Murder at the Maples by Joanne Phillips Review and giveaway

Murder at the Maples
by Joanne Phillips

cover murder at the maples
Book Details
• Murder at the Maples (A Flora Lively Mystery: Book 1)
• Mirrorball Books (September 16, 2013)
• Genre: Cozy mystery
• Number of Pages: 274

Synopsis:
A tragic death. A reluctant sleuth. A childhood prank that went horribly wrong.

When Flora Lively inherits her father’s business she’s totally out of her depth. Shakers Removals is in trouble, and manager Marshall isn’t helping one bit – the ex-pat American delights only in winding her up. But Flora has other things on her mind, like Joy: surrogate grandmother and resident of the Maples Retirement Village. When Joy’s pet pug has a brush with death, Flora is pulled into a series of bizarre incidents at the Maples, where fear is starting to take hold.

Could harmless old Mr. Felix really be the boy from Joy’s past, determined to exact his revenge, or is it Joy’s guilty mind playing tricks on her? And what about the Captain’s death? Accidents happen, even to the most careful people, but Flora’s not convinced the old man simply fell down the stairs … Playing detective seemed like a good idea at first, but before long Flora realises the stakes are far higher than either she or Joy imagined.

Full of warmth and humour, this gripping puzzle will appeal to fans of M. C. Beaton and Edie Clare.

About The Author
Joanne Phillips lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and young daughter. She’s the author of commercial women’s fiction Can’t Live Without and The Family Trap, and the Flora Lively series of cosy mysteries. Can’t Live Without was an Amazon top 100 bestseller in 2012 and her books regularly appear on category bestseller lists. Joanne blogs about writing and publishing at www.joannephillips.co.uk

Author Links:

Website: http://www.joannephillips.co.uk

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joannephillipsauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/joannegphillips

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2862086.Joanne_Phillips

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joanne-Phillips/e/B0083UEG86/



MY REVIEW. MURDER AT MAPLES BY JOANNE PHILLIPS

4 STARS

It kept me in suspense of who was the bad guy if a bad guy existed. I did guess right but then I would guess again and again. I was not sure who to trust in the story.

The setting is in English care center or retirement center. There were lots of rumors about the place. When people got too sick to live in their own apartment and moved up to the third floor, they died within three months.

Joy was the main character who lived at the Maples. She had a little dog Otto who almost got killed by tangling in the blinds cords.
Joy was sure that Mr. Felix was a man from her youth she had wronged. She has been at the Maples for six month. Joy is hiding her bad health problems.

Flora is the owner of Shakers moving company. Her parents both had died and leaving her the company. Business has been pretty slow. Their contract for moving residents in and out of the Maples is keeping the business a float. Flora is good friends with Joy. Flora is looking into things to relieve Joy's mind and stress. Flora does not get along with her manager Marshall.

Marshall is the manager of Shakers. He has some ideas of where to take the business. He got the job because of his step-fathers connections. Marshall is from the U.S. He does some things that make him look shady.

Sometimes the story seemed to drag a bit. I did guess a few things right about the plot but don't want to mention what I got right and ruin the plot and what I did not see coming.

I wonder where this series will go to next?

I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it and be part of its book tour.





Tour Participants

October 7 – My Devotional Thoughts – - Guest Post

October 8 – Traveling With T – Interview

October 9 – Socrates’ Book Review Blog – Review, Guest Post

October 10 - readalot – Review

October 11 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review

October 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review, Guest Post

October 14 – Queen of All She Reads – Review, Guest Post

October 15 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview

October 16 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review, Guest Post

October 17 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Interview

October 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

October 20 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

October 21 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review

October 22 – Dru’s Book Musings – Guest Post

GIVEAWAY. Ebook Murder at the Maples by Joanne Phillips
starting 10/10/2013 to 10/22/2013 at midnight Mountain time.
Leave comment with name and email address. Winner will be contacted and have two days to respond if not new winner will be picked. Their is also another contest that spans the tour.


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Twisted book Blast and Giveaway $ 50 Amazon gift card or Paypal Cash

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Twisted

Cayden Rivers wants nothing more than to be normal, but we don’t always get what we want. For years he has been hiding a secret, afraid of being labeled a “freak”. Every day he goes to school, plays football, spends time with his girlfriend, and helps carry his drunken adopted father to bed. Nobody knows the truth about his unnatural speed and strength, including his life-long friend Camilla.
Suddenly, four strangers enter Cayden’s life, and not only do they know his secret, they also have one of their own. With their help, Cayden discovers there is more to his power, something much more dangerous. Something other people will kill to possess.
Camilla wishes her parents were around more. She gets lonely sleeping in her big empty house night after night. Sure, she has all the money she could ever need, but the only person who is there for her is Cayden. He has his own family and a girlfriend who takes up most of his time, so Camilla knows he won’t be there for her forever, and recently he’s been acting really strange.
Will Cayden be able to keep his secret and his friendship with Camilla, or will his new found power destroy everything, including his own life?
Switching between Cayden and Camilla's point of view, Twisted will leave you aching for more.

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KayCee R

KayCee is a 24 year old self-published author from Cleveland, Ohio. KayCee has always loved reading. After a re-occurring dream she decided to try writing about it. She wrote the first installment of Twisted when she was 20.

“I kept having this dream about these twins, and then I just decided to run with it. I wrote the beginning, the end, and then filled in the middle.”

KayCee finished the book in 8 months and then decided to share the book online. After seeing people get interested in the book and the characters, she decided to write another book and turn Twisted into a series.

KayCee has finished four novels in the Twisted series and is currently working on the fifth book.

Twitter * Facebook * BookRix

 

BookBlast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/31/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Killer Image blog tour review and giveaway

Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Published by: Henery Press
Release Date: October 1, 2013
Number of Pages: 316
This is a Brand New Series

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Synopsis
Philadelphia image consultant Allison Campbell is not your typical detective. She’s more familiar with the rules of etiquette than the rules of evidence, prefers three-inch Manolos to comfy flats and relates to Dear Abby, not Judge Judy.

When Allison’s latest Main Line client, the fifteen-year-old Goth daughter of a White House hopeful, is accused of the ritualistic murder of a local divorce attorney, Allison fights to prove her client’s innocence when no one else will. But in a place where image is everything, the ability to distinguish the truth from the facade may be the only thing that

About Wendy Tyson

Wendy Tyson wrote her first story at age eight and it’s been love ever since. When not writing, Wendy enjoys reading other people’s novels, traveling, hiking, and playing hooky at the beach – and if she can combine all four, even better. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Wendy has returned to her roots and lives there again with her husband, three kids and two muses, dogs Molly and Driggs. She and her husband are passionate organic gardeners and have turned their small urban lot into a micro farm. Killer Image is Wendy’s first novel in the Allison Campbell mystery series.
http://www.watyson.com/

https://www.facebook.com/WendyTysonAuthor




My review

4 STARS

I was surprised at how much I liked Killer Image. It sucks you into the story and characters and I did not want to put it down.
Who expects a image consultant to look into a murder? Most of the characters at first glance I thought I did not really like them but they developed at a slow pace and the more they are fleshed out the more I liked most of them.

The Plot is a simple idea at first glance. A politician hires a image consultant to work with his 15 year old before his runs again for office. The teen is later a suspect of a murder of a divorce lawyer.
Everyone we meet is hiding secrets from others some really big ones and some you wonder why are they hiding them.

The characters are built slowly, a little by little. Till they seem real and you care for many of them and others you want to slap or kick them when they are down. Others you cheer for.

Allison is a image consultant. She is divorced and lives alone. She has issues with dogs, her parents and a girl from her past Violet. Her mentor was her ex-mother-in-law. She has not spoken with her for a couple of years.

Vaughn works for Allison and he is keeping two big secrets from her. He does some P.I. type for her and her business manager.

Maggie is 15 year old rebellious teen. Her father is a Congressman and is planning to run for U.S. Senate seat. She is a witch. Knows that Allison is her last chance before boarding school. She does not want to cooperate with her. She dresses all in black. She is spoiled rich kid at first.

It shows you at first glance can be hiding a lot and the more you get to know a person the more you care about them. They could be hiding a lot of hurt, or sins. I can't wait for another Allison Campbell Mystery.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in exchange to give honest review for the blog tour by Netgalley, Henry Press and author.

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A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure – Blast $50 Amazon or PayPal Cash

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A Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)




Excerpt




“You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment.




Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return.




Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said.




Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part.




Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did

Amazon * Distractions Ink

 




Author Marcia Lynn McClure




Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.”




Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.




 










BookBlast Giveaway




$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash




Ends 11/8/13




Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.




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Starry Night by by Debbie Macomber

5 STARS
Starry Night is a good old fashion romance that leaves you with a smile. Had me with some good laughs over her interview with Hennessey. I think she should have printed that article.

I liked the characters, They are both stubborn, interesting people, witty and complete opposites.
They actually have conversations, plus texts and emails.

Some aspects of the story you could almost guess what would happen but her telling the story made you believe in the characters. They were true to themselves.

I have to say I don't like his gifts. They are thoughtful and unique but I would not want them. Though I did get some chuckles out of them.

I had a good time reading Starry Night. It also left me smiling. This is a clean read.

Carrie Slayton is tired of being on the society page. Her editor is not going to take her off like he promised. If he doesn't give her a chance to write meaty stories than she is going to quit.

When her editor realizes she is serious he makes her a deal. If she gets the interview with Finn Dalton she can pick her assignment. Carrie takes the deal. She has no idea who Finn Dalton is.

Fin Dalton has been on best seller list at the top for months. No one knows who he is not even his publisher. No one knows even his age that's talking. All anyone knows is he lives in Alaska and can survive by himself. Fin does not want any articles written about him. No one can find where he lives.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in exchange to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
10/08/2013 PUB Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine 384 pages ISBN: 9780345528896

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Tis the season for romance, second chances, and Christmas cheer with this new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Carrie Slayton, a big-city society-page columnist, longs to write more serious news stories. So her editor hands her a challenge: She can cover any topic she wants, but only if she first scores the paper an interview with Finn Dalton, the notoriously reclusive author.

Living in the remote Alaskan wilderness, Finn has written a megabestselling memoir about surviving in the wild. But he stubbornly declines to speak to anyone in the press, and no one even knows exactly where he lives.

Digging deep into Finn’s past, Carrie develops a theory on his whereabouts. It is the holidays, but her career is at stake, so she forsakes her family celebrations and flies out to snowy Alaska. When she finally finds Finn, she discovers a man both more charismatic and more stubborn than she even expected. And soon she is torn between pursuing the story of a lifetime and following her heart.

Filled with all the comforts and joys of Christmastime, Starry Night is a delightful novel of finding happiness in the most surprising places.

Huber Hill and the Golden Staff of Cibola (Huber Hill #3) by B.K. Bostick

4 STARS

This is the third book of the series. It could stand alone but is better if you have read the other books. Now saying that I have not read the first book of the series. I enjoyed it. I have read a ecopy of Huber Hill and the Golden Staff of Cibola of the ARC. I
think it has some problems with the formatting which should be fixed by the time it is for sale. Those errors were distracting and I felt like I was translating it to English and having to figure out the missing letters in the words. So it was hard for me to get lost in the story.

Huber and his friends parents have been kidnapped by the Brotherhood of Coronado. They have to rescue their parents with the help of friends. The Brotherhood wants to still find the city of gold. Malia was kidnapped from her home and taken to Spain because she can read the ancient language describing the Lost City of Cibola. We met Malia in the second book too.

Most of this story happens in New Mexico. I was surprised that was the place of Cibola. I would have loved to see the city of Cibola as described in the book. But I would never make it through all the struggles and trials to find it.

Huber Hill and the Golden Staff of Cibola is an adventure full of action, puzzles, drama and hard choices. It is a modern treasure hunt with clues from the past. It reminds me of Indiana Jones type of treasure hunts. It is a clean read, sprinkled with a little history.

Their are two different bad guys. The Brotherhood of Coronado which they have hundreds of. The second is Juan Hernan Salazar. Both groups want the Golden Staff. It is a powerful weapon. It turns things and people into gold.

Their is also a lot good people that want to keep the staff out of evil men hands. The teenagers from Colorado are Huber, Hannah his sister, Scott his friend. Jessie and Alejandro they met in Spain.
Their is Eagle Claw who turned up in Spain and rescued them in book 2. Their are others who help them along the way. He is a Indian leader from Colorado.

It is a fun, adventure reading these books. I still want to go back and read book one of the series.
I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by NetGalley and Cedar Fort.
publication: October 8th 2013 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media 288 pages ISBN:publication: October 8th 2013 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media

Description below taken off of Goodreads.

Cíbola, the city of gold, is just a myth—or is it? As Huber and his friends search for a magical golden staff, they must believe in the legends and follow the clues that will lead them to this fabled city. But with a madman and a deadly secret society right on their trail, it quickly becomes a race for their lives! Huber’s final installment will keep any adventurer captivated.

A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom by June McCrary Jacobs

5 STARS

This is a good Christmas story. The reasons I gave it 5 STARS it touched me in so many ways. I cried some sad tears in the beginning, In part of the story I wanted to shout for joy. I even cried some happy tears. The characters to me were real.

The setting was a small community. That one brand new teacher made a difference and got the town to work together for one little girl and her very worried parents.

The drama starts right off and touches the heart strings from the first page. Amber learns one of her student Mary Noel was hit by a car. She will heal with broken bones but worst of all her puppy was with her and died. Mary Noel saw all the blood and injuries. She has closed down has not spoken since.

Before Amber can say anything to her students they all tell her about Mary Noel and her dog. Amber's class pull together for Mary Noel they make lots of cards for her hospital room and other things.

Just thinking about the story makes my eyes water again. It is so neat to see all the people pulling together to help where they can. They make a big difference by working together.

Paul works with Mary Noel's father. He helps keep the business going while Mr. Simmons stays at the hospital. They won't let Mary Noel leave until she opens emotionally.
Paul and Amber meet in the hospital and start working together and come up with a plan to help. As they are working they start to fall in love very vast.

This book is a clean read, It does feature church, prayer and Christmas eve midnight service. It all fits so well into the story.

I will look forward for more books from June McCrary Jacobs in the future. I really enjoyed her first novel.

I was given this ebook to read and asked in return to give honest review of it by NetGalley and Cedar Fort

publication: October 8th 2013 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media 144 pages ISBN 9781462113521

Description below taken off of NetGalley.


Tragedy brings heartache to the community of Apple Blossom. A car takes the life of 6-year-old Mary Noel Simmons’s best friend—her dog—and nearly destroys Mary Noel’s spirit as well. Now she lies at the hospital, traumatized and silent, while the medical bills are piling up with no way for her parents to pay them.

That is, until Mary Noel’s teacher, Amber Kellen, breaks out of her quiet, lonely life to help.

With the help of her new friend Paul, Amber sets out to solve the family’s financial problems by involving the entire community. And as the two friends work together, they discover that creating a Christmas miracle may also have some unexpected benefits. Filled with romance and kindness, this story of hope and faith will warm your hearts.