Mysterious Saturday Review: Appetite for Murder

 Hayley's life changed when she found her boyfriend in bed with another woman - the same woman who could be her new boss. Hayley desperately wants to be the food critic for a new magazine in Key West.

Unfortunately, the week her application's due, Kristen winds up dead. The police visit her that afternoon with questions about her whereabouts for the morning. Hayley was at her current address (her college friend's houseboat) the entire time. Unfortunately, she didn't talk or see anyone. Thus making her the prime suspect in the murder.

Now she must finish her application, get her name back on the list after learning Kirsten deleted her, and find out what really happened to Kristen.

My Thoughts: A great first novel in a new series. I loved the setting of Key West and the laid back pace of life. I really liked reading about Hayley critiquing food and trying different dishes at various types of restaurants. I found her housing situation unique, which kicked my imagination into gear. I liked Hayley's quirky obsession with having her cards read. I loved how her two best friends were both in Key West and her relationship with them. I hated her ex-boyfriend, but the scenes with him were amusing.  I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: my Library

Fun Fact: The author will be at a local bookstore RJ Julia's next week chatting about Death in Four Courses, her new book and the next book out in the series. I can't wait to attend!

Tween Tuesday Review: Bliss

**Tween Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted at GreenBeanTeenQueen to highlight great reads for tweens. Join the fun! **  

Rose's parents own a bakery. It's not an ordinary bakery. They follow recipes from the Bliss Cookery Booke - which includes magical ingredients. The recipes are written in story format. Best of all, the goodies make people happy.

Rose's excited at the idea of baking with magic. When will her parents allow her to really help in the family business? She's getting tired of waiting. 

Then her parents are called away on an important mission. They give Rose a key to secret room, where they keep the cookbook. Rose is under strict instructions NOT to use the book. She promises, but things get out of hand when Aunt Lily appears.

Rose has never heard of Aunt Lily, but soon she becomes part of the family.  Rose's brothers want to experiment with the book. They convince Rose to copy out a few recipes and try them. The results are a disaster. Each recipe they try, they just make it worse. Can they fix things before their parents come home?

My Thoughts: A magical bakery = sold. I loved this idea and really enjoyed reading this one. I loved the magical elements to the story - the secret ingredients, the secret rooms, the cookbook made from stories. I enjoyed the squabbling between Rose and her brothers, but liked how they pulled together. The small town feel of the this book made it more delightful. Everyone knew everyone's business, which made their bad behavior more amusing.  I loved the descriptions of the librarians fighting, the girls going crazy over Ty, and the disco party.  I'm so interested to see where this series will continue after the cliff hanger ending!

Cover Thoughts: Great, it made me want to read the book. Plus I love the wrap around cover!
Source: My Library

Adult Review: Baby it's Cold Outside

Sloan's best friend is dealing with a crisis in Alaska. She begs Sloan to come rescue her. Sloan, not happy with life in New York City, travels to her side.

Grier's father died, providing for her in his will. She didn't know him. Plus he had another daughter. Grier's fighting for her inheritance and the town is clearly taking sides. Grier's miserable. Sloan attempts to show the town's people the side of Grier she sees.

Together they form a bond with local girl Avery. Together they talk about heartache, men, and everything in between. They laugh over drinks, pancakes, and their own gossip. The town's frost begins to thaw as the Sloan and she sassy ways gain notice.

They catch the eye of the three town matriarchs who want nothing more than to see their grandson's married and quickly. It's the reason they host the bachelor action each year. Sloan enters the auction on a dare from one of the grandsons - Walker. But she's also writing a freelance article on the event. Could Walker be something more than just a fling on a cold winter's night?

My Thoughts: The start of a trilogy - with great friends, romance, and a quaint town. I loved Sloan and her sassy smart-alack ways. I liked Walker. I loved the Grandmothers. I love the setting, I can feel the cold whipping through me. A cute story to read on a cold winter's night. I'm looking forward to Grier and Avery's stories

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Reivew: The Pledge

Charlie has a secret - a deadly secret. In a society where language determines your class, she has the ability to understand all languages.

She can't let anyone know her secret, but somehow a mysterious but cute stranger figures it out. Part of her thinks she can trust him, but the other half of her doesn't trust anyone.

When the kingdom starts taking precautionary measures against rumors of rebel forces attacking the city, Charlie and her sister must flee to safety. There she uncovers the truth about the Queen and her desires. The truth will change her life forever.


My Thoughts: LOVED this book. I loved that language was SO powerful in this world. I loved Brooklyn. I loved the idea behind the Queen and her power. I loved Charlie and her sister. They had an incredible bond. I loved the rebels and their secrets. I'm so happy this is the start of a new series because I can't wait to read more!

Cover Thoughts: Great!

Source: My Library

Video: check out the fan trailer I made here

Mysterious Saturday Review: Button Holed

Josie has a huge day ahead of her - one that could make a name for her new button store. When she arrives early to get a head start on the opening day, she discovers two men in her store.

They've tossed the store. After a few threats they leave her alone. With the store a disaster, she works double time to get it read for her guest.

A famous actress is checking out her store for buttons for her wedding dress. She's marrying a Prince, but she's already Hollywood Royalty.

The week turns out to be a disaster when the next day, Josie finds the actress in her store - dead. She was murdered.

Josie can't get the images of murder out of her mind. When she discovers a unique button on the floor, she knows it doesn't belong in her collection. As an expert, she aids the police investigation with research. Could her knowledge help solve a murder?

My Thoughts: A Wonderful start to a new series and I just LOVED the button store. After reading it, it made me want to get out all my grandmother's old buttons and play with them like I did when I was young. I loved the Hollywood spin. I loved Detective Riley. I can't wait to see where this new series will go!

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it!

Source: Purchased

Review: Belles

Izzie's life isn't easy, but she loves it. She loves living by the water, able to surf whenever she wants to. She loves hanging out on the boardwalk with her friends. She loves living with grandmother.

In a split second, everything changes. Her grandmother's health has been slowly declining. Now she's unable to care for Izzie. She's shipped off to a nursing home and Izzie's sent to live with family she's never known.

Her new family consists of her Uncle, who's running for the U.S. Senate, her aunt, and her three cousins.

Mira, her cousin of the same age, isn't interested in helping Izzy fit into her privileged life. Her friends talk sweet to Izzy's face, but spread rumors and stab her in the back. Mira's torn between wanting to be her own person and wanting to remain at the Queen Bee's side.

Can Izzie prove to them she belongs in their world?


My Thoughts: I confess that I was dying to read this one. I squealed when I saw it at the event. I LOVE Jen Calonita's books. They're funny, fresh, and romantic.
This books was no different! I loved the setting - especially the school.I loved the Southern charm. I loved the differences between the two girls and reading their different perspectives. I loved Mira's art world. I loved the event being a hoedown. I loved Izzie's heart, determination, and her ability to see the good in the world. I can't wait to read more of this series!

BUT THE BACK OF THE BOOK CONTAINED THE MAJOR PLOT TWIST!!!!!! I was not a fan of this, obviously. I did check Goodreads and the description of the book is different and without spoilers.

From what I understand, the author had no control over this issue. I loved the book enough that this didn't matter to me, but it was disappointing to know the ending.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the flower in her hair

Source: Little Brown event

Arrives in April 2012

Mysterious Saturday Review: Tempest in the Tea Leaves

Sunny's tired of her family treating her as though she doesn't have a mind of her own. She's fallen in love with a Victorian house. She purchases it to use as both her home and a place for her business.

The first day there, the town librarian comes to see her and have her fortune told. Sunny sees danger in her future and warns the librarian. An hour later, she calls the police to give them a head's up.

She's too late.

The librarian is dead.

Detective Mitch Stone doesn't believe in psychic powers. He also doesn't have means or a motive to arrest Sunny. The handsome detective is forced to question her and let her go.

However, things change when the police chief assigns the two of them to work together - both protest the match. In order to clear her name, Sunny agrees to work with the Detective. If only she hadn't read his tea leaves, things wouldn't be so awkward between them.... Can they catch a killer in a small town?

My Thoughts: The first in a charming new series. I love the small town of Divinity. I adore Sunny and her easy manner. I adore her fortune telling business, her interesting cat Morty, and her crazy parents. I adore the sparks between her and the detective. I can't wait to read more of their story!

Cover Thoughts: Cute - but it takes place in winter.

Source: Purchased

Mysterious Saturday Review: Books Can Be Deceiving

Dealing with a bad breakup, Lindsay moved libraries. She's now working with a friend of hers from library school. Beth's been working as a Children's Librarian. She's known throughout the state.

Beth has aspirations to become an author. When a children's book editor comes to town, Beth has the chance to show off her work. The editor looks at her work and tells her the bad news. She's talented, but the idea's been done.

Beth doesn't understand as she's never seen anything like her work before. She leaves the table crying. Lindsay learns that Beth's ex-boyfriend Rick, an award winning children's book author, stole her ideas.

Beth and Rick broke up last night. When Beth learns of this new info, she flies into a rage. She and Lindsay take a water taxi to his home, only to discover his body.

Beth is the local police chief's number one suspect. He's not even interested in looking farther. Lindsay knows that she needs check out other suspects in order to save her friend. Together, can they uncover clues and put them together before Beth is arrested for murder?

My Thoughts: The first in a new series about Library Director in a small town in Connecticut. As a librarian, I love reading about libraries and books, so this was right up my alley!!! I really loved reading the description of the library - the building, the programs, the people who worked there, and the patrons. I loved how Lindsay knew the townspeople and connected them with the authors they read. The town descriptions were great - very small town New England. I loved the relationship between Beth and Lindsay. I loved the potential romance for Lindsay. All in all, it was a charming book. I can't wait for more of this series.

Cover Thoughts: Very quaint - just perfect. I love how the library photo is portrayed in a book! Super

Title Thoughts: cute

Source: Inter-Library Loaned

Fun Fact: Jenn McKinlay is also the author of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries

Mysterious Saturday Review: Flowerbed of State

Just before her presentation to the First Lady making gardens Casey tempts fate by pulling a few weeds in the flower beds. Before she knows it, she is lying face down in the mud and doesn't remember much of the attack.

When a man comes over, she attacks him with her home-made pepper spray. Unfortunately, Jake Turner's part of the elite branch of Secret Service. After securing Casey, they are enroute to the White House for a debriefing when the uncover a body of a young woman

She's involved with the big bank deal going on at White House. Casey's co-worker admits to dating her. He begs Casey to help figure out the murderer. Casey's willing to help, but she doesn't have many details from the attack. Still she does her best to put two and two together. What information she doesn't have, she digs up.


My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the gardening aspect at the White House. I loved the relationship between Casey and her housemate. I Loved the relationship between Casey and Jake - it was snark, sarcastic, full of tension, and has the potential to turn into an amazing romance. I loved learning more about the White House. The puppy was an adorable touch. My heart pounded through all the danger scenes. A wonderful start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.


Cover Thoughts: I really like the cover, especially the damaged flowers.


Source: Inter-Library Loan


Fun Cross Over: I had a giggle when Casey mentioned the White House Chef as it made me think of White House Chef mysteries (starting with State of the Onion)

Review: Shield of Stars

In her former life, Weasel knew crime. Now with help from Justice Hollis, he's walking a straight path. When guards come into their home late one night, they catch the two in the act of writing letters of treason against the corrupt Regent. Weasel escapes into the night, but the guards take Justice Hollis to the dungeon.

Weasel knows he must free the man who gave him a second chance. He sneaks into the palace and finds the Prince. The young Prince at fifteen has no legal rights, but Weasel knows he must try. He makes his case to the Prince who allows a trial to begin in two weeks time. That will give Weasel time to make his plan, except that he's taken and thrown into a cell as other conspirators fill the dungeons.

A girl already resides in the cell. Immediately, Weasel takes a look at his surroundings - ready to break out of the cell. Together, they pair make their way outside the palace. Weasel knows he needs to round up help for Justice Hollis - and he has two weeks to come up and execute a solid plan.

With the help of Arisa, his prisoner friend, and a shield he stumbles upon, will he save the man who's become a father figure to him?

My Thoughts: I couldn't put down the first book in The Shield, Sword, and Crown series. I love the danger, adventure, the planning, and a hint of romance. The book contains similar elements to Bell's Knight and Rogue series. I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Cover: Awesome!

Source: My Library.

Review: The Daughters

Three best friends know how hard life in the spotlight (or in your parent's shadow) can be and the rules that can't be broken. Lizzie, the daughter of the hottest supermodel, hates having her picture taken. She looks so incredibly awkward comparatively to her ultra famous mother. Plus she hates it when her mother makes them pose together because Lizzie knows she's not beautiful, but she hates having other people acknowledge the fact.

After a huge fight with her mother over an accidental slip up that makes it on to youtube, Lizzie finds herself at a crossroads. She meets a photographer who sees something uniquely beautiful about her face - a new type of pretty with a natural look. On a whim, Lizzie agrees to become her model. Now Lizzie's loving the camera and the modeling work, but she is too afraid to tell her mother the truth. Will her mother accept Lizzie's decision after their fight about posing for photos together?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book - it's an addicting read filled with drama and friendship. I liked the twist having the parents as famous, not the daughters. Although the daughters will come into their own identities, they're struggling finding a separation from their parents. I can't wait for the next book due out in November.

Fun Facts: Joanna Philbin is Regis's daughter.

The Cover: This might not be final art work, but I like the contrast. The girls and colors are a bit different, but it's pretty much the same.

Source: I requested this from Little Brown & Company

Review: Spy in the House

Mary Quinn used to be a thief. In fact, she was rescued from certain death by hanging and brought secretly to a special school for girls. Here, she worked hard to change her station in life. Now she's a young lady without a job and doesn't know where to turn next. Fortunately, her advisers at the school let her in on a secret. They have a spy agency where she's be a perfect fit. They help out Scotland Yard and others gather information. With her former skills, Mary would be a perfect fit. Plus they have a position in mind for her, after she undergoes training.

Mary Quinn emerges and makes her way as a paid ladies companion to Angelica Thorold, a spoiled girl. Mary's duty, besides her job will be to gather any intelligence upon Miss Thorold's father and his business in regards to smuggling items. Miss Thorold doesn't take to Mary. The two of them attempt to work out their differences in a variety of ways while Mary snoops about the house. When she finds nothing, she goes snooping at Mr Thorold's business when she's caught not by security but by a man with similar concerns. He offers up a partnership where they share information each uncovers. Mary reluctantly agrees. With time running out, will Mary risk too much and find identity discovered?

My Thoughts: I'd been hearing about this book and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. I read this mostly in one sitting and then wanted the next book immediately. (It comes out in August). I LOVE spy novels and the Victorian England era and combine = pure magical entertainment. A great feisty heroine, lots of danger, plenty of mysteries to untangle, and a little romance creates a wonderfully perfect first edition to a new series.

The Cover: Cute - I like how it combines Mary's daring attitude with a backdrop of the times.

Source: My Library - I had to put it on hold so I could be sure to snag it first! I couldn't wait any longer.

Keeper of the Grail

Tristan doesn't know much about his past. He's been living with monks when a group of the Knights Templar request accommodations. He's asked to become a squire for Sir Thomas, a highly respected knight. However, he's also made a powerful enemy in Sir Hugh. After much decision, Tristan agrees to accompany the knights to Dover and from there to the Holy Lands where they will take part in the Crusade with king Richard the Lionhearted.

Tristan learns how to defend himself as well as some tactical lessons. He's also learned not to say alone often as trouble follows him. He doesn't mind the hard work preparing for the trip. When they arrive in the Holy Land, things change and the battles begin. He learns that practicing and battles are entirely two completely opposite in terms of emotion, danger, and fear.

In a defensive move, when their fort is almost defeated, Sir Thomas hands Tristan the most powerful object in the world and makes him swear to take it back to England at all costs and above all to trust no one. Everyone wants the Holy Grail. Can Tristan get safety back or will trouble follow him still?

My Thoughts: A great start to a new series that's half historical fiction and half adventure. A fabulous read! The end left me a huge cliff hanger and now I'm anxious to find out what happened! Plus, I love knights and the Holy Grail.

The Cover: Intriguing and knightly. I really like it.

Source: My Library (I sadly bought the second book first and then had to wait until I ordered the first book to start the series)

Review: Hex Hall for www.teensreadtoo.com

Sophie found out she's a witch. Three years without guidance and one extremely bad love potion later, she lands herself a one-way pass to Hex Hall.

Hex Hall is a boarding school for magical creatures and beings in need of a little more training and lots of rules. Other inmates include werewolves, shapeshifters, faeries, and one vampire who happens to be Sophie's new roommate and the one girl everyone loves to hate.

Jenna loves pink and seems sweet, but there's a dangerous rumor floating around about her and the death of a girl last year.

Sophie's not sure who to trust, but despite rumors, she becomes fast friends with Jenna while crushing over the hottest boy in school - and gaining his girlfriend as an enemy.

When another girl is attacked, everyone wants the truth. Did a coven of witches raise a demon? Could a ghost from Sophie's past be more powerful than she suspects? Are the vampires really responsible for these attacks? Either way, the truth must come out...

My Thoughts: Rachel Hawkins writes a perfect debut novel filled with paranormal creatures, a dark mystery, a deep, strange society, and one hot guy. This start of a new series left me breathless with anticipation for the next installment.

I loved this book so much it won the:Cover: I LOVE it - stunning.

Source: Someone lovely at Disney Hyperion gave this to me at ALA Midwinter

Read for 10 in '10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge: