Christmas Review: Christmas House

 

* Book 1 in a series * 

Every Christmas Eve for the past 50 years, Ruby Harris, the owner of the historic B&B, The Christmas House, has opened her doors to strangers in need, showing them the compassion once denied to her. When Ruby invites her family home for the holidays, including her two adult grandchildren, Charlotte and Olivia, she hopes they will be able to put the past behind them. However, her plans for reconciliation implode as the women unravel secrets from the past that force them to confront the impact they've had on their dysfunctional family. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved reading about the different generations from Ruby to Charlotte. They all had tough moments and I wanted to hug each of them. The Christmas House sounds like a magical place. I feel like I could use the organizational help of Charlotte in my house - maybe a resolution for the new year. I loved the moments between Sam and Charlotte - they were sweet. The sister relationship was heart wrenching - but real. A great read while you're sitting by the fire and drinking cocoa.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great holiday romance for your collection.

Book Lists: Cozies

 

On Tuesday, I started thinking about how this blog has evolved over the years. It was mostly a YA blog and then I added in cozy mystery reviews. I read so many of them for year until the market was super saturated with them and collapsed. I'm happy they are making a big comeback now and I need to read more of them.

Anyways, that's all to say, let's talk about cozies.

I've talked about foodie cozies before - and they are my favorite.

But here are some cozy series I used to read:

Abby Cooper Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie

Mum's the Word by Kate Collings

The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt

Death by Inferior Design by Leslie Caine

Deadly Greetings by Elizabeth Bright

Scent to the Grave by India Ink

Killer Mousse by Melinda Wells

Stamped Out by Terri Thayer 

Just Desserts by G.A. McKevett

Truly, Madly by Heather Webber 

Review: The Duke Heist

 

* First in a series *

The Wynchester family isn't welcome in most society functions - until Chloe makes a splash. She steals the carriage of her enemy the Duke of Faircliffe. It doesn't help that he's inside. When they understand each other, Faircliffe offers Chloe a favor. Which she accepts after she and her siblings have come up with a plan.

They're after a painting the duke's now deceased father stole from them. Faircliffe never responded to their letters or attempts to purchase the painting. So, they make a plan to steal it back. Chloe will distract the duke while they uncover the whereabouts of the painting.

But Chloe never imagines falling for the duke. Or that the duke would notice her out of all the respectable ladies. Everyone knows that Faircliffe's father ruined the estate and he needs to marry someone with a dowery. But can he help it if he wants Chloe?

My Thoughts: First off - I straight up love this chosen family of siblings. I can't wait to read more of their stories. I love their love for each other. I love their quirks and their strengths and their abilities. I loved Tommy's ability. Her characters reminded me of Julia Quinn's Lady Danbury. I did love how Chloe wormed her way into a reading circle - but stayed because she became friends with the ladies. And I adore their possible name: Ladies of Lusty Literature Book Coven. I enjoyed Phillippa and her mother. 

Up next:

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for your romance collection

Book List: Foodie Cozies

 

Yesterday I reviewed the latest Domestic Diva cozy which got me thinking all about my favorite foodie cozies. So of course, I made a list! These are the first in the series.

Book List:

Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

Sprinkle with Murder by Jenn McKinlay

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander

An Appetite for Murder by Lucy Burdette

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

On What Grounds by Cleo Colye

Not Pictured:

One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly

Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery Aames

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy

Clammed Up by Barbara Ross 

Review: The Gray Man

* First in a series *

The Gray Man is a legend, a whisper in the wind. But in reality, his last assassination made an enemy of the wrong man. Now that enemy is employing people who will do anything to capture him - dead or alive. 

He escapes one rescue attempt, which turns out to be an assignation attempt. Then he goes dark. He only contacts the one person he trusts.

Unfortunately for him, that one person has been compromised by Fitzroy's family being held captive. The Gray man was once on security detail for the family and made close connections to Fitzroy's twin granddaughters. Even though he knows it's a trap, there's no way he's not going to try his hardest to save them.

But to get to them, he's going to have to get through teams of trained men.

Fun Fact: I admit, I didn't know about these books until I heard about them in an email. Apparently this book will be made into a series or movie. There are so far 10 books in this series.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - lots of action and danger. It does read like a movie, so I'm very interested in seeing the adaptation. He's the underdog, but not the underdog. You can't help but root for him. He's an assassin with morals.

Cover Thoughts: Fine, but not that exciting

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your library - people will be wanting it!

Holiday Book Review: Christmas on Mistletoe Lane

 

Kaitlyn needs a change of scenery after the situation at her job. Her grandmother died, leaving her the family inn - a place where Kaitlyn spent many happy summers. She packs up her entire life and moves - where she discovers a slight hiccup. 

She only owns half the inn. Mitch, a former military man, owns the other half. Kaitlyn remembers her grandmother talking about Mitch over the years. The will stipulates that they must work together for a month before they can sell it.

