 In 2024, I was pleased to become acquainted with Madison (aka Maddy) Montgomery and her friends in New Bison, Michigan. Usually, I wouldn't be drawn to or have the patience for a character I perceive as a slave to fashion, prestige, and social media. But it doesn't take author Valerie Burns long to remind us that there's always more to a person than meets the eye (a theme that is close to my heart). The sweet, beautiful, insecure person that is the true Maddy is deftly, gently revealed. Author Burns does the same with all the characters in these wonderful books, up to and including Baby, the big, drooly English mastiff Maddy has inherited from her aunt Octavia. You can surmise, then, that the writing is superb. There's a touch of romance, which is always a plus with me, and humor, too. As for the mysteries, they're solid. The endings are thoroughly satisfying. Bonus: great recipes from the stories. I've read the first three books in the series. Now, there's a fourth and I was thrilled to discover the audio versions. I couldn't wait to listen! Narrator Jasmin Walker nails it. Baker Street Mysteries are smart cozies with loveable characters, Spend some time with Maddy, Baby, and the Irregulars. You'll be glad you did.    
0 Comments
 Marni Legend and her family -- they're hilarious, especially Marni! I started with this, the second book in the series, first and found myself laughing through most of it! You can bet I'll be going back to read the first, Spirit in Tow.
Main character Marni is smart, mature, and just snarky enough to make this reader absolutely love her. And then there's the fact that ghosts seek her out to solve their murders, among other things. It's the teeniest bit creepy and a whole lot of fun! Marni and her sister Gloria, polar opposites, are on vacation in Florida together. Between their sarcastic banter, the Floridian ambiance, and ghostly interruptions, the story glides smoothly from beginning to end. And then there's Max, Marni's new love interest--yessss! I enjoy a little romance mixed with mystery. If done right, it only adds to the story, and in Manatee Soul, Terry Segan has nailed it. I'm not sure if it was the mystery or the characters that had me turning pages as fast as I could! Have I mentioned there's a ghost manatee? Part romcom, part paranormal mystery, Manatee Soul is a satisfying and thoroughly entertaining read. Don't miss it!  “Remember, God put our heads on facing forward for a reason.”
Don’t we all need that reminder? Rag Lady, prequel to Susie Black’s Holly Swimsuit Mysteries, is a wonderful, hilarious, heartwarming journey of a book. Resonating with timeless wisdom and humor, it also inspires. Instant classic. The main character is Holly Schlivnik, new college grad ready to take on the world. While Holly is charmingly relatable, loveable, and funny, her Nana is the real star of the book. Wise, caring, and all brass tacks, she calls things as she sees them, no hesitation. She also encourages her granddaughter to live her best life. Holly graduates from college with high honors, poised to be a reporter. When she doesn’t get what she expects right away, she’s disappointed. To her astonishment, she finds herself working as a traveling sales rep with her father. She doesn’t realize that the course of her life has changed. Until she does. As Nana says, “Man plans and God laughs.” Rag Lady is about Holly’s journey, her adventures and struggles as she finds her place in the world. Author Susie Black carries off the first-person narrative superbly. I felt as though I was right there with Holly through it all. It is a poignant story of familial love and loyalty, about hard work, and doing what it takes. It’s also the tale of a young woman’s undaunted spirit, determination, and success, complemented with a riotous dose of humor. At the end of this bookish journey, I was laughing through my tears. Love you, Nana! Don’t miss Rag Lady by Susie Black.  “Meddling Fae.” Alex MacFhearghuis despises the Fae. And yet he cannot resist Aine, who is half-Fae, half-human. Will it matter to him that her Fae half is royalty? Wishes Under a Highland Star is the latest book in Mary Morgan’s Order of the Dragon Knights series. I’ve been thrilled to once again be engrossed in the splendid world she has created. The depth and detail remind me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. There’s magic and mystery, light and darkness, devastating anguish, and hope. But unlike Tolkien’s masterpiece, her books are thoroughly, passionately romantic. Delicious. Lovely, willful Aine has accidentally caused a tear in the veil between worlds – no small thing – embroiling magnificent, broody Alex in one fiasco after another. I found myself alternately shocked, stressed out, thrilled, and then laughing, only to start all over again! I gasped several times while reading the story, I can tell you that! There’s a sprinkling of characters from the other books, links to the Dragon Knights and Fenian Warriors we adore. Brilliantly, fluidly written, the story whisks you to another place and time. The intimate scenes are genuine and gorgeous. Wishes Under a Highland Star will leave you breathless. I would give it 10 stars if I could! Mary Morgan has done it again.   I LOVE Ella Shane!
