A Fool and His Monet ~ Review

A Fool and His Monet
Serena Jones Mysteries #1
By Sandra Orchard

Serena Jones is one of the FBI's newest Art Crime agents.  Her determination to recover stolen art is linked to the unsolved murder of her grandfather.

When Serena's first undercover assignment doesn't go quite according to plan she not only has to deal with criminals out on bail but her overly zealous and proud family.

When a museum art theft is discovered Serena is quickly back in action tracking down any and all leads.  But determining when, why, and how is going to prove challenging in this case.  And with Aunt Martha determined to "help" her solve this case, it just got a whole lot more interesting.

There is a missing former employee, a talkative blond who's conveniently ill, a black pickup, and Aunt Martha's mafia theory.  This case just may end up being a real headache if Serena doesn't come up with a suspect and a solid lead quick.

A Fool and His Monet is a fun read.  There is a well-balanced mix of mystery and humor that keeps the story moving and entertaining.  Serena's family is a riot and Aunt Martha is perfect (though I wouldn't want her as my aunt). There is a little shady politicking going on that may play a major role in the investigation.  And then Aunt Martha's speculated mafia connections and the resulting outcome are totally unexpected.  And then for readers who want a touch of romance in their books, well just read the book - and remember the phrase "totally oblivious".

I'm interested in seeing where exactly this series is going and the little excerpt for the upcoming book 2 is a tantalizing tidbit.  The world of art theft and the FBI - time to brush up on your Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir art appreciation!  

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Sketchy politics and a palette of lies 

can't stop Serena Jones from exposing the mastermind 

behind the daring theft of a priceless work of art

Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art--one that's surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about who murdered her grandfather. She's joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother's pleas to do something safer--like get married--Serena's determined to catch thieves and black market traders.

When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Serena leaps into action--and a whole heap of trouble.

About the Book:

Sandra Orchard is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries and romantic suspense She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America and The Word Guild (Canada). A mother of three grown children, she lives in Niagara, Canada with her real-life-hero husband and writes full time…when not doting on her young grandchildren. Learn more about Sandra’s books and bonus features at www.SandraOrchard.com or connect at www.Facebook.com/SandraOrchard

The Last Ride ~ Review

The Last Ride: An Andrea Carter Book
Circle C Milestones #3
By Susan K. Marlow

Andrea Carter is soon to turn 16 years old.  Her older sister Melinda is planning her wedding.  Justin and Lucy have a delightful baby - Samuel.  Life is about as good as it can get, until a letter from Aunt Lydia arrives.

Aunt Lydia and Uncle Benjamin are sending cousin Daniel out for the rest of spring and summer. Worse he'll be accompanied by Aunt Rebecca!  Andi doesn't remember much from Daniel's last visit, which was years ago.  But she has hopes that he'll be another friend with whom she can race and share adventures with.

But Daniel is not whom he pretends to be.  He refuses to do his share of the work and is more than happy to the exact opposite of what he is told to do and then pass the blame.  And Aunt Rebecca is more than willing to champion "poor Daniel who has never been subjected to such harsh conditions and uncivilized manners".   

Andi is willing to stand-up for her wayward cousin in town - after all Daniel is family but will he ever be a Carter in more than just his name?

But when Andi discovers exactly how Daniel is spending his time she is horrified.  And Daniel is determined that she keep his secrets.  Just how far is Daniel willing to go to keep Andi's silence? Andi is about to find out.

Get ready to take The Last Ride and be prepared to shed a few tears along the way as Andi and the Carter family faces a crisis that could forever alter their family.  As Andi struggles with her anger and bitterness she draws into herself pushing her family away.  

This is indeed another milestone in Andi's life and one that she'll need a little non-Carter help to get past it.  But who can reach Andi when she refuses to listen?  And can a broken-heart ever heal?

I really enjoy watching Andi grow with each new "adventure", though at times I hurt with her.  This is an excellent book and series to introduce young people and especially girls to history and life in 1880's California.  Life isn't sugar-coated and idealized, rather it is true to life with its hurts and pains, its joys and delights.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Kregel in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the book:
Andi's newest adventure may be more than she can handle--even with her family's help

Andrea Carter is turning sweet sixteen and life could not be better. School's is almost over for good, and there will be plenty of time to train the colt of her treasured horse, Taffy. Best of all, big brother Chad is giving Andi more responsibilities on the ranch.

Her first job is to teach city-slicker cousin Daniel how things work on the Circle C. There's just one big problem: Daniel wants nothing to do with ranch life. Charming one minute and outrageously rude the next, he ignores common sense, defies authority, and proves to be a danger to everyone including himself.

Then Andi stumbles onto a horrify secret about Daniel, warns her to stay silent or face the deadly consequences. But all bets are off when Daniel's actions set off a chain of events that leave Andi brokenhearted and bitter.  Can anyone break through the wall around Andi’s bitter heart and help her find healing?

Loyal long-time readers of Susan Marlow's historical fiction will line up for an older Andi's newest adventure, and her discovery of how powerful love can be.

Swan and Shadow ~ Review

Swan and Shadow
a Swan Lake story
By Kaki Olsen

Aislin Byrne is under a curse.  For generations it was just a family legend, a barely remembered piece of family history.  But no more.

More than 600 years ago a curse was placed upon the second daughter of the family.  And in all the years since no second daughter has ever met all the conditions in finding true love. And Aislin is now paying the price along with her family.

If Aislin can find the path to true love and stay true to the curses conditions the curse will be broken. But when the hours between dawn and dusk are spent living life as a swan true love's path is difficult to find.  And if she doesn't follow the conditions of the curse exactly she will live out her life as a swan, forfeiting her human hours forever.

Aislin has a champion who is determined to help find her happily ever after ~ her older twin sister Maeve will do anything to to restore Aislin to the life she lived until they were 12 years old.  But how do you explain a "fairy tale" curse to a world that no longer believes?  Aislin's secret must be protected and Maeve is not above playing the part of her sister when called upon.  But will Maeve's assistance help or hinder Aislin when she finds someone who could be "the one"?

Can a first love be true love?  Aislin is about to find out.

If you love a modern twist to your fairy tales and have a fondness for Swan Lake you might want to let your imagination take flight in this new book world.  This is a book YA readers will devour.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:
Aislin’s curse is the standard fare: swan by day, college student by night, true love as the only cure. But does true love even exist outside of fairy tales? After having to cover for Aislin during her swan hours, Aislin’s twin, Maeve, is willing to resort to anything from matchmaking to magic to see her sister live happily (and human) ever after. Will either of them get their wish?

About the Author:
Kaki Olsen is always on the brink of another adventure. If she couldn't be a writer, she'd be a full-time musician or travel guide and she would take her lunch breaks at Fenway Park. Until that happens, she speaks both Spanish and English at her every-day office job, but she has vacationed enthusiastically in such places as Istanbul and Ireland. She has lived in five states, but will always refer to Boston as home.

She regularly contributes academic papers on zombies or wizards to Life, the Universe and Everything, a sci-fi/fantasy symposium originated at her alma mater, Brigham Young University. Her published works have appeared in such magazines as Voices and AuthorsPublish.

She is a doting aunt and librarian of two bulging bookshelves.

A Flying Affair ~ Review

A Flying Affair
By Carla Stewart

Mittie Humphreys has a passion for excitement and exhilaration, unfortunately her mother doesn't think her chosen way of expressing it is proper.  Just wait until she hears about Mittie's newest passion - flying.

It's 1927 and women flying is just starting to be recognized, though many still scoff at the idea of women with their delicate natures and constitutions being able to handle such a machine.  But Mittie has never let the opinion of others dissuade her when she sets her mind to something.  And her father is her secret champion when he doesn't attempt to crush her dreams and even introduces her to Bobby York, a young man who has similar interests - horses and flying.

Bobby may be perfect but Ames Dewberry fascinates Mittie with his daredevil flying and his cavalier ways.  Having first introduced Mittie to the freedom of flight, Ames has a special place in her thoughts.  Could one of these two very different men capture a heart which she thinks uncapturable?

Join Mittie as she joins the earliest ranks of women to take to the skies during the later years of the Roaring Twenties a time of change in all areas of the American life and the role of women.

If you like post WWI historical fiction give this book a spin.  It is interesting to see many of the things we take for granted today not the norm for everyday living in 1927.  Planes, cars, phones, etc are just coming into their own and slowly making a change to life as people knew whether or not they wanted this change to come.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Ever since Mittie Humphreys agreed to join dashing barnstorming pilot Ames for a joyride in his airplane, her lifelong love of horses has been surpassed by one thing--a longing for the skies. It seems she's not the only one--with Charles Lindbergh making his victory tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, aviation fever is spreading across the country. Mittie knows flying is the perfect focus for the soaring ambition and taste for adventure within her, and whenever she can slip away from her duties on her family's prosperous Kentucky horse farm, she heads to the airfield. 

Considering their shared passion, it's no surprise that Ames begins to vie for Mittie's time. But when handsome British aviator Bobby York offers her flying lessons, he is equally surprised-and beguiled-by Mittie's grit and talent. Driven to succeed, Mittie will do whatever it takes to compete in the Women's National Air Derby alongside Amelia Earhart. But when Calista "Peach" Gilson, a charming Southern belle, becomes her rival both professionally and in love, Mittie must learn how to navigate her heart's romantic longings as well as the skies.

About the Author:

CARLA STEWART is an award-winning author of six novels. With a passion for times gone by, it is her desire to take readers back to that warm, familiar place in their hearts called "home." Carla's novels from FaithWords include Chasing Lilacs, for which she won the American Christian Fiction Writer's Genesis Award, Broken Wings, Stardust, Sweet Dreams, and her most recent work, The Hatmaker's Heart. Learn more: CarlaStewart.com

Spotlight on BookGrabbr

​BookGrabbr: A great way for readers to discover new books and an innovative marketing tool for authors. 

​For Readers:

BookGrabbr is a social media-marketing tool that allows authors to share both full books and previews of their books with readers. Readers, you can have access to these books by signing in through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn and using their ability to share as a form of currency. The “Share” is the payment! Share the book, and it will allow you to read it. Just click the “Grabb this book” button next to the book and our system will prompt you to share in exchange for reading!

BookGrabbr contains books of many genres, so visit today, "grabb" a book that catches your eye and start reading!


For Authors and Publishers:

Through their unique marketing tool and platform, BookGrabbr helps authors connect to readers that they wouldn't generally be able to connect to through their friends and their friend’s friends. The noise in the marketplace is deafening, and at times can be a bit overwhelming for authors trying to promote their books.

BookGrabbr created a way to generate some more buzz by harnessing the power of each individual author’s social media platform.  Once you create your profile on BookGrabbr it allows potential readers to read a preview of your book or the full copy and then directs them to your site of choice to purchase your book in the format that you desire. And since BookGrabbr doesn’t make any money on book sales, you can send them to a retailer, or to your own personal page or wherever you choose! BookGrabbr's purpose is to help you sell more books, gain momentum and generate exposure.

​
See how it works:

​

​How does iRead Book Tours help?


​For Readers: 

We help you discover new authors that have put their profile and books on BookGrabbr through our BookGrabbr Promotion Service.

For Authors and Publishers:

Don't have time to dedicate to yet another marketing campaign? Let us take care of it for you. Through the BookGrabbr Promotion Service we create your profile, help you share your books on your social media and ours too, of course. In addition, we provide you with ideas and the support on how to best use your BookGrabbr profile. This is a cost-effective, efficient way to publicize your books! Contact us to see how we can help you spread the word about your book through BookGrabbr.

Like the idea? Enter the giveaway below to win a BookGrabbr Promotion Service worth $75 and $100 in cash!

Not an author? You can still win the $100 in cash.


Giveaway starts March 14 and ends April 15, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

St. Patrick's Day Reading Suggestions

Do you need some Celtic reading suggestions for St. Patrick's Day? 

Here are a few titles that might you enjoy reading

Ellis Island series by Cindy Thomson

	Grace's Pictures
	Annie’s Stories
	Sofia's Tune

Pangur Ban Celtic Fantasies series by Fay Sampson

	Pangur Ban The White Cat
	Finnglas of the Horses
	Finnglas and the Stones of Choosing
	Shape-Shifter: The Naming of Pangur Ban
	The Serpent of Senargad
	The White Horse is Running

The Green Hills of Snowdonia series by Michael R. Phillips

	From Across the Ancient Waters
	The Treasure of the Celtic Triangle

Caledonia series by Michael R. Phillips

	Legend of the Celtic Stone
	An Ancient Strife

The Red Door Inn ~ Review

The Red Door Inn
Prince Edward Island Dreams #1by Liz Johnson

Marie Carrington is running away.  She has been hurt and the person who should have been her champion has other plans for her pain.  And she doesn't trust people.  But for some strange reason she trusts Jack Sloane, a total stranger who took the time to care. 

Seth Sloane has been burned before by a woman and he can't see that Marie is any different.  And he is convinced that she is out to ruin his uncle Jack, just like the gold digger that ruined him.

Jack sees two hurting people who just need time to heal and a place of shelter until they do.  And he has just the place to do this - a run down inn that he wants to restore, fulfilling his late wife, Rose's dream.

There is a magic about Prince Edward Island that begins weaving its spell on these two hurting people. And as they restore the Red Door Inn they are also restoring their own lives. Could PEI become more than a temporary escape?

But when an unexpected set-back bring the past to their doorstep Marie and Seth must confront the issues that are between them if they ever hope to move forward together.

This is the first book in the Prince Edward Island Dreams series and I'm interested to see where this series goes.  The characters are likable with their own unique quirks. And I'm hoping that the Red Door Inn will play an important, if not starring, role in the future books.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

"The Red Door Inn took my breath away! Highly recommended!"--Colleen Coble, author of The Inn at Ocean's Edge and the Hope Beach series

Marie Carrington is broke, desperate, and hoping to find sanctuary on Prince Edward Island while decorating a renovated bed-and-breakfast. Seth Sloane moved three thousand miles to help restore his uncle's Victorian B and B--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart. He wasn't expecting to have to babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her. 

The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just two months will take everything they've got--and they have to find a way to work together. In the process, they may find something infinitely sweeter than they ever imagined on this island of dreams.