Death at a Fixer-Upper

Today is a day that celebrates the various boys and girls clubs around the country (like Boy Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts--we all know about the cookies).  These groups can be good for children and the community.  In addition to my regular housework, I have this very long "to do" list (the equivalent to a man's "honey do" list).  I am trying to get at least one item on the list done a day. Today it was to put a new toilet seat on my mother's toilet. She wanted to include cute Ohio State University decals. First I had to figure out how to take off the hold one and then find the socket set. Mission accomplished and one happy Mother (next is a new faucet on her sink).  On May 19 in 1568 Queen Elizabeth I ordered the arrest of Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1962 their is a birthday salute to President John F. Kennedy in Madison Square Garden in New York City. The highlight of the event is Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "Happy Birthday" (we have all heard it--at least those of us over the age of 30).  

Death at a Fixer-Upper by Sarah T. Hobart is A Home Sweet Home Mystery.  Sam Turner is a single mother with a new real estate license in Arlinda, California.  The real estate agency Sam works for, Home Sweet Home, has a new listing at 13 Aster Lane.  An old Victorian that needs quite a bit of work, but has great bones.  After touring the property, Sam gets three people who are interested in purchasing the house (all called on the same day).  Sam hopes that one of them will purchase the property because she can really use the commission check.  Sam and her son, Max are being evicted from their apartment by their sleazy landlord (the pet clause).  Sam is purchasing a home and the commission check would be a big help.  Unfortunately, one of the prospective buyers turns up dead on the property and this is just the first.  This does not bode well for a good sale.  Sam is also dealing with the return of her ex-husband who disappeared fourteen years ago.  He now wants to see Max, and Sam is not sure how to handle it.  Max is busy with the Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race.  He is working on an entry sponsored by an eco-friendly building company (this leads to paragraphs on eco-friendly building practices).   Sam has a chance a little romance.  Chief of Police Bernie Aguilar is interested in Sam, but he is divorced from her sister, Stacy.  Sam is attracted to Bernie, but she is not sure the relationship is a good idea (do you think).  Life in never dull in Arlinda.  Join us in Arlinda, California for fun, sun, and murder!

Death at a Fixer-Upper did not feel like a finished book.  It needed more development especially with the characters.  Sam was supposed to come across as quirky and independent, but I just found her plain annoying.  I found more of the book was devoted to the Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race (which sounded interesting), friends, the son, the ex-husband, the sleazy apartment landlord, the boss and his relationship with his ex-wife than the mystery (just too much going on in this book).  There was no real investigation (you will discover that the killer is easy to pick out).  We also have the requisite complicated romance thrown in.  The book was too inane for my taste.  There is one thing that was mentioned a couple of times that just made me gag.  Peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwich!  Doesn’t that sound gross (and why did the author feel the need to include it in the book)?  The pace of the book was slow which made it hard to read (and finish).   I give Death at a Fixer-Upper 2.5 out of 5 stars.   I will not be reading the next book in the series.  This book was just not for me.

The next book in A Home Sweet Home Mystery series A Killer Location which will be out in November.  You can follow Sarah T. Hobart on Amazon to get updates on her books. I received a complimentary copy of Death at a Fixer-Upper from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my latest review.  I really do appreciate it.  Make sure to take time for yourself today (I know I need to get away by myself). It is important to take a moment and relax (get away from every one and every thing).  I am currently reading Murder in Moringside by Sandra Bretting (its awful).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Reluctant Duchess

It is No Dirty Dishes Day!  Wouldn't that be wonderful if we never had to do the dishes?  The only way it can be achieved is if everything you utilize it disposable or you eat out for every meal (until they invent something that will take the dishes, load them up, and then wash them without us doing a thing).  I see dirty dishes in my future for many years to come (including today).  I was expecting a book from UPS today. Unfortunately, my mother noticed the delivery man out front and got to door before me (she was closer).  I saw Doozy (my dog) edge up behind her so I yelled for her to stop (my mother).  She opened up the front door and then threw the screen door open wide, and out Doozy went!  She claims not to have noticed Doozy (he is very hard to miss).  I ended up having to take out the car to get him (he likes car rides thankfully). Doozy had not done this trick in quite a while (and hopefully not again)!

