The Christmas Town

Welcome!  I hope everyone has had a happy Wednesday.  We are halfway through another week. This year is quickly marching towards the end.  My daughter was trying to take a picture last night for me and Doozy kept getting into the frame.  Doozy, as many of you know, is my half St. Bernard and half English Pointer dog.  He will be three years old next month.  He is such a ham!  He just loves getting his picture taken (almost as much as he likes peanut butter cookies)!  

The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere is a novel that will linger with you long after you finish reading it.  The novel starts in November of 2010.  Lauren Gabriel (20) gets off work from Gordon’s Grocery in Whitall where she is a check-out clerk.  She does not wish to go home and deal with her roommate.  Lauren decides to take a drive and ends up about an hour away in Grandon.  She stops at Clauson’s to get something to eat when she realizes she has not had anything to eat in a while.  Lauren heads for the check-out and notices that one line is significantly longer than the other.  The manager is trying to encourage people to move to the short line, but they want to wait for their slip from Ben.  Lauren was going to get into the short line until she heard the comment.  She decides to wait and see what the other are talking about.  The check-out boy bags her groceries and then puts a slip of paper into her bag.  Lauren exits the store and reads her message.  It states it is a great day because Lauren is a part of it.  Lauren was astonished.  No one had ever told her such a thing in her whole life.  Lauren goes back into the store to talk to the young man.  His name is Ben.  Ben gives each customer a different message based on the person.  Ben felt the message he gave Lauren was for her.  Lauren had a rough childhood.  Her father, Victor left when she was four years old.  Lauren’s mother was arrested when Lauren was eight.  Lauren ended up in foster care bouncing from home to home until she was eighteen.  After receiving Ben’s message, Lauren decides to advertise on Craigslist for a family for Christmas.  Lauren soon ends up back in Grandon.  After witnessing a car accident, Lauren meets Stacy Engler.  Lauren ends up volunteering at Glory’s Place, a center for single mothers and families who are having a hard time (a place of hope and help).  Read The Christmas Town to see how Lauren gets her family for Christmas and a new take on life.

The Christmas Town was a delight to read.  I did not want this story to end.  The writing is masterful.  Donna VanLiere does a wonderful job at weaving the people and events together into one heartwarming novel.  It is very clever how everything fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.  The Christmas Town has engaging characters.  It also has a small town where people help each other out (they care for each other).  I give The Christmas Town 5 out of 5 stars.  One line in the novel is very special (and my favorite).  It read “miracles occur in the most unlikely of places and in the most unusual ways.”    This is one of the novels that you will continue to think about long after you finish it (you will also be left with a smile on her face)!   This is by far my favorite novel by Donna VanLiere. The Christmas Town is a part of the Christmas Hope series which includes The Christmas Shoes, The Christmas Blessing, The Christmas Hope, The Christmas Promise, The Christmas Secret, The Christmas Journey, The Christmas Note, and The Christmas Light.

Thank you for visiting.  I really do appreciate it.  If you like my reviews, please consider joining (at right) my blog.  I am off to cook dinner and then relax for the evening.  I will be back tomorrow to review Behind Chocolate Bars by Kathy Aarons. Have a lovely evening, take care, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Masking for Trouble

Great cover!

Thank you for stopping by The Avid Reader.  It is book release day!  I wanted to tell you about some other new books that came out today. They are Spirits, Beignets, and a Bayou Biker Gang by Deanna Chase and A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas.  I am looking forward to reading both of these books.  I have added them to my very lengthy TBR pile.

Masking for Trouble by Diane Vallere is the second book in A Costume Shop Mystery.  Margo Tamblyn has been running Disguise DeLimit (on her own) for the last six months.  Her father, Jerry is now traveling around the country looking for unique items for their inventory (something he has always wanted to do).  Things are going well for the Margo and the shop until Paul Haverford comes into the store one afternoon (previous notices had been sent and they are currently sitting on the desk in the office).  Paul has been buying up properties all over Proper City, Nevada.  He is going to create Havetown with his businesses being to the go-to places for tourists.  He is starting with the annual Halloween kickoff party.  It is being held at the Alexandria Hotel this year and costumes from Disguise DeLimit are not eligible to win (you had to buy your costume from his cheap costume shop, Candy Girls—you know those costumes that come in a bag made of polyester and plastic).  Margo attends the party anyway and ends up finding the dead body of Paul Haverford when she goes looking for water (she ended in an isolated area away from the party).  Detective Nancy Nichols puts Margo at the top of the suspect list.  Margo starts looking in to the case immediately (she wants off the suspect list).  Margo must find time for her investigation while working in the store (which is very busy during the last few days leading up to Halloween) and dating Tak Hoshiyama (while not letting anyone catch on that they are dating).  Will Margo be able to bag the killer before Halloween?

