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Thirty-Two Going on Spinster by Becky Monson

Julia Dorning is a spinster, or at least on the road to becoming one. She has no social life, hates her job, and lives in her parent’s basement with her cat, Charlie.

With the arrival of Jared Moody, the new hire at work, Julia’s mundane life is suddenly turned upside down. Her instant (and totally ridiculous) crush on the new guy causes Julia to finally make some long-overdue changes, in hopes to find a life that includes more than baking and hanging out with Charlie.

But when the biggest and most unexpected change comes, will the new and improved Julia be able to overcome it? Or will she go back to her spinster ways?

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Praise for Thirty-Two Going on… Spinster

“Oh my, oh my. I have just finished wiping the tears of laughter from my eyes. This is seriously funny.”

~Julie Darley (Never judge a Book by its Movie)

“This was a refreshing change of pace for me to read. Some good clean romance was found in it’s pages and that is a rare find these days. It was some great chick-lit. I would not have thought this was Becky’s debut book, it was so well done.”

~Liberty Ann (SnifferWalkBooks)

Excerpt

Cupcakes are in the main break room. Enjoy! – Julia

I’m not going to lie. It took me over an hour to come up with this e-mail. Other drafts consisted of “Cupcakes up in the break room, y’all! Go and get ya some!” and “Yo, cupcakes in the break room. Peace.”

I’m feeling pretty solid with the one I went with.

It’s ridiculous that I’m all in a tizzy (yes, that’s right I said tizzy) about these cupcakes. I’m feeling… I don’t know how to describe it… vulnerable? I think I might know why.

So here is the deal with me: I live inside my head a lot. This has always been a part of who I am. Perhaps it’s not that abnormal. Of course, I have to because as I have already established, apart from work and baking, I have no life. So I tend to exaggerate things in my head a bit. I say this because it is highly possible that, in the late hours I was up making cupcakes, I may or may not have had a few, ahem, fantasies about the new guy, Jared. And no, they were not those kinds of fantasies.

They mostly consisted of… no really, they are just too stupid to admit. Okay, fine. They mostly consisted of him taking one bite of cupcake and falling madly in love with me and then we ran away into the sunset. It varied a little, but that is the gist of it. In my fantasies, he was no longer the job-stealing-smirking-jerk that he actually is, but this incredible guy who says and does everything right. You know, the type of guy who doesn’t actually exist.

It’s ridiculous, right? I mean I don’t know the guy at all. If I honestly think about it though, it’s not that ridiculous. Not the part about me fantasizing about a guy I don’t even know – no, that is totally ridiculous. But I work at an office full of complete and total nerds (and, by the way, I looked up “nerd” in the dictionary, and it said: “an unstylish, unattractive, or socially inept person”, which is so incredibly fitting, it’s scary) and along comes someone who is so not a nerd, well, I couldn’t help myself. Jerk or not.

 

Review

Julia is stuck in a dead end accounting job that she doesn’t like because she doesn’t like change.  She still lives in her parent’s basement for the same reason.  In fact, she thinks she is a spinster at 32.  Enter Jared, the new HR guy that shakes up her life for the better.

Despite the desire to shake Julia up to get her to stop being “safe” and go for her dreams, I found that I could relate to Julia a bit.  I could relate to her situation in a way, no relationship and not sure what I really wanted to do with my life.

This story is about finding your passion in life and it was interesting to see how Julia’s life would turn out with all of the situations that she was placed in during a very short period of time.

Definitely enjoyed the book especially since Julia loves to bake, and I love to eat!

We give this 4 1/2 paws

Author Becky Monson

By day, Becky Monson is a mother of three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. In her debut novel, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful time will last… But it probably won’t. Becky runs a large book club on Facebook called “This Chick Reads”.

 

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Blog Tour Giveaway

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Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Book Title: Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns
Author: Ellen Mansoor Collier
Category: mystery, 268 pages
Publisher: DecoDame Press
Published: May 18, 2014
Available in: mobi, epub, PDF
Content Rating: PG*

Synopsis

During Prohibition in 1920s Galveston, the Island was called the “Free State of Galveston” due to its lax laws and laissez faire attitude toward gambling, girls and bootlegging. Young society reporter Jasmine (Jazz) Cross longs to cover hard news, but she’s stuck between two clashing cultures: the world of gossip and glamour vs. gangsters and gamblers.

After Downtown Gang leader Johnny Jack Nounes is released from jail, all hell breaks loose: Prohibition Agent James Burton’s life is threatened and he must go into hiding for his own safety. But when he’s framed for murder, he and Jazz must work together to prove his innocence. Johnny Jack blames Jasmine’s half-brother Sammy Cook, owner of the Oasis speakeasy, for his arrest and forces him to work overtime in a variety of dangerous mob jobs as punishment.

When a bookie is murdered, Jazz looks for clues linking the two murders and delves deeper into the underworld of gambling: poker games, slot machines and horse-racing. Meanwhile, Jazz tries to keep both Burton and her brother safe, and alive, while they face off against a common enemy.

Review

This is book 3 in the Jazz Age Series and while I liked the first two books, this book really caught my interest.  I’m not sure what the difference was between the first two books and this one, but it seemed like it flowed better and at a faster pace.  Perhaps now that James Burton is in the hot seat, more so than in previous books.  The action also moved at a faster pace, perhaps it was the topic compared to the first two?  Either way, this book was a winner in my eyes.

Of course we still have Jazz meddling where maybe she shouldn’t, but at the same time she finds out information that helps Burton, but he is pretty smart too and has things in the works that Jazz doesn’t know about.  And perhaps in this book Jazz and James will finally become a couple?  We can only hope since the attraction is there!  And what about Aunt Eva?  Will she will be able to retire the “spinster” title?  And will Amanda and Sammy still be together?  You can find out by reading the book!

We give this book 4 1/2 paws and look forward to the next installment.

About the Author

Ellen Mansoor Collier is a Houston-based freelance magazine writer and editor whose articles, essays and short stories have been published in a variety of national magazines. During college summers, she worked as a reporter (intern) for a Houston community newspaper and as a cocktail waitress, both jobs providing background experience for her Jazz Age mysteries.

A flapper at heart, she’s worked as a magazine editor/writer, and in advertising and public relations (plus endured a hectic semester as a substitute teacher). She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Magazine Journalism and served on UTmost, the college magazine, and was active in WICI (Women in Communications), acting as president her senior year.

Flappers, Flasks and Foul Play is her first novel, published in 2012, followed by the sequel, Bathing Beauties, Booze and Bullets, released in May 2013. Gold Diggers, Gamblers and Guns is the last novel in her Jazz Age Mystery series, published in May, 2014. She lives in Houston with her husband and Chow mutts, and visits Galveston whenever possible.

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Title: The New Reality
Author: Stephen Martino
Publisher: Light Messages
Pages: 333
Genre: Thriller
Format: Paperback/Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON

Synopsis

After a deadly retrovirus is inadvertently released upon the planet in 2080, no country is financially prepared to deal with such a disaster. Only the acclaimed neuroscientist, Alex Pella, and NIH expert, Marissa Ambrosia, have the audacity to lead a search for the cure while simultaneously fending off a foreign elite military unit sent to stop them. Guided by an ancient code concealed within the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, the scientists must traverse ancient lands and attempt to solve a biblical riddle in order to save humanity from its eminent destruction.

Drawing from both our nation’s politically charged environment and the worldwide economic crisis, The New Reality follows Alex Pella on a journey that projects a frightening path for human existence in the twenty-first century.

Thoughts about the book from the author

THE NEW REALITY is the first book in a projected trilogy starring Alex Pella, created by New Jersey-based neurologist Stephen Martino. With his mixture of medicine, politics, biblical riddles, and futuristic science, Martino joins such masters of the medical thriller genre as Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, and Robin Cook.

Martino says he wrote THE NEW REALITY “more than just to entertain the reader. I really wanted to create a novel with substance, like (Brown’s) THE DA VINCI CODE or (Crichton’s) JURASSIC PARK. These books not only tell a fantastic story, but they also make the reader think.”

In THE NEW REALITY, Martino has included such hot-button contemporary topics as genetic manipulation, gene therapy, unprecedented economic debt, and the rise of big government, combining them with more esoteric subjects such as the Bible Code and the mysteries hidden in the Book of Revelation.

The Bible Code, Martino explains, does exist and was discovered by Dr. Eli Rips, a mathematician in quantum physics. The code has been confirmed by mathematicians at Yale, Harvard, and Hebrew University, as well as by peer-reviewed mathematical journals and the Pentagon. The code, Martino continues, is found in the original Hebrew version of the first five books of the Old Testament, called the Torah, and only in its untranslated, Hebrew form.

All of these elements, Martino maintains, separate his book from the pack. He calls THE NEW REALITY “issue-oriented fiction. There are real concerns facing society today that threaten both the sovereignty and prosperity of our future generations. Though fictional, my novel addresses some of these issues and predicts the potential consequences we face as a nation if they are not properly addressed today.”

