DAISIES FOR INNOCENCE
An Enchanted Garden Mystery
Bailey Cattrell
January 2016
ISBN: 978-0-451-47688-3
Obsidian
Mystery
Ellie's life has blossomed in Poppyville, CA, since she opened Scents and Nonsense, a custom made perfume store. Her skills with herbal essences seem almost supernatural. Customers are flocking to her store to buy her wares or to sit in her garden, sip tea, and enjoy the homemade cookies. However, she knows there will be trouble when she finds out her part time assistant, Josie, is dating her ex. Before she can warn the girl, she finds her dead in the Enchanted Garden. Now she is the prime suspect and needs to search for the real culprit in Josie's past. Not an easy feat.
DAISIES FOR INNOCENCE is the first in a new series. It is well written, flows at a steady pace and introduces you to characters that you want as friends. It was easy to become immersed in the story line and to be surprised at the ending. I am eagerly awaiting the next release to this one.
Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 4
Friday, January 22, 2016
NEW MYSTERY FROM KELLY LANE
ONE FOOT IN THE GROVE
An Olive Grove Mystery
Kelly Lane
January 2016
ISBN:978-0-425-27722-5
Berkley
Mystery
After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox decides she needs to head home and regroup. But going home is not easy, people have not forgotten or forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar eighteen years ago. A death on her family's farm soon makes her the lead suspect and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva's old flame Buck. With the police putting the squeeze on her, Eva and her sisters will have to step up to the plate before Eva is the next victim.
ONE FOOT IN THE GROVE is the first in a new series. With a beautiful setting, true small town story line, and strong women as characters, it has all the ingredients of a good mystery. A little slow getting started, the ending makes up for it. I look forward to the next installment.
Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3
An Olive Grove Mystery
Kelly Lane
January 2016
ISBN:978-0-425-27722-5
Berkley
Mystery
After leaving a man at the altar for the second time in her life, Eva Knox decides she needs to head home and regroup. But going home is not easy, people have not forgotten or forgiven her for leaving local boy Buck Tanner at the altar eighteen years ago. A death on her family's farm soon makes her the lead suspect and the sheriff investigating is none other than Eva's old flame Buck. With the police putting the squeeze on her, Eva and her sisters will have to step up to the plate before Eva is the next victim.
ONE FOOT IN THE GROVE is the first in a new series. With a beautiful setting, true small town story line, and strong women as characters, it has all the ingredients of a good mystery. A little slow getting started, the ending makes up for it. I look forward to the next installment.
Reviewed by Kathy Fisher
Rating: 3
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
RETURN TO MUSTANG CREEK
CHRISTMAS IN MUSTANG CREEK
The Brides of Bliss County
Linda Lael Miller
HQN
ISBN: 978-0373779086
October 2015
Contemporary Romance
This latest book in the popular Brides of Bliss County series tells the story of Charlotte Morgan, living in New York City as a successful advertising staffer. Born and raised in Mustang Creek, Wyoming she has worked hard to escape her small town roots. When she finds herself without a job, the hustle and bustle of the big city and the impersonal part of her life are too much and she packs up and goes home.
Charlotte has been raised by her great-aunt Geneva who has moved to assisted living after experiencing memory problems. Her ark of a house is ready for Charlotte and her aunt’s friend, Millicent Klozz, is staying there with Mutley and Can-Can, her aunt’s pets. Mrs. Klozz is a wonderful cook and the descriptions of her baked goods and meals are a bonus of this book
There is one regret that Charlotte has about New York City and it involves a veterinarian, Jaxon Locke, whom she met online. His life was not focused on the city and they break up when he wants to return out west. What Charlotte does not know is that he has tracked her to Mustang Creek and has taken a job with a local vet. When they meet at the local inn, in a snowstorm, Charlotte is immediately suspicious of the handsome and charming Dr. Locke and wonders why he is showing up in her small hometown.
This charming story gets more and more interesting with many interventions from Mrs. Klozz and Aunt Geneva. Jaxon and Charlotte are thrown together constantly in and out of the house. This charming Christmas story is a very satisfying read that catches us up to the “brides” of previous books. No one tells a holiday story quite like Linda Lael Miller and this one will not disappoint. I read this in one sitting!
Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating: 4
The Brides of Bliss County
Linda Lael Miller
HQN
ISBN: 978-0373779086
October 2015
Contemporary Romance
This latest book in the popular Brides of Bliss County series tells the story of Charlotte Morgan, living in New York City as a successful advertising staffer. Born and raised in Mustang Creek, Wyoming she has worked hard to escape her small town roots. When she finds herself without a job, the hustle and bustle of the big city and the impersonal part of her life are too much and she packs up and goes home.
Charlotte has been raised by her great-aunt Geneva who has moved to assisted living after experiencing memory problems. Her ark of a house is ready for Charlotte and her aunt’s friend, Millicent Klozz, is staying there with Mutley and Can-Can, her aunt’s pets. Mrs. Klozz is a wonderful cook and the descriptions of her baked goods and meals are a bonus of this book
There is one regret that Charlotte has about New York City and it involves a veterinarian, Jaxon Locke, whom she met online. His life was not focused on the city and they break up when he wants to return out west. What Charlotte does not know is that he has tracked her to Mustang Creek and has taken a job with a local vet. When they meet at the local inn, in a snowstorm, Charlotte is immediately suspicious of the handsome and charming Dr. Locke and wonders why he is showing up in her small hometown.
This charming story gets more and more interesting with many interventions from Mrs. Klozz and Aunt Geneva. Jaxon and Charlotte are thrown together constantly in and out of the house. This charming Christmas story is a very satisfying read that catches us up to the “brides” of previous books. No one tells a holiday story quite like Linda Lael Miller and this one will not disappoint. I read this in one sitting!
Reviewed by Jeri Neal
Rating: 4
ANOTHER TERRIFIC BOOK BY KRISTAN HIGGINS!
ANYTHING FOR YOU
A Blue Heron Novel
Kristan Higgins
HQN
ISBN: 978-0-373-78908-5
January 2016
Contemporary Romance
The latest in the Blue Heron series gives us Connor O’Rourke’s story. A talented chef and the co-owner of a successful bar and grill with his sister Colleen, Connor has nurtured his love for Jessica Dunn for over ten years. He has had many roadblocks in the relationship, most notably Jessica’s insistence that he really doesn’t love her and their relationship can go nowhere. The book begins with Connor proposing to Jessica and her casual denial, dismissing his serious intent. At least Jessica wants you to think it is casual. Readers soon learn otherwise.
Jessica, who I completely adored, is a complicated young woman. Raised in an affluent town by poor trailer trash severely alcoholic parents, she has been the parent to her younger brother for most of her life. Handicapped and prone to rage, Davey is her complete responsibility. Her mother has died and her father has disappeared, likely lost in his alcoholic misery. Jessica works as a waitress and has managed to rent a small house for herself and Davey. She expects to spend the rest of her life caring for him.
Connor has an unfortunate history with the Dunn family, having been mauled by the family pit bull when he rode his bike by their house. Jessica’s father blamed Connor for the dog being removed by animal control and unfortunately Davey specifically blames Connor. His attempts years later, to woo Davey through cooking and picking out a dog are hilarious and creative.
Swirling around in the book are all the past characters from favorite Blue Heron books including Connor and Colleen’s divorced parents, Colleen and Lucas, the whole family from the vineyard, the Manningsport Animal Shelter, and all the other colorful and zany characters we’ve known and loved.
This story made me laugh and cry and through it all, cheering heartily for the gutsy young woman who is trying so hard to pull herself up from her beginnings. Connor just wants her to believe that he loves her. This all makes for a wonderfully entertaining book filled with humor and proof of the power of love. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
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Reviewed by: Jeri Neal
Rating: 4 1/2
A Blue Heron Novel
Kristan Higgins
HQN
ISBN: 978-0-373-78908-5
January 2016
Contemporary Romance
The latest in the Blue Heron series gives us Connor O’Rourke’s story. A talented chef and the co-owner of a successful bar and grill with his sister Colleen, Connor has nurtured his love for Jessica Dunn for over ten years. He has had many roadblocks in the relationship, most notably Jessica’s insistence that he really doesn’t love her and their relationship can go nowhere. The book begins with Connor proposing to Jessica and her casual denial, dismissing his serious intent. At least Jessica wants you to think it is casual. Readers soon learn otherwise.
