Saturday, March 30, 2024

Exciting New Historical Fiction

 



The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay is a book you don't want to miss.

All I can say is WOW. This is probably my favorite book I have read this year. I couldn't put it down.

The author takes you on an emotional roller coaster that is full of intrigue and mystery. Her characters are loveable and interesting. She takes you back and forth between the present time and the time when the Berlin Wall went up while trying to find answers from the past.

This book has it all wonderful and relatable characters mixed with an emotional story of love, family intwined in intrique and espionage. I loved this book and if you love historical fiction you will too. 

I received this ARC to read and review with my honest opinion.


Until next time

GRAB A BOOK, A. UP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE AND KEEP ON READING!

Monday, March 18, 2024

Helpful Tool

  



Beyond The Family Tree by John P. ELCIK is a good resource for genealogy.

This book is very helpful and easy to understand. If you are a beginner in genealogy or have been doing it for awhile this book would a helpful tool and be good to read. I found the chapter on DNA helpful. If you just want to start your genealogy adventure or refresh your knowledge this book is for you. It is written so anyone can understand it in clear and concise terms. I recommend this book.

I received this book for my true and unbiased review

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Back to Reviewing

 Just a heads up I am going to be blogging again. I have read 16 books so far this year and I am going to start to review and talk about books again.

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Suspenseful Mystery

 



Death at High Tide An Island Sisters Mystery by Hannah Dennison is a highly intriguing mystery chocked full of suspense, secrets, and intense edge of your seat plot.


Evie's husband has died and seems to have left her with nothing except a mysterious island hotel. Her sister Margot talks her into going there for the weekend to check it out but who knew they would be dropping right into such a mysterious past that will wrap them up in the middle of secrets and murder. 


The people that Evie finds at the hotel are strange and secretive you might even say mean and vile especially Jago and his wife Tegan. Lily is eccentric  but knows the secrets it seems of the people and island. They all weave such a mysterious story that it is hard to put down.


I recommend this book and look forward to the next one 

I received this book for my honest opinion and review

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Suspenseful and Intriguing



Dead Silence by Robin Caroll is a fast paced, unique, edge of your seat mystery  that I couldn't  put down. It is well written and captures you right from the beginning taking you on a roller coaster ride along with Elise as she tries to keep her son safe from the people who had her mother in law the Senator killed. 

Elise is a court room sign language  interpreter who can read lips also since she has a deaf son. She reads the lips of a guard saying they are going to take care of Senator Lilliana York. When the Senator, who happens to be Elise's  Mother in law is killed Elise has to tell the FBI what she knows. When she tells them all she knows then she begins to get threats and warnings. Can she help the FBI figure out what happened before her and her son's life is in more danger? It gets really intense when Sawyer her son is taken. 

This book is an interesting, unique, suspenseful  mystery that takes you on ride and keeps you guessing and wanting more. I like a good mystery that keeps you guessing and this one does. I also like that it includes faith though it is subtle. The book is a suspenseful mix of faith, love, family and a good puzzle with a surprise  ending. Very well written and well worth the read. I give it 4 1/2 stars. I would give it 5 but at times it was a little wordy but not enough to take away from the story.

If you would like to learn more about this book you can go here:

https://www.barbourbooks.com/dead-silence/


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."


UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Friday, June 19, 2020

Interesting ideas


Why Doctor's Skip Breakfast by Gregory Charlop MD is a book to read for some interesting information.

Who doesn't want to reverse aging and be healthier but in reading this book I found some suggestions kind of far out. It has a lot of good information but some things it suggests doesn't seem like anything I would do. It was alright but other than saying coffee is good for you I didn't find much to jump on board with him.

This book is all about how to help with aging, depression and wellness it says. Fasting, getting good sleep and eating right is a main theme. It has many suggestions on fasting and that's what the title is saying you should skip breakfast and drink coffee. It is a fast from not eating after dinner till lunch the next day and he says it is beneficial. I found the book informative but wouldn't try any of these suggestions without talking to your doctor first. He did include some ideas about Covid 19 like eating garlic.

All in all this book is interesting and is worth looking at.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review.
If you would like to purchase this book you can at:



Until Next Time

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Captivating Fun Cozy Mystery







All She Wrote by Tonya Kappes is a fabulous, fun  can't put it down, great read. I just love how Tonya Kappes pulls you in with her alluring characters, fascinating small town, and captivating mystery.

Bernie Butler is the Mail Carrier in the small town of Sugar Creek Gap. This is a plus when she wants to hear all the gossip. When the uppity Francine Gaines is found dead in her niece Courtney's yard, which just happens to be next door to Bernie, the snooping begins especially since her son Grady and his wife Julia could be suspects. Bernie keeps her ear to the ground as she makes her rounds delivering mail to report back to the sheriff but not everyone likes her snooping. Can she help find who really killed Florence and why?

Bernie is levelheaded and fits right in with the town's people. I had a good laugh when she was trying to knit. The victim Francine Gaines flaunts her money and wants all the attention but that doesn't always work in her favor in fact it doesn't make her too popular with everyone.  Her niece comes to town to keep an eye on Francine for the family because they think Francine is losing it but is she really and what really is Courtney up to. From the start I didn't like Courtney there was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way and made me not trust her. I love Bernie's best friend Iris and her feelings she gets. The Front Porch Ladies are always ready to help and gossip. They remind me of some of the women I know. I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee or iced tea with them all. The book just has a comfortable feeling even when there's a murder to solve.
I think that one of my favorite lines is at the end of the book when Iris says to Bernie " We can just be two old biddies together" true friendship.

This book is so good and full of friendship, some romance, small town gossip and a good mystery to solve. I highly recommend this book and series.

This can be read as a stand alone but why would you want to the other books in the series is great also. If you want more info on this book and series or Tonya Kappes other books check out her website at tonyakappes.com

You can buy this book at

https://www.amazon.com/All-She-Wrote-Mystery-Carrier-ebook/dp/B083KPKCB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=all+she+wrote+kappes&qid=1590504266&sprefix=all+she+&sr=8-3

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review.

UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Fun New Cozy by Tonya Kappes






Tonya Kappes books are so fun and a perfect way to spend a day reading. She always makes you laugh  while you ride along trying to figure out whodunit. Tents, Trails and Turmoil is a fantastic, fun, roller coaster ride to the end with great characters, plot and surprise ending. I loved it.

When Mae and Dottie discover a body in the camp grounds dumpster they have to kick snooping into high gear so their campground can open.  Hank tries to keep Mae out of the investigation but snooping is her thing. I just love the Laundry Book Club ladies and they are on it when it comes to snooping and gossiping. Dottie just cracks me up with her my way or the highway attitude. Hank is a straight forward guy but knows when he is beat when it comes to keeping Mae from snooping. They are the perfect match. I love the little town of Normal KY and could just imagine going and visiting there. It is just the perfect setting for the perfect cozy mystery.

If you love camping, hiking, a great mystery, with fantastic characters, set in a beautiful town with a mystery that keeps you wondering and guessing to the end then you must read this one.

If you want to buy this book you can at
https://www.amazon.com/Tents-Trails-Turmoil-Criminals-Mystery-ebook/dp/B083KP2WRL/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tents+trails+and+turmoil&qid=1588085122&sprefix=tents+trails+and+turmoil&sr=8-3

Check out Tonya Kappes books here
tonyakappes.com

UNTIL NEXT TIME:

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Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Great Cozy



I love  A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series from Tonya Kappes. It is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Sunsets Sabbatical and Scandal is book 10 in the series but you can read it as a stand alone book but really all of the books in the series are great.


Tonya Kappes books always make you feel like you have escaped into a fun place  where there are friendly unique characters, small southern town charm and interesting mysteries to solve.  Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal is no exception.

As always Mae West finds herself right in the middle of trouble. When the Bookclub ladies and Mae find their friend Trudy murdered they waste no time calling together the Laundry Ladies to start snooping and brainstorming to solve her murder. I like how there is also another mystery intertwined when they find out that someone is hacking and stealing some of Normal's residents money. Mae is determined to help Hank, her boyfriend who just so happens to be a detective, solve this murder even when he tells her to stay out of it. Can Mae and the ladies figure it out without getting into too much danger or trouble?

Mae is a determined, hard working, and smart but she tends to get into some pretty sticky situations. I love all the gossipy eccentric characters that make up the nucleus of Normal KY. I was glad to see that Hank and Mae are moving their romance along too. His support when Mae goes back to her hometown and has to face her past was heart warming. I cheered Mae on when she stood up to the pompous Jami who always caused her trouble in school. One of my favorite lines was when Jami was taunting Mae like she did when in school and Mae came back with "I'm old enough now to know I don't have to take this anymore" Boy howdy I was thinking go ahead give her a good slap but now that wouldn't be lady like. All the people of Normal KY in this book are special and could be someone you would sit down and share a cup of coffee with.

I really enjoyed this book. It is the perfect mix of mystery, friends, family and southern charm while keeping you guessing about the solution to the mystery. I give this one  5 stars and looking forward to the next one.

If you would like to learn more about this book and series or Tonya Kappes other books visit her website at tonyakappes.com

You can purchase this book at

https://www.amazon.com/Sunsets-Sabbatical-Scandal-Criminals-Mystery-ebook/dp/B083KQ5X78/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=sunset+sabbatical+and+scandal&qid=1586961137&sr=8-1

Until next time

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE,A  GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Cozy Mysteries to Read

I have been trying to catch up on posting. Today I thought I would post the reviews for the last three cozy mysteries I have read. Each one was well worth the read.

First is
Down In Flames A Webb's Glass Shop Mystery Book 6 by Cheryl Hollon. 
Down in Flames by Cheryl Hollon sparks another good mystery with characters that are intriquing and can melt your heart. The way she uses down to earth people, flaws and all, and weaves them into the intricate pattern of the whole mystery is wonderful. Some of my favorite characters are Jacob and the twin sisters Rachel and Faith. They just add that special element to the story.  All of the people involved in the story bring a family like quality to the mystery and makes it special. If you like a good mystery, with fun loving characters, A unique setting and unexpected twists and turns then you will enjoy this book.

Jacob is a witness to a hit and run which throws him into shock complicated by his autism. Savannah has to help the police in finding out what Jacob knows and finding who hit and killed Nicole before that person comes after her and Jacob.  As she investigates she finds that maybe they didn't know Nicole as well as they thought. Is her secret life what got her killed?  Savannah wants to know but could her snooping be detrimental to her health too?  You will want to read the book to find out.

I enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced, intriquing read with elements of surprise to keep you reading. I think as you read it you are easily able to relate to all the characters and feel like you know them. I like a book that has characters that might be someone you know. If there was a down side it might be that it was a little wordy in a couple of places but not bad. I would of liked to have a little more complexity to the mystery but it was still good.

I would recommend this book and series if you like a good cozy mystery.


I received this book for my honest opinion and review.
If you would like to learn more about this book or the other books in the series check it out here:
http://cherylhollon.com/

Next one is
Clammed Up (A Maine Clambake Mystery Book 1) by Barbara Ross

This is a good read. What could be better than a clambake, day on a island and a boat ride except when there is a murder. This is a good mystery full of twists and turns as well as great characters and an interesting setting in Maine.

Julia Snowden comes home to save the family business but a murder on her families island puts that at risk. Can she finds out who the murderer is before she loses everything?

 Just when I thought I had it figured out another wrench was thrown into the works, which is always good when you have to wait to the end of the book to find out the who, what and why.  I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
To learn more about this series go here:

https://maineclambakemysteries.com/

The last cozy is

The Inspector and Mrs. Jeffries A Mrs Jeffries Mystery Book 1 by Emily Brightwell

A fun, fast paced cozy mystery that reminds me a lot of Agatha Christies Miss Marple series.  It has a lot suspects to choose from, good characters and twists to keep you reading.

I just love Mrs Jeffries. She is a smart, kind and caring person. The Inspector is absent minded and bumbling but good hearted. Mrs Jeffries steers him in the right direction to solve the mystery with the help of all the other employees of the inspector Witherspoon.

If you enjoy a good mystery, with great characters and many suspects to choose from as well as a puzzle with so many possibilities then you will enjoy this book

If you want more about the series go here:
http://emilybrightwell.com/

I hope you will try some of these cozy mysteries. What is your favorite cozy series?

UNTIL NEXT TIME:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

What I have been reading

I have read some really good books recently. I thought I would share what I have been reading over the next few posts.

The first was a Christian Fiction book, Star of Persia: Esther's Story by Jill Eileen Smith.

 This is an excellent read that brings the story of Esther to life. It is a work of fiction based on Esther and done in such a way that you have a better appreciation of how God used her to save His people. I had to go back and read the book of Esther during and again after I read this book. This is a wonderful book of love, faith, and trust in God. I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading more of Jill Eileen Smith's books.

If you would like to learn more about this book or her other books you can go here: https://www.jilleileensmith.com/

The next book was A Sparkle of Silver by Liz Johnson.
This is an emotional present that is tied to a mysterious past. Millie's Grandmother in a moment of lucid thought drops a hint about her Mother and her ties to a wealth family. Ben feels responsible for his Mother's mistakes and wants to make amends, both set off on a journey to make things right.

I think this book is set in a perfect place where Southern charm and old money play a big part to this story. Millie is a devoted Granddaughter determined to find out who her Grandmother's father is and if there really is a diary with a treasure map. Ben is a responsible honest man who is paying for his Mother's faults. Both of them are strong characters with good qualities.
This is a good story of family, faith, mystery and intrique.
If you want to learn more about this book you and her other books you can go here: https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/


I decided to read again.   Fool's Puzzle A Benni Harper Mystery by Earlene Fowler that I read several years ago. It was just as good the second time around. I wanted to read it before I read the other books in the series to refresh my mind. Here is my review from the first reading
 

 I really enjoyed this book and hope to find her other books in this series. Benni's husband died and things in her life have changed. She gets a job running a folk art museum. She is trying to get things ready for a quilt show but things go crazy when she finds one of the artist dead and her cousin speeding from the museum. Benni has to find her cousin and who the murderer is as well as deal with the stand in police chief. The book is fun to read and keeps you intrigued by the many suspects. The tension and attraction between Benni and the police chief is an added bonus to the book. Just when you think you have it figured out a new twist comes along. I would recommend this book to all who like a good mystery and a strong independent woman sleuth.
If you want to learn more about this book and series you can go here: http://earlenefowler.com/
That is it for now. The next post will have reviews of the last three cozy mysteries I read. In the comments let me know what you have been reading.
Until Next Time
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!



Friday, June 21, 2019

Unique Christian Fiction



Cameo Courtships is a wonderful and fascinating read that has history, family, love and Faith all wrapped up into a fantastic book.

Book Synopsis  from back of book

I was hooked right from the start of this book because of how unique the concept of following a cameo through 4 womens lifes and how it helped them find true love. Each woman has a distinct personality so it makes it very interesting to follow from one woman's experience to the next. It all wraps up in a fast, fun, romantic historical read of faith, family and love. I was so glad that each author made the recipient of the cameo her own woman and personality. They are all strong women with strong convictions and Faith. They are not looking for love but it seems to find them. Is it because of the cameo? You will have to read the book to find out. From journalist to frontier woman to detective to librarian each woman is tenacious, capable, strong and strong willed, but also loving and strong in faith. I really enjoyed this book, each and every story. 

If I found anything to dislike it would be that there wasn't more. I was not ready for the journey to be over at the end of the book.

If you are looking for a good historical fiction with a fresh unique take on a story, then you will want to definitely read this book.

One line from the last story really stuck with me when Russell said:


"But as your pastor reminded us, we are not constrained by our pasts . We are valued, not only for what we are now, but also because we are beloved of Christ"

I hope you will get this book and read it. It is a wonderful fun experience.

If you would like to buy this book you can at:




I received this book for my honest opinion and review.


UNTIL NEXT TIME

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK, AND KEEP ON READING!

Thursday, August 30, 2018

A Captivating Mystery found in Shattered at Sea by Cheryl Hollon






Once again Cheryl Hollon has us riveted to our seats in this captivating page turner in her new installment of her Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series in Shattered at Sea.

Savannah and Edward are going on a cruise where Savannah will do her glass blowing which sounds like a good time right? Not  when Ian, a cousin to Edward, goes missing and the other artists on board are hard to deal with and then Edward becomes a suspect in the whole mess which really puts a damper on the whole cruise. To salvage the cruise and her relationship Savannah has to solder all the pieces in the puzzle together and hopefully  clear Edward while figuring out what really happened.

I just love how we are joining some of the unique characters again to solve a mystery in a thrilling setting aboard a cruise ship while throwing so many curves and suspects in the mix to keep you enthralled till the end. I really enjoyed once again the way the author weaves  the glass art into the story which adds an extra uniqueness to it.

I found in this book that Savannah has grown more confident and has evolved more  to being a real leader and a smart, bold woman who uses her wits to solve the mystery with the help of her friends. Edward her boyfriend is a mystery himself, one where I find myself questioning his motives at times and wondering if he is hiding something but then I see the good in him and think he can't be bad. The relationship between him and Savannah is growing which is awesome but she has to help clear his name when he becomes the number one suspect. That always puts a damper on a relationship.

I think if you like a good riveting mystery, with strong characters and a unique setting then you will enjoy this book. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

If you would like to purchase this book you can at

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Webbs-Glass-Shop-Mystery/dp/1496711777/ref=sr_1_1_twi_mas_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535487415&sr=8-1&keywords=shattered+at+sea+by+cheryl+hollon

If you would like more info on this book or series check out the author at
http://cherylhollon.com

I received this book for my honest opinion and review

UNTIL NEXT TIME:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING! 

Monday, November 13, 2017

Emotional Inspirational Romance 5 Stars




 I loved Christmas at Cade Ranch by Karen Rock. It is an emotional book of hope, redemption, forgiveness and second chances wrapped with love. Karen Rock has weaved a fantastic story in which you can find yourself being swept up in it and wanting more. It is a wonderful story with imperfect, realistic characters that you find yourself laughing, crying and rooting for throughout the book. Not often do I find a book that I can get so wrapped up in the characters but this one you can.
If you like an uplifting fun emotional romance that you just can't put down then this book is for you.

I was given this book for my honest opinion and review

If you would like to find out more about this book and the author check out her website at

http://www.karenrock.com/index.html

UNTIL NEXT TIME:
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOODBOOK AND KEEP ON READING!




Saturday, August 12, 2017

Heartwarming Story of Love, Faith and Family




A Mother For Leah by Rachel L Miller is a coming of age for Leah, an Amish girl who has lost her Mother when she was young. It is also a story of her Dad finally being able to ask God to help him find a new wife and being able to love again.

I like this book because it is a  heart warming story of family, love, community, and faith.  Moving on after a loss is never easy but with faith and love you can and this book shows how trusting God makes it possible.

The book moves a little slow and is a bit tedious with the Amish language thrown in, but it is a good heartwarming  story. It is has a little romance thrown in with a lot of fun, simple community life, faith and family. I think one of my favorite parts was when Jacob comes calling on Leah to ask if he could court her. You could almost feel the excitement and nervousness that they both feel because it is all new to them. I didn't care much for Naomi's daughter Rebecca. She seemed a bit self centered and not happy for the new family she was welcomed into when her mother was marrying Leah's father Samuel. I wonder if she is going to cause trouble for them or be won over by the love of her new family.

If you like a good book set in an Amish family and community, with love, romance, faith and family then this book is for you.

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion and review.

Release date is 15 Aug 2017

If you would like to learn more about this book or the author you can check out her website at

rlmauthor.com

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Long Time Gone 5 Stars





Long Time Gone by Mary Connealy is another great western by her which is a mixture of romance, action, faith and love of family. She weaves a tale that ropes you in and pulls you along with the Boden's as they face danger from unknown people. They don t know who they can trust and neither does the reader until it all unfolds.
I love a good western with cowboys, wilderness and a strong woman or two. This book has it all. The Boden's are being attacked and they aren't sure who is after them or why. They have to rely on each other, their faith, and all the while trying to lay a trap for the ones who are after them without anyone else being hurt or killed.
Justin, Cole, Heath and Sadie find an unlikely, but yet strong ally in Angie who is really a city girl with no country skills.

I found this book to be a wonderful mixture of action, humor and strong relatable characters. One of the favorite things in this book for me is to see how Angie finds herself and the  strength she didn't think she had.

If you like a good book, with fun strong characters, a lot of action and a message of family, love, faith and strength then be sure to read this one.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review.

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Extraordinary Fantasy






Birthrights Book One Of The Revisions To The Truth Series is an excellent fantasy with adventure that keeps you wanting more. at the end of the book I found myself looking forward to the next book.
This is a story of the search for ones place in the world split by beliefs and those who control others by fear and intimidation. The search for Truth and what that means. It's  one boys struggle to find his place and not just be known as the grandson of a rebel leader. Whym is learning the ways of the seeker and trying to overcome his families past. He is seeking The Truth. He must learn the ways of the seeker and in a world split between the beliefs of what is right and wrong in The Truth he finds strength, skill and danger.

This book has an excellent plot that leads you on a extraordinary  journey through a fantasy world full of conflict, danger, a mystical creature and a realm where the Leaders of the Truth rule against the ones who want the real Truth and what's best for all people. It has strong characters that grow as the story unfolds to finding themselves and which side they belong on.
I liked this line "make others see you as you wish them to see you, but never believe the disguise yourselve; The Truth is a book, but real truth depends on your perspective"
this sums up the struggle found in this story.

I found this book very interesting and a wonderful page turner. If you liked the Hungar Games or Eragon then I think you will like this book also.

If you are a fan of fantasy then be sure to check this book out.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Fun Devotional and Coloring Book



Be Bold A Coloring Devotional by Ellen Elliott is a fun way to spend time in the Word. This book is full of insightful devotions and wonderful coloring pages to go with the theme of the devotion and verses.
I think young and old alike will enjoy spending time with this book. One of my favorite devotions was Practice Gratitude. It reminds to be thankful in all circumstances. The coloring page that accompanies it is upbeat and can be mad colorful and cheerful. There are so many I liked I could just about name them all as my favorite. One aspect I liked was that at the back of the book you had pages to make notes a d doodle if you like.
I think this would be a welcome addition to your library and would be a great gift too.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review from Tyndale Publishers

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

A Must Read New Book and Series Elementary She Read by Vicki Delany


Elementary, She Read: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by [Delany, Vicki]




Elementary She Read  A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery by Vicki Delany is a wonderful beginning to a new series. I totally enjoyed this book. As a big Sherlock Holmes fan I was skeptical whether or not I would like this book but was pleasantly surprised how good it was.

Gemma Doyle runs the Sherlock Book Shop and Emporium in West London on Cape Cod 222 Baker Street (don't you just love the address) and her friend Jayne is part owner with her in Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop. When a woman hides what might be a priceless magazine with Sherlock's first story in it the fun begins. When Gemma finds it and talks Jayne into going with her to talk to the woman they find her dead and the mystery is on. Can Gemma find the killer and clear her name before she becomes a victim or be arrested by the cranky Det. Estrada or her ex boyfriend Det. Ryan Ashburton has to arrest her for the murder?

This is a fantastic, exceptional cozy mystery. Gemma is smart, intuitive, clever, very observant and a very motivated woman who sometimes gets in over her head because of all these characteristics. Jayne is level headed, smart, very honest and a good friend. Gemma is the Sherlock to Jaynes Dr Watson. The whole time I read this I kept thinking Gemma is so much like Sherlock and Jayne Dr. Watson and it made it fun. The mystery is unique and I love the way that the book keeps weaving in facts about Sherlock and the items that collectors look for as well as the obsession people have with all things Sherlock still. The murders, the mystery of the magazine, and just the shop itself makes up a very interesting book. There are so many ways this mystery could resolve and yet just when you think you have it figured out a wrench, so to speak, is thrown into the cog of your reasoning. I like a book that you can't figure out who the culprit is right off the bat, but that when it is ended you are surprised yet delighted at the outcome. This book is just that.

Besides the wonderful setting of Cape Cod,  the teashop and bookstore the characters combine to make this an excellent  book. I think Gemma could be someone I would love to hang out with. She is so observant, that sometimes it really gets her into trouble. She says in the book, "I'm so clever I chased  away the man who loved me, and my best friend's starting to find me exasperating to be around." Her character and all her quirkiness  is what really helps this to be an exceptional book. Jayne is just naive and honest enough that her and Gemma are opposites yet they make up a good combination and team. This just makes the book flow.What would a book be without a cantankerous policeman to be out to get Gemma and  Det. Estrada fits the bill. She is someone you love to hate and makes for a perfect nemesis for Gemma.  I can see them butt heads in the books to come. Det Ryan Ashburton the long lost love of Gemma adds an extra dimension to the mystery and book. I am hoping that they will pursue a new relationship in books to come too.

So in recap, you have a great mystery,  a unique awesome setting, romance, many suspects and a quirky reason for murder and a surprise ending. It adds up to a book you can't  put down.

This is going to be a new favorite series for me and I can not wait for the next one to come out. If you read only one new series this year I hope you read this book and series, I don't think you will be disappointed.

If you want to learn more about this book and author you can check out her website at
http://vickidelany.com/

If you want to purchase this book check out
https://www.amazon.com/Elementary-She-Read-Sherlock-Bookshop-ebook/dp/B01MT6H7O1/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489504854&sr=8-1&keywords=sherlock+she+read

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/elementary-she-read-vicki-delany/1124463795?ean=9781683310969

I received this book from the author and publisher for my honest opinion and review.

UNTIL NEXT TIME:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING!

Friday, December 30, 2016

5 Stars for Searching The Scriptures Find The Nourishment Your Soul Needs by Charles R Swindoll





Searching the Scriptures Find The Nourishment Your Soul Needs by Charles R Swindoll gives you the ingredients and recipe for getting more from your Bible.

If you ever struggled with studying the Bible not knowing how to start or how to apply what you read then this book is for you.


I loved this book. Charles R Swindoll has provided, with this book, a way to really study and apply the scriptures. He explains that  just like us planning to nourish our bodies we need to nourish our spiritual bodies through studying the Bible. This book explains how to get started and how to get to the meat of the scriptures. The author helps you  apply what you are learning with exercises for you to do also.  I am planning on going through this book as I start my study in 2017 again of the Bible and I know that from the knowledge I have acquired in this book I will really reap the benefits of my study.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to do more than just read the Bible. It is a book for those who want to study, learn, apply what they learn and grow in their walk with God.

I received this book from Tyndall Publishers for my honest opinion and review.

If you would like to learn more about this book or author you can at:
https://www.tyndale.com/p/searching-the-scriptures/9781414380650

If you would like to purchase this book you can at:

https://www.tyndale.com/p/searching-the-scriptures/9781414380650

https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Scriptures-Find-Nourishment-Needs/dp/1414380658/ref=sr_1_1_twi_har_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483131155&sr=1-1&keywords=searching+the+scriptures+swindoll

https://www.christianbook.com/searching-scriptures-nourishment-your-soul-needs/charles-swindoll/9781414380650/pd/380650