Maxed Out ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Maxed Out
The Owl's Nest Mysteries #2

By C.S. McDonald

Read by Maren Swenson Waxenberg

Alexa Owl's life is going great. Her couturier shop is doing well. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Cliff Slater, is heading toward love if she is reading things correctly. There is just one little hiccup to mess with her life - Detective Bobby Starr is back and has another case that needs Alexa's assistance.

But this time, the dearly departed that needs Alexa and Bobby's help doesn't seem so innocent to Alexa. But Maxine Krogen is the next case Bobby's been assigned on his quest to join the Guardian Angel Squad, so it's back to the 1950s and some truly fabulous clothes.

But as Alexa looks for clues using the technology of today, she finds herself drawn to Hank's Sandwich Shop with its tragic past. Not that Hank has any link to her case with Bobby, but still, there is something...

As before, Alexa and Bobby have 3 days to solve the case and determine who killed Maxi's husband and landed her in the doghouse. With time against them and a less-than-helpful widow tagging along, this case just might prove a bit more challenging than their last case.

Maxed Out is the second book in The Owl's Nest Mysteries, and all the cast is back as Alexa tries to balance life in her present and her time-shifting excursions - which may result in a few hiring mishaps abilities, which are less than stellar.  Maxed Out is a contemporary read that is a cozy mystery that also could be a candidate for magical realism with a touch of romance. The book isn't long, coming in under six hours, and would make a perfect afternoon read - especially if you have an evening commute on your schedule.  The narration by Maren Swenson Waxenberg is well done, the pacing is good, and she makes Maxi even less appealing than she is in the printed version.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - All thoughts expressed are my own.

* Per the author, the content rating is G, but for those wanting a clean read, there are pointed hints at relationships that have intimacy outside of marriage - nothing is shown on the page.

Book Details:

Book Title:  Maxed Out (The Owl's Nest Mysteries) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 184 pages  or 5 hours, 32 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  April 2021
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald's books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults--no bad language or sexual content.

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Book Description:

The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe is a huge success! Business is booming and Alexa Owl’s love life is heating up. Yet much to the seamstress’s dismay, Detective Bobby Starr is suddenly back again! Bobby isn’t your everyday gumshoe. Rather, he’s an angel who’s trying to earn a place in Saint Peter’s Guardian Angel Squad. He’s required to solve murders he had left unsettled from when he walked the earth in order to be accepted into this prestigious group. Of course, they will need to return to the time period in which the murder took place, and again, Alexa is a reluctant time traveler. Oh, and there’s one more little problem—this time, Bobby’s brought along a friend, Maxi Krogen, and she’s no angel!

Buy the Book:
Audible
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

Also Available

Book Details:

Book Title:  Back to the Burgh and Beyond (The Owl's Nest Mysteries, Book 1) 
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  Adult Fiction, 208 pages or 5 hours, 59 minutes
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Sep 10, 2020
Content Rating:  G. C.S. McDonald's books are appropriate for YA readers as well as adults--no bad language or sexual content.

Book Description:

​Meet Alexa Owl. She's returned home to Pittsburgh after a divorce to start a new life and a new business, The Owl’s Nest Couturier Shoppe. Much to her surprise, she's getting more than she ever bargained for: Detective Bobby Starr, and he's no ordinary sleuth. Bobby is an angel who's returned to Earth in hopes of earning his way into the Guardian Angel Squad. He's been sent by none other than Saint Pete to acquire Alexa’s help to solve three cold case murders he left behind. Except, here’s the catch: he’s only been allotted four days to solve the first case! How in heaven’s name is she supposed to do that? Alexa is a professional seamstress—not a detective. Bobby insists the only way to solve the first case is to return to 1953, and Alexa’s not in love with that idea at all!

Buy the Book:
Audible
Amazon ~ B&N
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Narrator:

Ms. Waxenberg is a voice-over artist and presentation coach.  She serves as a consultant to the Professional Development Company, Inc., teaching presentation and interview skills seminars to a variety of clients, Columbia MBA, and SIPA graduate students.  Maren has a 30-year background in special events, performing arts production and the entertainment industry.   In 1996, she founded Maren Productions which produces audio books, radio and television voice-overs, and podcasts.  Maren Productions also offers special event production and consultancy services. 

Ms. Waxenberg has worked in Special event production with George Trescher Associates, theater production and management at the TheatreVirginia in Richmond, the Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, and The New Dramatists in New York. She edited and formatted feature films for ABC Motion Picture Post Production.  Maren served as the concert manager of The New York Pops at Carnegie Hall for four years, produced events for the promotion department of The New York Daily News, and has produced chamber music recitals at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  Ms, Waxenberg has produced, directed and performed in numerous Off-Broadway theatre productions.  She trained with the CoActive Training Institute.

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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Tour Schedule:

Oct 3 –Mystery Review Crew – book spotlight of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 3 –Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of BACK TO THE BURGH / giveaway
Oct 4 –Duckfacekim09 – audiobook review of BACK TO THE BURGH / giveaway
Oct 4 - Leanne bookstagram  - book review of BACK TO THE BURGH / giveaway
Oct 5 – Olio by Marilyn – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 6 -Literary Flits – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
​Oct 6 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 7 – Books for Books – audiobook review of BACK TO THE BURGH
Oct 11 - Leanne bookstagram  - book review of MAXED OUT / giveaway
Oct 12 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 12 -Duckfacekim09 – audiobook review of MAXED OUT / giveaway
Oct 13 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of BACK TO THE BURGH / giveaway
Oct 13 - Bigreadersite  - book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 14 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of MAXED OUT / giveaway
Oct 17 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of BACK TO THE BURGH / giveaway
Oct 17 - Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of MAXED OUT / giveaway
Oct 18 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of MAXED OUT / giveaway
Oct 18 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 19 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 20 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE - giveaway
Oct 20 - Leanne bookstagram  - book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 21 – Books for Books – audiobook review of MAXED OUT
Oct 24 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 24 - Paws.Read.Repeat – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 25 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 25 - Cheryl's Book Nook  - book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 26 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 27 – StoreyBook Reviews – book review of DOUBLE DOG DARE / giveaway
Oct 28 - Books for Books – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE
TBD – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of DOUBLE DOG DARE

Enter the Giveaway:

Honor Bound ~ Review

Honor Bound

Love and Honor #1

By Hallee Bridgeman

Honor Bound is the first book in the Love and Honor series, and in this book, Dr. Cynthia Myers is using her chance to serve in the mission field to hide from the mess her life in the US became. Her ex-fiancé, who managed to have his moment of running around captured by the media, and a father who is now the VP of the United States, yup, her life is grand. So to escape it all, she is working as an OB in a wartorn region of Africa.  

When a Special Forces team enters her village seeking her help for injured team members, she demands all weapons be left out of the village. Not the smartest move when a warlord operates in the area, one who has no issue stealing the local children, killing the men, and doing everything imaginable to the women. 

Soon the warlord's men are after Captain Rick Norton, his men, and the no longer anonymous Dr. Myers (daddy's identity has suddenly been discovered, making her a high-interest target).  They are now on a mission to make it to an evac point and get safely away. Of course, along the way, feelings of attraction occur, but circumstances and ideals being what they are, stand in the way of Rick and Cynthia. 

This is an interesting book and one that made me want to read the next in the series, where other members of Captain Norton's team will be taking center stage.  I can't say that I was particularly drawn to either main character where I got invested in their story, but it was a good read. I'm thinking this would be a book my sister would more greatly appreciate, as she is into military-themed fiction more so than I am. But this is a good diversionary read to get one out of the day-to-day normal, which, let's admit it, is the purpose of reading fiction.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.dady's 

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

Dangerous Beauty ~ Review

Dangerous Beauty

By Melissa Koslin

Liliana Vela has one chance to stay out of the clutches of the men who have destroyed her life. With no other safe haven or refuge offered her, Liliana accepts Meric Toledan's offer to keep her safe from those trafficking her by taking his name. 

Meric never wanted to get married, but he had to do anything possible to make sure that the young woman was not sent back to Mexico, where she would be an easy target for the men who were selling her. Someone with money had decided that they wanted her, and the only way to protect her was with his wealth and means.

Caught in a world she doesn't understand, Liliana is confused by Meric and why he would help her in such a way. He is haunted by some secret pain and holds himself apart while offering her a chance to heal from the evil she had faced.

Now I really can't say too much more about this book without revealing some major plot spoilers. But this book had some very unexpected plot twists that really made this into an I-can't-put-it-down-until-I-get-to-the-end book. Throughout, one is left wondering why. Why was Liliana targeted? Who would go to such lengths? This is romantic suspense at its best, and throughout, it imparts an important message that one is often unaware of - human trafficking. This is a moving and eye-opening book that is a must-read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Liliana Vela hates the term victim. She's not a victim, she's a fighter. Stubborn and strong with a quiet elegance, she's determined to take back her life after escaping the clutches of human traffickers in her poor Mexican village. But she can't stay safely over the border in America--unless the man who aided in her rescue is serious about his unconventional proposal to marry her.

Meric Toledan was just stopping at a service station for a bottle of water. Assessing the situation, he steps in to rescue Liliana from traffickers. If he can keep his secrets at bay, his wealth and position afford him many resources to help her. But the mysterious buyer who funded her capture will not sit idly by while his prize is stolen from him.

Melissa Koslin throws you right into the middle of the action in this high-stakes thriller that poses the question: What is the price of freedom? 

The Wrong Side of Murder ~ Review with Giveaway

 

The Wrong Side of Murder

A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Anita Alger

Nikki Bryant and Elmo are back and the cold case that is about to capture Nikki's attention involved a classmate who was tried and convicted in the court of public opinion of her mother's murder.

Jodi Gibbons never saw her mother's murderer brought to justice because Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, found Jodi guilty when she became the victim of gossip and rumor. Twenty years have passed a chance meeting finds Nikki looking to right the wrongs of the past and give Jodi a chance to bring her side before the listening and viewing public. And with any luck, the true killer will be found. But someone wants Jodi to be silent on the subject. But with Nikki on the case, she's not about to let the killers away with another murder and have an innocent woman again take the blame.

But could Nikki be seeing something that isn't there? She's going to put her award-winning investigative skills to the test. And if she gets a little help along the way from friends, family, and her significant other, all the better to get to the long-hidden past. And Elmo is available when not putting his other talents to use.

This is the second book in the Nikki Bryant series, and it is an engaging read, just as Killer Deadline was, though I did miss Nikki's interactions with @nerdyguy. And like almost everyone who's met Elmo, I've become a fan of this distinct, unique, and highly intelligent dog who just happens to be a social media sensation, and with good reason. So if you are looking for a new cozy mystery to enjoy, give Nikki, Elmo, and the Bryant clan a place on your TBR list. You won't be sorry. This is a fun, mostly lighthearted murder mystery (murder being the non-lighthearted moment btw), with a dog you'll adore. The audio is well-presented, and the story is well-paced (and if you want it a little different, you can adjust the playback speed. And at under 8 hours a perfect commute companion.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All  thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Wrong Side of Murder (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)
Narrated by Anita Alger
Length: 7.8 hours
Genre:  Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   July 21, 2022
Content Rating: This cozy mystery is rated G for everyone! 

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The Wrong Side of Murder is another wonderful cozy mystery by author Lauren Carr. It has all the elements that draw me in - an intelligent female lead, an equally smart boyfriend who partners to help her, a complicated plot where clues are slowly revealed, people who aren't what they seem to be, comedic moments to balance the darker ones, and several quirky pets full of personality.  

It's a wonderful book to escape into at the end of the day. And get ready to read into the wee hours as, if you're like me, you won't be able to stop reading until the mystery is revealed.  -review by Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn
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Nikki's an intense individual who makes the perfect investigative journalist. She wants answers yesterday and she is willing to dig in to get them. She might get it wrong at the beginning but with the help of her family and close friends, she'll get the answers she wants and needs. – review by Blooming with Books

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​Book Description:

Nikki Bryant’s Next Case Takes Her to the Wrong Side of Murder

One spring morning, Jodi Gibbons got up and went to school as she did every day. Her young life went sideways though when the police found that her mother had been brutally killed during the night.

Twenty years later, many in Pine Grove believe Jodi got away with murder. After all, how could she have possibly slept through her mother’s violent death in the very next room?
After decades of silence, Jodi accepts investigative journalist Nikki Bryant’s invitation to tell her side of the story. However, before the interview can take place, someone silences Jodi permanently.

Now it is up to Nikki Bryant and her friends to uncover the secret that Jodi Gibbons has been protecting—a secret someone believes it is worth killing to keep from being revealed.

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
BookBub 
add to goodreads

Also Available for Review:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Killer Deadline (A Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery) by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)
Narrated by Anita Alger
Length:  6 hours, 34 minutes
Genre:  Mystery/Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:   April 23, 2020
Audiobook release date: August 5, 2020
Format available for review:  audiobook (audible download), ebook (mobi, epub, PDF)
Tour dates: Oct 3 to Oct 28, 2022
Content Rating: G. This is a true cozy mystery. No sex. No on-stage violence. No swearing. Just good clean fun!

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Here we go! Carr is a master storyteller who always offers a plot full of twists and turns, a bit of humor to offset the dark, and a unique cast of characters. In Killer Deadline that cast includes - handsome Ryan, her first love (who is now her step-brother); a mysterious social media friend called Nerdy Guy; Elmo, a super smart dog, a boxer, she rescued who has become a social media star and has a penchant for cleaning; a TV station full of suspicious employees; and more.

This book is a wonderful read to pick up at the end of a long day. It truly is a "cozy murder mystery."  I promise, it'll draw you in right from page one and keep you turning the pages until you reach the very last page. I can't wait for the second book in this series. - review by Marilyn R. Wilson, Olio by Marilyn

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Book Description:

​Folks in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, claim that where Nikki Bryant goes, trouble is not far behind. Her refusal to back down from a challenge has made Nikki Bryant a top investigative journalist.

When an online friend nudges her to join him in a pact to reconnect with their first loves, Nikki and her boxer dog Elmo leave the bright lights of Las Vegas for the charming town of Pine Grove. There, she must face the biggest challenges in her career and life—the first love she had left behind and her father’s unsolved murder.

But before she has time to unpack her car, Nikki stumbles upon the dead body of local news anchor, Ashleigh Addison, her childhood rival. Could Ashleigh’s death be connected to an explosive news story that she had teased about airing live? Did that explosive story have anything to do with the murder of Nikki’s father?

With the clues in her father’s cold case hot again, Nikki intends to chase down the story of her life until she catches his killer—no matter what it takes. 

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

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Lauren’s best-selling standalone novel (released in 2017) contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. ​ 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Category:  Adult fiction (18+)
Narrated by Mike Alger, Anita Alger
Length: 13 hours, 20 minutes
Genre:  Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  November 17, 2017
Content Rating:  PG-13: While there are murders committed in this murder mystery, there is profanity (a hell or a damn few and very far between). No F-bombs. No explicit sex or graphic violence. ​

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The book is intense, compelling, as readers follow the story lines for two different books. Yet the humor, family interactions, and loving relationships in Carr's books keeps reading both entertaining and fun... Carr gets better and better in her humorous scenes, as well as snappy dialogue that comes only from within close-knit friends and family... If you aren't reading this author, you are missing much more than an average mystery writer. - review by Glenda Bixler, Book Readers Heaven

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Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries.

​The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company.

Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible
BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Audiobook Production Team:

Narrator:
A relative newcomer to audiobook narration, Anita Alger is a producer and composer of dozens of musical themes for audiobooks. Working with veteran narrator (and husband) Mike Alger, they’ve teamed up to produce over 30 full length audiobooks. While her musical skills are usually at the forefront, she has also narrated three audiobooks herself, including the new Nikki Bryant Cozy Mystery Series written by Lauren Carr.
 
When not expressing herself in the arts, Anita is also a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist working in microbiology, and therefor knows two dozen ways to kill you while making it look like natural causes.

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Producer:

​A broadcast veteran of over 35 years, Mike Alger is best known as the award-winning Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV in Reno, NV. Narrator and producer of over 30 audiobook novels, he is also a successful author, having penned the Mystery-Thriller novel Snow Storm, and is the narrator of the audiobook of the same name. He collaborates with his wife of 40 years, Anita Alger, who writes and produces the musical themes for his productions.

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Meet the Author:

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

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Tour Schedule:
Oct 3 – Mystery Review Crew – book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 4 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 5 – kelly_hunsaker_reads – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 5 - Leanne bookstagram - book review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 6 - Casia's Corner- audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 7 - Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 11 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 11 - Faith and Books – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 12 –Paws.Read.Repeat – book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 12 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 13 – kelly_hunsaker_reads – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 13 - Casia's Corner- audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 14 – Geaux Get Lit – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 14 - Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 14 - Duckfacekim09 – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 17 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 17 - Leanne bookstagram - book review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 18 - Locks, Hooks and Books – book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 18 –Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 19 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight / giveaway
Oct 19 –kelly_hunsaker_reads – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 20 - Locks, Hooks and Books –book review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 20 - Leanne bookstagram - book review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 21 – Geaux Get Lit – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 21 - Duckfacekim09 – audiobook review of KILLER DEADLINE / giveaway
Oct 24 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 24 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 24 - Faith and Books – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 25 – Amy's Booket List – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER / giveaway
Oct 26 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 26 - Liese's Blog - books spotlight 
Oct 27 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – books spotlight / giveaway
Oct 27 - Books for Books – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER
Oct 28 – Duckfacekim09 – audiobook review of THE WRONG SIDE OF MURDER / giveaway
Oct 28 - Books for Books – audiobook review of TWOFER MURDER

Enter the Giveaway:

A Quilt for Christmas ~ Review

A Quilt For Christmas

By Melanie Carlson

Vera Swanson recently lost her husband and has made a major life-changing event - selling her home and moving into a condo to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Well, that doesn't work too well as said daughter shortly thereafter moves far away because her husband got a job transfer. Now for the first time in like forever, Vera is less than all into Christmas.

But when her young neighbor across the hall makes a plea for help, Vera's life takes another turn, and this one is positive. Young Fiona's mother is seriously ill, and the family's finances are more than a little tight, but Fiona wants to give her mother a Christmas quilt for Christmas. What follows is a sweet story that affects more than one life when a community pulls together to grant a young girl's Christmas wish.

I always look forward to Melody Carlson's annual Christmas release. I love Christmas, and her books are always great at bringing a special touch to the season. A Quilt for Christmas does not disappoint at all. The characters are realistic and face many of the same challenges that one faces in the day-to-day of living.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Bestselling and award-winning author Melody Carlson invites 

you to cuddle up this holiday season with this cozy story of 

giving, forgiving, and a little bit of romance.

Recently widowed Vera Swanson is having a hard time getting in the Christmas spirit in her new town. When asked to make a quilt for an ailing neighbor, she pulls together a diverse circle of quilters, including freespirited Tasha Ellison. The group becomes stitched together through shared stories, trust, and a little romantic weaving.

Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that’s not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one–until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera’s help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request–a Christmas quilt for Mama.

Vera will have to get a ragtag group of women together in order to fulfill the request. Between free-spirited artist Tasha, chatty empty nester Beverly, retired therapist Eleanor, and herself, Vera has hopes that Christmas for the Albright family will be merry, after all–and she may find herself a new family of friends along the way.

Green as Grass ~ Review

Green as Grass

Clean Regency Romances #2

By Mary-Celeste Ricks

Miss Louisa Grenfeld is the standard by which any well-informed lady strives to achieve. As a contemporary of Beau Brummell, she is well thought of and turns heads but is of no mind to marry anyone anytime soon. But when her father gives her an ultimatum, she has no choice but to make up her mind to find a match this season, for he refuses to fund another one.

She has caught the attention of Mr. Andrew Brougham, who is as green as can be and is more attuned to rare birds than fashion. Determined to turn his attention in another direction, Louisa begins tutoring Mr. Brougham in the social graces and soon succeeds in making him the gentleman to catch this season. 

But Louisa's success soon finds her longing for the almost daily visits she and Andrew once shared. But Louisa was more than firm in her lack of interest in Andrew as anything other than a friend, and he managed to ruin it. And then his mother - she has greater aspirations for him than an untitled lady. What's a gentleman to do when his heart is pulling him one way, and everyone else has other plans for him.

This is a fun read in which no one knows what they truly want, and, in the process, they all make a perfect muddle of everything - and by everything, I mean everything. Understandings and attachments are formed, but are they ones that will result in happiness for all involved, or will a life of misery be the unfortunate outcome of rash and ill-advised actions. This is a big mess that will take some interesting maneuvers to set to rights.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Miss Louisa Grenfeld is a budding arbiter of London fashion, a protégé of the great Beau Brummell himself. But when her father informs her that the only way she can continue her lavish lifestyle is through marriage, she reluctantly begins her search for a husband.

She soon captures the interest of Mr. Andrew Brougham. But the awkward, bird-loving man is a social novice with an overbearing mother, and Louisa quickly determines to rid herself of both of them by tutoring Mr. Brougham into fashionable comportment, hoping he will turn his attentions toward other young ladies in the process.

Andrew Brougham may not understand fashion, but he certainly knows his own mind, and he has determined that Miss Louisa Grenfeld and he would suit perfectly together. But between his mother forcing him toward an unwanted match and Miss Grenfeld's uncertainty, he has a difficult path ahead. If he molds himself to conform to society's desires will that be enough to please both Miss Grenfeld and his exacting mother?