Jessica, who I completely adored, is a complicated young woman. Raised in an affluent town by poor trailer trash severely alcoholic parents, she has been the parent to her younger brother for most of her life. Handicapped and prone to rage, Davey is her complete responsibility. Her mother has died and her father has disappeared, likely lost in his alcoholic misery. Jessica works as a waitress and has managed to rent a small house for herself and Davey. She expects to spend the rest of her life caring for him.
Connor has an unfortunate history with the Dunn family, having been mauled by the family pit bull when he rode his bike by their house. Jessica’s father blamed Connor for the dog being removed by animal control and unfortunately Davey specifically blames Connor. His attempts years later, to woo Davey through cooking and picking out a dog are hilarious and creative.
Swirling around in the book are all the past characters from favorite Blue Heron books including Connor and Colleen’s divorced parents, Colleen and Lucas, the whole family from the vineyard, the Manningsport Animal Shelter, and all the other colorful and zany characters we’ve known and loved.
This story made me laugh and cry and through it all, cheering heartily for the gutsy young woman who is trying so hard to pull herself up from her beginnings. Connor just wants her to believe that he loves her. This all makes for a wonderfully entertaining book filled with humor and proof of the power of love. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Hide original message
Reviewed by: Jeri Neal
Rating: 4 1/2
Sunday, January 10, 2016
HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL
Now that The Romance Readers' Connection is back to it's standard Review Postings, you'll see that we have got quite a few reviews to post. We'll be issuing reviews that were delayed because our schedules did not allow us to get them out by the book's release date. You'll see these shortly and I know you'll be wondering why you're seeing reviews from last spring and summer but the intention is to not ignore a review on any book no matter how long it's been in our possession.
For the more recent reviews, you'll just need to scroll beyond this message.
2016 promises to be a wonderful year for us booklovers. January alone has some wonderful releases, the latest Julie Hyzy White House Chef Mystery, Joan Johnston's latest Bitter Creek Novel, and historical romances by author Loretta Chase and Megan Frampton. For those of you following Jennifer Bernard's Love Between The Bases novels there is a new release in that series as well.
We will also at some point address Tiffany Snow's Risky Business books that started in 2015. The latest release in that series is due in stores shortly and I think the story line alone is prompting a lot of discussion. So sit back, relax and experience the winter months in comfort with plenty of great new books to read.
As you can see we will be busy in 2016 so make sure you keep following us.
Until next month,
HAPPY READING!
Livia
Now that The Romance Readers' Connection is back to it's standard Review Postings, you'll see that we have got quite a few reviews to post. We'll be issuing reviews that were delayed because our schedules did not allow us to get them out by the book's release date. You'll see these shortly and I know you'll be wondering why you're seeing reviews from last spring and summer but the intention is to not ignore a review on any book no matter how long it's been in our possession.
For the more recent reviews, you'll just need to scroll beyond this message.
2016 promises to be a wonderful year for us booklovers. January alone has some wonderful releases, the latest Julie Hyzy White House Chef Mystery, Joan Johnston's latest Bitter Creek Novel, and historical romances by author Loretta Chase and Megan Frampton. For those of you following Jennifer Bernard's Love Between The Bases novels there is a new release in that series as well.
We will also at some point address Tiffany Snow's Risky Business books that started in 2015. The latest release in that series is due in stores shortly and I think the story line alone is prompting a lot of discussion. So sit back, relax and experience the winter months in comfort with plenty of great new books to read.
As you can see we will be busy in 2016 so make sure you keep following us.
Until next month,
HAPPY READING!
Livia
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