Books I Review

Happily Ever After by Elizabeth Maxwell

happily ever after

Photo Credit: Touchstone Books

 

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

Happily Ever After

Sadie Fuller, 46, divorced, mother to an 11 year old. No time for romance. Looking at her, you might think that romance never crosses her mind. You’d be wrong. Because while the outside package would lead you to believe that Sadie is just a middle-aged mom and has no time for anything besides work and her daughter, inside is a whole other story. Sadie by day lives the suburban mom’s life… But at night, she writes steamy, best-selling erotica under the pen name KT Briggs.

Life is ok for Sadie. She’s got her daughter, a house, makes money writing her “mommy-porn”, and even has a weekly date with a man she met in the personals. But life is getting dull, Sadie has put love and romance aside (her weekly meetings are strictly taking care of business). One night, as she writing a new story about Aidan and Lily, she gets interrupted. And life turns from same old, same old to something else. When Sadie sees an incredibly good-looking man in Target, a man who looks vaguely familiar, but is very confused as to why he’s in Target- she slowly begins to realize why he looks familiar: It’s Aidan. Her character, Aidan!

As Sadie tries to help him find Lily and figure out why a witch named Clarissa has highjacked her story, she just wants to reunite Lily and Aidan, get them back in the story for some steamy romance time. However, Aidan may wind up teaching Sadie a thing or two and show her that happily ever after is not just for the books, that happily ever after might be where you least expect it.

 

Traveling With T’s Thoughts

Quirky fun. This book is pure quirky fun. Yes, it’s going to stretch your mind a bit, and yes, the idea of characters coming to life from a book is a bit out there. But, that is what makes it such delicious fun! This book is not a “thinker” book, you are not going to want to run out and change the world after reading it. It’s going to make you laugh and have fun, though, and that is way better!

Read HAPPILY EVER AFTER if you are looking for a fun read, not light and fluffy, just fun and quirky.  Enjoyable, laugh out loud fun- add this to your To Be Read list!

 

*Thanks to Touchstone Books for sending a copy of HAPPILY EVER AFTER to Traveling With T for a fair and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

 

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Mini-reviews: Loyalty, Throw In The Trowel, & In The Blood

Traveling With T reviews books quite a bit. I try to post at least 1 or 2 review a week (of at least write a couple for future use!) But sometimes, I just want to read. And then after I read, I really just want to fangirl around. Or scream “READ THIS BOOK!” But it’s so hard to accurately write a review with just the words “READ THIS BOOK!” and until I become a You-Tube sensation for “fangirling” it’s going to be hard to accurately describe my levels of fangirling.  So…. Continue reading →

Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian

Pirate Vishnu by Gigi Pandian- Henery Press

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

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Blackberry Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Blackberry Pie Murder

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.

 

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Out of the Frying Pan by Robin Allen

out of the frying pan

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 →

Something Yellow by Laura Templeton

something yellow 1

Photo Credit: Goodreads

 

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

Something Yellow

Holly has returned to her mountain home in Virgina. It is not a happy return- Holly’s mother is dying and Holly returns to help take care of her in the last months of her life. Holly is upset about her mother, but her life has changed drastically for other reasons, too. Holly has lost her job in Atlanta, she’s put her effort into work and now feels she doesn’t have much to show for all her hard work- no job, no life of her own, and no love life.

Not long after Holly returns to Virginia- a 9 year old girl is reported as missing. Holly has a sense of dread- especially when she finds out that her ex, Houston, is in town. This isn’t the first missing child in Virgina- Holly’s sister, Rachel, has never been found. And Hunter was the last person to see her. Is it just a coincidence that Houston is in town? Or is Houston being in town connected to the missing girl?

Holly, facing her mother’s death, knowing Houston is back in town and the missing girl bringing up memories of Rachel and frustration at never knowing what happened is making Holly reassess life. Reassess why she left and what her next step is. When Holly’s brother comes back- Holly is happy to have the help with their mom. Oliver, though, is distracted at times- and there is a distance between them. Is it a growing apart distance or how siblings relationships are altered after disaster?

Houston proclaims his innocence to Holly- over and over. Should Holly believe him? Has Holly been so blinded by her belief that Houston hurt Rachel that she’s missing the real story?

 

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

I’ll be honest- when Laura Templeton emailed me to ask to consider SOMETHING YELLOW for review, I almost said “no”. My review schedule was stacking up, I had been in a reading slump, and I just wasn’t sure. But, I was intrigued- so I said yes. And I’m glad I did.

SOMETHING YELLOW was not perfect- however, it was a good debut. There was a plot twist that I saw coming and some other small things- some of the story was resolved a bit too easily- however, the whole package was perfectly fine.

For me, I say a definite debut worth reading- Laura Templeton has a flair for words and I’m curious to see her next work.

Enjoyable and interesting- SOMETHING YELLOW encourages you to look beyond appearances and to examine what you want in life.

 

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

 

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes (Adams Grove #3) by Nancy Naigle

wedding cake and big mistakes by nancy naigle adams grove mystery

Photo Credit: Montlake Romance

For years, Carolanne Baxter dreamed of a life beyond Adams Grove. Being the daughter of the town drunk was no picnic, so when college offered her a chance for escape, she took it. Now Carolanne has returned home, finally ready to make amends with her father, Ben, and to celebrate the wedding of her best friends Jill and Garrett. Of course, the fact that Connor Buckham, her sexy new law partner and Garrett’s best man, happens to be the same guy the town matchmaker named as Carolanne’s perfect match…well! That’s just icing on the cake.

But Carolanne’s hopes for a fresh start are dashed when a dead body surfaces during Jill and Garrett’s wedding reception…and Ben Baxter becomes the prime suspect. The murder throws the town into uproar, threatening to destroy the tentative peace between father and daughter–and to derail the budding romance between Carolanne and Connor. Has the matchmaker’s perfect streak come to end? Or will the truth finally bring Carolanne the happy ending she’s dreamed of for so long?

Summary from Goodreads.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

One day, when browsing through Netgalley (ooh, dangerous place!) I found Wedding Cakes and Big Mistakes. The cover and storyline appealed to me- but, but, but…. This was the 3rd book in the series. Honestly, I hate starting a series in the middle- as some series, to connect with characters, you really have to start from the beginning. So, I took a chance- and found myself entertained by the storyline- although, still wishing I had started with the first in the series.

Do you have to start with the first in the series? No. This can be viewed as a stand-alone. But, to appreciate Wedding Cakes and Big Mistakes more- it’s probably best to start from the beginning.

The pros of Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes– this is a small town romance/mystery. The story is sweet and sugary (just how I like) and the town is a great setting. The characters are nice. I daresay that I might would also classify it close to a cozy mystery type read.

The cons of Wedding Cake and Big Mistakes– the story is not perfect. It’s a bit slow at times, for some readers- the lack of a steamy romance would be a con (it’s really not for me, though).

Overall, based on my time in Adams Grove- I would visit again, if I was looking for a sweet romance story to pass an afternoon with.

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

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

T Traveling With T pic sign off

So Tough To Tame by Victoria Dahl

so tough to tame

Photo Credit: Harlequin Books

Tough to tame, but not too tough to love… Charlie Allington is supposed to be on the fast track to the top-a small-town girl who was making it big in her career. Instead, she’s reeling from a scandal that’s pretty much burned all her bridges. Now, out of options, she needs a place to lick her wounds and figure out her future. True, working at a ski resort in rugged Jackson Hole, Wyoming, isn’t her dream job. But if there’s one perk to coming back, it’s a certain sexy hometown boy who knows how to make a girl feel welcome.

Cowboy Walker Pearce never expected a grown-up Charlie to be temptation in tight jeans. She’s smart and successful-way out of league for a man like him. But he’s not about to let that, or his secrets, get in the way of their blazing-hot attraction. Yet when passion turns to something more, will the truth-about both of them-send her out of his life for good…or into his arms forever?

Summary from Goodreads.

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Ahh.. So Tough To Tame is a book that is leaving me conflicted. When I was approved for an e-galley of So Tough To Tame, I had been on a lucky streak with romance books- The Sassy Belles trilogy, Sleigh Belles in the Snow, and A Seaside Christmas (all that I really enjoyed). So, I happily downloaded this book and set about to reading So Tough To Tame. Except, I didn’t quite connect with all the characters. There were a couple who were annoying me (the landlady being one of them!) But I kept on with the book. Then I set it aside for awhile. I picked it back up and was able to enjoy some of the story of Charlie and Walker.

Victoria Dahl is taking a tried and true storyline- secrets and attraction, throwing in 2 people who are damaged, and creating a story that does hit the mark for most romance storylines. Sexy, romance, secrets, good-looking characters- check, check, check, check! However, I can’t say I 100% enjoyed it. Maybe, cowboys aren’t my thing?

If you are looking for a romance to try and like a storyline that has secrets and complicated situations (and a cowboy!), then So Tough To Tame is probably right up your alley!

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

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Murder With Ganache by Lucy Burdette

Murder With Ganache

Photo Credit: Goodreads

 

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

 

Murder With Ganache

Hayley Snow, food critic, maid of honor for her BFF’s Connie upcoming wedding, cupcake maker and referee for her family’s tiffs with one another, has her hands full. Trying to juggle all that is giving Hayley fits and that is before her stepbrother, Rory, turns up missing. Rory left that night to walk Duvall Street a bit and when he never returns, Hayley is mad. Then worried. The next day, when Rory is found- unconscious and beaten- Hayley kows there is trouble. And getting to bottom of trouble happens to be her speciality.

While Rory is in the hospital, Hayley tries to find clues to help piece together the night before. When Hayley finds a dead teenage girl’s body- she gets a sinking feeling. What happened to Rory that night? And how does this girl’s body play into it?

With Haley’s family up in arms over the Rory situation- you’d think Hayley would be relieved that Connie postponed her wedding- nope, not even a bit. Because she can smell a rat and can’t decide how Connie’s father showing up for the wedding festivities might play in the postponement?

And, on the work front, Hayley’s cute boss, Wally, says he supports her and family comes first- but he keeps throwing more work at her while she’s dealing with the other fires. What gives, Wally?

All in all, what’s a girl to do? Why go to her favorite tarot reader, of course. But, when that fails, Hayley finds a new one and gets a whole new look at life. If she can live long enough to enjoy it, that is.

 

Traveling With T’s Thoughts:

Cute. Fun. Love Hayley. The recipes are yummy sounding and the setting of Key West is sublime. There is a good mystery and some sparks of romance to keep this story going. By the end of the story, readers will want to book a flight to Key West to join Hayley for some Café Con Leche and trip to see Hemingway’s cats (which Evinrude does not appreciate!)

If you like cozy mysteries, I highly recommend you discovering the world of Hayley Snow, food critic. If you already are a fan of Hayley’s- you’ll love this!

Now pass me a dessert and find Lorenzo to read my tarot cards while I impatiently await the next Key West Food Critic mystery!

 

*Thanks to Lucy Burdette for sending Traveling With T a copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.

 

Happy Reading and Bookishly Yours,

T @ Traveling With T

 

T Traveling With T pic sign off

Days of Wine and Roquefort by Avery Aames (EWD Blog Tour)

Days of Wine and Roquefort Avery Aames

Photo Credit: Goodreads

 

Today, Traveling With T is a stop on the DAYS OF WINE and ROQUEFORT by Avery Aames blog tour sponsored by Escape With Dollycas. This tour has multiple stops- guest posts & giveaways! There is a big, huge tour-wide giveaway happening (with a great prize- 4 Cheese Shop Mystery Books PLUS the 1st book in the Cookbook Nook series- written by Daryl Wood Gerber, who you know as Avery Aames!)   Continue reading →