MEDAL FOR MURDER by Leslie Langtry

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Humor, #34 in series

4****

Blurb: It’s not news that the Iowa towns of Bladdersly (Home of the Raging Bladders) and Who’s There (the Fighting Who-rish) are rivals and have been for more than a century. And as everybody knows—the best way to deal with a rivalry is to exploit it! So Who’s There’s youngest mayor creates The WhoBla Olympics to settle things once and for all! Everyone is going to compete, including ex-CIA agent turned Girl Scout leader Merry Wrath Ferguson and her troop. The events are a bit strange, with Extreme Hide & Seek and Dodge Archery, but all’s fair in the spirit of competition, right? Sure, there’s a little cheating and sabotage going on, but it’s nothing…until a body turns up with Merry’s arrow in its chest. And what could go wrong when you have two police departments taking the spirit of competition too far in seeing who will solve the crime first? Will Merry and her teammate, Hilly, medal in Dodge Archery? Will the event heal the rift between these two towns? Can Merry solve the crime before Chief Magnum of the Bladdersly PD locks her up? Get your nachos and take your seat in the stands to see who comes out on top…and who is going down!

Thoughts: The crazy teen mayor of Who’s There, Iowa, and her cronies are up to their usual hijinx once again. In this case, they’re holding Olympics style contests—though who would want to compete in Dodge Archery (think dodge ball, but with bows and arrows), or hide-and-seek that turns deadly? While Merry attempts to keep a lid on the shenanigans (and the cheating), she’ll also need to figure out who killed the mayor of Bladdersly before their sheriff throws her in the clink.

These books are a hoot to read. A mayor who’s only fourteen? An ex-CIA agent who’s in charge of the Girl Scouts? A pal of the mayor who is as bloodthirsty—and sly—as they can get? Four hamsters who are actual deputies? Raccoons who bake? There is so much going on in these stories—most of it definitely in the “unbelievable” realm of thought. But they’re full of ridiculous fun. So if you want to just shake your head and laugh…

Recommended.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

MARY CHRISTMAS by Hanna Park

Fiction, Holiday Romance

3***

Blurb: I saw her through the melee of holiday shoppers, decked out in an ugly Christmas sweater with an elf hat atop her strawberry curls. Her emerald eyes sparkled. Her smile dazzled. Mary Christmas, the girl who stole my boyish heart and years later sent the man packing. I vowed there and then to rekindle the fire in her heart.

I could have married Christopher Northbrook. When he popped the question, I hadn’t said no—I didn’t say yes. Like my father and grandfather, I was charged with keeping the Christmas secret safe. Leaving Forest Falls was out of the question. So, I watched the love of my life walk away. Now he’s back, a handsome widower with twin boys in tow. Fa La La La La. In Forest Falls, second chances come wrapped in holiday magic!

Thoughts: This was a cute, magical Christmas story. The story itself is told in first person from the POV of both Christopher and Mary. Fortunately, the author kept them in separate chapters so there’s no confusion. The characters were well done, and there is beautiful imagery. Although promoted as steamy, there is very little of this until the end. Yes, there is attraction and tension, but they are not sexual in nature.

Mary is a character who has a secret—actually several secrets. One of which is that Santa and his reindeer are real and she hosts them in her barn. And keeps the secrets of the Fey to herself. Her magic helps keep the Christmas spirit alive. And she has to convince Christopher that it is all real. It’s much easier to convince his little boys.

What I had an issue with was that this would have worked better as a much longer story. Sometimes, the brevity made it hard to follow what was going on. Still, this was a quick read and a good holiday story.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

FIRE AND IRON by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Gay Contemporary Romance, Level 4+ heat

4****

Blurb: Gregory Montrose and Fillian O’Connell grew up next door with a tall fence separating their families. Fillian, now a state trooper, grew up with plenty of love and little else, looking over the fence at the neighbor’s pool he never got to swim in.  His family barely made ends meet and he worked hard for everything he has.  Including making it to the police academy and graduating at the top of his class, and landing a posting in the Carlisle area. Electrician, Gregory had everything growing up, at least on the surface, but it was for appearances.  He looked over the fence at the family who did everything together, and listened to his parents fighting most nights.  His parents made sure he had all the advantages money could buy, but little else. A domestic disturbance call reunites them with Fillian talking down a deranged assailant.  Both men have changed, and yet they are so very different.  Fillian has the life he’s always wanted and Gregory is struggling to raise his niece and nephew.   Attraction is a  surprise for both of them and as heat builds between them, family disasters threaten to either blow them apart or forge them stronger, like steel.

Thoughts: This is the final book in this series – and I’ve enjoyed each one. First, they take place in a town I know well, so it’s nice to read about roads and places I’ve heard of. And if any of the readers are interested, all they have to do is look at a map of Carlisle and they’ll know too. It really puts you into the setting.

As for the characters, I didn’t really care for Gregory at first, but he grew on me, especially once I understood his background a little more. He and Fillian were neighbors growing up, but they came from two very different worlds—which they discover as their romance deepens. The romance works well, but the instant heat seemed a bit much. Still, like all of the author’s books, he makes them work. The touch of mystery in the story was nicely done—though I knew who the perp was from the outset. Still, it added a level of suspense to the story.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Zeitgeist (Penguin Random House) with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Blurb: Melody is fostering her niece while her sister, Captain Opal Erickson, is deployed to Kuwait. A chance meeting at work with Clayton, a construction manager, awakens feelings of the love and romance. Everything is perfect until Opal reveals a family truth and swears Melody to secrecy. To honor her sisterly pledge, Mel attempts to reject any advances from Clayton, until he guesses the truth. Torn between loyalty to Opal and love for Clayton, she pours herself into work, making a mess of everything. When the dust settles, Mel is left wondering if she’ll be able to put the pieces of her life back together.

Available through these fine retailers…
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About the Author: I am thrilled to be back writing and eagerly anticipating the release of Chance Meeting on January 8, 2025 and I’d Rather Kiss You Goodnight to be released in 2025 or early 2026. These novels culminate my passion for storytelling, and I can’t wait to share them with you.
Eighteen years ago, while living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I published several short stories and a novel with The Wild Rose Press. Then, I took a brief hiatus that lasted thirteen years., traveling the United States in a 40’ 5th wheel camper with my husband. This journey, from the Midwest to the West Coast to the East Coast, has inspired my writing. Now, we’re settled in North Carolina, living the dream in a stick and brick dwelling (apartment). And I am back to doing what I love-spinning tales that captivate and inspire. 

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A CHARMING TOUCH OF TAROT by Melissa Holz

Fiction, Paranormal Mystery, #2 in series

4****

Blurb: Alyssa, Nina, Lanie, and Corinne’s friendship is being put to the test. With Nina’s marriage falling apart, Lanie acting distant, Alyssa’s new romance, and no one quite trusting Corinne, this may be more than their bond can take. But when Nina appears at Alyssa’s door, and confesses not just a decades-old secret, but a newfound magical power, the friends know that the only way to face this is together. Someone has been blackmailing Nina for years, but lately the threats to reveal her secret have changed to threats on her life, and on the lives of those she loves. With Alyssa contacting ghosts for insight and Nina getting used to her telepathy skills, they dash from city to city to track down the threat. There’s someone out there that will go to any lengths to keep their control over Nina, and it will take all four friends to get out of this without ruining, or losing, their lives. But with the strength of their friendship—and a little help from the beyond—these women are out to prove they’re not to be messed with.

Thoughts: I did not realize this was part of a series when I chose this book, but it’s obvious from the beginning that it is one. I discovered later that this is #2 in the series. Still, though the beginning was a bit confusing, once I got into it, it was easier to follow. Add to that, the huge thread left dangling at the end and you know the series will go on. The smaller of the two mysteries was settled by the end, which was nice.

I loved the slow burn between Alyssa and Nick. They’re not going into their relationship in a hurry. But the best part of that was the ghost of Nick’s old girlfriend trying to make sure they’re suited for each other, including asking Lyssa about her interest in football and racing (neither of which Nick is into anymore). She really wants someone for him to love so she can move on. So funny.

If I wanted anything more, I’d love a small (one sentence) explanation of each card that heads the chapters so we know why they relate to that chapter. Maybe a sub-heading type of thing.

Recommended.

Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC of “A Charming Touch of Tarot” by Melissa Holtz. All opinions are my own and are not influenced or required by anyone.

Note from me: I’m not usually a “thriller” type reader, but this is an amazing book. The emotions and suspense are well-done. This is a 5-Sparkler book. If you love suspense, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Will they finally put an end to his sadistic reign of terror?

Blurb: Two years earlier, Jessica witnesses a serial killer, David, in action, and becomes his next target. With help from Jon, a former FBI agent, she manages to survive his murderous wrath and believes him dead.

On the day of their daughter’s birth, Jessica and Jon learn David is alive and plans to come after them again. Running with a newborn daughter and a nine-year-old son isn’t an option. Instead, they fortify their homestead with high fences and a sophisticated security system, preparing to make a final stand.

Despite being surrounded by allies, Jessica struggles to care for her newborn under the strain of their living situation. Alone in the night, she sees and hears things the cameras don’t capture. She questions her sanity but refuses to break, determined to protect her family from the monster of her nightmares—David.

David can’t forgive Jessica, and he can’t move on. Instead, time fuels his obsessive need for revenge. With a new identity and a surgically altered face, they’ll never see him coming.

Buy Links: https://www.books2read.com/FatalStand

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218656396-fatal-stand

https://www.bookbub.com/books/fatal-stand-the-fatal-series-book-3-by-michelle-godard-richer

I live in a retirement community. In one of the main buildings, we have residents who have memory problems. The higher ups are trying to engage dementia patients more. Many of them used to be avid readers but can no longer do that because they can’t remember from one day to the next what they read. I suggested Flash Fiction – which they’d never heard of. But they bought a couple books and it is gaining interest.

So… do you know of any good Flash fiction writers/books that I can recommend to them? I’d really appreciate it. And so would they. It has to be something they can read in one sitting or no more than a day.

Thank you!

As we get ready to turn over the page to a new calendar, allow me to offer some heartfelt wishes to you all.

First, may your coming year be filled with enough… Enough food to eat, enough happiness, enough comfort, enough friends, enough… whatever you need for a good year.

May those of you who are writers have great book sales and keep writing.

May you have good health – mentally, physically, and emotionally.

And here’s to a great new year.

Will finding out the truth about their past bring two people together or tear an entire world apart?

Even in outer space there are dictators. Eiko, a crystal hunter for the Massaki people escapes marriage to a man she reviles. Forced to flee, she mourns the loss of her fiance’ Hopper who disappeared thirteen years ago. Hopper’s life is torn apart when he is kidnapped. His mind and body abused–leaving him with no memory of the past. Now, as captain of the ship Amaya, he finds information about the woman who haunts his dreams. Trapped and injured, Eiko is startled to find Hopper is not dead. His attempt to save her is derailed when some of the same forces who put his kidnapping into place abduct Eiko. Can Hopper, with Amaya, his living ship, their friends and the Blessed Three bring down a dictatorship or die taking a stand for honor and right?

This is the fourth book in the Galactic Danger series.

Available through these fine retailers…
Amazon
Walmart
Target
BooksAMillion
Indie Bound
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Google Books
ITunes