The Printed Letter ~ Review

The Printed Letter
By Katherine Reay

Madeline Cullen's life changed that one summer that she spent with her Aunt Maddie. And following her aunt's death, it is about to change again. For years Madeline has had mixed feelings about that summer spent with Aunt Maddie and Uncle Pete - it was probably the best summer she'd ever had until the last day when everything went wrong. But what exactly went wrong she was never totally sure.

After the partnership she's been working for doesn't happen Madeline is left with time on her hands following a rash decision on her part. And with Aunt Maddie's death, she has just the thing to fill it - Aunt Maddie left her everything - including a struggling bookshop and an ever-increasing debt. Can she get the shop profitable and market-worthy? Or will she be totally out of her element - after all she's pursued law not business.

But Eagle Valley has its own opinions of Madeline Cullen and her "relationship" with her Aunt Maddie is foremost on the minds of those who knew her best. Can Madeline become in their eyes worthy of the love her aunt had for her? Janet and Claire who've been working at The Printed Letter Bookshop loved Madeline and the friendship they shared. Will this unknown niece destroy their last link to Madeline?

This is a contemporary work that deals with family and the choices that we make affect not only us but those who are closest to us. Some choices draw us closer while others push us away. Can we ever push too hard so that there is no hope of recapturing what we didn't hold dear enough? These are just the situations that Madeline and those who she has come to know in Eagle Valley are facing.

A family growing apart, a trust betrayed, a hope lost, a heart broken, a dream frayed. Can they find what they need from the books Maddie loved so much?

This book is seen through the eyes of Madeline, Janet, and Claire. Each woman has a different view on what life is like due to their current situations and what they've been experiencing. When an unexpected event occurs will their lives crumble or will they face the challenge and become stronger in the doing?  I really enjoyed getting to know each of these characters. And the past that has shaped them into who they are today is slowly revealed. This is a book well worth reading. Compared to Katherine Reay's previous works that I have read I'd say it is perhaps the most different but just as well-written and developed. If you are looking for a summer read, add this one to your to-be-read list.

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:

Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop.

One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened her heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care.

While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is a captivating story of good books, a testament to the beauty of new beginnings, and a sweet reminder of the power of friendship.

Paperback: 336 Pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 14, 2019)

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Katherine Reay’s first novel, Dear Mr. Knightley, was a 2014 Christy Award Finalist and winner of the 2014 INSPY Award for Best Debut as well as Carol Awards for both Best Debut and Best Contemporary. She is also the writer behind Lizzy and Jane, The Bronte Plot, A Portrait of Emily Price and The Austen Escape – all contemporary stories with a bit of “classics” flair. Katherine holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University and is a wife, mother, runner, former marketer, avid chocolate consumer and, randomly, a tae kwon do black belt. After living all across the country and a few stops in Europe, Katherine and her family presently live outside of Chicago.

Connect with Katherine
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Winter Frost ~ Review with Giveaway

Winter Frost
Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2
By Lauren Carr
Read 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 (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 newest 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 Book 2)
Author: Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 290 pages
Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Police Procedural, Cozy
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: January 28, 2019
Tour dates: May 1 - June 28, 2019
Content Rating: PG (It's a murder mystery and there is mild violence.
                                                             Very mild swearing no F-bombs.)

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?

To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy Winter Frost:

​Amazon ~ Audible

Add to Goodreads

​Meet the Author:

 ​Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

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

​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 three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

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

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends July 6, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Midnight's Curse ~ Cover Reveal with Giveaway

 

Thanks for joining me today for the cover reveal of Midnight's Curse, book two in the Beyond the Tales series by Tricia Mingerink. The Beyond the Tales is a series of fairy tale retellings set in a world of curses and gifts and in an Appalachian Mountain-like setting.

Midnight's Curse releases August 6, 2019!

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 Isn't it stunning? 

The cover was designed by Savannah Jezowski at Dragonpen Designs. 

You can find more examples of her work here.

About the book:

High King Alexander rules the Seven Kingdoms of Tallahatchia—a divided nation on the brink of yet another war. When an invitation arrives from the king of Pohatomie, Alex knows it must be a trap, but could it also be his opportunity to unite the kingdoms?

Daemyn Rand has lived a hundred years, served an arrogant prince, fallen in love with a princess, and lost himself somewhere along the way. He has already died for his loyalty. Will he have to sacrifice his last chance to truly live?

 Elara Ashen is a lowly, miserable servant. All she wants is to spend one night in a fancy dress, dancing with the high king. When she is offered a pair of glass slippers, it seems all her dreams have come true.

 But dreams have a price, and gifts can be curses in disguise. What will it cost to stop this curse from tearing Tallahatchia apart yet again?

