Thursday, May 30, 2019

Book Review - THE TUSCAN CHILD by Rhys Bowen

Title: The  Tuscan Child
Author: Rhys Bowen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: February 20, 2018


About the Book:
From New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Rhys Bowen comes a haunting novel about a woman who braves her father’s hidden past to discover his secrets…
“Pass the bread, the olives, and the wine. Oh, and a copy of The Tuscan Child to savor with them.” —NPR
In 1944, British bomber pilot Hugo Langley parachuted from his stricken plane into the verdant fields of German-occupied Tuscany. Badly wounded, he found refuge in a ruined monastery and in the arms of Sofia Bartoli. But the love that kindled between them was shaken by an irreversible betrayal.
Nearly thirty years later, Hugo’s estranged daughter, Joanna, has returned home to the English countryside to arrange her father’s funeral. Among his personal effects is an unopened letter addressed to Sofia. In it is a startling revelation.
Still dealing with the emotional wounds of her own personal trauma, Joanna embarks on a healing journey to Tuscany to understand her father’s history—and maybe come to understand herself as well. Joanna soon discovers that some would prefer the past be left undisturbed, but she has come too far to let go of her father’s secrets now… 

My Review:
As I was sitting and planning my trip to Italy, I came across this book that looked quite intriguing. Of course I had to order The Tuscan Child! And I must say that once I started it, I could not put it down.

The story starts out with a British bomber pilot being shot down in Italy in WWII, reading from his perspective, and feeling the anxiety he would have experienced being fearful of being discovered by the German soldiers as he parachuted down. 

Then the story skips back and forth from Hugo Langley in 1944 and his daughter Joanna in 1973. Normally I don't care for stories that skip back and forth in time that way, but Rhys Bowen was masterful in building the mystery and suspense and allowing the reader to find the answers little by little.

The Tuscan Child was one of the better historical fiction books I've read in quite some time.  This author made me feel like I was right there in Tuscany, drinking the wine and tasting the olives.


My Rating:

About the Author:
Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of two historical mystery series as well as the #1Kindle bestseller In Farleigh Field and the international bestseller The Tuscan Child. 

In Farleigh Field was nominated for the Edgar Award, won the Agatha award for best historical mystery as well as the Bruce Alexander Memorial Award.

Rhys was born in Bath, England and educated at London University but now divides her time between California and Arizona. Her books have been nominated for every major mystery award and she has won fourteen of them to date. 

She currently writes two historical mystery series, each very different in tone. The Molly Murphy mysteries feature an Irish immigrant woman in turn-of-the-century New York City. These books are multi-layered, complex stories with a strong sense of time and place and have won many awards including Agatha and Anthony. There are 17 books so far in this series plus three Kindle stories, The Amersham Rubies, Through the Window and The Face in the Mirror--a great way to introduce new readers to Molly's spunky personality.

Then there is Lady Georgie, Rhys's latest,and very popular, heroine. She's 35th in line to the throne of England, but she's flat broke and struggling to survive in the Great Depression. These books are lighter and funnier than Molly's adventures. They poke gentle fun at the British class system--about which Rhys knows a lot, having married into an upper class family rather like Georgie's, with cousins with silly nicknames,family ghosts and stately homes. The twelfth book in the series, Four Funerals and Maybe a Wedding, will be published August 2018. Two books in the series have won the Agatha award for best historical mystery.
The series received the Readers Choice Award for favorite mystery series and Rhys was nominated for career achievement. It was also voted one of Goodreads top 10 cozy mysteries. The books have been translated into many languages and brought Rhys fans from around the world.

Her most recent achievement has been the big World War 2 stand-alone novels, In Farleigh Field and The Tuscan Child. They have enjoyed impressive sales world-wide and brought Rhys many new readers.

As a child Rhys spent time with relatives in Wales. Those childhood experiences colored her first mystery series, about Constable Evans in the mountains of Snowdonia. 10 books including the Edgar nominee Evan's Gate. She has lived in Austria, Germany and Australia, but has called California her home for many years. She now escapes to a condo in Arizona during those cold California winters. When she's not writing she loves to travel, sing, hike, paint and play the Celtic harp.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Book Review - CAPTURING CARA by S E Smith

Title: Capturing Cara - Book 2 of Dragon Lords of Valdier
Author: S E Smith
Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy
Publisher: Montana Publishing
Release Date: April 26, 2012


About the Book:

Cara Truman is a pint-size pistol whose inquisitive nature has gotten her into trouble on more than one occasion, but this adventure took her farther than she ever expected – on a journey out of this world!

