A Date with a Book
I love reading and you will always catch me with a book. While I love all mysteries and romances, I am particularly stuck on Cozy Mysteries.
Original review posted at A Date with a Book.haracters: There are quite a few characters, but several you really get to know. Johnny, Mrs. Berns, Kennie Rogers, Aeon, Lars, Janis and a few of the dairy princesses. My favorite characters were Mrs. Berns and Kennie Rogers. They are Mira's homies from Battle Lake and stay with her nearly the entire time of the fair. Quite characters themselves, they find plenty to do on their own, as well as adventures for Mira to join in. I hope they are in other books of this series.Location and Setting: The location and setting is the Minnesota State Fair. Livestock, food, and entertainment. Be careful if you're reading the book while hungry, Mira describes all of the fair food. Made me very hungry and made me feel like I was there. The fair is was described as being quite large. According to Wikipedia, it is the largest state fair in the United States in terms of average daily attendance. I do like how the author has made this fair its own cozy town.Crime: The murder happens right in the beginning of the book. The details about solving the crime is written very well through the rest of the pages of the book. Mira's adventures while trying to find "who dunit" are quite entertaining. When she's alone, the book and story don't lose their steam.Romance: Very mild. However, I do have to wonder if there will be competition in the next book.I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can't believe I waited so long to read it. I have a few others of this series on my Kindle. I hope I can get to them soon.
Original review posted at A Date with a Book This is the first book I've read of this series. I did not find myself lost in this cozy town at all. I did get lost in the story and enjoyed all the characters. I also found that I want to go back and read the earlier books in the series.Characters: My favorite character of the entire book was Thea Paulson, Kathleen’s mom. What a character she was. Sweeping in and with her colorful personality and loving ways she was instantly someone I identified with. Kathleen has made great friendships in this small town with Maggie, Roma, Abigail, Mary and Susan. I was a little skeptical about how well I would enjoy the magical cats. They definitely had their place in the story.Location and Setting: This is a very cozy town. My favorite location was the library. I loved the Carnegie library description and actually had to look up what one was to understand it fully. Not living in an older part of the United States we don't get old buildings quite like that.Crime: Kathleen was a level headed sleuth. As she begins her investigation, she has a lot of information that could lead her almost anywhere. As she sifts through the suspects and information, I was thoroughly intrigued with the story. Romance: Being plagued with two loves in her life, Kathleen is certain she's done with the one. However, has he changed? And is Marcus really interested? The romance was very mild and just enough that it did not dominate the story.
Listed as a humorous cozy mystery, it is simply that. Take the title of the book and the genre being a mystery, again I say it is simply that. Having forgotten his name and names of others, he begins to solve the mystery of the dead body. It took a little while for this style to grow on me and understand what was going on and to like it.I liked how Hathaway ventures along solving the crime, but really has help from Enescu Fleet. Laughter and adventure along the way, meeting many characters that are just as crazy and zany as Hathaway and Fleet.Being separated a short while, Hathaway thought he had things figured out, or at least who he was and why he was in the middle of a murder investigation, until he hooks up with Fleet again and wait...maybe he wasn’t remembering.Very different than any other book I have read recently, mystery or otherwise. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to others looking for something refreshing and new in a mystery, not a typical read. Thanks Mr. Young for some fun!
I was excited to start a new series with a new theme. I had not read anything with this type of theme before and was really excited. The setting was quaint and identifiable. Persia and her aunt are a great combination for owning the bath and body store. Their relationship is very unique in that they only have each other. Persia is just back to the small town from having lived away for some time, and has to work through issues of the past. Her aunt is a great reminder of the fact that things are different now.Persia is also faced with a murder in her Aunt’s story and does not want it to affect the business. Obviously this is both her and her aunt’s means of financial support. Taking on trying to solve the crime herself, as she doesn’t really trust the Police Chief, she also faces problems from her ex.There are lots of recipes for bath salts and oils and suggested uses. It would be a lot of fun to whip some of these up and use during reading time. Persia is a very modern sleuth and diverse character. I liked the freshness of this aspect, as well as the theme. The story was a little slow in parts, but overall a good crime to be solved.Recommend to those cozy reader mysteries who are looking for a new theme.
I don’t know, there’s something about this series that just keeps drawing me back. While I don’t get overly excited reading each book, I do enjoy the mysteries and characters that the author has developed.At first I didn’t know if I would like the setting being about from the coffee house, but it did allow for some growth in the characters. Sometimes I feel that Clare is a little old, but in this book did find her a little less stuffy. The location was beautifully described with many different settings bringing appeal to the mystery. New characters were introduced which after finishing the book I wonder if we will see them back in the city.The mystery was clever and had me guessing up to the end. I loved the spin on the outcome. I would recommend this book to readers of cozy mystery. Definitely could be read out of order as there is not a lot that ties it to previous installments.
