January 31, 2015

As Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames - Review, Recipe and Giveaway


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
A Gouda as Dead by Avery Aames
Cheese Shop Mystery #6
ISBN: 978042573319

Synopsis: Someone is cheesed off . . .
Providence, Ohio, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with weeklong events, including lovers’ baskets with heart-shaped cheeses at Fromagerie Bessette. Charlotte Bessette is celebrating by finally walking down the aisle with the man of her dreams, handsome artisanal cheese farmer, Jordan Pace. But when a beloved bar owner is discovered murdered on Jordan’s farm, he believes they should reschedule their wedding given the grim turn of events.

Charlotte is heartsick over the postponement. This killer crossed the wrong woman. No one, but no one, is ruining her wedding plans!



My review: I love the cheese shop mysteries they rank on the top of my list when it comes to cozies. In this one I loved the whole Valentine's Day theme behind the story. It sounds like a fun time in Providence that is until you find a friend murdered. Again the characters in this book have been great to get to know and watch them grow. There are many twists and turns in this book and just when you think you have the mystery solved another twists comes along and you now need to find a new suspect. In this installment we have not one but two murders we must try and solve. Oh and we must not forget the foo mentioned in this book. Let me warn you will become hungry while reading this book. If you are a fan of cozies you must stop by this town and join in on the fun. 

About This Author

As AVERY AAMES, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series featuring a cheese shop owner amateur sleuth, set in the fictional town of Providence, Ohio.

As DARYL WOOD GERBER writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series featuring a cookbook store owner who is an avid reader and admitted foodie, set on the coast of California.

Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more.

Author Links


Visit Daryl or Avery atwww.darylwoodgerber.com.

“They” blog on www.mysteryloverskitchen.com as well as www.killercharacters.com


Avery's Five Cheese Mac n Cheese

FIVE CHEESE MAC AND CHEESE

Ingredients:
(serves 2-4, depending on how ravenous you are!)

2 cups dried macaroni, cooked to tender (about 4-5 cups cooked)
3 cloves garlic chopped
8 tablespoons butter [a cube]
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup white wine
3 Tbs. rice flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. paprika
2 cups grated cheese (equal parts Cheddars, Smoked Gouda, Parmessan, Monterey Jack, Havarti)

Directions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions.  Drain and set aside.  May be made a day ahead.  Note:  Do not forget to drain and set aside.  You do not want the pasta to be “wet.”

In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook about 2 minutes.  Add rice flour and stir.  Cook 1 minute, let boil and thicken, stirring constantly.

Add milk and wine, stir and let boil to thicken. Remove from heat and add cheeses and seasonings. Pour sauce over drained macaroni.

Serve with a crisp salad.




I LOVE A MYSTERY SECRET CODE GAME: The 6th of the 7 words in Avery’s I Love A Mystery Secret Code Contest is
It
(Learn more about entering the I Love A Mystery Secret Code Game giveaway here on The As Gouda As Dead Great Escapes Tour Page.)


Be sure to stop by Escape with Dollycas (click here) to see all the stops on the tour. 

Tour Participants
January 26 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
January 27 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
January 28 – fuonlyknew – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
January 29 – Michele Lynn Seigfried’s Blog – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
January 30 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
January 31 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
February 1 – Traveling With T – Review, Recipe, Giveaway
My giveaway is for one copy of As Gouda as Dead and is open to the US only. Enter on rafflecopter.



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January 30, 2015

A Potion to Die For by Heather Blake


A Potion to Die For by Heather Blake
A Magic Potion Mystery #1
ISBN: 9780451416308
Mass Market Paperback

Synopsis: TROUBLE IS BREWING…

As the owner of Little Shop of Potions, a magic potion shop specializing in love potions, Carly Bell Hartwell finds her product more in demand than ever. A local soothsayer has predicted that a couple in town will soon divorce—and now it seems every married person in Hitching Post, Alabama, wants a little extra matrimonial magic to make sure they stay hitched.

But when Carly finds a dead man in her shop, clutching one of her potion bottles, she goes from most popular potion person to public enemy number one. In no time the murder investigation becomes a witch hunt—literally! Now Carly is going to need to brew up some serious sleuthing skills to clear her name and find the real killer—before the whole town becomes convinced her potions really are to die for!


My review: I loved this book and now have to run out and get the second one so I can see what kind of trouble Carly will find next. One of the things that drew me to this book was the witch theme. As with other cozies I have read I love the small town where this takes place even the name is cute: Hitching Post. The underlying love theme of the town was cute. I enjoy Heather's writing as she keeps me guessing all the way to the end of the book. She will give you just enough clues so you think you may know who did it then she switches up and gives you another clue to you now think of someone else. I loved all of Carly's family from her crazy mom, quiet dad, mean Aunt Marjie, bickering Aunts Eunice and Hazel to her cousin Delia. We must not forget Dylan who is Carly's ex. I really liked him as well. I hope to see Carly's relationships with Delia and Dylan grow as the series goes along. Yes there were a few characters I did not like. Johnny Braxton, Coach and John Richard Baldwin. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries or fun witch stories then be sure to pick this book up. 

The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

The Divorce Papers by Susan Rieger
ISBN: 9780804137461
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Sparkling and sophisticated, this sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking debut novel tells the story of a very messy, very high-profile divorce and the endearingly cynical young lawyer dragooned into handling it.
 
Twenty-nine-year-old Sophie Diehl is happy toiling away as a criminal law associate at an old-line New England firm, where she very much appreciates that most of her clients are trapped behind bars. Everyone at Traynor, Hand knows she abhors face-to-face contact, but one week, with all the big partners out of town, Sophie is stuck handling the intake interview for the daughter of the firm’s most important client.
 
After eighteen years of marriage, Mayflower descendant Mia Meiklejohn Durkheim has just been served divorce papers in a humiliating scene at the popular local restaurant, Golightly’s. Mia is now locked and loaded to fight her eminent and ambitious husband, Dr. Daniel Durkheim, Chief of the Department of Pediatric Oncology at Mather Medical School, for custody of their ten-year-old daughter Jane. Mia also burns to take him down a peg. Sophie warns Mia that she’s never handled a divorce case before, but Mia can’t be put off. The way she sees it, it’s her first divorce, too. For Sophie, the whole affair will spark a hard look at her own relationships—with her parents, colleagues, friends, lovers, and, most important, herself.
 
A rich, layered novel told entirely through personal correspondence, office memos, e-mails, articles, handwritten notes, and legal documents, The Divorce Papers offers a direct window into the lives of an entertaining cast of characters never shy about speaking their minds. Original and captivating, Susan Rieger’s brilliantly conceived and expertly crafted debut races along with wit, heartache, and exceptional comedic timing, as it explores the complicated family dynamic that results when marriage fails—as well as the ever-present risks and coveted rewards of that thing called love.


My review: This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it . It was a book that held my attention. I like how this was written using letters and emails and such, for me that makes it read a little faster plus it feels a little more personal. Personally I have not been through a divorce but I can understand how someone going through this would feel after reading this book as the author did a good job of showing emotions through the words she used. I thought the characters were well developed.  I will admit a few of the legal papers were a little dry but being in the legal field I enjoyed reading them. I look forward to finding more books by this author. 

January 26, 2015

An Amish Second Christmas and An Amish Garden by Tricia Goyer and Friends - Book reviews.


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

An Amish Second Christmas
By Tricia Goyer, Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid, and Kathleen Fuller
ISBN: 9781401689810
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Celebrate Second Christmas, a treasured, lighthearted time of community, with four Amish romances. 
“When Christmas Comes Again” by Beth Wiseman
Katherine knows the first Christmas without Elias will be hard for her and the children. But when a mysterious Englischer appears with photographs of her late husband, Katherine  begins to wonder what other blessings Christmas could have in store. 
“Her Christmas Pen Pal” by Ruth Reid
Joy was expecting a wedding proposal from Henry; what she got instead was news of another woman. But when her heartfelt letter to a cousin ends up in the hands of a young cabinetmaker, an unexpected correspondence between two strangers gets interesting fast.
“A Gift for Anne Marie” by Kathleen Fuller
Anne Marie and Nathaniel have been best friends since they were kids. Now things are evolving . . . in ways everyone else predicted long ago. But when her mother suddenly decides to remarry in another state, Anne Marie’s new chapter with Nathaniel looks doomed to end before it begins. 
“The Christmas Aprons” by Tricia Goyer
Vanilla crumb pie has been Esther’s mem’s calling card for decades. But when Esther finally gets her hands on the secret recipe, she discovers that vanilla crumb pie is more than just dessert . . . it’s bachelor bait.
My review: If you are a fan of Amish books as I am you will enjoy this series of stories. I like how each of the stories are stand alone they also have a common thread in that the tell how each of them celebrate the "Second Christmas" - the day after Christmas. To me the second Christmas is kind of a neat idea. I had not heard about it before. The writing of each of these stories is so well that they are very quick reads. In fact I was able to read this book on a three day weekend. I am not sure which of these books would be listed as a favorite as they were all great stories. 


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

An Amish Garden
By: Tricia Goyer, Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller and Vannetta Chapman
ISBN: 9781401689795
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Gardens are a place to rest, to draw near, and to heal.

“Where Healing Blooms” by Vannetta Chapman
When Widow Emma Hochstetter discovers a run-away teenager in her barn, and the bishop asks her to provide a haven for a local woman and her two children she finds her quiet life has been interrupted. Then, her mother-in-law, Mary Ann, reveals one of her garden's hidden secrets, something very unexpected. Will she continue alone or will she accept the gifts God has given her?
"Flowers for Rachael" by Kathleen Fuller
Rachael Bontrager’s flower garden is beautiful, but at twenty-four, she’s  lonely. Gideon Beiler fell in love with Rachael almost at first sight. After her grandfather has a stroke, her days are filled with caring for him, and one day Rachael finds her garden in shambles. However, she won’t accept Gideon’s offers of help. Will she realize she doesn’t have to do everything on her own and that God is in control?
“Seeds of Love” by Tricia Goyer
Sadie Chupp finds her greatest joy in the greenhouses in her Montana community. A company is interested in buying her heirloom seeds, but they are the only thing she has left from her deceased parents. Eli Plank is a traveling bachelor who believes he can help Sadie, but a misunderstanding leaves her heartbroken. Will she trust him again, and let the seeds of a new relationship take root?
“Rooted in Love” by Beth Wiseman
Rosemary Lantz is doing her best to run her family’s household. She excels at all her tasks except one: gardening. Saul Petersheim has pursued Rosemary for years, but Rosemary keeps turning him down.  What Saul doesn’t know is that she has good reason—something no one can know—especially not him.
My review: I have to say when you get these authors together to write a book you know you will have an awarding winning book on your hands. Like the Christmas book each of these stories can be read as a stand alone but the are each tied together by gardening themes. This book is the perfect one to read now while you are awaiting spring to come in. I like that there is some romance in these stories but not overwhelming with it, just a nice love story. Each of the stories are about a young woman finding her way. As with each book I have ever read by these authors - writing is great and they pull in you so you lose track of time and next thing you know the story is over. I highly recommend this book as it is like getting four books in one. 

January 25, 2015

A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review

A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott
A Quilts of Love Series
ISBN: 9781426773655
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: Thea’s first quilt show is coming apart at the seams!
Thea James has accepted an assignment as co‑chairperson for Larkindale’s first quilt show extravaganza. Juggling the new assignment with running her antique business, she’s already feeling frayed when things start to unravel.
Mary‑Alice Wentworth, a much‑loved town matriarch, respected quilt judge, and Thea’s dear friend, is covertly conked on the head during the kick‑off Quilt Show Soiree, throwing suspicion on her guests. It also appears that a valuable diamond brooch has been stolen during the attack. The family is furious. But is it because of their mugged mother or the missing diamonds?
When a renowned textile expert goes MIA and the famous Wentworth heritage quilt disappears, Larkindale’s reputation as a tourist haven is at risk. Thea attempts to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before Mary‑Alice is attacked again . . . with far worse results.
My review: I have read quite a few in this series because I like that they are all centered around quilts. The mystery that was a part of this story was fun to read about and made the story interesting Although this book did not move as fast as most of my mysteries I have read it did keep me guessing until the end as to who bonked Mary-Alice. I would have liked to get to know the characters a little bit more as well. This book also carried the Christian theme though out the entire story. All in all I thought this was a nice book. Even though this is a part of a series they are all stand alone books, the common theme is the quilts. If you are looking for a nice mystery with no dead bodies with a Christian themed back story then this book is for you. 

About the Author: 

Author and speaker Cathy Elliot nourishes her night-owl habit by creating cozy mysteries and more on her trusty laptop in Anderson, California. Like the protagonist in her new mystery, Cathy is an avid quilter. Besides collecting (too much) cool fabric, she also enjoys hunting for antique treasures.

Connect with Cathy online: websiteFacebook


Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott. Thea's first quilt show begins to fall apart at the seams. Will she be able to piece the mystery together and save the town’s investment in the quilt show before another attack happens . . . with far worse results.
Enter to win a Kindle HDX!
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle HDX
  • A Stitch in Crime by Cathy Elliott
  • Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
  • Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven

Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 8th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog February 9th.
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Enter today and spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

January 16, 2015

Valentine's Day is Murder by Carolyn Arnold - Book Spotlight


About the Book

Title: Valentine’s Day is Murder
Author: Carolyn Arnold
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Jimmy finally takes a vacation--and a chance on love--only to be abducted. His female companion originally thinks he had cold feet about their relationship, but Sean and Sara know there’s more to it. Jimmy isn’t the type to just up and disappear, let alone leave a lady stranded.

Setting out on their private jet, Sean and Sara reach the tropical paradise of Ocho Rios, Jamaica with sightseeing as the last thing on their minds.

With a gold coin being their initial tie to Jimmy’s kidnapper, Sean and Sara even speculate about the involvement of pirates. Yet as the hours pass, and there’s no word from Jimmy’s captors, Sean and Sara will need to figure out the real motive before it’s too late.

With help from their friend, Adam, back in Albany, the pieces come together and not a moment too soon.

Strap in for an adventure that will take you to the beautiful island of Jamaica and have you wanting a piña colada.


Amazon – http://ow.ly/G4Yl6
Amazon UK – http://ow.ly/G4Ynv
Barnes & Noble – http://ow.ly/G4Ype
iTunes – http://ow.ly/G4Yqv

Author Bio

CAROLYN ARNOLD is the bestselling author of the Madison Knight series, the Brandon Fisher series, and the McKinley Mysteries. Her love for writing dates back to her teen years, but her passion was reignited in 2006 when a fellow employee said "tell me a story." Since then Carolyn has never looked back.

Her writing has since been compared to New York Times Bestsellers such as JD Robb, Mary Higgins Clark, Sue Grafton, Michael Connelly, Tess Gerritsen, and more.

Carolyn was born in 1976 in a rural town of Ontario, Canada, and she currently lives with her husband and two beagles in a city near Toronto.

For more information on the author visit https://carolynarnold.net/


Excerpt 1:

Chapter 1
Under the Jamaican Moonlight

For a man who had given up on love, dining under the Ocho Rios’ moon reaffirmed that all things are possible. Jimmy Voigt sat across from Meredith, a woman who, just a couple months back, had been a stranger. She carried the black evening dress she wore elegantly, its straps loose and dangling over her shoulders. In the candlelight and a beautiful setting such as this, it was hard to resist her. A portion of him didn’t even want to try.
“Thank you for taking me with you, Jimmy.” She smiled at him, wistfully, as she lifted her wine glass for a toast. “To us.”
His lips twitched but he wasn’t sure if the full expression showed—he was terrified of falling in love. He went through with the expected response though. He clinked his glass to hers and watched as softness blanketed her features.
It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
They were both up with the sun and had met by the pool. They had spent the early morning strolling along the shore. With toes in the sand, they had shared whispered jokes and silly stories while the sea air cleared out any stench of the city and melted away stress. Tropical breezes also carried wafts of plant life and flowers.
“The Dunns River Falls was quite the experience.”
“You’re telling me.” He left out the fact that his knees had barked most of the way up. He found himself caring what she thought about him, which was a first since Clara.
While he had tried to put Clara from his mind, his ex-wife had a way of entering his thoughts at random intervals and at the most inappropriate times. He had loved her with his soul, but that hadn’t been enough. Maybe it was why he held back now. He feared that if loving someone with his entire being hadn’t been enough before, why would it be now? Yet, he had to shake the self-flagellation.
“The best part though, I must say, was snorkeling. The colors of those fish. Absolutely stunning.” Meredith took a sip of her wine.
Jimmy’s eyes fell to her slim fingers. When they held hands, they intertwined perfectly with his.
He needed to put the past behind him and leave it there. Sara had told him to open his heart, but he was starting to think it was secured behind reinforced steel doors. Still, he appreciated how far he had come—and not simply in literal mileage, but also in the emotional distance he had traveled to ask Meredith to accompany him to Jamaica. Really though, what fun was an island without a companion? Still, he wasn’t going to rush things and had ensured they had separate rooms.
Taking a long draw on his wine, he appreciated its flavor. He pursed his lips.
“You look mighty deep in thought.” Meredith laughed.
“Truth be told, I was.” If he allowed his mind to swallow him whole, it would. Enough of the scrutiny and inward reflection. He was determined to enjoy this moment in time—another wise piece of advice from Sara.
He reached across the table for Meredith’s hand. As hers molded to his, he had to admit that he felt better than he had in a long time. On some level, he felt more complete. If he had listened to his initial excuses, he wouldn’t be here with her. It was with that thought he realized she no longer wore the ring. He pinched his fingers around where it used to be.
She withdrew her hand and placed it in her lap. “You just noticed? I haven’t worn it since just before Christmas, but it was time for me to move on. I have a feeling it is for you too.”
Meredith’s husband had cheated on her after twenty years of marriage. She couldn’t forgive him. It was an offense Jimmy wasn’t sure he could have pardoned either.
Again, the internal talk would have him believe his situation hadn’t been the same. That somehow he’d suffered less the way his marriage had ended. All Clara wanted was more of him, yet it was a sacrifice he wasn’t able to make. He had continued to put the job first, and in the end, that’s all he had. Still, it had resulted in the same outcome as it had for Meredith—two hearts that had once been bound were ripped apart.
“I know you’re probably right.” Jimmy tried to smile. He hoped at least a glimmer of it came through. “I’ve been happy here with you. It’s been nice having a friend.” He knew it came out all wrong by the way her face fell and her eyes pinched.
“Yes, it is.” She cleared her throat as she took the napkin from her lap and put it on the table. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment.”
As she walked away, he felt like a schmuck, with a capital S. Why couldn’t he just put his reservations aside? What did he have to lose? His pride? He was certain his heart hung back, despite periodic suspicions to the contrary. All he had to do was breathe in, and breathe out.
His hand went to his neck and he stretched it side to side. It was then he felt a pinch and everything went black.

Excerpt 2:

Time Flies
Sean sipped his orange juice as he peered out a window that overlooked the backyard. The morning was overcast and would be downright gloomy if it wasn’t for the white blanket of snow clinging to the bushes and the trees. He had an odd realization—how depressing it would be if the snow were black, red, pink, or, essentially, any other color.
He was in the sitting room, with the dark wood trim and piano, both of which Sara had fallen in love with at first sight. She was holed up in her office, a room of the house she had claimed for her writing. He was glad to see that she was back to her craft and taking it more seriously than ever.
This left him with one concern. Valentine’s Day. It was a few days away and he wanted to make it memorable for Sara. But it was tough to devise a plan that would surprise the imagination of a novelist. He had given her jewels and a top-of-the-line desktop computer with a large monitor for Christmas.
And if the pressure of a memorable Valentine’s Day wasn’t enough, the end of this month marked one year since the day he’d proposed—and Sara’s birthday. Tagged onto that, the start of March was their wedding anniversary. Time had flown.
The last two months had been particularly busy as they set out organizing their private investigator firm. Obtaining their PI licenses had proven easy, given the advantage of their past experience. They renewed their licenses and registered a couple semi-automatic handguns. They were ready to go. The only things left were deciding on a name and setting up shop.
Sara came into the room. “Good morning, darling.”
“How’s the book coming along?”
“Oh, it comes.” She went over to him and kissed his forehead, but he tugged her down into his lap, swept his fingers through her hair, and took her mouth.
She put her hand on his chest, and pulled back. “Someone’s in a great mood this morning.”
“You have no idea. I was just thinking about how far we’ve come and how fast time goes.”
Sara let out a puff of breath. “I agree. Can you believe it’s almost been a year since we got married? It’s unbelievable to me.”
“It feels longer?”
She batted his chest and angled her head. “You want me to feed your ego? It’s been the best twelve months of my life, Sean.”
She pressed her lips to his, and he didn’t want the display of affection to end, but the shrill ring of the phone on the side table was enough to disrupt them.
“Let Helen get the phone. Now, where were—” He put his hand to the nape of her neck and drew her to him.
“Sara? Oh, I’m terribly sorry.” Helen, their housekeeper, stood in the doorway, her hand beneath her chin, and her eyes screwed up toward the ceiling. Her face was flushed when she looked back at them. “It’s for you, Sara.”
“Thank you.” She reached for the handset while remaining on Sean’s lap. “Hello, this is Sara McKinley.”
Sean played with her hair, twirling the long chestnut strands around his fingers.
“What do you mean gone?” Her eyes cut to him before she got up, paced a few steps, and stopped. “You have no idea where he is?”
Sean sat straighter and aligned eye contact with her.
“He just disappeared at dinner? And you haven’t seen him since? We’ll be there as fast as we can. Stay put, all right? Everything will be fine.” Sara lowered the receiver to its cradle. She appeared peaked.
Sean took her hand. “What is it?”
“Jimmy. He’s missing.”
“Missing?”
“Yes. Meredith said she’d excused herself to go to the washroom and when she came back he was gone. They hadn’t even finished their meal.”
“He never came back to the resort?”
Sara shook her head. “What could have happened to him, Sean? I can’t see him leaving her there. Did someone take Jimmy?”
“I don’t know, darling, but we’re going to find out and get him back.”

Excerpt 3:

Chapter 4

Pineapples & Alibis

“There was no answer in her room. She may be out by the pool.” The front desk clerk lowered the phone’s receiver and gestured toward a wall of windows that faced a pool, and, beyond that, the sea.
“Thank you,” Sean said.
“No worries.” The clerk smiled and flipped some papers over that she had been working on when they had approached her to call up to Meredith’s room.
Tourists, clad in bathing suits in a spectrum of colors, dotted both the poolside and the beach. It had Sara wishing all she and Sean had to do was enjoy the scenery.
The sun was beating down, the warmth all-encompassing, but thankfully, the humidity wasn’t extreme. Sara still wished to slip out of her dress to reveal the bikini she wore underneath. The thought of the rays kissing her skin was almost too much to dismiss from her mind.
She scanned the horde of vacationers and spotted Meredith lying out on a lounge chair. She sat up as if she sensed Sara watching.
“There she is, Sean.” Sara nudged her head toward Meredith.
“She doesn’t look too upset, does she?”
Sara put a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “We’re not going to assume she’s behind this.”
He stayed put. “She’s not behind this and yet she’s new to his life and he’s never gone missing before.”
“We promised on the flight we would give her the benefit of the doubt, unless something came up to convince us of her involvement.”
“I’m starting to rethink that decision.”
“If Jimmy trusted her—”
“Yes, then we should too.”
“That’s right.” Sara pressed her lips, hoping she conveyed more conviction than she felt at times—this being one of those times.


January 15, 2015

Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn


I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
Quilts of Love Series
ISBN: 9781426773631
Trade Paperback

Synopsis: He wants to save his business. She wants to be a professor. But are they asking for more than they can really have?

After a flood damages the looms at Zenus Dane's Philadelphia textile mill and the bank demands loan payment, Zenus turns to his aunt for help repurposing his textiles. Trouble is . . . his aunt has already been hired by the lovely yet secretive Englishwoman Mary Varrs.

Eager to acquire his aunt's quilt patterns, Zenus attends the summer Quilting Bee, a social event his aunt has uniquely designed with the secret purpose of finding Zenus a wife. However Zenus only has eyes for Mary, but Mary has no such desire for him.
Though his aunt is determined to design a masterpiece marriage, both Zenus and Mary will have to overcome their stubborn ways. Can he realize that love requires stepping out of his routine? And will she recognize that following her heart doesn't mean sacrificing her ambition?

Learn more about this book and the series at the Quilts of Love website.

My review: I really enjoyed this installment of the Quilts of Love series. The characters of this book were fun to get to know. I like how the author made them be in real life situations it made reading even more enjoyable. The one thing I did miss in this book compared to some of the other quilt books is that is seemed as if there was not much focus on the quilt or its history. For me hearing the history of the quilts is one of my favorite parts of the books. All in all another great installment in a fun set of books. The Quilts of Love series can be read as stand alone books. 

About the Author:  Gina Welborn is the author of several novels and novellas, including The Heiress's Courtship. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers; the president of Faith, Hope and Love; and a founding member of InkwellInspirations.com. She lives in Cache, Oklahoma, with her pastor husband and their five children. Visit her online at GinaWelborn.com.

Be sure to check out Litfuse (click here) to see all the stops on the tour. 


Don’t miss the newest Quilts of Love book, Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn. December’s QOL release celebrates the ebb and flow of marriage. Enter to win a Kindle HDX!
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One winner will receive:
  • A Kindle Fire
  • Masterpiece Marriage by Gina Welborn
  • Swept Away by Laura V. Hilton and Cindy Loven
  • Quilted by Christmas by Jodie Bailey
Enter today by clicking the button below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced on the Quilts of Love blog January 19th.
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January 14, 2015

City of Blood by Frederique Molay - Book Spotlight plus giveaway


The City of Blood

(police procedural / thriller)
by
Frédérique MOLAY
(translated by Jeffrey Zuckerman)
 Release date: January 20, 2015
at Le French Book
212 pages
ISBN: 978-1939474186
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SYNOPSIS

When a major Parisian modern art event gets unexpected attention on live TV, Chief of Police Nico Sirsky and his team of elite crime fighters rush to La Villette park and museum complex. There, renowned artist Samuel Cassian is inaugurating the first archeological dig of modern art, twenty-seven years after burying the leftovers of a banquet. In front of reporters from around the world, excavators uncover a skeleton. Could it be the artist’s own son? And does that death have anything to do with the current string of nightclub murders by the “Paris Butcher”? On the site of the French capital’s former slaughterhouses, the investigation takes Nico and France’s top criminal investigation division from artists’ studios to autopsy theaters and nightclubs in hopes of tracking down the murderer who has turned this Paris park into a city of blood. [provided by the publisher]
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Called, “the French Michael Connelly,” Frédérique Molay graduated from France’s prestigious Science Po
and began her career in politics and the French administration.
She worked as chief of staff for the deputy mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye,
and then was elected to the local government in Saône-et-Loire.
Meanwhile, she spent her nights pursing a passion for writing she had nourished since she wrote her first novel at the age of eleven.
The first in the Paris Homicide series, The 7th Woman,
won France’s most prestigious crime fiction award and went on to become an international bestseller,
allowing Molay to dedicate her life to writing and raising her three children.
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 ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR

Jeffrey Zuckerman was born in the Midwest and lives in New York. He has worked as an editorial assistant, a lifeguard, and a psychology researcher. Now an editor for Music and Literature Magazine, he also freelances for several companies, ranging from the pharmaceutical industry to old-fashioned book publishing. He holds a degree in English with honors from Yale University, where he studied English literature, creative writing, and translation.
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