Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, Review, romance, Texas, women on October 30, 2023

 

 

 

FINDING COMFORT

 

Comfort and Joy Trilogy, Book Two

 

by

 

Kimberly Fish

 

 

Women’s Fiction / Contemporary / Cozy Mystery

Publisher: Fish Tales Publishing

Date of Publication: September 1, 2023

Number of Pages: 312 pages

 

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Even with all her experience, Gloria Bachman, retired banker, and candy entrepreneur, didn’t see this coming.

Sweeties, the beloved Comfort chocolate shop, was ready for its cameo in advertising extraordinaire Jazzy Mezcal’s famous travel and food show! Comfort town folks had worked hard all summer to get their shops Hallmark-movie ready. On the eve of the TV crews overtaking the town, Gloria’s Chamber of Commerce welcome party gets drenched in a wicked rainstorm. Locals call it a “blue norther,” and a dreaded agent of change. Flooding seems like the worst of their problems until the celebrity TV host turns up dead.

In shock, Gloria’s friends turn to her to figure out who could be responsible for such a disaster. With the TV crew and guests in town for the 8th Street Market’s annual shopping event, suspects are endless. Reluctant to get involved, Gloria would much rather focus on the delicious romance with Mason Lassiter. And she would if a frenemy from Kerrville didn’t haunt her every step. Now, as Gardner Rogers treads on her turf, everything feels suspicious.

With all eyes on Gloria to find the truth behind Jazzy Mezcal’s untimely death, she indulges her curiosity for problem-solving while trying to disguise how unsure she is about the future with her boyfriend. Disruption in Mason’s world, mayhem in Comfort, and one epic chocolate disaster rouse Gloria to action and make her decide what’s worth fighting for. All she can say for sure is that no one is finding any comfort in Comfort.

 

 

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I have fallen in love with Comfort, Texas, and I really need to visit there sometime soon. I love small towns and the unique character they bring to those around them.

This story has me laughing, yet on pins and needles, as Gloria seeks the truth in a local homicide. There were so many surprises regarding the death of the network star that it kept me guessing throughout. Just when you think you know the full story, you are smacked with a new twist that you didn’t see coming. To even hint at those twists would ruin the book for you, so this means you will have to pick up the book and read it.

Gloria is growing on me. She is an older protagonist, which I appreciate. It is nice to know that not all main characters are younger and that the wisdom and maturity that she brings to the pages reflect well on her. There are so many great quotes from the book that relate to Gloria that I need to share a few with you.

“You feel responsible for everyone. It’s one of your worst traits.”

“You have an over-developed helper gene…”

“What you think is some dumb luck attributed to women who like to dress up and find the softer side of life is really a carefully honed skill. I earned it by sharp knocks, obstacles, heartbreak, and a lot of hard work. Some people call it character. I like to call it grit.”

These are all true of Gloria. She is kind to a fault and will go the extra mile for her friends. Yet she is tough when the situation calls for it. She had some tough times, but she is back on her feet with a chocolate shop (one of my dreams!) and a new love interest, Mason. I like that because they are older, they appreciate taking their time in getting to know one another and not rushing into anything too quickly. Their path together is not smooth, but I think this helps their relationship blossom and become stronger. There are some things tied to Mason’s past that will need to be resolved, but at least they are working on it together, and he isn’t shutting her out.

Gloria has also moved past putting up with shenanigans from people in her past, namely one Gardner Rogers. This woman has something up her sleeve, but it is hard to know exactly what. We learn a little bit more about her and her past with Gloria, but there is more than meets the eye with this one. So watch out for her!

There are a few other lines I wanted to share with you. If you are a woman, you will understand and perhaps even laugh at these statements.

“Menopause changed me. Honey, it changed us all. It’s like puberty’s ugly step-sister.”

“I’ll text Margo that you’re next door. She’ll want to come make tea or whatever it is you ladies do in crisis moments.”

This book stepped up the mystery aspect over the first in this series so much that I feel it fits into the cozy category. But there are plenty of other attributes to enjoy outside of seeking the truth in Jazzy’s untimely death.

This author knows how to bring friends together in support, good times and bad, and even when tracking down a killer.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kimberly Fish has been a professional writer in marketing and media for over thirty years, with regular contributions to area newspapers and magazines. As an accidental historian, she wrote two novels, The Big Inch and Harmon General, both based on factual events in Longview, Texas, that changed world history. Kimberly also offers a set of contemporary women’s fiction novels and novellas based in the Texas Hill Country that reveal her fascination with characters discovering their grit and sweet, second chances; all four of the novels have won distinguished awards. Finding Comfort is her latest novel, the second book in the Comfort and Joy Trilogy.

 

 

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, fiction, Review, suspense on October 26, 2023

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Mess Hopkins, proprietor of the seen-better-days Fairfax Manor Inn, never met a person in need who couldn’t use a helping hand—his helping hand. So he’s thrown open the doors of the motel to the homeless, victims of abuse, or anyone else who could benefit from a comfy bed with clean sheets and a roof overhead.

When a mother and her teenage boy seek refuge from an abusive husband, Mess takes them in. Shortly after arriving, the mom goes missing and some very bad people come sniffing around, searching for money they claim belongs to them. Mess tries to pump the boy for helpful information, but he’s in full uncooperative teen mode—grunts, shrugs, and monosyllabic answers. It’s not long before the boy vanishes too. Abducted? Run away? Something worse? And who took the missing money? Mess, friend Vell Jackson, and local news reporter Lia Katsaros take to the streets to locate the missing mother and son—and the elusive, abusive husband—before the kneecapping loansharks find them first.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

Mess is one big mess, but a lovable one with a huge heart.

This book is a combination of a mystery/suspense novel with heart. Mess runs his family’s motel but tends to rent rooms to those who need a hand up in life. This doesn’t make a few people happy, primarily the manager and his Uncle Phillip. His parents are traveling the world, and we don’t see them, but his Uncle has inserted himself into the motel and Mess’ life. Let’s just say the uncle is a busybody, and while he might have good intentions, he certainly doesn’t know how to insert himself into Mess’ life so that he is appreciated versus scorned.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked Mess’ desire to help those who needed help, the characters that were developed and had some depth to them, and the potential for future installments in a series. I think with time, Mess could be a really good social worker, but he needs to work on some of his skills, like creating rapport with teenagers. He forges a relationship with Kevin, but it takes the whole book for it to finally click for these two. Of course, Kevin is your typical teenager (15) and makes some decisions that are not wise for him or those around him.

Mess’ friend Vell and his grandmother, Mama, are adorable. I wanted to join them at Mama’s house for lunch and conversation. She is the one that sends many of those that Mess helps his way. I’m not sure who has the bigger heart! I don’t think Mess could have worked things out in the end without their help. Or help from Lia, a reporter doing a story on the motel. Mess and Lia are attracted to one another, and I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There is more to come for these two.

The mystery/suspense portion of the book is very light. I would almost consider this general fiction, but there are some portions of the book that are filled with action and a bit of mystery about where a certain item disappeared.

There are multiple facets to this story, and they all blend well together. I am looking forward to more from this author and this series…or at least hoping there is another story because there are some unanswered questions, at least for me.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Alan Orloff has published ten novels and more than forty short stories. His work has won an Anthony, an Agatha, a Derringer, and two ITW Thriller Awards. He’s also been a finalist for the Shamus Award and has had a story selected for THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology. His novel, SANCTUARY MOTEL, will be released in October from Level Best Books. He’s past president of the Florida Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. He loves cake and arugula, but not together. Never together.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Fantasy, Review, romance on October 21, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Tana was ready to be the crown princess. She was not ready to lose her father and save her home.

Keegan had left his home to run away from his past, but he cannot escape his heritage or his mistakes.

As the two fight to save Heimat Draz, they discover they must learn to trust both themselves and each other, because a lot more than just Tana’s kingdom is at risk. If they cannot defeat the evil spreading, all of Sandig Skaa will be destroyed.

Secrets of the Desert is the first book in Sandig Skaa Chronicles (a 3-book fantasy series) with slow-burn, sweet romance and no spice, perfect for fans of books by authors like K.M. Shea or Tara Grayce!

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I am generally not a huge fantasy reader, but the author created a world that was fascinating, full of action, and kept me engaged throughout. This is billed as a romance, but that is a very tiny portion of the book and not really until near the end. You can tell that there is something blossoming between Keegan and Tana, but it takes the whole book to come to fruition. This is not a bad thing, but I was very invested in the main storyline – the attack on Tana’s kingdom and finding a way to save it.

Tana is a strong woman and is learning at the heels of her father how to lead and manage the kingdom in the future. I really loved how the King would thank everyone on payday for their service. That is something we should do in our world: recognize those who do good deeds, work hard, and make it a better place.

When the kingdom is overthrown, it is up to Tana to save it for her people. We follow her on an adventure to other kingdoms to rally support. The author does an amazing job of describing them, and it left me with a few questions and wanting to know more about these kingdoms. There are also many misbeliefs on Tana’s part (and those in the various kingdoms). As it happens in this world, false information is passed down from generation to generation, so they don’t trust others until they meet them and get to know them.

The book does seem a little slow starting off, but it picks up the pace and lets us see what Tana and Keegen are really made of and how they will resolve all of the issues.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Anabelle Raven loves reading and writing fantasy, low-spice romance, and strong female characters. She loves chocolate and sushi, though not usually together, and traveling to new places with her family.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Fantasy, Giveaway, Review on October 12, 2023

 

 

PRINGLE PRAWN

 

by

 

Michael Scott Clifton

 

Contemporary Urban Fantasy / Fairies / Humor

Publisher: Book Liftoff

Date of Publication: September 19, 2023

Number of Pages: 310 pages

 

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Move over Tinker Bell. There’s a new fairy in town!

Ben’s luck is changing. He has his iconic VW bus, a hot, wealthy girlfriend, and he’s managed to buy an old fixer-upper in an upscale neighborhood—just the thing to convince his girlfriend’s influential father that he’s husband material. But his new home has a secret, and when Ben opens a mysterious grandfather clock, he finds himself dropped into a magical land. There he meets Pringle, a six-inch prawn with a supercharged attitude and a pouchful of fairy dust. She saves his life, and when Ben returns to his world, Pringle returns with him.

Pringle’s adjustment to the modern world is a hilarious series of incidents that completely disrupt Ben’s life. When Russian mobsters and a vengeful HOA president attempt to hijack Ben’s life, Pringle zooms to the rescue—a pinch here, a pinch there, nothing a little fairy dust can’t fix.

But it’s when Pringle begins to grow that things really get interesting, because as Pringle’s size increases, so do her feelings for Ben. Ultimately, Pringle must decide whether to return to her world—or follow her heart and stay with Ben.

 

 

 

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This fantasy novel was quite a surprise and a delight. This genre isn’t one of my go-to reads, but this author has a way of describing the worlds he builds in such detail that you feel like you are right there in the middle of the novel.

While primarily set in Tyler, Texas, there is an alternate world filled with magical creatures and prawns. What is a prawn, you might ask? It is the same as a fairy, or similar anyway. Pringle is a bit naive, but then, in her world, she doesn’t run into many issues that she can’t handle. However, being in our world, everything is new, and she has so many questions. I could only imagine Ben’s frustrations at having to describe anything and everything. What might be second nature to us is a whole new experience to this prawn. I don’t know how to get into her love for sugar and devouring several bags. I can only imagine Ben’s reaction upon discovering what she had done.

I was drawn into this story, rooting for Ben and Pringle, and on edge regarding the trafficking part of the novel. This isn’t a trigger for me, but I was concerned how it was going to be resolved in a safe manner for everyone. I loved the resolution and Pringle’s part.

There were so many witty moments that had me laughing out loud. I didn’t expect the level of humor I found, which was quite refreshing. There is even the “Karen” of the HOA who lives next door to the house Ben purchased. Some situations with her will make you question living in an HOA, but humorous at the same time. You can thank Pringle’s magic for those scenes.

Several supporting characters, including Archie, an eccentric millionaire, and Hank, the antique store owner, are worth mentioning. These two take everything in stride, which is also an adventure for them. I love the friendship that develops between these three men.

I have to admit that I didn’t want the story to end. While the story does have a complete ending, there is more than I wanted to know. However, I won’t ask my questions here since some of that could give away the ending.

This is an amazing story, and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Multi-award-winning author Michael Scott Clifton lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas, with his wife, Melanie. An avid gardener, rapacious reader, and movie junkie, his books contain facets of all the genres he enjoys—action, adventure, magic, fantasy, and romance. His fantasy novels, The Janus Witch, and the Conquest of the Veil series, (The Open Portal, Escape from Wheel, A Witch’s Brew, and Cavern of the Veil Queen) all received 5-Stars from the prestigious Readers Favorite Book Reviews. The Open Portal has been honored with a Feathered Quill Book Finalist Award. In addition, his YA novel Edison Jones and The Anti-Grav Elevator received a Feathered Quill Book Award Bronze Medal. Two of his short stories have earned Gold Medals, with “Edges of Gray” winning the Texas Authors Contest, and “The End Game” winning the Northeast Texas Writer’s Organization Contest. Professional credits include published articles in the Texas Study of Secondary Education Magazine.

 

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1st Prize: autographed copy of Pringle Prawn + $10 Amazon gift card

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Book Release, Cookbook, Review on October 3, 2023

 

 

The story of Kneaders Bakery and Cafe began with Colleen and Gary Worthington baking traditional European bread in their kitchen. After mastering old-world bread-baking techniques and testing countless recipes, Colleen, Gary, and their growing team of bakers moved onto their signature artisan bread.

But bread is just the beginning. Kneaders is well-known for their mouth-watering soups, sandwiches, and breakfast as well as their delectable pies, cakes, and pastries. For the first time, home cooks have access to popular recipes such as Overnight Chunky Cinnamon French Toast, Artichoke Portobello Soup, and Blueberry Sour Cream Pie. Beautiful and appetizing photos accompany each recipe.

What began in Colleen Worthington’s kitchen a little more than twenty-five years ago has grown into a successful family-owned bakery and cafe business with time-tested, delicious recipes gathered in this one-of-a-kind cookbook.

 

 

 

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Review

 

I have to admit that I have never heard of Kneaders Bakery and Cafe, but that is only because they do not have a location in my part of Texas. I did discover they have locations in San Antonio, so next time I am in that neck of the woods I plan to check them out.

I am a sucker for a cookbook with a multitude of breakfast options, along with soups and sandwiches. I tend to get in a rut when it comes to sandwiches, so I always like a little inspiration. There are also several french toast recipes that I know my family would enjoy, so that will have to be a weekend treat. While I can’t get their bread here to make some of the recipes, any good thick bread should work, depending on the recipe.

A fun recipe in the cookie section is the Gingerbread Mummy Cookies. This is a twist on a gingerbread cookie where the icing makes them look like a mummy. Great for the Halloween holiday. There is even one called a Spider Cookie that you might recognize as a different name, Haystacks.

Outside of the multitude of dishes, the family shares their story and history. I enjoyed learning about the family behind Kneaders, their hopes, dreams, and history. There are stories sprinkle throughout with the recipes too. It is more than just a cookbook; it is a story of the family, their dreams and their struggles.

This is one cookbook that will used quite often for gatherings with friends and family.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

More than twenty-five years ago, Colleen Worthington rolled up her sleeves and built a baking empire out of her own kitchen, which provided a place for her kids to learn hard work, dedication, and creativity.

Together with her husband, Gary, the Worthingtons pursued their interest in scratch-made artisan breads by training at both the American Institute of Baking and San Francisco Baking Institute. They worked closely with Lehi Roller Mills to develop an exclusive flour mixture and located an ideal, traditional Italian hearth-stone oven. Their first bakery opened in Orem, Utah, in 1997, where they served European hearth breads. Within a few months, they expanded to offer a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. The café also sells a variety of home and seasonal décor.

 

 

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Giveaway, mental health, Review, Young Adult on September 26, 2023

 

 

 

THE COLDEST WINTER I EVER SPENT

 

by

 

Ann Jacobus

 

YA / Contemporary / Suicide & Family Issues

 

Publisher: Carolrhoda Lab

 

Date of Publication: March 7, 2023

 

Number of Pages: 352 pages

 

Audiobook: 9 hours, 11 minutes

 

 

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Eighteen-year-old Del is in a healthier place than she was a year and a half ago: She’s sober, getting treatment for her depression and anxiety, working in her Aunt Fran’s San Francisco art gallery, and volunteering at a suicide-prevention hotline. Her own suicide attempt is in the past and living with her beloved aunt has helped her see a future for herself.

But when Aunt Fran is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Del’s equilibrium is shattered. She struggles to help care for her aunt—while also dealing with a crush, her looming first semester at college, and her shifts at the crisis line. After Aunt Fran asks for her help with a mind-boggling final request, Del must confront her own demons and rethink everything she thought she knew about life and death.

 

 

 

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This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. There is so much to unpack in this book, not to mention how it might impact the reader.

Death is never an easy subject, and this book has it in spades. Between Del working as a volunteer at the Suicide Prevention line, her Aunt Fran battling cancer, and even Del’s own rocky past, I felt like the weight of the world was on Del’s shoulders, and the struggle was real. I appreciated the work that Del was doing to manage her issues while helping Fran in the last stages of her life. For someone who is only 18, she handled everything remarkably well. Or as well as could be expected. She wasn’t perfect, but then who is? But she learned a lot about herself and what she could handle being thrown at her.

While I admired Del for making strides in her life, I was very disappointed in her father. He avoided the situation with Fran, his sister, until the very last minute. But it was his way of coping with losing someone that he cared about. It is a message to us to not avoid the hard things in life and to do the uncomfortable no matter how hard it is.

There is a bright side, and that is Nick. While the relationship and interactions between Del and Nick are not always smooth and happy, it does provide real-world experiences for Del and how to handle the ups and downs without giving in to her past addictions. I loved the addition of Noor, his service dog. But then, I am a sucker for dogs in any capacity.

The book addresses an important topic, dying with dignity. At the time of this book, California was not a state that allowed this, but they are now. This is a very controversial topic, but it is an important one.

This book was an emotional one for me near the end as Fran entered her last days. It reminded me of losing my father, so the tears were flowing. It was cathartic, and I could feel for Del and all she was experiencing at that point.

While the book has trigger issues, if that does not impact you, pick up this book. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann Jacobus is the author of YA novels The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent and Romancing the Dark in the City of Light. She earned an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and has published articles, essays, short fiction, and poems. She teaches writing and presents at workshops and conferences. A former suicide crisis line counselor, she’s a mental health advocate and speaks to teens about writing and suicide prevention both. Born in Texas and a life-long Tex-Mex addict, she and her family divide their time between California and Massachusetts.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, mystery, paranormal, Review on September 22, 2023

 

 

 

 

Secrets and Scallywags: Magical Mystery Book Club
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – A Small Oceanfront Community
Independently published (August 10, 2023)
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages

 

Synopsis

 

When this club selects a book, magic happens. They become the main characters in the story when the mystery comes to life.

This month’s book selection takes them to a charming island community that’s abuzz over a mysterious boat that washed ashore. Rumor has it that it’s the same pirate boat that sunk a year ago in the bay. The one that supposedly sank with treasure aboard.

When the club meets the ghosts of the men from the boat, they learn the astonishing secrets of the treasure. These ghosts can’t move on until it is found.

Can the motley group find the treasure and free the ghosts? They better, since it’s the only way they can exit the book and get back home.

 

 

Amazon

 

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Review

 

This is such a fun series, and if you haven’t picked up any of the books, you need to do that, and soon! Make sure to start with the first book to understand how this all came to be for Glo and Paige.

The concept for this cozy series is unique and brings in paranormal aspects. I love how they get thrown into a book and have to solve the crime. The characters are all unique and blend well together. I have to laugh at how much these characters also love to eat. I swear they are eating all of the time!

This plot is a little different than some of the others as it brings in pirates, and the crime isn’t really a murder that they are trying to solve. I enjoyed the twists and turns and how this story came to its conclusion. I thought that one of the characters might stay behind in the book, and I was surprised when this one did not. You might come to the same conclusions, so I hope I haven’t spoiled anything for the reader.

One of these days, Frank and Zell are going to spill the beans on how long this book club has been meeting and how long they have been participants. I am very curious what their background is with this book club. I also like how the right new member always appears. It is definitely a merry band of book lovers and crime solvers.

We give this book 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, published in over twenty languages.

She simultaneously writes well-loved cozy mysteries: The Destiny Falls Mystery & Magic book series and the Magical Mystery Book Club series.

Elizabeth lives in the Pacific Northwest, the gorgeous inspiration for the setting in many of her books.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Cozy, Giveaway, mystery, Review, Texas on September 13, 2023

 

 

 

SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING 90% DARK

 

Bean to Bar Mysteries, #6

 

by

 

Amber Royer

 

Cozy Culinary Mystery

Publisher: Golden Tip Press

Date of Publication: September 12, 2023

Number of Pages: 288 pages

 

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Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic Strand is hosting the friends and family coming into town for her best friend Autumn’s wedding. As matron of honor, Felicity has a ton of tasks to complete – including making chocolates for the gift bags. She doesn’t have time to solve another murder. But when one of the bridesmaids becomes a prime suspect in the death of a visiting real estate agent, Felicity has to put her detecting skills to use again to keep the wedding plans from getting derailed.

She’s already nervous about the impending deadline she’s given herself to finally choose between her two love interests – and figuring out where life goes once she makes her choice. But add in a missing Pygmy goat and a new coffee shop that wants to partner with her, and she’s frazzled.

She begins to discover that not everything is as it seems among the wedding guests. Can she handle the wedding preparations, pull off turning her shop into a concert venue, and unmask the killer before anyone else dies?

 

 

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Chocolate, a goat, and murder…a trifecta! The icing on the cake? Felicity chooses between Arlo and Logan!

This series has always intrigued me, from the Bean to Bar concept, the characters, and the setting, Galveston, Texas. I do think I gain at least 5 lbs every time I read one of these books and all of the delicious food and treats that are described. I also enjoy reading about how cacao is processed to become chocolate and the different flavor notes based on where it is grown.

The series has been leading up to Autumn’s wedding, and Felicity is the maid of honor. As is with most weddings, something is bound to go wrong. Actually, in this case, several things go wrong, but Felicity is there to help resolve the issues. It is nice to have small towns where neighbors are happy to help out when plans go awry.

There are a few mysteries/cases in the book to be solved. However, do they tie together? Possibly. I laughed when Arlo and Logan made a bet over who would solve their case first. Only dinner, but what an incentive to find the answers in record time. I have to admit, I had some suspicions about a certain character, and it was nice to see I was right to suspect them because they were up to no good. I just wasn’t 100% sure about all of the details of why they did what they did.

I loved the goat that made an appearance in the book Princess Buttercup. Was this a nod to The Princess Bride movie? Indubitably. Ok, maybe or maybe not, but I couldn’t resist. While a goat might be a fun pet, it can also be a menace, so for now, I’ll admire someone else’s goat.

I was glad to see that the love triangle was put to rest at the end of this book. It is never clear who she will choose, but I was very happy with the choice, and she received some excellent advice from her friends about what to look for in her future. There was even a surprise twist that I didn’t expect once she made her choice. I can only imagine what that means for the next book in this series. You’ll have to read the book, no spoilers here.

Overall, I really enjoy this series. If you haven’t read any of the books, I recommend starting at the beginning to understand the characters and what they mean to each other.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amber Royer writes the Chocoverse comic telenovela-style foodie-inspired space opera series and the Bean to Bar Mysteries. She is also the author of Story Like a Journalist: a Workbook for Novelists, which boils down her writing knowledge into an actionable plan involving over 100 worksheets to build a comprehensive story plan for your novel. She also teaches creative writing and is an author coach.

Amber and her husband live in the DFW area, where you can often find them hiking or taking landscape/architecture/wildlife photographs.  If you are very nice to Amber, she might make you cupcakes.  Chocolate cupcakes, of course! Amber blogs about creative writing techniques and all things chocolate.

 

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09/11/23 Boys’ Mom Reads Playlist
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09/12/23 Shelf Life Blog Guest Post
09/12/23 Forgotten Winds Review
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09/13/23 Sybrina’s Book Blog Top Ten List
09/13/23 StoreyBook Reviews Review
09/14/23 Chapter Break Book Blog Scrapbook Page
09/14/23 The Real World According to Sam Review
09/15/23 The Plain-Spoken Pen Review
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Posted in 5 paws, fiction, Historical, Religious Fiction, Review on September 7, 2023

 

 

Synopsis

 

Have you ever felt like one of the least of these?

What do you know of the woman at the well? What led her to the well that day – the exact day Jesus would be there? What of the lepers, the blind man, the woman who dried Jesus’ feet with her hair? What of the Centurion who said at the cross, “Surely this was the Son of God”?

Stories of Jesus. You have heard them since you were young. But what about the parts that you’ve never heard?

The stories that need to be told? The stories you need to hear?

 

 

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Review

 

Have you ever read the stories in the bible and wondered about the backstory of the different men and women that are portrayed? How did they get to where they were? What drove them to seek out Jesus for healing or forgiveness? What was their life like before meeting the Messiah?

While we will never really know the stories of these people, this author has created a potential life for them. I really enjoyed the tales, and it makes each story become alive and have more meaning than the little that we read in the bible. And let’s be honest, the language is what always throws me off, and I don’t understand some of it anyway! But each story makes me feel a part of those times, and my understanding and compassion is increased. These are relatable stories no matter the times we live in today.

You don’t have to be religious or have read the bible to enjoy these short stories. I think they will inspire almost anyone. The stories are short and can be read quickly, but you might want to take your time to savor the words.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kathryn is a lover of words and a bearer of mood swings. When she feels the need to inspire, she writes a Christian fiction book. If a mystery is waiting to be uncovered, she finds it. If something otherworldly is finding its way through her fingertips, she travels to it.

Kathryn has been a reader since she was a young child. Although she took classes in writing as a teen, it wasn’t something she really thought would become her career until she was married. And even then, it took a few more years for something worthy enough to publish to manifest itself.

Kathryn’s first book was published in 2002. Since then, many other books have found their way out of her head, depending on the sort of day she is having. Kathryn is a journalist, a teacher, a mentor, an editor, a publisher, and a marketer.

Her greatest joy, other than writing her next book, is meeting with readers and authors who enjoy the craft of writing as much as she does.

 

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Posted in 5 paws, Giveaway, Review, romance, suspense on August 29, 2023

 

 

FACING THE ENEMY

 

by

 

DiAnn Mills

 

 

Christian Fiction / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Date of Publication: September 5, 2023

Number of Pages: 352 pages

 

 

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When the long-awaited reunion between Risa and her brother, Trenton, ends in tragedy, Risa is riddled with guilt, unable to cope with the responsibility she feels over his death. On leave from the FBI, Risa returns to her former career as an English teacher at a local college, only to see her past and present collide when one of her students, Carson Mercury, turns in an assignment that reads like an eyewitness account of her brother’s murder, with details never revealed publicly.

Alarmed by Carson’s inside knowledge of Trenton’s death, Risa reaches out to her former partner at the FBI. Special Agent Gage Patterson has been working a string of baby kidnappings, but he agrees to help look into Carson’s background. Risa and Gage soon discover their cases might be connected as a string of high-value thefts have occurred at properties where security systems were installed by Carson’s stepfather and children have gone missing. There’s a far more sinister plot at play than they ever imagined, and innocent lives are in danger.

 

 

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I love a good mystery, especially when there is intrigue, romance, and faith all rolled into the story.

This one covers a more sensitive subject, child abduction and other crimes against children. As the story dives deeper into the dark belly of crime, it brings to life how much that I don’t know or am aware of in our own world. This may be a fictional story, but it could be true, which is very sad. Crimes against children should never happen. So grab hold of your children and keep them safe.

I came to admire Risa for many reasons. She is analytical, cares about her family, and believes in what she is doing for her career. So when her brother is killed by mistake, it sends her into a tailspin. She does not handle the grief very well and begins to doubt her faith in God. I appreciated her struggles and coming to terms with the situation. Everyone handles grief differently, and she is no different. I appreciated the chapter with a counselor. It just reinforces that it is okay to ask for help when you need it.

I enjoyed the romance between Risa and Gage. They both repress their feelings for one another until finally giving in and admitting they love one another. This brings out the protector in Gage, perhaps more so due to his feelings for Risa. This is a good and a bad thing! They are both FBI, and you will discover in various situations that Risa has no problems taking care of herself.

Watching the mystery come together confirmed some of my suspicions but blew me away in other respects because there were several aspects that I didn’t consider in trying to solve the crime. I had a feeling that several paths were going to merge, but the “how” was unknown until it happened. The story is complex, and I admire the author for handling all of the pieces in the right way.

This is another winner in my book, and we give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller and creates action-packed, suspense-filled novels to thrill readers. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.  DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion for helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.

 

 

 

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08/22/23 Hall Ways Blog Notable Quotables
08/22/23 The Book’s Delight Review
08/23/23 Chapter Break Book Blog Guest Post
08/23/23 Librariel Book Adventures Review
08/23/23 LSBBT Blog BONUS Stop
08/24/23 Stories Under Starlight Guest Post
08/24/23 Forgotten Winds Review
08/25/23 The Real World According to Sam Review
08/26/23 The Clueless Gent Review
08/27/23 Bibliotica Guest Post
08/28/23 Reading by Moonlight Review
08/28/23 Shelf Life Blog Guest Post
08/29/23 StoreyBook Reviews Review
08/30/23 Rox Burkey Blog Review
08/31/23 The Plain-Spoken Pen Review
08/31/23 Boys’ Mom Reads Review

 

 

 

 

 

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