Masking for Trouble has a clever concept.  I like the costume shop angle and a town that loves costumes (and parties).  I found the mystery to be simple to solve.  I was able to figure out the killer just based on the character’s introduction in the book.  You could also see how Margo was setting herself up to be the lead suspect.  Margo is supposed to be savvy and smart, but she does not come across that way in the book.  She pokes around the crime scene (after being told to stay away), and she gets herself into the victim’s office (and gets caught).  I know she is trying to prove her innocence, but she ended up looking guilty (she came across as a busy body).  Margo comes across as insecure, jealous, and annoying (sorry, but she got on my nerves toward the end of the book).  Margo should stick to her costumes.  I do like that she wears a different unique costume each day.  I give Masking for Trouble 3 out of 5 stars.  The book is nicely written and easy to read (can be finished in about three hours or less of solid reading).  One thing I did find entertaining was the Kirby and the swim team.  They are helping at Disguise DeLimit during the Halloween rush.  Their group costumes were hilarious and ingenious.  When I first started the book, I was liking it.  But the further I delved into the novel, the less I enjoyed it.  I believe it was just too over-the-top.  What is wrong with good characters and a nice, complex mystery.  I also thought that there was too much romance in the book. I prefer cozy mysteries that have a subtle romance where it builds up over the course of the series.  The relationship (if you can call it that) between Margo and Tak Hoshiyama is over complicated (she has to fake a flat tire just to meet him).  They are keeping it a secret because of Tak’s father.  But then Margo gets jealous if Tak is seen with another woman (it was silly).   Margo is also jealous (disturbed) and upset because her father is dating (he is entitled to a life of his own).  There are recipes and costume ideas at the end of the novel. While Masking for Trouble is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  The events from the first book are brought up in Masking for Trouble.  Will I read the next book in A Costume Shop Mystery?  I will give the next book a chance. I did not have the opportunity to read ADisguise to Die For (first book in A Costume Shop Mystery series) so this was my first foray into the series, and I could have just had an off day.  I have read and enjoyed other novels by Diane Vallere (like her A Material Witness Mystery series).

I guess I was a little loquacious today!  I hope all of you have had a wonderful day!  I will be reviewing The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere tomorrow.  I am off to watch The Flash and Bull (great new show).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Putting on a Witch

Happy Monday!  Three new books come out tomorrow.  They are Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney, The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere, and A Royal Christmas Wedding by Rachel Hauck.  If you enjoy Christmas books (fiction and non-fiction), you should check out The Book Club Network.  There are some wonderful people on this site. There is one group that gets together once a month to sign up for new books (to read and review).  I hope you will look into it.

Putting on the Witch by Jim and Joyce Lavene is the third book in A Retired Witches Mystery series.  Molly, Elsie, and Olivia (who is a ghost) are upset when Dorothy’s father, Drago Rasmun shows up.  They were hoping he would not find out about Dorothy until they had given her more training. Dorothy Lane is a librarian and only recently discovered her witchy background and legacy.  The three elder witches are afraid that Drago will lure Dorothy to the dark side.  Brian Fuller, Dorothy’s boyfriend, is having a birthday.  His parents are throwing a ball in his honor.  Brian does not wish to attend (he prefers to avoid his parents).  Unfortunately, Brian is outvoted.  The ladies are dying for a chance to dress up and see the Fuller home (which is in a secret location).  Olivia is a bit miffed.  The others tell her that she cannot attend (I do not think this will stop her).  The Witches Council is against ghosts and would not hesitate to banish her for good.  The others get glammed up (magically) and wait for the car to take them to the secret location.  They are having a good time until they discover the body of Makaleigh Veazy, a witches’ council member, stabbed in the back.  The council locks down the house for twenty-four hours and calls forth Antonio de Santiago, the witchfinder.  Antonio was an original member of the Spanish inquisition and has been kept a prisoner (in a wall) by the council all these years.  Antonio is very old school (he believes in intense questioning in a dungeon).  Molly (and the others) decide to teach Antonio modern forensics and investigative techniques.  Will they be able to find the killer before the guests are allowed to leave?  The witches are in for a busy twenty-four hours and the murder is just the beginning of their troubles.

Putting on the Witch was an entertaining story.  I did feel that there was a bit too much going on in the book.  We have murder, a troublesome ghost, a familiar with its own agenda, Dorothy’s father returning and up to mischief, and an old school witchfinder (this is not all).  I just felt that it was overwhelming for one novel.  The characters (for the most part) are interesting and likeable.  I did find Olivia a little too whiny and annoying (I was not amused by her).  While this is the third book in A Retired Witches Mystery series, it can be read alone.  The readers are given all the information needed to enjoy the novel (in case you have not read the first two books).  I give Putting on the Witch 4 out of 5 stars.  The book moves along at a good pace (neither fast nor slow).  The mystery was complex with some twists along the way.  My favorite character is Antonio, the witchfinder.  I hope we will see him again in the future (if there are any more books in the series).  This was a good final book from writers Jim and Joyce Lavene.  They will be missed.  The first two book sin A Retired Witches Mystery series are Spell Booked (currently $1.99 on Amazon) and Looking for Mr. Good Witch.

I hope everyone had a special day.  I am currently reading Dying for Strawberries by Sharon Farrow.  I will (of course) return tomorrow with another wonderful (in my humble opinion) book review.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Love Bears All Things

Welcome.  I hope everyone is having a fun Sunday (or relaxing). I discovered a new site last night that I wanted to tell you about.  I do not know about you, but money is always tight.  Finding extra money for books can be difficult (and I love to get new books).  I found a site that lists book that are free on Amazon that day (you have to be quick).  The site is called Omnimystery News.  There is a long list today of mystery and suspense novels that are free (make sure to double check the price before you buy).  You might find some good books to add to your TBR pile.

Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman is An Amish Secrets Novel.  Charlotte Dolinsky is having a hard time since her boyfriend, Ryan broke up with her.  Charlotte has let her business suffer and now she is in dire financial straits.  She is about to be evicted from her apartment due to lack of payment.  Charlotte has trust issues, and she thought Ryan was cheating on her.  She started checking his phone and Ryan caught her which led to their break up.  After seeing Ryan in a restaurant with another woman (the one Ryan stated he was not cheating on Charlotte with), Charlotte decides it is time for a change.  Charlotte was happiest when she was with in Paradise, Pennsylvania with the King family.  Charlotte owns a home there thanks to her brother (who committed suicide).  Charlotte decides to return to Paradise, sell the home (because of the bad memories), and the money will allow her to start over.  Charlotte will stay with the King family.  Then Charlotte receives a call from Hannah King stating that Jacob has run away.  He was engaged to marry Annie (he is only 17), but the world is calling to him (he has always wanted for further his education).  Jacob ends up in Houston at Charlotte’s apartment.  Charlotte lets him stay, but he has to leave at the end of the month.  She tries to convince him to return home, but does not have any luck.  Charlotte leaves Jacob in Houston as she heads for Paradise.  Things are not rosy in Paradise for Annie Byler.  Annie discovers she is pregnant with Jacob’s child.  If Jacob does not come home and marry her, Annie will be shunned (harsh).   Annie’s father is less than pleased.  His reaction sends Annie running to Aunt Faye (who is a little batty).  Daniel, Annie’s brother, needs Charlotte’s help with Annie.  Daniel and Charlotte slowly get to know each other and a friendship develops between them (they know it cannot be more than friendship).  Life is never dull in Paradise.  To see what happens with Charlotte, Annie, Jacob, and Daniel read Love Bears All Things.

Love Bears All Things is the second book in the series and you really do need to read Her Brother’s Keeper in order to understand all the dynamics.  The first book sets the stage for Love Bears All Things.  The novel is well-written and engaging.  I like the messages in the book.  I did find a few things were repeated in the novel (mostly in the beginning regarding Ryan).  Love Bears All Things is a complex novel that shows the Amish are not immune to troubles. They face the same issues as Englischers.  We get to see Charlotte work to get over trust issues, resentment, dealing with her brother’s death, etc.  All the characters are very realistic and relatable.  I give Love Bears All Things 4 out of 5 stars. It is a heartwarming story.  I look forward to reading the next book in An Amish Secrets Novel series. 

I want to tell you how much I appreciate you visiting my blog. There is a new Masterpiece show on PBS tonight that I hope will be good (we need something to replace Downton Abbey and Mr. Selfridge).  It is called The Dorrells in Corfu (at 8 p.m. EST).  For those of you that are cozy mystery fans, there is a new Aurora Teagarden movie on Hallmark Movie and Mysteries tonight at 9 p.m. (EST).  It is Julius House:  An Aurora Teagarden movie.  I love watching the movie and trying to solve the crime before it is revealed (I love puzzles).  I will return tomorrow with another great (in my humble opinion) review!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Semi-Sweet Hereafter

I hope all of you are having a delightful Saturday!  If you are looking for a heartwarming Christmas novel, I want to recommend The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere.  It is a lovely story.  The author did a superb job with this book.  I will be reviewing it soon.

The Semi-Sweet Hereafter by Colette London is the third book in A Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series.   Hayden Mundy Moore is in London on her latest chocolate whisperer assignment.    Hayden is there to help Primrose, a chocolaterie-patisserie (bakery specializing in chocolate delicacies) owned by the Honourable Phoebe Wright.  Hayden’s job is to find out what is going wrong in the bakery (quality issues) and fix it.  Hayden is getting ready to enjoy an evening with friends when she receives a call from Phoebe.  Phoebe is asking her to go by Primrose and make sure it is locked up (how is that Hayden’s job).  Hayden does not feel she can say no since Phoebe is her boss.  Hayden cancels her plans and heads across town.  After making sure everything is locked up tight, Hayden heads for her temporary home.  Hayden is staying in the guest cottage belonging to Phoebe and her husband, Jeremy.  Hayden arrives home to find film equipment in her kitchen and the body of Jeremy Wright on her floor.  Hayden quickly calls the police and waits for their questions.  Detective Constable Satya Mishra is assigned the case.  It turns out that Jeremy was killed with a metlapil, a heavy stone tool used for grinding.  When Hayden can tell them the name of the murder weapon and what is used for, it gets her put on the suspect list (do you think she touched it while staying in the guest cottage).  Hayden then calls her best friend, Danny Jamieson (and security expert).  He quickly catches a plane and heads to London.  Jeremy was England’s sexy chef and was quite popular.  The press come out in hoards as well as fans.  Hayden cannot help but investigate the crime with Danny’s help.  Who wanted Britain’s hot chef dead?  Turns out the suspect list is longer than some of Hayden’s chocolate recipes.  Will Hayden be able to assemble the clues and whip up a killer?

The Semi-Sweet Hereafter sounds good (I thought I did a good job).  The reality is a different story.  I found it satisfactory.  I think the author put more effort into her dessert descriptions than the mystery.  The Semi-Sweet Hereafter can be a stand-alone novel.  The events of the first two books are rehashed in detail in this novel.  As usual we are subjected to many thoughts about Hayden’s financial manager, Travis Turner.  Hayden has never met him in person, but that has not stopped her constantly thinking about him and flirting with him on their daily phone calls (I wish as much thought was put into the mystery).  The mystery can be solved before the body is found (I am not kidding).  I knew who the killer and where she would find it before Hayden stumbled over Jeremy Wright’s dead body.  Some information is repeated several times.  An example is information about Hayden’s parents (who live in Mayfair but are in France currently), the contents of her uncle’s will, and how Danny is so charming and attractive (but they are just friends).  I give The Semi-Sweet Hereafter 3 out of 5 stars (it is okay).  I believe a cozy mystery should have more mystery (call me foolish).  I wanted less time devoted to Hayden’s rambling thoughts, and more to the plot and development of the mystery.  I have tried to like this series, but it is not the type of cozy mystery I enjoy.  The other novels in A Chocolate Whisperer Mystery series are Criminal Confections and Dangerously Dark.

I am off to relax and enjoy the rest of my Saturday.   There is a new Halloween Hallmark movie on tonight (there is nothing else on to watch). I will return tomorrow with another review.  May all of you have a lovely evening. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Crepe Factor

It's Friday!  I hope all of you have had a good week and will have an even better weekend!  You deserve it.  I would like to recommend that when you finish a book, to please leave a review.  So many wonderful cozy mysteries are getting canceled.  We can help support our favorite books (and authors) by leaving just a two sentence review (it needs to be more than "I like it" for Amazon).  I hope you will consider doing this next time you finish a book!

Crepe Factor by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran is the fourteenth book in the A Scrapbooking Mystery Book series.  Carmela Bertrand owns Memory Mine in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Carmela is at the Winter Market in the French Quarter with her friend, Ava Gruiex (who owns Juju Voodoo).  They are enjoying the various booths (especially the ones with wine) when they hear a fight.  The fight is between Martin Lash, who writes Glutton for Punishment blog, and Quigg Brevard, owner of Mumbo Gumbo.  Martin had written a bad review about Mumbo Gumbo, and Quigg is upset about it.  Later, Ava and Carmela are at a booth that sells corsets (Ava cannot resist and is busy trying on a leather one) when a man stumbles towards them with a serving fork sticking out of his neck.  It is Martin Lash.  Unfortunately, Quigg ends up being the number one suspect.  Quigg asks Carmela to investigate and prove his innocence.  Carmela is torn about this request.  She dated Quigg at one time, and, while she is not interested in him in that way any longer, it will upset her boyfriend, Edgar Babcock.  Edgar is a detective with the New Orleans Police Department and is working the murder case.  But Carmela cannot turn down Quigg’s request (even after Edgar warns her off from investigating again).  Carmela starts investigating with the help of her friend, Ava.  Will Carmela be able to find the culprit before the killer strikes again?  Carmela has an added difficulty of Shamus.  Her ex-husband is wanting time with Boo and Poobah, the dogs. Carmela does not wish to be away from her babies (or deal with Shamus and his drama).  Join Carmela and her friends in Crepe Factor!

Crepe Factor was just a delight to read.  I enjoyed returning to the world of Carmela (and friends) and seeing what she was up to this time.  I enjoyed the mystery in the book.  It was interesting how Laura Childs set it up.  I could see where it was heading (very clever), but I enjoyed following through to the end. The novel is well-crafted and enjoyable to read.  Ms. Childs brings her characters to life.  The only thing that troubled me was Edgar.  I did not like how he treated Carmela sometimes and, personally, I do not know what she sees in him (she could do better).  I would like Carmela to find someone that understands her curiosity and need to investigate.  Crepe Factor has great characters, lovely setting, fast pace, humor, friendship, and an interesting concept.  I love the description of Memory Mine and would love to visit it.  There are instructions on how to use crepe paper in various projects at the end of the book (some clever ideas).  Crepe Factor can be enjoyed alone, but why would you want to!  I highly recommend reading the previous novels in the series.  I give Crepe Factor 5 out of 5 stars.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book (as you can tell).  I just wish we did not have to wait a year for another visit with Carmela and her friends.  

You can follow Laura Childs on Amazon and Facebook.  A Scrapbooking Mystery Book series includes Keepsake Crimes, Photo Finished, Bound for Murder, Motif for Murder, Frill Kill, Death Swatch, Tragic Magic, Fiber and Brimstone, Skeleton Letters, Postcards from the Dead, Gilt Trip, Gossamer Ghost, and Parchment and Old Lace.  You can find theme here on Amazon.

Thank you for visiting.  I am off to enjoy dinner and rest.  My mother had another busy night (I could not get her to lay down and go to sleep), and I am just exhausted (this was the second night). MacGyver is on tonight.  I never enjoyed the original series, but I like this reboot (I think it is the actors).  May all of you have a blessed night!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

It's Your Party, Die If You Want To

Happy Thursday!  I hope all of you have had a delightful day. I spent the day watching my mother very closely.  She is a little out of it today, and I have to check on her every fifteen minutes. I found her wandering around the kitchen looking for the iron (I am so glad she did not find it) after I got my shower (good thing I take a quick shower).  We have the cleanest bottles for recycling (she washed them all).  I discovered that licorice really sticks if you get it caught in your hair (not mind).

