Books I Review

Rose Harbor in Bloom by Debbie Macomber

rose harbor in bloom

Photo Credit: Barnes and Noble

Jo Marie, young and widowed, opened the bed and breakfast as part of a dream she had. Her husband was killed in Afghanistan and she is working through her grief the best way she can. The never ending duties of the B&B seem to be a place to help keep her mind occupied, while she grieves and moves on with her life.

Jo Marie has a cranky man doing odd and ends jobs for her around Rose Harbor. Jo Marie wanted a garden of roses planted for an event- and Mark, the cranky handy man, did not finish it. He seems to be dragging his feet for a reason- but being a secretive man- it’s not obvious as to why. The friendship between Jo Marie and Mark is odd- and filled with misunderstandings!

Annie has planned a perfect weekend at Rose Harbor Inn to honor her grandparent’s 5oth wedding anniversary. Because of past complications with her love life, she needs a weekend of basking in her grandparent’s obvious adoration of each other. However, someone needs to tell her grandparents to act like the loving couple Annie remembers- as they are spending their anniversary weekend fighting. Annie is beside herself, and mad that Oliver, a boy she used to have a crush on, is spending the weekend at Rose Harbor Inn. Oliver used to tease Annie, but now, he’s interested in her. Annie can’t see beyond the years ago Oliver, though. Can Oliver show Annie he’s changed and that a good love is right before her eyes?

Mary comes to Rose Harbor Inn to escape her life for a bit. Diagnosed with cancer, Mary is looking back at her life- and some of the mistakes she made. There is a huge mistake in Seattle- and Mary is looking for the strength to connect with George, a past love. Mary knows she broke his heart years ago- and wants forgiveness- even though she is not sure she deserves it. Can George forgive Mary for the past heartbreak? Is their story over?

Love. Forgiveness. Dreams. Happiness. Second chances. Rose Harbor in Bloom has it all.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Being a fan of Blossom Street series, I wanted to really like Rose Harbor in Bloom. Being written by Debbie Macomber, I did not see a problem with this wish. Something fell flat with me about this book. Maybe it was the cantankerous handy man? That storyline seemed to take up a good bit of the book. Perhaps it was because this is the 2nd book in the series and I need to read the first to get more of a feel for the characters.

It’s not a bad read. It’s just not as good as I expected. However, the heartwarming aspects of a Debbie Macomber book are there.

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

A Seaside Christmas by Sherryl Woods

a seaside christmas

Photo Credit: Amazon

Are you in the mood for sweet holiday story? One that soothes the soul, makes you feel all warm and fuzzy? A Seaside Christmas is what you are looking for!

Jenny Collins dreamed her whole life of having a big family, a family to love and support her. Her and her mother were close- but when she would look at the O’Brien family- she knew that was what she wanted. Until, her mother married an O’Brien and then became pregnant. Jenny begins to feel left out and replaced. For the last few years, Jenny has been living in Nashville working as a songwriter and becoming famous. The relationship with her mother has changed and Jenny feels some guilt- but not enough to make a change, Until this Christmas. After a cheating scandal with her ex-boyfriend, Caleb Green, Jenny is looking forward to being away from Nashville in the holiday season.

When her aunt Bree calls Jenny to ask her to write some songs for a Christmas play- Jenny agrees, but is still hesitant about seeing her mother, stepfather and brother. But Bree insists and Jenny needs a break from Nashville. So she decides to head to Chesapeake Shores and leave life behind for a few days.

Caleb Green has other plans for Jenny, though. Caleb knows he screwed up with Jenny- he was drinking too much, and the public scandal of his cheating hurt Jenny in so many ways. Caleb has had time to think about things- and he knows he needs to at least make amends with Jenny- so he heads to Chesapeake Shores to do that. The more he sees Jenny, though, the more he realizes that he doesn’t want to be just friends- he wants her back in his life. And he sets out to prove to Jenny that he’s a changed man.

Jenny is on a emotional roller-coaster- the O’Briens are ready for her to mend the rift with her mother, Caleb is back in her life, and Jenny is not sure what she should think of all this. Slowly, Jenny begins to see how much she’s missed Caleb- but can she trust him? Jenny also starts to see that the only reason she felt left out at the O”Briens is because of herself, not them. Can Jenny finally see that there is a place for her in the family?

Set in a beautiful town, with characters that are loving and memorable- A Seaside Christmas is full of love and happiness- and second chances.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Sherryl Woods book- but I’ve been looking for  sweet and romantic book to read for some time. I’m a sucker for stories like this- and A Seaside Christmas did not disappoint. Slightly predictable- but warm and fuzzy. Fans of Sherryl will not be disappointed (I’m sure!) and if you are looking for a sweet read for the upcoming holidays, you’ve found it!

*This book was requested through Netgalley, All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

The Stranger You Know (Forensic Instincts) by Andrea Kane

the stranger you know

Someone is murdering red headed women in New York City. Someone who has an axe to grind against a particular red-headed woman. Can the Forensic Instincts team find the murderer? Before he attacks the target of his obsession, their leader, Casey?

Casey has assembled a team of the best of the best. Some might call it a dream team of investigators. Casey calls it Forensic Instincts. With each person on the team having a specific set of skills, collectively- they solve cases others can’t. But there is one case, Casey has never been able to solve. A case that haunts her to this day. The case of her missing friend, Holly.

When Forensic Instincts is hired by a man searching for his missing daughter, Casey knows it’s a long shot to find the daughter. The case is 15 years old, and cold cases are tough to solve. However the man is dying and Casey wants to try to give him peace of mind. Casey also has an ulterior motive- the details from the missing girl Jan’s case are eerily similar to Holly’s case. Casey wonders if the two could be linked.

While the team is searching for clues about Jan’s disappearance, a man is setting other plans in motion. From his jail cell, he is keeping tabs on the case and making plans. And he has plans for Casey- plans that involve pain and torture.

At Columbia, a young petite red-head is raped and killed. Right after, Casey gets a call taunting her about the murder and the plans for her. Casey knows of 1 man who wants to torture and kill her- but he’s in jail serving a 30 year sentence- so it can’t be him. Can it? And if it’s not- does he have something to do with the phone call? As more red-heads are being killed, Casey gets calls from the killer- taunting her, letting her know he’s getting closer.

With each call, Casey knows he’s getting closer to his ultimate goal- and she’s ready. Casey refuses to change her life, refuses to be a victim. Instead she puts herself in the hot seat and goes to the prison to visit the man in jail. There, Casey finds a tie between the killings happening and the man in prison. She wonders how things are tied together- but does not have to wonder long- as the master plan becomes apparent quickly.

Will Casey and the Forensic Instincts team be able to solve the case? Will Casey ever get peace about Holly? And will the plan, the plan of evil, torture, and pain beyond all measure happen to Casey? And if so- who’s the person inflicting the pain- the man that Casey thinks or a stranger she knows?

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

This is a series (although this is the first I’ve read). Casey and her team set out to solve crimes that the police cannot solve- due to limited resources. The team is a merry band of folks- with each person having a skill that comes in handy. Twists and turns throughout the novel, but the ending is not quite as good as earlier in the book. Some red-herrings, some misdirection to throw the reader off the scent of who is the mastermind- but, some readers will be able to guess. Still enjoyable and worth a read.

 

*This book was requested through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

What A Mother Knows by Leslie Lehr

what a mother knows

Photo Credit: Amazon

Imagine being the only survivor of a fatal car crash? Imagine suffering incredible pain, then being in a coma for months, to wake up and have to go through months of physical therapy? To not have a memory of how you ended up in the hospital? And to feel like people are keeping secrets from you? This is Michelle Mason’s life.

Michelle knows that a person died in the car crash. What she doesn’t know is this: Why was the boy riding in the car with her? What caused the accident? And is it better to be alive and have these questions or to be dead?

As Michelle tries to figure out what happened that fateful night, she’s also trying to find her daughter. Because she knows her daughter is the key to helping her remember the night. Michelle does not know why her daughter left. What she is running from. Or if her leaving had anything to do with the fatal accident. She does know this: She won’t rest till she finds her daughter. Till she finds out the answers to the questions that have been plaguing her.

With a husband who may or may not be keeping secrets, friends who are unsure of how to treat Michelle now, and secrets and betrayal all around- Michelle has a long way to go before she can feel good about life.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

The reader starts off knowing what happened- but the why and how are slowly revealed. Like Michelle, the reader is not sure who to trust- who has an agenda, who doesn’t. The reader is not even sure if they can trust Michelle since her memory is compromised. Interesting. Mysterious. Psychological thriller.

Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall

whistling past graveyard

Photo Credit: Amazon

Starla knows about life being unfair. Living with her Mamie- a woman who lives to punish Starla for every little thing, who won’t share the “good cookies” and who is constantly trying to mold Starla into a lady- Starla knows a lot for her 9 years. However, while on a road trip to find and live with her mom, Starla’s eyes are opened to a whole different world- a world that sometimes is more unfair than her 9 year old self can understand or bear.

Starla is looking forward to the 4th of July parade and fireworks more than anything. Looking forward to it so much, she’s trying to toe the line with Mamie just so she won’t get punished and miss the fun. All is going good till Starla sees a boy bullying a little girl and gets into a fight with him. Which then leads to Starla being punished- and Mamie saying she can’t go to the parade or fireworks.  Starla decides to sneak to the parade anyway- and all is going good until a nosy neighbor sees her and chaos ensues. Starla, being fearful that Mamie will send her to reform school, decides it’s time to head to Nashville. Her mom is a famous singer in Nashville and life will be good.

Starla begins walking to Nashville, and meets Eula, a black lady who sells homemade pies. Eula has a white baby with her, and Starla is mighty curious about the baby- but accepts a ride to Nashville. Both Starla and Eula are leaving behind things in Cayuga Springs that they’d rather not have others know about- and Starla just knows that as soon as they make it to Nashville- her momma is going to be happy and take care of Starla and Eula.

The road trip to Nashville is eventful. Starla begins to see how people treat Eula and she is furious- which leads to problems. Eula, Starla and baby James find help along the way- and with the help, they are able to make it to Nashville. When Starla meets Lula- Starla finds out that Lula is not at all like what she remembers. Starla also finds out that Lula’s dreams and Starla’s hopes are not the same- which upsets Starla. Starla’s dad comes to get her, Eula and the baby- and when he finds out what the road trip entailed- he’s mighty grateful to Eula.

Back home in Cayuga Springs, Starla’s life is changing- and she’s taking to heart the lessons of life she learned on the road. At the end of the day, for a 9 year old, Starla learns much about life, love, and what makes a family, And thanks to Eula, Starla knows she has gifts- wonderful and beautiful gifts, and she knows it’s her responsibility to not only find the gifts- but to share with others.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Told from the perspective of a 9 year old girl, a girl who doesn’t understand why the world is the way it is- but gets a heavy dose of a life lesson- Starla is an unforgettable character, She’s a crusader for fairness, and believes in the people that love her. Starla may be a firey redhead- but she’s got a heart of gold. Susan Crandall weaves a storyline that is enjoyable, highly readable and excellent for discussion!

*This book was requested through Netgalley. The above review is my thoughts and opinion.

Literary Friday ya’ll…..

It’s Friday- I don’t know about where ya’ll are- but we’ve been having some nice days. Good breezes. Not as high humidity (my hair says a big THANK YOU!)

 

1. This week, I’ll be posting about 2 weeks of #literaryfriday from Deep South Mag! August 16th’s #literaryfriday is all about some Best Debuts of 2000- I see some #southernlit writers that made that list!  Also talk of the AJC Decatur Book Festival, literary colleges and more!

Last week’s #literaryfriday: Joshilyn Jackson & Pinterest, Interview with Ashton Lee (interviewed by yours truly 😉 and Lucy Burdette news (among other things!)

 

2. Book Lovers Unite online book club is reading The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers- week 2 questions have been posted! Book-alicious Mama is announcing September Book Lovers Unite pick today- and she has a good one!

 

3. Rita Leganski took some time off from her busy schedule and stopped by Traveling With T to talk about The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow this week!

 

4. Bloggers Made Of AWESOME feature had a new AWESOME blogger: Jen H @ The Relentless Reader. Read on for her #literarycrush! I won’t reveal- but on Twitter she said “does he have manly muscles? I don’t know and I don’t care! I love him for his MIND!”

 

5. Two new reviews posted this week on Traveling With T: Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta and The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Café by Mary Simses!

 

6. Traveling With T has 2 (count them, 2!) giveaways this week! Both end Monday night, the 19th, at 11:59pmEST- Brenda Janowitz is giving away her first 2 books: Scot on the Rocks and Jack With a Twist  AND Courtney Miller Santo is giving away The Roots of the Olive Tree!

 

7. Don’t forget: Twitter chat with Kathleen Tessaro about The Perfume Collector– Monday, 8/19 8pmEST! Use #srbkchat to join in! Here is the Twubs room for #srbkchat

 

8. What is your #fridayreads? Mine are: Hotshot by Julie Garwood, Whistlin’ Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall, The Tao of Martha by Jen Lancaster, The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro and The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers!

 

9. Psst….. Check out Traveling With T next week- another giveaway is coming up!

 

Happy Reading!

Speak of the Devil by Allison Leotta

speak of the devil

Photo Credit: Amazon

Sex, drugs, and crime. Just another day in the life for Anna Curtis, sex-crimes prosecutor. Until a case hits too close to home………

Anna Curtis, sex-crimes prosecutor, is at a professional high-point. Helping in the organization of a raid of a brothel that will hopefully lead to some serious jail time- she feels confident by the end of the night she’ll have at least 1 piece of good news. Her second piece of good news happens shortly after she arrives at the restaurant in the form of a proposal from Jack. Little does Anna know- that what happens at the brothel will change her life and everyone she loves lives as well.

During the raid, the MS-13, a deadly gang, is at the brothel. A blood-bath ensues- and the clues left behind at the scene pose more questions than answers. One of the police officers kills a gang member- but did he kill in self-defense? Or for his own personal reasons?

As Anna delves further into this case- she soon finds that not all is as it appears. When Anna is greenlighted by the MS-13, she’s afraid- but will not back down. She wants these men brought to justice. She just did not realize that in her search for justice- it was going to open doors to questions that she’s not sure if she wants the answer about.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

This is my first Allison Leotta book- and I really enjoyed it. Fiction writing with a true crime-ish twist, this story is a reminder of the types of real-life crimes. Allison dances the line between writing a great fiction story and educating people about crime, police procedures and trials. The plot was action-packed and engaging- and as each twist was revealed- I was surprised. If you enjoy crime books- I recommend this one.

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe by Mary Simses

irrestible blueberry

Photo Credit: Amazon

Sometimes all you need is love…..And blueberries.

Ellen Branford. High-powered Manhattan attorney. Engaged to a man who is from a family with a good name and who has political aspirations. From the outside looking in, Ellen’s life is perfect. Ellen feels pretty good about her life and future, as well.

Then Ellen’s grandmother dies. Ellen is heartbroken because of the strong bond her and her grandmother had- one might even say they had a stronger bond than Ellen and her mother. Right before her grandmother dies, she asks Ellen to take a letter to a man from her hometown of Beacon.

Ellen readily agrees- it is her grandmother’s dying wish. What should be a 1 day, 2 day trip, tops- turns into so much more. Ellen, while touring the town, falls through a rickety dock and nearly drowns. Her rescuer saves her life- and she rewards him with a kiss. Little does she know, this man is going to be a good person to know in Beacon.

As Ellen tries and tries (and tries some more) to take care of the business she has in Beacon- things happen that make it almost impossible, And yet, Ellen finds herself enjoying Beacon- the town, the people, and finding out about her grandmother’s past.

During the search for the man to give her grandmother’s letter to, Ellen finds out that her grandmother had a “the road not taken” section to her life- and Ellen finds herself at a similar crossroad. Is there more to life than Manhattan? Can a born and bred city girl be happier with a slower pace of life? Read The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe to find out!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Mary Simses debut is cute. Fun. Light reading. Enjoyable. I read this book while sitting poolside and was delightfully entertained. The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop and Cafe may not be for every reader- but if you are a reader who enjoys a light read with a dash of romance and family secrets- then you have found the right book.

Interview with Lucy Burdette, author of Key West Food Critic Mystery series

Topped Chef - Cover

Lucy Burdette writes the Key West Food Critic mystery series- featuring Hayley- a food critic who is fun and quirky- plus likes to have her cards read by a Tarot reader when life is confusing.

Topped Chef is the 3rd in the series (and it made Deep South Magazine’s Summer Reading List!)

 

Lucy agreed to be interviewed for my blog (and I’m SUPER excited- because, I’m a total Hayley fan!)

Interview with Lucy Burdette

1. Topped Chef was recently chosen to be on Deep South Magazine’s Summer Reading List. How did you feel, as the author, seeing 1 of your books on the list?

I was thrilled! One of the challenges of writing is figuring out how to let the world know about the books–and showing up on a summer reading list is a dream. So thank you Tamara!!

2. Hayley likes to cook. And eat. Could a cookbook deal be in Hayley’s future?

Interesting question. I’m not sure there’s a cookbook deal in *my* future, but I love the idea of Hayley landing one. Imagine the complications that could cause…You may know that I blog with a small group of culinary mystery writers–the website is called Mystery Lovers Kitchen. We would love to write a cookbook together one day–between us we have a lot of wonderful recipes and fun characters.

3. The Key West Food Critic Mysteries have such bright, colorful and interesting covers. Do you have a vision for the covers or does the art department at Signet come up with the fabulous covers?

I feel so lucky to have these artists for my covers. And my editor is very good about asking for suggestions. I have started keeping a Pinterest board for each of the books as I write, adding photos that remind me of the characters and the story. When the folks at the publisher are ready to brainstorm with the artists about the cover, I send the link to them. The results have been wonderful! I’ll add the links to boards for TOPPED CHEF and the February 2014 release, MURDER WITH GANACHE, so you can see what I mean:

http://pinterest.com/robertaisleib/topped-chef-key-west-food-critic-mystery-3/

http://pinterest.com/robertaisleib/murder-with-ganache/

4. Denise Swanson recently started a street team to help spread the word about her Scumble River book series? Do you, Lucy, have plans to start a street team for the Lucy Burdette series?

Funny you should ask…I enlisted a street team to help me launch TOPPED CHEF this spring. The team consisted of folks who had written to me about how much they loved the Key West series. Some took bookmarks to libraries and bookstores near them, some helped me set up radio interviews, some shared posts on Facebook and Twitter. I know I will gear up again for MURDER WITH GANACHE early next year and welcome any and all prospective team members.

 

*Special thanks to Lucy Burdette for agreeing to be interviewed!

 

lucy burdetteWhen Lucy is not dreaming new adventures for Hayley- she can be found at Mystery Lovers Kitchen contributing to the delicious recipes. Look for Murder With Ganache Feb 2014 (the 4th mystery in the Key West Food Critic series!) Need more Lucy? Check out Deep South Magazine’s Literary Friday for a recipe for Lime Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting.  Lucy is also a Jungle Red Writer member!

 

* To read my review of Topped Chef and an earlier interview with Lucy Burdette, visit here.

The Lake House by Marci Nault

The Lake House final cover

Marci Nault’s The Lake House is a tale of love, forgiveness, being true to yourself, and finding peace.

Victoria- one of the original Nagog residents. She and her girlfriends make the pact to never leave Nagog and live life there forever- with husbands, children, grandchildren. Then the war comes, the ladies sweethearts leave, and Victoria gets restless. She longs to experience life beyond the area of Nagog. Victoria breaks the pact and leaves- creating a rift with her friends. A rift, that for some, may never be able to be repaired.

Heather- from the outside she has everything. A career that she’s proud of, a man that cares for her, and a diamond engagement ring- Heather appears to be set for life. Except, she’s not. She doesn’t feel content or safe- and she longs to have a place, a life that is hers- a place where she won’t feel if she makes a mistake, life is over. Heather finds a place in Nagog and feels the stirrings of safety- so she buys the place.

Nagog, though, does not welcome either Heather or Victoria with open arms. Resentment burns through some of the community toward Victoria for past differences, misunderstandings and hurt feelings. For Heather, the residents do not want young people moving in the area- so they do everything to make the place least welcoming as possible.

Heather and Victoria strike up a friendship- and although neither are aware- both fill a need in each other’s life. As their friendship grows, secrets and advice are shared- and the bond deepens.

Can Victoria make amends to the community and people she left behind? Can Heather find the safety and happiness she has been craving? Read The Lake House to find out!

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Enjoyable read. Well thought out characters. Great setting. Wonderful storyline. A perfect read for pool-side or lake/beach-side. Victoria and Heather- characters that have had sadness- but deserve some happiness. You, as the reader, root for them to find their happy ending. Recommended.