Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous by Amanda Flower

 

I love Millie, or "Amish Marple" as her best friend Lois Henry calls her! Millie is the local matchmaker along with having a knack for solving murders. When Lois's ex "Rocksino-Guy" shows up with his new wife, Lois is less than happy to see him. When there is a murder at the local Chalet Millie and Lois are hot on the trail to solve another crime.

The thing I noticed most about this installment of the Matchmaker Mystery series was the humor. I've always enjoyed the humor in this authors books, but this one had some howl-worthy scenes! A favorite laugh-out-loud moment was one between Rocksino-Guy and Ruth Yoder. I seriously howled! Millie and Lois manage to get themselves in the middle of the investigation which puts them in danger but they help to solve the case. Of course we see Millie's goats causing all kinds of mischief, which is very entertaining! I thoroughly enjoyed Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous and can't wait for the next Matchmaker Mystery!

Frozen Detective by Amanda Flower

 

When a classmate of Darby and Tate hires the detectives to find out who is sending threatening notes to her husband Darby is leery of taking the case. Tate insists on taking the case which sends the detectives to a plush ski resort. It isn't long before their fears are confirmed and the husband is killed. Darby and Tate now have to find out who the murderer is before all of their suspects leave the mountain.

Frozen Detective is the second book in the Piper and Porter Mystery series. I enjoyed the mystery as it took several twists and turns that kept me engaged in the story. As always in an Amanda Flower cozy mystery there is an animal character that finds its way into the readers heart. Darby and Tate are still new partners so their relationship is still tentative, but they are learning to trust each other. I think that Tate has some secrets that will hopefully get a chance to be revealed in future books. I enjoyed the setting of the story as well. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

**Thank you to Hallmark publisher through Netgalley for my copy of the book to review. All opinions are my own**

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

 

I absolutely loved this book! I mean what is more endearing than a cranky old man who speaks his mind?

Ove thought his life was over after his wife died. But others had different plans for him. Instead of letting him alone it seemed that events in life were aiming to keep the curmudgeon alive! Ove was a man that saw what needed to be done and he did it. He wasn't intentionally helping others, it just happened that he could do a better job of it! 

I don't normally cry over a book but this one had me wanting to sob my eyes out with all the feels! A story of a reluctant hero that people fell in love with despite his desire to be left alone in peace. I can't recommend this book enough!

Made of Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

When Teagan Steele stumbles upon some underhanded activity going on at one of the businesses that Steele Guardians protects she is determined to investigate and bring the criminals to justice so that the family name will not be harmed. What she doesn't count on is Drew who is undercover and refuses to let anyone stand in his way of taking down the people that he has been investigating for a year. Both Teagan and Drew are determined to finish their jobs well. The question is, will they be able to work together in this operation before anyone else is hurt?

I love the Steele Guardian series and Made of Steele was the perfect fit. I loved how determined Teagan was to keep the family name and business from being hurt. I also loved how dedicated Drew is to his undercover job but also that he recognized that going that deep undercover can harm a persons faith and belief in people's goodness. Made of Steele was exciting as well as spiritually thought-provoking. I look forward to the next installment of the series!

Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower

 

This is the first in the Emily Dickinson Mystery series. Willa Noble comes to work for the Dickinson family. When Willa's brother dies under mysterious causes Emily talks Willa into solving the mystery themselves. 

I really enjoyed Because I could Not Stop for Death. I enjoyed the mystery of the story. I enjoyed the characters. I liked the setting as well. I know I have read some Emily Dickinson, but not enough to be familiar with her work or character. I thought the author incorporated her character into the story very well and I enjoyed the relationship between Willa and Emily. There were exciting parts to the story where the girls got themselves into some dangerous predicaments. The conclusion was satisfying and left the reader ready to read the next installment to further get to know the characters. 