What a beautifully cozy mysteryI The setting is interesting, the mystery solid, and the characters absolutely wonderful. These are people I look forward to spending more time with. We are introduced to the mystery almost immediately. The story begins in New Haven, 1899, but quickly moves on to New York City. As it progresses, we get to know Ella, an opera star from humble beginnings, and those closest to her. Ella is kind, talented, self-possessed, self-educated, yet humble. She not only sings, she's an excellent swordswoman. If she wasn't as awesome as she is, I'd have a hard time choosing my favorite character. There's her Irish cousin Tommy, former prizefighter, who left boxing to become her manager. There's the outspoken, poker-playing Father Michael and Hetty, a rare, female reporter. Montezuma, the foul-mouthed parrot, is absolutely hilarious. There are still other endearing characters who add to the coziness of the story, but I won't list them all here. Of course, this romance fan is not about to leave out Ella's possible romantic interest, the gorgeous Gilbert Saint Aubyn, Duke of Leith. Every character bursts with personality, and you cannot help but love them. The author sumptuously presents the cultural/societal atmosphere of the time. The story has a deliciously historical flavor, but the main characters are forward-thinking. It's the first novel I've read featuring an opera star, and I found that aspect to be very interesting as well. Of note, there's a subtle, beautiful dignity and morality to the book that match the fineness of the characters. When you can spend time with characters you love, enjoy a solid mystery, sigh over a hint of romance, learn a little something, and overall feel uplifted by a book, well, that's saying more than a little something. Thank you for a great read, Kathleen Marple Kalb. I look forward to more Ella Shane mysteries!  Christmas in July? I gifted myself a cozy holiday romance.
I love Mary Morgan's books. They are always wonderfully imaginative; her world-building is thorough and consistent. They are also deeply, emotionally satisfying. In this Yuletide, time-travel romance, Eve and Cormac (friend of the Dragon Knights) find peace and happiness in each other. This is a short, sweet, sexy book, yet I had a lump in my throat more than once. The fae awarded Even and Cormac the chance to choose each other, through the veil of time, because of both characters' goodness and kindness towards others. The sweet is sweet, the sexy, sexy, and the listening experience smooth as silk. I have the kindle version, too. There's a bonus recipe at the end -- eggnog scones. I love it! Enjoy!  It’s such a wonderful feeling to read the first few pages of a book and realize that a wonderful story is unfolding. Crafted by an awesome storyteller, Knight of Runes is a beautiful, enthralling time travel romance. The book is filled with mystery, action, and passion.
I’ve begun to accept that author Ruth Casie was a warrior princess or a pirate, or maybe even a ninja, in another life. Her action scenes are astounding! Even better, the romance is both tender and passionate. The relationship between Rebeka and Arik opens up and grows throughout the book. Their love for each other is deep and true. They are perfect together. I am thrilled with the way the author handles the time-travel aspect. She doesn’t give too much away too soon and creates a perfect setup for a series. Trust me, we want more of these knights! Many thanks to the author for a well-written, amazing, medieval escape! Five stars! |
Romance!It's no secret that I prefer fat HEAs. Where better than in a beautiful romance? Archives
February 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed