  I hope you have a superb day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 7 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

November 7 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

November 7 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 7 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - GUEST POST

November 8 – The Book Diva's Reads - GUEST POST

November 8 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, Sissy, & Too!  - SPOTLIGHT

November 8 – Laura's Interests - REVIEW

November 9 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 9 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

November 9 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

November 9 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 10 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 10 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

November 10 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews - CHARACTER GUEST POST

November 11 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW

November 11 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 11 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT*

November 12 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

November 12 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW

November 12 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

November 13 – Valerie's Musings - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

November 13 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

November 13 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

November 14 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

November 14 – Jane Reads - REVIEW, GUEST POST

November 14 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

November 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

November 15 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

November 15 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW

November 16 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

November 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

November 16 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle: A Fixer-Upper Mystery

Happy Book Release Day!  A few of the new books out today are A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry, The Skeleton Makes a Friend by Leigh Perry, Santa Puppy by Lynn Cahoon, A Season of Grace by Lauraine Snelling, The Noel Stranger by Richard Paul Evans, A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle and Girls on the Line by Aimee K. Runyan.

A Wrench in the Works by Kate Carlisle takes us back to Lighthouse Cove.  Shannon Hammer is looking forward to her sister, Chloe coming to town.  Chloe is the co-star of Makeover Madness, a rehab and design show on the Home Builders Network.  Chloe has not been home for five years and the family is looking forward to catching up with her.  Chloe along with the crew from Makeover Madness are coming to town to do a feature on the Victorian homes in Lighthouse Cove.  Shannon has helped locate properties to showcase, and she will be on the show as well helping rehab a Victorian home in need.  Shannon quickly learns that television life is not glamorous and Chloe’s executive producer, Bree Bennett is a terror.  The day before filming begins, Shannon overhears an argument between Bree and Chloe and notices an eavesdropper in the form of the slimy Richard Stoddard.  The next morning, Chloe and Shannon arrive early at the Bloom house for the first day of filming.  They are exploring the first floor to see what work needs to be accomplished when they find Bree leaning against the tiles on the fireplace.  Chief Eric Jensen quickly arrives to take charge of the scene.  With everyone on the crew a suspect, Shannon and Chloe begin chiseling away at the suspects in the hopes of exposing a killer. 

A Wrench in the Works is a lively cozy mystery with engaging characters, beautiful Victorian homes, a charming town, and a murder mystery.   I thought the book was well-written and it gallops along at a snappy pace.  Kate Carlisle has a writing style that allowed me to be drawn into the story.  The dialogue is realistic, and the book has a good flow (I just kept reading until I finished).  Shannon is a strong female character in an unusual occupation for a woman.  I like her relationship with Mac (though he does seem a little too perfect).  Shannon has a loving family and good friends.  It was lovely to find out more about Chloe.  She has a secret that has been bothering her for ten years which has kept her from coming home.  There are sparks between Chloe and a certain police chief.  I am curious to see what happens next with them.  The mystery was intriguing with several suspects and misdirection.  Cozy mystery sleuths, though, will have no problem identifying the killer.  There are descriptions of beautiful Victorian homes in the book with their unique architectural details (I want to live in one).  I can see why Shannon loves her job restoring these beauties.  If you have not read the previous books in A Fixer-Upper Mystery series (or watched the movies), you will not be lost.  I am giving A Wrench in the Works 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  A Wrench in the Works is a peppy and warm cozy mystery.  I look forward to returning to Lighthouse Cove in the next A Fixer-Upper Mystery.

I appreciate you joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on A Vintage Death by Mary Ellen Hughes.  I hope you will stop by to read my review and enter the giveaway.  I hope you have a grand day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader