I enjoy this series because it brings back memories of Louisiana and my family. While they didn't live in New Orleans, they did live in the southern pI enjoy this series because it brings back memories of Louisiana and my family. While they didn't live in New Orleans, they did live in the southern part, and I could imagine the accents and people very easily. This cozy has a diverse set of characters, some crazy moments, and inspiration, too.
Several aspects of the book kept me entertained. Ricki is searching for her family, and with the advances in DNA testing, you can find more family than you might have ever wanted. There is the neighbor who is complaining about everything. We all have one of those on our street. However, when she ends up dead, it is up to the crew at Bon Vee to uncover the truth. Each character has their strengths in helping uncover clues to put the pieces together. Luckily, the local detective doesn't mind them sleuthing on their own as long as they share any information with her. Now, this detective is smart to include them instead of them going off on their own and causing more problems.
I almost thought there would be a love triangle for Ricki, but luckily, the actor, Blaine, really wants something else. I won't spoil what he wants; you will have to read the book to find out. It was interesting how often Blaine inserted himself into Ricki's life. He has a motive, but is it a good one?
There is a new addition to the family, a kitten they call Red while searching for her owners. By the end of the book, the kitten has a new name: Red Beans. It is such a cute name and very appropriate for Louisiana.
The mystery is well crafted, and I did not suspect the killer until near the end. Even then, I wasn't sure. There were too many red herrings pointing me in different directions.
I really enjoy this series, and I can't wait to see what happens next for Ricki, her search for her family, and the cookbook store within Bon Vee.
This literary fiction novel explores how you might react or change your life if you could go back and meet some of the great Romantic poets of the 19tThis literary fiction novel explores how you might react or change your life if you could go back and meet some of the great Romantic poets of the 19th century. How would you act or react to how they lived their lives? Would it be something you expected or not?
Beatriz ventures into a basement library where light cannot penetrate the darkness. She meets many poets, such as Shelley, Keats, and Byron, and experiences life in their world. It is definitely a magical place because time does not pass quickly, even though she feels like she has been gone for months.
I found her interactions with the various poets interesting. Their life differed from what she knew, yet they didn't seem to care much about societal norms. However, I appreciated what Beatriz learned from these people and where to direct her life. She was lost and had no direction, so these excursions and conversations benefitted her.
The book is not long, at 102 pages, but because of the literary aspects, it took me much longer to read than normal. I'll admit, I am not a literary fiction type of gal. I did gain a few insights from this book, but this would not usually be on my list of books to read. If you love poetry and romantic era poets, you will probably enjoy this book.
Myra's character brings back memories of growing up in the 1980s. Hanging out with "troublemakers," getting into trouble, and testing the boundaries sMyra's character brings back memories of growing up in the 1980s. Hanging out with "troublemakers," getting into trouble, and testing the boundaries set down by our parents.
This is a coming-of-age story that is more than just Myra's abuse of alcohol. It is also her coming into herself, learning who she is, and perhaps reaching out to those around her to improve life. But the fact is that many teens have substance abuse problems, from alcohol to drugs. What drives them to that point? How do they escape the addiction? Or can they?
The story feels raw, and many might see a tiny part of themselves in Myra or even those in rehab with her. There is a variety of characters, some that have a negative outlook, and those that want to get better.
This can be a hard book for some to read, especially if they have gone through what Myra has experienced. But that might make her more relatable to the reader. However, Myra is one that mirrors many people out there.
This was a different spin on a cozy for me since I rarely read mysteries with a teenager as the protagonist, or at least I haven't in quite some time!This was a different spin on a cozy for me since I rarely read mysteries with a teenager as the protagonist, or at least I haven't in quite some time! That said, I really liked Genevieve's character. She was intelligent, creative, and not afraid to stick her nose into the crime and solve the mystery. Of course, like any protagonist, she does find herself in a few sticky situations. Luckily, she comes out unscathed in the end.
I love dogs, so adding a stray, that Genevieve names Butterscotch, is a delightful addition to the story. She is one smart pup!
I enjoyed the friendship between Genevieve and Brandon. They are opposites, but it works for them. Kind of like a Mutt and Jeff friendship.
There are several mysteries to solve, and the ending answer was a little bit of a surprise to me. I didn't catch some potential clues that might have pointed me in the right direction. But I enjoyed the journey until the end.
This was a fun read, and I only wish there were ice cream recipes at the end to try myself. I think I gained 10 lbs just reading this book!
What would you do to get yourself out of financial debt? Would you go against principles or hold fast to who you are?
Jinx is one of those characters wWhat would you do to get yourself out of financial debt? Would you go against principles or hold fast to who you are?
Jinx is one of those characters who has a lot of grit but is infallible, like everyone around her. She has found herself in a few predicaments, but luckily, she has a sound support system to help keep her out of too much trouble. I wasn't sure if I would like her, but as I came to know her character, I discovered a complex woman doing her best in her situation.
This novel covers various issues, including race, money, deceit, and family, all wrapped in a world of potential danger. Jinx is stalked and attacked, but she gives almost as good as she gets.
The mystery is finding Elena at her grandfather's behest. But is that the best thing for Elena? I found the grandfather to be a little suspicious and heavy-handed. I wondered why he was in such a panic about locating her. Was she really missing? Or hiding from someone? The truth was interesting and disturbing at the same time.
The story moved quickly and kept me engaged until the wee hours of the morning as I finished reading this book. There are many pieces to put together for the mystery and Jinx's life. I don't want to reveal any storyline spoilers, but it had a few twists I didn't expect. It also reminded me that life with a teenager can be trying, even more so for Jinx!
I hope this will be a series. I can see many future adventures for Jinx as a private investigator. There are also her personal relationships with her boss and her ex-husband to suss out.
This is the sequel to The Location Shoot, so I highly recommend reading that book first. You can read this book without reading that one, but it will This is the sequel to The Location Shoot, so I highly recommend reading that book first. You can read this book without reading that one, but it will make more sense if you read it in order.
We look into Finn and Ella's lives now that they are engaged. There are the typical pitfalls couples might incur when they move in together, but nothing that can't be overcome with communication. Sometimes, they do well at communicating, but other times, I feel like they have just started dating and have not learned how to talk things through.
This book is sweet like the last one. Finn is doing whatever he can to make sure Ella feels at home in LA. I found it interesting that he always calls her "my love" or "baby." He did that in the first book, too, so at least the pattern carries over. A little bit of conflict is spread out over the book, but it is very surface conflict. The issue seems to be resolved in a few pages. Nothing lasts long. I think the story could have had a larger impact if the conflict had been more pivotal.
The book does have some intimate scenes, sometimes several times per chapter. I appreciated that they often went to brush their teeth when they first woke up before becoming intimate. There is nothing worse than morning breath! It made the characters feel real.
This was an easy read, good for anyone who doesn't want to get too deep into the characters or situations. We give it four paws up....more
This is more than a romance novel, it is about finding your true self and happiness.
A small cast of characters are on location shooting a film. The diThis is more than a romance novel, it is about finding your true self and happiness.
A small cast of characters are on location shooting a film. The director is a bit avant-garde, but he doesn't explain anything to his actors about his methods. It takes several days, perhaps a week or two before the lightbulb goes off, and they understand what they are meant to do.
Ella is a bit of a free spirit, and it is interesting to see how much is attributed to her. She seems to be a miracle worker in everyone's eyes—maybe because she is on the outside looking in?
The actors all have their foibles, and it is nice to see the human side and not the persona that is spun for the public. However, those weaknesses are what make them intriguing characters.
The main romantic relationship is between Finn and Ella. It is saccharinely sweet. Finn and Ella both want more, but they have some baggage to work through before it can truly work. In fact, we have to wait until the end to uncover the truth in their relationship.