 Fairy tales meet the Appalachian Mountains in this adventurous fantasy retelling of the classic Cinderella story.

Preorder the Kindle on Amazon.

Add to Goodreads.

About the author:

Tricia Mingerink is the author of the bestselling The Blades of Acktar series and the Beyond the Tales series. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. 

 You can connect with Tricia on her 

blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

 To celebrate the cover reveal, Dagger's Sleep, a Sleeping Beauty retelling, and book one in the series, is on sale on Kindle for $.99 this weekend! 

  Click here to purchase on Amazon.

 

Giveaway!

To celebrate, there's a giveaway for 

a paperback copy of 

Dagger's Sleep 

and 

a 2oz Plot Twist candle 

by Novelly Yours Candles. 

To enter, share the above sale graphic for Dagger's Sleep, the cover for Midnight's Curse, or the below Midnight's Curse promo graphic and make sure you use hashtag #MidnightsCurse and tag @triciamingerink on any social media site to enter.

 The giveaway will end May 22 at midnight. 

Please note this giveaway is only open in the United States. 

It is not sponsored by Novelly Yours Candles.

 

The Lady and the Wish ~ Review

The Lady and the Wish
Faraway Castle #4
By J.M. Stengl

Lady Gillian Montmorency is determined to win a prince's heart. So far all her plans have gone awry but this year will be different - this year she won't lose to a maid or a mermaid - this year she'll win the heart of a prince. This year her target is Prince Fidelio - there is just one little problem people keep interfering with her plans. First, there is Fidelio's cousin, whose name escapes her thanks to that monstrosity of a bird's nest that he calls a beard! Then there is Prince Max who is anything but charming and so obnoxious, acting as if she is nothing more than an expensive and naturally gorgeous accessory to be obtained.

But when everything goes wrong and the wrong man proposes Gillian is shocked that she has become the bartering piece in saving her family from ruin and scandal. Of course, no one bothered to inform her of anything until it is too late. Now her refusal is costing her a year - a year in which she'll play companion to an old eccentric lady who lives far from the social life Gillian has grown accustomed to. But to save her family and her own future Gillian agrees to serve as a companion for a year.

Lady Beneventi is not what Gillian expected - there is something mysterious going on at her villa and Gillian is not exactly sure what it is but it seems to have taken a dislike to her. There are doors that disappear, multiplying dogs, and other things that are but shouldn't be. This is going to be a very long year!

Those who have read the previous books in the Faraway Castle series will remember Gillian and not have fond memories of her and her less than kind antics. Well, this time we get to really meet Gillian and at the beginning of the story, she's just as unlikable as she appeared to be. But as the story progresses Gillian begins to grow as a person. Being without what was familiar allows her to see the world differently, allows her to people as who they are rather than what they are. Who knew a Lady could become friends with those in positions of service? Well, this is just one of the many things Gillian is about to discover. And she just might find a heart that will lead her to her future rather than the ambitions that before controlled her every action and thought.

Another enjoyable read from J.M. Stengl that provides a contemporary twist on a beloved fairytale that is appropriate for all but the youngest readers. This book has some humorous scenes that just have to be read to be believed. If you are looking for something that will take you out of your ordinary for a few hours you've found it with The Lady and the Wish.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but my honest feedback - all thoughts expressed are my own. In full disclosure, I have since purchased a copy of this book as the copy I read was a prerelease edition.
   


About the Book:
Gillian set her heart on marrying a prince.

Lady Gillian Montmorency is determined to win Prince Fidelio’s heart, but her plans are crashing around her ears. First, Fidelio’s older cousin with a beard like a bird’s nest proposes to her. Next, intimidating Prince Max insists she will be his next trophy.

But the worst of all, her parents reveal a financial scandal. To pay off her father’s debt, Gillian must agree to work one year as companion to an old lady at some remote and ramshackle villa.

Fine. She’ll go. But she doesn’t have to like it.

Something strange is going on at Lady Beneventi’s villa. Ghostly people appear, doors vanish, statues come to life . . . and the old lady herself despises Gillian. With the help of a handsome but hostile construction worker, can Gillian solve the mystery of the wishes and return to her proper place in high society? Can she finally snare a prince to marry?

Or might love play a part in changing her plans?

A King Thrushbeard Romance

Lone Star Standoff ~ Review

Lone Star Standoff
Lone Star Justice #6
By Margaret Daley

Three years ago they killed her husband and now that she is presiding over the trial of one of their own the cartel is sending Judge Aubrey Madison a message. With the safety of her children and mother in doubt, Aubrey does the only thing she can think of - call Texas Ranger Sean McNair.

