One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay

Are you a series reader? If so, which series do you hold back on because you don’t want it to end?

A Library Lover’s Mystery series is that series I make myself read slowly. I love everything about this series. Let me count the ways:

  1. It is written by @mckinlayjenn how can you not like?
  2. Library setting
  3. Small town
  4. Set on the coast (Connecticut)
  5. Dogs
  6. Sully ♥️♥️♥️ book boyfriend of all book boyfriends

One for the Books is the eleventh book in the series. It is wedding time for Lindsey and Sully. But we all know there have to be hiccups and a murder. Unfortunately the dead was their officiant for the wedding. Oh goodness. With just days away from the wedding both Lindsey and Sully have their hands full.

Beautifully written and the wedding…sigh🥰

The cover deserves its own spotlight. There is no way you can look at the cover and not want to dive right in.

All the stars one again to Jenn McKinlay.

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The Crossword Connection by Nero Blanc

Oh, a new to me series by the way of cozy mystery book bingo.

Belle, a crossword creator, and Rocco, a private investigator, are just days away from their wedding. Unfortunately, a murder or two interrupts the process. As Rosco looks into the murders Belle has her own thoughts since themed crossword puzzles were at the scenes. The closer they get to solving the more it doesn’t make sense. Will the wedding go off without a hitch?

The Crossword Connection is book three in the series and I was able to pick up with no problems. I will definitely be looking into this series more. It is an older series (early 2000s). I enjoyed that it wasn’t “flashy” like some of the current cozy mysteries.

A bonus: there are crosswords you can work throughout the book. Answers in the back.

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Murder, She Reported by Peg Cochran

I am currently in love with the 1920s and 1930s. It has always held a fascination with me. The women look so elegant in their hats and gloves. I often wonder if I could have pulled that look off it that was my time. Somehow I think not. I’m always going to be short and stumpy. 

Against her upper class parents wishes Elizabeth is working as a Gal Friday (receptionist) at a NYC newspaper and on a whim she agrees to go with a reporter on a story as a photographer. She studied photography at college and believes she can do a good job. She and the reporter realize they make a great team when one of Elizabeth’s acquaintances comes out of the bathroom at a debutant ball covered in blood. Her stepmother’s blood. Elizabeth gets a great shot that is plastered on the front page. As Biz (Elizabeth) works with the reporter to figure out who really is the murderer she finds herself experiencing new things. 

A read that you find yourself fully immersed and when you look up you can’t believe you aren’t in a noisy newspaper office filled with smoke. 

I read the second book years ago and wished I had started with the first and continued. I believe this is only a 3 book series though. 

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The Devil Wears Scrubs by Freida McFadden

Are you a fan of Grey’s Anatomy, ER, or any other medical drama? If so, The Devil Wears Scrubs is the book for you.

I already can hear your question. Doesn’t Frieda write psychological thrillers? Yes, but this is a fiction without murder.

Dr. Jane McGill has started her first year as an intern and it is starting off worse than she could have imagined. Jane believes her senior resident is the devil in disguise. Very little sleep, constant ridicule, and the roommate from heck has her questioning life’s choices.

I enjoyed this more than I expected. I almost took it back to the library based on reviews. I’m so glad I didn’t. It was fun following along with Jane as she sees her patients.

Is this an earth shattering read? No, but it did provide entertainment and that is what I wanted.

TW: a death scene while not gory is heartbreaking.

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A Heart on Consignment by Mindy Steele

A beautifully written story of strength, resilience, and unexpected love.

Salina lives in Havenlee, Indiana and much to the dismay of her parents (especially her mom) has not made a love match. Salina wants to marry for love not just because that is what is expected.

Seth is visiting his aunt and uncle after being rejected three days before his wedding. He hopes the time away from Kentucky can help him heal emotionally and ready to work the job that is waiting for him.

A devastating weather event hits a small community near Havenlee and an opportunity to help others also finds a way to help both Salina and Seth.

I took my time wandering through Salina and Seth’s story. I knew each time I opened the book I was entering a beautiful world. I was happy and content by the last word.

My favorite scene was when Salina was determined to get to Seth. I understood her feelings. I experienced something similar. When you love someone you find a way to be by their side.

This is book 12 in The Heart of the Amish series. You do not have to read each one or in order.

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The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

Whoa! This one is so different from the first two. I went in blind because it was Frieda. I’m still shocked by the twists and turns.

Millie and Enzo are married with two children, Ada and Nico. They move to Long Island in a beautiful to them house in a friendly neighborhood. Or so they think. Was moving the best decision?

I know there are two camps of Frieda McFadden. You either live or works or hate them. I happen to enjoy them. They are quick reads with lots of action. This is no exception. They provide what I need out of reading. A time to relax. Hmm…should murder books be relaxing?

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March Reading Wrapup

March Wrap Up ❄️🥶 🍀🐦‍⬛

17 books total, 0 DNF

6 books donated/given to others

8 books (kindle/physical) of my own read

Reviews of most books on my blog. www.kentuckybooklover.com

B Borrowed from friend/family

L  Library

KO  Kindle Owned

O  Physical Owned

EL  E-library (Libby/Overdrive/Hoopla)

AB  Audiobook 

KU  Kindle Unlimited 

NG NetGalley

ARC Advanced Reader Copy 

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One Hundred Saturdays: Stella Levi and the Search for a Lost World by Michael Frank

I can’t do justice to this book with a review. It is one of the most moving stories I’ve ever read from a Holocaust survivor.

Michael Frank interviewed Stella for 6 years on Saturdays to learn her history from the beginning on the Greek island of Rhodes to the horror of Auschwitz and Dachu to her immigration to America.

At the time of publication in 2022 she was 98 years old. I found a YouTube video from 2024 where she was awarded the Pomegranate Lifetime Achievement Award at 100.

Her story is one to take in a few chapters at a time and then reflect. If you aren’t moved by the horrors experienced and the trials and tribulations she experienced the rest of her life (still alive today I believe) then you have no heart and zero empathy and/or sympathy.

I shared two of my favorite quotes from Stella Levi. Basically accept each other and love each other. We are all human.

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Feuding with the Amish Farmer by Anne Blackburn

What a fun read!

Lida Mae is the youngest of the three Beiler girls. She has grown up as her dad’s right hand man helping with the breeding and training on their horse farm. All is well until her mother puts her foot down and demands Lida Mae to act like a proper Amish woman. She may continue her stained glass art but not the horse breeding and training. Her father brings up a young man from Texas, Tom, whose family has given their farm to their oldest boy. Tom and Lida Mae see the best in each other and understand what the other feels when their life is being ran by others. Can they find a way to help each get what the other wants?

I enjoyed everything about this book. It was fun to read the stained glass portion as I knew exactly what Lida Mae was explaining to Tom. Last year I took a few stained glass classes through our local extension office.

Lida Mae is a strong-willed character who knows what she wants but also understands as an Amish woman she must defer to her parents especially her dad. She needed someone like Tom who could see her for who she is and not be intimidated.

I can’t wait to see how their story unfolds. Hoping we get a glimpse when we get Rhoda’s story.

I received a complimentary copy from the author with no requirement to leave a positive review. The review above is in my own words.

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A Fiancée’s Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Lady Frances is happily engaged to George until a woman Irena, claims to be George’s wife. She also claims to the illegitimate daughter of Russian royalty. Lady Frances is aghast until George shows up and puts the world right by declaring Irena is not his wife! Unfortunately, a few days later Irena is found dead in Lady Frances’ garden. Now Lady Frances and George must clear their names before tragedy strikes again.

I find this series so fun. It is funny what was shocking in Victorian times compared to now. I am not sure much is shocking anymore. Can you imagine at night attending balls and operas on the regular? I find it vey tiring. Although those seem to be the places that have the best gossip.

I have listened to this series more than read due to what is available through my library. The narrator is enjoyable to listen to and gets all the scandalous parts correct with her inflection.

I will continue this series.

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