Excerpt

“Off to work again?” Suzan asked, both half-kidding and annoyed.

Her husband seemed oblivious to the question. Because he labored three weeks of double shifts and returned home from work only four hours prior, she thought he was going to at least have the rest of the this day off. Clearly that was not the case. With so many of his coworkers getting sick, it left only a handful of dedicated employees to man the local factory.

“They’re working you straight into the grave,” Suzan added. “They only care about money and not their employees. I don’t know why you let them do this to you. Look at you.” She pointed the dishtowel towards him. “You are an old man and your body can’t do this anymore.”

She was right. Berk was going to be 65 next month and his youthful vitality had been quickly dwindling over the past few years. As arthritis in his back and neck set in, he could do less physical activity, causing him to gain weight. No longer a strapping young man, he had acquired a large gut and two extra chins in the process. Berk’s jet-black hair had also grayed precipitously since putting in all these extra hours at work.

“You worry too much,” he cajoled with a cherub-like grin.

In fact, Berk had been the one doing most of the worrying. He was concerned not only for himself but also for his friends and family in this small town of Yakakoy. Located in western Turkey just off the Aegean Sea, the town’s sole means of sustenance was its local factory. With fewer healthy employees remaining, it left only a handful of people to keep the business alive.

“If I didn’t do the worrying, who would?” Suzan scoffed, while washing the pots in the sink.

Suzan was a sturdy woman, full of life. Accustomed to the hard work of living on a farm as a child, she had grown strong both physically and mentally. Though fifty years of age, she still retained her youthful glow and joked about marrying such an old man. She always responded that he was young when she married him, and now look what happened.

Berk tried to leave without his wife noticing, but she held out her cheek, expecting a kiss before his departure.

“I have to be at the factory,” he curtly responded, while attempting to open the door.

“Oh, no honey. You’re not leaving until you give your wife her proper goodbye.”

Suzan grabbed Berk’s wrist. To her surprise it felt warm and clammy, almost as if she were holding a wet snake. She then realized how red her husband’s face appeared. It was as if he fell asleep in a tanning bed and forgot to wake up for a day.

Berk looked down, not knowing what to say to his wife. They both had witnessed at least half their town come down with the same condition. Whenever someone developed these symptoms, they were immediately whisked away, never to be seen again. Over the past six months Yakakoy had slowly dwindled down to a fraction of its original population. Berk hoped that if he continued working no one would notice his declining health. Failure was not an option for him, and the last thing he ever wanted was to be forced to leave his dear wife and town.

“They’re not going to take you away, honey!” Suzan blurted with authority. “They will have to get through me first. Now you go upstairs and get some rest. You probably just have a fever from working too hard. I’ll tell the factory that you sprained your ankle and will be there in the morning.”

Berk knew excuses would not suffice. If anyone missed work or was late, the town police would immediately come to the house. With so many people in Yakakoy becoming mysteriously sick, the Turkish government had become adamant about removing anyone from the town with signs of The Disease.

The Disease is what the people called it. Since its appearance almost a year ago, it first spread quickly through Greece and Turkey, afflicting more of its population than either government cared to divulge. Scientists could give it no other name. No pathological organism for this new scourge could be found. Neither bacteria, virus, protozoa nor other infectious agent was ever discovered. Even rare pathogens such as prions, similar to those causing mad cow disease, were investigated but without any success.

Now as new victims began cropping up all over the world, humanity lay helpless at the mercy of The Disease. Without knowing the cause of this scourge or having any idea about the mode of its dissemination, humanity stood at the precipice of mass extinction. To prevent global chaos, there remained a total media blackout on the situation. All the general population of the world knew was that The Disease had been mostly confined to Turkey and Greece. Those that understood the truth were forced to secrecy.

Review

If you like your books to be futuristic, a little sci-fi, a tough of romance, a smattering of religion and some medical twists thrown in, then this is the book for you!

It’s the year 2080 and The Disease is killing many people and the race is on to find the cure.  New Reality is a large corporation that has lent money to many countries who do nothing but spend it unwisely (sound familiar?!).  As the story unfolds you will come to love some characters and hate others…and well maybe just not understand some either.  There are a few story lines that all tie together at the end leaving me wondering if this is the first in a trilogy what else can go wrong?!  Oh wait, I think I know but can’t say too much without giving away the ending.

I felt like the author did an amazing job of revealing just enough of the science and technology to make it believable (it is 60+ years in the future after all) but kept the characters like people you would run into walking down the street.  There will be times that you wonder why some of the characters put up with the actions of others…but all is revealed in the end and there are a few surprises too.  Many I was not expecting!

We enjoyed this book and give it 4 1/2 paws.

About the Author

Stephen Martino holds an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and is a neurologist in New Jersey. When he is not working, he can be found with his five children doing homework or cheering them on at a soccer field, basketball court, or dance recital. Martino is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Cub Scout den leader and is an active public speaker, helping to educate the local community and healthcare professionals on the signs, symptoms and treatment of stroke. THE NEW REALITY is his first novel.

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Synopsis

Initially optioned as a screenplay, Black Lotus was subsequently selected as a semi-finalist in the Court TV nation-wide contest for best original mystery – a contest drawing more than 2,000 entries. The novel has since been labeled by more than one critic as “filmed noir in a book.”

Written in a unique style, Black Lotus diverts from traditional mystery and becomes something more like The Office TV show – except covered in blood. It uses a real-time technique with the camera always present, following the action and recording the characters as they speak.

The narrative: African American detective Lotus Williams is fired after the death of her young daughter pushes her into a downward spiral of cocaine use. An outstanding detective before her fall, Lotus is finally given another chance with a new police department, this time in New Parise – a city controlled by two drug cartels viciously battling for supremacy.

Meanwhile, a potentially “psychotic” investigative journalist believes that the powerful New Parise officials are behind much of the city’s illegal activity. Coincidentally obsessed with the gorgeous female Chief of Police, Francesca Corelli, this nosy journalist is fired from her newspaper and ordered to get out of town – or else.

It is within this mire of possible corruption and open gang-war that Lotus Williams has her second chance. But Lotus soon finds herself caught in a web of possible deceit and lies that quickly put her own life in danger.

The denouement is a total surprise, although clues are sprinkled liberally throughout the work so the astute reader may be able to solve the mystery.

The novel is slated for publication this summer. Excerpts from and pre-order forms for the novel are available at Treasure Chest Press. A contest whereby readers offer Black Lotus characters advice is now in full-swing. The most salient, practical advice will receive a $100 Amazon gift card. There is no entrance fee; and no solicitations will ensue because of initial entry.

Black Lotus excerpts

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Review

The book is a style of writing that I’m not used to, but once I got into the groove, the book flowed quite well. The story is told from each character’s point of view and in their style, almost as if the writer is interviewing the characters. For example, Butch appears to be s somewhat less educated police officer and it comes across in the writing style.

Almost all of the characters seem to have their own agenda and everything is not as it seems. It was easy to like and dislike the characters, but as the story progressed and ended, it was easy to see how some characters weren’t the “bad guys” and others were. I enjoyed that about the story because it kept me guessing and I never suspected the ending.  There are quite a few strong characters but they do not overshadow each other which could happen.  I think it has to do with how each chapter, or section of a chapter, is from only one character.

We give this 4 1/2 paws and if you want to read this book, go below to enter my giveaway!

About the Author

Lita Lepie is a graduate of Vassar College and was awarded a Master of Fine Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence where she was a personal student of Grace Paley. Author of ten novels, several plays, dozens of short stories and poems for the past twenty years, Lita Lepie has been represented by top NYC literary agents.

Despite only marginal success in print media, her persistence is either to be admired or pitied. She feels passionately driven to write, and, like any other addiction, numerous attempts to give up her avocation have all failed miserably.

The writer lives in NYC with her Pixiebob cat, Hunter, and her African grey Timneh parrot, Pearl. She works as a high-end trainer to private clients. On a freelance basis she is available as a body guard [she has extensive mixed martial arts training] and raconteur.

Giveaway

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In the craziness of my last month (losing my father and my job of 23 years), things have taken a bit of a back seat to my blog….and I forgot to share with you May’s Book Club Book aka BCB.  So here it is a few weeks late!

We enjoyed Crazy Little Thing by author Tracy Brogan.  We had a shorter discussion since this book didn’t have any discussion questions, but I think we all agreed that it was good but Sadie made us a little nuts with her insecurities!  Aunt Dodie we loved….but then how can you not love an eccentric relative?!?!  This is a fun summer read.

Synopsis

Sadie Turner can organize just about anything — except her own life. When her cheating spouse topples Sadie’s impeccably tidy world, she packs up her kids for a summer vacation at her aunt’s lake house, hoping to relax, reboot, and formulate a new plan — one that does not include men.

Any men.

