Review: The Shippers

 

JoJo's ex-best friend crashes her wedding. He tells her she's making a mistake marrying Pearce. But to JoJo, Pearce is the first boy she's ever dated that she didn't dump. In fact, JoJo chased him. He didn't seem that interested in getting married. They took forever to figure out a date and plan the wedding. Even then, JoJo didn't get anything she wanted - his mother planned the whole thing, right down to the itchy wedding dress. JoJo is no longer sure of anything. So, she does what Cooper suggests - she faints and then calls off the wedding.

Six weeks later, her sister is getting married on a cruise ship. Her sister decides that JoJo should date their recently single child neighborhood friend - the one JoJo had the biggest crush on. The one she shared her first kiss with. Only he doesn't remember her. Still, the plan must go on. JoJo and Allison are determined to use this week to make him fall in love with her.

Since Cooper showed up, JoJo enlists his help. Things are awkward and funny, but they also just might seem to be working....

My Thoughts: I liked this one, but I didn't love it. I think it's because I didn't connect much with JoJo. She was forcing too much and made too big a deal out of getting together with Finn. I did like Cooper. And I need to know why they stopped talking all those years ago. Also, I wanted more about the cruise ship - the events on board, the food, the ship itself. I read this one quickly because it was a good read, but there was something missing for me. I do really like this author's work, and I'll read more of her books.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection 

Author Event: Harper Ross

Last week, I attended an author event with Harper Ross. She wrote this amazing book. Check out the fun cover:

Harper Ross was in conversation with Kristan Higgins

They talked about how this book came to be.

Harper wanted to write magical realism. The seed for the magical element (the typewriter) began because writing is the only thing Harper can control in her life. You can write everything on paper as you wish it to happen. Therefore, Emerson was a writer. I like that she became a ghost writer (and no she's not based on anyone nor is the romance author whose books she's writing). 

The typewriter:

The typewriter became the tool because it's something a writer would use.

When Emerson takes the typewriter from her father's study after his death, she doesn't understand the rules. This is where the title comes in. And actually, it's the title that Harper Ross came up with and it stuck. Not all titles stick. It's a very tricky process.

The typewriter works went you type out a wish. But it works in mysterious ways, ways you never imagined.

A wish:

What would you wish for?

Harper and Kristan talked about complicated relationships. This book has some difficult mother-daughter relationship, but also a hard relationship between Emerson and her father. Emerson and her father never made up before his death. To be honest, the mother-daughter relationships in this book reminded me of The Gilmore Girls.

Harper and Kristan talked about her next book, a book about truth and journalism. This book has a prickly character. Harper had a great quote here: Women writers are often told that their female characters have to be likeable, but she wonders if anyone ever says that to make authors. I would bet money that's true too. There were some unlikable characters mentioned. To be honest, I don't mind unlikable characters, but I do have to feel a connection to them in order to read the book. 

The conversation between Kristan and Harper was great - lots of laughs, lots of insightful moments, and the whole evening was great fun.

Two mother-daughter relationships, a magical typewriter, and a question about how far is too far to control the lives of the people around you and give yourself a moment of peace?

Doesn't the book sound great?

I was lucky enough to review it for Fresh Fiction:

Review: The Love Haters

 

Katie's gotten herself into a pickle. Her company is laying off people, but her boss asks her to go film a promotional video for the Coast Guard. Katie can't swim. But she takes the job anyways: fake it until you make it. Right?

She doesn't realize that the hero she will be filming is her boss's brother. 

Hutch can't believe his brother sent someone else to film the promo video after all the work he put in making sure his brother's company won the bid. He's determined to just get through it, but life has other plans.

Katie gets swept up by his Aunt Rue and swept off her feet (literally) by Hutch's great dane. Life didn't used to be so complicated, but everything spirals out of control. Can Katie sort everything out before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I love how Katie became more relaxed as she spent more time with Hutch and Rue. I loved Rue and her friends and how they included Katie in their plans. The brothers' relationship was interesting - but I felt badly for Hutch and I wanted to shake Cole. The dog was adorable and a scene stealer. Funny and charming, this book was the perfect summer read. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your romance collection.

Review: Donut Disturb

 

* Book 15 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Kerry and Thomas are getting married and the whole town is invited. But Kerry's father shows up unexpectedly and Kerry knows nothing will go smoothly. Unfortunately, she's right. One of the band members is murdered the morning of her wedding and her father's arrested.

The town pulls together to make it a magical day for the happy couple. Kerry and Thomas leave for their honeymoon after Kerry asks Juliet to help solve the murder. Juliet's determined to figure everything out before the couple returns. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed learning more about Kerry - she hasn't been an open character. I as happy for her and Thomas for their big date, even though there was a dark cloud hanging overhead. I loved the conversation between Juliet and Carlos and what that might mean for future books. I was a little behind on this series, but I'm almost caught up. This is one of my favorite cozy series - for the characters, the small town, and the mouth-watering food. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A series that should be in your public library! 

Review: Bake, Borrow, and Steal

 

* Book 14 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Torte Bakeshop has been selected as the bakery for the biggest Shakespeare happening - an exhibit of the unveiling of a long lost manuscript. It's the first time the pages will be on American soil. Jules and her team have been working around the clock to create a massive chocolate centerpiece and an authentic meal fit for the Bard himself.

On the day of the gala, a rumor races through the event. The manuscript has been stolen before anyone's been allowed to see it. The public is kept at bay, but that doesn't stop someone from murdering the security guard...

My Thoughts: Another page turner in the series - I read this one on the plane. It's nice to go back and spend time with favorite characters. It would be lovely to visit Torte! My mouth waters at the baked good available in the store. Although, I'm not a huge Shakespeare fan, I did enjoy the different ideas surrounding the author's identity in this book. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Hopefully, you already have this cozy series in your library....

Review: The Bodyguard

 

Hannah doesn't look like a bodyguard - but she has skills. Right now, she's spinning her wheels waiting for an assignment. She loves leaving town and going on assignment. But her latest assignment leaves a lot to be desired.

She's stuck pretending to fake date a Hollywood star who has come home for the first time in years. Jack Stapleton's mother is ill. He's not about to let his mom worry about his stalker. The movie studio hires a bodyguard (whom he mistakes for the cleaning lady until she flips him over without breaking a sweat.) 

Before long Hannah's moving to the family ranch. She's never had a close family and Jack's mom makes her feel important. 

Tensions are thick between Jack and his brother, but time on the ranch before idyllic. But is Hannah feeling a little too much for Jack? 

My Thoughts: I loved this book. This is my first Katherine Center book but no way is it my last. So much here that I loved: the banter between Hannah and Jack, Jack's family, and Hannah's co-workers. I enjoyed the fake dating plot - hiding from the press - and the fan moments. Lots of drama, action, and great moments. I didn't want this book to end. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your romance collection

Quick Tiktok:

@yabooknerdlibrarian ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read! This romance book gave me all the feels!! #booktok #romancebooks #romancetok #5star #booknerd ♬ She Share Story (for Vlog) - 山口夕依

Review: Death in Bloom

 

* first book in a new series *

Sierra never thought she'd be back in her hometown. But after her singing career died in Nashville, she needed a place to stay. Luckily, she's been working part time at a local flower shop. When teaching a class on flower arranging, one of the customer's dies.

Sierra can't imagine anything more horrible - but it gets worse. The owner of the shop disappears, leaving the flower shop and his dog to Sierra. People keep breaking into the shop. The suspect list grows by the day - especially when people do not want the struggling flower shop to stay in business.

Sierra can't help but attempt to untangle all these secrets. How can she keep the flower shop with all the secrets and anger directed towards it?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this start to a new series. I loved the flower shop setting and reading about all the flowers. I like the small town and all the secrets. The boss part was strange to me, but I did enjoy how it left Sierra in charge of the flower shop. And of course I loved Gus, the dog. I also loved Granny Mae and her ways of doing things. Looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your cozy section

Review: Nothing Bundt Trouble

 * Book 11 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

When Juliet's going through some boxes in the basement, she stumbles upon an old journal of her father's. In it, he refers to the pastry case - a case that went unsolved by the police. Instead of plowing through the journal, Juliet waits until she can talk to the police officer involved with the case - her mother's new husband.

Together, they read the journal and Doug fills in some of the gaps. Juliet can't believe that she's so similar to her father. She's wondering if a fresh pair of eyes could solve the case.

My Thoughts: A very interesting way to  go backwards in time in the series. I really enjoyed learning more about Juliet's father and the town as it started to becoming the charming touristy place it is today. I loved the moments about the coffee machine and the trends from the 80s.  Of course, I loved the mouth-watering moments in Torte. Looking forward to the next book that just came out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your library - for your cozy and foodie readers.

Holiday Review: Cup of Holiday Fear

* Book 10 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

The holidays are in full season at Torte Bakery. So many delicious items are being prepared. With everyone working hard, Jules decides a night out is in order.  What better way to celebrate the season than the local inn's Dickens feast?

What starts out as a cozy night with snow falling, fantastic food, and wine flowing ends with disaster. The power goes out. The inn's owner is murdered. The new owner has already made a few enemies along the way.

Can Jules help figure out the murderer in time to enjoy the holidays

My Thoughts: Another fun edition to this great series. As always, my mouth watered while reading about all the treats Torte is cooking up. It was great checking in on favorite characters. I loved the holiday touches in this book - from the tasty treats to the Dickens feast to the carolers and to the holiday spirit. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for your library's mystery section - great for cozy fans and great for foodie fans.

Review: Jane Austen Society

Just after WWII, a group of like minded people came together to focus on their hometown hero - Jane Austen. In the small English village of Chawton, her followers decided there needed to be more. More about the author, More about her life. And more about her legacy.

They formed a society to create something magical. The society helped them form new friendships, gave them a sense of purpose, and gave them a new outlet for their bookish feelings.

My Thoughts: I have mixed feelings about this book. I wanted to love it. But I didn't. I did love reading about the characters' love for Jane Austen and her works. I loved their discussions of the books, their excited about her legacy and her personal belongings, and how they came together.

What I did not love: 
The rape scene to further the plot - which was unnecessary
How the afterword mentioned fascinating stories about the actual society - which never made it into the book

I guess my biggest issue was none of this was real. And I so badly wanted a book about the actual society and how Chawton Cottage came to be a museum. (And it's a lovely museum - I enjoyed reading about the necklaces I had seen there and the writing desk).

I guess I just wanted SO MUCH for this book and felt so let down after reading it. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended - there will be lots of interested for this book.

Review: Live and Let Pie

* Book 9 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules is still struggling with the renovations for her new addition to the bakery when she witnesses two girls discover an old skull at the lake. This discovery opens a cold missing persons case form the 1960s. The case has connection with several older folks in town - one of which is murdered.

Now Jules can't rest until she helps uncover the truth. The town's gossiping about the victim's plot of land and which group he was going to sell it too. With multiple groups wanting the land, the suspect pool is large. Can Jules help the town once again?

My Thoughts: Another enjoyable read in this mouth-watering series. I loved learning more about the renovation, the town's history, and plans for the future. I'm so curious as to what comes next for Jules and her family. There were some very sweet moments in this book - with Jules and the Professor. I liked the additions to the Torte team. So looking forward to the next book in the series! 

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series already in you're mystery section, you and your patrons are missing out!

Up Next: A holiday one!

Cozy Review: Another One Bites the Crust

* Book 7 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Jules just returned from a week aboard a cruise ship - and her old life. Since she's been gone, things have taken a turn for her best friend Lance. The Shakespeare Festival is about to open and he's convinced the board wants to fire him.

Lance's lead actor seems to be wooing the board in his favor. Lance can't believe the gall of the man, after Lance took a chance on him. When Lance stumbles across the lead actor's body after a party, things go from bad to worse. He's the number one suspect.

He needs Jules now more than ever to help clear his name.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for several reasons. I love the description of the bakery goodies; this series always makes me want to bake. I love the comradery of the bakery employees. I love the small town charm and the characters in town. I enjoyed a bigger glimpse into the theater world and the behind the scenes snapshots. I loved the ending and I can't wait to read the next book to discover how that plays out. 

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A highly recommended series for your cozy mystery sections.

Review:Shelter in Place

In Portland Maine things change very quickly when three shooters enter the mall with the intent to kill as many people as possible. Some are saved, some injured, and some perish. Eight minutes later, the shooters died themselves.

Those who lived will be forever reminded of this day, no matter how much they try to suppress the memories.

Year pass and life begins to return to normal. But one personal wasn't satisfied with the outcome that day and she's determined to finally make things right. She has her targets in mind, the one who called 911, the one who became a cop, and the one that shot her brother. She's not finished yet, but they will be.

My Thoughts: The shooting took place in the first chapter and ended quickly. Somehow I didn't realize this, but the book gripped me from the start and never let go. I needed to know what happened to the characters; how they survived the aftermath. I love how they lived their dreams, followed their passion, and tried to make a difference in the world. I enjoyed the romance, the friendship, and the families. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what happened. Shelter in Place is the type of book that stays with you long after you've stopped turning the pages.

Cover Thoughts: I love it after reading the book. I didn't understand it before, but it's great.
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries.

Mysterious Saturday Review: On Thin Icing

* Book 3 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

Winter is tough in Ashland after the tourists leave. The locals come together to support each other. Jules and her mother are looking to branch out their business at Torte, so Jules is happy to receive a catering job.

She and Sterling head to a resort to provide the food for a board retreat. After arrival, they love the kitchen set-up, but it's clear this business might be too much for the owners. The place needs some serious work and the bartender should be fired immediately.

Jules is ready to make the best of the situation. Then her husband arrives, six months after they separated. A major storms hits the resort, knocking out power. To top it off, Jules discovers the body of the bartender stuffed in a freezer.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - for the bakeshop knowledge, the food details, and the small town charm. I like watching the new relationship unfold between Jules and her mother. I like learning more about Jules' past and how it relates to her future. 

I really like how the characters were snowed in for the majority of the novel. It helped build tension in the mystery. You could feel the cold in the air - and of course the warmth of the fire. 

The characters pull the story together and leave you wondering what's going to happen next. I'm eager to see what happens with the Professor and Jules' mother. Jules herself has some life choices to make. I admit that I'm not a huge fan of Carlos, but I'm interested to see what's going to happen next in their relationship. I liked learning more about Sterling; he's a great character. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Love it -from the winter wonderland to the fireplace - so many details
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A mouth-watering read with lots of relationship drama and plot twists to keep you guessing until the very end. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Meet Your Baker

With trouble in her life, Jules decides to come home for an extended visit to straighten out her head. She's unsure what she wants to do with her life after being shaken to the core. But it's not easy being home either.

For one, her mother's hiding something - something to do with the family bakery.  When someone's murdered in the bakery, things go from bad to worse. Luckily Jules, her mother, and their staff aren't the prime suspects, but it's unsettling nonetheless.

Jules can't seem to keep her mind off the murder. So she starts poking around after a little prodding from the police. Someone doesn't like the questions she's been asking. Could Jules be next on the list?

My Thoughts: A charming start to a sweet new series, which I really enjoyed reading. I loved the bake shop and hearing about all the treats made; they made my mouth water. I loved how Jules starts acclimating back into her home town and seeing old friends. I liked how she and her mother started becoming more honest with each other and less superficial. The small town charm stood out from other towns with the theater productions and theater people. The conclusion took me by surprise and made my heart race. I can't wait to see what happens next for Jules and her mother. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Next book: Out in July

Holiday Thursday Review: My True Love Gave to Me

I usually don't read short story collections but I make an exception for Christmas ones. I loved these. With so many great author contributors - how could I not?

My favorites (and it is hard to pick) were from Ally Carter and Stephanie Perkins. I want a book from their stories. I also really loved Rainbow Rowell's story too. 

There's something for everyone here: fun, friendship, family, romance, and of course holiday spirit. 

If you haven't read it, snatch this one up. 

Review: That Summer

When Julia inherits a house in England from her mother's family, she's stunned. Her mother died when she was young. Her father and her moved to New York City and never looked back. She has very few memories of England and none of her family.  Since she lost her job six months ago, she has no excuses not to travel across the pond. She finds angry family members - unhappy that she has the house.

The story weaves back and forth from present day to the mid-1800s where Imogen met and married. Her marriage is far from perfect and far from her expectations.

The two women attempt to figure out their lives - who they are and where they want to go next.

My Thoughts: I love how Willig masterly weaves together the past and the present in each of her novels. I'm always learning something. In this book, I loved learning more about the art of the time-period. Even though the main artist isn't real, it could have been. As someone interested in art history, I really enjoyed the past story. I especially liked how the past came into the present story. I liked how Julia came over determined to sell the house, but ended up falling in love with England. A fantastic summer read that kept me thinking about changing the future and hope.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Review: Dark Mirror

 *1st in a trilogy*

By the early 1800's, magical has been outlawed among the upper echelons of society. For those adolescents who are caught performing magic, they're sent to a reform school. Often, with their lives ruined.

Lady Victoria wakes up one morning to find herself floating above her bed. She's confused, but hopes to continue her normal life. That changes in an instant at a party when her nephew falls off a cliff. He's still holding on to the side of the cliff but no one can reach him.

Knowing that it will cost her her future, Tory floats down the cliff and rescues him. After her daring rescue  ladies give her the direct cut. Her father sends her to Lackland Abbey in hopes of having her magic controlled.

There, Tory attempts to put her past behind her and attempt to get out as quickly as possible, until she discovers a secret society.  Magic is being taught underneath the schools; where the boys and girls come together.  During a raid of the magical classroom, Tory fees into an alley. The alley contains a magical mirror and before Tory knows it, she's  transported to the WWII era. The soldiers of Britain are under attack. Could Tory's magic and that of her school mates help save lives?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this combination of history and magic. I'm interested to see where the next book in the trilogy will lead. As much as I hated the Lackland Abbey, I enjoyed watching Tory learn and understand both her place at school and magic. I found her exchanges of wit with her roommate amusing. I loved the moments spent in the World War II era and how magic helped save the war. I really liked the addition of the historical note at the end of the book - perfect to use for schools.  The different time eras in this book enhanced the story. The writing descriptive, making this book hard to put down. Tory's adventure is full of magic, danger, action, and romance. 

Cover Thoughts: I'm really drawn to the mirror and the alternative clothing styles.
Source: my Library

Similar Reads:
For fans of historical magic: Bewitching Season and The Faerie Ring

Mysterious Saturday Review: Drop Dead Chocolate

*Book 7 in the series - read my review for the first book in the series Glazed Murder*

When reading the newspaper one day, Dorothy Heart sees red. when she learns about the mayor's latest scheme. She marches down to his office to get some answers. Suzanne follows her mother, wanting to see this argument.

Dorothy's unsatisfied with the conversation and threatens to run for against him for mayor. The mayor doesn't believe her, but by the end of the day, Dorothy has enough signatures to allow her name to be on the ballot.

When the mayor's body is found in a building that Dorothy owns, Suzanne knows she must investigate the murder. She doesn't want her mother's name dragged through the mud. She and her usual investigating team have a hard time narrowing down the suspect list. It seems everyone they talk to reveals someone else with a grudge against the mayor.

My Thoughts: I adore this series for the small charming town, the unique cast of characters, and the donuts.


I really liked Suzanne's mother and I'm happy her character had a bigger role in this book.  Previously we didn't know much about her except that she enjoyed cooking, read mystery novels, and dated the sheriff. After reading this book, I feel we came to know her a little better.


There were so many big changes for several of the characters in this addition to the series. They make me curious as to where the next book will lead. I want to learn more about Emma's future and what it will mean for Suzanne's shop. While I saw George's twist coming, I'm intrigued to see how it will change the books. 


I'm interested to undercover more about Grace and Peter's relationship. I hope the next book shares more details. I have a feeling Suzanne's right about Peter. 


Cover Thoughts: I love these covers - they're always amazing.


Source: My Library


Up Next: Powered Peril out at the end of August

Review: Mine Till Midnight

Amelia Hathaway has her hands full keeping her family together. Her brother inherited a title, but after losing his fiancee, he's no longer cares about anything. Another sister is still recovering from a sickness which left her weak. her two other sisters need attention especially now that they're titled.

Amelia whisks her brother away from London and all it's vices to their new family home, only to discover the house is in shambles. After a near disaster, they find themselves staying with their neighbors the Westcliffs.

Amelia also finds a man who kissed her is in residence. Cam helped her find her brother one night and stole a kiss. She hasn't stopped thinking about him, even though she's long come to terms with her spinster status.

Will Cam change her mind?

My Thoughts: The start of a series for the Hathaway family is romantic, family oriented, and delightful. Amelia learned to stop controlling everything as she's forced to lean on Cam. She loves her family dearly but she needs to also begin to think of herself and her life. Her family has their funny quirks which add humor to the story. 


I loved seeing old friends from the Wallflower series. I adored those books and it was great catching glimpses into their world. I adore Lisa Kleypas books, but I think the Wallflower series are still my favorite. 


Cover Thoughts: Love the color of the dress


Source: Inter-library Loan