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White is the second book in the Ladies of the Manor series.  It is 1912 in the Highlands in Scotland.  Lady Rowena Kinnaird is her father’s heir (the estate is not entailed).  Rowena has a low self-esteem (does not believe she is good enough thanks to her father and stepmother).  Malcolm Kinnaird wishes to marry Rowena and will do anything (I mean anything if you get my drift) to make it happen (Rowena does not like him).  Rowena does not wish to marry Malcolm (cruel, mean man), and, after she is attacked, she is afraid her father will force the match.  Brice Myerston is arriving with his family and friends at Gaoth Lodge (it is his second house).  Brice and his family are not invited to Douglas Kinnaird’s (Earl of Lochaber) home.  They tried to be friendly, but Douglas Kinnaird wants nothing to do with them (do have a feeling it has something to do with a woman).  That is why they are surprised when they receive an invitation to dine at the Kinnaird home (I have a feeling the Earl is up to something).  Brice has enough on his plate.  Lady Catherine Pratt is relentless in her hunt for the Fire Eyes.  Brice cannot let them fall into her hands.  What will Brice do when he finds himself in a comprising position with Rowena (with witnesses)? 

The Reluctant Duchess may be the second book in the Ladies of the Manor series, but you can read The Reluctant Duchess as a stand-alone novel.  The first book will provide more of the backstory and make it easier to understand everything going on in this book (it is also a good book to read).  I had some trouble with reading the Scottish dialect (some areas are written with their accent and it is hard to figure out).  Overall, The Reluctant Duchess is an interesting story (I enjoyed the mystery around Fire Eyes).  I found it well-written, engaging, and rich in historical details (though a wee bit predictable).  We get to catch up with some people we met in The Lost Heiress (the first book in the series) as well.  There are some difficult topics in the book that are not appropriate for younger readers (domestic violence being one of them).  I give The Reluctant Duchess 4 out of 5 stars (which means I liked it).  I look forward to reading the next book in the Ladies of the Manor series.

You can follow Roseanna M. White on Amazon to get notices on her latest novels.  I received a complimentary copy of The Reluctant Duchess from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

I hope all of you had interesting days!  I am currently reading A Simple Vow by Charlotte Hubbard (it is good so far).  I am going to go finish cooking dinner (and then do the dishes).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

No Ordinary Life

You are getting an extra review today.  I have more books to review than days of the month (a good problem to have).  Four new cozy mysteries came out today.  Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton, Tall Tail by Rita Mae Brown, Rock-a-Bye Bones by Carolyn Haines, and Death at a Fixer Upper by Sarah T. Hobart.  I will be reviewing all of them on my blog (as soon as I get the reviews written)!
 
No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn is about a child’s life in the motion picture industry and how it affects a whole family.  Faye is applying for a job on the boardwalk in Santa Monica and she had to bring her children, Molly (4), Emily (12), and Tom (8) with her. Her husband, Sean is a truck driver.  He disappeared five months prior and has not returned (or called).  Molly, a precocious child, does an impromptu routine with a dancer (which people capture on their phones) and soon the video is a hit on-line.  Faye soon gets a call from Monique Braxton of the Braxton Talent Agency.  Molly is wanted for a Gap commercial.  Faye sees this as a way out of their financial troubles (and an answer to her prayers).  Molly does great in the commercial which quickly turns into a hit.  Molly is then asked to audition for a popular show and gets the part.  This is the beginning of a new life for all of them.  But things are not rosy for the family.  Emily is not happy.  Because of the financial troubles, Faye moved the family in with her mother (in a small condo).  Emily misses her friends and her old school.  Then Sean comes crawling out of the woodwork (smells money) and starts making demands.  What Faye thought was an answer to her prayers is turning into a nightmare.  Will Faye make the right choices?