It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee is the second book in A Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series.  Liv McKay is a party planner in Dixie, Tennessee.  Her business is called Liv4Fun.  Liv is getting ready for the PWAD (Professional Women’s Alliance of Dixie).  Morgan Robison is in charge of the event, but she has managed to push off a lot of work on others (like Liv).  Morgan is a vice president at Dixie Savings and Loan (owned by her father).  Morgan is the only child of wealthy parents who doted on her (in other words spoiled rotten).  Morgan also has a penchant for married men (you can see where this is leading).  Liv is in charge of their special guest for the retreat, Lucinda Grable (originally from Dixie).  Lucinda has a paranormal reality show titled “P.S. Encounters”.  The retreat is behind held at St. Julian’s Retreat Center.  The PWAD group is using Lark Lodge.  After an enjoyable dinner the guests are invited to the nearby family cemetery.  There Lucinda attempts to contact spirits.  The event is also being filmed for an episode of Lucinda’s show.  While attempting to contact a spirit, Miss Annabelle disappears (Miss Maybelle has to keep a close eye on her).  Everyone takes off to find Miss Annabelle which disrupts the event.  Miss Annabelle is brought back by a Sister of the Moon.  They are a pagan group staying at Sparrow Lodge.  Miss Annabelle had wandered over to their outdoor event.  Word spreads out to the search teams and everyone heads back to the lodge (it is a weekend event).  On the way back Liv comes across Morgan laying on the ground with an odd grin on her face.  Morgan is dead!  The police are called and everyone gets questioned.  This puts a damper on the event and the group decides to head home.  Then Liv hears that Jasmine Green is arrested for Morgan’s murder.  Jasmine would not hurt a fly.  Jasmine is the aging hippie type.  Liv sets out to find the real culprit and clear Jasmine’s name.  The suspect list is not short.  Morgan had been a busy girl.  Join Liv as she narrows down the suspects to find the real killer!

It's Your Party, Die If You Want To describes the daily life of Liv with her hubby, Larry Joe, her party planning business, lunch with friends, home repairs, Larry Joe’s work, friends, Liv’s nutty mother, etc.  There is some investigation as Liv goes around accusing friends and acquaintances of the crime (it is a wonder any of them still speak to her).  The murder was simple to solve.  One little detail (a very tiny clue) is all you need to solve the crime.  You should be able to figure it out before you reach page 50 (if it takes you that long).  The novel is easy to read and it can easily be finished in three hours or less.  I wish the author had spent as much time on the mystery as she did on creating Liv’s various friends and family as well as the town’s citizens.  There are tips for hosting a murder mystery at the end of the novel.  While this is the second book in the series, it can be read alone.  The author does bring the reader up-to-date on what happened in the first book in the series.  I give It’s Your Party, Die If You Want To 3 out of 5 stars. It is an okay book, but I thought it was lacking in content.  I will not be continuing with this series.  It is just not the right cozy mystery series for me.  The first book in A Liv and Di in Dixie Mystery series is Death Crashes the Party. 

I am off to check on my mother again and try to get her to eat dinner.  I really, really hope tomorrow is a better day!  Thank you for visiting and reading my review.  I will be reviewing Crepe Factor by Laura Childs tomorrow.  Tonight starts the new season of DC Legends of Tomorrow and Supernatural.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

The Murder of a Queen Bee

Welcome!  Today would have been my father's 79th birthday.  We all miss him so much.  It is hard when you lose someone close to you.  If you enjoy Christian or Amish novels, you should look into The Devoted by Suzanne Woods Fisher and The Angel of Forest Hill by Cindy Woodsmall.  If you are looking for a book to put you into the mood for Christmas check out Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber. I will be reviewing both of these books soon.

The Murder of a Queen Bee by Meera Lester is the second book in A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery series.  Abigail Mackenzie runs a farmette in Las Flores, California.  Abigail had received a call from Fiona Mary Ryan, who runs Ancient Wisdom Botanicals store, about wanting to talk.  Abigail sets up a nice luncheon for them to enjoy, but Fiona Mary fails to show up (and does not answer her phone).  Fiona Mary is later found dead in her burning car.  What did she want to tell Abigail?  Abigail cannot help but do a little investigating especially after she finds out that Fiona Mary was murdered.  Fiona Mary led an interesting life.  She used to live in a commune until she was asked to leave.  Fiona Mary did not agree with some of the new practices set in place by Hayden Marks, the new guru.  Is there more to the commune than meets the eye?  Abigail is surprised when Clay Calhoun shows up at her house after leaving a year ago.  Clay is Abigail’s former boyfriend.  Why has Clay shown up now?  Is there hope for a reconciliation?  Join Abigail on her latest adventure in The Murder of a Queen Bee.

The Murder of a Queen Bee is a cute story, but it was lacking in the mystery department.  Meera Lester has a conversational writing style that makes for an easy to read novel (though she can get a little too descriptive at times).  Unfortunately, there was too much focus on Clay Calhoun.  Besides his good looks, I do not know what Abigail saw in him (he lacks substance).  Personally, I would not even have let him in my house (and he was not needed in the book).  We get quite a bit of information on herbs in the book (actually too much information).  It was interesting, but I wanted more substance in the story.  I found the killer to be very obvious (no clues needed).  I kept hoping there would be a twist or something unexpected, but I was disappointed.  It was more about finding the evidence needed to convict the killer (especially during the second half of the book).  One annoying thing is the tips at the beginning of each chapter.  Most of them are not helpful or interesting.  To me they just interrupted my reading pleasure.  There are also recipes at the end of each chapter.  I would prefer they were at the end of the book.  Kat is supposed to be Abigail’s best friend, but she comes across more as a source of information.  When Abigail needs information to help her investigation, she calls Kat (even though she knows Kat is not supposed to give out the information).  I give The Murder of a Queen Bee 3 out of 5 stars.  It was okay, but not for me. The idea or premise is good for a cozy mystery, but this author just did not make it work.  A Beeline to Murder is the first book in A Henny Penny Farmette Mystery series.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my review.  I hope they help you when you are looking for new books to read.  I am currently enjoying Fatal Frost by Karen MacInerney.  I will be back tomorrow to review It's Your Party, Die If You Want To by Vickie Fee.  I am off to relax for the evening (Arrow, Survivor, Younger, Code Black, and Designated Survivor are on tonight) and prop my feet up on pillows (they are currently swollen).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

Deader Homes and Gardens

Happy Tuesday!  Some new books came out today.  They are Love Bears All Things by Beth Wiseman, Killer Closet by Paula Paul, Death of a Toy Soldier by Barbara Early and Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox.  I will (of course) be reviewing them here!  

Deader Home and Gardens by Angie Fox is the fourth book in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series.  Verity Long has given up her graphic design business and has become a ghost hunter.  So far, though, she has not gotten any clients.  Verity has kept herself busy by helping her boyfriend, Ellis Wyndell decorate his home.  They are trying out new curtains when she receives a call from Lee Treadwell.  Lee states he needs Verity to come over immediately.  Verity is excited to have her first client.  She heads home to collect Frankie, her gangster ghost and link to the spiritual world, and heads to Rock Fall manor (Lee’s ancestral home).  It turns out that Rock Fall manor is haunted.  A tragedy occurred after Jack Treadwell (Lee’s grandfather) brought home artifacts (that were said to be cursed) from an Egyptian tomb in 1910.  The whole family died within a short period.  Jack, Annabelle (his wife), Charlotte (his young daughter), and Robert (his brother-in-law).  The governess survived but she suffered severe burns from a fire.  The son survived but only because he was living in New York at the time.  Lee has been living in the caretaker’s cottage on the property.  He has never entered the manor house.  Rock Fall is crumbling and needs major repairs.  In order to accomplish that task, he needs to enter the house.  Lee needs to find something of value that he can sell.  Verity needs to find out why the ghosts are hanging around.  In order to accomplish her job, Verity needs Frankie’s help (his power).  Frankie, though, is not happy.  He dislikes being stuck on her property, and has decided that having fun might free him.  He wants to have his friends (his bootlegging, gangster friends who like to shoot off guns, gamble, and drink) around.  In exchange for Frankie’s help on the case, Verity agrees to let him have use of the back porch (you know Frankie is going to take advantage).  When Verity discovers Egyptian artifacts in the dining room of Rock Fall manor along with Jack’s journals, she calls in her old college professor, Dale Grassino.  Dale is excited to read the journals, but he never gets the chance.  He dies in the study.  Did one of the ghosts kill him?  Verity is even more determined to find out what is going on at Rock Fall manor (the ghosts have been very secretive) and get a happy ending for Lee and the ghosts.

Deader Home and Gardens was a delight to read.  I love the antics of Verity and Frankie (Frankie is quite a character).  Ms. Fox does a remarkable job at creating characters that the readers can relate to.  The mystery was interesting as well as complicated and had a good twist (I do not believe everyone will see it coming).  The ghosts or spirits were a nice mix.  Some were scary and creepy while others were friendly and endearing.  Deader Homes and Gardens can be read as a stand-alone (but why would you).  Angie Fox gives the readers the background information on Verity and her situation (how she ended up with Frankie and dead broke).  I do, though, recommend that you read the previous books in the series (they are highly entertaining). I give Deader Homes and Gardens 4.5 out of 5 stars (I did solve the mystery).  The ending leaves the reader desiring more.  I just wish we did not have to wait months for the next installment!

The other books in The Southern Ghost Hunter Mystery series are Southern Spirits (currently free on Amazon), A Ghostly Gift (short story), The Skeleton in the Closet, Ghost of a Chance (short story), and The Haunted Heist.  Angie Fox also writes The Biker Witches Mystery series (starting with The Accidental Demon Slayer which is currently free on Amazon).

Thank you so much for visiting and reading my latest review. I hope you have had a entertaining and enjoyable Tuesday.  I am off to relax and enjoy the rest of my evening.  Please come back tomorrow for my review of Murder of a Queen Bee by Meera Lester.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Rebecca's Bouquet

Happy Columbus Day!  I hope all of you are enjoying the day.  I spent the day doing chores around the house.  When you own a home, there is always something to do.   I hope the rest of you had a more exciting day!

Rebecca’s Bouquet by Lisa Jones Baker is the first book in Hope Chest of Dreams.  Rebecca Sommer is eighteen years old and engaged.  Her fiancé, William Conrad needs to leave town.  His father has suffered a heart attack and needs William to run the cabinet business while he is out.  Rebecca does not wish to be away from her fiancé for several months and decides to go with him (despite objections).  Rebecca’s family object because Williams father’s, Daniel is Englisch.  Daniel left the faith when he married his second wife, Beth.  Rebecca understands their concerns, but she refuses to leave her fiancé for that length of time.  The Bishop gives Rebecca an assignment to complete while she is away (three tasks).  William and Rebecca are in for some new experiences.  Daniel has a modern household.  They have contemporary appliances, air conditioning, a car, and, of course, a television.  William takes to these modern inventions quickly (especially likes ESPN).  Their short visit gets extended when Daniel has a setback.   Then Rebecca’s starts receiving threatening notes.  Someone is not happy that Rebecca is visiting and wants her to leave.  But Rebecca refuses to be frightened away.  She is determined to help Daniel and Beth (William’s stepmother).  Then Daniel offers William a partnership in the cabinet business.  William is tempted by this better way of life, but Rebecca would never give up her Old Order Amish roots.  Will William and Rebecca return to their community or will they be lured away by the Englisch lifestyle? 

Rebecca’s Bouquet was lacking.  Rebecca came across as a “goody two shoes”!  She was too perfect and, after a while, really got on my nerves.  The same issues are rehashed over and over throughout the book.  It made the story tiring and boring.  It is basically about the choice that William and Rebecca have to make (well, really just William’s because Rebecca will not change).  There was too much of Rebecca and William thinking, contemplating, and deciding instead of the story moving forward (having some substance).  The ending is abrupt and predictable.  I was very disappointed.  The book needed more substance to bring it alive.   I give Rebecca’s Bouquet 3 out of 5 stars. This will not stop me from trying a Lisa Jones Baker book in the future.  This was just a first book.  I am hoping there will be significant improvement in the next book in Hope Chest of Dreams series.  The next two books in the series are Annie's Recipe and Rachel's Dream.  

Thank you for visiting. I have to go run to the store.  The cats ran out of hard food (the little gluttons).  Supergirl starts tonight on the CW.  The new show Convictions with Hayley Atwell is also on tonight.  I enjoyed Convictions last week. It is odd to hear Hayley Atwell without her accent.  I will be back tomorrow to review Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox.  Have a delightful evening. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader