After You by Jo Jo Moyes

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after you.jpg

Pages: 352 (Paperback)

Publisher: Penguin Books

Published: September 29, 2015

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

After You picks up over a year later from where Me Before You ends. Louisa is living in a flat she bought with the money Will left her and working in an airport bar. She is just existing not living. One night after a round of solitary drinking she makes a misstep on her rooftop garden and finds herself looking into the beautiful eyes of a paramedic trying to save her life. This is what begins an awakening in Louisa. As she starts to live again she finds herself involved once again with Will’s family.

Hmmm…after praising Me Before You I have found myself disappointed with After You. The story is great but the telling of the story was s…l…o…w. At times I didn’t want to pick the book back up but I did because I was curious how it would end. The last quarter of the book was very good. I wish all of it could have read as easy as it did.

I’m very hesitant to start Still Me with my current disappointment but I will as I want to see what life has to offer Louisa. Maybe the best way to read this series is to read them back to back and let the emotions from Me Before You carry you along.

Even though I’m disappointed with After You I recommend it if you like dark, twisty emotional reads.

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

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the great alone.jpg

Pages: 448 (E-book)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Published: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An emotional and gripping read that will keep you up all night.

The book opens with 13 year old Leni listening to her parents arguing. Leni reflects how this normal in her home especially since her dad came home from Viet Nam. Her dad is notified a comrade he served with in Viet Nam has left him his homestead in Alaska. Leni’s dad thinks the best thing for his family is to move to the homestead and learn how to live off the land and provide for themselves. He tells them it will help him emotionally. Off the family goes to Alaska in the VW van with nothing more than the clothes on their backs pretty much. We follow Leni and her family as the learn what it takes to be a true Alaskan and a family that is riddled with abuse with nowhere to go.

I cried happy and sad tears as I read late into the night each night. Last night I read until my eyes could not focus as I wanted to finish the book. Just like she did with The Nightingale, I questioned what I would do in similar circumstances and if I had to the guts and strength to survive what the female characters survive. How much are you willing to love someone whether it be blood or not? Is blood love the strongest of love? You will find yourselves wrapped up in the characters so much that you will take a moment to refocus and remember where you are in the real world.

The description of the wilds of Alaska is beautiful but at the same time Hannah is not afraid to show the ugliness of Alaska either. Alaska is not for the faint of heart. It takes a special person to survive.

Run to the nearest bookstore, library or e-reader and pick up your copy today and make the time to read it over the weekend. I think you will be glad you did.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy in exchange for an honest review in my own words.

Lord of the Pies (A Kensington Palace Chef Mystery #2) by Nell Hampton

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lord of the pies.jpg

Pages: 320 (eBook)

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: April 10, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Carrie Ann Cole is enjoying her role as Chef at Kensington Palace to Kate, William and the kids. She has been asked to cook for the bridal shower of her best friend’s sister. Unfortunately, someone did not fair so well later that night. The next morning a waiter if found face first in her lemon meringue pie. All eyes look to Carrie. Can she clear her name before another body is found?

I have not read the first book in the series, Kale to the Queen, but you can guarantee that I will be very soon. I have fallen in love with Kensington Palace and the chefs. Carrie Ann is a spunky American who seems to find herself in quandaries quite often. Luckily for her she has Chief Ian to rescue her when needed. Chief Ian is the head of security at Kensington Palace. It is strongly hinted that there may be a romance brewing between Ian and Carrie. Only time will tell. Hopefully by the time the romance does brew the gardener, Jasper, will have blown away with the wind. Yes, as you can tell I am not a fan of Jasper’s.

I was totally surprised at the conclusion as I had guessed who the killer was incorrectly. To me that makes a perfect cozy mystery. I do not like to figure out the who and why too early as it ruins the book for me.

If you are a foodie you will enjoy this book as it talks about the different types of pies between America and Britain. There are recipes in the back of the book if you would like to try cooking some of the food mentioned.

Get you a spot of tea and curl up by the fire and immerse yourself in a warm mystery for a cold night.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a copy in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

Amish Cooking Class – The Celebration by Wanda Brunstetter

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the celebration

Pages: 322 (eBook)

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Published: February 6, 2018

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Once again we join Heidi Troyer’s cooking class in Ohio. This time she is teaching kids how to make simple dishes such as fruit salad, egg salad and mini corn dogs. Heidi has just an interesting group with her kids and she has had with her adult students in the past. One student has lost his mom to cancer, one is a spoiled brat, and one is learning how to fit in the area after moving from Kentucky. That is just a few of the students. All the way Heidi and Lyle are navigating the channels to adopt their two foster children, Randy and Marsha. Pull up a chair and join Heidi and her class as yummy recipes teach more than just filling up bellies.