Trelon Reykill thought he had his hands full. A militant group of Curizans had captured his brother Zoran, and he was busy trying to fortify the Valdier defenses against the Sarafin Warriors, even as his dragon was roaring for him to find a mate. He was furious about the first, excited about the second, and pissed about the last. The last thing he expected to find on the primitive planet his brother has taken refuge on was his true mate. 

Now, he has a whole new set of problems… capturing Cara long enough to make her his. His symbiot loves her, his dragon wants her, and he can’t catch her. On top of all that, someone is trying to kill her. 

Internationally acclaimed S.E. Smith presents a new action-packed story full of romance and adventure. Brimming with her signature humor, vivid landscapes, and beloved characters, this book is sure to be another fan favorite!

Please be advised this book contains graphic content.
Buy Links: Amazon 


My Review:

This was such a fun book! After reading Abducting Abby, Book 1 of this series, I knew I had to read more. Again, although I started reading the paperback book, I went ahead and purchased the audio version as well. The humor and fantasy made my long drive so much more fun while listening to this book.  I highly recommend the Audible version.

Cara is an energetic, fiesty, inquisitive, brilliant little gal who can certainly put a dominating Dragon Lord in his place!  I loved her character!

Although a bit of the first book is recapped from Cara's perspective, I still strongly advise that you read Book 1 before reading this one. As for me, I'm off to find Book 3 of this series!!

Note:  I met the author, Susan Smith, at the Coastal Magic Book Convention back in February. What a delightful lady and a fabulous story-teller!! She gifted me the paperback book and autographed it for me, something I will treasure for years to come.  


My Rating:

About the Author:
Don't miss out on free ebooks and Audiobooks by visiting http://sesmithfl.com! 

~The true magic of a story is one that gives you the power to believe that you are in control of your destiny. ~ S.E. Smith

The biggest responses from readers are how much they enjoy rereading my stories and the connection they have with the characters. Family, friends, loyalty, and true romance wrapped in vivid, believable worlds create stories you can connect with and leave you feeling empowered! If you are looking for a new type of reading experience, step into the Worlds of S.E. Smith and discover the magic!

S.E. Smith is a New York Times, USA TODAY, International and Award-winning Bestselling author of Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Western Time Travel, and Paranormal Romance. Her addictive story lines bring action, adventure, and suspense-filled tales mixed with humor and romance to readers around the world. 

She has also written emotionally charged, action-packed stories for Young Adults and children that will take them on a journey they will never forget. Her stories cross a variety of genres and she is proud to share these amazing adventures with readers. 

S.E. Smith Awards

New York Times Bestselling Author https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2015/04/19/e-book-fiction
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
International and Award winning Bestselling Author
2017 Library Journal Best Book Top 5 Pick
2016/2017 Wishing Shelf Book Award Winner and Finalist for Young Adult
2016 Library Journal Best Book Top 5 Pick
2016 SFR Galaxy Award Winner for Best Antho and Best Menagerie Scifi 
2014 & 2015 RomCon Reader Crown Award Winner
Indie Reader Top 10 Author
2014 International TKH Science Fiction Writer of the Year Award Winner
2014 SFR Galaxy Award Winner Best New SFR Series
2014 IRC Nominated Best Author


Author's Note: For those who wonder, I did not write "Phoenix". I hope this doesn't cause too much confusion! Thank you, (the other)~S.E. Smith~

Friday, May 24, 2019

Audio Book Review - THE MYSTERY OF ALICE by Lee Bacon

Title: The Mystery of Alice 
Author: Lee Bacon
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery
Narrators: Bryan KennedyJessica AlmasyJosh Hurley,Cassandra MorrisLibby McKnightEmily BauerMichael Crouch
Release Date: May 2, 2019


About the Book:
An enthralling and inventive thriller, only on Audible

Thirteen-year-old Emily Poe has been given the opportunity of a lifetime: A chance to attend the exclusive Audyn School in Manhattan. But to win the scholarship, she has to pass a test like nothing she’s ever experienced before: A nearly bare room, a set of strange clues, a locked door. And a mysterious organization - the Leopold Foundation - that’s watching her every move.

But the real test has just begun. Despite the strange circumstances - in a new house, at a new school - Emily instantly bonds with fellow scholarship winner Alice Wray. 

And then Alice goes missing. 

Chronicling every surprising twist and turn of her search through her own private video diary, Emily sets out to find the truth behind Alice’s disappearance. Soon she’s drawn deep into the inner circle of the Audyn School’s elite, the Nobility, who each have secrets of their own. As clues and lies mount, Emily must sort truth from fiction to solve the Mystery of Alice before it’s too late. 

My Review:
This was one of those free books you receive as a member of Audible, so my expectations were not high.  Also, this story was about a 13-year-old girl. Ugh.  As you know, I'm not particularly fond of 13-year-old girls and rarely review books about 13-year-old girls. Too much teenage drama.

Surprisingly, I was quite entertained by this unique audible book, although there was a bit of teenage drama I needed to suffer through. I found the new made-up words created by Emily to be rather fun and interesting. 

The entire story was a series of diary notes recorded by the main character, Emily. The various narrator's, especially the voice of Emily, were awesome. The entire book can be listened to in six hours and twenty four minutes.  

My Rating:

About the Author:
Lee Bacon is the author of several books for young people, including the JOSHUA DREAD and LEGENDTOPIA series, as well as the bestselling Audible Original audio story THE MYSTERY OF ALICE. His upcoming novel THE LAST HUMAN is being developed as a major motion picture from Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) and Sony Pictures. His books have been translated into twenty languages. To find out more, check out his website: www.leebaconbooks.com.

Monday, May 13, 2019

Book Blitz & Giveaway - TIMELESS SKY by Paulina Ulrich


Timeless Sky
Paulina Ulrich
(Flightless Bird #4)
Publication date: May 15th 2019
Genres: Romance, Time-Travel, Young Adult
When it all ends…
In the tumultuous world of time travel, Livy does her best to adjust to her new life and abilities. Livy and Gregory’s shared dreams have them searching for clues to piece together their lives. In time though, Livy discovers that her lifeline to Gregory isn’t as strong as she thought and she now faces an even worse fate. A voice only she can hear has started to follow her and one mistake could keep her locked permanently in the past.
When people close to her begin to disappear, she and Gregory are compelled to join forces with any allies they have left. With Amelia on the path of revenge, the Society of Seven on the brink, and Damon still missing, the lives of those around them are in jeopardy and not all will survive.
Time is running out. How long will forever last?
Previous books in the series:
EXCERPT:
I took a drink of my water, watching him over the rim of the glass. “Any other theories we have to test?” I set my glass in the sink but something else was already on my mind and it had nothing to do with theories.
“Hmm…nothing comes to mind immediately.” Gregory scratched his chin, faint stubble was starting to appear.
“Good.” I reached up and kissed him, not wanting to feel anything but him. Gregory seemed surprised but I felt his arms squeeze me against his chest. He pulled away, but I was having none of it and with my fingers tethered in his hair, I yanked his mouth back to mine, kissing him earnestly. I made sure my body pressed against every lining of his, pushing against him and making him stumble backwards.


Author Bio:
Paulina Ulrich: author, book nerd, & crazy cat lady received her BA in Creative Writing and is the author of the young adult Flightless Bird series, the award nominated young adult Fighting Fate series, and many more stories to come. She also writes nonfiction and has been published in various literary magazines. When she's not writing, reading, drinking copious amounts of tea, or doing author-y stuff, she's out buying way too many cute shoes. Stay up to date with her at www.paulinaulrich.com

XBTBanner1

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Book Blitz & Giveaway - WINGING IT by Lisa Gail Green


Winging It
Lisa Gail Green
(Destiny Rules, #1)
Publication date: March 30th 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Sixteen-year-old Zach discovers his mom is a fairy godmother. But what’s really freaking him out is the fact that he’s a fairy too. Now that his mom’s been injured, he must finish her assignments before the next full moon or they’re both grounded, meaning no wings, no wands, and no position in the Organization of Destiny Fulfillment (ODF). Sure it would suck to lose his newfound powers, but Zach quickly learns there’s far more at stake. Failure also means messing up the lives of the people he’s supposed to help.
Forever.
Between a fairy-trainee who happens to be the girl he’s been in love with since fifth grade, a boss he doesn’t trust, and a gremlin physics teacher that wants to eat him, Zach’s pretty sure even a magic wand can’t bail him out.
Winging It has been a featured book on WATTPAD and here are just a few of the comments from readers:
“ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! BRAVO BRAVO! I sincerely, really loved this book. What was funny is I went out on a wing from werewolf and tried out fantasy and I love it. Your book inspires me to read more fantasy. Excellent story telling.”
“Amazing, absolutely amazing. What a beautiful ending.”
“I love this ending! It leaves just enough loose ends that imagination can fill in the gaps. Whatever happens next, I’m glad I somehow found this amazing book!”
“This was one of the best books I’ve ever read please make a sequel!!”
“I really enjoyed the book! And i spent like two whole days reading it.. i couldnt put it down at all XD
And like everyone else if like to read a sequel… soo….SEQUEL!!”
EXCERPT:
Slipping in a puddle under the broken water fountain should teach me to stop gawking at Jenna Macintyre, but I know it won’t. I fell for her when we were ten, and in the six years since, I’ve continued to fall. And stutter. And make an ass out of myself in general.
“Good one, Zachy,” she says, leaning down so that her golden hair swings in my face. She flicks my shoulder, sending shivers down all my nerve endings, straightens up, and heads off toward whatever her next class is. If I had any guts at all I’d call her on all the humiliating things she’s ever said to me, but I don’t. Instead, I wonder if she moves that way on purpose.
Her gaggle of wannabes follow in her wake, blocking the view. Their laughter bounces back down the hall even after I hear the door close behind them.
It’s only after the final bell rings that I realize I should probably breathe if I want to avoid passing out and drowning in an inch of water. So, I shake myself and stand up, leaning on Emmet. I almost forgot he was there. I groan when I feel the heavy material of my soaked jeans clinging to my legs. Nice.
“Loitering now I see, Mr. Slater.” My sixth period Physics teacher’s voice nearly makes me slip again.
“But-” I start.
“Save it for someone who cares. Get to your next class or I’ll be happy to send you to detention.” Mr. Crown slides his Coke bottle glasses up the bridge of his nose and curls his thin upper lip in distaste.
“I had an accident,” I say in a rush.
He raises his eyebrows, taking in my pants, and heat floods my face.
“Not that kind of accident. I slipped in the hall because of the broken fountain.” I ought to threaten to sue.
“That’s what happens when you run in the hallways.”
Is he serious? I draw my hands down over my face, trying to collect myself. “Fine. I’m going,” I say, slinging my backpack over my shoulder.
“Watch that attitude.” He slams the door to his room, and I flip him off before turning back to Emmet, the only other person left in the now deserted hall.
“Take good notes,” I say. “I’m out of here.”
“Thank God,” Emmet says. “I thought you were going to actually go to class like that for a minute.”


Author Bio:
Lisa Gail Green writes paranormal and fantasy because she loves to bring life to the stories in her head. WINGING IT, Book 1 of her new YA fantasy series, Destiny Rules, is NOW available. Sign up for her newsletter for more deals and info at LisaGailGreen.com. Oh -- and she would most definitely have a werewolf for a pet if she weren't allergic.

XBTBanner1

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Book Review - WHEN WE TOUCH by Brenda Novak

Title: When We Touch (Whiskey Creek - Prequel)
Author: Brenda Novak
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: August 1, 2012


About the Book:
You're invited to a wedding in Whiskey Creek, Heart of the Gold Country

Unfortunately, it's the wrong wedding. Olivia Arnold is arranging the festivities—and it's the hardest thing she's ever done. Because sheshould be marrying Kyle Houseman. They were together for more than a year…. But her jealous sister, Noelle, stole him away—and now she's pregnant.

All their friends in Whiskey Creek know as well as Olivia does that Kyle's making a mistake. His stepbrother, Brandon, knows it, too. But Kyle's determined to go through with it, for his child's sake.

Olivia's devastated, but surprisingly Brandon—the black sheep of the family—is there to provide comfort and consolation. The intensity between them, both physical and emotional, shows Olivia that maybe Kyle wasn't the right man for her….

But is Brandon?
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36687436-face-off
Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:
My granddaughter is getting married in a few days.  So, naturally, I have been gravitating toward books that involve weddings.  And what could be better than a book about weddings from one of my favorite authors, Brenda Novak!!

As interesting as this storyline was, I am so glad my granddaughter's wedding will be nothing like the one portrayed in When We Touch. No, no, no!

This was a prequel to the Whiskey Creek series and it was quite the introduction.  With only around 110 pages, it was a quick read, but packed with a story that made your eyes go wide and your heart go thumpity thump!  Great story, but way too short.  I guess I'll need to read more from this series to get my fill!

My Rating:

About the Author:
It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak's career as a bestselling author--she caught her day-care provider drugging her children with cough syrup to get them to sleep all day. That was when Brenda decided she needed to quit her job as a loan officer and help make a living from home.

"When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book," Brenda says. But she sold that book, and the rest is history. Her novels have made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and won many awards, including five Rita nominations, the Book Buyer's Best, the Book Seller's Best and the National Reader's Choice Award.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are proud parents of five children--three girls and two boys. When she's not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising funds for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). So far, Brenda has raised $2.6 million. Please visit http://www.brendanovakforthecure.org to see how you can help.

Monday, May 6, 2019

Book Blitz & Giveaway - THE REVENGE PLAN by Linda Kage


The Revenge Plan
Linda Kage
Publication date: April 29th 2019
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
After I caught my boyfriend cheating, I tried to be mature about it with an amicable split. But he took his retaliation too far, and I have officially had enough. No more Miss Nice Haven.
No one is allowed to lie to me, betray, embarrass, and devastate me, fill me with self-doubt, or put my future at risk, and expect to get away with it. He is going to feel my wrath.
Enter Wick Webster, his archenemy.
Nothing would provoke my ex more than to see me moving on with the one guy he hates most, so that’s exactly what I plan to do.
The only hitch in my brilliant scheme is Wick himself. He’s just gotta be all love-not-war and peace-is-the-only-way. He’s more concerned about helping me heal than seeking my sweet revenge.
And what the hell is it about his soothing presence and yummy looks that calls to me until I forget how much pain I’m in? He’s making it awfully hard to use and abuse him for my malicious means. The damn guy is making me fall for him.
EXCERPT:
“You guys are totally off your rockers. I am not having sex with anyone just to get back at Topher. To me, that’d be like drinking poison and expecting him to die from it.”
Bentley gasped, affronted, and pressed a hand to her chest. “Sex isn’t poison.”
I rolled my eyes because SHE hadn’t been cheated on recently.
“Seriously,” Teagan went on. “Sex can be good for you. It’s actually the number one reliever in vaginal atrophy.”
I blinked. “In…what?”
“Inflammation, dryness, and thinning of the vaginal walls.”
“Huh?” I furrowed my brow, wondering how I’d landed myself in a sex-education class.
“You must massage the tissue down there, exercise it regularly and get the blood flowing so it remains healthy and elastic. Otherwise, it’s going to dry out like an unused rubber band and crumble apart.” She balled her hand into a fist as if wadding up something. “Just a brittle piece of hopelessness.”
Ouch.
Why did I suddenly want to wince and protectively cover my hoo-ha with both of my hands? Seriously, I’d just found an old rubber band last week. It had dried up and fallen to pieces as soon as I had picked it up.
Lord, I didn’t want my vagina to crumble apart like that.
But then Bella—bless her soul—rolled her eyes and muttered, “Oh, whatever. She doesn’t need a man to get the blood flowing down there. My faithful BOB has kept me more satisfied and elasticized than any human douche ever could.”
Teagan merely shrugged. “It’s more fun with a real penis though. Just saying.”
“Wow,” Lucy murmured, shaking her head. “JB must have some kind of magical cock to make you talk this way because, before him, you were all like, eww, men are so overrated. Sex is gross. Keep it away from me.”
Lifting her chin, Teagan sniffed proudly and rubbed her swollen belly. “He does. It even sparkles in the sunlight.”
“Ack,” I cried, covering my ears with my hands. “It is so impossible to think of JB that way. He’s like a cousin to me, T.”
“You know, you don’t actually have to have sex with anyone,” Bentley spoke up, making me glance at her in confusion. “You just have to make Topher believe you did.”
“Or…” Bella countered. “As much of a showboat as Topher is, the best way to get back at him would be to just move on and be happy. I have a feeling him seeing you moving on without him might drive him crazier than anything.”


Author Bio:
Linda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy. Most Kage stories lean more toward the lighter, sillier side with a couple meaningful moments thrown in. Focuses more on entertainment value and emotional impact.
Published since 2010. Went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children's literature from The Institute of Children's Literature. Then graduated with a Bachelors in Arts, English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
Now she lives with hubby, two daughters, cat Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas, USA. Farm girl. Parents were dairy farmers. Was youngest of eight. Big family. Day job as a cataloging library assistant.
Harry Potter House Gryffindor, Patronus White Stallion, character match Hagrid. Supernatural Team Dean. Game of Thrones Team Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. The Walking Dead Team Daryl. Outlander Team Jamie Fraser. Teen Wolf Team Stiles. Avenger Team Thor...or Hulk (can't decide). Justice League Team Flash. Arrow Team Stephen Amell. Stranger Things obsessed. Heard Laurel, not Yanny.
Started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club. Then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now all over the place with her romance reading tastes.

XBTBanner1

Sunday, May 5, 2019

RAMBLINGS & RECIPES - Bachelorette Party with Grandma?

Okay.  I was just as shocked as you!  I mean, who invites their grandmother to a bachelorette party?  Well, my granddaughter did!  I guess that makes me officially a "cool grandmother".

Actually, Jen didn't want anything too wild. She and her hubby-to-be have been together for four years and she had no real interest in oogling half naked men... although this grandma may have been interested in that (I didn't really type that, did I?)

Jen's mom (my daughter Tracy), Jen and Whitney (the maid-of-honor) arrived Friday late afternoon at Jamie's house and we all went to Outback for dinner. Jen was decked out in her banner ribbon that said "Bride-to-be", her tiara and bridal veil.  Great evening! We came back to the house where I had champagne jello shots waiting. And of course there were a few vodka/pickle shots too.

The next morning we were up and ready to go to Walt Disney World's Epcot. We worked our way around the different countries, having a bite here and a drink there. 

It was a fun day. Extremely hot, but fun.  We celebrated Cinco de Mayo a few days early by starting out our adventure in the World Showcase... in Mexico.  With margarita's. 

After that, we hit the rest of the world. We had a great time. If you haven't been there, be sure to put it on your bucket list!


Cinco de Mayo
Classic Margarita

Ingredients:

lime wedges, for garnish
1/4 c. 
kosher salt or coarse sea salt, for rim
4 oz. 
tequila
2 oz. 
triple sec
1 1/2 oz. 
freshly squeezed lime juice

Ice



Directions:
Place salt on small shallow plate. Rim two glasses with lime wedge, then dip in salt to coat rim.
Divide tequila, triple sec, and lime juice between 2 glasses and stir to combine. Top with ice, garnish with lime, and serve.






Saturday, May 4, 2019

Book Review - THAT MONTH IN TUSCANY by Inglath Cooper

Title:  That Month in Tuscany
Author:  Inglath Cooper
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Publisher:  Fence Free Entertainment LLC
Release Date:  October 15, 2016


About the Book:

Bestselling, RITA  Award Winning author Inglath Cooper writes you the perfect excuse to put down the to do list and get lost in a trip to Tuscany with resigned-to-her-life housewife Lizzy Harper and burnt-out rock star Ren Sawyer. . .

If you had told me I would be heading off to Italy to celebrate my twenty-year anniversary without my workaholic husband, or that I would end up getting drunk on the plane ride over and falling on the lap of the rock star my daughter has a poster of hanging in her dorm room, I would have said oh, sure, right.

But, well, that is exactly what happened. And when we run into each other outside my hotel in Florence, and he asks if I would mind if he followed me around the Italian countryside for a while, what can I say? I can hardly believe it myself. I mean my own husband has barely noticed me for years. What on earth could I possibly have to offer Ren Sawyer?

The truth is I have no idea. But I'm pretty sure I want to find out.
Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes&Noble

My Review:

As I was getting ready for my own Anniversary trip to Italy, I thought this might be an interesting read. And it was. I loved the descriptions of the various places, the food and the people. And oh my! The story was quite entertaining! Not very believable, but extremely entertaining. That's what my book-escapes are all about. Escaping from reality for a bit and being entertained by the fantasy world of whatever book I'm reading. 

I loved how Inglath Cooper brought these characters out to discover what was truly important in their lives and how Lizzie lived her life as a doormat, but managed eventually to pull that rug out from under her philandering husband!

Thank you Inglath Cooper for making me smile!

My Rating:

About the Author:
Inglath Cooper is a bestselling, RITA® Award-winning author of hard to put down books for lovers of contemporary romance and women's fiction.

"I first fell in love with reading as a little girl, devouring most of the books in my elementary school library. At some point, I decided I wanted to pursue a writing career, creating romance fiction that might do for others what my favorite books did for me. I love character-driven books that leave me feeling as if I've really known these people and make me wish I didn't have to turn the last page."

"Romance fiction has always appealed to me because it deals with so many of the relationships in a woman's life. Not only the love of her life, but often her relationship with her mother, sister or best friend. Romance authors have so much room to explore many of the meaningful moments and transitions in women's lives. And who doesn't love a good love story?"

When aspiring writers ask her how to be an author, she says, "Everything I know about writing books I learned from reading books."

Outside of writing, Inglath is actively involved in dog rescue, working with The Franklin County Humane Society to place dogs and cats in need of rehoming. She has volunteered her time in every capacity possible: serving on the Board of Directors, fundraising, photographing dogs and cats available for adoption and serving as a foster home. "Helping an abused or neglected dog go on to have a wonderful life with a family who loves them is more rewarding than I can possibly say."

Visit her website at: www.inglathcooper.com

Follow her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/inglathcooperbooks. She loves to engage with readers there.

Friday, May 3, 2019

Book Review - SECOND GRAVE ON THE LEFT by Darynda Jones

Title:  Second Grave on the Left (Charley Davidson, Book 2)
Author:  Darynda Jones
Genre:  Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Release Date:  August 16, 2011


About the Book:


Second in the Darynda Jones' award-winning paranormal series that's "hilarious and heartfelt, sexy and surprising." (J.R. Ward)
When Charley Davidson and Cookie (her best friend/receptionist) have to track down a missing woman, the case is not quite as open and shut as they anticipate. A friend of Cookie's named Mimi disappeared five days earlier. This friend then sends Cookie a cryptic message telling them to meet her at a nearby coffee shop. The coffee is brewing, but Mimi's still missing. There is, however, a clue left on the bathroom wall: a woman's name, scribbled by Mimi. Mimi's husband explains that his wife had been acting strange since she found out an old friend of hers from high school had been murdered a couple weeks prior. The same woman Mimi had named in her message. 
Meanwhile, Reyes Alexander Farrow (otherwise known as the Son of Satan. Yes. Literally) has left his corporeal body and is haunting Charley. He's left his body because he's being tortured by demons who want to lure Charley closer. But Reyes can't let that happen. Because if the demons get to Charley, they'll have a portal to heaven. And if they have a portal to heaven…well, let's just say it wouldn't be pretty. Can Charley handle hot nights with Reyes and even hotter days tracking down a missing woman? Can she keep those she loves out of harm's way? And is there enough coffee and chocolate in the world to fuel her as she does?
Here is your signpost for the most hilarious read of the summer: Second Grave On The Left.
Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:
After reading her first book in this series, I could not wait to read more! I downloaded the Audible version in preparation of a road trip I was getting ready to take.  Loved it!!

Charley Davidson is just as snarky, sassy and tough in this book as she was in Book 1! Fabulous character, but how could she not be? She sees dead people. I absolutely love this character!  There was not as much of the heat we saw in Book 1, but Reyes was somewhat occupied throughout most of this book... fighting demons in order to protect Charley and the rest of the world.  But we did get just as much humor.

Darynda Jones has created a series that is totally entertaining! Great writing, great characters, great storyline! I can't wait to read more from this author.

My Rating: 

About the Author:
NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious RITA, a Golden Heart, and a Daphne du Maurier, and her books have been translated into 18 languages. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that legacy. She currently has two series with St. Martin's Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. 

 

The Novel Lady Published @ 2014 by Ipietoon