5 Things: A Little Ray of Sunshine

It's no secret that I love books by Kristan Higgins. I've read most of them (Saving two for a feel-good rainy day) and she keeps surprising me in the very best way.

Yes, this is a secret baby trope book.

But it's not your usual trope. Kristan creates a fresh twist on this trope.

There's lots of nerd moments and jokes and banter. 

There are sweet moments between family and some not so sweet moments. 

* Also reviewed for Fresh Fiction. Stay tuned for that review

** This book comes out June 6. Don't miss it!

5 Things: Summer Reading

I'm a HUGE Jenn McKinlay fan - so I was super happy to read an early copy of this book (out in mid-May)

I'm also reviewing for Fresh Fiction, so keep an eye out for that....

But I did want to share just some of the reasons I loved it so much...

Also I loved the bits in the library! 

Put this one on your radar ASAP! 

* book was sent for review

Cozy Review: Strawberried Alive

 

* Book 14 in the Cupcake Bakery series * 

Mel and company are back! Things are rosy until someone shoots at Mel outside the bakery. She is unharmed and Oz scares the shooter away. But he doesn't get a description. 

Now Mel's worried that someone from her past has a grudge against her - and it's a long list. Everyone rallies around her to try to keep her safe. But unfortunately, her troubles are just beginning.

Other local business owners are targeted. And several speak up against Mel and the bakery. They think she's a danger to the community. Can Mel solve the latest murders before someone ruins her life?

My Thoughts: Another great addition to this mouthwatering series where you catch up with old friends and crave cupcakes. It was nice getting to know the other local shop keepers (although some of them were quite unpleasant). I enjoyed seeing their specialties - from soap making to tattoos to snakes. (Although I am not a fan of snakes.) I enjoy how much the characters have changed and grown over the years and yet they still share such a tight bond. I can't wait to read what comes next for this bakery family. 

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Must have series for your mystery section.

Bookstagram (8) Out of the Clear Blue Sky

This wonderful book comes out tomorrow. I was lucky enough to get a copy for review (which will be up on Fresh Fiction soon).

But I did create a mood board to share:

Which shares the setting: Cape Cod

There's a very important scene with Coconut Cake

A large dog named Zeus

Lillie, the main character, is a midwife. And she enjoys cooking for her family. 

It's a way for her to show love.

But then there's this one:

Now I'm not going to ruin the run here - but keep this one in mind while you read.

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. It gave me ALL The feels.

Review: Killer Research

 

* Book 12 in the Library Lover's series *

The mayor race is heating up in Briar Creek. The Lemon, Ms. Cole, has a definite advantage. But things take a turn when a body's discovered in her car. She has no idea what happened, but rumors are flying.

Lindsey and Beth vow to uncover the truth before Ms. Cole does something she'll regret- like drop out of the race. Lindsey can't believe that Ms. Cole had a rebellious youth, but sometimes rumors don't lie. Could someone be targeting Ms. Cole to keep her from becoming the next mayor?

My Thoughts: I loved this one. I loved learning more about Ms. Cole. I must admit I've grown to like her and even admire her. Which if you told me when I read the first book, I would have laughed. But she's grown on me. And I really hope that she becomes Mayor and shakes things up for the town. As always, it was great to see my favorite characters and catch up with them. I always love the chatter about books and authors (especially the Pride and Prejudice conversation). And there was even a Castle (tv show) reference!   I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your library's mystery collection.

Blog Tour: Mad Girls of New York

 

About the Book:

Maya Rodale brings to life the true story of the infamous Nellie Bly: a daring female journalist who, in the 1800s, paved the way for women to enter the newsroom. Bly quickly became known for revealing New York City’s injustices by practicing “stunt journalism,” or going undercover and taking extreme risks to expose a story. The first in an all-new series inspired by Bly’s investigative escapades, THE MAD GIRLS OF NEW YORK (Berkley Trade Paperback; on sale April 26, 2022) follows Bly on one of her first stunt assignments: going undercover as a madwoman at a deplorable New York insane asylum.

Rodale relied upon Bly’s book, Ten Days in a Madhouse, which offers a compilation of Bly’s articles and her first-hand narratives about her experiences at Blackwell’s, to inform the writing of the novel. Rodale’s keen storytelling brings Bly to life as a vibrant, modern, and relatable young woman who is trying to make a name and a career for herself in New York City. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat, as are Rodale’s returning romance readers, who will swoon over the romantic chemistry between Nellie and her instant career nemesis Sam Colton.

“There were all kinds of madness, she supposed, and hers was daring to dream.”

About the Author:

Maya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.

My Thoughts:

I'm currently reading this book right now and loving it! I'm 1/3 of the way through and it's amazing. I'm a big Maya Rodale fan. I can't wait to learn more about Nellie Bly and I'm so happy this is the first in a series! 

Review: Brewed Awakenings

 

* Book 18 in the Coffeehouse Mystery series *

Clare wakes up on a bench in Washington Park with no memory of the last several years. She believes her divorce is recent and that her daughter is still young. It's a shock to her to discover the truth - she's lost her memories.

To make matters worse, the police want to question her for the disappearance of a woman. Clare might have been with the woman when she vanished. The authorities are convinced she knows something, but Clare doesn't understand. She doesn't remember her past investigations. 

Clare needs to figure something out and fast - before the authorities or someone worse captures her.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - and I'm not a coffee drinker. But I do love the atmosphere of the coffee shop and the characters. This one was a great addition to the series - I enjoyed watching Clare struggle through her memories and reexamine her life. I had come around to Matt and this book soured me on him a little again. Looking forward to the next book in this mouth-watering series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This is a great cozy for your public library's collection.

Bookstagram:

Just a little thought about what the coffeeshop might look like....

Book Spotlight: Homicide and Halo-Halo

 

About the Book:

Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry (Book 2) of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.

 Things are heating up for Lila Macapagal. Not in her love life, which she insists on keeping nonexistent despite the attention of two very eligible bachelors. Or her professional life, since she can't bring herself to open her new café after the unpleasantness that occurred a few months ago at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen. No, things are heating up quite literally, since summer, her least favorite season, has just started.

 To add to her feelings of sticky unease, Lila's little town of Shady Palms has resurrected the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she won many years ago—a fact that serves as a wedge between Lila and her cousin slash rival, Bernadette. But when the head judge of the pageant is murdered and Bernadette becomes the main suspect, the two must put aside their differences and solve the case—because it looks like one of them might be next.

About the Author:

Mia P. Manansala is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking, and badass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.

She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2019 mentor.

Doesn't this sound great?

Review: Wait for It

 

Stuck in a dreary Boston winter, Annabelle Martin would like nothing more than to run away from her current life. She's not even thirty years old, twice-divorced, and has just dodged a marriage proposal... from her ex-husband. When she's offered her dream job as creative director at a cutting-edge graphic design studio in Phoenix, she jumps at the opportunity to start over.

When she arrives in the Valley of the Sun, Annabelle is instantly intrigued by her anonymous landlord. Based on the cranky, handwritten notes Nick Daire leaves her, she assumes he is an old, rich curmudgeon. Annabelle is shocked when she finally meets Nick and discovers that he's her age and uses a wheelchair. Nick suffered from a stroke a year ago, and while there's no physical reason for him not to recover, he is struggling to overcome the paralyzing fear that has kept him a prisoner in his own home.

Despite her promise to herself not to get involved, Annabelle finds herself irresistibly drawn to Nick. And soon she wonders if she and Nick might help each other find the courage to embrace life, happiness, and true love. - Summary from the Publisher 

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I enjoyed seeing Phoenix through the eyes of a New Englander. And I adored Annabelle and her quirks. I loved her notes with Nick and how she finally got to meet him. I enjoyed their banter and how they started to become friends. And then of course, something more. I felt bad for Annabelle being stuck in a work battle - but I admired her determination to see it through and the prove herself to the rest of her team. I liked the team bonding moments.  I really liked learning more about Nick, his past, and his moments with his sister. Another fun read from one of my favorite authors!

Cover Thoughts: Wish I was there right now

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your library's romance collection. 

Holiday Book Review: Celebration at Christmas Cove

 

Celeste volunteers for the travel assignments at Christmas - especially after her mother died. Christmas is too painful for her. Plus, no one else wants to travel. Taking the assignment makes her look good. But the flight is overbooked - causing her travel difficulties. The best she can do is hop a small plane to Sea Spray Island and from there catch a flight to New York City.

But the weather grounds her on the island. Luckily her fellow passenger's sister owns an inn. Nathan takes Celeste to the inn. Nathan just received word that his last ditch effort at funding the community center through a grant fell through. He doesn't know how to tell the community or his daughter. The best he can hope for is to give his daughter one last magical Christmas on the island. 

The more time Nathan and Celeste spend together, the more they enjoy each other's company. Could this connection between them be real? 

My Thoughts: This is a charming start to a new series. I loved life on the island - the small town charm, the quirky people, and the children. I felt badly for Nathan and for Celeste for their past heartbreaks but also their current struggles. The travel delays were comical. Abigail was adorable - funny, smart, and she made me laugh. I loved the community center and the smiles it brought everyone. Their programs sounded amazing. I loved all the Christmas celebrations! Looking forward to reading more in this series.

Source: Netgally

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Library Recommendations: Grab this for your romance collection and hand out to your Hallmark movie loving readers!

Book Spotlight: Ties that Tether

When a Nigerian woman falls for a man she knows will break her mother’s heart, she must choose between love and her family.

At twelve years old, Azere promised her dying father she would marry a Nigerian man and preserve her culture, even after immigrating to Canada. Her mother has been vigilant about helping—well forcing—her to stay within the Nigerian dating pool ever since. But when another match-made-by-mom goes wrong, Azere ends up at a bar, enjoying the company and later sharing the bed of Rafael Castellano, a man who is tall, handsome, and…white.

When their one-night stand unexpectedly evolves into something serious, Azere is caught between her feelings for Rafael and the compulsive need to please her mother. Soon, Azere can't help wondering if loving Rafael makes her any less of a Nigerian. Can she be with him without compromising her identity? The answer will either cause Azere to be audacious and fight for her happiness or continue as the compliant daughter.

One of Betches' 7 Books by Black Authors You Need to Read This Summer

One of Elite Daily’s Books Featuring Interracial Relationships You Should Read In 2020

One of Marie Claire’s 2020 Books You Should Add to Your Reading List

Borada Photography.

Jane Abieyuwa Igharo was born in Nigeria and immigrated to Canada at the age of twelve. She has a journalism degree from the University of Toronto and works as a communications specialist in Ontario, Canada. When she isn't writing, she's watching "Homecoming" for the hundredth time and trying to match Beyoncé's vocals to no avail.

Cozy Review: Pumpkin Spice Peril

* Book 12 in the Cupcake Bakery series * 

Mel and Angie are serving cupcakes at their friend's art opening. But her friend's husband has a talk with Mel. He's worried about his wife. When Mel stops by the art gallery to talk about the cupcakes, things go terribly wrong.

Rene is not herself and it's more than just exhaustion from deadline. Mel starts to worry about her. And with good reason. She discovers that Rene's been murdered. And the list of suspects is long - and it includes her.

On top of that, there's someone in the Police Department who's questioning her involvement in previous cases.

My Thoughts: Catching up with old friends is always a treat! Even when those friends have big changes. Nothing will be the same after this book, which is both exciting and a little sad. Because change is hard. I loved the art talk in this book, especially the blown glass details. I felt terrible for Rene and everything that happened to her. Of course I wanted to test out all the cupcakes mentioned. This series always makes my mouth water - and makes me want to bake cupcakes. Can't wait to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect for Fall
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A fantastic series for your cozy mystery section - highly recommended.

Review: Something to Talk About

When Hollywood writer Jo takes her assistant to an awards show, the pair's photograph sparks dating rumors.

At first Emma things the rumors are annoying but that they won't last.  Paparazzi find her house, she's getting calls from reporters, and her family isn't quite sure what to believe. But the rumors persist and everything starts to change.

Emma's never thought about her boss before in that way, but once the rumors start, it's hard not to look at Jo differently. The two of them are becoming closer - something in between co-workers and friends.

With Emma's time working for Jo coming to a close, would it be a good time to start a romance?

My Thoughts: I've been longing to read this since I first heard about it. I was under the impression that this was a fake dating story - it's not. But it is a Slow Burn Hollywood Romance. And it was really really good. I love Hollywood stories - this one was a little bit different in the fact that neither of the main characters was an actress. I loved reading about the other side to Hollywood. I loved the idea that Jo came up with to help women in the field, I really want to read/know more about that project. I didn't want this book to end - and I hope for more stories set in this world so we can see some favorite characters again! This is Meryl Wilsner's debut novel - and I'm eagerly looking forward to her next book.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library.
Library Recommendation: A must have for public libraries and their romance collection. 

Review: Fumbled

* Book 2 in the Playbook series *

Poppy Patterson's main concern is her son. As a single mom, she worries about making his life the best that she can. She's not concerned about the past - until her past walks into her work.

When football player TK Moore walks into the club, he's stunned to see her. From their reunion, it's clear that they both have feelings for each other. When Poppy tells him about his son, TK flips out.

Poppy's not impressed. But when TK runs into his son on the soccer field, there's no denying the truth. He's dumbfounded to learn the truth about the past. TK knows he's can't make up for the past, but he can be present in the future - if Poppy will let him...

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the chemistry between Poppy and TK. I loved Poppy and Ace and their relationship. I loved the friendships Poppy found within the wives and girlfriends of the team football players. I loved the snark and the support from the other women. I enjoyed hearing updates about the characters in the previous book. I liked the discussion about concussions and the dangers of playing football. I loved the second chance romance. I couldn't put this book down.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your romance section at your public libraries

Best Discovery: The next book in the series is already out (and I'm currently reading it)

On Your Radar: Paris is Always a Good Idea (39)

Title: Paris is Always a Good Idea

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Publisher: Berkley Books

Publication Date: July 21, 2020

Why It Should be On Your Radar

* Ireland

* Paris

* Italy

* Food

* Traveling in the feet of younger self

* Chasing down feelings from youth

* Enemies to Lovers

* Work Drama

* Emotionally Closed off

* Family

* Re-evaluating Life

* Finding that Work/Life Balance

* Funny

** In truth, this would make an excellent Hallmark movie.

*** ARC given for review

Review: Well Met

Emily didn't know what she was getting into when she escaped form her own life to help her sister heal from her injury. She never imagines her summer would include participating in the local Renaissance Faire. But when her niece needs a parent volunteer, she's happy to help out.

Although she didn't imagine that she'd be trading barbs with a pirate who runs the faire and refused to listen to her ideas on how to make it better. She also didn't imagine she's being bound to him for the summer in a fake wedding ceremony.

She also never imagined kissing him would make her so happy - even if it is only fake kissing. Could this town grow on her and make her want to put down roots?

My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved the banter between Simon and Emily - both in character and in real life. Of course I loved the tension between Emily and Simon - and those kisses!I loved learning more about a Renaissance Faire, especially about the behind the scenes. I loved how Emily struggled to find her way after life hit her hard, but also how she found herself a home and her self worth. This is one heck of a debut novel and I can't wait to read what Jen writes next. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library's romance section! Highly Recommended. 

Cozy Review: Dying for Devil's Food

* Book 11 in the Cupcake Bakery series *

Mel is so not interested in her fifteenth high school reunion. But Angie convinces her to go - and not just because the reunion hosts want to hire the bakery for the cupcakes. Angie knows that Mel needs closure on her demons from high school - she wants Mel to look everyone in the eyes and show them how successful she turned out. Mel doesn't care what those people think about her.

When Mel arrives with her handsome fiancé on her arm, she does find a certain amount of satisfaction standing up to the people who made her life miserable - until the Queen Bee turns up dead in the bathroom. A note written in lipstick makes Mel the prime suspect. She's not about to go down without a fight.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this addition to this charming series. Of course, I'm with Mel. I'm not interested in attending any high school reunions and I can see why she didn't want to either. But I was impressed with her bravery and her courage to attend. It was interesting to see how people grow and change since high school - and even the ones that stay the same. The cast of characters was entertaining if not the nicest bunch of people. This book contains all the fun of the others in the series - some romance, strong friendship, witty banter, and loveable characters. So looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious as always
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: If you don't have this series in your library's mystery section, you're really missing out (and so are your patrons)

Up Next: Coming April 28, 2020

Review: American Princess

Alice may be the president's daughter, but she's nobody's darling. As bold as her signature color Alice Blue, the gum-chewing, cigarette-smoking, poker-playing First Daughter discovers that the only way for a woman to stand out in Washington is to make waves--oceans of them. With the canny sophistication of the savviest politician on the Hill, Alice uses her celebrity to her advantage, testing the limits of her power and the seductive thrill of political entanglements.

But Washington, DC is rife with heartaches and betrayals, and when Alice falls hard for a smooth-talking congressman it will take everything this rebel has to emerge triumphant and claim her place as an American icon. As Alice soldiers through the devastation of two world wars and brazens out a cutting feud with her famous Roosevelt cousins, it's no wonder everyone in the capital refers to her as the Other Washington Monument--and Alice intends to outlast them all. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I've always wanted to know more about Alice Roosevelt, so I was excited to see a fictionalized novel about her life. And boy did she have a hard but an amazing life. It was heart wrenching to read at times but also I couldn't put it down. I loved her feistiness, her love of politics, and her ability to work the crowd. It was interesting to learn more about her life and the people surrounding both her and her father. I confess, I didn't know much about the politics or the political players of her time. I couldn't help but admire Alice Roosevelt and also want to have a drink with her.

Cover Thoughts: Amazing. I love the ribbons in the wind
Source: My Library

On Your Radar: Life and Other Inconveniences (28)

Title: Life and Other Inconveniences

Author: Kristan Higgins

Publisher: Berkley Books

Release Date: August 6, 2019

Why it Should Be On Your Radar:
* Reminiscent of Gilmore Girls
* Mother Daughter Relationships
* Grandmother Granddaughter Relationships
* Secrets
* Tess
* Relationships
* Humor
* Heartache
* Forgiveness
* Summer Cocktail Parties
* Being Happy

Kristan Higgins writes yet another moving, heartfelt, entertaining read.

**Reviewed for Fresh Fiction

Blog Tour: Milady

She was the greatest nemesis of d'Artagnan and the Three Musketeers--but Milady de Winter was so much more than just a villain in their swashbuckling adventures.
I've gone by many names though you know me as Milady de Winter: Villainess, seductress, a secondary player in The Three Musketeers story.

But we all know history was written by men, and they so often get things wrong.

So before you cast judgment, let me tell you of how a girl from the countryside became the most feared woman in all of Europe. A target for antipathy, a name whispered in fear or loathing.

I don't need you to like me. I just need to be free.

It's finally time I tell my own story. The truth isn't tidy or convenient, but it's certainly more interesting. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: Confession: I've never read The Three Musketeers and now I think I might have to. I like the idea of taking a villain and sharing his/her/their story. I enjoyed learning how Milady because skilled at seducing men, manipulating people, and her thought process. Sure she made terrible choices with terrible consequences, but the people around her served her terribly too. She's cunning and clever and not a damsel in distress. She's willing to take matters into her own hands and make the hard choices. A very interesting read.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous
Source: Book sent for review