Anytime I need a warm hug from a book, I turn to Wanda Brunstetter. You will feel the love and warmth the minute you open the book. Wanda’s Amish Cooking Class series has been a true joy to read. I honestly cannot pick a favorite of the three as whatever one I am reading at the time is my favorite.

I have come to love Heidi and Lyle. I want to move and be their neighbors. I would be over at Heidi’s house as much as she allowed to soak up her recipes and friendship. Of all the Amish novels I have read she is the most comforting and friendly character. I hope to see more of her in future books of Wanda’s.

For those interested in reading the series, they are as follows in order:

1. The Amish Cooking Class: The Seekers
2. The Amish Cooking Class: The Blessing
3. The Amish Cooking Class: The Celebration

Thank you to NetGalley and Shiloh Run Press for a copy to read in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

Survival of the Fritters (Deputy Donut #1) by Ginger Bolton

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survival of the fritters

Pages: 256 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington

Published: January 30, 2018

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Emily and her father-in-law run a donut shop in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin named Deputy Donut. The shop is named after Emily’s cat who was given the name by her deceased husband, a fallen Fallingbrook police officer. One Monday morning, one of her most loyal customers, Georgia, does not show up for her morning of knitting with the Knitpickers. After a fretful day Emily and the Knitpickers go to Georgia’s house and find her dead along side donuts from Deputy Donut. Emily is determined to figure out who murdered her friend since she failed Georgia five years ago. Will Emily find herself on the wrong side of the law?

I liked this book and really wanted to give it four stars but there was too much lacking in the character development. I was left wanting more in the way of how the characters fit with each other and what their importance was to the story and series. I felt like the author wanted us to know everyone in town in the first book but not for us to get to know them. It was like, oh here is so and so and then bam onto something else in the story.

I adore Deputy Donut, the cat, she is a furry character that adds the cozy. Emily, the amateur sleuth, is interesting and I like that her background has some sadness and depth. I think it will play will into any romantic situations that may develop in the series.

I will be giving this series another chance when the second book, Goodbye Cruller World, is released. I am hoping the other characters are more developed and more necessary to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy to read in exchange for an honest review written in my own words.

Biscuits and Slashed Browns (A Country Store Mystery #4) by Maddie Day

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biscuits and slashed browns

Pages: 292 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington

Published: January 30,2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Robbie, the owner of Pans N’ Pancakes, finds herself embroiled in another murder this time a well known and hated professor from Boston who is in town for the National Maple Syrup Festival. Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as long as her menu and involves almost everyone she knows. Can Robbie figure out who the killer is before she becomes the target?

I requested this book on NetGalley on a whim because it takes place in Brown County, Indiana which is where my husband and I spent our first mini-moon. A place we fell in love with because of the small town feel and the friendliness of the community. As I read I could picture Pans N’ Pancakes in this beautiful little community.

This is the fourth book in the A Country Store Mystery but can very easily be read as a stand alone. This was my first book I have read in this series and I had absolutely no trouble understanding who was who. Robbie is your quintessential girl next door. Everyone loves her and she has the town police eating out of her hand. You cannot stay mad at her. I think she makes the perfect amateur sleuth. Sweet enough to get what she wants but strong enough to follow leads on her own.

Another new series for me to add to my already extensive series I want to get caught up on in 2018.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for a copy to read in exchange for my own honest review written in my own words.

 

Curses, Boiled Again (Lobster Shack Mystery #1) by Shari Randall

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curses boiled again

Pages: 309 (eBook)

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Published: January 30, 2018

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Allie has come home to her Aunt Gully in Mystic Bay while healing from a broken ankle. While home, she helps her aunt out at The Lazy Mermaid cracking lobsters and serving up the most delicious lobster rolls around. For the first time in the local festival’s history they are partnering up with YUM Productions and hosting the Best Lobster Roll contest. Unfortunately, before the judge’s can get to Aunt Gully’s lobster roll the judge’s are taken sick and one dies. Will Aunt Gully go down for the crime or can Allie prove who is the real killer?

This is a fantastic start to a new series. You will fall in love with Allie and Aunt Gully from the start. Aunt Gully is a hoot. Nothing and I mean nothing gets this women down. She puts on her happy face everyday and thinks of ways to fill people’s tummies with her yummy lobster roll and hot. creamy chowder. I am telling you I wanted to crawl into the book and have some myself.

Allie is spunky and loves her Aunt Gully more than life itself. She will let nothing stop her from proving her aunt’s innocence. As for Allie’s sister, Lorel, the jury is still out on how I feel about her. She got on my nerves always having her head stuck in her phone and constantly thinking of ways to promote The Lazy Mermaid. I understand that is her job but sometimes you have to put the phone down and your job on hold to take care of family.

I am so excited to learn that the second book comes out in July 2018. I have already marked it on Amazon to watch for it to be released.

Hurry, stop by The Lazy Mermaid and see what I am talking about as I think you will enjoy your visit as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a copy to read in exchange for my honest review in my own words.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

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small great things

Pages: 481 (Hardback Book)

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Published: Ocotber 11, 2016

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I know when I open a Jodi Picoult book I know I’m going to be questioning many things I believe and thought. Small Great Things was no exception. Many times while reading I became disturbed, emotional and found I had to walk away from the book. It did keep me up to 4am as at one point I couldn’t put it down.

The story is about Ruth, a black Labor and Delivery nurse; Turk, an Aryan Nation leader; and Kennedy, a defense attorney. Ruth is accused of killing Turk’s newborn baby and Kennedy takes Ruth case. The question becomes is the lawsuit race based or a nurse failing to do her job.

I never thought of myself as racist or one who pays attention to color. This book will make you think about that to the extreme. I liked how Picoult wrote from all points of view and made you feel what the characters were experiencing.

I was greatly disturbed learning about the Aryan Nation. I know it exists but I didn’t know how will hidden they could be in society. Absolutely terrifying. I guess I live in more of a protected bubble than I realized.

I am very interested to see how close the movie (release date not yet set) will follow the book. I have read Julia Roberts and Viola Davis are set to star in the movie. Very interesting strong women picked to play these characters.

Read with an open mind and heart. Be prepared for heartache and moments of self-reflection. It’s not a book for the faint of heart.

Purring Around the Christmas Tree (A Pawsitively Organic Mystery #6) by Liz Mugavero

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purring around the christmas tree

Pages: 298 (eBook)

Publisher: Kensington

Published: September 26, 2017

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Santa’s dead?! This is how the Christmas season starts for Stan, the owner of the pet patisserie in Frog Ledge, Connecticut. Instead of having her grand opening she finds herself smack down in the middle of a murder, two missing persons and vandalism. Will Stan solve the mysteries in her sleepy town before Christmas is ruined along with her business?

A “purringly” good read. I may have started with the newest release but I was able to follow along “purrfectly”. I did not need to start another series but I am glad I found this one. Stan is the main character that you find yourself wishing you were. Strong, confident, and energized. I liked she was not wishy washy with her life decisions. It was great not to read about a love triangle involving the main character. Now I may read the earlier books and find one but it will not bother as bad as some do as I know who she is with eventually.

This book read so real life when discussing and trying to solve the crimes. Very rarely in real life are crimes straight forward and the answer handed to you. This mystery has many layers that need to be peeled and examined.

Purring Around the Christmas Tree is the perfect book to curl up with your favorite four footed friend on a cold winter’s night.

Blind Descent (Anna Pigeon #6) by Nevada Barr

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blind descent

Pages: 336 (eBook)

Publisher: Berkley

Published: March 23, 1998 (original published date)

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Warning: If you are claustrophobic or even think you are beware you will find yourself breathing heavy while reading. Ms. Barr does such a fantastic job describing the Lechuguilla cave and what Anna Pigeon experiences you become one with Anna. I had to uncurl my fingers and toes while reading many times.

In book six, Anna finds herself called from Colorado to New Mexico to the Lechuguilla cave to help rescue her friend and co-worker, Frieda. Anna must overcome her fear of tight and confined spaces to begin the rescue. Anna soon learns that everything is not as it should be or appears. Can Anna save her friend and herself before evil wins?

I am really enjoying this series and continue to question myself why I stopped reading the series. It may be I had to find the books first. My goal is to complete this series to the current book by the end of 2018. At times I feel there is too much technical description but I later learn it was necessary. These are books you have to give your full attention to or you will miss the key part that ties the book together.