Blooming with Books

5.17.2023

The Last Thing She Said ~ Audiobook Review

The Last Thing She Said

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

Nearly 40 years ago, mystery author Mercedes Livingston disappeared. Everyone assumed she and her husband, George were the victims of a kidnapping gone wrong. But Harper's Ferry has been hiding the truth about this cold case, and now it is up to Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad to clear their late friend in the decades-old case.

Can the Geezers determine what happened after all these years? They put their varied skills to use and call on those they know they are convinced they can discover the truth. But when Helen's ex shows up, they have to deal with him and all the baggage he's about to dump on Chris.

Anyone familiar with Lauren Carr's other series will enjoy a few brief scenes with Mac, Archie, Joshua, Gnarly, and the political scene brewing on Spencer Mountain. Oh, yeah, there are some interesting developments in regard to Gnarly's mayorship, and Chris's dog Sterling gets caught up in Gnarly's antics (in my opinion, the best story thread in the book and worth a few laughs).

Let's just say Gnarly was at his best in this one in one-upping his political opponent.

With plot twists and a whole cast of suspects, this one will keep the Geezers and the reader occupied with figuring out just what happened all those years ago. But to uncover the truth, they have to go back to the cold case upon which Mercedes Livingston's best-seller was based. And could the last words Mercedes Livingston spoke to Chris all those years ago be a clue?

Get ready for some unexpected twists, betrayals, and political shenanigans in this newest addition to the mystery world created by Lauren Carr.

I listened to the audio version of this book, and the reading by Mike Alger is excellent. This is a murder mystery, so the reader should expect some violence and, in general, misdeeds that don't paint some of the characters in a good light.

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.

** Some readers might find some scenes objectionable due to content

so if you want gentle reads this isn't one you will want to read.

Book Details:

Book Title: The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr

Narrator: Mike Alger

Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 10 hours, 41 minutes

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: Sep 16, 2019

Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another "hit" that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps...or Chris's, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time...Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores...and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)... But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!" - Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader's Heaven

About the Book:

“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

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

Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~ twitter

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

Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 3 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 4 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 8 – Liese's Blog – book series spotlight
May 9- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia's Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 10- Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia's Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 16 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 17 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 18 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 –Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 - – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
May 24 - FUONLYKNEW - book series spotlight/giveaway
May 24 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight/giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE/giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST/giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID/giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway
TBD – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER/giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

5.16.2023

Winter Frost ~ Audiobook Review

Winter Frost

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

For three years, Chris Matheson has known that his wife Blair was dead, and he has moved on with his life. There is just one little problem he just saw her, and she is very much alive. Not only is she alive someone is trying to kill her. And now Chris finds himself in the middle of something that has placed a target on his back.

Time to call in the Geezer Squad - the "book club" that Chris's father helped start years ago. But this book club isn't your normal group of retirees who gather after hours to discuss the latest mystery. Nope, this group doesn't crack a book during their get-together, rather they crack cases, and the colder they are, the better they like them. And the case Chris just found himself in needs all the resources the Geezer Squad has at its disposal, especially if they all plan on living long enough to see justice served and national security preserved.

In this case, Chris gets some help from Murphy Thornton an agent who somehow gets himself attached to Chris's case. And then there is Tristan Faraday and Nigel, who find themselves drawn deep into the case thanks to Murphy. (Fans of Lauren Carr will recognize Murphy, Tristan, and Nigel from her other series)

And, in case you've read the previous book in the series, Ice Chris's mother is most definitely in it, and I can, with all honesty, say she's someone I wouldn't want to meet in person or get on her bad side (which sounds fairly easy to do). And then there is Sterling, a German Shepherd that you don't want to play cards against. Sterling is easily my favorite character in this series, with Thor (the Matheson pet rabbit) running a close second.

Overall this is a good read, or in my case, a good listen. Mike Alger does a great job presenting the story so that one doesn't get bored in the telling. He changes up the pitch and accents of the various characters so that they are distinct and recognizable.

Those who enjoy mysteries will enjoy this Lauren Carr offering. If you haven't read the first book in this series, that is okay, as it is able to be enjoyed as a standalone book.

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.

Book Details:

Book Title: Winter Frost (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr

Narrator: Mike Alger

Category: Adult fiction, 8 hours, 56 minutes

Genre: Mystery

Publisher: Acorn Book Services

Release date: Mar 22, 2019

"Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

"Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix." Review of Winter Frost by The iRead Review

Book Description:
It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas.

Nothing is as it seems.

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?

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

Enter the Giveaway:

5.15.2023

ICE ~ Audiobook Review

ICE

A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1

By Lauren Carr

Narrated by Mike Alger

More than 20 years ago, Chris Matheson was a person of interest in the disappearance of Sandy Lipton. The small-town gossip blamed him and now that he's back in town with his daughters, he learns that the wagging tongues and speculation never died down. Worse, his daughters have started hearing the malice gossip that, if true, would see him still serving a sentence.

Talked into joining his late father's book club, Chris soon learns that this is no ordinary book club. Rather it is a collection of retired law enforcement officers who seek to avoid the utter boredom of retirement by working on cold cases. Drawing on the unique skill set of this group, Chris begins piecing together the random and vague clues and recollections that he has from that time. But someone seems determined to keep him from the truth about Sandy and the child she was carrying.

But this small West Virginian town is hiding more than one crime, and Chris is about to find himself in the midst of it. Whoever is behind this has a malevolence that makes Chris feel these crimes are related and personal. The only question is, which of his old acquaintances is next on the list?

This Lauren Carr series offers up a big dose of both for the whodunnit mystery buff who loves ever-increasing suspense and danger. Murder and mayhem seem to be Chris's new companions after returning home following the loss of both his wife and his father. Juggling the parenting responsibilities of his three daughters with his mother is not something Chris was expecting at this point in his life, but life doesn't go as planned.

And for those familiar with Lauren's other works - YES, there are dogs in this book, and Chris's newest Sterling just might give Gnarly a run for his money as far as crazy antics go. Sterling, in a word, is a HOOT and probably my favorite character. Though the pet rabbit Thor is a pretty close second - who wouldn't love a rabbit who dresses up!

The audio narration by Mike Alger is well done. The pacing is good, and the various characters are easily discernable as the story progresses. At just under 10 hours, this is an excellent length for a week of commuting or household chores.

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

About the Book:

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category: Adult fiction, 9 hours, 54 minutes
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: April 25, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr's books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

"Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat...I love the way Lauren spun this novel - I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!" 5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

Book Description:
When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted.

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

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

Enter the Giveaway:

5.11.2023

The Secret to Happiness ~ Review

The Secret to Happiness

Cape Cod Creamery #2

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

Callie Dixon has always been a thorn in her cousin Dawn's side, and now she is coming to Cape Cod. Dawn is less than pleased to have her cousin staying with them at the Creamery. But her mother, Marnie, won't hear any differently. She knows Callie needs her family, and they'll welcome her as long as she needs them.

Dawn knows something is wrong with Callie and is determined to fix her, despite Marnie and Kevin's advice to let her be. But all of Dawn's efforts seem useless. Callie just doesn't appreciate her efforts.

Concern is weighing on Callie, and the pressure from her Dad to get another job is just adding to it. But Callie refuses to let anyone see the cracks in her life. But when Dawn drags her to a happiness class, Callie is challenged by the teacher, Bruno Bianco. How do you find happiness in the everyday, every single day?

The Secret to Happiness is a journey of self-discovery as Callie learns to let the pressures and grief of the past go. But it is more than that as she learns the simple things in life can give the greatest joy. I really liked Callie from the first. What I found interesting was that Dawn, who had improved as the first book went along, seemed to reverse when Callie came to the Creamery. So this book is as much Callie's story as it is a continuation of Dawn's. Overall this is a good read and provides a satisfying continuation of what started with The Sweet Life. I mean, who wouldn't find reviving an old ice cream shop interesting? Especially when you combine it with finding a new focus in life. This is a lovely series and should be enjoyed in order, but this book can be read as a standalone title.

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:

Escape to Cape Cod--where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by the tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, she's escaped to her aunt's home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn't a home, it's an ice cream shop. And time isn't going to help, because Callie's bounce has up and left. There's a reason she made that mistake at work, and she's struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie's cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco--a curiously gloomy fellow--is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie's thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

Bruno insists that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be. But if that's true, how is it supposed to help her figure out what--or who--has been missing from her life all along?

5.10.2023

The Nice Guy ~ Review

The Nice Guy

It's Amor #1

By Abi Sabina

Ivan and Madison seem to hit it off at a quick meeting at the local coffee shop in Sunshine Falls, at least before duty calls and Ivan leaves to meet with a patient. But then they discover that they are the new partners of Healing Hands, Sunshine Falls's only veterinarian clinic. And like that, any possible relationship is over before it has a chance to develop because workplace romances never work out. And Madison knows this from personal experience.

But with two very different viewpoints, there are sure to be clashes. Now they just need to learn to play nice together as they navigate this sudden change. Ivan has always called Sunshine Falls home, while Madison is used to big city ways.

What follows is a cute read as two people from different backgrounds come together to save what has been entrusted to them. Small-town vet care offers its own unique challenges, some of which may cause you to raise an eyebrow or roll your eyes. Overall this was a sweet read that was a perfect escape for an afternoon/evening book-cation. Ivan and Madison are cute together. And then Ivan's mother! Let's just say she is the epic small-town caring busybody who loves to wag her tongue with gossip, especially if she thinks there is a hint of romance involving her son. Oh, yeah, that type of mother!

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.

P.S. I don't work in a vet clinic, so I can't attest to the authenticity of the practices as they are portrayed.

About the Book:

Here’s my advice:

Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.

After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.

My uncle's ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.

My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.

It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.

Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.

The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.

When Ivan starts to open up to me, it's difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.

I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.

Available at Amazon

JustRead Buzz Blitz Celebrating 5 Years

JustRead 5th Birthday Buzz Blitz

Welcome to the Buzz Blitz, celebrating

5 years of buzzing about books

with JustRead Publicity Tours!

5 book bee perks

Blog tours, bookstagram tours, reviewer tours, etc. are different varieties of book campaigns. Readers who participate in JustRead campaigns are called hosts or book bees.

Various hosting options

Readers buzz about books in a variety of ways through blog posts (spotlights, reviews, interviews, guest posts), social media posts (bookstagram, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter), and posted reviews (Goodreads, Bookbub, and retail sites).

Reader community

Although reading is usually a solitary pursuit, enjoy a richer experience with community! Get to know fellow readers through comments, posts, and book recommendations.

Author interaction

Want to personally thank authors for writing books that you love to read? Authors often visit campaign posts to say hello, express gratitude, and answer questions. Here are a few of the many authors I've connected with andrea_christenson_author

Exclusive giveaways

Book bees are eligible for exclusive giveaways through the host newsletter and the monthly host giveaway in addition to tour-wide and occasional host exclusive campaign giveaways.

Access to sweet titles

Last but not least, the honey of the book bee life is sweet reads! JustRead promotes titles within Christian, wholesome, or clean reads genres with content notes tailored to conservative values when sensitive issues are present.

Enjoy this small clip of the books I've enjoyed over the years with JustRead

About JustRead

JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC provides readers with a steady stream of promotional and reading selections from Christian, wholesome, and clean reads genres plus exclusive participant giveaway opportunities! By equipping readers with tools and support to create positive, impactful bookish content, JustRead advocates spreading the word (aka buzzing) about books that inspire and are written from a Christian perspective.

Connect with JustRead by following on social media @justreadtours, visiting justreadtours.com, or subscribing to host or blog post email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 gift card

(winner's choice of Amazon, Baker Book House,

Christianbook, or Walmart)!

(5) additional winners will receive one print book

from the JustRead stash and a JustRead bookmark!

JustRead Buzz Blitz Giveaway 5th Birthday

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule is linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 8, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on May 15, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

5.09.2023

Beauty Reborn ~ Review

Beauty Reborn

By Elizabeth Lowham

Beauty's name draws attention to her outer appearance, ignoring her thoughts, her words. Until Stephan, her name was merely a word, something those around her used to discount her thoughts and words. And catching Stephan's attention at first was an honor until he wouldn't stop trying to claim her for himself.

When her family lost everything, Beauty welcomed it, hoping it would steal her beauty. And when her father stole a rose, she took the opportunity to pay the cost of his theft. For a beast such as he described would surely end her life, ending her pain, her anger, her shame.

Beauty Reborn is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that offers a twist to the typical retellings. Beast is cursed, and to break the curse, he must get a young woman to agree to marry him. But marriage isn't something Beauty wants; she just wants to pay her father's debt. Her reasons aren't noble but selfish; she knows this but needs to hide away from the outside world. And the isolation of an unknown lost castle with only Beast as a companion seemed perfect. But then she got to know him. A beast he might be in appearance but not in his heart.

Beauty's story is slowly told throughout the book in short snippets within other scenes. It's as if certain actions bring forth memories she's tried to bury.

Beast's story is more interesting and original. How he came to be cursed, living in an enchanted castle, and isolated, hidden away from everything. There is a moment when Beauty suggests the two should exchange names, which isn't too far-fetched when one gets glimpses at their hearts. I find the interactions of Beauty with her family to be rather telling. I can't say that I'd have wanted to be friends with any of the sisters. I have to be honest Beauty's brother, Rob, is who I am most sympathetic with, and I hope he gets his heart's desire.

This is a book that, depending on the individual, will either be loved or treated with indifference. Beauty's memories of Stephan sometimes jump out without warning that a break is coming. But I think this is what the author was going for, as Beauty is haunted by what happened and what she perceives as her role in what unfolded. Overall, I feel this was a good read, especially when one considers the subject matter. That being said, I would recommend this to older teens and adults.

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:

Fantasy and reality collide in this retelling of “Beauty and the Beast” about a young woman’s heroic quest to save herself.

Beauty’s life is the stuff of fairy tales. The youngest in her family, Beauty isn’t trying to catch Stephan’s eye. He is the lord baron’s heir, well above her family’s modest station, but when he kisses her hand at a party, Beauty is swept away by his charm, his wit, and his passionate declarations of love.

Hearts can be untamable creatures, especially when touched by the fires of first love, and Beauty doesn’t see the truth of Stephan’s intentions until it is too late. Until he stops asking for Beauty’s love—and simply takes it from her one night despite her refusal.

Beauty locks away the secret of what happened to her, and when her father emerges from the enchanted forest with a stolen rose in his hand and the tale of a vicious beast on his breath, Beauty seizes the chance to run as far from Stephan as possible.

She has some experience with beasts, after all. Certainly, the one in the forest couldn’t be any worse than the one she’s already encountered.

Breaking the Beast’s curse might be the key to discovering her own path to healing—and finding the courage to allow herself to feel reborn.

English

5.17.2023

The Last Thing She Said ~ Audiobook Review

5.16.2023

Winter Frost ~ Audiobook Review

5.15.2023

ICE ~ Audiobook Review

5.11.2023

The Secret to Happiness ~ Review

5.10.2023

The Nice Guy ~ Review

JustRead Buzz Blitz Celebrating 5 Years

5 book bee perks

About JustRead

Tour Giveaway

5.09.2023

Beauty Reborn ~ Review

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