Review: The Queen and the Knave

 

* Book 5 in the Dread Penny Society series * 

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul—and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: This is the final book in the series and I loved it. Everything wrapped up well. There were moments of dread, moments of happiness, and moments where I turned the page as quickly as possible to uncover what was going to happen next. Lots of action, danger, and plot twists in this book. And as usual, I enjoyed the Penny Dreadfuls in between the chapters. I loved the clever barbs, the witty moments, and thinking ten steps ahead of your opponent. A great finish to the series! 

* ARC sent for review

Review: Advent Carol Countdown

 

Find out the details before 24 Christmas Carols - some of your favorites and some maybe not so well known. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this nonfiction. It's not often that I read nonfiction, but I do love Christmas. And I found it fascinating to learn more about these carols/hymns I grew up singing.  I did not read about one song daily. I love knowing the history behind things, so this was a fascinating read.  I would enjoy one written about popular Christmas songs as well. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A fun addition to your nonfiction section. 

Review: Bachelor and the Bride

 

* Book 4 in the Dread Penny Society *

London, 1866

Dr. Barnabus Milligan has always felt called to help people, whether that means setting a broken bone or rescuing the impoverished women of London from their desperate lives on the streets as part of his work with the Dread Penny Society.

Three years ago, he helped rescue Gemma Kincaid by secretly marrying her to protect her from her family of notorious grave robbers.

But six months after Gemma and Barnabus exchanged vows, she realized her love for her new husband was unrequited. To protect her heart, she left, telling Barnabus to contact her if his feelings for her ever grew beyond a sense of duty.

When Barnabus sends a letter to Gemma inviting her to return home, she hopes to find a true connection between them. But unfortunately, he only wants her help to foil the Kincaids, who have been terrorizing the boroughs of London, eager to gain both money and power.

Heartbroken, Gemma agrees to help, but she warns Barnabus that she will not stay for long, and once she goes, he'll never see her again.

Yet as the couple follows the clues that seem to connect the Kincaids to the Mastiff, the leader of London's criminal network, Gemma and Barnabus realize they might make a better match than either of them suspected. Perhaps the marriage that had once saved Gemma's life might now save Barnabus—and his lonely heart. - summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series and I can't wait to see what happens next, especially after that cliffhanger of an ending! I love learning more about the Dread Penny society - and its members. I also enjoy the penny dreadful writings that break up the story. I enjoyed the romance between Doc and Gemma. Gemma was a breath of fresh air - who knew so much about criminal activities. I loved her role in the end.

Source: Sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great series for your romance and/or mystery collection. Highly Recommended. 

Review: Opera Sisters

 

Ida and Lousie life a comfortable life in London. Their one true love - the opera. They save their money to purchase tickets. They chat with fellow opera lovers while they wait for tickets and become friends. 

But times are changing. Hitler comes to power. Soon he's targeting Jewish people. They start asking their friends for help. The Cook sisters do what they can. But the more they learn, the more risks they take to help. Can they make a difference?

My Thoughts: This is the first time I've heard about these sisters, and I want to know more. I enjoyed this book. The plot of the novel is interspersed with historical moments - which adds context to the story but also kept me from fully sinking into the story. Also there was a huge time jump that wasn't fully explained and I wondered what had happened during that time. It jumped from the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 to D-Day. I loved that one of the sisters was a romance writer - and that's how she funded many of the rescues. I do love the idea that one person (or two in this case) can make a huge difference.

Cover Thoughts: Stunning

Source: ARC sent for review

Review: Games in a Ballroom

 

About the Book:

She was forbidden to love him.
He only wanted her heart.
Can a childhood game bring them together?

London, 1815

Olivia Wilde has resigned herself to never finding a love match. Her father has insisted she marry a man with a title, but the men her father deems acceptable are either boring or are only interested in increasing their own diminishing coffers. With her future looking dismal, Olivia vows to enjoy the last few months of freedom with her childhood friends, including Emerson Latham. His devilish smile and flirtatious teasing stirs up feelings she knows she cannot entertain.

Emerson is struggling to rise to his responsibilities after his father's death. Though he is still learning his place, one thing he knows for certain is that he wants Olivia Wilde to be his wife. Emerson had long ago fallen in love with her quick wit, beauty, and passionate heart. Yet, without a title, he will never be permitted to court Olivia openly. But he has a plan that may give him a chance to court her in secret.

As the Season kicks off, Emerson proposes a playful game of tag. Olivia's friends are delighted by the idea, though Olivia is wary. After all, the game must be played in secret as they tag each other at dinners and balls. As the romance builds between Olivia and Emerson, so does the risk of being discovered. Not only are their reputations at stake, so is their safety if they are caught by Olivia's strict father.

Can their love find a happily ever after before the game ends?

My Thoughts: I really felt for Olivia and her mother - for dealing with such an abusive father/husband. And her poor clothes!  I'm glad that Olivia had friends to turn to for support. I really enjoyed Emerson's friends. They gave the book humor, especially the pig scene. I would enjoy reading books about their romances. 

About the Author: 

JENTRY FLINT is a bookworm-turned-writer with the propensity to try just about anything. She has a true love of history and believes a good quote can fix most things. She lives in southern Utah with her husband and two daughters—who, naturally, are named after characters from books.

Her favorite things in life are flavored popcorn, her grandmother’s purple blanket, and curling up on the couch to watch a movie with her husband. Games in a Ballroom is her debut novel.

Review: Valet's Secret

 

About the Book:

Page Count: 288

Proper Romance® Regency

Cover art: Tatiana Kasyanova / Shutterstock.com; Potapov Alexander / Shutterstock.com; Ammarie Young / Shutterstock.com

Book design: © Shadow Mountain

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather G. Ward

Synopsis:

A passionate kiss from a handsome valet becomes a Regency Cinderella story when he is revealed to be the heir to the earldom.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this read. It did have a few Cinderella moments, which I quite enjoyed. I felt terrible for Rebecca - and her relationship with her father. I enjoyed the art moments. I like the moments below stairs in the household. I enjoyed reading how Kenneth learned about the estate and his future role. But the moments where Rebecca and Kenneth were together are my favorites. 

Cover Thoughts: I understand it better after reading it and quite enjoy it

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great book for your library's romance collection

About the Author:

JOSI S. KILPACK is the author of several novels and one cookbook and a participant in several coauthored projects and anthologies. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner—including Lord Fenton’s Folly (2015) for Best Romance and Best Novel of the Year—and a Utah Best in State winner for fiction. She is the mother of four children and lives in northern Utah.

Review: Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

 The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

Publication Date: 9/7/21

ISBN: 9781629729275

Retail Price: $15.99

Proper Romance ® Victorian

Cover Art: © whitemay / Getty Images; duncan1890 / Getty Images

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Design: Heather G. Ward

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

 

About the Book:

                Set in Victorian London from the Queen of Mystery Romance

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

 Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

 When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

 They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

My Thoughts: 

I really liked this novel and I'm hoping for two sequels - one for each of the cousins. I really liked the relationships between Amelie and Charlotte and Eva. I loved their independent spirits and their excitement about working. I love how they wormed their way into the investigation and didn't take no for an answer. I loved the moments between Detective Baker and Amelie - lots of banter and quips between the two of them. A fun mystery that left me curious as to how they were going to catch Mr. Radcliff. 

About the Author:

NANCY CAMPBELL ALLEN is the award-winning author of eighteen published novels and several novellas, which encompass a variety of genres, ranging from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. Her most recent books, which include Regency, Victorian, and steampunk romance, are published under Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance brand, and the What Happens in Venice novella series is part of the Timeless Romance Anthology collection published by Mirror Press. She has presented at numerous conferences and events since her initial publication in 1999.

 

Nancy loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She nurtures a current obsession for true crime podcasts and is a news junkie. She and her husband have three children, and she lives in Ogden, Utah, with her family, one very large Siberian Husky named Thor, and an obnoxious but endearing YorkiePoo named Freya

* ARC sent for review

Review: Merchant and the Rogue

 

 The Merchant and the Rogue by Sarah M. Eden

Publication Date: 8/17/21

Paperback

ISBN: 9781629728513

Retail Price: $15.99

Page Count: 368

Victorian Romance / Dread Penny Society #3

Cover Art: alex74 /Shutterstock.com;

MariLila / Shutterstock.com;

a_zhytkova / Shutterstock.com

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather G. Ward

London, 1865

Vera Sorokina loves reading the Penny Dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father. The shop offers her freedom and an income, and while she is grateful for the stability it brings to her life, she often feels lonely.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a penny dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister. But with no one to share his life with, he fears London will never truly feel like home.

Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, and the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera’s print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great addition to the series. I like learning more about the Irish brother and sister. I liked learning more about the printing and the shop keepers. I loved the street children and how both Vera and Brogan looked out for them. I loved Vega and Brogan together - how they fell into an easy friendship that blossomed into something more. I love the Penny Dreadful society and catching up with the members. The Penny Dreadfuls were fun too! I'm so curious to see where the next book takes us in terms of the storm coming and how it all worked out. 

* While you could read this as a stand-alone, it's MUCH better if you read the series in order for the bigger picture storylines. 

© Annalisa Photography

About the Author:

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2019’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, The Lady and the Highwayman, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library.

Advanced Praise:

 “Eden continues to build the overarching mystery and skillfully handles secrets and secret identities. Interspersed chapters of Penny Dreadfuls delightfully foreshadow the main action. Readers who enjoy chaste romances and also love a good mystery will enjoy the Dread Penny Society exploits and will look forward to what comes next.”

—Booklist

 Book Trailer:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCjtMNlDZc

 Author Interview:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qfRjFpdzZ8

 

NYT Best-Seller Goal:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpD_XfPmvYg

https://shadowmountain.com/merchant/  

Blog Tour: The Gentleman and the Thief

 

About the Book:

 A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.

LONDON 1865

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?

My Thoughts: I really do enjoy this series and it seems like there is at least one more book coming. (I hope that's the case because I have more questions.) I Liked seeing characters from the previous books. I love the Dread Penny Society. I want to read more about the other members. And yes, I would love a sisterhood society. I loved Very Merry and her entertaining ways. I loved that both Ana and Hollis wanted more from life - more than people gave them credit for being able to do. I really liked Ana and her relationship with her father. Of course I liked her double life. I loved the banter between Hollis and his friends. I hope to see much more of them soon. And I find the penny dreadfuls most entertaining.  Looking forward to the next installment!

Library Recommendation: A fun series for your public library's collection. Give out to readers of mysteries and romances.

About the Author:

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of historical romances. Her previous Proper Romance novel Longing for Home won the Foreword Reviews 2013 IndieFab Book of the Year award for romance. Hope Springs won the 2014 Whitney Award for “Best Novel of the Year,” and Ashes on the Moor was a Foreword Reviews 2018 Book of the Year silver medalist for romance.
Combining her obsession with history and an affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances. She happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library and dreams of one day traveling to all the places she reads about. Sarah is represented by Pam Pho at D4EO Literary Agency. Visit Sarah at www.sarahmeden.com

 Advanced Praise:

"The real joy in Eden's follow-up to The Lady and the Highwayman (2019) is the furthering of the overarching crime story and the work of the Dread Penny Society as Hollis and Ana pursue a chaste romance. Eden excels at exploring the realities of Victorian life and class differences. Once again, chapters of penny dreadfuls written by the characters are interspersed throughout, with Hollis' story about a school for ghosts offering particular delight. Fans of Eden's smart series will be thrilled and impatient for the next installment."

-Booklist, starred review

"Gentility wears a burglar’s mask in The Gentleman and the Thief, a proper romance set in the criminal underworld of Victorian London. Charming, suggestive, and featuring rich historical details, The Gentleman and the Thief has the elements of a gritty, juicy penny dreadful."

-Foreword Reviews

Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCMtywcH-GU

 Book Details:

 Paperback Publication Date: 11/3/20

ISBN: 9781629727905

Retail Price: $15.99

Page Count: 368

Proper Romance / Victorian

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Cover art: Nimaxs/Shutterstock.com

RODINA OLENA/Shutterstock.com

mis-Tery/Shutterstock.com

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather G. Ward

 

Review: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

 About the Book:

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.
Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

My Thoughts: While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. I loved Emme's determination, her desire to take a stand, and her ability to use her voice. I loved the banter between her and Oliver. I love a good enemies to lovers trope. And I'm so curious about Maddie. I hope there's another book with her story next.

This book is great for lovers of paranormal, steampunk, feminist romances, Cinderella stories, and enemies to lovers tropes. Also a great book for your library's romance collection.

About the Author: 
  Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of seventeen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

Visit her at nancycampbellallen.com, on Instagram @authornancycampbellallen, on Facebook at nancycampbellallen, or on Twitter @necallen.

 Advanced Praise:

"Once again proving that genres are made to be melded, Allen puts a suspenseful twist on this enticing, steampunk retelling of Cinderella. Allen seamlessly integrates gentle romantic tension and nods to the original fairy tale with paranormal and steampunk elements and political intrigue. This is a fun, arresting break from reality.”

-Publishers Weekly

"Relocates a classic fairy tale into an imagined future packed with airships, automated carriages, vampires, and corsets. Nancy Campbell Allen’s lively reimagining of the Cinderella story features an empowered, outspoken heroine who’s driven by a vision of a more equitable, futuristic Britain."

-Foreword Reviews

Watch the Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2lkJdtl9s

 Book Details:

Publication Date: 10/6/20 Paperback

ISBN: 9781629727370

Retail Price: $15.99

Page Count: 320

Proper Romance / Regency

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Cover photo: Butch Adams Photography; © photomaster/Shutterstock.com; ©  Westend61/Getty Images

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather Ward

Review: Miracle Creek Christmas

 About the Book:

When Riley Madigan moves to the sleepy mountain town of Miracle Creek, she hopes her new job as a high school art teacher will help her mend her recently broken heart. A little peace and quiet would be a gift this Christmas season. The last thing on her mind is love.

Former firefighter Mark Rivers has spent the last year recovering from burns sustained during a rescue operation. He’s been trying to piece his life back together but still struggles both emotionally and psychologically. When he meets Riley, he finally sees something that might bring some light back into his life.

When Mark asks Riley to work on a special nativity project, he finds himself falling for her quirky, unaffected ways. Riley doesn’t seem bothered by his scars, but is her affection for him real, or is this just another act of charity?  One thing’s for certain, in a small town that views Mark as a fragile hero, it’s hard to pursue a relationship without everyone in his business. And although Riley has sincere feelings for Mark, is she ready to risk her heart?

Broken hearts and lives are mended as the town of Miracle Creek comes together to celebrate a Christmas to remember.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this small town Christmas romance. I loved how everyone knew each other and how fast gossip spread. I love that Riley came to this small town to heal her broken heart and she did. I loved the moments between Mark and Riley - as they became friends and then something more. I enjoyed learning their back stories. I love how both the main characters needed each other in order to continue healing from their trauma.  I loved Mark's banter with his father.  I loved the description of the art work Riley created. I love how the two of them came together to create a project that would speak volumes to his father. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute. I love the Christmas ornament details.

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A great book for your public library's romance collection.

About the Author:

Krista writes contemporary romance, historical romance, and fantasy. She has lived in lush Oregon and rugged Wyoming, but Washington is her beloved home state. She likes to choose familiar settings for her stories and is grateful to have such inspirational places to choose from. She is a mother of six, gramma of three, a gardener and cook, loves to travel, laugh, and hike, and lives to make the best of what she’s been given. Find her on Instagram @kristajensenbooks.

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com

Watch the Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76SsN8Cua3s

Book Details:

Title: Miracle Creek Christmas

Author: Krista Jensen 

Publication Date: September 8, 2020 

ISBN: 9781629727875 

Retail Price: $15.99 

Page Count: 368 

Proper Romance / Holiday / Contemporary 

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain 

Art Direction: Richard Erickson 

Design: Sheryl Dickert Smith

Upcoming Review: Lakeshire Park

Amelia Moore is in trouble. Her stepfather is dying. Once he's dead, she and her sister will no longer have a place in this world. He promised her mother that he would look after them. And he did - sort of. But they have no dowry and he will leave them nothing.

Luckily for her, an invitation to a house party arrives for her and her sister. It's their last chance to make a future for themselves. Amelia doesn't want to worry her sister, so she doesn't confide their troubles to Clara.

However, if Clara doesn't receive an offer of marriage from their host during the house party, they will be homeless. Amelia's determined to everything in her power to make this match happen - even if it means spending time with her sister's rival's brother.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel. I loved how Amelia and Peter got off on the wrong foot. Their banter made me smile. As did their protectiveness and well wishes for theirs sisters. I loved the moments with the horses.  I loved that the book took place during the two weeks of the house party. I love the enemies to loves trope, so it's no surprise that I enjoyed this book. 

Cover Thoughts: Dreamy
Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library's romance section.
* Release Date: April 7th

Blog Tour: Candy Cane Caper

The Candy Cane Caper
Author: Josi S. Kilpack
Publication Date: 10/1/19
Paperback ISBN: 9781629726014
Retail Price: $15.99
Page Count: 320
Fiction / Mystery and Detective / Cozy / Culinary
Book Design: © Shadow Mountain Art Direction: Richard Erickson  Design: Kimberly Kay


About the Book:

This Christmas, Sadie Hoffmiller Cunningham is making a list and checking it twice. For the first time since she and Pete married five years ago, their combined families are gathering for the holidays in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a party that would make Santa and Mrs. Claus proud.

She just has to bake the famous Cunningham Candy Cane Cake, make sure the looming snowstorm doesn't derail everyone's travel plans, and oh, yes, solve one teensy-tiny mystery before the big day.

At ninety-four and nearly blind, Mary, Sadie's friend and neighbor, knows this will be her last Christmas. When Sadie learns that someone has stolen antique Christmas ornaments from Mary's tree, she vows to find the thief, no matter what. The ornaments had been appraised at more than $40,000, but they were worth even more to Mary, who had intended to bequeath them to her great-granddaughter, Joy, as a final gift.

With Pete in Arizona wrapping up a case of his own, it's up to Sadie to question the residents of Nicholas House, where Mary lives, and deduce who had the means and the motive to steal heirloom ornaments during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

When stories of other thefts surface, Sadie feels like she's creating a "naughty" list that could rival Santa's. Identifying the thief, recovering the ornaments, and restoring them to Mary's tree in time will take a Christmas miracle—and maybe a few extra-special cookies.

My Thoughts: I didn't realize this book was part of a series. To be honest, the cover pulled me in. And although the book referenced other moments in the previous books, I was fine without reading the prior twelve books. I enjoyed this cozy Christmas mystery. Sadie's trying to help create a magical Christmas for her new blended family. I love how she was trying to make dishes from both sides of the family to make this holiday special for everyone. And I love how that turned out. I enjoyed learning more about these special holiday ornaments. I enjoyed watching Mary's family interact with each other, knowing that this would be the last holiday for Mary. A fun cozy that's perfect to read in front of the fire with a warm cup of cocoa.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review

About the Author: 

Josi S. Kilpack is an accomplished and prolific author of nearly two dozen novels including the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. She has won multiple Whitney Awards for Myster/Suspense, Romance, and Novel of the Year as well as the Utah Best of State Fiction Winner. She lives with her family in Utah.

Follow the author on Instagram @authorjosiskilpack

Advance Praise/Endorsements:

“A warmhearted mystery.” -Kirkus

“Sadie Hoffmiller dishes up a fresh serving of Christmas cheer. An inspirational cozy whose feel-good vibe will be perfect for fans of Julie Hyzy's and Nancy J. Parra. Readers with a sweet tooth will be sure to enjoy Sadie's family recipes, sprinked throughout the book.” -Booklist

“Kilpack represents a nice range of ages in this story, and the relationships feel both real and aspirational. The clues and solution are complex enough to keep readers guessing. Recipes are included, making this a fun choice for cookbook discussion groups as well as general readers. Twelve previous "Culinary Mystery" titles precede this entry, which can be read on its own.” -Library Journal

Blog Tour: Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me

Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me

by Julie Wright

Publication Date: 10/21/19

Paperback

ISBN: 9781629726076

Retail Price: $16.99

Page Count: 336

Fiction / Romance / Contemporary

Cover Design: © Shadow Mountain

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Kimberly Kay

About the Book:

Can the fairy tale bring Charlotte the happiness she’s looking for, or was he always there to begin with? A modern, reimagined Cinderella story.

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.

About the Author:
Julie Wright is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Proper Romance® novels Lies Jane Austen Told Me and Lies, Love, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She is a Whitney Award winner and a Crown Heart recipient. She is represented by agent Sara Crowe. She loves reading and writing, playing on the beach or hiking with her husband and kids, and watching her husband make dinner.



Advance Praise/Endorsements:

“This sweet, heartfelt tale of authentic characters facing intriguing challenges is at once very romantic and charmingly chaste.”

-Booklist, starred review

“Wright spins a modern-day and very meta Cinderella tale. This fast-paced, lighthearted romance also carries a moral lesson about falsehoods getting in the way of the quest for true happiness.”

-Publishers Weekly

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this modern spin on the Cinderella story. I loved how Charlotte's new book was born out of frustration and rejection. I admired her for not giving up. I didn't believe most of the publishing/marketing moments, but they made the book entertaining. I loved Charlotte's relationship with Kat. I enjoyed her banter with Anders. I liked seeing her two different sides and how she figured out which side was her true self. I love how everything turned out. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!

Source: ARC sent for review
Library Recommendation: A great book for your adult romance collection