Review of Helen Smith's Invitation to Die

 

Synopsis:
Twenty-six-year-old Emily Castles is out of work… again. So when famous romance author Morgana Blakely offers her a job helping out at a conference in London, Emily accepts. Just as eagerly, American blogger Winnie Kraster accepts an invitation from Morgana to attend as a guest, not realizing she has, in effect, accepted an invitation to die.

As a cast of oddball characters assembles at the conference hotel, grievances, differences, and secrets begin to emerge. When Winnie goes missing, and then is found murdered nearby, Emily begins to suspect that someone involved with the conference is responsible. Could it be one of the organizers, one of the authors, a member of the hotel staff, or even the supplier of the chocolates for the conference gift bags? Emily teams up with guest speaker and eccentric philosophy professor Dr. Muriel to find out.

Offbeat and engaging, this entertaining comic mystery is the first full-length novel featuring amateur British sleuth Emily Castles.

Amazon Purchase Link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCLBHSA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BCLBHSA&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwabibli-20

My Review:

This is the first book I've read by Helen Smith and even though this is a serial,  and I hadn't read any of the other stories, I didn't feel lost.  From the start the story tells who is going to be the person that is killed, so that wasn't a surprise, but then there are lots of quirky characters introduced, but who is the killer.  I was kind of surprised by who the killer really was.  Great job Helen Smith

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

Helen Smith is a member of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain, the Crime Writers Association and English PEN. She traveled the world when her daughter was small, doing all sorts of strange jobs to support them both--from cleaning motels to working as a magician's assistant--before returning to live in London where she wrote her first novel. Her work has been reviewed in The Times, the Guardian, The Independent, Time Out and the Times Literary Supplement. Her books have reached number one in the bestseller lists in the Kindle store on both sides of the Atlantic.

Invitation to Die, the debut novel in her Emily Castles mystery series, is published by Thomas & Mercer.

She blogs at: http://www.emperorsclothes.co.uk. Sign up here to receive an email alert when a new book is published: http://bit.ly/U5KAF0

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Review of Grannies, Guns, and Ghosts by Madison Johns and Giveaway

 

 

 

Synopsis:
Senior snoop, Agnes Barton, has taken up residence in a Winnebago at a campground in East Tawas, Michigan. It’s not the ideal place for a woman of seventy-two to live, but she’s making do. She had planned to start a detective agency with partner in crime, Eleanor Mason, but a snag with the license has them free wheeling it, not that it matters because they are the ones folks call when dead bodies turn up.

A frantic phone call has Agnes and Eleanor racing to the scene of yet another crime scene. Herman Butler has fallen to his death from a third story window, and the widow, Betty Lou, is beside herself with either grief or competing for the Oscars, and it’s up to Agnes and Eleanor to unravel the mystery, which gets more interesting when a ghost is listed as a possible suspect.

This time around, Agnes and Sheriff Peterson can agree, the widow is nuts, but wait, a few days later the ghost ship, Erie Board of Trades, was spotted off the shores of Lake Huron. Ghost hunters, G.A.S.P., hightail it into town, and East Tawas is overrun with ghost sightings.

Agnes and Eleanor must sort fact from fantasy before another body is found or a curse is realized.

 



Amazon Purchase Link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BVR73P6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BVR73P6&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwabibli-20

 

 

My Review:

 

This book was a hoot.  It was great.  It had humor, mystery, and even a little romance, a great cozy.  Agnes and Eleanor show you that just because you are a senior citzen, it doesn't mean your life is over.  They are an unbeatable duo that make you laugh, they aren't like your average  "granny",  and they are also wonderful sleuths.  This book was also filled with other quirky characters and you can't help but love Agnes and Eleanor.   I definitely can't wait to read more about this dynamic duo.  If you are looking for a lite read that will make you laugh, then this is the book for you.  Great job Madison.

 

 I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

 





 

 

 

Author Bio:
As a child, Madison Johns preferred to distance herself from other children her age, and had been described as a dreamer. Even as a small child, she remembers staying awake many a night fighting dragons, whisked away to foreign lands, or meeting the man of her dreams.

She was a voracious reader of historical romance in her teen years and has always wished to one day journey to England, France, Ireland, and Scotland.

The writing bug bit her at the age of 44 and she pounded out three books since that time. As the publishing climate changed she took a risk and decided to self publish, first a collection of two horror short stories geared for YA, Coffin Tales Season of Death.

Madison's caring nature had led her to work in the healthcare field, where she was employed as a nursing care assistant at a nursing home, and it was there that she was inspired to write her first mystery, Armed and Outrageous, introducing amateur detective Agnes Barton. The book depicts two elderly ladies digging up clues with enough laugh out loud antics to make James Bond blush.

 

 

Cozy Mystery Book Reviews Giveaway:

The prize is a $25 Amazon.com or Paypal cash.

Here is the link to Cozy Mystery Book Reviews Giveaway, good luck:

 http://cozymysterymarketing.com/?p=315.

Review of Deeanne Gist's It Happened at the Fair

More about It Happened at the Fair: 

A transporting historical novel about a promising young inventor, his struggle with loss, and the attractive teacher who changes his life, all set against the razzle-dazzle of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.

 

Gambling everything, including the family farm, Cullen McNamara travels to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with his most recent invention. But the noise in the Fair's Machinery Palace makes it impossible to communicate with potential buyers. In an act of desperation, he hires Della Wentworth, a teacher of the deaf, to tutor him in the art of lip-reading.

The young teacher is reluctant to participate, and Cullen has trouble keeping his mind on his lessons while intently watching her lips. Like the newly invented Ferris Wheel, he is caught in a whirl between his girl back home, his dreams as an inventor, and his unexpected attraction to his new tutor. Can he keep his feet on the ground, or will he be carried away?

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/komrd

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book.  Deeanne Gist really did her research about the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, from her descriptions, I thought I was there.  The story was also wonderful.  Cullen's father sent him to the fair to exhibit his automatic sprinkler system.  Cullen has a hard time hearing, so a potential customer suggests that he hire the services of one of the lip-reading teachers.  Little does he realize that the lady he saved on the first day would end up being his teacher.  Will they pursue a relationship other than that of teacher and student, and what will happen between Cullen and his "fiancé" back home.  This was a very well written book as are all of Deaanne's books.  I highly recommend it. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

Meet Deeanne:

Deeanne Gist---known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee---has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People, Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends. 

 

http://litfusegroup.com/author/dgist 

Review of Lucy Burdette's Topped Chef

 

 

 

Synopsis:
Hayley Snow loves her job as the food critic for Key Zest magazine, tasting the offerings from Key West’s most innovative restaurants. She’d rate her life four stars, until she’s forced into the spotlight…and another murder investigation.

Hoping for some good publicity, Hayley’s boss signs her up to help judge the Key West Topped Chef contest. Stakes are high as the winner could be the next cooking-show superstar. Hayley shows up for the filming nervous but excited, until she sees who’s on the judging panel with her: Sam Rizzoli, big shot businessman—and owner of the restaurant she just panned in her first negative review.

When Rizzoli turns up dead, the police assume his killer is one of his business rivals. But Hayley wonders whether someone is taking the contest a little too seriously. With the police following the wrong recipe, it’s up to Hayley to find the killer before she’s eliminated from the show…permanently.

Amazon Purchase Link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451239709/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0451239709&linkCode=as2&tag=httpwwwabibli-20


My Review:

I absolutely loved this book.  With all the craze of reality shows and cooking shows, I loved the idea of a reality cooking show based in Key West.  Hayley Snow is wonderful.  She just seems so real to me.  And this was a great cozy because it kept me guessing the whole way through.  I had no idea who the killer was, and Lucy did such a good job with the writing, that the killer was someone I never even suspected.  If you are looking for a great cozy mystery, then pick up a copy of Topped Chef.  You won't regret it, it is wonderful.  Great job Lucy, I can't wait for more!!!!!!!!!!!

I recieved a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.

Author Bio:
Lucy Burdette is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries. As Roberta Isleib, she has also written the golf lovers mystery series and the advice column mysteries. Her books and stories have been nominated for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.

Check out this link for a great giveaway by Cozy Mystery Book Reviews and Marketing:   http://cozymysterymarketing.com/?p=223

Review of Brenda Novak's When Summer Comes

Welcome to Whiskey Creek— Heart of the Gold Country! One day, Callie Vanetta receives devastating news… She needs a liver transplant. But her doctors warn that, in her case, the chances of finding a compatible donor aren't good. Determined to spend whatever time she has left on her own terms, she keeps the diagnosis to herself and moves out to her late grandparents' farm. She's always wanted to live there. But the farm hasn't been worked in years and she begins to fear she can't manage it, that she'll have to return to town. One night, a stranger comes knocking at her door… He's an attractive and mysterious drifter by the name of Levi McCloud, and he offers to trade work for a few nights' shelter. Callie figures she doesn't have anything to lose. He needs a place to stay until he can fix his motorcycle; she needs an extra pair of hands. The arrangement seems ideal until what was supposed to be temporary starts to look more and more permanent. Then she realizes she does have something to lose—her heart. And, although he doesn't yet know it, Levi stands to lose even more.

My Review:

This was the first book I've read by Brenda Novak.  It was okay, not what I usually read.  It was well written and had a good storyline.  Callie and Levi both have secrets, but there is a major attraction there.  Will they end up with a "happily ever after"?  This book had a little bit of suspence about it, and was well written.  Might not be the last Whiskey Creek novel I read.


Excerpt:

Panic turned Callie’s knees to water as she felt the raw power of Levi’s quick, sure movements. She opened her mouth to scream but couldn’t draw in enough air.

For the first time, she was afraid of him. Reallyafraid. In that moment, she knew without a doubt that he could do anything he wanted to her, and that, despite her diagnosis, she still cared.

The fear didn’t last, however. As soon as he realized it was her, he eased his hold enough to turn her in his arms. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I hope...I hope I didn’t hurt you. I didn’t know...”

His words fell off, but she understood. He hadn’t known it was her. She should’ve announced herself. She would have, except that she’d been waiting to get close enough to touch his arm, in case he was sleeping. “It’s okay,” she said. “I...I shouldn’t have surprised you.”

“What are you doing out here?”

He released her but she couldn’t let go of him. She was still trying to overcome the effects of receiving such a fright, worried that she might crumble to the ground. “I-I wanted to see if you’d come inside.”

“Why?”

His deep voice rumbled in her ear, but he must have felt her shaking because his hands no longer hung at his sides. They were sliding up her back. She could feel the warmth his splayed fingers provided as he drew her into a solid embrace that reassured her but did nothing to slow her galloping heart.

Instinctively, she turned her cheek against the soft cotton of his T-shirt. Don’t read anything into this. He’s just being kind. Such contact was normal, given her reaction. But she couldn’t deny that the chemistry between them had suddenly changed. She liked the feel of his firm chest, the security she felt in the circle of his arms, but there was also a sexual element—probably because he wasn’t completely dressed. She’d already felt the band of his briefs, the crisp hair on his legs as he brushed up against her.

She swallowed hard as his hands settled between her shoulder blades. “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Why not?”

“I was...I was worried that maybe Denny and his fool of a friend would come back and cause trouble.”

“They might. But they’re the kind of trouble I can handle.”

 

Review of A Quilt for Jenna by Patrick E. Craig

Jerusha is the best quilter is Apple Creek, Ohio. In fact, she might be the best quilter in the entire state. And now she has made her most beautiful quilt yet. Surely it will win first place at the Quilt Fair in Dalton. Then the prize money will be Jerusha’s ticket out of the Amish way of life—away from the memories of Jenna, the daughter she lost a year ago, and Reuben her tormented husband who has been missing since Jenna’s death.

On the way to the fair, Jerusha gets caught in the Storm of the Century. An accident leaves her trapped in her driver’s car—and trapped by the memories of her marriage to Reuben and the birth and loss of little Jenna.

And then another little girl enters the story and takes Jerusha’s heart captive in a way she hadn’t expected. Can this child also be the one to heal Reuben’s pain as well?

A beautiful story of loss…and redemption.

My Review:

This was truely an amazing story of GOD's love for everyone.  It tells the story of Jerusha and Rueben.  Rueben was Amish, but decided to join the Army and fight in World War II anyway.  He comes home wounded and joins the Church and marries Jerusha.  They have a daughter but then tragedy strikes and Rueben leaves.  Jerusha becomes bitter and turns her back on GOD.  She is going to sell her prize quilt called "The Rose of Sharon" so she can leave, but her and her driver are in an accident in a raging blizzard on Thanksgiving Day in 1950.  Jerusha ventures out of the car and finds another wrecked care with a little girl in it.  In a battle with herself and the Lord, she uses the quilt to save the little girls life.  Meanwhile, Rueben had went west to work and meets a man who changes his outlook on life, so he goes home, during the raging blizzard, but will he get to Jerusha in time.  Again, a charming story that will leave you smiling.  Great job Patrick.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.



Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in northern California and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.for more than 30 years.

 

Review of Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah Ladd

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett gave her word. Keeping it could cost her everything.

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend's baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word-even to the point of proposing to the child's father-a sea captain she's never met.

When the child vanishes with little more than an ominous ransom note hinting at her whereabouts, Amelia and Graham are driven to test the boundaries of their love for this little one.

Amelia's detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she's forced to examine her soul and face her one weakness: pride.

Graham's strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline. And away from the family he has sworn to love and protect.

Both must learn to have faith and relinquish control so they can embrace the future ahead of them.

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/jXbHV

 

My Review:

 

This story was okay.  It was well written and that helped a lot.  It is the story of Amelia, who has promised to raise her best friend's baby after her best friend dies after childbirth.  The child's father is away at sea.  Meanwhile, Amielia is betrothed to another man of her uncle's choosing, but her betrothed has told her that Lucy, the baby, cannot stay with them after they are married.  When Graham Sterling, Lucy's father, comes home, Ameilia has an offer for him, but will he take her up on this offer, which would be a solution to both of their problems.  He decides to take her offer, but when a tragedy strikes, will both Amelia and Graham realize that there is more to their bargain that they thought.  Lucy was a very strong character.  She had the best interest of Lucy in mind at all times.  Finally, Graham and Ameilia both realize they need to rely on GOD to get them through their problems.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honet review.

 

Meet Sarah: Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky Golden Retriever.

Find out more about Sarah at http://www.sarahladd.com.

Sarah Ladd is celebrating the release of The Heiress of Winterwood with a Downton Abbey Kindle Prize Pack Giveaway!

 One winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• Downton Abbey, seasons 1-3

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 30th. Winner will be announced on 5/2/13 {HERE}.

Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.