Murder By Page One by Olivia Matthews: Excerpt and Review!

 

Murder Page One by Olivia Matthews

A Peach Coast Library Mystery

About Murder Page One

 

Murder by Page One: A Peach Coast Library Mystery 

Cozy Mystery 

1st in Series 

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing (March 23, 2021) 

Print length: 328 pages Digital 

ASIN: B08KHPBDBS 

If you love Hallmark mystery movies, you’ll love this cozy mystery with humor, intrigue, and a librarian amateur sleuth.

Marvey, a librarian, has moved from Brooklyn to a quirky small town in Georgia. When she’s not at the library organizing events for readers, she’s handcrafting book-themed jewelry and looking after her cranky cat. At times, her new life in the South still feels strange...and that’s before the discovery of the dead body in the bookstore.

After one of her friends becomes a suspect, Marvey sets out to solve the murder mystery. She even convinces Spence, the wealthy and charming newspaper owner, to help. With his ties to the community, her talents for research, and her fellow librarians’ knowledge, Marvey pursues the truth. But as she gets closer to it, could she be facing a deadly plot twist?

This first in series cozy mystery includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Classic Peach Cobbler.

About Olivia Matthews

Olivia Matthews is the cozy mystery pseudonym for Patricia Sargeant, a national best-selling, award-winning author. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews. For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.

Author Links

Website: https://PatriciaSargeant.com. 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BooksbyPatricia 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/olivia-matthews 

My Thoughts

Murder By Page One by Olivia Matthews is the debut of A Peach Coast Library Mystery series.  Marvey Harris along with her cat, Phoenix has relocated to Peach Coast, Georgia where she is the library’s new Director of Community Engagement.  Jo Gomez owns To Be Read which is hosting a book signing of Coastal Fiction Writers.  Marvey is attending the signing with Spencer Holt, publisher and editor-in-chief of The Peach Coast Crier.  The event is starting, and Jo is worried that one of the author’s Fiona Lyle-Hayes is not in place.  The trio go to the backroom where Fiona was unpacking her books to find her dead.  Jo becomes the prime suspect of Deputy Jed Whatley which has her unnerved.  Jo asks Marvey to help prove her innocence.  Marvey with help from her friend’s sets out to discover who wanted Fiona permanently removed from circulation. I enjoyed reading Murder By Page One.  I thought Murder By Page One was well-written with steady pacing.  The author took the time to introduce Marvella Harris along with a variety of secondary characters. I look forward to getting to know Marvey and her friends better as the series progresses.  I enjoyed the descriptions of Peach Coast with its quaint shops and a library housed in a former bus depot.  The story is full of quaint southernisms.  The one that had me laughing the most was “Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit.”  Gossip runs rampant in Peach Coast.  As with most rumors, there is only a grain of truth in them.  Peach cobbler was another recurring theme.  The townspeople seem to consume it in great quantities.  The whodunit had several suspects, misdirection, and good clues. I was able to identify the guilty party early, but I did not know why this person had committed the deed.  This is what kept me turning the pages.  Marvey needs to build the library’s patron list.   As she meets new people, she asks them, “Do you have a library card?”  I like how the questions unnerves some people.    You can tell that Marvey loves her job.  I look forward to reading the next A Peach Coast Library Mystery.  Murder By Page One is a charming new cozy mystery with rampant rumors, a departed author, a meddling mother, a determined deputy, and a sleuthing librarian.  

Excerpt

“It’s nice that you’ve all come to support Fiona.” I turned to Fiona’s friend. “Especially you, Mr. Pelt, coming from South Carolina.”

Willy glanced up from his wristwatch. He seemed surprised that I knew his name, then he noticed Nolan. Willy inclined his head in a silent greeting to Fiona’s business partner, the expression on his pale, square face pleasant but vague. He drove his fingers through his shock of thick auburn hair. “I’ve known Fiona’s family for years.”

