Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

Photo Credit: Henery Press

This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for an honest review.

Pirate Vishnu

Jaya Jones, treasure hunter, is back! A normal day at the office leads to an exciting treasure hunt. When Steven Healy comes by to Jaya Jones office asking for help about a map and her relation to Anand Paravar- Jaya is intrigued- especially when Steven accuses Jaya’s great uncle Anand of stealing a treasure. All Jaya’s life, she’s heard about this great uncle, her namesake, and all the good he did. But, now… could it all be false?

Jaya agrees to help Steven find some letters, letters that she denied knowledge of knowing their location. Later that night, when Jaya finds out that Steven Healy is dead. Murdered. Who killed him? And does it have anything to do with the treasure map he left behind with Jaya?

As Jaya begins to hunt for clues, she finds out that someone wants this map- wants it desperately enough to mug her. With Sanjay, Jaya’s best friend’s help, she realizes that the map doesn’t just reflect San Francisco- it also references India. A plane ride to India later, Jaya finds that trouble has followed her.

While in India, Jaya discovers she has allies and enemies- it’s just knowing who is who that is the problem. A special tip leads her back to San Francisco- and Jaya is *thisclose* to solving the mystery. Will Jaya find out that a close friend betrayed her? And will Jaya find out that her great uncle is the good guy or the bad guy?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is my first Gigi Pandian book and I have to say that I really enjoyed Jaya Jones. She’s bright, inquisitive, and interesting. Jaya is a breath of fresh air in the mystery world.

Told in current time and flashbacks to Anand’s time- PIRATE VISHNU is a tale that will appeal to many. Armchair travelers will enjoy getting to learn about life in San Francisco and India, treasure hunters will get a thrill putting the pieces of the puzzle together, and fans of mystery will be pleased to see a new voice, a different voice that is strong and independent in the world.

Enjoyable. Put Gigi Pandian on your author to watch list!

*This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a fair and honest review. All above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Author Interview: Samara O’Shea, author of LOVES ME…NOT

Today, on Traveling With T, I had the pleasure of an interview with Samara O’Shea. Samara is an author and her recent book is LOVES ME…NOT: How to Survive (and Thrive!) in the Face of Unrequited Love . Samara also is a contributor to Huffington Post– most notably for these 2 articles: Interview With An Adulterer and How Many Marriages End in Happily Ever After? Continue reading →

Literary Friday ya’ll…

It’s Friday. There is sunshine. I’m happy.

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: Literary Holidays, Wiley Cash book signing, and TurnRow Books tweeted Deep South some good news! Like King Cake? Deep South Mag is featuring where the best is and a King Cake drink recipe (yum!)

2. Traveling With T reviewed 2 books this week: BLACKBERRY PIE MURDER by Joanne Fluke and THE WIFE, THE MAID, and THE MISTRESS by Ariel Lawhon. Blackberry is not Joanne’s strongest- there is really no movement in the series. WMM is Ariel’s debut and it’s fantastic- 1930’s setting, Prohibition, and a missing judge!

3. Are you Google+? Have you heard about this new feature Google+ Ripples? Here is the info on it!

4. Ariel Lawhon, THE WIFE, THE MAID and THE MISTRESS was featured this week on Traveling With T. Here is the Author Spotlight on Ariel.

5. What are your #fridayreads? I just finished PIRATE VISHNU by Gigi Pandian, working through FOUR FRIENDS by Robyn Carr and trying to decide what to read next- suggestions?

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

Author Spotlight: Ariel Lawhon, author of THE WIFE, THE MAID, & THE MISTRESS

Today, Ariel is back- revealing her #literarycrush and the character she would most like to be. Plus tons of other things 🙂 Continue reading →

Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Traveling With T requested this book through Netgalley.

Blackberry Pie Murder

Hannah’s mother, Delores, is outraged. The Swensen women are the butt of a joke by a news reporter about how long it has been since one of the Swensen ladies have found a body. While the daughters are taking the joke in stride, Delores is not. Hannah is not worried- it feels like ages since she found her last body- and with all the things going on (planning Delores’s wedding to Doc, running The Cookie Jar, cuddling up with Moishe and trying to decide between Mike and Norman), Hannah is ok with not finding any bodies.

One day, a dark and stormy day, Lisa, Hannah’s partner at The Cookie Jar, needs to be picked up from the car repair shop. Hannah goes and gets Lisa- worrying about the weather and decides to take the back roads back to town. The weather is terrible and Hannah is worried that if she pulls over, no one would see her and hit her. When Hannah swerves to avoid a large limb, she doesn’t see the man near the side of the road. Overcome with guilt (Hannah’s used to finding dead bodies, not causing them), but knowing that it was an accident- Hannah does not know what will happen next. Will she be arrested?

After some time, Hannah knows that she must know who this man is- why was he on the side of the road? When the Swensen women start to look into this mystery, they find out some surprising information about the victim.

With a main mystery and a smaller mystery that is related to the larger mystery, Delores and Doc’s wedding planning, and typical Moishe hijinks- Blackberry Pie Murder has something for cozy fans.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

It’s time for tough love, Joanne Fluke. This is the 17th book in the series and the love triangle (if you can even call it that) is still going on. Let Hannah pick Norman- and let Moishe, Cuddles, Norman and Hannah live somewhat happily ever after. Why do I say “if you can even call it a love triangle”- well, at one point, both Norman and Mike seemed to really be interested in Hannah. Although, the last couple of books- Mike has been less interested in Hannah as a woman- and more for her cookies and other food.

But, to the book- Blackberry Pie Murder is not bad. It’s really not. It’s a bit predictable, though. My problem is: it’s just not going anywhere. Hannah does the same thing basically every book and while it was cute for awhile- it’s growing old.

Joanne Fluke has always been hesitant about s-e-x in this series. And while in the earlier books, it was understandable (Hannah had her heart broken by a TA at her college), it’s time for a bit more romance for Hannah (note: ROMANCE, not 50 Shades of Grey territory).

Why do I keep reading this series? Because, for the most part, it’s like a comfy old sweatshirt. Sure, it’s not pretty anymore and you don’t wear it in public- but it makes you feel cozy and warm. I do think, though, that my patience is running thin- I don’t want to quit this series, I want to know my time invested with Hannah has been well-spent. But I’m preparing myself to walk.

Do I recommend this book? Yes- but to a very select group of people- the die hard Joanne Fluke fans. If you enjoy all the previous books, are not growing weary of the triangle, and the recipes make you happy- then this book is perfect for you. If you are like me and really enjoyed earlier Joanne books, but the later ones are not as good to you, then I suggest you pass. If you are a cozy mystery lover, I strongly, strongly, STRONGLY suggest that you begin with Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder- when you get to Cream Puff Murder- take a break.

* I requested this book through Netgalley. The above thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

Author Interview: Ariel Lawhon author of THE WIFE, THE MAID & THE MISTRESS

Today, I have the lovely Ariel Lawhon stopping by to talk a bit at Traveling With T. Ever look at someone and think “How does she do it all?” Ariel is one of those people. She writes, she is one the creative geniuses behind She Reads, she has 4 kids and she’s a force to be reckoned with on social media. Ariel inspires me daily.

Ariel’s debut novel, THE WIFE, THE MAID and THE MISTRESS (read my review here) has book lovers all a-twitter! Political corruption, scandal, showgirls, and a missing judge- plus 3 women who all have their own reasons for keeping what they know about the judge secret- book clubs, you have met your next book (you’re welcome!) Continue reading →

Do Indie Bookstores Need To Help Themselves?

This post may be a bit controversial- especially with many bloggers showing indies major love. So, before you start sending me hate mail- let me tell you- I support indies. I LIKE Indies. So that hate mail- let’s just put it aside and follow this rule- keep it cute or put it on mute!

A True Story:

I live within a generous driving distance of 3 indie bookstores. Each has it’s own set of charms and fun things. All 3 try to have great book signings (which I go to!) and if I’m unable- they have a great system to order the book and have it personally autographed! Continue reading →

The Wife, The Maid and The Mistress by Ariel Lawhon

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This book was sent to Traveling With T in exchange for a honest review.

The Wife, The Maid, and The Mistress

When Judge Crater, a man who has risen to power with the help of the shadiest connections, leaves Club Abbey one night- no one knows how life will change. Or do they?

Judge Crater, after the last night at Club Abbey, after a night of drinks and talk of political corruption, is never seen again. What happened? Did he take a long drive and decide to never return? Or is he being prevented to return by other means? Continue reading →

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Britney @ Buzzing About Books

Britney @ Buzzing About Books is a blog that found me! Britney started commenting on several of my features and we began chatting off and on. The more I chatted with her, the more I liked her. Then I started checking her blog- and her blog is so cute. It’s like a sunny day at Buzzing About Books! Britney does review more historical fiction and Christian fiction- but I like that. I always find books that are interesting sounding at Britney’s!

Bloggers Made of AWESOME: Britney @ Buzzing About Books

Britney- when did you begin blogging?

I started blogging in July 2013.

How did you come up with the name Buzzing About Books?

I knew if I tried to use my name in some way, it would often be misspelled and hard for people to find me. So I was thinking of my first initial, B. Playing off that, I chose Buzzing About Books. I didn’t really know what direction my blog would take, but I knew it would be a place for me to share my thoughts and reviews and other book related buzz.

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I love book blogs and think they are a wonderful way to connect with other book lovers. As a blog follower, I have discovered so many new-to-me authors and read books that I would not have read otherwise. I also love the dialog that is now available between writers and readers through blogs and other social media.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

I love spending time with my family and traveling. I am married to an amazing man and we have three precious children. Being a stay-at-home mom, my kiddos keep me very busy and I love every minute!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I can think of quite a few, actually! I have a little issue with book hoarding collecting. I am notorious for reading about a great book, ordering it or downloading it, and then leaving it on the shelf as the TBR stack continues to grow. I have so many wonderful books on my shelves just begging to be read. I will read them all…..eventually!

Another confession is that I have never listened to an audio book!

Do you have a #literarycrush?

My husband is my only true crush. However, I will admit to using the word crush after hearing author, Reavis Z. Wortham, speak about his writing journey and his books. Reavis writes a murder mystery/thriller series set in Northeast Texas along the Red River. I have had the opportunity to visit with him on two different occasions and he is a delight; full of humor, wit, and wisdom!

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

Any that I can! 🙂 Back to that first confession, I have so many books waiting to be read that I will still be reading through my stacks well into next year. I need to Conquer The Book Stacks more often!!

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read in 2013?

Oh, that is a hard question for me. I have read so many wonderful books this year and can’t choose just one! When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell is one of the books that comes to mind. It is the sequel to her debut novel, Into the Free. I think these books were magnificently written. The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate is truly an extraordinary story in which an accidental discovery brings an amazing life into view. Joanne Bischof’s Cadence of Grace trilogy is heart-wrenching and heartwarming; simply amazing! I could certainly go on!

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

I would grab three that I haven’t read yet. Looking at my shelves right now, I’m going to pick The Wishing Tree by Marybeth Whalen, Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole, and Barefoot Summer by Denise Hunter.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I love having a book in my hand and almost always choose a physical copy over digital. That being said, I do enjoy my Kindle Fire. When we’re traveling, I love the ease and convenience of e-books. At home, I love grabbing a book off the shelf and turning the pages.

Do you stack your books on the nightstand or are you more of a bookshelf person?

I have books on my nightstand, bookshelves, and stacks beside my bookshelves. So many books, so little time!

What genres are your favorites to review on Buzzing About Books?

I love books and am a reader of several different genres. I always enjoy discovering new books and authors. The majority of the books I have reviewed so far have been historical fiction and Christian fiction.

Liked Britney’s interview? Get in touch with her by visiting her blog, Buzzing About Books.

Out of the Frying Pan by Robin Allen

Photo Credit: Midnight Ink

Summary from Goodreads:

Poppy Markham is served another culinary mystery.

Feast in the Field, a fine-dining affair put on by the Friends of Good Earth Preserves, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project, is the event of the season in Austin’s restaurant circuit and one of Poppy Markham’s favorite social engagements. This year, the spectacle shifts its focus from the gorgeous dinner to the politics surrounding the election for a new president of the Friends.

Shortly after being announced victorious, diva-restaurateur Dana White is struck down in her own kitchen. Can Poppy figure out who — of several candidates — decided to get rid of her?

Continue reading →