Review: The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit

 

* Book 14 in the Domestic Diva series *

Sophie's friends have just returned from a trip abroad - and just in time for the DIY festival Sophie's running. Sophie picks up her friend from the airport. Nina looks a mess and she isn't wearing any shoes. Clearly there's a story (or several) behind the trip.

The festival starts and one of the vendor's is missing her mother. When Sophie helps her out, investigating Lark's house, she stumbles across a body in the yard. The body's positioned to make the death look like an accident, but it doesn't feel like an accident. 

Lark traveled with Nina on the trip. Before long, Nina's house is burglarized in the middle of the night. Something strange is going on and Sophie's not going to rest until she solves this mystery.

My Thoughts: Another fun installment in this series. This series has been a long time favorite of mine and I'm always happy to catch up with the characters. The festival sounds really fun and I liked it as a way to introduce new characters and new people to this small town. I do love how Sophie and her friends rally around Nina. As always their cozy eating times makes my mouth water and I long to whip up a delicious dessert (good thing there are recipes in the back of the book). I didn't see the link between the two murders - so I was left guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series

Cover Thoughts: Charming as Always

Source: My library

Review: Color Me Murder

 

Florrie Fox manages a bookstore, Color Me Read. The owner insists that she move into his carriage house so he doesn't have to allow his nephew to live there. Florrie falls in love with the carriage house - it's everything she's ever wanted and so close to work. However, Delbert, makes his displeasure known. He also tells Florrie that one day, he will inherit everything and then she'll be out of a job. Florrie doesn't like him and starts second guessing her living decision.

The she stumbles onto a crime scene in the bookstore. She discovers a trap door and a dead body. Delbert's been murdered. The suspect list is long - but the police believe her boss to be responsible. Florrie starts asking questions because she knows her boss would never have killed his nephew.

My Thoughts: A charming start to a new series. I love that this mystery series takes place in a bookstore. I really liked Florrie - for her book love and her book creations. She creates coloring books on the side. Of course, I felt terrible for her boss and his family drama. I liked the secondary characters and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Looking forward to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the coloring book tie-in

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your public library's mystery section!

Cozy Review: Coconut Layer Cake Murder

* Book 25 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah's on a much needed vacation when her sister's boyfriend becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Because he's part of the police force, Michelle begs her to come home. The police need her help because many of the detectives have to recuse themselves from the case.

Hannah's ready to help; she knows Lonnie would never murder someone. She's more than happy to start bribing people with cookies for information. She never knows what someone might remember.

My Thoughts: I had to read this book based off the cliff-hanger from the last one. That part was mentioned and figured out in the first few pages. In this cozy series, the murder has become second place to the characters and their lives. I love reading about all the treats Hannah bakes for her cookie shop - it makes me want to bake. I did test out the mug cake recipe and it was pretty good!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for the collection where this cozy series is popular.

If you haven't seen the Hallmark movies based on this series - do check them out. They are pretty good. I hope they make more.

Cozy Review: Iced Under

 * Book 5 in the Maine Clambake series * 

Someone mails Julia's mother a missing family heirloom, worth a fortune in the dead of winter. Julia's determined to uncover more details about her mother's long lost family. They squabbled over the family fortune and split up years ago. This is the first contact Julia's ever had with that side of the family.

With the help of information from the historical society and the internet, Julia's able to track her family down in Boston. But when she arrives, a family member has just died - murdered.

Now Julia's trying to untangle the truth from reality amidst all the family drama.  Could one of them be responsible for murder?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved Julia tracking down how the package came to her family - including her time in the historical society. I loved learning about the family from the past - especially how they made their fortune. I loved meeting her new family members - what a cast of characters. I loved how this new information changes everything for Julia and her family. I can't wait to see what happens next! I love how the action happened right before a huge snow storm and Julia needed to get home before then, it increased the tension in the book. A perfect cozy to read during the winter, snuggled up under a blanket. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review

Final Thoughts: Another great addition to the series, be sure to scoop this one up. Highly recommended for cozy sections in all public libraries. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Missing Dough

 * 6th Pizza Lovers Mystery*

Maddy's ex-husband comes into the pizza shop one day, looking for a fight. Maddy and Eleanor ask him to leave. Unfortunately the meet up with him again at the Founders Day Festival. After another incident - this time including their boyfriends, everyone walks away.

It's not long before Grant turns up dead. The Sheriff has a few questions for the four of them. As Maddy's boyfriend Bob argued with him and doesn't have a solid alibi, he immediately becomes the prime suspect. 

Maddy and Eleanor aren't about to let anything happen to Bob. Of course their going to work together to clear his name.

My Thoughts:  I really enjoy this small town series that always makes me crave pizza. I liked learning more about Maddy's past, even though it was sad. I love how the two sisters work together to help their friends and loved ones. As always, the victim had several enemies who wanted him dead. I love Art and can't wait to read more about his friendship with Eleanor. A fun addition to the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Review: Merry and Bright

Three short stories about finding Mr. Right.

Maggie - a super smart chemist is working on something that could change the world if it works. Her sister wants a crazy Christmas gift - for Maggie to date a very different sort of man - instead of the nerdy guys she usually dates. Maggie can't help but consider Jacob might be just the thing....

Hope was foolish to ask her stepbrother for a loan. She has big plans for her B and B, but this year's financials haven't worked out. The loan  deadline is fast approaching. Just as she's trying to figure out her next step, he sends his accountant to her doorstep, in the middle of a storm. Now he accountant's stranded and he might be able to help - if only she'd let him.

Cami always needs to be in motion - she liked that kind of control. But she could also use some fun this holiday season. Could her new boss her the answer?

My Thoughts: Three fun romantic tales for the holiday that warm the heart. I really love Jill Shalvis and my only complaint is I wish these stories could have been books. I have a hard time reading short stories because I always want them to be longer and this book is no different. Each of the female characters were vastly different - yet they were all strong women who were all heavily invested in their work, which I admired.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Red Velvet Cupcake Murder

(Hannah Swensen Series #16) 

Half the town's attending the grand opening for a new condo building with six condos plus a penthouse for sale. The penthouse, while impressive, is not entirely finished. During the party, a guest jumps off the roof, putting a damper on the evening.

In the middle of the night, Hannah receives a call from the hospital. Barbara doesn't say much, but she's convinced that someone tried to murder her. She begs Hannah to come to the hospital. Unfortunately, because of her injuries, Barbara's mind isn't clear. Hannah still promises that she'll look into it. 

Hannah doesn't really want to relive the party -as it's the reason Doctor Bev's back in town. Hannah knows that she's up to something; she really hopes she's not trying to win Norman back. After a nasty run in between the two, Doctor Bev turns up dead. While at first the police think she's drowned, but it's later discovered that Bev ate a cupcake before she died that might have been laced with tranquilizers. Now the police have brought Hannah in for questioning for murder.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - it's a quick read, full of twists and turns, and thoroughly entertaining. I admit that I loved the murder victim in this installment, especially after the candid moment she had with Hannah. It's pure karma at work. I even liked that Hannah was a strong suspect in the murder. 

As always, I love the baking moments and anytime spent in the Cookie Jar. I love the interaction between the customers and Lisa while she tells the stories of the deaths. 

I love the surprise at the ending - very nice touch. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the frosting

Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Crust

*5th Pizza Lovers Mystery*

Eleanor and her sister have the opportunity to enter into a pizza contest. They could win $25,000, which they would use to fix up Slice of Delight. However, the contest is being held by an old acquaintance of Eleanor's. The last time Eleanor saw Luigi, he was trying to buy her pizza joint - right after the death of her husband. He didn't take no very well.

Still, Eleanor doesn't hesitate, she signs the paperwork, entering the contest. Now she and her sister are heading to the local hotel hosting the contest. Four pizza places compete for the top prize.

Soon, Eleanor learns that the contest is fixed. Animosity builds between the contests and she's not surprised to learn that Luigi's been murdered. He died in an area limited to hotel staff and the contestants, which place Eleanor and her sister in a unique position. They can cozy up to the contestants and figure out which one killed Luigi. Can they wrap up the contest and find the murdered before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I love the premise of this book - it blends the food reality TV shows with murder perfectly. It read like a crime show, very visual and keeping me glued to the book. I love the sister team and their quirks. They're funny, serious, sweet, and loyal. I love their closeness. I liked the difference in setting for this book, it allowed for a whole new set of characters along with some old favorites. 

Cover Thoughts: Fun
Source: Library

Book Character Outfit: Eleanor Swift

I'm in the middle of Killer Crust and loving it.

It might be why I'm craving pizza all of a sudden (not that I need an excuse, I adore pizza). Here's what I picture Eleanor wearing while she works at Slice of Delight - her pizza shop.

The pin will also go up on my Library Pinterest Board

Review: Crimson Frost

 **4th Book in the Mythos Academy series - contains SPOILERS from previous books**

Gwen's world is crumbling before her eyes.Her first official date with Logan is a complete disaster when his father shows up. Mr. Quinn is on the Protectorate Board. He wants to charge Gwen with willfully allowing Loki (God of Chaos) to escape.


Gwen's dumbfounded with this charge as she did everything in her power to stop the god from rising. Now the student body hates her and she's on trial for her life.


Gwen has a handful of friends, her Grandmother, and a few teachers who believe in her. The rest of the world hurls insults at her and makes her life completely miserable.


Can Gwen convince the Protectorate Board that she's not the person responsible?

My Thoughts: I ADORE this series for so many reasons: the hot romance, the awesome library, the action, the danger, and Gwen's ability to kick butt! I'm so addicted to it and I can't wait for the next book. In this installment of the series, I love how Gwen's friends and family surround her with love. They give her the strength she needs.  I love how the action unfolds, with more danger than ever before.  The action and the danger make this series one I devour. Beyond the action and danger, there's so much emotional torment in this novel.  I feel for Gwen as she goes through the roughest patch of her life.  As much as I hated the ending, I understood the reasoning behind it. It leaves me curious to uncover what will happen next.

Cover Thoughts: I love it! I especially love the bits of purple from her shirt to her eyes to her necklace that tie the cover together.
Source: Netgalley
Up Next: Midnight Frost - out at the end of July

Mysterious Saturday Review: Rest in Pizza

Eleanor's happy when she hears her friend will be opening up a bookstore in the square where she own Slice of Delight. She's more than happy to volunteer to help Cindy with the grand opening featuring superstar Chef Benet.

Eleanor doesn't realize what she's getting herself and her sister into. There's no match for Chef Benet's ego. Nothing suits him. He's talking of pulling out of the appearance all together. He heads for Eleanor's shop to think about the situation.

Maddie and Eleanor arrive at the shop to fetch him when they discover his body.  The list of suspects isn't big, but everyone has a reason to dislike the man.  Eleanor wonders why the man came to town in the first place. Could something from his past tie him to the town?

My Thoughts: I really enjoy reading this series for the sisterly bond, the romances of the sisters, and the descriptions of the pizza. I love the small town charm of this series - this is the 4th book in the series. The sisters have a tight bond, but still get on each other's nerves.  They support each other, laugh with each other, and admire each other.


Each sister has a boyfriend. Both the men come into the pizza restaurant from time to time. Maddie's boyfriend has something serious on his mind, a question she's not ready to answer.


The tight knit community rushes to help out in times of need. The owners of the shops, bakery, and restaurants all chat with each other as old friends. 


A charming addition to this delicious series.


Cover Thoughts: Great


Source: Inter-Library Load

Review: Kiss of Frost

*2nd book in series - read my review for Touch of Frost*

Gwen's still reeling from the attack in the library. She knows that Jasmine's family wants revenge. They don't care about the details surrounding her death - they still blame Gwen.

Gwen can't be sure, but she thinks that the person who tried to run her over on the street by her grandmother's house and the person who shot an arrow at her in the library might be taking their revenge.

Gwen's not able to confide in her teacher, only her best friend. When the school takes part in a Winter Carnival celebration weekend at a ski resort, Gwen's forced to tag along.

At first she hopes that the weekend will be a welcome distraction. She even met a cute boy. But strange things keep happening to her. Is it a coincidence or is she being targeted?

My Thoughts: I loved this new edition to this mythology series. I love the library and the collection (although the librarian isn't the nicest). I love Gram and her baked goodies. They make me want to bake my own goodies and gobble hers up too! I loved the village and the winter setting. I loved the moments between Logan and Gwen - Swoon! I love the combat scenes, the action, and all the danger.

Cover Thoughts: Great! I love the sword and the snowflakes

Source: My Library

Up Next: Dark Frost - out June 1st. I can't WAIT to read this one! And I love how the cover ties in to the end of the 2nd book!

Review: Touch of Frost

Gwen's life has been turned upside down in the past few months. She's misused her gift (touching objects tells her secrets) - which saved a girl. Knowing the truth kept the girl save, but it also involved her mother in a deadly car accident.

Now, Gwen's attending the private Mythos Academy where the student are all deadly warriors -all them except her. She has her Gypsy power, but it's not much in comparison. Their powers are all about strength, deadly weapon training, magic, and descedants from mythical creatures. In short, Mythos Academy is the training ground for a deadly battle against good vs. evil.

Gwen doesn't believe in the hype. She doesn't believe the stories from lessons actually occurred.

She also doesn't have a single friend on campus.

When a girl dies during her shift at the library and an important and valuable actifact stolen, Gwen can't believe the lack on concern. The next day, life goes on as usual. Sure, everyone's talking about Jasmine - how mean and horrible she was or wondering who will take her spot in the running for the Homecoming Queen. Gwen didn't like Jasmine, but even Jasmine deserves come closer to her murder.

Gwen's determined to solve the reason for Jasmine's death.


My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved learning more about this world based deep in mythology. I loved watching Gwen uncover clues about her life and blossom. I loved watching her turn into a friend to Daphne. Their relationship evolved from the first chapter - as they traded insults and snarky banter to a friendship. I loved the library scenes (as usual). I loved the relationship between Gwen and her grandmother. I really loved the banter between Gwen and Logan! All in all, lots of laughs, danger, and mystery. I'm super excited for the next book coming out in a few months

Cover Thoughts: I LOVE this cover. I especially love the sword at the end of Frost. The cover is mysterious with a hint of danger

Source: my Library

Up Next: Kiss of Frost coming out November 29th

Mysterious Saturday Cover: Decadent Way to Die

Savannah's hired to look into a couple suspicious incidents in an feisty 80 year-old woman's life. Helene Strauss, famous doll maker, doesn't want to be bothered. She knows she's not going crazy. She relents and agrees to have Savannah dig into her family.

It's only when her housekeeper and her niece's boyfriend are found murdered in the hot tub that she agrees to more protection. Could someone in her family be looking forward to her wealth?

My Thoughts: Wow, this was filled with tension and a VERY serious issue. As a side story, Tammy becomes involved with a man. After the first meeting, it's clear that he's not a nice guy. McKevett delves into the horrors of having a friend in an abusive relationship. She writes about the signs, the interfering friends, and the strength of the abuser.

If you know someone in this situation, help them. Go to this website for more information.
If you're in this situation, call for help: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE

I really love this series because I adore Savannah Reid. I love the way she adores food. I love her perfect night of chocolates, a bubble bath, and a great book. I love her relationship with Dirk, Tammy, and her grandmother. I love the way she takes care of everyone in her life and tries to keep them under her wing. I love her Southern Charm and her Southern words. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this amazing series. This mystery took a more serious tone because of this side story that made me cry for several minutes. It's a powerful emotional, addicting read that ends on a sweet note.

Cover Thoughts: Deliciously fitting

Source: My Library