Many a Twist, by Sheila Connolly

Many a Twist by Sheila Connolly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

This is fast becoming my favorite series from Sheila Connolly. I love Maura and (most of) the pub crew. This book gets in to Maura's personal life pretty heavily, from introducing her long lost mother to her relationship with Mick. Maura and Mick both open up in this book, and as a result, see some pretty significant and well-deserved character growth. The mystery is interesting, but personal relationships really take center stage in this book. Maura also finally seems to make up her mind once and for all that she's staying in Ireland.

The other characters in this series really help make it the fun series it is. I love Billy, with all his knowledge of the area and the people in it. I am still waiting for Rose to get more time. I was kind of disappointed that Maura never followed through on an idea from the previous book concerning Rose.

All in all, this was a great step forward in the series, with an interesting mystery and a nice fast, read.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*



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Unbridled Murder, by Leigh Hearon

Unbridled Murder by Leigh Hearon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

3rd in the series.

I love Annie and her passion for saving horses. The story-line kept me hooked from the beginning. This series isn't quite as "cozy" as some of the other series I read, it's a little darker, and seems to be a lot focused on shining a light on some of the not so nice things that go on in the horse world. But I think that's what I like about it.

I love that Annie is a strong, independent female lead. That said, I also love that she's learning after years of hard work on her own, that needing help isn't always a bad thing. I also liked that we got to see more of her with Marcus.

I really hope we get to see more of Annie in the future.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Crust No One. by Winne Archer

Crust No One by Winnie Archer
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 2 in the series.

I liked this book better than the previous one, Ivy wasn't quite so whiney this time around. But I don't like Miguel much at all. Or his nasty sister.

But what I find the hardest to swallow about the entire series is that Ivy says she's trying to build up her photography business, and then does everything but that. She ignores a potential client for two days, because she wants to do things on her terms? Umm, yeah that's not how work goes, even if the potential client is the guy who broke your heart years ago.

I'm not sure I will read the next book, just because I really don't care too much about any of the characters. Really, I'd like to see the author go back to her Magical Dressmaking series instead.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
 

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Historically Dead, by Great Mckennan

Historically Dead by Greta Mckennan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 2 in the series.

I enjoyed this book more than the previous one. The characters are much more likeable here. The author combines history with modern day mystery, and some romance thrown in.

I'm still not a fan of Steve. I think he and Darla are kind of bland together. But the sisters, Ruth and Priscilla, more than made up for it. And the reappearance of Darla's thieving ex made things a bit more interesting as well.

This was an interesting and fun mystery and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Not a Creature Was Purring, by Krista Davis

Not a Creature Was Purring by Krista Davis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I loved it!

Book 5 in this fun series. It can be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read them all!

I love this series, set in the pet friendly town of Wagtail, Virginia and centered on the Sugar Maple Inn. And this one is my favorite, so far, of the series.

Holly and her pals are making spirits bright in Wagtail this Christmas season, playing secret Santa to Wagtail's less fortunate. Meanwhile, the Inn is playing host to one great big dysfunctional family for Christmas. A family who just happens to be the soon to be in-laws of Holly's longtime crush, Holmes.

Filled with lovable people, as well as pets, this series never fails to lift my spirits and make me laugh, even while murder is happening. All my favorite characters make an appearance in this book, and some long-running themes get wrapped up in time for the holidays.

Not a Creature Was Purring is a fast, fun read that I didn't want to put down. So take a trip to Wagtail for the holidays this year, you'll be glad you did.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.*


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Etched in Tears, by Cheryl Hollon

Etched in Tears by Cheryl Hollon

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 4 in the series.

I've enjoyed all of the books in the series, but I have to admit, this wasn't my favorite. What I did like was Savannah finally let Edward all the way in to her life. And I always love Jacob and all of the secondary characters have grown in leaps and bounds.

But the mystery itself just couldn't keep me interested. Part of that was Savannah's dad's paranoia, coding every freaking thing. That didn't intrigue me, it just annoyed me.

The ending was satisfying enough, and I really am looking forward to more in this series, if only to visit with the Webb's Glass Shop family.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Of Murder and Men, by Lynn Cahoon

Of Murder and Men by Lynn Cahoon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

I love this series. The description of Cat's home always makes me wants to attend her retreats, and the Colorado location makes this Colorado gal feel even more at home.

Cat's got the routine down for her monthly writer's retreats, with a lot of help from her partner, Shauna. But this time around Shauna's distracted by her boyfriend/fiance. Cat's worried about how she's going to run the retreats if Shauna gets married and isn't around to help anymore. But suddenly, getting married isn't what will ruin their partnership, it's murder, because Shauna is suspect #1.

Each book just gets better in this series. And we finally see an end to mystery with in the mystery of Cat's ex-husband, so I really liked that. I could do a little less with the Mobster as a potential love interest, heading toward love triangle territory, but we're not there yet, and I hope it stays that way.

I am now impatiently waiting for book 4, haha.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Ghosts of the Civil War, by Rich Newman

Ghosts of the Civil War: Exploring the Paranormal History of America's Deadliest War by Rich Newman

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting tour of haunted Civil War locations. It was well organized into categories based on the type of location (cemetery, battle, etc.). I liked that it covered some more unusual locations, rather than just the battle sites that most Civil War ghost books and shows cover.

My only minor complaint was that there was not a lot of detail about each site, since there were so many locations to cover. Other than that, it was an interesting read and it would be the perfect travel companion to bring along on a tour of Civil War locations.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Murder on the Toy Town Express, by Barbara Early

Murder on the Toy Town Express by Barbara Early

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 2 in the series, but the author sets things up well, so each book is a stand alone story.

I love this series. I started reading this book as soon as I received it and had it finished before bed. Main character Liz and her dad have a great relationship and I love their interactions. His love of puns made the book fun, while the interesting plot kept me guessing.

The only thing that keeps me from giving it 5 stars is the love triangle, which is a trope that drives me crazy! At least things seem to be settling themselves in this book.

Absolutely looking forward to more in book 3!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher*

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A Deadly Éclair, by Daryl Wood Gerber

A Deadly Éclair by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Another fun new series from Daryl Wood Gerber.

This author is pretty much at the top of my, "Will read anything by her" list, so when I saw she had a new series coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it.

It didn't disappoint. Mimi has always wanted to open a French Bistro, but crippling debt after her husband's death sent her back home. There she met an entrepreneur willing to invest in her dream and now her bistro and inn are open, hosting the wedding of a famous talk show host. Things go downhill fast when Mimi's investor is found dead in the bistro and Mimi looks like the perfect suspect.

This book, like all of the author's books, has just the right amount of good food, mystery, and a dash of romance. I look forward to more in this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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The Secret, Book and Scone Society

The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First in the series.

I am a big Ellery Adams fan, so I wanted to love this book. It was a good start to a new series, and I liked it, but I didn't love it. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Nora. She was quite stand offish at first (for good reason, but still...) and yet intriguing. I wanted to know more about how she ended up in Miracle Springs. I loved the premise that Nora could help people by finding them the right books to read and a scone to eat.

I liked Nora's character growth as she hooked up with three other women, all with secrets of their own. They all had to learn to trust as they formed true friendships and solved a murder. It was very emotional and real.

After I got a few chapters in, it was a quick read and I finished it in a day.

But... I think this book tried too hard to be too many things. Is it a cozy? Chick lit? Magical, like a Sarah Addison Allen book? Romance? As a result it felt a little scattered.

That said, I am looking forward to the next book.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Blackberry Burial, by Sharon Farrow

Blackberry Burial by Sharon Farrow

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 2 in the series.

The first book was good, but I really enjoyed Marlee this time around, and I thought Theo was absolutely a sweetheart. Watching their friendship develop was lovely. And the Rally was flat out fun, haha.

This story moved at a pretty fast pace once the long buried body turned up and all the people who knew the victim ended up back in town for a reunion.

The one thing I do not like about this series is Marlee's fiancé (I didn't like him in the first book and he certainly hasn't gotten any better.) and the fact that we're heading for a love triangle. Dump the guy and date the cop. But please don't waffle between the two!

I'm looking forward to the next book.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Knit to Kill, by Anne Canadeo

Knit to Kill by Anne Canadeo

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 1 with a new publisher but actually book NINE in the series.

Characters in this series are well established and developed. The Black Sheep knitters leave their usual stomping grounds on a "Girl's Trip" before Lucy's upcoming wedding. Thanks to Suzanne's friend they're staying in an exclusive island development. But relationships in the neighborhood aren't all exactly rosy, so when an unpleasant neighbor is found dead on the beach, suspects are plentiful.

This was a fast, fun, read. I spent an enjoyable afternoon the knitters, as I like them all and I am so glad that Kensington picked the series up. I did figure out who the killer was pretty early on. One thing I would like to see is the author focus a bit more on other characters besides Lucy. She dominates the story, but I really like Maggie and would love to see more of her again.

All in all a fun read and lovely to see the ladies again.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Someone's Mad at the Hatter, by Sandra Bretting

Someone's Mad at the Hatter by Sandra Bretting
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

Missy DuBois is back and ready for a happy new year with her beau, Ambrose. Unfortunately, Missy skipped the good luck Black Eyed Peas and now she's found another body, right behind her shop.

This time she'll have to clear herself and save her business by finding out who the killer is.

I love these books. Always a good dose of humor and southern charm along with a well-plotted mystery.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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The Quiche and the Dead, by Kirsten Weiss

The Quiche and the Dead by Kirsten Weiss

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book one in the series.

I really wanted to like it, because PIE! And it was ok, but honestly, I think I may have finally found a cozy that's too cozy. Charlene and her weird narcoleptic cat were a little too zany for me, Heidi is just annoying and Val was kind of overwhelmed by everyone else.

It started off quick, then kind of dragged in the middle while Val and Charlene did their Keystone Cops routine, bouncing from one crazy thing to another.

I'm hoping this is just the usual, "first in the series" hiccoughs and that book 2 will even out a bit.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*



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How the Finch Stole Christmas, by Donna Andrews

How the Finch Stole Christmas! by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 22 in the series, but I think Ms. Andrews does an excellent job of making each book a stand alone story.

Every year I look forward to a new Christmas book in this series. Meg and her family never fail to make me laugh, and this one was no different. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one through NetGalley and I pretty much snuggled down and read it in one sitting. My family is used to me laughing out loud when I read a Meg book, so they left me alone, haha.

I absolutely enjoyed the story this time, though I do wish we'd seen a bit more of Meg's Mom's side of the family again. They always add a bit more kookiness.

I got this book super early, and actually ended up re-reading it again just before the pub date. It was just as much fun the second time through!

Now to be patient and wait for #23....

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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The Squirrel on the Train, by Kevin Hearne

The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I loved it!

The second in the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries and just as much fun as the first. The plot is fun and clever. It made me laugh so much that even though I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley, I bought my own copy.

I truly hope that the end of the Iron Druid series doesn't bring an end to these little snippets of what I've always thought were the best bits of the series, just Atticus and the dogs, and lots of goofy puns. They're good dogs, Brent!

If you haven't read the series, you'll probably be ok but do yourself a favor and at least read the first few so you have an idea who Atticus and Oberon are. (And really, they're worth the read!)

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Death Overdue, by Allison Brook

Death Overdue by Allison Brook

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

A great start to a new series.

A haunted library? I'm there! Combine ghosts and books and you've hooked me. And Death Overdue continued to keep me reeled in. With two mysteries interwoven through the book, I didn't want to put it down.

My only complaint was that at times, main character Carrie wasn't very likeable. She comes off as rather immature for a 30 year old, still caught up in a teen-aged rebellion. But by the end of the book she seems to have finally grown up and found herself and her place in the world.

I look forward to seeing what she's up to in the next book, along with her aunt and uncle, and of course, the library ghost!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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Purring Around the Christmas Tree, by Liz Mugavero

Purring around the Christmas Tree by Liz Mugavero
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book six in the series. I haven't read a book in the series since book 2 and while I felt like I was missing a little background, it didn't stop me from enjoying this book. It just made me want to go back and read the rest to see what I missed, haha.

Kristan "Stan" Connor is opening a store front for her organic pet items and what better time for her grand opening then right after the lighting of the town's Christmas tree?

Things go immediately wrong for Stan, her boyfriend, Jake and the town when Santa's sleigh pulls in carrying a dead Santa and the person who was originally supposed to play Santa has disappeared.

This was a fun book, even if the plot was a bit convoluted. I enjoyed spending time with Stan again, and meeting Jake, as well as Stan's mom. I did have a bit of confusion, since there are just so many characters to keep track of. Other than that, I enjoyed the book and will look forward to more.

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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A Cajun Christmas Killing, by Ellen Byron

A Cajun Christmas Killing by Ellen Byron

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

Another wonderful visit to Cajun country with Maggie Crozat and her family. I always love the descriptions of Pelican and the townsfolk that truly bring Cajun country to life in this series. The holiday setting in this book was fun and I enjoyed learning about holiday traditions on the bayou.

I really liked that Maggie and Rufus seem to have finally put the long family feud to rest. I've been getting tired of the "antagonistic police officer who doesn't like the main character for some reason" character that has been turning up in cozies lately.

With Maggie and Ru working together to clear her family and Bo, this book was a fun, fast read. Definitely my favorite in the series so far!

*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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