Sean has been working to stop the cartel that took the life of his predecessor Samuel Madison. Sean also suspects that the cartel is responsible for the disappearance of his younger brother Jack. With the cartel obviously working to delay or derail the trial Sean, his fellow Rangers and the local police are about to have almost more than they can handle. And when word of a potential mole is learned Sean's list of trusted protectors shrinks considerably.

With time working against them Aubrey and Sean must go back to the past and learn just what Samuel and Jack were involved in to find a connection to what is happening now.

Lone Star Standoff is the sixth book in the Lone Star Justice series and it can be read as a standalone with no effect on the reader's enjoyment. As part of the Love Inspired Suspense collection one can be assured of suspense and romance but in a clean presentation that won't leave the reader with an unsettled after-taste. And if you like suspense that keeps you in the dark as to who is the perpetrator well this one does an excellent job keeping the reader clueless.

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



About the Book:

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense; Original edition (May 1, 2019)

Publication Date: May 1, 2019

A high-profile trial turns lethal…

Presiding over the trial of a powerful drug cartel member, Judge Aubrey Madison finds her life threatened, and Texas Ranger Sean McNair isn’t taking any chances. Protecting the widow and her twins comes naturally to Sean—maybe too naturally for a guy who’s convinced he shouldn’t have a family. But he can’t help wishing for a future with Aubrey…if he can keep her alive.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

On a Summer Tide ~ Review

On a Summer Tide
Three Sisters Island #1
By Suzanne Fisher Woods

The Grayson family has been falling apart since the day that changed their lives forever. And their life is about to change drastically again when Paul Grayson sells the family home and buys an island. And he doesn't buy just any island but an island he hasn't set foot on in decades, one that is in a decline.

Paul has plans for the island and he's hoping that his three daughters will be part of his plans. But Camden "Cam", Madison "Maddie", and Blaine all have lives of their own and aren't ready to uproot everything to join their father in his crazy scheme on a remote Maine island. But sometimes life has a way of pushing us in a direction that we never considered and such is the case with the three Grayson sisters. Three Sisters Island may just what they need to find the family that their mother always said they would one day have. But first, they all need to move beyond what splintered them to begin with.

And then there is Cooper, Cam's son who has his own set of problems - problems that no seven-year-old should have to deal with. Cooper has an overabundance of fears and then there is his ball of string that he is never without (trouble!!!).

Overall On a Summer Tide was a good read - it is the first book in a new series so I'm interested to see where it goes from here. The Grayson sisters have definitely got a few issues that they need to work through and the life that they are embarking on on Three Sisters Island should be helpful as they each are faced with what their futures will hold and what they want from it.

This book while introducing us to the island and the family seems to be a little more focused on Cam and her workaholic habits which are about to get a do-over. That is not to say the other sisters get lost but rather more of Cam's past is revealed as the story progresses.

There were a couple of things that happened in the story that I will admit were not surprising. There were small hints that a careful reader will easily pick up on and just be waiting for the reveal to happen. Overall this was a fairly good read though I will admit Maddie at times really got on my nerves.

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


About the Book:

Sometimes love hurts--and sometimes 

it can heal in the most unexpected way.

Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. "Moving on" is Cam's mantra. But there's a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on and one who just keeps on moving. 

Cam's full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island--a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam's surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, and so do the locals. One in particular: Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher, who harbors more than a few surprises. 

God Gave Me Grandma ~ Review

God Gave Me Grandma
Written by Pamela Kennedy
Illustrated by Xenia Pavlova

This is a delightful book that in combination with adorable pictures and text celebrates Grandmas. Whether they are teachings about the world around us, playing with us, or caring for daily needs we can celebrate the gift God gave us when He gave us Grandma!

The book is a padded board book that measures approximately 8-1/4" x 8-1/4" and is a tad under 3/4"wide. The book is 22 pages of colorful images that feature animals in the role of Grandma and Grandchild. The illustrations are colorful with a perfect blend of brights, pastels, and neutrals. The text has a flow that is almost lyrical. Facing pages have images that go with the action of the text (gardening, swinging, cooking, etc.) The animals used include the cover image kitties, dogs, kangaroos, bunnies, mice, raccoons and five more.

This would be an excellent gift to give Grandma and is perfect for any time of the year. It would definitely be a book to read with an adult as it is a bit heavy for little hands - so this would be a sit on the floor lap book (or placed on a table) for young readers who want to hold it themselves.

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



About the Book:
It's no secret that children tend to have a special bond with their grandmothers. With humorous art and fun verses, this book celebrates that relationship and recognizes the many ways that grandmothers support, love, and empower their grandchildren.