Synopsis

 

Bree Thompson has suffered a tragic loss, one from which she’s afraid she won’t recover. Bree needs a drastic change; so that every time she turns around it doesn’t remind her of what she once had.

She drives to the east coast, determined to find what she thinks she needs in the sun and the sand.

Bree starts to believe it’s possible; she finds the perfect house on the water and a construction crew for her fixer-upper. One of them might even be able to mend her broken heart.

But that’s when the trouble starts…

Watching, waiting, someone’s lurking in the shadows to take it all.

 

 

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Review

 

This book combines the best of a mystery, thriller, and romantic suspense novel which are all some of my favorite reads.

Bree is a broken woman having lost her family in a tragic accident. She is wary of others and this puts her at a disadvantage at times when it comes to potential relationships. Ryker has his own set of issues but falls for Bree almost immediately when she punches him after thinking he might be there to harm her. Not the best first meeting! But that event was a good basis for them to get to know each other over time and learn to trust each other. Of course, neither expected to have to deal with a stalker that wants back whatever Bree took from him.

The book starts off from the stalker’s POV and it sets the reader up for an intense read. We don’t know who this person is or why they have it in for Bree, and it will take until nearly the 2/3 mark to really get that answer, and even then, we still don’t know who it is just why they want to harm Bree. I did suspect the correct character for no specific reason but almost changed my mind and thought it might be another character, but it really didn’t fit. It may (or may not) be hard to determine whom to suspect because until closer to the end of the book, the stalker could have been someone we hadn’t met yet. So many possibilities.

I enjoyed the pace of the relationship that developed between Bree and Ryker. It wasn’t quick and allowed them to get to know one another better before becoming intimate. It was better that it developed slowly because of Bree’s baggage and Ryker’s playboy attitude.

I love the descriptions of Bree’s photographs because I could picture them in my mind. I loved how the author describes how she alters the photos to bring things more into focus, or blur the lines of other aspects of the image. I am amazed at what we can do with technology these days.

I really enjoyed this novel and it was hard to put down, I just had to know how the events were going to play out, find out if I was correct in my suspicions, and wonder if Ryker was going to remember he installed a certain app on Bree’s phone just in case. (you’ll have to read the book to discover what app I am referring to!)

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Melissa Roos was born and raised in Iowa and graduated from Iowa State University. She lives in Pennsylvania with her family. Melissa published her first book, a cozy mystery/romantic suspense in 2020, titled You Can Hide. Her second novel, In the Shadow of the Black Moon, is also in the same genre and was released in September of 2021.

 

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THE SPARROWS OF MONTENEGRO

 

by

 

BJ MAYO

 

 

Categories: Western / Historical Fiction / Texas

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Date of Publication: February 8, 2022

Number of Pages: 312 pages

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Tree “Bigfoot” Smith and Cedar Jones first meet on the day they join the US Cavalry’s Fourth Cavalry Regiment based out of the Historic Fort Concho in what is now San Angelo, Texas, in 1870.

Their journey takes them into the heart of the dangerous Llano Estacado region known as the Comancheria. The area is ruthlessly defended by a band of Quahadi Comanche and their stoic leader, Lonely Horse. The Troop encounters a large group of Comanches and the gun-running Comancheros at Mushaway Mountain, close to Gail, Texas. A quick battle ensues that leaves eight men dead.

Post Cavalry life finds Tree Smith and Cedar Jones as cowhand and cook on the large Rolling J cattle ranch in South Texas bordering the Rio Grande River. The ranch employs two Vaqueros from the village of Montenegro in Mexico, just across the river, whom Tree befriends.

The quiet life on the Rolling J ranch is brought to an abrupt halt when a local sheriff warns that a band led by the cold-blooded, sadistic killer known as Gato Montes has been preying on the ranches along the Rio Grande. After the sheriff is nearly killed by these men, Tree is tasked with tracking them down, only this time, he is traveling alone and the dangers are greatly multiplied. His epic journey takes him back into the Llano Estacado where he is captured by Lonely Horse and taken to Mushaway Mountain where the Comanche carry out their own form of frontier justice.

Tree’s return journey puts him on the same path as Marco, a Mexican goat herder, who rides with him to the Mexican Village of Montenegro, where Tree meets Julia, who changes his life forever after he becomes involved in and bears witness to the wonderful celebration of Dia de los Muertos.

 

 

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PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

 

“I could not put this one down. Mayo has masterfully written a character-driven page-turner, a compelling tale for the reader who seeks something more than the stereotypical western novel.” —Ron Schwab, author of Goldsmith and the Law Wranglers series

 

“This mild-mannered west Texas rancher has woven a border tapestry using yarns made of unimaginable horror and sweet innocence.” —Tumbleweed Smith, author of Under the Chinaberry Tree

 

“A thoroughly enjoyable read—a cowboy’s trail you’ll want to follow, with a memorable cast of characters, renegades, soldiers, lawmen, and simple folks, and a hero that you’ll want more of.” —John J. Jacobson, author of All the Cowboys Ain’t Gone

 

 

 

 

 

If you are in the mood for a historical western that has everything from cowboys & ranching, cavalry, Dia de Los Muertos, Indian justice, faith, humor, and even a little romance, then this is the book to read.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started this book and wasn’t sure where the first few storylines were going, but as I continued reading everything fell into place. As it was said in the book “Dios knows.” The stories weave together as if they were always meant to be there and the descriptive words of the sights, sounds, and smells will have you wondering if you were there with them experiencing the same thing.

There are so many likable characters, and of course some unlikable ones too. I’m not quite sure who my favorite character was out of all of them, but it was close between Tree, Marco, and Felicity. Tree is one of the main characters and like his name, he is steadfast and strong. Marco is a minor character we meet about 2/3 of the way through the book but his kindness and goat-whisperer abilities just spoke to me. Felicity is not your average woman and can definitely take care of herself as she shows us multiple times. Plus, her ability to move past her past and look forward to a future with Cedar is something many can relate to in our own lives.

This story is not a sweet recounting of what life was like in the late 1800s but a realistic look at what settlers might have endured from the Indians, banditos, wild animals, and weather that they may not be prepared to experience. The biggest obstacles were the Indians and the justice that they meted out to those trying to take over their lands or unsavory acts perpetrated upon the tribe or others. The truth isn’t whitewashed and the details may be hard to read for some, but it was how things were handled at that time.

While the story has multiple facets, the main focus is on Tree and his life during the cavalry and afterward. He is a noble character with flaws and a heart as big as Texas. So many go through life with events from their past that haunt them and this is no different for Tree. However, he learns to adapt and eventually captures the heart of a woman from a village across the border. While we don’t see a lot of their relationship blossom and it does seem to happen rather quickly, they are perfect for each other and ultimately complete each other.

I do have to add that I got a huge chuckle of what the men would call their privates – hangy-downs.

This is a wondrous tale that hovers between western and historical fiction, but it definitely made an impression on me. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BJ Mayo was born in an oil field town in Texas. His career in the energy industry took him to various points in Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Louisiana, Alabama, Bangladesh, Australia, and Angola, West Africa.

He and his wife were high school sweethearts and have been married for forty-six years. They live on a working farm near San Angelo, Texas.

 

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Autographed copies of The Sparrows of Montenegro.

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2/8/22	Review	Reading by Moonlight
2/8/22	BONUS promo	Hall Ways Blog
2/8/22	BONUS promo	LSBBT Blog
2/9/22	Review	The Plain-Spoken Pen
2/9/22	Review	Book Fidelity
2/10/22	Review	Bibliotica
2/10/22	Review	Forgotten Winds
2/11/22	Review	The Book’s Delight
2/11/22	Review	Momma on the Rocks
2/12/22	Review	Librariel Book Adventures
2/13/22	Review	Julia Picks 1
2/14/22	Review	Book Bustle
2/15/22	Review	Rainy Days with Amanda
2/16/22	Review	Jennie Reads
2/17/22	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
2/17/22	Review	The Clueless Gent

 

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Texas Ranger Tom Bell is tracking a fugitive killer when he rides into Pine Top, a hastily erected shanty-town crawling with rough and desperate men-oil drillers, come by the thousands in search of work. It soon becomes apparent that the lawman’s poking around has irritated the wrong people, and when two failed attempts are made on his life, Bell knows that he’s getting closer to finding out who is responsible for cheating and murdering the local landowners in order to access the rich oil fields flowing beneath their farms. When they ambush him for a third time while he’s out with a local woman he’s fallen for, they make the deadly mistake of killing her and leaving him alive

 

 

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Review

 

This is the first book I have read by this author and after reading the author’s notes, apparently, Texas Ranger Tom Bell has other books that he is featured in and you could say this is like a prequel to those books.

In this book, Tom is chasing a murderer from the valley and ends up in East Texas. I don’t think I realized it when I picked up the book, but since I lived for some time in Longview, I am familiar with the area even though it would have looked much different in the 1930s. I was fascinated to learn that Liberty City was previously called Hog Eye until the oil boom. I had to chuckle at the name of the town, but there are small towns all across this country with unique names.

Set during the oil boom, this book showcases human nature and that they weren’t that much different than people today by scheming and deceiving landowners, killing, prejudice for those even a little different from them, gangsters and prohibition. This book gets into the nitty-gritty of life in a small shanty town and had me spellbound imaging life nearly 90 years ago. Life was not easy because there was also the depression which made some people greedy that much more as we saw from various characters.

I really like Tom Bell and how seriously he took his position as a Texas Ranger. It was not an easy job for him or anyone else, but they made it work somehow. I thought the details painted a picture for us to imagine what life was like in this area at that time. The towns exploded with oil derrick workers and I can imagine law enforcement was stretched thin trying to keep everything peaceful. It was not an easy task for anyone. Those that were of ill repute were going to wreak havoc no matter what and those scenes had my heart pounding wondering how things were going to shake out for Tom.

This is a fascinating book and one I enjoyed immensely. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Reavis Z. Wortham retired in 2011 and now works harder than before as the author of the critically acclaimed Red River historical mystery series. Kirkus Reviews listed his first novel, The Rock Hole, as one of their Top 12 Mysteries of 2011. True West Magazine included Dark Places as one of 2015’s Top 12 Modern Westerns. The Providence Journal writes, “This year’s Unraveled is a hidden gem of a book that reads like Craig Johnson’s Longmire on steroids.” Wortham’s new high octane contemporary thriller from Kensington Publishing, Hawke’s Prey, featuring Texas Ranger Sonny Hawke was released in June 2017.

 

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Synopsis

 

Two estranged sisters find that forgiveness never goes out of style when they inherit their mother’s vintage jackets, purses… and pearls of wisdom

Estranged half-sisters Gabrielle Winslow and Lulu Quattro have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward Bette Bradford, their controlling and imperious recently deceased mother.

Gabrielle, the firstborn, was raised in relative luxury on Manhattan’s rarefied Upper East Side. Now, at fifty-five, her life as a Broadway costume designer married to a heralded Broadway producer has exploded in divorce.

Lulu, who spent half her childhood under the tutelage of her working-class Brooklyn grandparents, is a grieving widow at forty-eight. With her two sons grown, her life feels reduced to her work at the Ditmas Park bakery owned by her late husband’s family.

The two sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will, expecting to divide a sizable inheritance, pay off their debts, and then again turn their backs on each other.

But to their shock, what they have been left is their mother’s secret walk-in closet jammed with high-end current and vintage designer clothes and accessories— most from Chanel.

Contemplating the scale of their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they being to explore their mother’s collection, meet and fall in love with her group of warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures — it seems as though their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond — helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.