But eccentric Aunt Dody has other plans; she’s determined to see Sadie have a little fun—with Desmond, the sexy new neighbor. Tall, tanned, muscular—and even great with her kids, Desmond is Sadie’s worst nightmare. He must have a flaw—he’s a man, after all—so Sadie vows to keep her distance. But as summer blazes on, their attraction ignites, and the life Sadie is trying so hard to simplify only gets more complicated. But maybe a little chaos is just what she needs to get her future, and her dreams of love, back in order.

Review

The book had me laughing out loud in many places but I deducted half a star because Sadie was so negative and while I understand she got a bad rap from her ex, at some point you have to stop focusing on what “might” happen and enjoy what is in front of you.

I still thoroughly enjoyed this book and do recommend it and give it 4 1/2 paws!

 

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Title: Startup
Author: Glenn Ogura
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 486
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Format: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle

Purchase at AMAZON

Synopsis

Set in California’s Silicon Valley, STARTUP follows a young idealist/entrepreneur, Zack Penny, as he strives to achieve his dream of creating a new company that will launch an international revolution in technology through the creation of wallpaper-thin displays that will completely surround a viewer. Zack works for a highly successful company called Display Technik, run by CEO Allen Henley, whose vision is based on a success-at-all-costs philosophy.  Zack sees Henley as a mentor, but Zack’s philosophy favors high morals and values over Henley’s ruthless, end-justifies-the-means model of doing business.

Zack’s dream takes root one morning when he discovers an important paper has been taken from his office. Someone has exposed Zack’s secret plan to break away from Display Technik and start his own company. Henley gives Zack another chance to pledge his loyalty to the firm, but Zack resigns instead, more determined than ever to realize his vision. Soon, the optimistic if naive Zack steps into his new facility with high hopes for success. Henley, however, has already launched a plan to destroy Zack, his company, and Zack’s relationship with Henley’s daughter, Mary Anne.

Excerpt

Upon entering the mirrored-glass and stainless-steel lobby of DisplayTechnik, most people’s eyes were immediately drawn to the immense mobile hanging thirty feet overhead. It revolved ever so lazily, its burnished metal dazzling in the California sun. Ultrathin suspension cables concealed by the mosaic pattern on the wall behind the display created the illusion that the massive structure was simply hovering, perhaps by some trick of magnetism.

The mobile reminded Zack of scimitars and guillotine blades. As far as he was concerned, the truly magnificent work of art in the entrance way was the vast floor of highly polished black marble. Walking across it was like stepping into space: looking down at the pinpoints and streaks of glittering white, one strolled through the stars of the heavens, passing by galaxies, and the streamers of some gaseous nebula. Beneath the steel and glass homage to Allen Henley’s vanity was the constancy of the universe—immoveable, immutable, and terrible in its beauty. A plush burgundy carpet surrounded the receptionist’s area, which stood like an island in the sea of black.

Engineers like Zack weren’t supposed to use the main lobby entrance, and he didn’t most days, but it was only six thirty and any of the flock of senior vice presidents who might care if he were violating company protocol were probably still in bed. He usually got to work early, though not merely to avoid the crawl over Highway 680. He liked to take in the surroundings, soak them up, and breathe in the crisp, mechanically filtered air, knowing that one day his own company would never, ever look like this.

Discuss this book in our PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads by clicking HERE

Review

At the time of my writing this review, I have not yet finished the book.  I had a death in the family so this past week has been a little crazy.  However, I am about 2/3 of the way through the book and I am really enjoying this book.  Allen is VERY easy to hate with the way he treats the people around him including his family.  Zack is a good guy but a little naive and idealistic.  While he doesn’t deserve what Allen is doing to him, he also has to realize that businesses are not “nice” or “fair”.  Mary Anne is very similar to Zack in her beliefs but at the same time has this blind loyalty to her father.

The book is well written (so far!) and it has me on the edge of my seat wondering how this story is going to play out.  I hope that perhaps Zack will find a way to bring Allen down, but not sure if that will happen or not.  It is also fascinating reading about potential technology of the future!

I give this book 4 1/2 paws and definitely suggest the book!  I’m sure I will finish it as you are reading this review……but no spoilers from me!

About the Author

Glenn Ogura earned a degree in electrical engineering from Queen’s University in Canada. He is currently the executive vice-president for a New Hampshire-based laser micromachining company. Glenn lives with his wife in California.  In addition to his love of writing and talking technology and the study of business ethics, he plays tennis. Startup is his first novel.