While Finn and Ella are the main focus, we learn more about the secondary characters and what makes them tick. Each learns something to take back with them once filming is complete. Perhaps it will make their life that much better.
There is a follow-up book, and I look forward to seeing these characters again and learning what direction their life is going.
Set in the hills near Palm Springs, this cozy mystery features a former cop turned inn owner, a thief, a potential love triangle, and a cranky grandmaSet in the hills near Palm Springs, this cozy mystery features a former cop turned inn owner, a thief, a potential love triangle, and a cranky grandma.
This is the first in a new series, but I will admit there are times I thought it was the second based on some comments in the book about a previous murder at The Babbling Brook B&B. However, that did not detract from this cast of characters and the mystery to be solved.
Mel is working through some issues from her past career as a police officer and some tragic events that have left her a bundle of nerves and a bit of a control freak. Luckily, she is surrounded by people who care for her and want to make sure she can get past these issues.
Poppy is a professional thief and a hoot. She is tied with Grandma as my favorite character. She is whip-smart and seems to know about everything going on in town and Mel's life. Some interesting facts come out about her later in the book, but that still doesn't detract from who Poppy is.
Grandma is definitely a hoot. She may be cranky, but perhaps that is because she was overlooked. She has some mad computer skills, and it turns out she is more of an asset to Mel than she would have ever realized. They need to watch Grandma because sometimes she makes inappropriate comments! But that is all a part of her charm.
There is a potential love triangle between Mel, Deputy Gregg Marks, and restaurant owner Jackson Thibodeaux. I am rooting for Jason just because his character is a cajun. If he were real, we could be related due to my family's history in Louisiana.
I thought the mystery was well crafted. I did not suspect the killer at any time. While it makes sense, there is still the mystery of where the formula is for the oil-eating enzyme that one of the murder victims created. Or maybe the enzyme doesn't exist. To me, it was unclear. Or maybe I just missed the answer. It was late, I was tired, so anything is possible.
There is a bit of a cliffhanger with a cryptic text message from Jason. What does this mean for Mel? We will have to wait until the next book to find out.
Overall, it's a great new series, and we give it 5 paws up....more
Something I have always enjoyed about this author's books is how they address real-life issues in the news and intertwine them with caring, compassionSomething I have always enjoyed about this author's books is how they address real-life issues in the news and intertwine them with caring, compassionate characters.
This story is told from two perspectives: Carrington Reed, a hostage negotiator, and Levi Ehrlich, a local reporter. Each brings strengths, weaknesses, and even some emotional baggage to the story. Their interplay has an undertone of something more than friendship, at least from Levi's perspective and perhaps Carrington's, too.
The crux of this story is a fast-paced journey to uncover the truth about a murder, hostage situation, and family issues. In addition, with Carrington's health issues, the reader will not experience many lulls in this novel. While Levi and Carrington have personal problems to work through, their joint determination to uncover the truth forges a relationship that is hard to break.
I appreciate the scenarios in this novel that relate to what we experience in our own lives, such as unethical journalism, trauma, grief, and family drama. There is even a religious struggle for Levi. I can't imagine parents declaring their child "dead" just because they chose to believe a different way. Carrington also struggles with faith, believing that her prayers are never answered. For anyone who has dealt with faith issues, we know that prayers are not always answered how we want. We must have faith, and this is hard for Carrington.
This novel is engaging, and I, along with Carrington and Levi, looked for clues to uncover the truth of the situation. Many rushed to judgment, but the truth won out in the end.
If you are seeking an engaging romantic suspense novel, I recommend this book (or any by this author), and we give it five paws up!...more
This romance novel has all the feels mixed with laughter and the realization that we need to live life in the moment, not in the past.
JJ is someone I This romance novel has all the feels mixed with laughter and the realization that we need to live life in the moment, not in the past.
JJ is someone I could be friends with! She is smart and doesn't take much guff, but she still needs that reminder that life is for living. Enter her fictional characters, Alex and Blake. They are from the book she is writing and just appear one day on her couch. Talk about a heart attack waiting to happen with that surprise. However, it is their limited knowledge of the world that brings JJ out of her comfort zone. They are even instrumental in setting her up with Kennedy Cooper. Kennedy could be a nemesis if someone allowed that to happen because he seemed to know how to stick his foot in his mouth very easily.
The book is filled with witty dialogue, caring conversations, and memorable characters. Some scheming characters even had me shaking my head at their comments, antics, and conversations. The storyline is well crafted, and the characters have depth. I loved the scenes at the Physics Cafe. The dishes are aptly named, and only geeks could pull this off. Alex and Blake's shenanigans to get JJ and Kennedy together are comical.
I did have one lingering question—when Alex and Blake return to their lives within the pages, will they be remembered by anyone besides JJ?
This was a delight to read, and we give it 4 paws up....more
I enjoyed this upcoming new release from this author. This is the first book I have read by her, but it may not be the last! She can weave a tale thatI enjoyed this upcoming new release from this author. This is the first book I have read by her, but it may not be the last! She can weave a tale that will leave you guessing from start to finish.
Jenny had one role as an actress and is not a psychic life coach. She can do what a good life coach can do by redirecting an individual's expectations and pointing them in the direction they want to go. All is going okay, but not great, until she receives a visit from a detective informing her that the original director from the film has been found dead and his wife is missing. And she is a dead ringer for Jenny. From then on, Jenny is determined to figure out what happened to Gena and why she looks so much like her.
There is a limited cast of characters, so the truth lies with one of these people. Jenny has some joyful reunions with those she worked with on the film, but there are others who have a lot to hide.
I really liked following along as various clues were revealed. Jenny does find herself in some harrowing situations, but she puts the pieces together to reveal what really happened that night.
One situation is never really explained, but I won't go into details because it would spoil part of the story. Despite this one fault with the book, the story is engaging and kept my mind jumping back and forth between potential suspects. The actual killer was quite a surprise because I never suspected this person. It made sense, but I still never suspected them.
Overall, enjoyed this book, and we give it 4 paws up....more
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it is also the fifth in the series. While the A lot happens in this book, so stay on your toes!
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it is also the fifth in the series. While the author does a great job of introducing the characters in Gregg House and their roles, I think starting with the first book would give the reader a better insight.
This book has several different storylines and a murder that doesn't occur until near the end. Even though the book takes place over a couple of weeks, the pace is fast and furious as they navigate the various situations that arise. It all boils down to family issues. There is a potential child for JD's grandfather, a family squabble over an estate for another family, and those that you make your family.
I really like JD, Dianne, and Johnny. These are core characters since they all live and work in Gregg House. I can only imagine how large this house is (I read 4000 SF somewhere), considering they live and work here and hold celebrations for every holiday that rolls around. I love how passionate they are about their chosen careers and the charitable organizations that they assist. They stay very busy, that is for sure. I could relate to Dianne and her mad dash to finish tax returns by the October 15th deadline. I used to work for a CPA, so that is very familiar to me. I loved Johnny's dedication to animals, especially cats, even though I am a dog person. And especially black cats in October when they may not be looked upon as favorably.
I had to chuckle at their band. Think of it as a cover band for ABBA, costumes and all. They sang other songs, but I chuckled at how they burst into song at random times. But it seemed to be a way for them to decompress and entertain those around them.
I enjoyed following along in JD's research into one Peggy Porter and what might have happened to her. She dated his grandfather but disappeared once she discovered she was pregnant, and he was not around to assist. It was the war (Vietnam), and this threw roadblocks up for what might have been a happy life together. Or maybe it was not meant to be. I had to admire JD's determination to solve this mystery, and the answers might surprise you.
Then, there is the man who ends up dead. Who killed him and why? And will an innocent man end up taking the blame? This opens another storyline that has an ending I didn't expect. Or maybe I should have based on some information earlier in the book.
Pick up this series and discover a misfit cast of characters will will surprise and delight you. And you can help solve a few mysteries along the way.
Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews
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