 

 

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Review

 

What would you do if your mom left you a collection of vintage clothing by Coco Chanel? You might be tempted to sell it off or find another way to cash in, which is what at least one of the sisters wants to do, but there are restrictions and an attorney has the final say on what they do with that collection. This book is more than just about clothing by Chanel, it is about sisters finding their way back to one another and learning how to open up and let others into their life.

Gabrielle and Lulu were once close, but time and circumstances have caused a rift between the two. Plus these sisters couldn’t be any more different and you wonder how that could have possibly happened. Lulu is more of a free spirit and really doesn’t care much about fashion. Gabrielle has, and wants more, of the finer things in life. Both have endured some tragedies in their lives, Lulu’s husband passed away and Gabrielle went through a trying divorce. However, both are a little short-sighted and mired in their own grief to look outside of their little world.

This story might resonate with many readers especially when it comes to the loss of a parent. Or perhaps it will be the sibling relationship and what caused a rift so that you aren’t as close anymore. Then there is the merry band of women, friends of Bette (the mother), and the challenges they face as they grow older and want to leave a legacy behind. This doesn’t even include Thea, the bookshop owner that employs Gabrielle, and has her own set of issues with a son that has become greedy over what he might inherit from his mother…but that is a whole other story that you will discover within the pages.

I enjoyed the story even thought Lulu and Gabrielle could get on my nerves with their lack of communication and expressing their needs. Family is family, and while they might be afraid, if they don’t speak up worse things could happen in their lives. I loved Lulu’s kids and their spouses. They were not afraid to jump in and help at various times. Gus even has a love for baking and has all sorts of ideas for the family bakery.

The ending just proves that communication and love will go far in your life, you just have to be able to express it to others.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Authors

 

Randy Susan Meyers‘ internationally bestselling novels are informed by years working with families impacted by family violence— and a long journey from idolizing bad boys to loving a good man.

After years working in social service and criminal justice, Meyers published her first novel, The Murderer’s Daughters—a story of the aftermath of domestic violence—a Target Pick for the country. Her novels have twice been chosen by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, as “Must Read Fiction,” who wrote, “The clear and distinctive voice of Randy Susan Meyers will have you enraptured and wanting more.”

Meyers and her husband live in Jamaica Plain, Boston, where she teaches writing at Grub Street Writer’s Center.

 

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New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice… books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Her most recent novel, The Last Tiara, will be published Feb 2, 2021

Rose’s work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the ’80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors – Authorbuzz.com

The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose’s novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers and currently serves, with Lee Child, as the organization’s co-president.

 

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Synopsis

 

A riveting tale about a Black classical musician whose family heirloom violin is stolen on the eve of the most prestigious classical music competition in the world.

Ray McMillian loves playing the violin more than anything, and nothing will stop him from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional musician. Not his mother, who thinks he should get a real job, not the fact that he can’t afford a high-caliber violin, not the racism inherent in the classical music world. And when he makes the startling discovery that his great-grandfather’s fiddle is actually a priceless Stradivarius, his star begins to rise. Then with the international Tchaikovsky Competition—the Olympics of classical music—fast approaching, his prized family heirloom is stolen. Ray is determined to get it back. But now his family and the descendants of the man who once enslaved Ray’s great-grandfather are each claiming that the violin belongs to them. With the odds stacked against him and the pressure mounting, will Ray ever see his beloved violin again?

 

 

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This book releases on February 1, 2022. Pre-order today!

 

 

Review

 

I grew up playing musical instruments in the band, so when this book came around and involved a mystery and music? I was sold!

The mystery portion is who stole his violin, a Stradivarius that was given to him by his grandmother because it was the fiddle that her grandfather played when he was a slave in the 1800s. However, no one knew how valuable it would become until Ray has it cleaned up and the store owner has an inkling and suggests an appraisal. Ray becomes quite famous because of this violin and the violin becomes part of him, almost like another appendage. I can’t blame him for not letting it out of his sight considering the worth of the item! I did figure out who stole the violin, or at least suspected this character because nothing else reasoned out. I do have to say that Ray made some unwise decisions but I understood the passion he felt for finding his violin. It was one of these decisions that led to the recovery of the violin, but you’ll have to read the book to find out how and why.

While there is a mystery, this book is more of a retelling of the author’s life. Black classical musicians aren’t common and he fought a lot of racism honing his craft and showing the world that the music he could create was on par with any other musician out there. My heart broke for him, and any other person that is faced with discrimination and racism while improving their life. I thought the way that the character (and possibly the author) handled overt racism from those he met was right on target. I loved how he drew in those kids that were like him, possibly playing on a school instrument that may not be the best but was all that was available. Talent will outshine whatever means are available and it just takes the right person to recognize it.

Ray’s family disgusted me. They didn’t seem to care about him at all and his mother saw him as another paycheck, one to obtain the items she wanted versus what was best for Ray. I couldn’t believe she wanted him to drop out of high school, get his GED, and then find a job to give her money. Thankfully, he doesn’t go that route after being noticed by a professor from a college and helping him further his dreams of being a musician. His family also was out for just the money especially when they found out how valuable the violin was and declared that it was theirs and not Ray’s even though their mother, Ray’s grandmother, gave it to him in front of everyone. No one seemed to care about it when they thought it was just a fiddle. Just goes to show how money brings out the worst in everyone.

While I love classical music and played musical instruments, none were string instruments so some of the terminologies were lost on me, but I could imagine Ray playing his violin in front of audiences and the emotions that the music evoked in him and those listening. The descriptions of some of the pieces brought back fond memories and I will definitely think differently next time I am listening to classical music.

This book is more than a mystery, it is one man’s life and the achievements that were possible because he had passion. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Private Investigator Steve Rockfish needs cash, like yesterday. The bad news is that yesterday, a global pandemic raged, and Maryland was headed toward a lockdown that would ultimately lead to cheating spouses no longer “working late,” and hence a lack of new clients.

Rockfish’s luck changes when a Hollywood producer reaches out, but the job is two states away and involves digging up information on a child trafficking ring from the 1940s. What he uncovers will be used to support the launch of a true-crime docuseries. He grabs a mask, hand sanitizer and heads for South Jersey.

On-site, Rockfish meets Jawnie McGee, the great granddaughter of a local policeman gone missing while investigating the original crimes. As the duo uncover more clues, they learn the same criminal alliance has reformed to use the pandemic as a conduit to defraud the Federal Government of that sweet, sweet, stimulus money.

It’s not long before the investigation turns up some key intel on a myriad of illicit activity over the last eighty years and Rockfish rockets toward a showdown with the mafia, local archdiocese, and dirty cops. COVID-19 isn’t the only threat to his health.

 

 

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Review

 

This new mystery was a delightful blend of old world and new world detective skills with Rockfish and his potentially new protege, Jawnie. These two are as far apart as you can imagine when it comes to their thoughts and abilities except when it comes to wearing a darn mask because of COVID.

The mystery spans about a century when Rockfish is hired to investigate young women that went missing. There is a lot more to the story and it definitely ruffles some feathers once Rockfish lands in this small township and starts asking questions. The mafia plays a major role in what happens in this sleepy burg and they are not a fan of dredging up the past.

The dialogue is snarky and witty, the characters a bit crazy in their actions, but paired together it creates a fascinating read for any mystery buff. Jawnie has a lot to learn about who to talk to and what to say when it comes to investigations, but Rockfish is a great teacher and there are only a few “I told you so” moments.

This is set at the beginning of Covid-19 so there are a lot of references to the pandemic, wearing masks, hand sanitizer, and political jabs. I tended to skim over most of that because I really prefer to not have too much about the pandemic in my books since they are my form of escape, but it was rather comical to see many of the characters insist that others put on face masks and were rather insistent on it too. Of course, the face masks help during certain scenes when the bad guys don’t want to be identified.

I loved the ending and might have suspected some of it, but it sets it up for the next book due out in July 2022.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Ken Harris retired from the FBI, after thirty-two years, as a cybersecurity executive. With over three decades writing intelligence products for senior Government officials, Ken provides unique perspectives on the conventional fast-paced crime thriller. While this is his first traditionally published novel, he previously self-published two novellas and two novels. He spends days with his wife Nicolita, and two Labradors, Shady and Chalupa Batman. Evenings are spent cheering on Philadelphia sports. Ken firmly believes Pink Floyd, Irish whiskey and a Montecristo cigar are the only muses necessary. He is a native of New Jersey and currently resides in Northern Virginia.

 

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Synopsis

 

A magic mirror to an enchanted world… A mysterious ghost… A hilarious, perpetually annoyed witch… A brave, sassy cat… Two unexplained deaths and a mysterious community filled with secrets… Can Hayden and the people of Destiny Falls solve the mystery and return the community to its peaceful, enchanted existence?

Hayden’s adventures in Destiny Falls continue in book four of the Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic series. Starting with a strange old woman at a cave and her father’s mysterious ferry journey, there are secrets to be unwound.

The enchantments in Destiny Falls are showing cracks, and Hayden suspects that it is tied directly to her family, which has a history that’s more complex than she realized. When two bodies are found floating in the bay it’s clear that the mysteries surrounding Gladstone and the ferry are more dangerous than people realize. And then . . . those spiders.

Luckily, Hayden and her sassy sidekick, Latifa have developed a group of family and friends in this enchanted place who are all ready and willing to help solve the mystery, and release Destiny Falls to resume its normal, amazing, enchanted existence.

Hayden’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this intriguing series.

 

 

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Read for Free via Kindle Unlimited

 

 

Review

 

This has been a fun series to read and in each book, we learn more and more about Hayden’s family, their magical abilities, and watching familial relationships continue to build and blossom. I think what I have enjoyed about it so far is learning about Hayden’s family and Destiny Falls. Sure the mystery part is intriguing and trying to figure out the killer doesn’t always happen, but the story of how Destiny Falls came to exist, along with Gladstone, is intriguing. Gasper really adds flavor as the ghost that can’t answer questions but can tell you a story with a lot of clues peppered within the pages.

The cats crack me up and Lola, the newest one, seems to be finding her voice. I could just imagine how she would sound. And when Hayden takes them for a ride in the convertible? I just chuckled at their antics and wardrobe.

While we have known who the old woman in the cave was, or at least suspected, it was nice to see it confirmed and slowly more information about the past is revealed and there is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end that has me on pins and needles waiting to read the next book in this series.

I adore the budding relationship between Hayden and Han. It is nice to see them both finding someone that gets them and understands the magical aspect of Hayden’s life.

This is a series that all paranormal and magical fans will adore. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Elizabeth Pantley is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one.

 

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Instagram |  Website | Amazon

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

A loving homage to the era celebrated by the hit Netflix series Bridgerton—and the cocktails that shaped its high society

As a society doyenne and undercover libertine, Lady Thornwood knows what makes a drink perfect. In The Unofficial Bridgerton Book of Drinks: Lady Thornwood’s Guide to the Cocktails of Grosvenor Square, this respectable cocktail connoisseur presents a guide of over 75 cocktail recipes shaped by the Regency era in both refinement and ingredients—and served alongside a heaping dose of high society gossip, scandal, and speculation. Beginning with the gentlewoman’s advice on setting up a Regency bar, the best glassware, and garnishes, and an overview of the period’s most popular ingredients, the book is then divided into six subsequent recipe chapters drawn from high-society life during the London social season, from occasions such as “The Evening Soirée” to “Delicate Daytime Drinks” to even those rare, deliciously non-alcoholic drinks for “Polite Company.” Throughout these chapters, Lady Thornwood weighs in with stylish sidebars and entertaining advice on how to host gatherings that are the talk of the “ton.”

Amidst all of her sly cheek and drama, our hostess presents readers and cocktail aficionados with an intriguing true history. In Regency England, as Britain’s Empire expanded, cocktails were becoming social currency, a showcase for wealth, trade connections, and even modern marvels like ice. The Regency shaped British high society for a century and helped launch the cocktail revolution we still enjoy today. As Lady Thornwood says, “As the Regency unfolds, ships sail up the Thames from every corner of the globe freighting exotic spices, vibrant fruits, and marvelous elixirs. Let us toast this bounty and craft it to our purpose. Cocktails stiffen the spine, unlock the tongue, and add sheen to even the dullest drawing-room. Coupes up!”

 

 

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Review

 

This is the perfect book to help create beverages while you watch (or rewatch) Bridgerton (or any other regency show).

I love all of the details from setting up your bar, the different cocktails based on day or night, and even a slew of simple syrups to create in your own home. Don’t partake of alcoholic beverages? There is a section for you too and perhaps all of the simple syrups will have you thinking about what else could be made into a syrup and mixed with tonic water, club soda, or any other beverage.

This is more than just a beverage recipe book, there is also witty commentary from Lady Thornwood thrown into the mix. I chuckled reading some of her responses to letters to her and her thoughts on some of the drinks.

I thought I would share one of the drinks with you to try on your own at home. This one is called Garden Promenade

 

Garden Promenade

 

Ingredients:

Small handful of mint

1 oz Plymouth gin

1 oz dry vermouth

1 oz lime juice

3/4 oz simple syrup

Dash celery bitters

Ice-cold seltzer

 

Place the mint, gin, vermouth, lime, and simple syrup in the bottom of a highball glass and lightly muddle to gently bruise the mint. Fill the glass with crushed ice, anchoring the mint leaves to the bottom of the glass, then top with about 2 oz seltzer, or no more than about 3 oz if the drink doesn’t rise nearly to the rim. Dash with bitters and garnish with another fresh spring of mint and a wedge or wheel of lime.

 

If you don’t know how to make a Simple Syrup, you mix equal parts of sugar and boiling water until the sugar dissolves. It is easy to make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for several weeks (if it lasts that long!)

 

 

 

 

Shoot Like a Girl (A PreQuel Novella to Girl With A Gun)

 

by Kari Bovee

 

Category: Adult Fiction (18 + yrs), 84 pages

 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery

 

Publisher: Bosque Publishing

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

She would do anything for her loved ones, even if it meant she’d be lost to them forever.

Young Annie Oakley never expected to be saddled with responsibility so soon. Following her father’s sudden death, the spirited girl finds herself shipped to a nearby county working for a couple promising a good wage. But when she discovers they are not what they seem, Annie suddenly fears her life may be in peril.

Determined to help her mother and siblings, she endures the hardships and mistreatment from the couple. But when that cruelty is targeted at the beautiful Buckskin horse who is her only friend, Annie decides to take matters into her own hands.

Will the spunky teen return to her loved ones, or will her decision land her in jail?

​Shoot like a Girl is the prequel novella to the Annie Oakley mystery series. If you like a fiercely loyal heroine who won’t be anyone’s victim, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s thrilling story of America’s best-loved sharpshooting sensation.

 

 

Amazon * Audible

 

 

Review

 

If you decide to delve into this series featuring Annie Oakley, make sure to read this prequel first. I didn’t read it before I had read Girl with a Gun and wish I had because it gives us a better understanding of why Annie decided to enter a shooting contest and then join up with Wild Bill’s Wild West Show at the young age of 15. We learn the back story of how she obtains Buck (the horse) and how she had a rough few years helping another family.

I felt for Annie in this story and what she had to endure. This couple was selfish and what she had to do for them was akin to slavery but only slightly better. Annie has a big heart but could only stand so much abuse from these people.

I was so glad to see her escape her tormentors and return home. Many truths were discovered at that point about the home that trained her and the couple that employed her.

While the rest of this series fits into the cozy mystery genre, this one isn’t much of a mystery but provides the backstory of Annie.

