I reviewed this book for the August edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I cannot post the review until I reviewed this book for the August edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I cannot post the review until after HNS posts the review on their website on August 1st. I will update this review later.
Merged review:
I reviewed this book for the August edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I cannot post the review until after HNS posts the review on their website on August 1st. I will update this review later....more
This novella is part of the Walnut Creek series. It can be read as a stand-alone story, but will provide spoilers for the earlier books in the series.This novella is part of the Walnut Creek series. It can be read as a stand-alone story, but will provide spoilers for the earlier books in the series.
This is a nice Christmas story about coping with death, loss, and grief. The main characters are engaging and likeable, and there is a simple but effective Christian message. Having lost my mother this year, this really resonated with me. I have never read the Walnut Creek series before, but I will definitely do so now.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
Merged review:
This novella is part of the Walnut Creek series. It can be read as a stand-alone story, but will provide spoilers for the earlier books in the series.
This is a nice Christmas story about coping with death, loss, and grief. The main characters are engaging and likeable, and there is a simple but effective Christian message. Having lost my mother this year, this really resonated with me. I have never read the Walnut Creek series before, but I will definitely do so now.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary....more
THE BALLAD OF SMALLHOPE AND PENNYROYAL explores the background of the mysterious recovery agents who have played important parts in both The ChronicleTHE BALLAD OF SMALLHOPE AND PENNYROYAL explores the background of the mysterious recovery agents who have played important parts in both The Chronicles of St. Mary's and The Time Police series'. Their stories are both heartbreaking and inspiring, and I was absolutely riveted the whole time. As usual, birds provide some comic relief. In this case, it's peacocks! The villain in this story is an absolutely evil woman, and I hated her appropriately. The motivations behind Pennyroyal and why he is the way he is make sense to me now.
Without giving spoilers, parts of this novel now have me furiously investigating past books in the series, looking for clues. It is also made clear how integral these two characters are to the plots of both series.
I started this book after breakfast and finished it the same day. I could not stop reading. It is not your usual St. Mary's story, but it ties everything together and makes some big reveals. I loved that it covers the whole time period of The Chronicles of St. Mary's, and more, while also telling Smallhope's life story. Fans of this series will absolutely love this one.
I received a free copy of this book from Headline via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
1982. Lydia Wienewski's Polish/American cafe, Lydia's Lakeside Cafe and Bakery, is now open in Buffalo, New York. Lydia's pierogi is hailed as the bes1982. Lydia Wienewski's Polish/American cafe, Lydia's Lakeside Cafe and Bakery, is now open in Buffalo, New York. Lydia's pierogi is hailed as the best in the area, and everyone wants her to enter the pierogi contest at The Buffalo International Food Festival. But when her former mentor, Madame Delphine, comes to town, along with some of her students, she dredges up memories that Lydia would sooner forget. And then Lydia finds Delphine dead at the cafe. Lydia and her grandmother, Mary, again team up to try to solve the murder. This is Book Two of the Kielbasa Queen mysteries.
I loved the portrayal of Polish/American culture, the 1980s Western New York setting, and the delicious descriptions of all of the food. Lydia's grandmother steals the show with her unconventional behavior, such as getting caught making out in the car with her boyfriend. At times I felt the overall mystery moved too slowly. There were plenty of red herrings, but the conclusion was a little bit predictable. However, the characters and the setting make it well worth another trip to Lydia's cafe. My overall rating is 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Severn House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
Things are busy at Spice Isle Bakery. It's the annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival and the bakery is participating as a vendor. Lyndsay MurrayThings are busy at Spice Isle Bakery. It's the annual Caribbean American Heritage Festival and the bakery is participating as a vendor. Lyndsay Murray is looking forward to the festival, the customers, and the music. But then tragedy strikes when Camille, a well-known singer of a reggae band, dies suspiciously. It is soon confirmed that she's been murdered. Despite getting ready for the festival, Lyndsay is also looking into the murder because her cousin Manny was dating Camille.
This is a fun cozy starring the Murray family and their very outspoken customers. It is great fun to watch every aspect of the case be discussed in detail at the bakery counter, whether Lyndsay wants to discuss it or not. The book is also filled with delicious descriptions of wonderfully spicy baked goods and a tempting recipe at the end. The mystery is interesting, even if it is not too hard to figure out. The special treats in this series are the family, their wonderful community of customers, and the way they interact with each other. Highly recommend to Cozy Mystery fans.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
When rare book dealer Ruby Vaughn is sent to Penryth Hall to deliver some books, she knows she is visiting her past and a place to which she never wanWhen rare book dealer Ruby Vaughn is sent to Penryth Hall to deliver some books, she knows she is visiting her past and a place to which she never wanted to return. What she didn't expect was a friend in trouble and a string of mysterious deaths linked to an ancient Cornish curse. She also didn't expect to be the focus of interest surrounding one of those deaths.
This book has a great premise, and the look at old Cornish beliefs and customs is very interesting. I learned about the "pellar," a wizard of sorts who is a local healer and breaker of spells. This book is a treasure trove of Cornish folklore. The mystery is intriguing with lots of clever twists. I definitely felt transported to Cornwall at that time.
However, It is way too cryptic and confusing at times. Ruby keeps her cards so close to the vest, even with the reader, that I didn't really feel I knew her well enough at all.
My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to four on sites with no half-star option
I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own....more
This is the fourth book in the John Singer Sargent/Violet Paget Mystery series. The amateur sleuthing pair of artist John and writer Violet, who wroteThis is the fourth book in the John Singer Sargent/Violet Paget Mystery series. The amateur sleuthing pair of artist John and writer Violet, who wrote under the name Vernon Lee, make a great combination. These lifelong friends are drawn into an archaeological mystery when John receives a package from an acquaintance, Moses Shapira. Shapira had recently been accused of promoting a fake manuscript of the ten commandments, with an eleventh commandment added! Is the package of leather strips that John received an original, or is it a fake? Not long after receiving the package, John and Violet learn of a suicide that could actually be a murder. In alternating chapters, we follow Moses Shapira as he discovers and tries to verify the manuscripts, and Violet and John as they investigate a possible murder and the origin of those same artifacts. This book can be read as a standalone.
The duo of John and Violet as amateur investigators is delightful. Their friendship and Violet’s insight make for an entertaining read. Their travels revolve around the arts and their investigation. Violet is an excellent narrator, and the book includes snippets about her work and John’s paintings. The fact that they were real-life friends who traveled extensively makes the books even more authentic. The mystery is intriguing and multi-layered. With Moses, we travel with Bedouin guides into the deserts of the Middle East, searching for treasures. With Violet and John, we visit Rotterdam and search for clues into a mysterious death. This is a captivating and multi-layered mystery with absolutely endearing main characters.
I received a free copy of this book from Word by Word Press via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
This is a book of beautiful photos and facts about Scottish whisky. I learned a lot of new facts about whisky as well as the differences in whisky froThis is a book of beautiful photos and facts about Scottish whisky. I learned a lot of new facts about whisky as well as the differences in whisky from different regions of Scotland. The photos are mostly beautiful photos of the residue left at the bottom of the glass after drinking different types of whisky. Believe it or not the photos look like they were done in outer space. They are very imaginative and intriguing. I am sure that few people have seen beautiful photos of whisky residue--here they are! I read this as an ebook but I would say the print edition is a must!
I received a temporary digital copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
This is a photo book that can be read in a few minutes as it has very little text. I would say it's more of a book about Miami than Pomeranians. The dThis is a photo book that can be read in a few minutes as it has very little text. I would say it's more of a book about Miami than Pomeranians. The dogs are not front and center in most of the pictures, and the shots are not particularly high quality. The pictures are mostly of various sites and activities in Miami with the dogs usually off to the side. A book called "Keeping Up With The Pomeranians" should offer more info about Pomeranians and better quality pictures in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
In 2017, Shea Collins is a medical receptionist but runs a true-crime website at night. She keeps mostly to herself, forever traumatized by her attempIn 2017, Shea Collins is a medical receptionist but runs a true-crime website at night. She keeps mostly to herself, forever traumatized by her attempted abduction by a serial killer as a child. She begins investigating the Lady Killer murders, a cold case from 1977. The suspect, wealthy Beth Greer, was acquitted, but Shea approaches her for an interview. Is she really innocent, or is she a cold-blooded killer?
In 1977, Beth Greer is alone. Her parents were mostly absent anyway, but now they are permanently gone. Her father was murdered in a robbery and her mother died in a car accident. Now Beth finds herself a suspect in the murder of two men who were killed with the same gun as her father. With nobody to turn to but her lawyer, will she survive?
I really connected with the character of Shea and sympathized with her inability to trust others, based on her traumatic past. Beth is also fascinating. She is a literally haunted figure in this book, as there is an aspect of the paranormal running throughout it. There is also a somewhat cliche character whose name I can't mention here without providing spoilers. Once that character was introduced, I was quickly able to figure out the mystery. I think Shea and Beth could have carried this book without that character.
Overall, however, this book was absolutely riveting. I enjoyed Shea's investigation and personal growth as the story progressed. I would recommend this book to fans of mysteries, thrillers, women's fiction, and the paranormal.
I received a free copy of this book from Berkley via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
I reviewed this book for the May issue of Historical Novels Review magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot I reviewed this book for the May issue of Historical Novels Review magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot post a review online until this review is published on their website on May 1st. I will update the review after that time....more
It is the 1980s and Nick, who grew up on a farm in the Midwest, is recruited into the CIA by his former coach. He is sent to Colombia undercover, as SIt is the 1980s and Nick, who grew up on a farm in the Midwest, is recruited into the CIA by his former coach. He is sent to Colombia undercover, as Sean, a student.
Unfortunately this went nowhere for me. There is little to no character development and nothing about this novel is compelling. Nick goes from point A to B to C with little suspense or drama. Even when he's killing someone, the writing is flat. It's as if the whole thing is being relayed by a disinterested reporter. I find Nick constantly being described as a "farm boy" demeaning. What's wrong with using the words farmer or son of farmers?
This one did not work for me. It's the first in a series, and unfortunately, I have no interest in reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
I reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot put the review onI reviewed this book for Historical Novels Review magazine, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. Per their policy, I cannot put the review online until February 1st when the review appears on their website....more
This is the story of Ruth Miner and her journey of survival in 17th-century New England. Accused of witchcraft after her parents’ deaths, she stows awThis is the story of Ruth Miner and her journey of survival in 17th-century New England. Accused of witchcraft after her parents’ deaths, she stows away on the ship of her friend Owen, who feels responsible for all her misfortune. However, they both soon find themselves fighting for their lives as the war between England and France in 1689, known as King William’s War, begins. Ruth’s strength and independence make her a target in this patriarchal society, and Owen, who has French ancestry, is treated as a suspect by the English. After Owen and Ruth find love, a harsh and domineering man tries to destroy them both.
What a wonderful and authentic work of historical fiction! The dialogue is completely true to the period, and there is a helpful list of non-English phrases at the end of the book. The descriptions of the people and their prejudices are completely realistic. The reader is shown how the absolute oppression of women includes death to any woman who seeks to be different, and how the accusation of witchcraft is a convenient excuse. The superstitions of the time are fascinating and well-researched. The wildness of the New World and the cruelty of those in power against anyone who disagrees with them are splashed in blood across the pages of this realistic and no-holds-barred novel. Out Front the Following Sea is an odyssey in an untamed country that will one day be America. Those interested in American history will want to explore this oft-forgotten period in her past.
I received a free copy of this book via Historical Novels Review magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
This dual-timeline novel takes us to Nashville, Tennessee in both 1897 and 1961. In 1961, Audrey Whitfield is home from college after the death of herThis dual-timeline novel takes us to Nashville, Tennessee in both 1897 and 1961. In 1961, Audrey Whitfield is home from college after the death of her mother. She is helping out her grief-stricken father at the historic Maxwell House Hotel. While cleaning out the room of an elderly guest who has had a stroke, she finds a scrapbook of mementos from the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Hints of a long-ago romance, and possible evidence of the disappearance of young women at the exposition, start Audrey on an investigation into Nashville’s past. In 1897, Priscilla Nichols is staying at the Maxwell House Hotel and exploring the Tennessee Centennial Exposition with her driver, Luca Moretti, until a disappearance changes everything.
This captivating story takes us to the exposition as it begins in 1897. The descriptions of the shining exhibits at Exposition Park make you feel as if you are there. Through the wealthy Priscilla and the working-class immigrant Gia, we see the oppression of women of the time in different ways. The haughty privilege and power seized and abused by the rich is also portrayed, and is shocking to behold. In 1961, Audrey learns more about the American civil rights movement through Jason, who wants to be a civil rights attorney. The reader learns the history of the movement and is told of lunch counter sit-ins and the Freedom Riders, fighting for equality against the evil Jim Crow laws. In 1897, when the disappearance occurs and the mystery begins, it is shocking and compelling. Audrey and Priscilla unravel elements of this secret in two timelines. At the same time, shadowy figures from the upper class try to interfere. Rich in history and mystery, Count the Nights by Stars is a novel that will teach and inspire.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own. ...more
Julie Klassen has done it again. As the book description says, this is an ode to both Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, and it is a work of art. The chJulie Klassen has done it again. As the book description says, this is an ode to both Jane Austen and Agatha Christie, and it is a work of art. The characters are well developed, and the mystery is full of twists and intrigue. The setting in an old abbey turned hotel makes this novel even more fascinating. The cast of characters is superb. The hotel guests add even more suspense and intrigue. As you are navigating this historical romantic mystery, you might even see a ghost. Mystery, history, and romance are all woven together masterfully. Fans of all of these genres will love this compelling read. Fans of Julie Klassen will not be surprised that she’s produced another winner.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
This is a fantastic cookbook and comprehensive guide for baking cookies. I love the way the book is organized by method: There are sections for RolledThis is a fantastic cookbook and comprehensive guide for baking cookies. I love the way the book is organized by method: There are sections for Rolled by Hand, Dropped or Piped, Shaped by Hand, Rolled and Cut, Bar and Cake, and more. This is a really great way for bakers to learn new methods. There is also a helpful section at the front with baking tips and hints that is sure to help new and even experienced bakers.
There are so many recipes that caught my eye. Lemon Jammies, Dutch Pecan Sandies, Crown Jewel Macarons, Strudel Cookies, and Buttered Rum Cookies are just a few, and there are over 100 cookie recipes provided. The photos are gorgeous and the instructions are perfectly detailed.
I would recommend this to any baker, new or experienced, who wants great cookie recipes and baking tips.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own....more
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