Monday, December 21, 2015

The Hidden by Heather Graham( Krewe of Hunters (Book 17)

Description

www.eHeatherGraham.com

Can the same killer strike again—a hundred and fifty years later?

Estes Park, Colorado, is a place of serenity. But it wasn't always so serene. Shortly after the Civil War, Nathan Kendall and his wife were murdered there, leaving behind a young son. The crime was never solved.

Now…historian Scarlet Barlow is working at a small museum attached to a B and B, the same building where that murder occurred. She recently came to Colorado, reeling after her divorce from FBI agent Diego McCullough. Diego—who's just been asked to join the Krewe of Hunters, a unit dealing with "unusual" situations…

When Scarlet unwittingly takes pictures of people who've been murdered—just like the Kendalls a hundred and fifty years before—the police look at her with suspicion. Then the museum's statues of historic people, including Nathan Kendall, begin to talk to her, and she knows it's time to call her ex-husband. Diego heads to Estes Park, determined to solve the bizarre case that threatens Scarlet's life—and to reunite with the woman he never stopped loving.
  • Series: Krewe of Hunters (Book 17)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Mira (September 29, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0778317587
  • ISBN-13: 978-0778317586
My review:  The Hidden by Heather Graham( Krewe of Hunters (Book 17)

4 STARS

Lots of ghosts, murder, suspense and love scenes.  Some swearing in a well told story.   Lots of new characters, suspects and some old familiar characters in this 17th book of Krewe of Hunters.

A hundred and fifty years ago Nathan Kendall and his wife were killed on there ranch in Estes Park, Colorado.  Now a series of murders happen again the same way.  Neither murder has been caught yet.

Scarlet Barlow is a divorced historian working at a small museum attached to a B and B same place that the murders happen.  She is a suspect and taken in and questioned because of some pictures that showed up on her camera of dead bodies that disappears.

Scarlet is scared and calls her ex-husband for help.  Diego McCullough a FBI Agent was asked to be a Krewe member and after Scarlet's phone call he accepts.  And the team in FL fly out to see if they can help.

Scarlet is also being stalked but no one sees the guy who is following her.  Other weird things are happening around her.

I guessed right on one murder but not the new ones.  It kept me guessing till it was revealed. Good mystery that made sense when it was revealed.

I really like the scene where the FBI Agents hold a seance with some of the suspects. It was funny, and action packed scene.

I was given The Hidden by Net Galley and Harlequin to read and in return I agreed to give The Hidden a honest review.

Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne (Haven Point #3)

Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Haven Point with New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne, where hope, home and happily-ever-after are as close as your holiday stocking…

Christmas is the last thing on Cole Barrett's mind this year. He's barely hanging on trying to care for his two grieving children since his ex-wife died in a tragic accident. For the reclusive Cole, this is no time for gift-giving and celebration—and certainly not for a sunny-natured optimist to blow into his screwed-up life.

Physician Devin Shaw has long researched the curative powers of Lake Haven's mineral waters. Unfortunately, the hot springs are on Barrett property, forcing Devin to strike a bargain with the ranch's attractively gruff owner: she'll give Cole's children a magical Christmas, and Cole will allow her patients access to the springs. But can she work her holiday magic to heal the Barrett family's battered hearts—and her own?
  • Series: Haven Point (Book 3)
  • Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HQN Books (September 29, 2015)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373788592
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373788590

My review: Evergreen Springs by RaeAnne Thayne (Haven Point #3)

4 stars
I like Haven Point series.  Evergreen Springs is the third book of the series. It is a town that pulls together to help each other where they can.

This is full of drama, characters that are charming and cute especially the children. Beautiful cover that match the story.  The setting is a place I want to be at.  The ranch with hot springs I would love to have.

Cole Barrett is a rancher.  He has two children that have only lived with him for the last month after there mother died.  He had a wild past and has changed.  His sister is pregnant with twins and fell and sprained her ankle.  He has his hands full right now.

Devin Shaw is a doctor who is working emergency when Cole and family come in the hospital. Tricia is very pregnant with twins when she comes in.  Devin and Tricia went to school together and were friends.

Devin sees how worried Tricia is about her twins and her brother is so overwhelmed trying to take care of his ranch and children.  So she steps in and helps him out and gets close to the kids.

Cole is attracted to Devin but he knows with his past he is not worth of being with Devin.
Devin also wants to be able to bring some people to his hot springs see if it helps them to feel better.

I cared about the characters and want them to work out there problems.  Hope Tricia and her babies are healthy.

This story starts out with drama right away and keeps your attention for the story.  Good pace to the story.

The setting is a small town in Idaho on a lake.

I was given ebook from Net Galley and Harlequin and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Evergreen Springs.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Christmas Round Up blog tour.



Blog Tour Details:
Tour Dates-  December 16-22, 2015
 
All About Christmas- This hard cover book is stuffed with stories, songs, poems, Christmas history, joyful traditions, recipes, and activities. This delightful book celebrates all things Christmas - from the sacred story of the Nativity to the lore of Saint Nick. 

Inline image 2

My Review:5 STARS 

This is a nice hard book that you will use year after year. It has stories, recipes, poems, songs some home made gift ideas.   a wide variety of Christmas themes from the Nativity  to Santa.  I like the pictures in the book.
there are quotes and meaning of different symbols of Christmas.
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I want to make the Snowman gift box idea.
I look forward to reading more of it.



Words of Christmas: Savoring the True Meaning of the Season One Word at a TimeThis beautifully designed book takes a closer look at twenty-five words, like hope, faith and joy, that we hear throughout the holidays. 

Inline image 3

My review: 4 Stars
This would make a nice present for next year.  It suggests that you read one page a day and focus on that word and what it means.  There are 25 words like Peace, Joy.   It is short description that you can read in just moments or take lots of time to reflect on it.  I will try it at least for the next week. 




Christus Marble 3 inch statue
Inline image 4

Review:  5 stars
 I love this small Christus marble statue.  I have wanted bigger ones but had no room or the money for it.  This is affordable and can fit in any home.  It is a quality statue.  Only three inches tall, but a big message to remember Christ and all he stands for.


A Songbook for LDS Families
A Songbook for LDS Families highlights eighteen beloved and well-known songs, as well as twenty-eight newly penned Book of Mormon hymns composed by Janice Kapp Perry with text by Bonnie Hart Murray. 

Inline image 7

My review: 5 stars
This songbook touched me yesterday when I had the first of two CDs on and looked at the songs, beautiful pictures and personal stories behind the different songs.  I found myself moved to tears a few times.
I don't sing or play piano so I did not expect to love this book as much but I know when I need peace and calm or uplifting I will get this book and Cds out.


No Ordinary Shepherd (DVD)- The young shepard boy, has always treasured his father's tale of that starlit night filled with wonder of angelic heralds and a tiny Bethlehem stable sheltering the chosen Messiah. The young shepard later encounters a miracle of his own. 

 Inline image 6

He Knows My Name (DVD)- Rebekah is fascinated by the man her neighbors call Jesus. Her mother is not so sure. One day she brings Jesus home - a simple act that will forever change their lives. 

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Blog Tour Soda Springs by Carolyn Steele


Soda_Springs_Blog-Tour



About the book:
When Tessa Darrow discovers her father burning his Civil War uniform, she has no idea how his secret will devastate their family and drive them from their home in North Carolina. The family journeys along the Oregon Trail until tragedy strikes, leaving Tessa and her father to build a new life in Soda Springs, Idaho. This sweeping story illuminates an oft-forgotten era in LDS Church history. Filled with life and passion, it’s a thrilling read for history buffs and romantics alike.

About the author:
Born and raised in Utah, Carolyn Steele was introduced to western novels at a very young age by her grandfather, the son of a gold miner. She has been writing technical and marketing communications for most of her adult life. Her nonfiction articles have appeared in numerous national magazines. She earned her undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Utah. Her first novel, Willow Springs, was published in 2014.
My review: Soda Springs by Carolyn Steeles
4 Stars
I enjoyed reading Soda Springs.  I liked the characters, the setting was new to me. Some twists in the plot. It is a LDS novel but deals mostly with a group who left the Church, or not members.
Tessa Darrow is from North Carolina. It starts with her father coming home from Civil War and burns his uniform.  He decide to sell the plantation home and go to Oregon.
Tessa is 14 and used to servants.  They freed any slaves they bought. I like Tessa. She sure went through a lot of trials. I am glad that I don't live in pioneers time.

On the Oregon Trail they come to Soda Springs where they need to stop for now.  It is a small community. Where some welcome and some want them to leave.

This is full of drama, some romance, some history and a clean read.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review of Soda Springs in return.

Soda Springs” blog tour schedule:
December 8: Sweet Americana Sweethearts • Emmy Mom
December 9: Laura Walker
December 10: Kristin Holt • Rockin’ Book Reviews
December 11: My Book a Day • Writer in the Pines
December 12: Bookworm Lisa
December 13: Making Life a Bliss Complete • Connected in Love
December 14: Katie’s Clean Book Collection
December 15: Readalot
December 16: LoraLee Evans
December 17: Wishful Endings
December 18: Mel’s Shelves
December 19: The Things I Love Most
December 20: Jorie Loves a Story
December 21: Fire and Ice

Friday, December 4, 2015

A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene

dickens of a murder large banner640





book concept 2.1 A Dickens of a Murder
(Canterville Book Shop Mystery 1)

Cozy Mystery
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (November 3, 2015)
ASIN: B015269QSI
goodreads-badge-add-plus



Synopsis:

Christmas at Canterville!
Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia.
What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together.
Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin.
But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years.
Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels.


I just love this picture of Joyce and Jim
I just love this picture of Joyce and Jim

About The Authors –

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links
www.joyceandjimlavene.com 
www.facebook.com/joyceandjimlavene 
http://amazon.com/author/jlavene 
https://twitter.com/AuthorJLavene

Purchase Link

Amazon


My review:  A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene

4 STARS

This is the first book in the (Canterville Book Shop Mystery 1. 
I would love to live and work at Canterville book shop.  It is a big house with turret room, with books everywhere and famous deceased authors show up. 

There is murder, ghost and ex-husband cop to throw Lisa Wellman off balance.  Lisa and Simon Canterville are trying to open a bookstore in Simon house.  A dead body is found on the roof.

Charles Dickens shows up too. He wants his unfinished novel finished.  He also wants more space for his books in bookstore.

What author would you want to meet?  I would love to meet some who wrote the bible or other historical authors.

There is a lot going on.  Some crimes on one hand and ghost pranks that make you laugh.  I would love to see what happens next with these characters.

I was given this ebook to read for purpose of giving a honest review in return.


 
Tour Participants
November 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review
November 3 – The Mysterious Ink Spot – Guest Post
November 4 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review
November 4 – Frankie Bow  Interview
November 5 – MysteriesEtc – Review
November 5 – Mythical Books – Guest Post
November 6 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review
November 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Interview
November 7 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review
November 7 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Guest Post
November 8 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review
November 8 – Tea and A Book – Review
November 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
November 9 – readalot – Review
November 10 – fuonlyknew – Review
November 10 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review
November 11 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review
November 12 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review, Interview
November 12 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review
November 13 – Back Porchervations – Review
November 13 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review
November 14 – Community Bookstop – Review
November 15 – Brooke Blogs – Review
November 16 – View from the Birdhouse – Review
November 16 – Student of Opinions – Review


Thursday, December 3, 2015

Blog Tour: Heartsong Cottage by Emily March (Eternity Springs #10)

Haunted by the loss of his wife and son, Daniel Garrett left the police force to devote his life to finding missing children. But he still hasn't found a way to mend the wounds of his past-until he attends a wedding in the small mountain town of Eternity Springs...and meets a beautiful, intriguing woman who offers a glimpse of something Daniel thought he'd never have again.
Shannon O'Toole isn't looking for romance. Ever since her fiancé's death, she created a quiet life for herself restoring Victorian cottages. Still, she can't deny her attraction to the handsome, broad-shouldered stranger. Daniel makes her feel things she's hasn't felt in years-including the desire to share her secrets. But can Shannon trust a detective when doing so could bring danger to her cottage door? In Eternity Springs, anything-and everything-is possible..


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Emily March is the New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including the critically acclaimed Eternity Springs series. Publishers Weekly calls March a "master of delightful banter," and her heartwarming, emotionally charged stories have been named to Best of the Year lists by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Romance Writers of America.


My review:  Heartsong Cottage by Emily March  (Eternity Springs #10) 

4 STARS

I have only read the last two books of the series, but so far I have enjoyed it.  I want to read the first 8 books of the series!  This book did a good job of standing alone but I imagine it would be so much better if you have read the series.  A lot of characters pop up and let you know how their lives are now

Both main characters have gone through a lot of heart ache and are not looking to fall in love again.
I so much wanted to help them.

Daniel Garrett was a cop when he lost his son and wife.  He left the police force to become a private investigator to help find kidnapped children and bring them home.  Not too many of them alive.

He has come back to Eternity Springs for a wedding.  The flower girl is one he was able to find and bring home to her mother.  

 Shannon O'Toole keeps herself busy with all her jobs.  She has a lot of secrets since the death of her fiance.  She is really lonely.  They meet at the wedding and are drawn to each other.  They have a one night stand.

I did not want to put the book down and ended up reading till early the next day,   I love the sense of community and all the characters that keep popping up and helping each other when they can. Also I want to read the other characters  story too. 

It is full of romance, drama and life.  It also has humor, action and mystery. Lots of songs and a couple of love scenes.  This story has something for everyone.

I was given this ebook to read by Netgalley and  St. Martin's Press  In return I agreed to give a honest review and be part of Heartsong Cottage book tour.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Blog Tour: Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene Giveaway $20 Amazon



murder fir christmas large banner640


 
MURDER FIR CHRISTMASMurder Fir Christmas
(Christmas Tree Valley Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery
New Series
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (December 1, 2015)
ASIN: B016APS2PI
goodreads-badge-add-plus


Synopsis:

Down the mountain from Sweet Pepper, Tennessee is Christmas Tree Valley, a place filled with hundreds of Christmas tree farms where generations of growers have made people’s lives brighter. Yet even here in this quiet, postcard-perfect corner of the world, darkness and murder can still stalk the night.
Federal Wildlife Agent Bonnie Tuttle has always had a special gift with wild animals. It was one of the reasons she decided to train with the wildlife agency. She’s spent the last ten years in Alabama working, but her mother needs her home and she’s back despite all the bad parts of her life she hoped to leave behind.
Her first day home begins with a fire on the island in Sweet Pepper Lake and the death of Harvey Shelton, the wildlife agent she’s supposed to replace. Bonnie manages to rescue dozens of animals from the fire – including a wolf pup that was shot with the same bullet that killed Harvey.
Now she’s hot on the trail of Harvey’s killer and trying to reintegrate the wolf back into the wild even though he seems to want to stay with her. Yet old memories persist in the small community where she grew up, and the killer now seems to believe that she has what he killed Harvey for. All she has to do is figure out what that is before it’s too late.




About The Authors –

I just love this picture of Joyce and Jim
Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.


Author Links

www.joyceandjimlavene.com 
www.facebook.com/joyceandjimlavene 
http://amazon.com/author/jlavene 
https://twitter.com/AuthorJLavene
Purchase Link:
Amazon



My review: Murder Fir Christmas by Joyce and Jim Lavene

4 STARS

I liked this story.  Some of the secondary characters are familiar from Sweet Pepper series. I like Bonnie the main character.  She has moved home to take the Wildlife Game position and help her mom.

Bonnie really cares about saving the wildlife where she can.  Before she even makes it all the way home she is called to a fire to rescue animals.  Where murder happens around her.  She also ends up with a wounded wolf pup she rescues.

This has mystery, humor and a touch of paranormal that combine to entertain you. I would love to see more of these characters again.  It is a clean read.

I was given this ebook to read for free in return for a honest review.


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our Participants
December 2 – Back Porchervations – Review 
December 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review
December 3 – readalot – Review
December 4 – Community Bookstop – Review
December 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review
December 5 – Babs Book Bistro – Review
December 6 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review
December 7 – Bubble Bath Books – Review
December 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review
December 8 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review
December 9 – fuonlyknew – Review
December 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Review
December 10 – fundinmental – Review
December 11 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review
December 12 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review
December 13 – Laura’s Interests – Review
December 14 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review
December 14 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review
December 15 – View from the Birdhouse – Review
December 15 – Book Babble – Review