I am a fan of Annie’s and can’t wait to finish the rest of the series. We give this 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

When she’s not on a horse, or walking along the beautiful cottonwood-laden acequias of Corrales, New Mexico; or basking on white-sand beaches under the Big Island Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovee is escaping into the past—scheming murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined, and helping them to find order in the chaos of her action-packed novels. Bovee writes the award-winning Annie Oakley Mystery Series and the Grace Michelle Mystery Series and has more ideas than time for many, many more.

​
Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook

 

Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Pinterest

 

 

Giveaway

 

 

Enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card courtesy of the author of the Annie Oakley Mysteries! (one winner) (ends Feb 11)

 

GIRL WITH A GUN (Annie Oakley Mystery) Audiobook Tour Giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

In 1933, before World War II, and the Holocaust, the world was unaware of Hitler’s plans to exterminate millions.

Author Cathy A. Lewis discovered a tattered leather suitcase containing her deceased father’s journal documenting his six-week trek through Europe in 1933 while on his way to the 4th Boy Scout World Jamboree.

Inspired by her father’s historical recount, The Road We Took is the four-day epic tale of a desperate group of Jewish citizens attempting to escape Nazi-occupied Germany.

Fascinating characters come together in a narrative of extreme courage, budding adolescent love, and their fight for survival.

Life in Germany will never be the same as Hitler and the Nazis advance their propaganda campaign, to systematically murder the Jewish population.

And this was only the beginning.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * Kobo * Bookshop

 

The expected publication date is February 15, 2022. Pre-order now!

 

 

Review

 

This is such an amazing story that is based on actual events of the author’s father’s time in Europe in 1933. Imagine being a young man on his way to a Boy Scout Jamboree and the adventures they must have had at that time. Granted, not everything was wonderful as the characters are thrown into Nazi-occupied Germany and the beginnings of their attempts to rid their country of the Jewish population.

This story is told from multiple points of view and the time in 1933 covers about four days. There are flashbacks to 1925 that give us a deeper understanding of some of the characters and how they became who they were eight years later. I don’t know if I have a favorite character or perspective because each gives us a look at their life and the trials and tribulations they endured from a fanatical rule. It also reminds us what a terrible time in history this was and all those that were harmed because of their religious upbringing.

There is a little bit of a mystery tied into this story, who killed one of the characters and why? The answer is not surprising but I won’t reveal too much, you’ll have to read the book to find out.

It is interesting how all of the lives intersected and came together in the end. I started putting a few of the pieces together but not everything, so it was a treat to uncover details that brought this story full circle. If anything, this reminds us to be thankful for what we have in this world.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Cathy has spent over 40 years as a professional chef after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. She was the first female Executive Chef for the Servico Corporation, where she served The Philadelphia Eagles, The Philadelphia Flyers, and The Philadelphia 76’ers. Over the course of her career, Cathy capitalized her creative talents as a restaurant owner and partner, conceptualizing and creating brands for three successful startup businesses, Food Works, in Pittsford, New York, The Bagel Bin in Penfield, New York, and The Nick of Thyme in Brentwood, Tennessee. It was at the Nick of Thyme that Cathy developed long-standing relationships within the music industry. Her clients included Donna Summer Sudano, Naomi Judd, Wynonna Judd, numerous Christian and country music artists, world-renowned wine collectors Billy Ray Hearn and Tom Black. After the sale of her business, Cathy cooked for and traveled extensively to movie locations with actress and activist Ashley Judd and her husband, three-time Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti.  She continues to cook privately for exclusive clients and friends.

When she is not working as a professional chef, she enjoys writing, reading, cooking for her family and special friends, taking photos of nature and food, gardening, watching open-wheel racing, watching movie classics from the golden age of cinema on TCM, and chasing her two cats, Princess Poopie Peanut Head and Tout Suite. The Road We Took is Cathy’s first novel and partially conceived from her father’s journal of daily writings and documentations along with the narratives and tales he told Cathy as a young girl.

 

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