Reservations For Two by Hillary Manton Lodge Pure Delight 5 Stars

Reservations For Two by Hillary Manton Lodge is the wonderful sequel to A Table By The Window.
This book is just as delightful as the first one and a must read.

This book starts off where the first one left us but can be read as a stand alone with no problem. Juliette finds herself in a relationship with Neil, trying to get a restaurant running all the while finding out more of the family secrets and helping her Mom who is ill. Can she juggle it all, what secrets do the past hold and where does Neil fit it?

I find this book to be fun, fascinating and true to life, in that how life has twists and turns and secrets from our past, but that is what makes US. This author has a way she takes on a ride that reveals how wonderful family, but also how mysterious our family past can be and  all the while wrapping it up in a wonderful book of family, faith, intrigue and love. If you like a good, enjoyable, book and are a fan of books that have faith, love, romance, food, family history and a good plot with wonderful characters you won't want to miss this book or series. I highly recommend it and I don't think you will be disappointed. I loved this book. I am really looking forward to reading the next book.

If you would like to purchase this book you can here:
https://www.amazon.com/Reservations-Two-Novel-Flavors-Horizons/dp/0307731774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478620748&sr=8-1&keywords=reservations+for+two

If you want to learn more about this author and her books check out her site at:

http://www.hillarymantonlodge.com/
 Or here:

• http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/224003/reservations-for-two-by-hillary-manton-lodge/

I received this book from Blogging for Books for my honest opinion and  review

Until Next Time:

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Sizzling 5 Star Mystery in Grilling The Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber

Yee Haw another great book in  Grilling The Subject A Cookbook Nook Mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber.

Crystal Cove is having a Wild West Festival where you can find wild west theme fun throughout the town as well as at the CookBook Nook where Jenna has cookbooks for all kinds of BBQ and Katie has rustled up some really spectacular bbq western themed recipes that make your mouth water. BBQ, rides, races and all sorts of fun is happening but then when Jennas father's neighbor, the trouble making, land grabbing, irritating Sylvia Gump is murdered and Cary Hart Jennas father is the number one murder suspect then things become unsettling and interesting. Jenna has to clear her father and find out who murdered Sylvia, which could be a number of people who she has made mad at her, before someone else ends up dead and her dad ends up in jail. Can she rope the  killer, prove her dad innocent and insure that the cookbook nook keeps up with the wild west festivies?

This is probably the best book in the series so far. Each one has been good and each one has been better than the last. It is a fun, fast paced, but not predictable mystery that I really enjoyed. It is so easy to picture being in the small town of Crystal Cove and enjoying the Wild West fun and festivities. Coming from a city that has BBQ festivals I really could picture being right in the middle of all of it with the smell of smoking meat and bbq in the air. Then there are the  characters that could be friends of mine and who doesn't want the eccentric intuitive Aunt Vera as part of your family. The all around theme, small town, mystery and characters make this a book you won't want to miss.

If you like a good mystery that has unique characters, an interesting plot and enough surprises and suspects to make it not the usual predictable mystery you will want to read Grilling The Subject.
It also has mouth watering recipes like BBQ muffins, which I can not wait to try and bbq sauce recipes  included in the book and who doesn't like that.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars. It is the 5th book in the series but it can be read as a stand alone if you haven't read the  others. Really though I would recommend  reading them too.

Don't miss out on this book you will enjoy.

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

If you want to learn more about this book and the other books in the series then checkout this website
darlywoodgerber.com

If you would like to buy the book go to this link
https://www.amazon.com/Grilling-Subject-Cookbook-Nook-Mystery/dp/0425279413/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1470175291&sr=8-1&keywords=grilling+the+subject

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/grilling-the-subject-daryl-wood-gerber/1123659853?ean=9780425279410

UNTIL NEXT TIME

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Fun, Magic, Just A Good Cozy Mystery

Crime and Poetry a Magical Bookshop Mystery by Amanda Flower is a great new series. I just loved the book and would love to  sit in the Charming Bookshop and enjoy the atmosphere while reading.

