Murder at the Flamingo ~ Review with Interview

Murder at the Flamingo
A Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery #1
By Rachel McMillan

Hamish DeLuca and Regina "Reggie" Van Buren were both determined to make a life of their own choosing without the well-meaning assistance of their parents. Hamish left his life in Toronto behind for Boston and his almost-like-a-brother cousin Luca Valari. Reggie escaping her society life and all the expectations that she's to fulfill leaves Connecticut from Boston.

Finding employment with Luca Valari as a secretary Reggie soon makes the acquaintance of Hamish DeLuca. But soon Reggie and Hamish have something else bringing them together when a fatal "accident" occurs in Luca's new nightclub.

Believing there is more to this accident than the police conclude Hamish and Reggie decide to solve this case themselves. With more than a few potential suspects, they need to determine just who has the most to gain from this death.

Murder at the Flamingo is a delightful, intriguing historical mystery (and yes I know I was a little heavy on the adjectives). Hamish and Reggie are two characters to whom the reader is quickly drawn. Both have issues that they are dealing with when it comes to parental expectations but are determined to make their way in this new changing world. Set in 1930s Boston there is an element of danger weaving its way through the story adding just the right pinch of intrigue and excitement.

The book has a steady pace that doesn't feel rushed. The cast of characters is a varying one some quite likable while others make one cringe and squirm. As the first book in a series, I think this book sets the stage for a series that one will be eagerly anticipating future offerings. I enjoyed the references to  The Thin Man movies and Hamish's fondness for a certain book. This is a well-written and entertaining book that will give you a peek back in time.

I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own

About the Book:

“Maybe it was time to land straight in the middle of the adventure…”

Hamish DeLuca has spent most of his life trying to hide the anxiety that appears at the most inopportune times -- including during his first real court case as a new lawyer. Determined to rise above his father’s expectations, Hamish runs away to Boston where his cousin, Luca Valari, is opening a fashionable nightclub in Scollay Square. When he meets his cousin's “right hand man” Reggie, Hamish wonders if his dreams for a more normal life might be at hand.

Regina “Reggie” Van Buren, heir to a New Haven fortune, has fled fine china, small talk, and the man her parents expect her to marry. Determined to make a life as the self-sufficient city girl she’s seen in her favorite Jean Arthur and Katharine Hepburn pictures, Reggie runs away to Boston, where she finds an easy secretarial job with the suave Luca Valari. But as she and Hamish work together in Luca’s glittering world, they discover a darker side to the smashing Flamingo night club.

When a corpse is discovered at the Flamingo, Reggie and Hamish quickly learn there is a vast chasm between the haves and the have-nots in 1937 Boston—and that there’s an underworld that feeds on them both. As Hamish is forced to choose between his conscience and loyalty to his beloved cousin, the unlikely sleuthing duo work to expose a murder before the darkness destroys everything they’ve worked to build.


Author Interview:

1) How did you determine the setting that your book centers around? Was it someplace that you had visited in person or through pictures? 

I really love Boston. It is my favourite city in the United States. I had visited a few times researching a revolutionary war set novel that remains unpublished. When I got the idea for this series, I really wanted to use a place that I would be able to visit in the name of research; but also that I knew relatively well so that I could create a setting that would hopefully be as much as a character as my two amateur sleuths. So, I spent a lot of time in Boston ( it is only an hour and a half flight from where I live in Toronto) with Hamish DeLuca and Reggie Van Buren in mind while researching the series. I do tend to use google maps (and zoom in on the 3D) when I am home in Toronto and want to get a sense of a street. But I think the best way to craft a place is to spend a lot of time there.


2) If you could live as any of your characters which one (or two) would you be? And why this one? 

I would like to live like Reggie Van Buren for a while ---before she runs away from her cozy rich life to live in Boston. I would love to have someone wait on me and have an allowance for fabulous clothes.

3) What two authors (one from the past and one from the present) would like to spend the weekend with and how would you spend it?

I would love to spend the weekend either with Charlotte Bronte (past) in which we would wander around Brussels, Belgium ( where she taught school for a few years) and fell madly in love (unrequited) with a professor there. I have SO many questions about her time there and their relationship and how it influenced her heroes in Jane Eyre and Villette. In modern times, I would choose Deanna Raybourn (historical mystery writer –famed for the Julia Grey and Veronica Speedwell mysteries) we would sip pink champagne and watch Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries and giggle and talk about books and she could give me style tips.

4) What is your all-time favorite book that you want others to read and love as much as you do? 

I have so many but one is The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery. It is by FAR my favourite of her books and I read it several times a year. I want people to meet Valancy Stirling an “old maid” (she’s only 29) in 1920’s era Muskoka ( near the region I grew up in Ontario, Canada) as she flings off the restrictions and expectations of her family and finds true love. It is a little fairytale for adults and one of only two adult books written by LM Montgomery (author of Anne of Green Gables). It is largely to blame for my romantic personality.

Ohh, I loved that one - I've read it several times myself.

5) What is the one question you wish was asked during an interview and how would you answer it? 

(BTW this is my favorite question)  No one has ever asked me what my favourite ice cream flavour is! It is cookies and cream ☺

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

Connect with Rachel

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

All the Colors That I See ~ Review

All the Colors That I See
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Holli Conger

Red, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, purple, gray, white, and black. This cute little board book will teach your little ones about color in a fun interactive way. Each color has a specific activity that the reader is supposed to accomplish while identifying the color. The odd numbered pages (1-17) have the color name centered with the rest of the page showing the color. The facing even numbered pages (2-18) have a scene in which there are various examples of the color which the child then points out. The final two pages have the child using the knowledge they have gained to identify the colors in the picture and offer a Bible verse - Ecclesiastes 3:11.

The book is approximately 6-1/4" x 6-1/2" a good size for little hands to hold and sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable drop. There are 20 unnumbered pages which will hold up to sticky fingers and not tear during the page turning.  This would make a lovely gift for the new big brother or sister-to-be. I can also see this as a fun time spent with Grandma or Grandpa cuddling and reading together.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher B&H with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

What favorite color did God give you?

Green and yellow, red and blue...little ones can learn their colors and learn that each came from God! Toddlers will be encouraged to touch, tap, or pat colors on each page, and a sneaky chameleon will follow them along the way.

God Friended Me ~ Upcoming Fall Series with Trailer

Quick Question:  If GOD asks you to be His Facebook friend, would you…

A) Confirm 

or would you

B) Ignore His Friend Request?

GOD FRIENDED ME is created by Bryant Wynbrandt and Steven Lilien, the producing team behind some of tv’s biggest hits including, GOTHAM, HAWAII FIVE-O, and ALCATRAZ. It stars Joe Morton (Justice League, The Good Wife), Violet Beane (The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow), Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi, Homeland) and newcomer Brandon Micheal Hall. The series premieres on Sunday, September 30 on CBS Television.

GOD FRIENDED ME is about an outspoken atheist whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request on social media from God, and unwittingly becomes an agent of change in the lives and destinies of others around him.

Check-out this first look trailer and see what you think.

About the Show: 

GOD FRIENDED ME is a humorous, uplifting drama about an outspoken

atheist whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request on social

media from God and unwittingly becomes an agent of change in the lives and destinies

of others around him. Miles Finer is intelligent, hopeful and optimistic, but he doesn’t

believe in God. This puts him at odds with his father, Reverend Arthur Finer, a beloved

preacher at Harlem’s Trinity Church for 25 years who is stung by his son’s strong

rejection of his faith. Miles feels he’s found his purpose in life hosting a podcast where

he’s free to speak his mind, but that changes when he receives the ultimate friend

request. After repeated pokes by God, Miles’ curiosity takes over, and he accepts the

request and follows the signs to Cara Bloom, an online journalist suffering from writer’s

block. Brought together by the “God Account,” the two find themselves investigating

God’s friend suggestions and inadvertently helping others in need. Joining them on their

journey are Miles’s supportive sister, Ali, a doctoral psych student by day and bartender

by night, and his best friend, Rakesh, a sometime hacker who helps Miles and Cara

research the enigmatic account. Miles is set on getting to the bottom of what he

believes is an elaborate hoax, but in the meantime he’ll play along and, in the process,

change his life forever.

Premieres: Sunday, Sept. 30 on the CBS Television Network

ON AIR: Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT)

STARRING: Brandon Micheal Hall (Miles Finer)

Violett Beane (Cara Bloom)

Suraj Sharma (Rakesh)

Javicia Leslie (Ali Finer)

Joe Morton (Reverend Arthur Finer)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt, 

Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Marcos Siega

CREATED BY: Steven Lilien and Bryan Wynbrandt

The Edge of Over There ~ Review

The Edge of Over There
The Day the Angels Fell #2
By Shawn Smucker

The battle at the Tree of Life changed everything. Destroying the Tree cost Abra Miller her friendship with Sam Chambers and left her with a sword that no one else could hold. And then there is the dream - the dream of that night and the last message that Mr. Tennin left her.

When threats to those closest to her compel her to seek out another Tree Abra travels to New Orleans where she must open and enter a Gateway that the living should never cross. Her journey will introduce her to a young man who has been seeking this very Gateway for years after having lost his own family to it.

But destroying this second Tree of Life that between Here and Over There will take her to the Edge of Over There. But the Edge of Over There is a dangerous place to be - a place of sorrow and pain. With no one to trust Alba is truly on her own and she must destroy the Tree before any eat of the fruit which it bears. And she must withstand the temptations which she will face in this battle. 

The Edge of Over There is an interesting book as we are taken to the point where The Day the Angels Fell left off. Sam has received the sword and notes that Alba has been keeping for years and a stranger approaches him. Now this stranger is about to tell Sam about Alba's story, at least a portion of it.

Now if one hasn't read the first book you could probably make it fine through this one though there are references to incidents from the first that will be a bit unclear. This is most definitely Speculative fiction and I think it is better than the first book. Alba is a character that one can empathize and connect with. And I will say I want to know more about what happened between the end of Alba's portion of the story and Sam's portion. Those who enjoy James Rubart or Billy Coffey will most likely be fans of Shawn Smucker's work as they strike me as similar story types. I would love to have this book as a book club selection and get the various takes on just what everything means to the various readers - so this will be getting my vote.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Abra Miller carries a secret 

and a responsibility she never expected.

Before the Tree of Life, everything in Abra Miller's life had been predictable. Safe. Normal. But after the Tree, everything has felt fragile . . . like holding a soap bubble in the palm of her hand. After years of fruitless searching for the next Tree, she begins to wonder if it was nothing more than a vivid dream.

Now sixteen, Abra finds a clue to the whereabouts of the next Tree of Life when an ominous woman--who looks exactly like a ghost from her past--compels her to travel to New Orleans where she'll find one of seven gateways between this world and Over There. But she's not the only one interested in finding the gateway. There's also a young man searching for his father and sister, who escaped through it years before. As Abra enters the Edge of Over There and begins her pursuit of the Tree once more, she doesn't know whom to fear or whom to trust.

She's also starting to think that 

some doorways should never be opened.

The Secret of Haversham House ~ Review with Author Interview, Snippet, and Giveaway

The Secret of Haversham House
By Julie Matern

Francesca Haversham is society's newest debutante and her family is one that all would love to be aligned with through a marital match. Francesca has hopes of a marriage like her parents one in which title and financial holdings play no part in the decision.

When Francesca coming-out introduces her to Langley Ashbourne, an acquaintance of her paternal grandparents, she is intrigued. And his seeming indifference to her is all the more baffling. But Francesca is determined to learn all she can about this man of mystery and enlists the aid of her childhood friend Phillip Waverly to learn more about him.

But a long-held secret is slowly making its presence known. And if this secret comes to light the Haversham family could be scorned by polite society. And with it, any hopes Francesca has of marriage could be utterly crushed in an instant.

The Secret of Haversham House is truly a delight to read. There is more than one secret that is being held tight in this family but each could have dire results if and when they come to be known.

This is, at its heart, a story about family. Does one stand by the one who has fallen beneath society's notice? Or does one rather embrace the rules and cast out one who was once held dear? These are the questions that are soon asked when the truth is used as a weapon.

I really enjoy Francesca - yes her head is easily turned with a few flattering words but she is only eighteen years old.  Her mother Emily is perhaps one of the nicest characters as she sees with her heart and not through the dictates of society.

I find the prejudices against those of another class to be something though not as outwardly common today to still be in play in the ideals of some. For some money or power is the only consideration when looking for a potential marriage partner.

I found this to be an easy read. The various storylines all came together in a most satisfying conclusion. The story is one that has a steady pace that doesn't drag or rush the reader - it is just right. Fans of clean Regency period books will love this offering. And if you're looking for some Jane Austen in-between fillers give this one a try.  I for one look forward to more works by Julie Matern in the future.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through TLC Book Tours with no expectations of a positive review - All opinions expressed are my own.


Author Q and A with Julie Matern

1) What is your favorite method of book brainstorming? A random comment, a thought, a dream, or…?

While driving alone I have lots of thoughts that start conversations with myself. These lead to ideas for plots and plot developments.

2) If you could live in any Genre which would be? and why this one?

Definitely not Dystopia!! I guess I would have to say the Regency Romance genre but only if I was wealthy! It seems to have been a very civilized era where men were chivalrous and not afraid to dance at balls. And to have servants at my beck and call - very nice. Though I might have a problem with corsets...

3) What two authors (1 from the past and one from the present) would like to spend the weekend with and how would you spend it?

Jane Austen of course! I would take her to Bath and show her how it has changed and to the other places she knew. I would ask her how she developed her characters and how many of them were inspired by real people and whether she had ever really been in love.

Kate Morton author of Forgotten Garden and Secret Keeper. I would fly to Australia (it’s on my bucket list) and have her show me around and then grill her on how she keeps her secrets so well hidden until the end of her books!

4) What is your all time favorite book (not yours) that you want others to read and love as much as you do?

Narrowing it down to one is very hard! But I do love Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher. She has the ability to write about England in such a way that I can taste it! If I ever felt homesick I could read her books and be transported back home. She also tells sweeping tales of romance during WWII that grab the reader and don’t let you go.

5) What is the one question you wish was asked during an interview and how would you answer it?

When people ask you what you do, do you tell them you are an author?

My first book was published in 2013. It is now 2018 and I have only just been able to give that answer. Writers suffer from ‘imposter syndrome’ - feeling that we are not a REAL author. I have to tell myself that JK Rowling was still an author even when she was receiving rejection letters. The struggle is real!

About the Author:

Julie Matern is a resident of Utah. She attended the University of Exeter in Exeter, England, and graduated with a double major in French and Education. She was born and raised in England, moving to America after her marriage and is the mother of six children. She has served in the PTA for over 20 years, taught tap dance, and enjoys amateur photography. She is the author of ‘British War Children’ ( for which she received a “Recommended Read” award from the League of Utah Writers) and ‘British War Children 2: An Enemy Among Us’.

Hometown: Highland, UT

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE

Snippet:
     Francesca stopped breathing as Mr. Ashbourne gently took her gloved hand in his and expertly spun her around the room, leaving her former partner spluttering at the lack of manners, in the center of the dance floor. She became dizzy at the realization that Mr. Ashbourne was actually dancing with her. 

      After several turns, he lowered his head and whispered into her ear, his nose tickling her skin and sending a thrill up her spine, causing a delicious sensation in her midriff. 

     “Are you unwell?” he asked. “You look faint.” 

      She recovered herself and observed that he had a playful smile on his lips, fully aware of the power his presence had on young ladies. Not wanting to appear as inexperienced as she really was, she blurted out, “Oh no, you merely surprised me, that is all.” 

     “Then I shall take pleasure in surprising you whenever I can as it only serves to heighten your beauty!” 

     Francesca’s cheeks burned under his scrutiny and she bent her neck to avoid his piercing gaze and gather her confused thoughts.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Landing Page

July 23-The Power of Words | Paulette’s Papers
July 24-Life is What It’s Called | Encouraging Words From the Tea Queen | Blooming with Books
July 25-Pause for Tales | Reading Is My SuperPower | Singing Librarian Books
July 26-Heidi Reads… | Bookworm Lisa | Why Not? Because I Said So!
July 27-Remembrancy | Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic 
July 28-Edits and Reviews by Leslie | Jorie Loves A Story

River to Redemption ~ Review

River to Redemption
By Ann H. Gabhart

Adria Starr lost everyone she cared about when a cholera epidemic hits Springfield, Kentucky in 1833. And Adria isn't alone in her losses most everyone also suffered a loss. Mrs. Ruth Harmon lost her husband Peter and the child she was hoping for. But through the care of Louis none where left untended as he made sure all the sick were nursed and the dead were buried. Louis's efforts came at a cost - he could have used the sickness as a chance to escape to freedom in the North.

But Louis was not like most as he followed the leading he felt that the Good Lord placed on his heart. And caring for Adria and finding her a place where she wouldn't be in a position of servitude for the rest of her childhood was of utmost importance to him.

As time passes Louis and Adria have a special connection - one that has Adria looking to take up the abolitionist fight. But being a woman her words and feelings carry little weight in the 1840s. When the possibility of Louis being sold arises Adria is determined that he get the freedom he deserves.

River to Redemption is a story that has many layers to it - the first layer is the cholera epidemic which is the catalyst which sets everything in motion. If not for the cholera Louis and Adria might never have met so that they would have a friendship. And then Adria and Ruth shared a bond that was also the result of the losses they both experienced. Adria provided the home and Ruth the care. As Adria deals with the expectations of society (marriage and family) versus the desires her heart (freedom and equality) she will discover who she truly is. I think this quote perfectly sums up Adria's dilemma "Yet, was it too much to hope for a man to accept you as you were instead of as he thought you should be?" 

What I like is that this book is based on true historical events - yes this is a fictionalized account but the characters are for the most part likable. They aren't perfect and struggle with disappointments and life in general. This isn't a fast paced book it has moments of meandering making it a perfect afternoon read when all you want to do is relax.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a review - all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

One young woman must stand 

up for freedom--and perhaps find 

her own in the process.

Orphaned in the cholera epidemic of 1833, Adria Starr was cared for by a slave named Louis, a man who passed up the opportunity to escape his bondage and instead tended to the sick and buried the dead. A man who, twelve years later, is being sold by his owners despite his heroic actions. 

Now nineteen, Adria has never forgotten what Louis did for her. She's determined to find a way to buy Louis's freedom. But in 1840s Kentucky, she'll need all of the courage and strength she possesses--and more.

The Orphan's Wish ~ Review with Excerpt link

The Orphan's Wish
Hagenheim #8
By Melanie Dickerson

Forced to steal for a master he doesn't want when Ala ad'din is given the opportunity to leave it all behind and go to a faraway land he does.  Taken to Hagenheim Ala ad'din's name is changed to Aladdin. He has plenty and he is cared for by Priest. He is schooled and he has other children with which to be with. But Aladdin has one true friend Lady Kirstyn daughter of the Duke of Hagenheim. Their friendship, which began as young children, goes through much including a daring rescue (Not saying more so as to not give a spoiler).

But Aladdin feels that he, a poor lowly orphan of foreign birth, is beneath Kirstyn. Determined to be worthy of her he sets out to earn his fortune.  By seeming chance Aladdin quickly finds employment with Herr Kaufmann in Luneburg. Soon Aladdin has made himself indispensable to Herr Kaufmann - he finds satisfaction in his work and yet something is missing.

Shortly after Aladdin left to seek his fortune Kirstyn's gentle and caring heart is used to betray her and she finds herself in the hands of a truly evil man. And Kirstyn is but a commodity to him that he plans to use for his own gain. Kirstyn's one hope is that those she loves will soon find her.

The Orphan's Wish is definitely written for older teens and adults with some of the more serious matters that it touches on - kidnapping, abuse, prejudice, and post-traumatic stress. That being said this is yet another fabulous book from Melanie Dickerson which takes a well-loved fairy tale and gives it her own unique spin setting it once again within the Hagenheim world. I really enjoyed getting to know these two characters who each had their own deeply rooted fears that needed to be faced in order to heal.

What I most like about these books is that there is no magic involved. The actions and outcomes are all plausible and totally able to occur. For those who are opposed to magic in their books, you will enjoy this book. These books are complete in and of themselves and reading the previous books is not necessary to enjoy this one.

I was provided a copy of this book through TLC book tours and the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
From the streets to an orphanage in a faraway kingdom, Aladdin has grown up alone. Until he meets Kirstyn. With a father who is the Duke of Hagenheim and a mother who is the patroness of the orphanage where Aladdin lives, Kirstyn is a member of the most powerful family in the land . . . and way out of his league. Despite the difference in their stations, Aladdin quickly becomes Kirstyn’s favorite companion for taking walks in the forest, and their childhood friendship grows along with them.

Through his scrappy skills, intelligence, and hard work, Aladdin earns a position serving in the duke’s house. But he knows it isn’t enough to grant him his one desire: Kirstyn’s hand in marriage. If he hopes to change his station in life and feel worthy of marrying Kirstyn, he must leave Hagenheim to seek his fortune.

But once Aladdin leaves, no one is around to protect Kirstyn, and the greedy men desperate to take advantage of her father’s wealth take notice. Now, more than Aladdin’s background stands in the way of the future he’s worked so hard to obtain. His only hope is to rescue Kirstyn and somehow manage to win her hand as well.

Do you want to get a short feel for this book? Well, check-out this link to enjoy 

an excerpt provided by the publisher

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble | iBooks

 Connect with Melanie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Melanie Dickerson’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, June 25th: @ladyofthelibrary

Tuesday, June 26th: Read Eat Repeat

Wednesday, June 27th: Write Read Life

Thursday, June 28th: @megabunnyreads

Friday, June 29th: Splashes of Joy

Monday, July 2nd: What is That Book About – author guest post

Tuesday, July 3rd: @girlandherbooks

Tuesday, July 3rd: Cheryl’s Book Nook

Thursday, July 5th: Broken Teepee

Friday, July 6th: @createexploreread

Monday, July 8th: Girls in Books

Tuesday, July 10th: Here’s to Happy Endings

Tuesday, July 10th: Mel’s Shelves

Wednesday, July 11th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Thursday, July 12th: All of a Kind Mom

Friday, July 13th: @abookishpeach & A Bookish Peach – author guest post

Monday, July 16th: @bookishconnoisseur

Tuesday, July 17th: The Sketchy Reader

Wednesday, July 18th: Blooming with Books

Thursday, July 19th: Reader’s Cozy Corner