Body of Evidence by Irene Hannon

 

Grace Reilly is a forensic pathologist. Nate Cox is the local sheriff. The two are thrown together when Grace's car is vandalized. There is an instant attraction between the two that both would like to explore further. But a killer has their sights set on getting rid of Grace. Will they find out who that person is before it is too late?

I seriously think this was my favorite of the series! I loved Grace and Nate. I thought the mystery was great. I loved the suspense that built as the story progressed. I did have my suspicions of the "who-done-it" but there were some twists that made me question if I was right. The romance between Grace and Nate was sweet and I loved how it progressed throughout the story. A great ending to the series and as always I look forward to the next book that author Irene Hannon writes!

**I received my copy of BODY OF EVIDENCE from the publisher through Netgalley. All opinions are my own!**

 

Murder By Prediction by Miranda Atchley

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The future is looking deadly.

In the spring of 1923, Fiona Clery’s fledgling private investigation business is slowly taking off. Since opening her practice, most of her cases have been small, but that is all about to change. When a trip to the eccentric world of Coney Island spells death for a man and a fortuneteller is accused of his murder, it’s up to Fiona to solve the case. When it is revealed that the fortuneteller is someone she knows, her search for answers becomes all the more urgent. To her surprise, Fiona finds herself doubting the fortuneteller’s innocence. Is it possible the loving soul she once knew could be responsible for murder?

In the midst of the investigation, Max Gillespie’s former flame reenters the picture with hopes of reconciliation. Having been burned once and still looking to further his relationship with Fiona, Max has no interest in reigniting this old romance. Yet when Susan claims to have information regarding his mother’s mysterious death as well as the Coney Island case, he’ll have to decide if he can trust the woman who once deceived him to gain much needed answers.

MY REVIEW

While Fiona, Max, Rose and Ian are visiting Coney Island someone is murdered practically under their noses. Of course Fiona is hot on the case. After a shock of her own while visiting the tent of Madame Dupre, a psychic, Fiona knows that she must help solve the murder to prove the woman innocent. 

This is the 3rd book in the Fiona Clery Mysteries. While the relationships are wrapped up we are assured by the author that we will hear more of these characters in future series. 

Murder by Prediction was a nice wrap-up to the series. I liked the mystery and I liked how everything pulled together for this group of friends. I really enjoyed the Coney Island scenes of the story. It was fun to visit The World Circus Side Show through the eyes of Fiona and her friends. Also I am with Fiona on the whole no desire to ride the Ferris Wheel! A nice end to the series and I look forward to peeking in to see how Fiona and the rest are doing in the next series. 

Annddddd, a final thought or comment: How do you all pronounce Siobhan? Because I found out that I have been pronouncing it wrong throughout all 3 books! Scroll down for pronunciation.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a Kindle download of Murder by Prediction. Must be 18 years or older to enter and able to receive and download a Kindle e-book. 

Link for giveaway:  http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/393c8dbf7/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Miranda Atchley is a history enthusiast and complete bookworm whose passion for books and times gone by have compelled her to write several novels, one of which was a finalist for an indie writing award. When not writing at her home in Arkansas’s Ouachita Mountains, Miranda loves getting lost in a good book, spending time with her dogs, watching period dramas, and learning about her favorite period in time, the 1920s. Visit her blog at: mirandaatchley.blogspot.com 

Siobhan: Shi-Vawn

A Hope And A Prayer by Julie Lessman

 

BOOK BLURB

She’s in love with her best friend. 

He’s in love with her cousin.

But when the war reveals a gift so rare, 

will they be saved by a hope and a prayer?

As Head Nurse at 2d Hospital in Nancy, France, Lieutenant Hope Dennehy is known for her healing touch, especially when it comes to mending the wounds and spirit of her best friend, Lieutenant Bren O’Neill. When Hope’s cousin breaks Bren’s heart, Hope is always there, helping to heal him with a friendship so anointed and deep, it threatens to break her heart too.

Flying high as a daredevil aeromedical evac pilot in the European Theatre, “Lieutenant Love” O’Neill crashes and burns when the woman he loves falls for another. Depending on the support and prayers of Nurse Hope Dennehy to save him, Bren re-evaluates his free-wheeling lifestyle when he witnesses the heinous atrocities of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Suddenly nothing in life is as important as taking care of those he loves … or is it? Battling demons from his past, Bren learns that only one thing can truly save him from himself.

MY REVIEW

Okay ya'll, you know I'm a huge Julie Lessman fan and A HOPE AND A PRAYER just makes me more so! The romance is hot and heavy yet sweet and romantic. And not just the romance between Bren and Hope, but we also get to see Hope's parents, Charity and Mitch, and how far they have grown in their relationship. Bren's demons were a bit hard to read about and gave this reader the desire to reach through the pages and shake the snot out of him! As with all of Julie Lessman's books the spiritual aspect of the story was heartfelt and triumphant. A fantastic read and I can't wait for the next book in the Cousin's O'Conner series. 

JULIE'S BIO

A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.

Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2020, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction.

Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website at www.julielessman.com.

LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE ENTERED INTO JULIE'S CONTEST!

Rare Gems by Holly Schindler

 

I look forward every year to the Christmas release of a Ruby's Place story. And each year I am not disappointed in reading that story! I absolutely loved RARE GEMS! This is the second book in the Ruby's Regulars series. RARE GEMS features Elizabeth Rossi's story. When Elizabeth was a young girl a woman gave her a rare gift in payment for a kindness. Elizabeth used that gift as collateral years later to open her dress store. Now years later Elizabeth is trying to decide how to pass on this gift. Christmas Eve is coming up and Ruby's Place is the place to be for all things magical. 

Favorite Quotes

"They're all here, and they're not just celebrating," Tom said. "They're different. But why? Because they're here? A building doesn't make a person feel different about themselves, Lizzie. But clothes, now, they make the man. Right?"

"Yes, there's magic here in this building. but these nights would be a fraction of what they are without your hand in them. That's not a little thing. It's not a middleman kind of thing. it's an important thing. One of the most important things."

"Cardinals appear when angels are near" 

I loved meeting younger Tom in this story. I loved his voice of reason and his wisdom. I loved Elizabeth's character as well. She is generous and caring even though she may present a more stoic front. RARE GEMS was a delight to read and a wonderful beginning to the holiday season! If you enjoy reading short Christmas stories I encourage you to read all of the Ruby's Place books. They touch your heart and fill your spirit with the joy and wonder of the holidays.

Concrete Evidence by DiAnn Mills

 

Avery Elliot was raised by her grandfather and now helps run his construction company. When questions arise about a local dam the company built Avery is determined to uphold the family business and find out what is going on. Unfortunately there are forces that are trying to destroy the Elliotts and they will stop at nothing to succeed.

I really enjoyed this thriller! It was fast-paced and exciting. I loved the characters. Avery was strong and learned to stand on the faith that her grandfather had taught her all her life. Marc was an FBI agent looking into the murder of his father. As they pursue their cases they grow closer together. The romance was light, but well-developed. A great story that kept me entertained!

Crossfire by Lynette Eason

 

Special Agent Julianna Jameson is a hostage negotiator for the FBI. Clay Fox is an SRO at the local high school that Julianna's sister Dottie attends. When Julianna is called out to a hostage situation at the courthouse Clay shows up because his sister is in the courthouse and communicating with him and Julianna. After the situation is resolved there seems to be a copycat hostage taker going on and his/her sights are set on getting revenge on Julianna. Is this in relation to the courthouse case or is it something from Julianna's past that has come to haunt her?

I loved both Julianna and Clay's characters. Both strong, yet both have things in their past that they would rather not deal with but yet have formed the people they have become. They mystery was exciting and the action kept the story moving along. The who-done-it was a surprise for me and I liked that! I really like Julianna's support group, love her relationship with her sister Dottie and the romance that develops between Julianna and Clay was sweet. I'm looking forward to the next installment of the Extreme Measures series!

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower

 

We all know that Margot has a way of getting things done in Harvest. Her goal is to make Harvest a main tourist attraction. She has a way of bossing people and getting things done. This time around Margot is putting on a community Thanksgiving meal. The only fly in her ointment is that her mother has decided to come for a visit. Margot's mother is no friend to the Amish of Holmes County. Once a judge who was extremely tough on Amish lawbreakers, not too many people are looking forward to seeing her. When her special friend dies from an extreme peanut allergy Margot and the judge enlist Bailey to help find out what exactly happened. 

We get to catch up with all of the characters we have come to know and love. Of course Bailey can't keep herself from investigating the death. But she is also worried about her relationship with Aiden. Everyone assumes that they will marry soon, especially Aiden's mother. But Bailey feels like they are growing apart. I hope that isn't the case, because they really belong together! Charlotte is just as curious as Bailey and I totally can see her with her own series solving murders. Of course we can't have an Amish Candy Shop mystery without Jethro the pig. He's up to his usual capers and makes for a couple of funny scenes. The mystery takes a couple of twists and turns before it is solved and keeps the reader guessing. I love that there is always a recipe included at the end of the book. This one contains the Buckeye recipe that Bailey uses in the story. I've made Buckeyes for years and can vouch that they are YUMMY! A great addition to the series, grab your favorite hot drink, snack and blanket and curl up and enjoy!

Forged In Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Book three in the Steele Guardians series has Bristol Steele getting ready to quit her job on the police force and join the family business. To prove that she will be an asset to the business she gets a birthing hospital to sign Steele Guardians as their security. But everything barely gets set up before tragedy strikes! Someone's baby is kidnapped seemingly right under their noses! And who should be one of the first people on the case but FBI agent Jared Wolfe! The man who broke Bristol's heart by walking away from their love. Will the two be able to work together or will their former attachment get in the way?

As always, Susan Sleeman writes an exciting story that keeps the reader involved and stressed to the very end! Bristol has lost her trust in the Lord especially since her brother's brutal murder. I love how she slowly learns to trust again throughout the search for the missing baby. All of the twists and turns had me constantly thinking "I know who did it!" only to find that I was wrong! I liked also how Jared was firm in his desire to be the lead on the case but yet didn't discount Bristol's abilities to help either. They worked well together and the rekindling of their relationship was sweet and real. I'm definitely looking forward to the next Steele Guardians book in the series!

The Deadly Shallows by Dani Pettrey

 

Oh so much going on in this book! I found it to be exciting and suspenseful in parts which I really enjoyed. There seemed to be two main events that the team was investigating. Both interesting but I wish that the author had only focused on one. And focused on one relationship. There were times that I felt a bit lost as to who was who and what case they were on. Not that it was hard to understand, but just that I would get distracted while reading, so it was hard to keep up. I enjoyed Brooke and Noah’s relationship that developed, but then there was Austin(who is a girl which took me a few to figure out) and Caleb’s relationship and a case that they come across. I enjoyed both Noah and Brooke and Austin and Caleb’s relationships and both of their cases were interesting and exciting, but I wish they had had separate books. I would have liked to have been able to focus on one couple and one case. Since I received my copy of The Deadly Shallows from Netgalley I am hoping that there will be some tightening up of the story. I love the way Noah’s team interacts with each other. They are solid and trustworthy and good at their jobs. I’m hoping that the next book will focus on Emmy and Logan’s relationship. There is a lot of flirting going on there and the potential romance has me piqued. The Deadly Shallows is an exciting read with engaging characters and exciting events that I have come to expect from author Dani Pettrey. I definitely recommend! 

Peter: The Man Who Went On An Adventure With Jesus by Robby Roberson

 

From The Back Cover:

Peter: The Man Who Went On An Adventure With Jesus is a biographical study of the life of the apostle Peter, including each New Testament even where we encounter him. It is the story of his life from his first exposure to Jesus Christ until the last New Testament scene involving him. His life is so raw and real that it is applicable to all and has  lasting lessons for our own adventure with Jesus.

My Review:

I have often heard that Peter had foot in mouth disease! I can so relate to that! How many times have I stuck my foot in my mouth? But just like Peter our Lord forgives us, reproves us gently and builds us up to be better human beings and more like Him. This study of Peter's life is relatable, applicable and inspiring. There were several passages that touched my heart. Chapter two(The Day I Had A Sinking Feeling) really touched my heart several times and I had some favorite parts underlined:

"there are two kinds of storms: storms of correction, when God disciplines us, and storms of perfection when God helps us grow." "So remember (Peter would say), you can be right in the center of the will of God and the seas of life can really get rough!" 

Also in Chapter 2:

"You may be on the sea and you may be in a storm, but the Lord Jesus is in heaven praying for you(Heb. 7:25)! Be encouraged to endure. Be encouraged to do His will!"

Those are just a few passages that touched me. So many gems used from Peter's life to inspire us and to encourage us to not give up and to keep going on and growing in Jesus. 

If you desire a closer walk with the Lord be sure to grab this book and study about a man who walked with Jesus. He definitely had an adventure with the Creator and we can too!

In Honor's Defense by Karen Witemeyer

 When Damaris Baxter’s brother passes away Damaris heads to Texas to care for her 15 year old nephew. Hoping that she and Nathaniel can have the same relationship they once shared years ago Damaris is not prepared for the rebellion and anger that Nathaniel presents to her. When their neighbor hires Luke Davenport, one of the infamous Hanger’s Horsemen, to find out who is rustling his cattle the first suspect is Nathaniel because of all of the mischief he has caused. When Luke meets the rustlers and is left for dead he is taken to Nathaniel and Damaris’s home to be cared for. Can Luke, Nathaniel and Damaris prove that someone killed her brother and is now out to kill them before it is too late?

I love the Horsemen! I love both Damaris and Luke, they make a great couple. I loved that Damaris came across as invisible and quiet but yet had the backbone and stubbornness to love Nathaniel and stand up for him. I loved the mystery and danger surrounding Damaris’s brothers death. It made the story exciting and kept my interest. It was also fun to catch up with the other horsemen. A sweet and exciting read that as always satisfied and entertained and above all left me ready for more books by this author!

Nerves of Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Peyton is getting ready to go on vacation when she gets a call from one of her clients. His jewelry business has just been broken into and over a million dollars in diamonds have been stolen. Peyton knows she has to go investigate because the Steele family business is on the line with this client. Grant Logan wants the job as the store’s security manager. The robbery is a nightmare for him as he has just moved his daughter to the area and needs this job. Owner Alex Armstead has informed both Peyton and Grant that they will be working together to find out who the thief is and if they don’t find the diamonds then neither of them will be employed by him. Before Alex can explain some of his actions he is involved in an accident that puts him in the hospital in a coma. Can Grant and Peyton figure out who has the diamonds and who may be threatening the Armstead family? But most of all can Grant and Peyton work together to solve the crime with the obvious attraction they are feeling towards each other every time they are in the same room? 

I’m absolutely loving the Steele Guardians series! Nerves of Steele definitely didn’t disappoint in the excitement/suspense department. I loved the characters as well. Grant is kind and patient and definitely a loving father to his daughter. I liked Peyton’s epiphany’s that she had about where she saw her life going and her ability to adjust her expectations after struggling it out with the Lord. Author Susan Sleeman knows how to make the spiritual “ah ha” moments that speak to the characters hearts, personal and touching to the readers hearts as well. An exciting book that keeps the reader turning the pages with expectation and excitement!

A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler

 

The story opens with Aura, her mom and dad and her best friend Janny on a trip to Florida. Everything was supposed to be perfect, but for Aura the beach was a disappointment with undertones of foreboding lurking in the wings. 

Fast forward 5 years and Aura’s life seems to be falling apart. Her father has left the family, Aura’s best friend has her own issues and slowly Aura’s mom is sinking into schizophrenia. Aura feels like she is sinking, but has promised her mom “no drugs” and not to tell anyone. 

The rest of the story is Aura trying to help her mother through her episode hoping that she will come out of it. The thing that scares Aura the most though is how much is she like her mother, is this her fate as well? 

Oh, I’m telling you, author Holly Schindler knows how to pack all the feels into her stories! There was so much here! I wanted to shake Aura and tell her to GET HELP! I wanted to shake her mother and tell her to GET HELP! I wanted to shake both Aura and Janny and tell them to get their act together and listen to each other. Mental illness is such a hard thing to deal with. Add the fact that Aura is only 15 and having to make adult decisions, it was a train wreck waiting to happen. The subject matter is heavy, this is definitely not a light and fluffy read. But the story was engrossing and kept me reading and rooting for Aura and hoping, like she did, that someone would come alongside her and help her. Again, all the feels! A book I very much recommend.

The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy

 

This is a short story by Leo Tolstoy. Ivan Ilych is a man who has lived pretty much for himself. Every decision he has ever made has been about how it affects him. It’s really a sad tale about how much Ivan Ilych has invested in himself and not others. He eventually realizes that he is dying and it comes to him that nobody really cares. His life was unremarkable and so is his death. 

This is another book mentioned in the book On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior. It is found under the chapter of Love. Which I find ironic because as far as I could see Ivan Ilych didn’t love anyone and nobody loved him. In fact his wife despised him! It was really a sad tale, but it does cause the reader to become introspective and think about their own life and how they have used their life to affect others around them. 

Nana The Great Comes To Visit by Lisa Tawn Bergren

 

Whether you are a Nana, Grandma, Grammy or whatever your grandchildren call you, this is a fun book to read to them. I wish that I was as fun as this Nana! I love the fun things that Nana does when she comes and visits her grandchildren. She's pretty creative. I also love the illustrations. They are cute and depict the activities in the story perfectly. A fun story and picture book for your young grandchildren and you to enjoy! 

Check out this fun activity kit with free downloadables: https://www.godgaveusbooks.com/kids-activities

You can also. purchase the book from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nana-Great-Comes-Visit-Bergren/dp/0593232887/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16IVN5VCXC9CP&keywords=nana+the+great+comes+to+visit&qid=1647971294&s=books&sprefix=nana+the+great+comes+to+visit%2Cstripbooks%2C76&sr=1-1

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

 

This is a class y'all. But whew is it offensive! The n-word is very prominent in the story and it was a slap in the face every time I saw it. I know, the era in which this was written that was totally acceptable. Reading it in a more "enlightened" time period causes me to shake my head. I definitely would not have read this book out loud to my children! Ack! Anyway, I could go into all of the racist stuff and all of the what's acceptable now vs. then but you all know it. As far as the story goes, meh, not my favorite. Huck is a mess and then bring Tom Sawyer into the story and whoa! Huck seemed to have an ounce of common sense about him, and a sense of right and wrong, but Tom Sawyer? Holy moly was he a mess. I guess you could say he lived in his own little fantasy world and it seems to have been left unchecked so his imagination has run amok! The whole helping Jim escape plan had me scratching my head going whaaaaattttt???? Anyway, if you like to read classics then go for it, but it definitely wasn't my cup of tea.

This book was a recommendation out of the book On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior. It was under the Courage chapter. 

Put Out To Pasture by Amanda Flower

 

Shiloh Bellamy is working her tail off on her family farm trying to get it back on its feet. But when another murder happens and her best friend is accused of committing that murder, Shiloh knows that she has to prove her friends innocence. Chief Randy is all for a cut and dried case, but Shiloh knows that her friend didn't commit the murder. There are many suspects that come to light because the victim was not well-liked. And what about Shiloh's grandmothers mysterious allusion to a treasure on Bellamy Farm? Was her grandmother speaking literally or figuratively? Add onto that Shiloh's relationship with her dead fiance's best friend Quinn and Shiloh has a full plate to keep her busy. Will she be able to solve who the murderer is or will she be the next victim in order to keep her silent? 

I really enjoyed this second book in the Farm to Table series! I am enjoying the characters and the mysteries. Things are looking pretty bleak for Shiloh and the recovery of the farm, but she is determined to bring it back to life. I like that about her character. She is not willing to give up on this project even with all of the impossible tasks she sees ahead. The animals that are always present in Amanda Flower's books bring a smile to my face and fun antics to the story. I like the relationship between Quinn's daughter Hazel and Shiloh. I also like the fact that Shiloh is able to see beyond people's behavior into their hurts. She's able to bite her tongue several times which is admirable. I do wish she and Quinn could get on the same page about whether they want to be friends or more! Dancing around the subject or ignoring it isn't helping either one of them. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries then I definitely recommend this book. It is a fun, fast and entertaining read and you won't be disappointed.

Tough as Steele by Susan Sleeman

 

Londyn Steele and her family protection company are trying to get the protection contract of a prominent family. But when the woman they are supposed to be protecting disappears right under their noses it doesn't look good for their company. Londyn is determined to find Mimi even if it means stepping out of her jurisdiction to do it. Nate was practically raised by Mimi's daughter and son-in-law and he has no intention of letting Londyn step into the investigation that rightly falls in his jurisdiction. Can the two of them play nice in order to rescue and bring home Mimi before the kidnappers decide she is no longer valuable to them? 

This is the first in the Steele Guardians series and I'll tell you what, it lives up to what I expect from a Susan Sleeman romantic/suspense story! I enjoyed the introduction of all of the characters of the Steele family. They all seem like strong women with competent skills. I love that it is tied in with the other series that this author writes so we get a glimpse into those characters again as well. Londyn and Nate work well together and I loved how they complimented each other. Londyn is independent but yet knows how to step back instead of being overbearing and insisting on her way. Nate's nature as an ex SEAL has him wanting to protect but yet he doesn't ever belittle Londyn because she is a woman. They are both willing to work together without having to have their ego's stroked constantly in order to bring Mimi back. The pace kept the story moving and exciting. The spiritual content was important to both characters and both grew stronger in their faith. I'm excited to continue reading this series! 

Crimes and Covers by Amanda Flower

 

Awwww, David Rainwater and Violet finally get married! Of course on their wedding day someone dies! The question is was it murder or was it an accident? 

A woman tries to sell violet a rare book by Thoreau, but Violet doesn't deal in rare books. When the woman ends up dead and the book disappears Violet and Rainwater are on the case. 

Once again I think the animals and the bookshop steal the show! Faulkner the talking crow cracks me up and Emmerson the cat/escape artist is too cute for words! The magical shop once again tries to guide Violet in solving the case. It always interests me what passages the shop will share with Violet. Hurray for cozy mysteries and hurray for The Magical Bookshop Mysteries!

Life Flight by Lynette Eason

 

Penny is a life flight helicopter pilot. Setting down the huge helicopter on a mountaintop in the middle of an icy storm is not ideal but Penny is up for the job. FBI agent Holt is also in the storm. He is hunting an escaped serial killer. His prayer is that Penny and the killer's paths don't cross!

Whew! Such an exciting read! I couldn't put the book down. And yes, I was biting my nails throughout hoping that all would end well. Penny's character is very strong which I really like. She's also smart and able to take care of herself. I did get frustrated with her a couple times when Holt would caution her not to do something and she would plow ahead. There is strong, and then there is foolhardy and a couple of times I thought Penny made some foolish mistakes. Anyway, I loved both of their characters. I liked the relationship that they are building and working on. Both realize there are things they need to share with each other, but developing trust isn't always easy and mistakes are made. Danger seems to be coming at Penny from every turn and it is exciting and harrowing. A great start to a new series and I am definitely looking forward to more.