I have two new reviews for you to check out, and we’ve added a new page!
The reviews:
MIND Diet for Beginners – under “Nonfiction” – a really good book for starting out on this particular way of eating.
Bishop Takes Knight – a rollicking 5-sparkler paranormal romance/mystery that was so much fun to read!
And the new page – Teresa has taken on comparing movies with books. Her first reviews are for Agatha Christie’s mysteries. See what she has to say about the movies vs. the books.
Small town girl turned big city lawyer Lilly Atkins finds herself with nowhere to go but come after she leaves her cheating fiance at the almost-altar. So she heads home to Brooks, OK, and that’s when her big adventures really begin…. Called the Stephanie Plum of the South, Lilly Atkins has grit, gumption, and just the right amount of glam. Saddle up and follow her and her posse through the first three books of Kalan Chapman Lloyd’s The Misadventures of Miss Lilly series.
Purchase here: Amazon
Kalan Chapman Lloyd is an award-winning author and attorney from Oklahoma. She enjoys big hair, Supreme Court Decisions on Intellectual Property, hats, the sound of construction and the feel of brand new sweatshirts. Kalan and her husband, Grant, enjoy parenting their strong-willed, left-handed children. She is a Junior League dropout. For more information: https://www.rebelleposse.com/
Keegan Belcastro has always loved a mystery, even when it got her into trouble. When research for a school paper leads her to a haunted mansion full of desperate phantoms, learning who they are and how they came to be trapped there evolves into a quest for their freedom.
Shane Bitrec has been Keegan’s next-door neighbor and best friend for most of her life. High school graduation is going to mean big changes that she’s been trying to prepare for all year. But drifting away hasn’t been as easy as she thought, and when Shane gets involved in her quest, it disrupts more than just her independence. Confrontation gives rise to unprecedented feelings that threaten everything they’ve meant, or could mean, to each other.
When transitioning the spirits to the afterlife proves more dangerous than Keegan expected, Shane’s constant presence becomes both a vital tool and an emotional minefield. Investigating the mansion’s darkly complicated history leads to Keegan becoming tied to the energy of the house and its phantoms. Their desperation threatens her life, and only Shane can protect her. But who will protect him?
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Excerpt:
The property sloped toward the back of the house, and latticework covered the foundation, hiding the door Keegan had found the first time she came to Orchid Manor. There was no way she should have been able to find it. She hadn’t even been looking for a way in, just circling the abandoned house to study the architecture while she thought about points for her school paper. Something whispered in her head to pry at one spot. There were concealed hinges in the lattice, and when she worked the old wood out from the tangle of wild strawberry far enough to see behind it, there was a carved wooden door, grime making the orchid in the center of it hard to decipher. The knob turned easily for something that had obviously not been opened in a long time, and she hadn’t been able to stop herself from going in.
That knob was stiffer now, metal grinding and swollen wood protesting as she slammed her shoulder against it to get it open. But the front door was deadbolted and the back entrance inaccessible, so this was her only way in. She stepped into the dim chamber and shoved the door back in place before pausing to get her phone out of her thigh pocket. The flashlight illuminated the empty, tiled space that could barely be called a room, and she picked her way across the chipped floor to the open arch on the other side. From there, it was an easy run up two flights of stairs to a plain hallway that formed a T with a wider, grander central hall. She didn’t pause but went straight through and turned right, into The Room.
They were all there, waiting for her, smiling.
“Good morning!” she called, scanning them to see who would respond. Usually only one or two did, and the others acted like she wasn’t there, drifting around in faint, faded outlines of their original selves. Today half of them had normal color—so much she could barely see through them. But one was downright glowing.
Adame. She was so bright for someone so small. Keegan looked around herself, making sure no one had drifted close enough to be stepped through, and moved to Adame’s side.
“I have something for you,” she told the young girl.
“You found it?” Her voice shook, vibrated across Keegan’s skin, before her brain translated the waves into words.
“I did!” She slipped the small item from her other thigh pocket, wrapped in a lace-edged handkerchief that had been her great-grandmother’s. It seemed way more suitable for the occasion than a bandanna or rag.
But Adame’s eyes were locked on Keegan’s, deep brown pools full of a sorrow she hadn’t expected.
“My brother?”
“Oh.” It came out a whisper, and she understood. “No, Ad, I didn’t see him. I went when no one else was there.”
The girl sank low, arms wrapping around herself. She couldn’t cry, but Keegan sensed her sobs. She held out her arms, wanting to comfort Adame, but she didn’t come closer. She seemed beyond comfort, beyond hope—beyond saving?
For a second, Keegan almost bolted. This was too much. What if she couldn’t help like she wanted to…ever? She had to leave. The responsibility was too much for a seventeen-year-old kid who hadn’t even gotten her driver’s license yet.
But she didn’t go. Even as her mind and the blood rushing through her body urged her out, something stronger kept her in place. The item in her hand seemed to chill her skin through the cloth. She slowly unwrapped it, held it out.
“I got what you were looking for, Adame,” she said softly. “Here.” She held her breath as the girl drifted to her feet and slowly over the rug to Keegan’s side. She reached her hand out. Almost there.
“What the hell are you doing?” someone yelled from the doorway.
Keegan jumped and turned, the item in her hand falling to the floor. Adame blinked out, followed by all the other people in the room.
Shane stood, one hand gripping the door jamb, the other in a half-raised fist.
And he stared at Keegan as if he’d just seen her murder someone.
About the author:
Natalie J. Damschroder is an award-winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance, with an emphasis on romantic adventure. She has had 31 novels, 11 novellas, and numerous short stories published by several publishers, most recently with Soul Mate Publishing, Entangled Publishing, and Carina Press. She also writes young adult paranormal adventure as NJ Damschroder. Learn more about those books and more here.
Natalie grew up in Massachusetts, and loves the New England Patriots more than anything. (Except her family. And writing and reading. And popcorn.) When she’s not writing, she does freelance editing and proofreading. She and her husband have two grown daughters, one of whom is also a novelist. (The other one prefers math. Smart kid. Practical.)
Blurb: Blurb: Professional marketer Alan Wright needs time to recover, both physically and mentally. After getting out of the hospital, his best friend Clay takes him to his farm, where it’s quiet to recuperate. Healing is going to take a lot more time and effort than Alan ever imagined and require professional help, which comes in the form of a strong man with a gentle touch. Haley Martin, a nurse-therapist, has never fit in with his family, the town, or himself. When he’s hired to assist Alan with his recovery, he discovers a place with people like him who live their lives without shame or fear. As Alan begins his recovery, Haley starts to come into his own as well. He just has to have the courage to take it to heart. As Alan and Haley both learn to overcome their challenges, Haley needs to figure out how to deal with his overbearing father and stand on his own two feet. Together, holding on to each other, they learn to be stronger together and start to build a possible future. But their old lives still have pull, and they both must decide what’s truly important.
See Vicky’s review on the LGBTQ page!
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation. Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
There’s something afoot at the faire…
Running a Renaissance Faire that employs and houses a bunch of misfit paranormals means Verla Faeth is well-acquainted with mischief and mayhem. So when her ex, Finn Taragon, shows up unannounced with a puppy in tow as a token of peace, she’s prepared for almost anything. Except tripping over a dead body, finding out the dog is a Cerberus, and apparently, she’s moved from wanna-be seer to crosser-of-the-dead.
Finding the murderer will be hard enough, but having Finn move in next door to her might just be her undoing.
Okay, this feels really big because I’ve never self-published anything before so here is the link for pre-orders for my very first novella in the Magically Suspicious Mystery series. A Faire to Remember is set at the Ren Faire and hosts all manner of misfit paranormals. I hope you love Verla and cast as much as I do! Coming January 13 and each book will come out on the 13th of the odd months!
Available for preorder from Amazon. https://amazon.com/gp/product/B08QH6Y853
Author bio:
Misty Simon always wanted to be a storyteller…preferably behind a Muppet. Animal was number one, followed closely by Sherlock Hemlock… Since that dream didn’t come true, she began writing stories to share her world with readers, one laugh at a time. She knows how to hula, was classically trained to sing opera, co-wrote her high school Alma Mater, and can’t touch raw wood. Never hand her a Dixie cup with that wooden spoon/paddle thing. It’s not pretty. Touching people’s hearts and funny bones are two of her favorite things, and she hopes everyone at least snickers in the right places when reading her books. She lives with her husband, daughter, and two insane dogs in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three. She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at misty@mistysimon.com.
Note from Vicky: Misty’s books are sweet, sassy, and just plain fun. If you like a little mystery, a little romance, and a lot of laughs, check her stuff out.
This is an “oops, I goofed” review. I received “A Song for Another Day” back in September and read the book, loved it, made notes on it… but never posted the review! My apologies to the author. But this is a story you should definitely pick up if you’re looking for sweet, short, and with a HEA that satisfies. You can find my review on the “Romance” page. 5 Sparklers.
Under “Mysteries” you find my review for HOW TO SEX YOUR SNAKE – a 5 sparkler hilarious cozy with a totally inept main character. If you’re looking for light, funny, satisfying ending, pick this one up. Yes, you’ll see some minor editorial issues, but it’s such a fun book, that I’ll overlook them–this time.
Lots of new reviews up today.
Under “Nonfiction”, we have:
30-Day Healthy Weight Loss Plan and Cookbook: 100 Easy Recipes and Workouts for a Balanced Life by Kelli Shalall. 5 Sparklers
30-MINUTE DASH DIET COOKBOOK by Andy De Santis – 4 Sparklers
LOW-CARB DIET FOR TWO by Bek Davis – 5 Sparklers
And under LGBTQ Romance, we have “Heart and Home” by Andrew Grey. A 4 1/2 Sparkler contemporary romance.
Enjoy! I know I did.
Christmas Cookies at the Cat Café: a Furrever Friends Sweet Romance
Christmas isn’t the same since Diane’s kids grew up and her husband died – so when her high school sweetheart comes back to town, maybe it’s time for some cozy new holiday traditions.
Diane had a great marriage and a wonderful life. Now she’s a widow at 53, and her grown children are encouraging her to slow down and do less – but she wants more. She starts planning for a new career by arranging a photo shoot at the cat café her daughters run. Unfortunately, the cats won’t cooperate.
Rick loved Diane in high school, but he chose to travel the world while she settled down with another man. Now he’s back for a visit, but he’s not planning to stay – even if Diane still tugs at him. He’ll help her get what she wants from life, and then he’ll say goodbye.
Rick temps Diane to quit her job, sell her house, and travel. But she can’t leave the people she loves so dearly, the family that might still need her just a little bit. Diane tempts Rick to end his wandering ways, but he can’t simply step into the hole left by her husband’s death. As the weeks pass from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the holiday season brings out complicated emotions.
Can Diane and Rick find a way to make a new life together while holding onto the best parts of the past? They’ll need more than attraction and affection. They might even need a Christmas miracle.
The Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the workers and customers at a small-town cat café, and the adorable cats and kittens looking for their forever homes. Each book is a complete story with a happy ending for one couple (and maybe more than one rescued cat). These sweet romances will leave you with the warm feeling of cuddling a purring cat.
Excerpt
The cat did not want to wear a hat.
“Come on, Miles, it’s for your own good,” Diane muttered. “I’m not trying to insult your feline dignity. I’m trying to find you a forever home. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Once again, Diane got the cat settled on a table against the autumn backdrop. Miles seemed perfectly content to sit there and watch the proceedings. But as soon as Diane tried to put the sunflower hat on the cat’s head, he dropped and flailed as if touched by flaming thorns rather than soft felt. Miles wrestled with the hat as Diane rushed to wake up her cell phone. Maybe she could get something cute, with the cat chewing a sunflower petal.
Diane aimed the camera. The hat sailed to the floor.
Miles leapt off the table, streaked across the room, climbed one of the cat trees, and calmly perched on a platform staring out the window, pointedly ignoring her.
“That Cat in the Hat book is nonsense,” Diane said. “I used to get a diaper on a squirming baby in under a minute. You’d think I could get one cat to wear a lousy hat or at least pose nicely.”
Visit the Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series page on Amazon.
Price: $2.99 Free with KU.
Heat Level: sweet and clean
Kris Bock
Amazon US page or Amazon UK page. (For other countries click here.)
Author Bio: Kris Bock writes novels of romance, mystery, and suspense. Her Furrever Friends Sweet Romance series features the employees and customers at a cat café. Watch as they fall in love with each other and with shelter cats. The series begins with Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Café. Sign up for the Kris Bock newsletter and get Lions and Love at the Cat Café, a free sweet romance novella complete at 35 pages.
Kris also writes romantic suspense set in the Southwestern U.S. If you love Mary Stewart or Barbara Michaels, try Kris Bock’s stories of treasure hunting, archaeology, and intrigue in the Southwest.
I have three new reviews under the “Romance” section.
Two of them are from the same author/series. Kris Bock has written a series of sweet romances that take place in a cat cafe. What could be better than coffee, cats, and cute guys? “Coffee and Crushes at the Cat Cafe” and “Christmas Cookies at the Cat Cafe” both received four Sparklers.
The third one is a contemporary western called “Justified Misfortune” – Four Sparklers for this action-packed romantic suspense.
Sparkling Book Reviews 