“I wonder what Fiona will do now?” Nolan’s attention bounced from Jo to the rest of the group. “Will she give up her share of the business to write full-time?”

It was a good question, although I knew most authors continued to work full-time. Popular media’s depiction of fiction writing as a lucrative career was greatly exaggerated.

Betty snorted. “Well, she doesn’t need a job, now does she? Not like the rest of us. When Buddy died, he left her well provided for. The rest of us have to work for a living.”

The bitterness in her voice seemed to come from far more than envy of another person’s good fortune—literally and figuratively. Then I made the connection: Fiona Lyle-Hayes. Betty Rodgers-Hayes. There was a story there, one that could explain Betty’s hostile disposition.

“I was wondering the same thing.” Willy crossed his arms over his chest. His brown jersey and tan slacks were slightly wrinkled, as though he’d recently pulled both from a suitcase. Had he just driven into town from Beaufort? How long that had taken? “Her late uncle left her his vacation property. The house’s in good shape, and the land is pretty. It’s in a quiet area on the outskirts of town where she could write without being disturbed.”

Bobby shoved his broad hands into the front pockets of his navy blue cargo pants. “She’ll probably go on a lot of tours.” He sounded disappointed, as though he was going to miss Fiona’s company.

“This is ridiculous.” Jo’s words ended the discussion. Her eyes flashed with irritation as her gaze swung to the back of her store. Her ponytail arched behind her. “The signing has started, and Fiona still hasn’t brought out her books. Now, I’m going to have to hustle to help her set everything up.”

“I’ll help.” I hurried to follow Jo as she whirled toward a book aisle.      

“So will I.” Spence’s voice came from behind me.

Jo stopped long enough to give us a grateful look. “Thank you, but I can’t ask you to work for me. You’re here as guests.”

Spence arched a thick black eyebrow. “We’re also your friends. Let us help.”

“Okay, since you’ve twisted my arm.” Jo turned to continue her agitated march down the aisle. Her ponytail swung back and forth in a tsking motion. “I wish she’d let me and my team handle her books from the beginning. Unloading them now will be disruptive to the other authors who got here early and actually set up.”

I struggled to both keep up with Jo and speed read the titles on the passing shelves. We were in the young adult section. I loved young adult fantasy novels. I hesitated in front of a newly released title. Spence nudged me along.

I caught up with Jo. “This won’t endear her to the other members of her group.” I remembered the way Zelda had acted, as though Fiona was She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

“I don’t think Fiona likes them, either.” Jo’s tone was dry.

“What makes you think that?” Spence asked.

Jo glanced at us over her shoulder. “It’s just a feeling I got from her when we were organizing this signing.”

Jo crossed into the storage room. Spence and I were right behind her. The room was dimly lit in comparison to the main part of the store. Empty boxes stood to the side, waiting to be flattened for recycling. Step ladders and carts were stored in a corner for easy access. Shelving affixed to the walls held office supplies such as paper, printer inks, packing tape, markers, and box cutters. In the center of the room, two matching dark wood tables balanced open boxes of books still to be shelved. On the far table, Fiona’s books had been unpacked, only needing a cart to carry them out. But who would operate the cart?

Was I the only one feeling uneasy? “Where’s Fiona?”

In front of me, Jo frowned as her store owner’s attention seemed to catalog the room’s contents. To my right, Spence appeared to be scanning the room, searching for the source of the disquiet. I stepped forward.

“Marvey, wait.” Spence’s voice stopped me.

But not before I saw the body, lying in a pool of blood on the far side of the rear table.

I must have rocketed a foot into the air before landing on semi-solid ground. Spence’s large, strong hands gripped my shoulders to steady me.

Jo gasped. “Oh, my God. Fiona.”

Are you ready to read Murder By Page One?  Murder by Page One is available from Amazon, Hallmark Publishing, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Fantastic Fiction, and Kobo.    Thank you for joining me today.  I hope I have helped you to find a new author and series.  I will be back tomorrow with a review of an upcoming book release.  I hope that you have a peachy day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

March 18 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 

March 18 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 

March 18 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

March 18 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT 

March 18 – I'm All About Books – SPOTLIGHT 

March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

March 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 19 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW 

March 19 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

March 19 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW 

March 20 – Literary Gold - CHARACTER GUEST POST 

March 20 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW 

March 20 – Baroness' Book Trove – REVIEW 

March 20 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

March 20 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 20 – Author Elena Taylor's Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 21 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – The Book Diva's Reads – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 21 – The Book's the Thing – REVIEW 

March 22 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST 

March 22 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

March 22 – Reading Reality – REVIEW 

March 22 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

March 22 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 

March 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot

Book Summary

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot takes us to Mesquite Springs, Texas in November of 1856.  Dorothy Clark is helping at Polly’s Place while Evelyn and Wyatt Clark are on their honeymoon.  She is enjoying the independence of living in the apartment above the café, but Dorothy wonders what will happen when Evelyn returns.  Dorothy is grateful her friend, Laura Downey is handling the cooking.  Dorothy’s dream is to be a writer, but she does not know how to make her dream come true.  Brandon Holloway is getting a fresh start in Mesquite Springs where he will be starting a newspaper.  This will allow Dorothy to achieve her dream if she can convince Brandon to let her contribute.  She is attracted to Brandon, but Dorothy has promised herself that she would never marry.   Things fall into place with the newspaper, but then odd events begin to happen that divide the town.  There is a man who has plans for Mesquite Springs, and they do not include a newspaper.  What will happen to Mesquite Springs?

My Thoughts

Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot is the 2^nd book in the Mesquite Springs series.  Dreams Rekindled can be read as a standalone for those who have not read Out of the Embers.  I thought Dreams Rekindled was well-written with developed characters.  My favorite character was Nutmeg, Dorothy's rescue dog.  He was a cute and clever canine. I thought the author captured the time-period (button hooks, printing press, the printer’s type, a woman’s reticule, Uncle Tom’s Cabin) and the setting (especially the small-town feel).  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Mesquite Springs and the surrounding countryside.  Dorothy Clark and Brandon Holloway are attracted to each other from the beginning, but grief and past events prevent them from acting on their feelings.  I liked that the characters are realistic with strengths and weaknesses.  To counteract the good guys, we have a villain.  Phil Blakeslee arrives in town the same day as Brandon.  He is an artist who is town for nefarious purposes.  He is working for the mysterious Mr. K who has his own agenda for Mesquite Springs.  Phil has a troubled background that has influenced his opinion of newsman and ministers.  I like how everything came together in this story. Faith is woven into the story.  It added just the right note. I enjoyed the suspense and mystery.  It added depth to the story.  I quickly turned the pages eager to see how this story would turn out.  There are a couple of unanswered questions at the end of the book.  We will have to wait for the next installment to get those answers.  Dreams Rekindled is a complex novel with family, friends, faith, hope, foul play, and forgiveness. 

Dreams Rekindled can be obtained from Amazon* along with Out of the Embers which can borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (first book in Mesquite Springs series).  You can find Amanda Cabot's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews.  It is the first novel in A Peach Coast Library Mystery.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care of yourself, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross

 Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross

Book Summary

It is May in Busman’s Harbor, Maine where Julia Snowden is working on finding employees for the upcoming season which begins on Memorial Day.  Julia is interrupted by her boyfriend, Chris Durand who has brought his friend, Andie Greatorex.  Andie was assaulted and robbed of $35,000 of spat (oyster larvae) just after arriving home from purchasing it.  Andie feels that someone is trying to warn her off because she has applied to lease additional space for oyster beds.  There is also a time factor with the oyster seeds.  If they are not properly cared for, they could die.  Julia has a variety of suspects from rival oyster farmers, lobsterman, to a resident who does not like their view marred.  Before Julia can make headway in the investigation, she finds Andie murdered with a shucking knife in her neck.  The killer obviously felt threatened.  Julia needs to figure out which person she questioned could be the killer.  

My Thoughts 

Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross is the 9^th A Maine Clambake Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or may have missed a book or two.  Reading the earlier books, though, will provide more background on Julia, her family, friends, and the business.  It is May and the season has not begun yet in Busman’s Harbor, Maine.  Julia Snowden is surprised when her boyfriend, Chris Durand brings his poker buddy, Andie Greatorex to visit her (where she learns Andie is a woman).  Julia is told that Andie was attacked and robbed of the oyster larvae (spat) she had just purchased. Andie would like Julia to use her sleuthing skills to see if she can uncover the guilty party.  This is a different type of case for Julia.  She does have some extra time on her hands, so Julia agrees to do a little digging.  Julia questions several people including Andie’s ex-partner (business and personal), a lobsterman, a rival oyster farmer, and a neighbor of Andie’s.  Julia has barely begun her investigation when Andie is murdered.  The mystery provides us with a couple of suspects, a red herring, and subtle clues. There was a nice surprise in this whodunit.  It was nice to catch up with Julia before the busy season begins.  We do see Chris, but the other regulars are largely absent (one or two only briefly mentioned).  I must admit that I am not a fan of Chris’s. He is a nice man, but he does not seem like the right person for Julia.  I could tell the author did her research on oyster farming.  It was interesting learning how oysters are raised and harvested (not that I would ever eat one).  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of Maine as well and I liked that we left Busman’s Harbor to visit nearby Damariscotta.  We also learn about the rivalry between lobsterman and oyster farmers plus how residents feel about the oyster beds.  I thought Shucked Apart was easy to read with a likeable main character.  The pacing varied in this story.   While Shucked Apart is not my favorite book in this series, I still enjoyed my visit.  Shucked Apart is a charming tale with oyster offspring, rival lobsterman, employee problems, lease barriers, and sly sabotage. 

Shucked Apart can be obtained from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Maine Clambake Mysteries here.    Barbara Ross also writes A Jane Darrowfield Series.  Barbara Ross along with Leslie Meier, and Lee Hollis has Halloween Party Murder publishing August 31.  Thank you for checking out my review today.  I am featuring Dreams Rekindled by Amanda Cabot tomorrow.  It is the second book in the Mesquite Springs series. I hope all of you have cheery day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

A Sister's War by Molly Green

 A Sister's War by Molly Green

Book Summary

A Sister’s War by Molly Green takes us back to 1943 in Kent where Ronnie Linfoot wants to do her bit for the war effort.  She applies to be a boatwoman with Grand Union Canal Company transporting goods along the Grand Union Canal between London and Birmingham.  Her maman is horrified, but she reluctantly gives her permission.  Ronnie joins five other ladies for six weeks of instruction with Dora Dummitt.  Dora is a tough taskmaster, but she must be because the work is difficult with long hours.  Ronnie is the youngest member of the group and Dora seems to ride her more than the others.  The weather is wet and cold on the canal where the ladies learn how to get through the locks, collect and drop off goods, and navigate the boats through long, narrow tunnels.  The ladies will need to pull together if they are to make it through the training and begin transporting goods on their own.  Unfortunately, it seems someone is taking advantage of the war to make a little money in black market goods.  Ronnie soon finds herself in the middle of an investigation, but there is an upside when she meets a handsome police officer.  Who is behind the illicit goods?  Is being a boatwoman the right job for Ronnie?

