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.