No Ordinary Life gives you a peak at what life is like for families when one child is a star.  The long hours, the lines, publicity, stalkers, etc.  You may make good money, but it comes at a price.  The authors writing style makes No Ordinary Life easy to read, but the content is extremely frustrating (not a relaxing book to read).  I wanted to make Faye stop and think about her choices (as she kept making wrong choices.  Even at the end she did not make the right choice for all of her kids). One thing about Faye that was annoying was she kept thinking about sex (a lot).  Did she look sexy?  Was she appealing to this person?  Did they want to sleep with her?  This went on through the whole book (and was really not needed). I started skimming (my word for speed reading) through these sections.  I give No Ordinary Life 3 out of 5 stars.  It was okay, but not great (just my personal feelings).  I thought it was predictable (about life in Hollywood, the husband coming back for money, and the ending).  I wish the author had been a little more creative.

You can follow Suzanne Redfearn on Amazon (they will send you emails on her latest releases).  I received a complimentary copy of No Ordinary Life from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am off to relax and avoid the music from my neighbors band practice. They seem to play the same song over and over (and they do not improve).  My mother and I (my father too when he was alive) keep trying to figure out what song they are playing (this has been going on for years).  I should mention that these are adults (in their 30s) and not teenagers.  Have a delightful evening!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

A Front Page Affair

Happy Pack Rat Day!  I think this day was created for my mother. She is not a hoarder, but she does like her stuff (and piles).  She has been "cleaning" her room for two years or more.  All she does is move the piles around the room.  I am trying to convince her to get rid of items that she has not used in over two years (I am making some progress).  We are going to have a great yard sale (eventually).  Are you a pack rat?  Believe it or not, most people are (except minimalists unless they have storage units).  

It is 1915 in New York.  Capability “Kitty” Weeks is nineteen years old and a reporter for the Ladies Page of the New York Sentinel (she wants to report real stories but women are not allowed in the newsroom).  Miss Helena Busby is her boss and showing her the ropes (she is also her assistant).  Kitty was assigned to cover the Independence Day Gala organized by Mrs. Elizabeth Basshor.  Kitty was enjoying the unique fireworks display and then there is screaming.  Hunter Cole is dead in the stables. Why was Hunter killed and what was he doing in the stables? Hunter is not a well-liked gentleman.  Hunter married a burlesque star, Aimee (scandalous to his family).  Since Kitty was at the event, she is asked to help Mr. Flanagan, the reporter assigned the story.  Kitty gets to help with background material.  Kitty is determined to do a good job (with the hopes of getting her toes into the newsroom).  Kitty sets out to interview people at the event and those close to Hunter Cole.  Can Kitty’s inquiries help her find the killer?    

A Front Page Affair by Radha Vatsal was okay, but not great.  The writer tried to make the mystery complicated, but it was easy to solve (the killer was so very obvious).  I had a hard time reading the novel (some books you read, others you live).  The pace is slow (except for the last few pages) which makes the novel feel longer than it really is.  The book contained a lot of information on getting a passport (when the law had just passed), fashion (we get plenty of dress descriptions), and parties.  There are a great many details on the beginning of World War I.  The basic idea for the book was good, but I did not really enjoy the finished product.  Kitty Weeks came more across as a socialite who decided to become a journalist for something to do.  She wears beautiful clothes and drives a bright yellow roadster (reminds me of another young slueth with her car). I just felt the book needed more work to make it a good, finished novel.  I give A Front Page Affair 3 out of 5 stars.  A Front Page Affair would have made a better young adult mystery (with just a little tweaking) because it reminded me of mystery series aimed at that age group.  I will not be reading the next book (if there is one) in the series.  

You can follow Radha Vatsal on Amazon to get updates on her latest novels.  I received a complimentary copy of A Front Page Affair from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am currently reading Enchanted Islands by Allison Amend (finishing it up).  I am also enjoying A Bead in the Hand by Janice Peacock.  I am off to take care of dinner and then relax.  I thank you for visiting and reading my latest review.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Murder at the 42nd Street Library

It's Monday once again.  I actually got my mother to her appointment on time.  She did not like what the doctor had to say, but I got her there!  I treated her to a coke and donut afterwards (its what she wanted). Unfortunately, she noticed my new Kindle cover and now she wants one. It is Love a Tree Day!  You could consider adding another tree to your yard (like my neighbors who have planted at least six trees on the property line) or giving one of your current trees a hug (watch out for bugs).  Since Reign is on tonight, I thought I would share a historical fact associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.  On May 16 in 1568 Mary flees Scotland for England.  Mary will spend the rest of her life in England (in captivity thanks to Elizabeth I).  Did you know that we used to have a half-dime coin?  In 1866 Congress eliminated the half-dime and replaced it with a nickel (which makes more sense).  

Murder at the 42nd Street Library by Con Lehane is a new mystery novel.  Raymond Ambler is the curator of the crime fiction collection in the 42^nd Street Library in New York that is devoted to research.  Ray arrives at work one day to find out that James Donnelly was shot while visiting Harry Larkin, supervisor at the library.  Why did someone kill James and shoot at Harry?  Ray cannot help but look into the matter.  Ray has read so many crime novels, that he would like to try his hand at solving real crimes.  James was asking Harry about the Nelson Yates collection the library recently acquired.   The library was able to purchase the collection thanks to an anonymous donor.  There is something fishy about this collection.  Is it somehow connected to the murder?  Ray works with Mike Cosgrove, NYPD Homicide Detective to solve the crime.

I had a difficult time reading Murder at the 42^nd Street Library.  I was originally not going to request the book, but then someone said it was such a wonderful novel.  I thought that maybe I was wrong with my initial impression, and I requested it.  I should have listened to my inner voice.  The novel is oddly (awkwardly) written.  It is an extremely convoluted novel.  There is really too much going on and the writer seemed to delight in using big words when they were not needed.  Big words can be fun (do not judge), but they should not be used to just to show off (which is what it felt like in this book).  You are never quite sure who is talking sometimes and the way the book is written just leads to confusion.  I have to admit that after a while I just started speed reading towards the end.  Some sections you have to read, and then reread trying to figure out (you should only have to do that with math and science textbooks).  I loved the idea of a mystery set at a big research library, but the execution was severely lacking.  The novel needs a severe rewrite in order to be enjoyable (actually, just keep the premise and start over with everything else including the characters). The writer tried to make a very complex mystery, but did not succeed.  A reader can easily figure out the who committed the crime.  I give Murder at the 42nd Street Library 2 out of 5 stars (I have to admit that I am being generous). 

You can follow Con Lehane on Amazon to get updates on his new books. I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

I hope all of you had a delightful day!  Tonight is the final episode of Castle (such a shame). I am starting Enchanted Islands by Allison Amend.  Let us hope for a winner. I am off to cook dinner. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The House of Dreams

Happy National Chocolate Chip Day!  A day to celebrate those delicious little chips that we use in cookies, brownies, cakes, pancakes, and so much more.  My mother's favorite cookie is chocolate chip.  I bake them each week.  I have a couple of interesting (at least to me) historical bits of information for you today.  On May 15 . . . in 1567 Mary, Queen of Scots, marries her third husband James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell (they originally met in France);  Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony create National Woman Suffrage Association in 1869 in New York; Las Vegas is founded in 1910 when 100 acres (that will become downtown) are auctioned off; Mickey Mouse makes his premiere in 1928 in Plane Crazy; Anne Boleyn stands trial and is convicted of treason, adultery, and incest in 1536.  Anne is condemned to death. McDonald's opens its first restaurant in San Bernardino, California in 1940.  

