The Advent of Murder by Martha Ockley

4 STARS

Faith Morgan Mystery #2

I got confused in part of the story because I had not read book 1 and I am not familiar with some of the English terms and church system. But those are more my faults than with the story. I did guess early on who the murder was and motive. Still enjoyed the book.
Faith is a interesting character. She used to be a cop and now is a Vicar. She used to date Ben when she was on the force. Faith still can't leave the mind set of a cop and finds herself investigating the murder. People she talked to got the impression she was a cop still and were surprised to learn she was clergy.

Ben detective in the murder case. Still asks and tells her things. I am not sure why they broke up. Don't know if Vicar can marry or not.

A young man was murdered he was close too two other teens and was a member of a choir. He helped take care of his Uncle who is a drunk. His mom died this past year.

It is the busy Christmas season. The first one that Faith is in charge of. She is on her way to a member's house when she sees a bunch of police. Oliver Markham is going to play Joseph. It is his farm that the teenager is found and looks bad for him that he did not call the body in.

I really want to go and read the first Faith Morgan Mystery and learn more about Faith and her choices she has made.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
07/19/2013 PUB. Lion Hudson Plc 224 pages ISBN-10: 1782640061


Description below taken off of Netgalley

.Faith Morgan, former policewoman and vicar of Little Worthy, visits Oliver Markham's farm in the run up to Christmas, only to discover the house surrounded by police cars. A body has been found in the local River Itchen, which turns out to be that of Lucas Kemp, a local boy and chorister. Markham is charged with his murder. Through her connections with Winchester Cathedral Faith is drawn into the investigation, discovering that Lucas had dropped out of college and that his mother had died a few months previously. There is a question of drugs, and a rivalry over Lucas's distraught girlfriend - the choir is a hotbed of tensions. Lucas's unsavoury uncle, and a local drug dealer, both come under suspicion, and Ben, Faith's police inspector ex-boyfriend, has to rescue her when the drug dealer turns nasty. But the actual murderer is none of the above ...

Patchwork Family in the Outback by Soraya Lane

4 STARS

I liked Poppy and how she cared about the kids she would teach even before she met them. Poppy Carter is making lots of major changes in her life. She is moving from the city to teaching in the outback as the only teacher. Poppy's life had fallen apart with finding her husband in bed with someone else.

Harrison is a single father with two cute kids. Harrison is bitter with women as his ex-wife left him and his two little kids. Harrison lives on the family ranch that has been in the family for generations. But if they could not hire a teacher than their town would die. He would move so his kids would not have to go to boarding school for elementary school.

He decides he will do anything to help Poppy fit in and feel like she could stay. But he does not plan to date her.
Poppy plans to stay away from all men but then she finds herself making excuses to see Harrison.
Their was one love scene that I skipped over. easy fast read. Gives you a look at life in smalltown in Australia outback. I liked it.
and would read another book by Soraya Lane in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by Netgalley and Harlequin
Pub Date Sep 3 2013 Harlequin Romance 256 pages ISBN: 0373742584

Description below taken off of Netgalley.

The final piece of his family puzzle?
Arriving in Bellaroo Creek, teacher Poppy Carter isn't quite prepared for the hard task ahead of her. But a school under threat and a class of unruly children is a breeze compared to single father Harrison Black, who's proving more of a challenge than she could ever have anticipated!

Since his wife abandoned him and their children, Harrison has learned the art of keeping his distance—and new teacher Poppy doesn't seem to understand boundaries! But when a storm traps them both together, Harrison begins to wonder whether Poppy just might make the perfect addition to their little family….

Falling For The Teacher by Dorothy Clark

Falling For The Teacher by Dorothy Clark
4 stars

The setting for this story is 1841 Pinewood Village New York
Sadie Spencer comes home after four years away. She has to deal with lots of problems right off the bat.

It deals with some issues of blame, forgiveness. memories and illness.
Sadie was attacked four years ago in the woods by her house by Payne Aylward. She still suffers nightmares and does not want to touch any man. Has no plans to
ever marry. The whole community knows about it. Payne was never caught.

Sadie has come home because of news of her grandparents health problems. Sadie was raised by her grandparents when her parents died when she was little.
Her grandmother has memories problems. Sometimes not even recongizes her. Her grandfather Manning had a stroke. (Not sure if they called it that) his one side
is useless.

She finds a stranger in her grandparents house Cole Aylward. Cole comes a lot since Manning can't get around. He also eats with them most days. Cole got to town right after
the attack and even tried to track his brother. He has tried to make up for the trouble his brother caused. He comes carrys Manning from bed to table to different
rooms. (I have dealt with a stroke leaving me so half my body did not work. Never thought how hard that would be without wheelchairs and modern medicines)
Cole even manages the Townsend mill and lumber camp.

Sadie does not want him around since he looks a lot like his brother. She does not trust him. She thinks he must have ulter motives. Like stealing from the mill.

Cole is smart and a hardworker. He has tried to makeup for what Payne did. He wants to know why Payne has changed since he last saw him. He has gone out of his way to
the Townsend family. The town was not very welcomed to him and blamed him too for his brothers fault.

Sadie has some good friends from childhood that have had their own stories told in other books of this series. I would love to read them too.
It is a clean read.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review when read by Netgalley & Harlequin.
publication: September 3rd 2013 by Harlequin Love Inspired Historcal 288 pages ISBN:0373829795



Description below taken off of NetGalley.

Love Is Never Where You Expect….
Though she once fled from Pinewood, Sadie Spencer can't stay away when her ailing grandparents need her. But she never expected to come face-to-face with the brother of the man who caused her to leave town. Sadie doesn't care how honest or kind Cole Aylward may seem—she isn't about to let him continue managing her family's business.

Cole has worked hard to prove he's nothing like his brother. All he wants is to try to make up for the hurt Payne caused her family. But slowly Sadie's quiet determination and bravery helps him face his own fears. Can Cole convince her he's a man worthy of the trust she longs to give?

Right and Left Grand book tour review

Book Details
Genre: Cozy Mystery – New Series
Published by: Wordsmiths4u
Release Date: April 22, 2013
Number of Pages: 242

Synopsis
In this first Darla King novel, Darla returns to square dancing in midlife following tragedies in both her personal and professional lives. She moves from Florida to Texas and from high-powered investigator to life in a small town and a job as far removed from crime as she can think of—she becomes a square dance caller. But when an unconscious stranger turns up on the ranch of one of her dance club members, her specialized knowledge may hold the key to the identity of his assailants. At first, Darla is concerned that her friend Doug is the target. When the same square dancer is assaulted not once but twice, she realizes something else is wrong. Even more telling is the secretive but disturbingly handsome FBI agent that enters the picture.

Darla didn’t plan it this way, but her curiosity pulls her into the case and she has to use the investigative skills from her past that she thought she’d left behind. She’s inquisitive by nature, and looks for patterns to unravel it all. Patterns like the ones she uses to choreograph a dance. Combined with her contacts as a square dance caller and her square dance knowledge, she’s just the person to fit all the pieces fit together. Darla, along with her close friends from the Clearton Squares Dance Club, ends up in the thick of things—and in danger.

About Rosalee Richland

Rosalee Richland is the pen name of two real-life square dancing writers. As Rosalee, co-authors Cyndi Riccio and Rhonda Brinkmann joined forces to create the Darla King cozy mystery series. Darla and her friends portray the best of the square community, the warmth and friendship among people in it, and the enjoyment square dancing brings worldwide. Darla’s curiosity often puts her squarely in the midst of unusual circumstances, and Darla can’t let go until the mystery is solved.

When not writing, Darla’s co-authors enjoy reading, traveling, meeting readers and fans, networking with other authors, and – of course – square dancing. They are learning to blog, and are always working on Darla’s next mystery. If you have a chance, stop in at a book signing and find out which half of Rosalee shows up! In the meantime you can stay in touch with Rosalee and Darla on on Facebook, Goodreads, or the Darla King Series blog. Or just search for “Rosalee Richland” anywhere in cyberspace.



Online links:

Goodreads/Rosalee Richland:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6577514.Rosalee_Richland

Rosalee Richland on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rosalee-Richland/284946448289065

Rosalee Richland blog:

http://rosaleerichland.blogspot.com/

My Review Right Left Grand
5 stars
I enjoyed reading Right Left Grand. I remember doing square dancing for fun years ago. It brought back a lot of memories. Of course no one got beat up or kidnap when we were learning to dance.
The mystery was pretty good, I did guess part of it early but was enjoyable to see them put it together anyway. I thought it was well developed and exciting.
The relationships of the four musketeers was good. I wish we knew a little more about their pasts. But that it is still a mystery we can learn more about them in future books.
Darla is a Square Dance Caller. That is all she does. She calls for two different clubs regularly. Plus fills in for other clubs when their regular caller needs it. She also does calls on bigger conventions.
On her regular Tuesday night job is where the three musketeers dance. Sam, Doug and Carlotta. They are just friends and all are single. Doug and Darla have dated a few times but no one knows that.
The book starts of strong and keeps your attention. Doug does not show up to the dance lesson. Sam calls him and finds out that he was on his way when he found a guy unconscious on side of road. He had been beaten up and no idea who he is. Or where he came from.
I enjoyed reading Right and Left Grand and look forward to reading more books about Darla in the future.