I had heard a lot about this author and this series, so when I was asked if I wanted to review the book for the tour I gladly accepted. Since I’ve been reading a lot more cozies lately, this fit right in with my reading mood. Even though this is book nine of the series, I didn’t feel left out, but did decide I need to go back and read others in this series.I thoroughly enjoyed the setting on an Alaskan cruise. Even though I’m a warm weather gal, I think I would enjoy a cruise through this beautiful part of the world. Sadie only had to put on a jacket, so there are times when it would not be awfully cold and maybe sitting out on the deck at night would not be so much an option.The mystery begins right away and Sadie is instantly curious of what is happening with her son. I liked the twist and turns of the mystery and it had me continually guessing what and who. I enjoyed the mystery part of this book very much. I also liked how the mystery blended with the personal story of Sadie, her boyfriend, her kids, and her new friends on the cruise.Sadie is a likeable sleuth. A little apprehensive when she needs to be, but smart and funny when working her magic. Great surprises at the end of the book.I highly recommend this book and series to all cozy mystery readers. I am definitely going to go back and read some earlier books of this series.
I had this book on my shelf to read for a while and quickly grabbed it as my next cozy read. I read the back of the book, and the author bio caught my attention.(from the back of the book) Eileen Davidson is best known for her Emmy-nominated roles on The Young and the Restless and Days of our Lives. She is currently starring in the international sensation The Bold and the Beautiful.I hesitated and wondered if I should grab another one, but then decided no I needed to just read it. After finishing the book, I was very glad I hadn’t skipped over this one. This was an exciting cozy. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a new series that has had such a great start.The writing was superb. The characters were entertaining. The details of the filming and set information was not overdone. The potential and past relationships were well balanced. The crime was well thought out. It all came together very well. There were a couple times I thought I had guessed right at who had done it and in the end I was wrong.If you are looking for an entertaining, fun, fast read, this book is for you. I was also excited to see there was a second book in the series, now if I can just get my hands on it!!
It had been a while since I read this series, so I was quite thrilled when I picked up book 5 in this series. I enjoyed this book just as much as the others. The author has created such a great character with Olivia that is makes all the stories fun and exciting. I also enjoyed getting to know character Sargeant quite a bit better as well. A few of his edges do seem to soften a bit.The crime was intriguing and it took awhile for me to figure out who did it. As Ollie goes to help, it seems that many of the security are secretly glad for her help. I also have to say that the ending does leave you hanging.If you haven’t read a fun cozy mystery series in while, you should definitely try this one. All of the characters and crimes are very enjoyable. This series is highly recommended.
This book was another free download for my Kindle. I read In Deep Voodoo from her Mojo series and really enjoyed it and decided to give this one a try. This book was definitely different from the Mojo series one, but I did enjoy it as well. It felt a lot more like chick lit and women’s fiction as Roxann is dealing with present problems which cause her to face issues from her past.My favorite character was Angora, Roxann’s cousin. Grown up under her mother’s wing and trying to please her mom any way she can, even on her wedding day. And there are probably people out there really like Angora. She was a large contrast to Roxann’s character. Even though they were cousins their lives were completely different, but amazing that each one thought the other one had it better.The mystery part of the book was very good. I enjoyed trying to figure it out and I think I had it just before it was revealed. This mystery threw a lot of twists and turns even with the relationships going on.I did enjoy this book. At times it is quite heavy in content and feelings, but overall it is a fun read. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story influenced by the character’s past.
 - Janet Evanovich)
I know many readers by now have totally given up on the story premise and I was not that hopeful for this book to be as good as it was, however, I thought the author had totally redeemed herself with this installment. I thought this story had some new fresh ideas, but also kept with the same expectations that just have to happen to Stephanie.Lula was her usual self and spent time with Stephanie working to solve the crime. We also saw Grandma Mazur in action and her “typical plights”. Found myself laughing a couple of times these old lovable antics showed up.Ranger is hot, as usual. I liked how in this book, not to give anything away, he has his own “behind” to worry about.I will continue reading the series and was very surprised with how much I liked this story. Some of them in the past haven’t been up to snuff with me either. Hey, if you’re a true fan, you’ll keep reading.
Another excellent book by this author. The beginning is a little frightful and gory, and I didn’t know if I was going to like the book or even finish it. However, it doesn’t go on long and I stuck it out which I’m glad I did.Again this author has written what I call a dramatic romance story. It is enough to keep you in knots as you’re reading and you just have to keep reading to keep going to keep finding out what’s going on. I was on pins and needles again with this story.Great characters the author has created. Adam and Pa were very good awful (and you’ll have to read the book to know what I mean) and Alyssa and Alex were a great couple. A short teaser from the book: She raised her eyebrows and said, “Are you kidding me?” He smiled and winked. “Welcome to my world.” Dean, Taylor (2012-06-26). Sierra (p. 245). Kindle Edition.Again, I loved this book as much as I Have People. Taylor Dean has a way of writing her novels that are so compelling. I was hooked from the beginning. A quick page turner as well as a white knuckle ride.I highly recommend this book and author to readers of dramatic fiction and romance. I think I will try her Lancaster House series.
 - Theresa Weir)
Wow what a fun read! Just what I was looking for when I was looking through my free downloads. I was also surprised when I got to the end and the author’s bio that this author is actually Anne Frasier. I do have several of her books on my Kindle to read.I love the cover and the title. Definitely a factor in what drew me to grab the book as a free download in the first place. That’s not all that was amazing about this book. Even though this is a short story, just over 100 pages, it was not rushed and left you feeling as if you had read a longer romance book.At times the book is narrated by the cat, but not the entire book. Max is a cute cat who wants his new owner happy again. Making his way into the big world, he actually finds someone perfect for Melody. Or does he? There is a little bit of mystery in the end which makes for some excitement in figuring out what actually did happen.If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, definitely give this book a try. I would recommend this book for cat lovers and romance lovers.
 - Addison Moore)
So this is the second book in the series. Having the basis of the paranormal and the characters, this book jumped right in where it left off. I enjoyed the boyfriend dilemma and really had torn feelings between the both, very similar to Skyla and glad I wasn’t the one really having to decide.There were a few new characters introduced which added further depth to the story and the direction of the series. The introduction of the teacher was very creepy for me and if you have seen the movie Freaky Friday with Lindsay Lohan, I related the introduction of this teacher similar to her teacher in school. Kind of weird how that hit me.Skyla gets really good at Light Driving or Time Traveling as we know it better by and added many different ideas and outcomes. Very interesting how she was very determined to make it work.This book had an excellent start, a little slow in the middle, but then picked up again at the end. I will definitely continue the series. I’m so interested to see how this book series is turned into a TV series.
The author has a way of writing a romance story intertwined with history. After reading The Wild Princess, I was excited to read another book by Mary Hart Perry. This love story is about Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, Beatrice. Beatrice has fought off age and found herself with a line of men vying for her hand. Not sure if she wants to be in the mystery herself, she has no choice.I enjoy how the author is able to weave such mystery and deceit among a society we feel is void of all these types of things. Making “princesses” real people to the reader and cheering for their happiness. I find myself getting wrapped up in the story and really visualizing all that she is describing.I recommend this book, and her prior book Wild Princess, to all romance readers, especially Historical Romance. And if you are a reader who enjoys historical stories, this has just enough mystery and adventure to connect you with the romance.
This book is definitely a love story, but it is also much more. I really enjoyed this book. I read it at a time in my life when I was so busy that I had to keep putting it down even when I didn’t want to. The love story is amazing. Derry and Amedee are meant for one another. Their friends were also great characters and supportive of their love.I loved the little inserts of the individual at the funerals sharing wonderful stories and not being known by the attendees. As I was reading, it was exciting to get to each one of these stories, but I did wonder how it fit in with the entire story.This is a very different book than I have read ever. While there is a romance and love story, it was very different than others as well. However, the entire book, sweet and a great read, did make me think about life and what we do. A quick read (if you life lets you) and very enjoyable.This book is recommended for anyone who has a heart, who has been in love, or who has ever genuinely cared for someone before.
I’ve had this book on my Kindle for a while. I watched the movie over the holidays and decided I would read the book. Little did I know the two were not related. However, I really enjoyed the book. There were a lot of similarities between the two.The author has written the story more like a diary from Jane’s perspective. Picking up in the hospital after waking up for the injury, the story moves very quickly. The author has clearly covered all areas of concern for Jane and how she is able to deal with them. From interactions with her mom and brother, and extended family, all concerned about her returning to daily activities and being an artist. To her friends and their willingness to accept her with her being different now. And my favorite part was the relationship she makes with Justin, a little boy dealing with the loss of his leg.I would recommend this book to anyone who has seen the movie and enjoyed it. A very quick read. And also would recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with anything in their life. There was a great message about picking up and continuing on.