 

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The Bitches of Brooklyn
Paperback: 322 pages
Publisher: Chestnut Hill Books (October 2, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-0989697019
E-Book File Size: 469 KB
ASIN: B00E3XMPN0

 

Synopsis

Are they really bitches? That depends who you ask…Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane are four friends awaiting the arrival of a fifth at a secluded Cape Cod bungalow where they spend an all-girls weekend every summer. But this time the fifth woman doesn’t show. Instead she sends a note that reads – “I’ve run off with one of your men.”

Has she? Is it a prank? Do they run for the phone or try to enjoy the weekend without her?

Fun, flirty and filled with Harris’ trademark snappy dialogue and quirky characters forced to reevaluate their marriages, their friendships and their memories, The Bitches of Brooklyn has been called “a cross between Pretty Little Liars and Sex and the City.”

Elaine Viets, author of Catnapped! has said “the best female buddy book yet. I dare you to put it down!”

Inspired by a classic Hollywood film, The Bitches of Brooklyn is for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Susan Isaacs and every woman who’s ever had a best friend and wondered…is she really??

Review

I have always loved Rosemary’s books and this one was no exception! 5 friends from high school that still have that connection many years later and ups and downs in their lives. This year they make their pilgrimage to the Cape but one friend doesn’t show up and the note she sends is rather mysterious and makes all women re-evaluate their relationships with their men. I thought this was a great story, lots of ups and downs and I kept wondering if Abby really was with one of the men and if she was, which one?

Favorite quote from the book: Who’s her carrier? Dixie cup and string?

We give this 4 1/2 paws up and highly recommend the book!

About Rosemary Harris

Rosemary Harris is a native Brooklynite, like some of the characters in The Bitches of Brooklyn.  A former bookstore manager and television executive, she’s the author of the Dirty Business mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Paula Holliday. Her debut novel, the Agatha and Anthony-nominated, Pushing Up Daisies (Minotaur), was followed by The Big Dirt Nap, Dead Head and Slugfest.  The Bitches of Brooklyn is the first in a new series. Rosemary is past president of Mystery Writers of America’s NY Chapter and Sisters in Crime’s New England Chapter.

She lives in New York City and Fairfield County, CT.

Blog (with 7 other writers) * Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

 

Giveaway

Enter to win a print copy of this book.  Open to US residents only
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Tour Participants

December 1 –  Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – KICK OFF SPOTLIGHT!!!
December 2 – Mystery Playground – Interview, Special Giveaway
December 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway
December 4 – Books-n-Kisses – Review, Guest Post
December 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review, Giveaway
December 6 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Giveaway
December 7 – dru’s book musing –  Guest Post, Giveaway
December 8 – Thoughts in Progress – Review, Giveaway
December 10 – Darla King Series – Interview
December 11 – Kelly P’s Blog – Guest Post
December 12 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review, Interview, Special Giveaway
December 13 – fundinmental – Guest Post,  Special Giveaway
December 14 – According to Squenn – Review, Interview
December 15 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Interview

 

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Tour Schedule

The Pitcher

“I never knew I had an arm until this guy called out, “Hey you want to try and get a ball in the hole, sonny?” I was only nine, but mom said, “come on, let’s play.” This Carney guy with no teeth and a fuming cigarette hands me five blue rubber balls and says if I throw three in the hole we win a prize. He’s grinning, because he took mom’s five bucks and figures a sucker is born every minute. That really got me, because we didn’t have any money after Fernando took off, and he only comes back to beat up mom and steal our money. So I really wanted to get mom back something, you know, for her five bucks.”

A boy with a golden arm but no money for lessons. A mother who wants to give her son his dream before she dies. A broken down World Series pitcher who cannot go on after the death of his wife. These are the elements of The Pitcher. A story of a man at the end of his dream and a boy whose dream is to make his high school baseball team. In the tradition of The Natural and The Field of Dreams, this is a mythic story about how a man and a boy meet in the crossroads of their life and find a way to go on. You will laugh and you will cry as The Pitcher and Ricky prepare for the ultimate try out of life.

Review

This is a great book!  It is about one man’s past, one boy’s dreams and a mother’s hope.  But along with those are lessons to be learned by the characters and the reader alike.  For Ricky, if you want something bad enough work for it and don’t let anyone stand in your way.  For Maria, don’t be too proud to accept help.  For the Pitcher, life could be a lot worse and don’t hide yourself away from the world.

These three main characters have a lot to learn from life and becoming involved with each other enables the characters to learn and grow and become better people.  There were times when each of the characters gave up, but another came along to push them so that they would see their value and worth.  I thought this book was motivating and is definitely worth reading!  Sometimes I thought that the story was set in the past, but it is set in modern times as evidenced by music, television and politics.

This book is a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall and well deserving of that selection.  I think everyone could learn something from this book and that isn’t something I say all the time.  We give this book 4 1/2 paws

 

Author William Hazelgrove

William Hazelgrove is the best selling author of five novels, Ripples, Tobacco Sticks Mica Highways and Rocket Man and The Pitcher His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly, Book of the Month Selections, Junior Library Guild Selections, ALA Editors Choice Awards and optioned for the movies. He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence where he wrote in the attic of Ernest Hemingway’s birthplace. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today and other publications. His latest novel Rocket Man due out May 1, 2013 was chosen Book of the Year by Books and Authors.net. He runs a political cultural blog, The View From Hemingway’s Attic. A forthcoming novel, The Pitcher will be out Sept 1, 2013. He lives in Chicago.

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Blog Tour Giveaway

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Ends 10/27/11

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

 

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Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Gallery Books
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Number of Pages: 304

Synopsis:

Unjustly accused of cooking the books, Maggie Grady is forced to retreat from her high-flying New York financial career to the town where she grew up. Her aunt Clara greets her with open arms and a job at the family-owned business that has baked the best pies in the South for over forty years. Unfortunately, while Maggie is determined to return to banking, her reputation there seems permanently in the pits. That is, until her old boss, Lou, visits with news that he’s found the real crook. Before he can reveal the details, though, Maggie finds his body right behind the pie shop.

With only her own word that Lou planned to exonerate her, Maggie is in the spotlight. The police seem to suspect that Aunt Clara’s damson pie may not be just dangerously delectable, but downright deadly. Maggie doesn’t just have her own name to clear; she has to make sure that her aunt’s beloved business isn’t harmed, either. Yummy local reporter Ryan Summerour appears eager to help, and Maggie can’t help hoping that it’s not just the police who find her a person of interest—but Ryan, as well. She’d thought it challenging to make the perfect pie crust that Aunt Clara demands, but that turns out to be nothing compared with finding a murderer. . . .

Excerpt:

Aunt Clara and Uncle Fred had raised Maggie after her parents’ death in a car crash. They’d been there through high school and college when Maggie had worked right here at Pie in the Sky for spending money, dreaming her big dreams about the future.

“I could use a little more tea,” an intense young man with spiky, green-tinged brown hair yelled out.

“I’ll get it,” Maggie said. “How’s that mystery pie coming along? People are waiting for it. I think we’ve already had a hundred suggestions for names. It’s smart of you to introduce new pies that way. Good marketing.”

Aunt Clara shrugged her shoulders. Her unnaturally red hair was a little frizzier than usual. It looked like an orange fringe around her still pretty face. She looked like Maggie’s mother, with that red hair and green eyes. Maggie had inherited her father’s dark brown hair.

“It’s what I’ve always done. The kids like it. I never guessed when your uncle and I opened this pie shop forty years ago that I’d be here making pies without him.” Aunt Clara sighed. “But then things don’t always go the way you plan.”

You said a mouthful there. Maggie brought another small pot of hot water and a tea bag to the young man’s table.

He looked as though he was working on something important. He raked his hand through his hair again and spilled Amazing Apple pie on his black superhero T-shirt that had already seen better days. The table was covered with diagrams and charts.

“What are you working on?” She tried to be friendly. It wasn’t always easy. It had been different when she’d worked here and known most of the students. Now she felt a lot like their mother.

“None of your business,” he barked, protectively covering the documents. “I have tea now. Go away.”

“You don’t have to be rude. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar?”

He stared at her like she’d lost her mind.

Obviously not.

Review:

I love food and especially pie, so I was very excited to have a chance to read this book centered around a pie shop.  The pie names had me drooling all throughout the book, that’s for sure!  I thought this book had good characters that were pretty well developed for the first in a series.  I liked that there were a couple of storylines going on in this first book – Maggie losing her job, her boss dying after visiting her at the pie shop and the “big ugly” developer trying to purchase the property.  They all tied in well and while I had a sneaky suspicion who the killer was, I wasn’t 100% sure until that person was revealed.

This series is definitely going on my list of books to read and cannot wait to see what comes out with book 2!  We give this a solid 4 1/2 paws up and highly suggest checking out the book!

About This Author:

Ellie Grant writes award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook and Joyce and Jim Lavene. They have written and published more than 60 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

 

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Purchase Links
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The Giveaway:

One print copy of the book open to US Residents only.  contest ends September 15th
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Tour Participants

September 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Guest Post

September 4 – My Recent Favorite books – Review & Giveaway

September 5 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner –Review & Giveaway

September 5 – Dru’s Book Musings– Guest Post & Giveaway

September 5 –Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Guest Post & Giveaway

September 6 – StoreyBook Reviews  – Guest Post, Review & Giveaway

September 7 – Dr. Pepper Diva – Review & Giveaway

September 9 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Interview, Review & Giveaway

September 10 – readalot – Review & Giveaway

September 11 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Guest Post & Giveaway

September 12 – Mochas, Mysteries and More – Guest Post, Review & Giveaway

September 13 – A Blue Million Books  – Interview

September 14 – Brooke Blogs – Review

September 15 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Interview & Giveaway

a copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

 

Synopsis:

Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery – New Series
Published by: Berkley Prime Crime
Release Date: September 3, 2013
Number of Pages: 304

Expert muffin baker Merry Wynter is finally ready to turn her passion into a career. But when a dead body is found on her property, she’s more worried about cooking up an alibi…

Merry is making a fresh start in small-town Autumn Vale, New York, in the mansion she’s inherited from her late uncle, Melvyn. The house is run-down and someone has been digging giant holes on the grounds, but with its restaurant-quality kitchen, the place has potential for her new baking business. She even has her first client—the local retirement home.

Unfortunately, Merry soon finds that quite a few townsfolk didn’t like Uncle Mel, and she has inherited their enmity as well as his home. Local baker Binny Turner and her crazy brother, Tom, blame Melvyn for their father’s death, and Tom may be the one vandalizing her land. But when Tom turns up dead in one of the holes in her yard, Merry needs to prove she had nothing to do with his death—or her new muffin-making career may crumble before it starts…

Review:

I will admit that I love a good cozy….especially if it centers around food!  I have read several of the books in Victoria’s Vintage Kitchen series so was pretty sure this would be another winner.  And I was right!  The first thing that I love about Merry, is that she is a former plus sized model and she isn’t trying to diet and lose her curves.  She is also a widow, losing her husband of 2 years, but still in love with him.  Merry inherits a castle from her uncle and tried to sell it, but when things went south with her job, she decides to head to Autumn Vale to take matters into her own hand.  There she finds a quaint town and makes some new friends….and maybe an enemy or two.

Bran New Death is a fun read and I definitely see this turning into quite an interesting series!  There is a treasurer buried somewhere on the estate (or so the rumor goes) and that could lead into several books if they can figure out the clues.  She has a friend that followed her to Autumn Vale, and another friend that decided that he needs to stick around to gain insight for the book he is writing and the money crimes that happen in this book. I think it will be an interesting group of friends in this small town.  How will the residents like that?  Guess we will find out in the following books.

I give this book 4 1/2 paws and say this is a series to watch!

About the Author:

Victoria Hamilton, nationally bestselling author of the Vintage Kitchen Mystery Series, is the pseudonym of Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of romance and historical mystery novels.

Victoria starting reading mystery novels at the age of 12 and devoured Agatha Christie mysteries, as well as those of Dorothy L. Sayers and Ngaio Marsh. She still adores mysteries, especially the cozy mysteries of Janet Bolin, Krista Davis, and others.

She loves to cook, and collects teapots and teacups, as well as vintage kitchen utensils and bowls. She also enjoys crafts, especially cross-stitching and crocheting, and summer days in the garden, drinking tea or wine. Besides the Merry Muffin Mystery series (Bran New Death – September 3^rd) Victoria writes two other mystery series for Berkley Prime Crime, the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series (Book 3, Freezer I’ll Shoot, debuts November 5^th) and the Teapot Collector Mystery series which debuts with Tempest in a Teapot, June 3^rd, 2014.

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The Giveaway:

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August 30 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

August 31 – Brooke Blogs – Review & Guest Post

September 1 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – Review

September 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review & Interview

September 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

September 4 – Books-n-Kisses  – Review & Guest Post

September 5 – Booklady’s Booknotes Review & Interview

September 6 – Melina’s Book Blog  – Review & Guest Post

September 7 – Musings and Ramblings – Interview

September 8 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

September 9 – readalot – Review

September 10 – Girl lost in a book – Review

September 11 – Mochas, Mysteries and More  – Review & Guest Post

September 12 – My Recent Favorite books – Review

September 13 – Socrates’ Book Review Blog – Review

a copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.