I was given this ebook to read and to give honest review of it as part of the blog tour.


Tour Participants
August 26 – Mommasez… Review
August 27 – StoreyBook Reviews Review
August 28 – Brooke Blogs Guest Post
August 29 – A Blue Million Books Interview
August 30 – Kaisy Daisy’s Corner Review
September 2 – readalot blog Review
September 3 – Books Are Life – Vita Libri Review
September 4 – Melina’s Book Blog Review
September 5 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading Review, Interview
September 6 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK Review

The Substitute Guest by Grace Livingston Hill

My review: 4 STARS

When I read the description I thought it would be a nice story to read on this hot sunday. I had no idea who Grace Livingston Hill was till I was through with the book. She wrote over 100 books and was considered pioneer of Christian romance. So I know their are a lot more of her work for me to read. It told how she was born 1865 died 1947. I just thought it was a story written about 1920s setting.

This was a nice Christmas story. It had heroics, faith, selfishness, greed and good examples to live by. I read it in one setting. I look forward to reading more books by Grace.

The characters were a wide range from high society, to farmers. Too spoiled young ladies, to kind ladies. Too drunks to hard workers. I was really rooting for Alan.

Alan has no family left. He was going to spend his Christmas vacation at a party he was invited too. He wanted to see more of Demeter Cass and see if she was the one for him. Before Alan could leave he needed to get some work done. Alan is a lawyer.

While dropping the paper to his Doctor friend he hears about a desperate lady in the mountain needing a certain medication by 6:00p.m. on Christmas eve. He promised his friend that he would take the medicine to her. It was not far out of his way.

Well the snow storm turned out to be a blizzard. Alan had other problems get in his way. His car broke down on the mountain but close to a farm house. When Alan made his way inside and asked for use of the phone and directions to where he needed to go. Alan found the only way up there now was a three mile walk in the heavy snow even if his car would start again.

When the Devereaux family realized how important it was to get the medicine up the mountain they worked together to help make it possible. Lance would go with him. They helped Alan get into warmer clothing, fed him, got ropes, flashights, shovels and candle lanterns to help them to get up and than back down again.

Through that hike Alan and Lance got close. Lance made it possible for Alan to keep his word. Alan and Lance were offered to stay the night before going back down the mountain. Lance needed to get back home and Alan would not have him go alone after all his help.

The Devereaux family took Alan in and made him feel like he belonged and shared their Christmas and faith with him.
It felt good to read this story. Their are so many people who go out of their way to help each other and we mostly hear about the ones who are causing problems than solving them. It left me with a smile as I enjoyed this story. I want to be like the Devereaux family helping and sharing.

I was given this ebook and asked in return to write a honest review of it by Netgalley when done.
09/01/2013 PUB Barbour Publishing, Inc. 256 pages original title The Substitute Guest (GLH, #20)

Description below taken off of Netgalley.


When Alan Monteith decides to help a friend in need by delivering a bottle of medicine to a sick woman, he never imagined being stranded in a blizzard. And he never imagined climbing a mountain on foot. But when his car breaks down in front of the ’s home, that’s just what he ends up doing. Daryl Devereaux was looking forward to a peaceful holiday until Alan Monteith arrives. As the young stranger and her brother trudge into the storm, Daryl is left to pray for their safe return, never realizing that night will change their lives forever.

Love Still Stands by Kelly Irvin

4 STARS

This is a brand new series that Kelly Irvin wrote. It's a spinoff of Bliss Creek Amish novels. Which I have not read. But I would like to read more books by Kelly on how much I liked Love Still Stands. Love Still Stands deals with some real issues of postpartum depression, also the struggle with physical therapy.

This group of Amish decided to settle in Missouri where they could buy lots of farm land. They get to their new homes and find that vandals were their first. In Luke and Leah's new home every window was broken and they tried to burn it down from inside, spray painted all over the walls. Made sure they were unwelcomed. The Sheriff when he got their was not helpful but warned them they were not welcomed.

Leah is not happy person. She has 5 children under 10 and did not want to leave Kansas. She is not happy with her sister's health problems. Won't let her do things that she can and is rude to her.

Bethel is a school teacher or was when she got hurt when a storm tore it apart. The doctor did not think she would be able to walk again. She walks with crutches only. She wants to go back to teaching but can't till she gets better. She needs physical therapy. Then maybe her dream of getting married someday and having her own family will happen.

Elijah is helping his family with the move and working on Luke's farm for now. He volunteers to take Bethel into her physical therapy and runs errands for supplies while he waits to drive her back. On the first day they almost get hit by a car. Elijah spent the last 5 years taking care of his parents. He wants his own family soon.

Their is a lot of unwelcome to the Amish moving into town. Some is quite dangerous. They forgive those that cause them ill. Their is a lot of work to do to get their community started. New leaders are chosen. Some are not happy with it but they are willing to do the work they are called to.

Their is a lot of drama, lots of relationships, Lots of characters. Good Plot. It's a clean read. Not preachy just part of the story. I look forward to seeing more books set in New Hope.

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.

09/01/2013 PUB Harvest House Publishers 352 pages ISBN:0736954937


Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Readers of Kelly Irvin's Bliss Creek Amish novels will be overjoyed to discover her new series for lovers of Amish fiction: The New Hope Amish. In the first installment, Love Still Stands, a group of dedicated families leaves Bliss Creek to establish a new community in Missouri. Among them is Bethel Graber, a beautiful young woman with a passion for teaching. But after being disabled in a terrible accident, overseeing a classroom is out of the question...and romance seems a long-lost dream.

Bethel begins physical therapy, determined to make a fresh start. But that won't be easy in the town of New Hope, where the locals seem anything but eager to welcome their new Amish neighbors. Amid growing intimidation from the community, Bethel must find the strength to face her many challenges and the faith to believe that God still has a plan--and a love--for her life.

Golden State Brides by Keli Gwyn, Erica Vetsch

My review of Golden State Brides

This has two separate stories in it. I have read the first and will review it and then read the next one and review it here too.
A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, CA
4 STARS
The story takes place in 1870
Elenora and her daughter Matilda Watkins have left their home to move the El Dorado. Elenora has accepted the offer to become a partner in a store their. She is bringing some money to put into the business. When she gets there she finds that Mr. Rutledge was not prepared for her to be a woman. He does not want a partner that is a woman.
Elenora is not giving up like that. There is a empty store across from Mr. Rutledge's store. She decides to open her own store and run it herself. She had been working in her father's store her whole life. But he did not want her to be a partner but her new stepbrother was welcomed.
Elenora is not giving up. She is smart, full of ideas and not afraid of competition. She wants to make a home for her daughter. Elenora is prepared to learn what she needs to know. Is not afraid to try new things. She thinks outside of boxes when she keeps facing new trials.
Milo Rutledge lives with his mother or she lives with him I should say. He has a lot of friends in town. He knows he is a better businessman than Mrs. Watkins. He will keep his customers. Milo lost his baby and wife in a fire. He has had a hard time trusting woman since then.
Matilda is a talkative little 10 year old. She takes to Milo and his mother. She wants him to marry her mother and became her father.
Mrs. Rutledge is the one who had written all the letters back and forth to Elenora. She hid the facts from her son that she was a female. Mrs. Rutledge offers to watch Matilda while her mom works in the store. She also will teach her to cook and other things. She also wants them both to eat with them each night.
I really liked Elenora. I forget how far woman have come compared to the options they had back then. It was fun to read and root for her to succeed. Elenora learned also to trust in her prayers are answered. I did think it was a little bit long. But the story unfolded a piece at a time.

A Bride Sews with Love in Needles, California by Erica Vetsch

4 STARS

This story takes place during WW1. I learned a lot reading this book. I did not know what Harvey girls were. It also talked about the bad flu that was world wide epidemic. It tugged on your emotions.

Meghan decided that she wants to do her part in the war effort. She also wants to see more of the country. She wanted to sign a contract for six months to be a Harvey girl. If she would go to Needles their was bonus money if she stayed the whole time. They would stay in dormitory and be safe.
Natalie Daviot also wanted to go to Needles and be a Harvey girl. She needed the money. Natalie has lots of secrets. Natalie and Meghan met on the train. They got assigned to be roommates.
Caleb McBride trains horses for the army. He has lots of secrets too. He is full of pride. The town of Needles is not very kind to Caleb. In fact some are very cruel to him because he won't sign up to fight in the war. His story unfolds a little at the time and keeps you wanting to know his story.
I enjoyed reading A Bride sews with Love in Needles, California.
Both stories are well told and keep your interest. I would read more of their works in the future. They are Christian romances but don't preach. They are clean stories, mention prayer and a few scriptures that fit in with the story very well.
I was given this ebook and asked in return to give honest review from Netgalley.
publication: September 1st 2013 by Barbour Books 640 pages(ISBN13: 9781624162367)



Description below taken off of Netgalley.


Bask in two historical romances from sunny California. A willful widow and a determined merchant find themselves fighting for a town’s business—and against their growing attraction. Who will win this contest of wills? A Harvey Girl waits on doughboys and meets a local horse breeder whom the townsfolk have branded a coward and profiteer. Will pride keep them forever apart? Are they destined for golden love, or will the sun set on romance?