The House of Dreams by Kate Lord Brown is set in 2000 and then goes back in time to tell the story.  Sophie Cass is a reporter with The New York Times (but not for much longer if she does not have a great article).  Sophie is determined to interview Gabriel Lambert, the artist, for an article she is writing about her deceased Aunt Vita.  Gabriel knew Vita in France.  Gabriel does not want to see Sophie and the family has refused her requests.  Sophie writes Gabriel to let him know she will be visiting him and she will not be put off any longer (pushy and very determined).  Gabriel is ninety-five years old and dying.  This is Sophie’s last chance to connect with him.  The story takes us back to 1939.  Gabriel was in France at the beginning of World War II.  He needed assistance getting out of the country and went to Varian Fry and the American Relief Center (ARC).  We get to see what life was like for Gabriel and others who stayed at Villa Air Bel outside Marseille, France.  A group of them rented the house.  Some were helping people get out of the country and others were trying to escape (artists).  Gabriel has a secret that he has kept all these years and he wants to take it to his grave.  Sophie needs a good story to keep her job.  What secret is Gabriel hiding?  Will Sophie be happy with the answers she receives?

The House of Dreams is told in the first person from various characters’ point-of-view (mostly Gabriel’s).  I really did not enjoy this novel.  The writing is disjointed and awkward.   It starts in 2000 and then jumps back in time.  It keeps going back and forth (making it disjointed and hard to read).  The House of Dreams is an extremely long and boring book (just from my perspective).  I had a hard time reading this book.  It just did not engage me (or draw me in) as a reader. I thought Gabriel's "secret" was obvious.  I decided to take a guess before I read the book and see if I was right.  I was (I kept hoping for a twist)!  The ending is odd.   I wanted to quit reading after a couple of chapters, but I pushed on and finished it (I kept hoping it would get better).  I give The House of Dreams 1.5 out of 5 stars.  This novel was just not for me.   I am really tired of novels dealing with World War II (I keep hoping I will get a really good one).  We have had a plethora of them over the last year (and most of them were not enjoyable).   

Ms. Brown's other novel is The Perfume Garden.  I received a complimentary copy of The House of Dreams from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

I am off to watch Call the Midwife (I lead such an exciting life). Tomorrow I have to take my mother to a doctor's appointment (how much do you want to bet that she will try and cancel)!  Wish me luck in getting her to her appointment (maybe even on time if I am really, really lucky).  Have a delightful evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Hold On Me

Happy Saturday! It is Dance Like a Chicken Day!  Why someone would want to, I have not clue.  But if you do (or are at a wedding where they are popular), then do it today!  I have been taking it easy today.  I started a new medication last night and it made me very sick (that is the end of it).  I am finally starting to feel normal (it is about 7 p.m.).  I got a wonderful new gizmo today.  It hurts for me to sick for long periods of time, so I got a device that will raise up my laptop to standing height.  It can also me used in bed, in a chair, couch, etc.  The title on the box is Multifunctional Laptop Table.  I found it on eBay.  So far, I like it. Let us hope a cat does not jump on it.

A Hold On Me by Pat Esden is an interesting paranormal novel.  Annie Freemont is twenty years old and has just been accepted into the Sotheby’s summer program.  However, her father’s health has been declining and Annie will have to refuse.  Annie’s father, James has been acting odd and seems to have the beginning of dementia.  Her father’s illness started when they were in an old church buying antiques.  They opened a hidden space and a dark shadow came out.  Does it have anything to do with her father’s condition?  Annie wants to take care of him, but then her Aunt Kate takes her to court.  Aunt Kate wins custody of Annie’s father.  Annie is forced to take him to Moonhill, the families ancestral home (and a place they left fifteen years previously after the death of Annie’s mother) in Port St. Claire, Maine.  Upon arrival Annie and her father are separated and Annie is kept from seeing him.  What is going on in this home?  Annie is being told lies and she wants the truth.  What secrets is the family keeping from Annie?  Is she ready for the truth and can her father be helped?

A Hold On Me is an interesting book, but it was not great.  Annie comes across as flighty, obsessed with guys (I guess that could be any twenty years old), paranoid, and she over reacts to everything.  Annie has severe trust issues (paranoia).  Annie’s fear of darkness is mentioned repeatedly in the book.  Annie acts more like a sixteen-year-old than a twenty-year-old (just how she came across to me).  The book contains a lot of Annie’s thinking (over thinking) which was not enjoyable.  There is mild foul language and sex in the book (just letting you know).   I liked the paranormal elements in the book (one of the reasons I picked the book) and the mystery.  I did not like the ending.  The novel is left with an incomplete ending (and we have to wait for the next book).  I give A Hold on Me 3 out of 5 stars.

The next Dark Heart novel is Beyond Your Touch and it will be out on August 30 (I have not decided if I will read it or not).  I received a complimentary copy of A Hold on Me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am off to eat dinner and start a new book (the last one was dull and felt long).  Have a delightful Saturday.  Do not forget that Outlander is on tonight.  If you missed Houdini and Doyle on Monday it is replaying tonight on Fox at 8 p.m. (good show).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

To Catch a Treat

Adorable cover!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!  May you have good luck on this day (we all need it).  I always dread these days.  I am clumsy enough on a day without 13 in it.  How about you?  Are you superstitious? Events that happened on May 13 in history are . . . In 1880 Thomas Edison in Menlo Park, New Jersey performs the first test of his electric railway.  Three children in report the first apparition of our Lady Lady of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal in 1917.  The first commercial FM radio station in the United States is launched in Bloomfield,Connecticut in 1939.  In 1958 the trademark Velcro is registered (wonderful stuff)!

To Catch a Treat by Linda O. Johnston is the second book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series.  Carrie Kennersley owns the Bakery and Biscuits bake shop in Knobcone Heights, California. One side caters to humans and the other to four legged creatures (what a neat idea).  Her brother, Neal has invited her to participate in one of his hikes (he gives hikes of the area) in order to meet his new love interest, Janelle Blaystone.  Janelle is upset over the loss of her black Labrador, GO (for Goliath).   This is not the first dog napping. There have been a rash of them lately.  Janelle is from Los Angeles and is visiting the area (does not bode well for Neal’s romance) with her friend, Delma Corning.  Carrie feels bad for Janelle and decides to help her.  She takes her to Billi Matlock’s Mountaintop Rescue Animal Shelter and introduce her to their latest guest (a friendly black Labrador who was left in the alley behind the shelter).  The rescue dog turns out to be Janelle’s dog, Go.  Janelle is so excited at getting her baby returned to her. Go was chipped, but it was unable to be read with the scanner (odd).  Janelle confronts Ada Arnist and accuses her of stealing her dog.  Unfortunately, Ada soon turns up dead with (guess who) Janelle as the lead suspect.  Carrie does some sleuthing to find the real killer and, hopefully, the dog nappers. 

To Cath a Treat was kind of blah.  The beginning is very slow and this reader was not drawn into the story.  I was also not taken with the main character.  I think Carrie has some major issues and needs some help.  Carrie believes all men are attracted and interested in her (it is in her head).  The one man who does like her, she keeps pushing away (he should run while he has the chance).  The book talked more about the animals, than about the murder.  The dog napping seemed to take precedence of the murder (the only people concerned with Ada’s death seem to be her parents).  We get many details on the scenery while hiking, dog descriptions, the bakery, people, etc.  There are a lot of people and animals.  It is hard to keep them all straight (so focus on the main ones).  The mystery was fairly easy to solve, but there was a little twist (most people will probably not see it coming).  The writer just did not bring this novel to life for me.  Some books you read and good novels you live.  I give To Catch a Treat 3 out of 5 stars.  This is the second book in the series, but I believe it can be read without having enjoyed the first book (though it may help to keep all the characters straight).  Will I read the next book in the series? Unfortunately, no. This was just not the right book for me.  One thing I did like was the cover of To Catch a Treat.  It is just adorable.

The first book in A Barkery and Biscuits Mystery series is Bite the Biscuit. I received a complimentary copy of To Catch a Treat from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

I am off to make soup for my mother.  She is a little under the weather today (she has to go to the doctor next week and she does not want to go).  She reminds me of a child trying to get out of school!  She frequently cancels appointments (it is very frustrating).  Have a wonderful and enjoyable evening.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

The Quieting

Happy Limerick Day!  This day celebrates the writer, Edward Lear who popularized limericks in his Book of Nonsense as well as funny limericks. Do you know any limericks (that are not bawdy)? Here is a sample of a limerick (not written by me):

A maiden at college, Miss Breeze,

Weighed down by B.A.s and Lit.D's,
Collapsed from the strain,
Said her doctor, "It's plain
You are killing yourself --- by degrees!"

For more limericks, check out this site (or try writing your own). In 1986 NBC debuted its now well-known peacock symbol at the NBC 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Former President Jimmy Carter visited Cuba in 2002 for a five day visit. Carter is the first United States President (in or out of office) to visit Cuba since Castro's 1959 revolution.

The Quieting by Suzanne Woods Fisher is the second book in The Bishop’s Family series.  David Stoltzfus is a minister in Stoney Ridge, Pennsylvania.  He moved here a year and a half ago from Ohio.  He felt called to the area.  Things are not going well though.  David (and the rest of the community) found out that their bishop, Freeman Glick rigged the picking of the lots (where the bishop is chosen).  David knows that something needs to be done, but he believes in waiting (to see where God directs him).  But the wait and see approach is not helping things in the community.  Tensions are running high and people are dividing into groups.  Then David's mother (knows as Meddling Mammi) shows up along with two of his nieces from Ohio.  Abigail (one of the nieces) is hoping to finish a project while in Stoney Ridge. Her father was working (with Abigail doing most of the work) on the family tree for a client.  They have hit a brick wall.  Abigail is hoping to find answers and complete the assignment.  She believes it will help her father's depression.  What Abigail does not know is that her family is hoping she will find a husband while in Stoney Ridge (Meddling Mammi loves to play matchmaker).  Mammi is sticking her nose into everyone's business (and making life difficult for one and all).  The only good thing is that is a great cook (and Molly is a horrible cook)!  Life is never dull in the Stoltzfus household or in Stoney Ridge. 

There is a lot going on in The Quieting (I just described a few of the things that happened in the book).  You do need to read the first book in the series in order to understand the characters and what is happening in The Quieting.  There are some slow bits though where the novel drags a little.  I found Meddling Mammi to be extremely annoying, and I kept waiting for David (her son) to stand up to her (I might have yelled at my kindle a little).  Abigail was an interesting character.  She reminded me of Temperance Brennan (from the show Bones).  The writing is good and the novel had a good flow (except for a few areas).  It was also easy to read and has a lovely ending.  I give The Quieting 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  I will be reading the next book in The Bishop’s Family series (and other books by Suzanne Woods Fisher).

The first book in The Bishop's Family series is The Imposter. The next book is The Devoted.  It will be out in October (subject to change without notice).  I received a complimentary copy of The Quieting from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am currently reading Rock-a-Bye Bones by Carolyn Haines (it is funny). I hope all of you have had a good Thursday. May your evening be relaxing and stress free (we can dream).  I am off to help my mother change her bedding and eat dinner (I do not know if I can handle so much excitement)!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Dawn at Emberwilde

Happy Eat What You Want Day!  Isn't that wonderful?  If you are on a diet, take a day off.  I am currently enjoying pink Sweetarts (I only like the pink ones).  I have been having plumbing problems for days.  I tried everything to clear the blockage.  I used Draino (the strongest one available), took a snake to the drains (got out part of the blockage), and took a high pressure hose to the drain (usually works).  Still blocked.  I finally had to call a plumber.  He had it cleared with his little machine in under 15 minutes.  Guess who has been flushing wipes down the toilet (and it is not me)?  They stuck on the roots that were also in the drain. The bill was $145 dollars for a 15 minute job.  I think I went into the wrong profession.  The plumber was very nice (a very polite and kind gentleman).  I am glad that I called Dunedin Plumbing (they arrived within two hours).  You do not realize how much you rely on water going down a drain until you do not have it!

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd is the second book in A Treasures of Surrey series.  Isabel Creston is twenty-years-old and a junior teacher at the Fellsworth School.  Isabel has been at the Fellsworth School since she was seven years old (after her mother died).  Two years ago, Isabel’s step-sister, Lizzie arrived after their father passed away (the step-mother did not want Isabel around).  Isabel is now Lizzie’s guardian.  Isabel is called into Mr. Langsby’s office (the school superintendent) to meet Mr. Edmund Bradford.  Mr. Bradford is at the school on behalf of Margaret Ellison, Isabel’s aunt (on her mother’s side).  They wish to open their home to Isabel (under any conditions which is good news for Lizzie).  Isabel does not really wish to leave the Fellsworth School.  It may not be ideal, but it is all she knows.  Unfortunately, Mr. Langsby does not give her a choice.  If Isabel does not accept her aunt’s offer, she will be thrown out (along with Lizzie).  So off they go to Emberwilde (the Ellison estate). This presents new opportunities for Isabel.  She can now marry and have a family of her own.  Her Aunt Margaret is not thrilled with Lizzie’s arrival (too bad).  Aunt Margaret immediately orders new dresses for the two of them and starts organizing Isabel’s entrance to society.  Aunt Margaret particularly praises Mr. Bradford and his work with the foundling home in Northrop. 

Colin Galloway is the local magistrate for Northrup.  He owns Darbenton Court (a nearby estate) and is also a lawyer.  Colin is a friend of Charles Ellison (Margaret’s husband).  Margaret cannot stand having him around.  She feels that Colin lead Freddie (their son) to his death (died during the war).  Margaret makes sure to criticize Isabel whenever she talks or looks at Colin (odd behavior from Aunt Margaret).  Colin is busy investigating smuggling going on in Emberwilde Forest.  Smuggling has been a serious problem lately and Colin is determined to catch the culprits.  Aunt Margaret keeps pushing Mr. Bradford encouraging his interest until he proposes.  But, Isabel does not trust Mr. Bradford.  What happens when Isabel turns down Mr. Bradford?  Why is Aunt Margaret determined to wed Isabel off to him?  Who is behind the smuggling?  You will have to read Dawn at Emberwilde to find out.

Dawn at Emberwilde is a lovely, Christian romance novel.  I liked the characters and the setting.  There seemed to be a lack of chemistry (between Colin and Isabel) for the romance portion of the book (you could tell they liked each other, but that was about it).  I enjoyed the two mysteries (I cannot help that I love puzzles), but they were simple and easy to figure out (good addition to the story though).  It is an easy book to read (and well written) and can be finished in a few hours.  The pace is a wee bit slow and it was hard to get into this story.  This is one of those books that I read and liked, but I was never fully drawn into the novel.  I give Dawn at Emberwilde 4 out of 5 stars.  Dawn at Emberwilde has a sweet ending (things happen quickly at the end of the book) that will make you smile (who doesn’t love a happy ending).  I will be reading more of Sarah E. Ladd’s books in the future.

The first book in A Treasures of Surrey series is The Curiosity Keeper.  I received a complimentary copy of Dawn at Emberwilde from NetGalley, BookLook Bloggers, and the author in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.

I am off to enjoy my dinner and watch Gilmore Girls (I just love that show).  I am glad that they are bringing back Gilmore Girls (ten years later).  I hope everyone has had a wonderful and enjoyable day.  I am currently reading Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton (it is so-so).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader