Wednesday, February 12, 2014

TLC Book Tours Book Review: At The River's Edge


About At the River’s Edge
Series: Chesapeake Diaries
Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (January 28, 2014)
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: After taking stock of her life, Sophie Enright has decided it’s time for a break. Between a law career that’s become criminally dull and a two-timing boyfriend she’s done with once and for all, Sophie desperately needs some time to think and some space to breathe. The perfect place to do both is easygoing St. Dennis, Maryland, where Sophie can visit with her brother while she figures out her options. Once in St. Dennis, she discovers a shuttered restaurant and makes a bold move that is also a leap of faith. Sophie buys the fixer-upper in order to finally pursue her dream career.

But Sophie’s labor of love becomes a bone of contention for her new neighbor Jason Bowers. The local landscaper has big plans for growing his business—until Sophie scoops up the property he’s got his eye on. And no amount of buyout offers or badgering from him will get her to budge. It’s hardly the start of a beautiful friendship. But when they’re paired up to work on a community project, they agree to put their differences aside, and sparks begin to fly. Then Sophie’s cheating ex suddenly shows up, looking for a second chance—and threatening to make Jason a third wheel just when his hotheaded feelings about Sophie were turning decidedly warmhearted. All Sophie wants is a new life and a true love. But what are the odds of having both?


Review: At The River's Edge is the latest book in The Chesapeake Diaries Series. I absolutely adore these books. If you are a fan of Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, you will love these. Its all about small town goings on with a touch of love to make you go Awwww!

This book is more about new beginnings, as the romance between Sophie and Jason doesn't really blossom until more than halfway into the book, but that doesn't matter. It is fun to watch her life unravel and then start over.

I think what this book does is show how you can make changes when things go wrong and to go for your dreams. Sophie was lucky that she had the opportunity to start over when she caught her boyfriend cheating. I think we've all had an ex that we wish we could run away from.

I loved her passion for opening a restaurant. I'm always a sucker for books with food in them, and Mariah serves up some great recipes in this one. (I plan to make the coconut cake very soon) I only wish more of the book took place after her restaurant opened...I guess we'll see how she's doing in the next book!

As always there's conflict between the hero and the heroine, it wouldn't be a romance without it. Just as the ex has to make an appearance as well, though the conflict isn't really heavy, and I liked it that way. No deal breakers, just an almost childish misunderstanding.

But this is such a wonderful read, and the characters that you've met before in the other books, like Violet and Grace are still there and just as lovable as ever. Oh and if you haven't read this series, there's also a little paranormal activity going on.

I highly recommend this book and all the others in this series.





About Mariah Stewart

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels of contemporary romance and romantic suspense. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and their dogs amid the rolling hills and Amish farms of southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she gardens, reads, and enjoys country life. . .

Monday, February 10, 2014

Cover Reveal: The Shadow Princess



BLURB:

THE SHADOW PRINCESS, by Mary Hart Perry

To catch one of history’s most notorious killers, a princess risks losing her

family, her life—and her heart…

London, 1888: A year after Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee terror mounts in the city's

slums. A killer has butchered two prostitutes, the crimes brutal even by London’s

hardened standards. Rumors of the murders reach Princess Vicky, daughter of Queen

Victoria and grieving widow of the German Emperor Frederick III. When her niece

Princess Maud visits, she brings with her even worse news--the Metropolitan Police

have a suspect. It’s Vicky’s nephew, Crown Prince Eddy. Desperate to clear her family's

name, Vicky rushes back to England.

Detective Inspector Thomas Edmondson believes there is a royal cover-up behind the

killings. He will stop at nothing to expose the truth and bring a murderer to justice before

he can kill again. But when Vicky joins him in searching for the man who will become

known as Jack the Ripper, neither of them foresee the overpowering attraction that will

draw together the royal and the commoner—or the danger their love puts them in.

Seducing the Princess, will go Free on Amazon, Kobo and Itunes (February

10-22) http://www.amazon.com/Seducing-Princess-Mary-Hart-Perry-
ebook/dp/B00BOR8P3C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391996325&sr=8-

1&keywords=Seducing+the+Princess

Bio: Mary Hart Perry (aka Kathryn Johnson)

Mary Hart Perry grew up in New England and now lives in the Washington DC

area with her husband and two feline writing partners, Tempest and Miranda.

She's the author of over 40 novels published by major U.S. and foreign publishers.

She writes historical fiction as Mary Hart Perry and contemporary romantic

thrillers under her own name, Kathryn Johnson. She also teaches fiction-writing

workshops for The Writer's Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Her popular 8-week

course, The Extreme Novelist, supports and encourages class members through

a full first draft of their novels. In 2008, she founded Write by You, a writer's

mentoring service, to aid individual authors in reaching their publication goals.

She has been nominated for the prestigious Agatha Christy Award, and won the

Heart of Excellence and Bookseller's Best Awards (sponsored by the Romance

Writers of America). Her works in progress include Victorian thrillers inspired

by the lives of Queen Victoria's daughters, and a new contemporary romantic-
suspense series scheduled for release in 2014-15. Kathryn is a member of the

Author's Guild, Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters

in Crime, Novelists Inc, and the Historical Novel Society.

ONLINE LINKS:

Website: www.MaryHartPerry.com

Contact: Mary@MaryHart Perry.com, or Kathryn@WriteByYou.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Kathryn.K.Johnson.3 or for MHP: on.fb.me/Kj7hzU

Twitter: @Mary_Hart_Perry or @KathrynKJohnson

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kathryn-johnson/21/8b3/350

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/Mary_Hart_Perry or www.goodreads.com/KathrynJohnson

 BUY NOW LINK:

• Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Princess-Mary-Hart-Perry-
ebook/dp/B00I36D8UW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391999082&sr=8-

1&keywords=Mary+Hart+Perry

Giveaway: Digital copy of Shadow Princess

a Rafflecopter giveaway





Saturday, February 8, 2014

Book Review: Murder Strikes A Pose

Author: Tracy Weber
Title: Murder Strikes A Pose
Publisher: Midnight Ink
Publish Date: Jan 8, 2014
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: 
Yoga instructor Kate Davidson tries to live up to yoga's Zen-like expectations, but it's not easy while struggling to keep her small business afloat or dodging her best friend's matchmaking efforts.

When George, a homeless alcoholic, and his loud, horse-sized German shepherd, Bella, start hawking newspapers outside her studio, Kate attempts to convince them to leave. Instead, the three strike up an unlikely friendship.

Then Kate finds George's dead body. The police dismiss it as a drug-related street crime, but Kate knows he was no drug dealer. Now she must solve George's murder and find someone willing to adopt his intimidating companion before Bella is sent to the big dog park in the sky. With the murderer on her trail, Kate has to work fast or her next Corpse Pose may be for real.

Review: Murder Strikes A Pose is a fun new book in the "Downward Dog Mystery Series" by Tracy Weber.

The plot revolves around the death of homeless man, George, who has left behind his special needs, German Shepherd, Bella.

I think Bella, really is the star of this book, with her personality disorders and her illness. When the book opens you can't begin to think that Bella is going to be a wonderful dog, but as things progress and Kate rather unwillingly accepts the dog into her heart, Bella blooms.

Kate is actually the character I have a little bit of a hard time with. She's a struggling yoga instructor/business owner. You can really feel for her, but at the same time you want to bop her, like her unwillingness to trust men with beards to the way she deals with Bella as well as her relationship with Michael the pet shop owner.

I did love how she cared about finding the reason for George's death and her relentless pursuit for the truth. I only wish that she would have turned into more of an animal lover by the end. I think that's the one thing that kept this from being a fantastic novel. I never felt that Kate saw Bella as more than "just a dog," and as a animal lover, that  bothered me.

I do look forward to seeing how this series goes, and how Kate, Michael and Bella get closer.

Oh and the murderer? I never guessed it!

Rating: 4 flowers



Friday, February 7, 2014

Book Review: Tangled Hearts



About the Book
TANGLED HEARTS
Author: Heather McCollum
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Select

The Tudors take on The Pirates of the Caribbean in this 16th century romantic adventure!

Pandora Wyatt is the most complicated woman alive. Raised by a pirate captain, Dory risks exposure of her magic to free the only father she’s ever known from the Tower of London. But when she’s tied to a smoldering witch’s pyre, her powers aren’t enough to save her.

Ewan Brody is on a mission to deliver a traitor’s corpse to King Henry VIII when he rescues a beautiful spitfire from a horrific fate. Saving the lass’s life leads him on an adventure he never intended. Thrust together in the roles of husband and wife, they dodge royal intrigue, dark twists, and secrets as they attempt to find the true traitor at the Tudor court.

Magic and adventure spark, igniting a fire between Ewan and Dory, consuming them and tangling their hearts together forever. But to reach forever, they first need to survive the day.


Review: First things first, that's quite a chest on that guy on the cover, and I don't usually go for the manly man type. 

This book is everything I like in historical romance, and it is set in the Tudor period, which always wins props from me.

I really loved Dory, she's strong and occasionally a bit shrewish, but overall the kind of heroine you'd expect to hook up with a Highlander. I mean, you wouldn't want a guy like this with some simpering miss!

The book is full of action and intrigue, as you would expect from the time period.

It took me back to my high school days when I devoured Zebra Historicals by the dozen. (Only no Fabio here!)

Definitely a great read for lovers of Highlanders!

Rating:  5 flowers




About Heather:
Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical paranormal romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology from the University of Maine, much to her English professor's dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and was a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist. Ms. McCollum has four full length historical, paranormal romances released in both electronic and digital formats. She also has one short novella released in electronic format.
When she is not busy writing and answering calls of "Mom", she can be found educating women about ovarian cancer. She is a teal warrior herself and just finished slaying the ovarian cancer beast.
She currently resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.
More information about Ms. McCollum and her books can be found at www.HeatherMcCollum.com.

Giveaway Details:
1 $25 Amazon Gift Card US Only
3 eBooks of TANGLED HEARTS International
Rafflecopter Code:

Rafflecopter link:

Tour Schedule
Week 1:
1/27/2014- A Step to the Side- Review
1/27/2014- Review From Here- Interview
1/28/2014- Dandelionn Wine Book Blog - Review
1/28/2014- Preternatura- Interview
1/29/201- My Book Addiction and More                - Review
1/29/2014- Manga Maniac Café- Guest Post
1/30/2014- Doing Some Reading- Review
1/30/2014- Literary Escapism- Guest Post
1/31/2014- Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf- Interview
1/31/2014- Sarah's Bookshelf- Review

Week 2:
2/3/2014- Swept Away By Romance- Review
2/3/2014- Reader Girls- Guest Post
2/4/2014- Always Reiding- Review
2/4/2014- Mundie Moms- Interview
2/5/2014- To Read or Not To Read- Guest Post
2/6/2014- In Vogue with Books- Review
2/6/2014- All Things Urban Fantasy- Guest Post
2/7/2014- a chick who reads- Review

2/7/2014- Fade Into Fantasy- Interview

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Book Review: The Fairytale Keeper

Author: Andrea Cefalo
Title: The Fairytale Keeper: Avening The Queen
Publisher: Scarlet Primrose Press
Publish Date: May 26, 2012
Review Copy Provided By: The author in exchange for an honest review
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: 
Snow White was a pet name her mother had given her, but her mother’s dead now. Adelaide hates that name anyway. A rampant fever claimed Adelaide’s mother just like a thousand others in Cologne where the people die without Last Rites and the dead are dumped in a large pit outside of the city walls. Adelaide’s father is determined to obtain a funeral for his wife, but that requires bribing the parish priest, Father Soren. When Soren commits an unforgivable atrocity, he pushes Adelaide to her breaking point, but if she seeks justice against the cruel priest, she risks sacrificing everything: her father, her friends, her first love, and maybe even her life.


Review: First, allow me to say, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.

Ok, now that's done, I have to tell you why.

The Fairytale Keeper is a wonderful mixtures of historical fiction and fantasy. Adelaide is Snow White, or at least that's what her mother called her. But this isn't a fairytale retelling. It is so much more than that. It is the passing on of stories, like Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel.

But it is also the story of a young girl, whose mother died of the fever in 1248 and how one corrupt priest's actions fuel her need for revenge. Without giving away what the priest did, I will say that Father Soren is about the worst kind of priest ever, but that was the state of the Catholic Church during medieval times, and this nasty priest is what sets up most of the story.

Adelaide is quite the heroine too. She's a teenager, but she's very strong and capable, even in her love for Ivo. Their relationship is part friendship and part romance, but you do see it growing as the story progresses.

Cefalo has really done a marvelous job here, not just in bringing the time period to life, but showing how stories were passed on through the years.

If you like historical fiction and fairytales this is novel not to be missed. It is also the first book in a series, I can't wait to read the second book, The Fairest Of Them All.

Rating: 5 flowers




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

A Chick Ponders Bookish Things: A Reading Slump


This year has gotten off to a slow start for me, reading wise. We've had temperatures that were just too damn cold to read.

I know that's crazy.

Its cold. The best thing to do is curl up with a book, but you can't do that in my house. You just try to keep warm. (Its pretty hard to read under 5 blankets!)

It doesn't help matters that my dad's health has been up and down. Its hard to concentrate when I'm worried about him. Also it doesn't help that Downton Abbey and Sherlock both aired last month. Ah...Sherlock, give me some Benedict Cumberbatch any day!

The good thing is, that the books I've managed to read were fabulous.

Here's hoping I can get back on track this month.

Anyone else in a slump this winter?

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Great Escapes Book Tours Book Reviews: Days Of Wine and Roquefort




Days of Wine and Roquefort (CHEESE SHOP MYSTERY)
5th in Series Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Berkley (February 4, 2014)
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425255551
E-Book ASIN: B00DYX9KFG

Synopsis


Agatha Award winning series

#5 in Cheese Shop Mysteries

Murder, like Roquefort, stinks…



Cheese Shop owner Charlotte Bessette’s life seems quieter than ever with her fiancĂ© out of town and her cousin Matthew and his children out of the house. But before she can put up her feet and enjoy a glass of chardonnay, Matthew asks her to play host to Noelle Adams, a bright sommelier visiting to help grow business for the local winery.

An affable wine aficionado, Noelle is paired well with the cheese expert Charlotte–but something seems to be troubling the secretive houseguest, and Charlotte’s life is upended when she finds the sparkling woman dead. Between Noelle’s hotheaded ex, the cagey owners of the winery, its jaded manager, and a wily reporter, Charlotte has her pick of suspects, but she needs to act fast–this is a mystery that only gets more dangerous with age.

RECIPES INCLUDED!

Praise for the series:

“A mouthwatering mystery … a plot that twists and turns…Enticing and intriguing.” —New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

“Delightful…lovely…not just gouda, it’s great!” —New York Times bestselling author Lorna Barrett aa-dwg_portrait_rbAbout The Author DARYL WOOD GERBER aka AVERY AAMES. As Daryl, she writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series. As AVERY, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more. Visit Daryl aka Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Check out recipes on her blog www.mysteryloverskitchen.com and friend her on Facebook.

An affable wine aficionado, Noelle is paired well with the cheese expert Charlotte–but something seems to be troubling the secretive houseguest, and Charlotte’s life is upended when she finds the sparkling woman dead. Between Noelle’s hotheaded ex, the cagey owners of the winery, its jaded manager, and a wily reporter, Charlotte has her pick of suspects, but she needs to act fast–this is a mystery that only gets more dangerous with age.


Review: I had read Final Sentence last year, which is Daryl's pseudonym and I loved it, so I had to jump into the Cheese Shop Mysteries. (And yeah, I seldom start from book 1).

This book won me over from page 1.

Why?

The appetizer.

OMG!

It isn't fair to make me hungry before I even get start reading!

But back to the story, it is the 5th in the series, but like all cozies, you don't need to read the others to enjoy this one, but you will want to when you are finished. (Especially if you want to be really hungry). I don't think I've ever read a book that left me so hungry for CHEESE! Avery really brings the food to life, as well as the characters in Providence.

The murder of sommelier, Noelle, in Charlotte's shop, give the mystery a personal twist. This is the first cozy mystery that I've read where the victim really is someone you like. Noelle was a good person, and there are so many suspects that it is hard to even guess who the killer is.

Avery crosses them off slowly and even then, you still aren't sure.

This is a book that will keep you snacking and turning the pages until the end.

Rating: 5 flowers




About The Author DARYL WOOD GERBER aka AVERY AAMES. As Daryl, she writes the nationally bestselling Cookbook Nook Mystery series. As AVERY, she pens the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling Cheese Shop Mystery series. Daryl’s short stories have been nominated for the Agatha, Anthony, and other awards. Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl has appeared in “Murder, She Wrote” and more. Visit Daryl aka Avery at www.darylwoodgerber.com. Check out recipes on her blog www.mysteryloverskitchen.com and friend her on Facebook.

Links

FOR BOTH AVERY & DARYL

Websites:

www.darylwoodgerber.com www.averyaames.com

Blogs:

www.mysteryloverskitchen.com http://killercharacters.com

Facebook: http://facebook.com/averyaames

Facebook: http://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber

Twitter: @AveryAames Twitter: @DarylWoodGerber

Goodreads: Avery Aames 

Goodreads: Daryl Wood Gerber 

Pinterest: Daryl Wood Gerber a.k.a. Avery Aames

Remember to sign up for her mailing list for updates and contests: http://www.averyaames.com/mailinglist_signup.html


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