My Thoughts

A Sister’s War by Molly Green is the 3^rd book in The Victory Sisters.  This book can be read as a standalone, but I did enjoy reading the series in order.  I thought A Sister’s War was well-written with developed characters.  In this book, we get Veronique “Ronnie” Linfoot’s story.  She is the youngest of the three Linfoot sisters and she is anxious to do something to aid the war effort.  She is not yet seventeen which makes it difficult for her to join a program.  Ronnie was turned down for the Land Girls which was her preference.  Her mother, Simone was delighted.  Simone would prefer that her daughters wear pretty dresses, do embroidery and other ladylike tasks.  Unfortunately, Simone has three independent, rebellious daughters.  Raine is a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary and Suzy is a singer with ENSA.  Ronnie sees a newsreel that mentions the canal girls and she sets out to learn more information.  Ronnie applies to be boatwoman transporting goods along the Grand Union Canal with the Grand Union Canal Company.  We follow Ronnie and five other ladies training with Dora Dummitt who is a harsh taskmaster.  The author did her research for this book.  I can envision life on the canal in the narrowboats from the author’s descriptions.  It sounded like a rough job with long hours.  I could not imagine having to open and close the locks along the canal by hand.  The cold and wet were relentless.  The boats were small with limited room.  It was fascinating learning about the canal girls.  They transported items needed for the war effort.  I was curious after I finished the book and looked up more information about the canal and the boats (transport by boat ended in the late 1970s and the boats are now being used for people to live in).  I like that we get to catch up with Ronnie’s sisters, Suzy and Raine.  A Sister’s War is a satisfying conclusion to The Victory Sisters trilogy.  I enjoyed reading A Sister’s War as well as the other two books in this engaging historical series. 

A Sister's War can be obtained from Amazon*.  The first two books in The Victory Sisters are A Sister's Courage and A Sister's Song.  You can find Molly Green's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I was lucky to get this posting done.  My mother unplugged an item from an outlet in her bathroom which blew a fuse.  We called out the electrician when the fuse would not reset.  It turns out the panel has not been replaced or updated since it was installed (another lie the realtor told us).  We had to have the whole panel replaced as well as two outlets. The electricity was off the whole afternoon which meant no wifi (and no blog post).  We got our electricity restored just after 8 p.m.  At this rate, we will soon have a brand new home.  We thought this home would be less stressful than our last one (I think the universe is laughing at me).  At least we now do not have to worry about our house catching on fire, and we have a warranty.  I was grateful the electricians could come out right away.  Next time I am featuring Shucked Apart by Barbara Ross.  It is the 9th A Maine Clambake Mystery.  I hope that you have a sunny day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon

 

Book Summary

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon has Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More, enjoying a paint-and-sip event at South Cove’s newest business Drunken Art Studio with Greg and some of her friends.  They are enjoying the wine, food, and each other’s company until a woman from out of town who overindulged begins making a scene.  Jill learns that she is no Picasso as evidenced by the blobs on her canvas.  During the night, Greg receives a call that has him heading into town.  When Jill arrives at work, she discovers that a woman was found dead inside the Drunken Art Studio.  It is the same woman who caused a scene the night before.  The victim’s husband is quick to point the finger at Esmerelda whom the couple have visited regularly.  Esmerelda is a part-time police dispatcher as well as a physic.  Greg and Lisa know that Esmerelda is innocent, but they must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt because someone is going to a lot of trouble to make her look guilty.  

My Thoughts

Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon is the 12^th A Tourist Trap Mystery.  While Picture Perfect Frame can be read as a standalone, I do not recommend this as your first foray into A Tourist Trap Mysteries (Guidebook to Murder is a good place to start). It can be confusing in the beginning with the large cast of characters (trying to learn who each one is and their various relationships).  Picture Perfect Frame contains Lynn Cahoon’s easy breezy writing style.  Returning to South Cove, California is like visiting old friends.  There is a diverse cast of characters from Jill to Esmerelda.  The characters are developed and continue to evolve.   There is a new business in South Cove run by Meredith Cole and her husband, Neal called Drunken Art Studio.  They host paint-and-sip events.  Jill, Greg, Amy, Justin, and others attend including Jill’s new barista, Evie Marshall.  The evening is disturbed by an out-of-towner who enjoyed the sip part of the event a little too much.  Early the next morning, the drunken painter is found dead inside the studio by Meredith.  The victim’s husband is quick to point the finger at Esmerelda who has been acting odd recently.  Jill and Greg know that Esmerelda is innocent, but it will be tricky to prove it.  I thought the mystery was straightforward with a couple of suspects along with subtle clues.  Jill did some sleuthing, but she did not do as much as in previous tales.  I wish Jill had a more active role from beginning to end.  She is busy at Coffee, Books, and More which is bustling with business plus helping Amy with her upcoming nuptials.  Amy has turned into a bridezilla that does not have a stop button.  Jill must calm Amy down and talk her off the ledge several times.  Personally, I found the wedding planning overshadowing the mystery and the wedding details became tiresome after a while (Jill is a much more patient woman than I am).  We also get to know the newest member of the Jill’s staff, Evie Marshall.  She is new to town with her dog, Homer.  Evie has ties to a former member of the staff.  There is also the normal eating, drinking, chatting, and runs along the beach with Emma.  The ending of Picture Perfect Frame leaves us with an unfortunate, but highly anticipated cliffhanger.  While I found it sweet, I also found it frustrating.  Picture Perfect Frame is a quick and easy book to read.  I like how the series has progressed since the beginning.  I look forward to the next A Tourist Trap Mystery.  Picture Perfect Frame is a charming cozy mystery with wedding woes, a jammed-up medium, a freaked-out friend, a honeymoon hurdle, a drained detective, a blobby beach scene, a bonanza of books, and a cliffhanger at the conclusion.

Picture Perfect Frame is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Tourist Trap Mysteries here.  Check out Lynn Cahoon's other cozy mysteries here.  Lynn has Two Wicked Desserts publishing July 27.  It is the second A Kitchen Witch Mystery.  This is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery series.  Thank you for popping by today and reading my review.  Next time I am sharing my thoughts on A Sister's War by Molly Green.  It is the 3rd novel in The Victory Sisters series.  I hope that each of you have a merry day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

 

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier

Happy St. Patrick's Day 

Book Summary

Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier has Lucy Stone and her family grieving the loss of Bill Stone Sr.  On Lucy’s’ first day back at work after returning from the funeral in Florida, she learns that her boss, Ted Stillings has been acting strangely.  According to Phyllis, The Pennysaver’s receptionist, he has been meeting with people off-site.  Lucy soon learns that changes are coming to the newspaper and they include a new reporter, Rob Callahan.  Rob is interested is in stories that make a big splash which means he has no interest in interviewing the local candidates for the grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Gilead.  Lucy also interviews a woman puppeteer who wishes to participate in the parade, but the woman is denied for a flimsy reason which has Lucy’s reporter radar pinging.  Before Lucy can delve further, Rob is arrested for murdering a corrections officer.  Lucy may not be a fan of the eager reporter, but she knows that he is no killer.  She has a hunch that Rob is being set up, and Lucy believes she knows who is behind it.  Lucy will need to watch her step, or she could be the next one hauled off in handcuffs.  

My Thoughts

Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meier is the 27^th A Lucy Stone Mystery.  I have been enjoying Lucy Stone’s adventures since the beginning.  Lucy is a part-time reporter with The Pennysaver in Tinker’s Cove, Maine where she lives in a quaint farmhouse with her husband, Bill plus her two youngest children, Sara and Zoe.  The family is devastated when Bill’s father passes away.  They all go to Florida for the funeral and comfort Edna, Bill’s mother.  Lucy returns to work to find Ted is making changes at The Pennysaver.  Ted has brought on a new reporter, Rob Callahan who is interested in making a name for himself quickly.  Rob forgets that Tinker’s Cove and Gilead are small towns (gossip travels faster than the speed of light and small-town politics are at play).  Rob finds himself in hot water when he is charged with the murder of a local corrections officer.  Lucy may not be a fan of her rival, but she is not going to let him be railroaded.  Lucy has another mystery to solve at home.  A woman claims to the daughter of Bill’s father and provides a DNA report.  Lucy and Bill are worried the woman is a scam artist. They also cannot find Bill Sr.’s will, which could lead to devastating consequences.  Irish Parade Murder is a lively cozy mystery.  This latest A Lucy Stone Mystery reminds me of the earlier books in the series.  The whodunit involving Rob was multifaceted.  I had a good time following the investigation.  Lucy delves into the local Irish Catholic community where values have not changed in fifty plus years (things move slowly in Rome).  I thought Irish Parade Murder was well-written with developed characters and a charming, small town setting.  I look forward to Lucy Stone’s next adventure.  Irish Parade Murder is a spirited cozy mystery with political plotting, rival reporters, a DNA dilemma, step dancing sisters, an AWOL will, and happy green hair. 

Irish Parade Murder can be obtained from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Lucy Stone Mystery series.  Irish Parade Murder can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I hope that you have a lucky day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux: Excerpt & Review

 

 Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux

 About the Book

An inspiring new family saga by New York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux

Two headstrong sisters are bound by tradition but long to forge their own path.

It’s 1972 and times are changing. In the small farming community of Mason, Kansas, Vera and Kelly Exton are known for their ambitions. Vera is an activist who wants to join her boyfriend in the Peace Corps. But she is doing her duty caring for her widowed mother and younger sister until Kelly is firmly established. Kelly is studying to become a veterinarian. She plans to marry her childhood sweetheart and eventually take over his father’s veterinary practice.

But it’s a tumultuous time and neither sister is entirely happy with the path that’s been laid out for her. As each evaluates her options, everything shifts. Do you do what’s right for yourself or what others want? By having the courage to follow their hearts these women will change lives for the better and the effects will be felt by the generations that follow. Meant to Be delivers an emotional, smart, funny and wise lesson about the importance of being true to yourself.

 About the Author

Jude Deveraux is the author of forty-three New York Times bestsellers, including For All Time, Moonlight in the Morning, and A Knight in Shining Armor. She was honored with a Romantic Times Pioneer Award in 2013 for her distinguished career. To date, there are more than sixty million copies of her books in print worldwide.

Author Links

Author Website: https://judedeveraux.com/

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/JudeDeveraux1  

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judedeveraux/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/28574.Jude_Deveraux

My Thoughts

Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux is a story that covers three generations in Mason, Kansas beginning in 1972.  Vera and Kelly Exton have their futures planned out.  Vera is looking forward to joining her boyfriend in the Peace Corps in Africa.  Kelly is going to marry her beau while working with his father in his veterinary practice.  The 1970s were a time when things were changing, and people questioned their roles which is what happens with Kelly and Vera.  These two women need to decide what is best for them even if it upsets others.  Meant to Be is an intriguing escapist novel. I thought the story was well-written with developed characters.  I liked that Vera and Kelly were strong, smart women.  Meant to Be is an appealing romance.  There is some foul language in the book as well as intimate situations.  I have been enjoying this author’s books since I was a teen, and I did miss the humor that is normally present in Jude Deveraux’s books.  Lounging by the pool with a copy of Meant to Be is a lovely way to pass a warm afternoon.  Meant to Be is a charming multigenerational tale with protest rallies, fields of fruit trees, high-speed horses, hidden hideaways, matchmaking mamas, and heart pounding romances. 

Excerpt

Mason, Kansas May 1972

Adam is back.

 Vera Exton couldn’t get that thought out of her head. The man she had always loved, the man who held the keys to her future, was finally home.

She was on the front porch of her family home. As always, she was surrounded by newspapers and magazines. She paid to have the New York Times sent to her. That it arrived three days late didn’t matter. At least she got to see what was going on in the world. The world. Not just Kansas, not just the US, but everywhere.

In college, she’d majored in political science, with a minor in geography. She knew where the Republic of Vanuatu was, where Rajasthan, India, was. She could tell Bhutan from Nepal by a single photo. She’d studied languages on her own and knew a smattering of several. Rhodesia, she thought. Madagascar. She’d send her sister photos of herself with a lemur when she got there. Kelly would like that.

Vera closed her eyes, leaning back in the old chair that her mother had bought at a craft fair. It had been made by someone local, using local materials. That was the difference between them. Her mother and her sister prided themselves on “local,” while Vera could only see the world.

 “And now it’s all going to begin,” she whispered, and opened her eyes.

 Bending, she began stacking the newspapers and magazines. Her mother complained about the mess that always surrounded Vera. “We can hardly walk through a room,” her mother often said, frowning. Since her husband died two years ago, Nella Exton did little but frown.

If Kelly was around, she helped Vera clean up. Or helped Vera do anything, for Kelly was deeply glad her big sister was there and doing what everyone expected her to do.

 When Kelly mentioned her gratitude, their mother just sniffed. “She’s the eldest child, so of course she takes care of things.” Even though the sisters were only ten months apart, to their mother Vera was to take on the family’s responsibilities, so she was doing what she was supposed to do. There was no other choice.

But Kelly didn’t feel that way. In what people tended to call “the drug culture,” many kids ran away, never to be seen again. The idea of “family obligations” was becoming obsolete. But not to Vera.

She had postponed the future she’d dreamed of, had studied for, to give her sister what she wanted and Kelly was ever thankful, grateful and appreciative.

 For all her sister’s appreciation, right now all Vera could think of was that Adam’s return meant the ordeal of staying at home was over.

He’d arrived just in time for his father’s funeral, as there’d been delays on the long flight from Africa. Vera had searched the newspapers to find out what was going on in Kenya. During the years he’d been away, Adam’s letters were full of stories of floods and bridges collapsing, infestations and diseases with exotic names. His letters had made her heart pound with excitement. She’d read them to her mother and sister, then was shocked by the horror on their faces. “But doesn’t it sound wonderful?” Vera would ask.

Nella said a flat no, and Kelly would say, “If you like that sort of thing.” Then she’d pick up a few of her animals and feed them or groom them or whatever she did with them.

Vera had seen Adam after the service, but she’d not spoken to him. He was surrounded by people offering condolences. His father, Burke Hatten, had been a big shot in the county. “Ask Burke” was a common catchphrase.

 In Vera’s opinion, the man thought he knew much more than he did, which is why he and his eldest son had always butted heads. Burke’s temper and his son’s matching one was why Adam had run off to join the Peace Corps.

Well, that and Vera’s endless talk of how she was joining the second she finished college. She’d begged Adam to go with her, but he’d always said no. He said he’d be waiting for her in Kansas when she grew tired of moving about the world and came home.

 Funny how things work out, she thought as she stacked the papers. Adam had the big fight with his dad and had run off to the Peace Corps. Vera had planned to join him, but her father had died suddenly, leaving no one to care for the farm. To Vera, the solution was to sell the farm, but Nella had refused to leave the place. In just a few weeks, everything changed. Vera had agreed to stay behind until Kelly finished veterinary school. The new plan was that as soon as Kelly graduated, Vera would join Adam wherever the Peace Corps had sent him.

Now everything was going to change again. Burke Hatten’s horse threw him and he’d died instantly, so Adam had returned. But this time when he left the country to go back to his job in Africa, Vera wouldn’t be kissing him goodbye. They’d leave together. The goodbyes would be to her mother and sister, to the farm, to her job at the travel agency. Goodbye to the town of Mason. The world she’d been reading about was out there and calling to her.

At last, she was going to answer its call. 

Meant to Be can be purchased from Amazon*, Harlequin, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Walmart, Google, and iBooks.  Jude Deveraux has An Impossible Promise releasing on September 21.  It is the second book in the Providence Falls series.  You will find Jude Deveraux's other novels here.  Thank you for visiting. Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon is also out today.  It is the 12th A Tourist Trap Mystery. Tomorrow I will return with Irish Parade Murder by Leslie Meiers.  It is the 27th A Lucy Stone Mystery.   I hope you have an optimistic day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.