Kaitlyn's dumbfounded. She can't afford to lose the inn, but Mitch isn't interesting in staying in town. He's avoiding something from his past. But when his new job gets delayed, he has all the time in the world to help get the inn up and running.

Could this new adventure be the start of a new partnership?

My Thoughts: The start of a series (now with 6 books), is charming and sweet. News travels fast in this small town. I really enjoyed getting to know the town. I loved how Mitch and Kaitlyn worked together to make the inn beautiful again. I loved the rooms decorated for famous literary couples. I enjoyed getting to know the past troubles of Mitch and Kaitlyn - and how they came to move past the hurt and the trauma. I loved the couples that stayed at the inn and getting to know them. This book reminded me so much of a Hallmark movie - it was delightful. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.

Cover Thoughts:  Charming

Source: My library

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

Romance Review: Something Like That

* Book 1 in a series *

With work being done in her home, Cameron (Assistant US Attorney) picks the wrong hotel room. First - there's all the noise. Second - there's a murder next door.

Cameron might have been the only witness. But the FBI agent she'll have to tell about her night is the same agent who blames her for ruining his career three years ago. He's suddenly back in town and not at all happy to see her.

Together they must untangle a web of lies and secrets all while thwarting danger.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I loved the banter between the two. I liked the dual perspectives and figuring out the real story three years ago. I really liked how Cameron interacted with her bodyguards besides Jack. A fun hate to love romance with tension, danger, and laughter. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Book gifted from OTSPsecretsister

Review: A Study in Scarlet Women

* First Book in the series *

Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable in society. After her father breaks their deal, Charlotte takes matters into her own hands. She plans an event that will allow her to move away from proper society - although she doesn't realize how hard things might become when she's taking care of herself.

After three odd deaths occur and suspicion falls on her sister, Charlotte uses her alter ego to help persuade the police they're on the wrong track. But she'll need help. Luckily she can count on some friends - both new and old to help uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this gender swap of Sherlock Holmes. I loved Charlotte's mind and how she used it. I enjoyed her relationship with her sister and Mrs. Watson. I like how she formed a partnership with the latter. I also really enjoyed the policeman and his wife. I liked the puzzling deaths, the connections, and the reveal. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: Gifted by my OTSPsecretsister
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your public library mystery section.

Graphic Novel Review: Cucumber Quest

An evil queen wants to take over the world. The night before Cucumber's supposed to leave for school, a letter arrives from his father asking him to save the world. Cucumber doesn't have the skills nor the desire to save the world. He wants to be left in peace so he can go to school. Unfortunately, his mother decides otherwise. Luckily for him, Almond (his sister) accompanies him. She's far more suited to the task - in fact she saves his life. Can they save the world together?

I enjoyed this book. I loved Almond's take charge attitude and how Cucumber really didn't want to go save the world. He wanted to send his sister instead because she would be better than him. The art work is charming, the banter is cute, and the story is fun.  Plus who doesn't want to visit a place called the Doughnut Kingdom? I'm eager for the next installment.

Adult Review: Exclusively Yours

 * First in a series * 

When Keri's boss finds out that she used to date the reclusive author Joe Kowalski, she threatens Keri's job in order to get a story. Reluctantly, Keri heads back home to face the man she left to pursue her career.

Joe isn't interested in giving an interview, but he can't help but feel that he and Keri have unfinished business. He creates a bargain where she joins him and his family on their two week camping vacation in exchange for answering questions. But he has limits; his previous love life and his family are off limits.

Keri isn't thrilled at the prospect of spending two weeks gathering information, but she's willing to do just about anything to save her job. But could the two weeks be more than she can handle?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I loved the Kowalski family, especially all the kids. I loved getting to know their stories and look forward reading more about them in future books. I really liked the issues between Joe's twin sister and Keri - and how they reacted to each other over the two weeks. Lots of grant banter and sexual tension in this one. I like the question about careers vs love and if you really have to choose between them or if you really can have it all. So looking forward to the next book in the series. 

Source: Gifted from my #Otspsecretsister
Cover Thoughts: Cute
Library Recommendation: Great for your public library.

Tween Tuesday Review: Ironheart

India's life has been hard since her father left to discover Ironheart, a fairy tale that's said to have  all the secrets of the old world. Ironheart would bring happiness and safety to the people again. But it's been years since he's vanished.

When a tech hunger and her android appear in her village asking for help, India doesn't hesitate. It's either that or be forced into marriage. She's happy to escape home.

And she has a hidden map that might lead her the way. But nothing goes as planned and India's forced to improvise. Will she find the city and will it give her answers?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this dystopian novel. I haven't read too many for middle grade readers. I really liked India. She was fierce, determined, and nothing stopped her. I like how she was forced to change plans often. I loved the secondary cast of characters including the android. I liked her journey. I loved the action and the danger around every corner.

Cover Thoughts: Action packed
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Recommended purchase where readers are asking dystopian novels for middle graders or action novels.

Tween Tuesday Review: Eden's Wish

 * First in a series * 

Eden's desperately unhappy in her life as a genie. She's not thrilled about granting wishes. Each time she travels to life outside the bottle, she wishes to remain. Humans fascinate her. She longs for freedom, so when the opportunity presents itself, she escapes the lamp.

Life outside the lamp is different and she's making mistakes left and right. But she meets a brother and sister (Tyler and Sasha) who help her along the way.

Eden's quickly caught in the middle of a turf war over the lamp the future of the genies. While she's not interested in staying a genie, neither is she willing to let go of the lamp. Can she save her friends and her future?

My Thoughts: Fantastic tween book. I can't wait to read more. I loved Eden. I felt bad for her, how she longed for freedom and a little bit of adventure. I really liked Tyler and Sasha and how they helped Eden.

I liked watching Eden struggle with her choices. I liked how she held onto her own choices and how she didn't let anyone bully her. She's smart, quick witted, and always getting into trouble. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Grab this one for the fish out of water story, friendships, and the battle between good and evil! 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death is Like a Box of Chocolates

* First Book in a Series * 

Michelle and Erica got roped into hosting the Great Fudge Cook-off - partly to promote the town and partly to promote their combine chocolate and bookstore business.

When a body is discovered inside the shop with a chocolate stuffed in the victim's mouth - everything could change in a heartbeat.

Michelle's worried that her shop won't last and that her business customers will cancel their orders. Just as she's finally found herself, she faces losing everything.

Michelle starts looking into the murder in order to get her life back on track.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery with the small town charm, the chocolate and bookstore business, the friendships, and the potential romance. I loved learning more about Michelle and her chocolate making - this book made my mouth water. I craved chocolate while reading it (who wouldn't). I liked both Michelle and Erica's brothers and I'm interested in learning more about them. I really enjoyed the Great Fudge Cook-off and how it came together. I'm looking forward to learning more about these characters. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a fun mystery with lots of chocolate and great friends, look no further. 

Christmas Book Review: Snow Angel Cove

 * first in a series *

Eliza's having a bad day. She just packed up her life and moved to Haven Point with her child for a job. Upon arriving at her new job, she finds that a fire broke out there this morning, devastating the inn. Of course that means she's out of a job - just weeks before Christmas.

Trying to figure out her next move over some food, the mother and daughter head into town. Their bad luck follows them and they're in a small car accident. Nothing serious - but a few bumps and bruises. Eliza's not sure what to do next.

Aidan just purchased land in town and he's headed to his new home a few weeks before the holidays. His car his a patch of ice and he couldn't stop no matter how hard he tried. Feeling terrible, he offers his home to Eliza and Maddie - just until she can figure out her next move.

Maddie falls in the love with Aidan's house and longs to spend Christmas there. Her mother can't wait to leave it. Aidan offers her a temporary job and she knows that she can't pass up the opportunity. Could there be another reason to stay?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this Christmas story. I felt horrible for Eliza - for all the troubles in her life, but I also thought she was a strong person. She's didn't let her troubles overcome her.

I loved Maddie - she was sweet, carefree, and wise behind her years.

Aidan had his own troubles too. I really liked his large boisterous family and I perfectly understand his need to escape that at times for some quiet time.

I liked the romance. Although it was sudden, everything seems magical around the holidays.

I really liked the townspeople and I'm eager to see where the next few books lead.

Cover Thoughts: Perfection. I want to live there.
Source: A gift

Final Thoughts: A wonderful romance for the holiday season - definitely judge this book by the cover. Curl up with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire with it. I'm already looking forward to the second book in the series

Tween Tuesday Review: Upside Down Magic

Nory's family has perfect magical powers and she doesn't. She's about to take her admittance test to Sage Academy. The same school where he father oversees the school and her brother and sister attend.

She will attend there too if only she can control her magic.

When Nory attempts magic, something strange always seems to happen. It's not normal. The harder she tries and the more she fights for control, the worse it seems to get.

When she loses control during the test, she's forced to move in with her aunt and attend public school. She's beyond humiliated, especially when she's placed in the Upside Down Magic program. Will Nory ever get her magic under control?

My Thoughts: I really loved Nory - she was smart, brave, and sweet. I loved her out of control magic -the creatures she created made me laugh. Plus I loved what happened when she turned. My heart went out to her when she was cut off her from home life and her family life. I really liked Ms. Starr and her instructional teaching. I love her outside of the box thinking and how she wanted to make the school a positive environment for everyone. I loved learning about the other kids in the class - from their insecurities to their own brand of magic. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Super Cute!
Source: Sent for Review/BEA book

Final Thoughts: This book is super cute; I LOVED everything about it. It's heartwarming story about being different and owning it! I can't wait to share it with my niece this summer. 

Look for this book at the end of September!

Tween Tuesday Review: Spy School

One day Ben comes home from middle school to find a James Bond type spy in his living room. He doesn't question the fact that a spy school wants him to attend their academy. He simply goes along with it - mostly because he's so surprised.

His arrival on campus doesn't go as planned and he fails his incoming test. Ben soon realizes that he's no spy material and he's not supposed to be at the school. It's a fluke at best and at worst, someone has put a target on his back. Can he figure out who wants him dead without getting himself killed?

My Thoughts: I really liked this spy story - lots of action, lots of danger, and lots of plot twists. I didn't see the end coming. I really liked how Ben had one idea of spies and how they behaved until he attended the academy and everything changed. I like how he fumbled his way through everything - but it made his skills seem so much better. I loved Erika - how amazing she was and how logical and how she saw through appearances. A fun book that was great to read and worked really nicely for the book club. 

Why I read this book: We used this book for our Middle School Book Club book last month. Most of the teens loved it - one felt it was a little unrealistic. First we have a trivia contest - questions about the book. Then we play would you rather. Most of the questions revolved around being a spy and different types of spies and which kinds we would like to be.Then we (just like Ben)  tested out the puzzles on the CIA website, which was really fun. 

Cover Thoughts: Cool
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: NYPD Red

New York is hosting Hollywood week in hopes of bringing more of the business to the streets of New York. The mayor wants everything to run smoothly, but when a big time producers collapses at breakfast, it looks like murder.

NYPD Red takes the case. Detective Zach Jordan is on the case with his new partner (and the woman he's been in love with forever). Together, they determine that he was murdered with poison. He's not the only one on the killer's target list.

Soon the killer starts playing a cat and mouse game with the Detectives and it becomes personal. an Zach and Detective Kylie MacDonald take him down?

My Thoughts: I devoured this book on  plane ride. I loved the action, the danger, and the plot twists. I really liked both of the detectives. They were both strong and determined. I liked the banter between them.  I liked how the book centered around movies and TV - including the chapters written from the killer's perspective. A great entertaining and fast read that left me eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Good
Source: My Library

Tween Tuesday Review: Hero's Guide to Saving the Kingdom

Prince Charming isn't just one person - actually there are five Princes, all given the nickname of Charming and none of them is happy about it or with their part in the fairy tale stories.  Each of them leave their kingdom and set out to seek an adventure and improve their name. They stumble upon each other and begin to become friendly when they uncover an evil plot.

Determined to change their fate, they team up and used their strengths to save the kingdom.

My Thoughts: I was recommended this series by a girl who doesn't love reading, but adores these books. And she was right. They're funny and fresh with quirky characters who steal your heart. I love the mixed up fairy tales and uncover the "truth" behind what really happened. I love the action, the danger, the quick wits, and the humor. I really loved the feisty heroines. The illustrations are great, helping to add detail to this charmingly entertaining read and a fun start to a series.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Adult Review: Seaview Inn

Hannah's going back to one place she dreads - home. She wants to help her grandmother sell the family inn and move into an assisted living facility. Her grandmother has no intention of moving or of giving up the inn. Since her mother died, it's too much work for one person to run the inn.

Hannah takes two weeks off from work, but when she gets down there everything changes. Her daughter arrives - taking a break from college. An old crush and war veteran shows up ready to help make the inn presentable.

Being back on the island, Hannah's forced to move at a slower pace. She also has time to take a hard look at her life and see what's missing. Could the very place she ran from be the place she's meant to stay?

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Sherryl Woods and saw a new book coming out Home to Seaview Key. I realized it was the second book in a series, so I tracked down the first one. I love how the generations of the Matthews family come together. I love their stubbornness, their quick wit, and their big hearts. I really liked Luke. I felt horrible for him and what he went through with his family, but I admired him for putting it back together. A feel good novel, perfect for escaping the cold weather of winter. I wish I was there on the beach and staying at the inn. So looking forward to reading more about this town. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - wish I was there now
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Secret of the Skeleton Key

Cody recently moved to town and she's fitting in with three other students - all of whom enjoy puzzles, codes, and games.

One night, Cody and Quinn are outside talking when they see their next door neighbor spying on them. He tries to signal them, but they don't understand the code. Early the next morning, a fire breaks out in the house.

At first, it seems normal, but two cousins are lurking around the place, talking about finding a hidden will. Should the club find out what's really going on?

My Thoughts: A fun start to a new series filled with codes, clues, and friendship. I love the clubhouse the four friends share and they stash of books and puzzles they keep inside. I love how the four of them work together. A great start to an interactive series that will keep readers guessing. 

Cover Thoughts: I like the creepy effect - very nice
Source: Sent for review