Violet hurries back to Cascade Springs, her hometown she swore she would never return to, thinking her Grandma Daisy is ill. When she arrives though she finds Grandma is not sick at all but just wanted Violet to come home and stay to take over the bookshop as its caretaker.Violet is shocked when her Grandma explains about the mystical shop, the tree, and how the books gives the caretaker messages and now Violet is suppose to be the new caretaker and the books will talk to her. Wow she has trouble wrapping her head around all that Grandma tells her. Not just that but she is surprised to  find how devious her Grandmother had been to get her to come back. She vows not to stay but that changes when Grandma Daisy's friend Benedict is found dead by Violet in his carriage in Grandma's driveway the next morning and Grandma seems to be the number 1 suspect. Violet has to overlook her past in Cascade Springs, the past that made her swear never to come back and   help find who really killed Benedict and prove her Grandma innocent before she leaves. What is Violet to think and how can she prove Grandma is innocent before something happens to her or Grandma and soon so she can get back to her life in Chicago?

This is an excellent surprising mystery with strong characters and plot. Violet is a smart, strong willed and independent woman which is always a plus in a mystery,  Grandma Daisy is cunning, smart, loving and someone everyone loves. These are two women you would want to be friends with. I like that the Mystical bookshop is an important part to the plot. I could just curl up in a corner of that shop and live there. Who wouldn't want to have a shop that is mystical and the books give you messages what could be greater than that? You also have the good looking intelligent yet kind police chief, Chief Rainwater as well as many suspects.

I can not say it enough I loved this book.  One of my favorite lines is when Grandma is explaining to Violet about the history and mystery of the bookshop and that she now is its caretaker,
"You are the Caretaker. You are to care for the tree and shop now. The books will speak to you now." pg 64 also "Not everything in this world makes sense, you only need to believe it. You are the next Caretaker." pg 64
If you enjoy a good mystery that keeps you guessing with a surprise or two, strong characters, add in a mystical bookshop then don't miss this one. Amanda Flower has another hit with this one.

If you want to know more about Amanda Flower and her books check out her site:


http://www.amandaflower.com

If you want to buy her book go to

http://www.amazon.com/Crime-Poetry-Magical-Bookshop-Mystery/dp/0451477448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448408749&sr=8-1&keywords=crime+and+poetry

http://www.christianbook.com/1-crime-and-poetry/amanda-flower/9780451477446/pd/477443?event=ESRCG


I won and received this book for my honest opinion and review.

Until Next Time:

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5 stars for This Page Turner Now and Forever Wild at Heart bk 2 by Mary Connealy

Now and Forever Wild At Heart book 2 by Mary Connealy is a book you don’t want to miss. Shannon is a strong-willed, self-reliant, strong woman who has homesteaded a place where she is raising sheep. She is literally thrown into mountain man Tuckers life when she saves him from a bear by throwing him and herself into the river. Little did she know how much this one act would change their lives  forever.

I really enjoyed this book. Shannon is a strong woman that is trying to make up for things she saw and did in the Civil War by caring for her sheep. Tucker is a self-sufficient Mountain man. He and Shannon have to be strong and courageous to survive their ordeal. Then they are thrown together relying on each other and God. Shannon has to save Tucker and ends up married to him. This is their journey of first survival, then finding who is burning homesteaders out before Shannon is the next homestead targeted, all the while learning to love themselves, each other and God. It is Shannon learning to let go of her past and let God heal her heart.

This is a great fast moving exciting book. It combines, love, romance, the frontier, faith as well as a mystery. Who could ask for more. I had not read the first book in this series but this book worked as a stand-alone book too. I will be getting the first one because if it is as good as this one I don’t want to miss it. I highly recommend this book especially if you like romance, mystery and western books.

If you would like to learn more about this book, the author and her other books or buy this book check out this site:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/now-and-forever/348040

http://www.maryconnealy.com/

 

I was given this book from Bethany House Publishers for my honest opinion and review.

 

Until next time:

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5 Star Mystery in The Cemetery Club

  

The Cemetery Club (Darcy and Flora Cozy Mystery) by Blanche Day Manos & Barbara Burgess is a great cozy mystery that mixes faith, mystery and family along with suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wanting more.

Darcy has come home to her mother’s after the death of her husband. When her mother Flora along with Darcy find the body of Flora’s good friend Ben at the cemetery then things get really interesting  and dangerous for Darcy and Flora. Can they find out why and who killed Ben before more people are killed or the killer succeeds in killing them?

Darcy and Flora remind me of my daughter and me. We have a special bond and it seems we can always find ways to make things interesting. I think I could feel right at home sitting in their kitchen sharing stories while drinking coffee. That is part of the charm of this book, being able to feel like you know them and could be right in the middle of this mystery helping them solve it as well as getting in trouble right along with them. I like that the book keeps you guessing. It is one of those books that you don’t want to put down but then when you get to the end you wish there was more. It has just the right mix of suspense, faith and family. I give this book 5 stars and would highly recommend it to others.

I think one of my favorite quotes from the book is, pg. 38 “Trust God, Darcy. He knows the end from the beginning.” This is a very comforting thought. And then another favorite was “To her way of thinking, in all times of stress, coffee helped.” Pg. 48. I so agree!

I loved this book. I think that anyone who likes a good mystery, with twists and turns will want to read this book. I can’t wait to read the other two in the series.

If you want to learn more about this book and series you can go to Blanche Day Manos website at

www.Blanchedaymanos.com

You can purchase this book @

http://www.amazon.com/Cemetery-Club-Darcy-Flora-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00Q5MVQ2S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1432476660&sr=8-1&keywords=the+cemetery+club

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cemetery-club-blanche-day-manos/1103996386?ean=9781940222837

This book is well worth the time to read it.  Make sure you have enough time to read because you won’t want to put it down.

Until Next Time:

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

As Gouda As Dead by Avery Aames 5 Stars my Thoughts

As Gouda As Dead A Cheese Shop Mystery by Avery Aames is one you won't want to miss. The series just gets better and better with each book and this book is no exception. It is a great new addition to the series you won't want to miss. It has some great recipes included.

Love is in the air at Providence and every one is caught up in the festivities. Charlotte and Jordan are getting married, couples have come to take part in the Love festival activities so what could go wrong? Murder has a way of putting love on the back burner.  Charlotte has to help the police chief solve the murders so that things can move forward. Can she help solve the murders or will her snooping get her into trouble, will she become the next victim?

I love this book. It was a page turner that makes you not want to stop until you have finished it. I love the way you  can picture the town of Providence and the people. This could be a small town that is familiar to you and the people are so relatable. I know that some of the people in this book remind me of people I know and can relate to. This always is a plus when reading a book relating to the people and place. Who doesn't know a quirky Grandmere or a snooty control freak like Belinda Bell or Paige Alpaugh. I also like that Charlotte is a strong, clever, smart, and loving person that adds to the book. I love that the mystery winds around with twists and turns and multiple possible suspects that keeps you guessing till the end. I have to say I thought I had this one figured out but was surprised at the ending which always is good. I give this 5 Stars and can not wait to read the next book.

If you want to know more about this book or the author and her other books check out her site at

www.averyaames.com


I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.


Until next time:

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Maple Mayhem by Jessie Crockett My Review

Maple Mayhem A Sugar Grove Mystery by Jessie Crockett is a good cozy mystery set in Sugar Grove where Maple Syrup is what most people harvest. Dani and her family have been in the maple sugar business for generations and Dani is taking it one step further by trying to start a coop between all the growers to make it more economical for all of them. When someone starts sabotaging those who are joining the coop and then one of the biggest and loudest protesters of the coop is found dead Dani has to find out who is causing all the damage and who killed Frank before someone else is hurt and the coop falls apart.

Dani is a petite, spunky woman who loves her family and the maple syrup business. She reminds me of a woman I know who never backs down from a good battle and is a smart hard worker. Dani knows what she wants and works to get it even when obstacles, like someone vandalizing the coop members and even murder, are in her way. I love the close knit family and the small community setting too. It is written in a way that you almost can picture yourself right there in the town.

The book was good just a little slow at first. Wish that it had gotten to the murder sooner but once it did it picked up. The ending was somewhat of a surprise and the murderer was not who I thought it would be. If you like a good cozy with some twists in the plot then you might want to read this one. Has some good recipes too.

This is the second book in this series but it can be read easily without ever reading the first book without feeling lost.

If you want more info about the author and her books check out her website at

www.jessiecrockett.com

until next time:

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5 Stars to Annie's Stories by Cindy Thomson

Annie's Stories An Ellis Island Novel by Cindy Thomson is a wonderful historical fiction book. Annie is the housekeeper at Hawkins House where she was brought after being rescued from the Magdalene Laundries in Ireland. Her mother died when she was a baby and her father, with Annie, would travel around Ireland because her father was a storyteller. When he died Annie had no one but a mean Uncle who did not want her and when her cousin Aileen tells a lie her Uncle sends Annie to the laundry. 

Annie gets a second chance when she is rescued from the laundry and sent to live with Mrs. Hawkins at the Hawkins House. She only has her stories her father left her of her past life with him and the rest of her past she wants to forget.

This book is Annie's story of second chances and finding her strength to move on and she is determined  not to depend on anyone but herself. Can Annie move past the hurts and memories that haunt her from the laundry? Will she ever be able to make her dreams reality? Most of all will she find that she is not unloved and forgotten by God? Will she find Love again for God, herself and a man to love her like the postman Stephen?

I loved this book. I love how Cindy Thomson makes books, reading and especially the book The Wizard Of OZ by Frank Braum an important part to Annie's story. I love how strong and independent Annie is and the heart for others she has. Annie grows as a person throughout the book and you find yourself caught up right along with her. You begin to feel a part of this story too and it is written where you can just feel Annie, Mrs Hawkins , Stephen and all the other characters could be people you know. This book is a book about second chances, moving on from the past hurts and holding on to the good memories, about love and learning to rely on Faith and God. You see with Annie that she has to come to realize that God can love her and that God never left her but was always with her. She has to love herself and realize she is lovable before she can become whole and achieve what she wants to in the future. Very uplifting and wonderful book.

This book combines the love of books, reading with history of family, books, publishing and the time period. If you are a lover of books, history, genealogy and good historical fiction then I believe you will love this book. I would recommend this book to all it is well worth the read.

If you want more information about this book, the Ellis Island Novels or the author visit her website at

http://cindythomson.blogspot.com/

check out the book trailer here

watch on tyndale.com

I was given a free copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review of the book

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Getting Kids to Read and Suggested Books

My love for reading started around fourth grade in school when a teacher took the time to teach me how to sound words out and help me read better. It wasn't a chore anymore and I fell in love with it. As a parent I made sure my kids were read to when they were little and then made sure they had books. They both are readers now, especially my daughter who, like her mother, never leaves home without a book. When my Grandkids came along I started reading to them from the day they were born. When they got older I bought them books. In fact my Granddaughter really began to read when I started buying books that were her own.  They are both adults now and they still read all the time. They still get books from me for their birthdays, Christmas and just any time I can get them one. My littlest Grandson is 2 yrs old and we have made sure he has books too. His mom takes him to the library all the time and he loves to go. I make sure he gets books of his own too and though I don't see him except on weekends I try to make sure we read something when I can. I have been thinking about getting on Skype and read to him but that has not happened yet.

I think it is so important for children to have books and to read. Start them young and hopefully they will learn to love books too. I have said all of this because I thought each week I would try to suggest a book for children and teens. I will not suggest any books that I have not read since I would not know if the content would be suitable. I hope if you have any suggestions for books for kids you will let me know.  I want to get our children back to reading and enjoying books as much as we do.

This weeks book selection for kids is really a whole series that I think they will love. It is The Chronicles of Narnia Series by C. S. Lewis

This series is good for kids just starting to read on their own, and also books to read to smaller children too.  The books are full of wonder and magic. It is about growing up and facing our fears as well as finding who we really are. It is about following God but it is all put in away that is fun and exciting and easy for kids to understand. I recommend you read all the books for the start. These would make great stories to share with the whole family. I have to admit I enjoyed reading them also. C S Lewis has a unique way to get the message of God across. These are wonderful books and should be included in every child's or for that fact adults libraries. I highly recommend them to all.

Until Next Time :

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP ON READING! LET'S GET THE KIDS READING TOO!

Throwback Thursday One Of My favorite Authors and Book Lighthouse by Eugenia Price

Lighthouse (St. Simons Trilogy #1) by Eugenia Price is a must read for anyone who loves historical fiction.  I love how Eugenia Price is a master of bringing the area and people to life in her books.  I love Eugenia Price books. This is a great read. Historical fiction based on a real place. Combines my love of lighthouses, history and a good read.




This is the first book in the St Simons Trilogy. James Gould has a dream to build a lighthouse so he works hard to make the money to move to St Simons and get the contract to build the lighthouse. This is his story and struggles to make his dream come true.  This is a story of determination, faith, hope and yes love. A mans love for hard work, his land and his family. I can not tell you how much I loved this book and trilogy. This is a book that I have read more than once and will read again.


Eugenia Price brings to life the St Simons area and its history by making you feel the struggles and hopes as well as dreams of the people. She paints a picture of the Island and surrounding areas and makes it a place you want to visit.


I highly recommend this book and the series. The other two books are just as good and when you finish them you want more.
The two other books in the trilogy are New Moon Rising (St. Simons Trilogy #2)
and The Beloved Invader (St. Simons Trilogy #3)
    


I hope if you haven't read this book and series you will. I think once you have read this series you will want to read more of Eugenia Prices books. She is a master at historical fiction.


Until next time:


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