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Christmas in July: A few short wintery reviews for you. A Winter Warmer at the Little Cornish Kitchen and Mistletoe and Mulled Wine at the Christmas Campervan

339 pages One More Chapter publisher September 30, 2022 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

St Aidan: a cosy Cornish village where friendships are made for life and it’s always cocktail hour somewhere…

A clean slate in the world’s cosiest cottage by the sea…

When Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson, arrive in St Aidan to take on a cottage renovation, it’s the fresh start they both so desperately need. But when their new adventure begins with them unintentionally breaking into their neighbour, Ollie Lancaster’s cottage – thinking it’s their new home – and Gwen accidentally flashing the gorgeous Ollie before they flee, the life-long friends realise that life in Cornwall is going to be anything but quiet!

They also quickly discover that they’re in over their heads and it’s going to take a village to turn their cottage’s narrow walls into the luxurious hideaway of their dreams. St Aidan is full of colourful characters just waiting to welcome them, if only Gwen and Ella can find the courage to start leaving the past behind them…

MY THOUGHTS

A Winter Warmer has all the good feels you need with characters from previous books in this series. It’s a true delight to do a catch up with the characters and I’m delighted that the characters have such heartwarming news to share.

This is Gwen Starkey and her best friend, Ella Simpson’s story. They need a reset; life has been rough recently. A trip to St Aidan is just what these best friends need. An awkward and embarrassing meeting with their neighbor Ollie Lancaster has Gwen sure she needs to avoid Ollie for life.

As I was reading this sweet and emotional rom com I was invested in the characters well-being. Gwen and Ollie both are hurting and broken though they may not always show it on the outside they’ve both gone through similar circumstances and need to heal.

As they start to heal will their relationship stay the same or fall part as they’re not the same people they were when they first met. A moving read, I felt empathy for the characters as they explore happiness for the first time in a while with each other.

Upbeat and inspiring!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR


I write fun, flirty fiction, with feisty heroines, and lots of heart.

Writing is fab, because I get to wear pretty shoes instead of wellies. I live in a cottage up a mountain road in Derbyshire, where my family and pets are kind enough to ignore the domestic chaos. Happily, we’re in walking distance of a supermarket. I love hearts, flowers, happy endings, all things vintage, most things french. When I’m not on facebook, and can’t find an excuse for shopping, I’ll be walking, or gardening. On days when I want to be really scared, I ride a tandem.

340 pages One More Chapter publisher October 13, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The gorgeously romantic new novel in the ‘Cosy Campervan series’ – next stop: Christmas markets, mince pies and kisses under the mistletoe!

Christmas feels like a real gift for Lucy this year. Her cosy coastal cottage is starting to feel like home, her new pizza business is getting the locals ‘All Fired Up’, and she can’t wait to spend it with her new flame Jack, the charismatic owner of the Cocktail Campervan.

Winding along the snow-dusted Northumberland coast for a whirlwind of Christmas markets and celebrations, Lucy and Jack can’t resist stealing a few kisses under the mistletoe. But there’s a twist in their romantic tale when Lucy’s ex turns up in the village. As her past closes in, Jack becomes increasingly distant. And Lucy worries he’s holding back a few secrets of his own . . .

Will Christmas bring a cold spell for Lucy and Jack? Or could it really be the most wonderful time of the year?

MY THOUGHTS

The author writes such cozy and charming books. This rom com featured couple Lucy and Jack. Lucy has a new pizza business, and the locals are just gobbling it up. Business is booming. Jack is the owner of the new Cocktail Campervan.

As the snow falls, and the village gets that soft, glowing romantic look romance is also on the minds of Lucy and Jack as they steal a few kisses under the mistletoe.

What will Jack think when Luvy’s ex shows up and they seem to be spending time together? A gem of a Christmas feel good story. Hot chocolate with marshmallows and a cat to snuggle makes this a delightful day long read perfect for fireside reading.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.


THE AUTHOR


Family, friends, food, a glass of bubbly and, of course, a good book make me smile. I love writing emotional stories about love, loss, and family, that explore how complex and yet beautiful love can be. I also like to write romantic comedy, letting the characters have a bit of flirty fun too! I believe in following your dreams and working hard towards them, which led me to HarperImpulse (HarperCollins) and a publishing deal (woop!) after many years of writing. Stunning Northumberland is my home – sandy beaches, castles and gorgeous countryside that have inspired my writing.

Find me on Twitter: @_caroroberts

and Facebook: www/facebook.com/CarolineRobertsAuthor

I hope you’re having a marvelous day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Mary’s Calico Hope (The Heart of the Amish)

258 pages Barbour fiction June 1,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mary Yoder Is Content Despite Challenges Thrown Her Way
 
Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.
 
If God wills it, Mary Yoder will do it, even if that means using crutches for the rest of her life. She was badly injured in a buggy accident as a child. Still, she is content living in the Dawdi Haus connected to her parents’ farmhouse and with her work weaving baskets and raising specialty roosters whose feathers she uses to make excellent trout lures. She is truly happy at twenty-nine, but. . .she wouldn’t mind finding a husband—if the Lord wills it. Along comes Reuben King, a Mennonite doctor. They are attracted to one another, but how could they ever be together? She’s a baptized Amish woman, so it seems impossible. Also, he wants her to have surgery to improve her mobility and lessen her day-to-day pain. She’s sick and tired of surgeries! But if God wills it, she’ll do it. And just maybe there will be a way for these two unlikely souls to connect.

The Heart of the Amish Series Also Includes:
The Flower Quilterby Mindy Steele
Ruth’s Ginger Snap Surprise by Anne Blackburne
The Quilt Room Secret by Lisa Jones Baker
Courting the Amish Bishop by Mindy Steele

MY THOUGHTS

Anne Blackburne is still a fairly new to me author as this is only the second book, I’ve read of hers. This is a sweet clean Amish romance.

Mary Yoder was injured in a buggy accident as a child and her father passed away in this accident. Despite having many surgeries, she still has limited mobility. Recovery from the surgeries takes a long time and despite the surgeries she still has a lot of pain.

She helps out on her family’s farm by raising specialty chickens and weaving baskets. Longing to be like the other women in her community and marry and have children she dares not to think about it too long, surely no one will want her as she is. As she and a Mennonite doctor in her community who’s taken over the retiring doctor’s office spend time together, she dares to dream of a future as a woman in love.

Dare she dream of better mobility when the doctor suggests a new surgical method that may improve her legs? Mary really has a lot of pros and cons to weigh and so many decisions to make. With the help of her mother and the community she’ll do what she feels is best for her.

This was a sweet and emotional book where Mary’s character just comes alive under the encouragement of the new doctor as we find he is interested in her for herself and not as a patient. An upbeat and uplifting story.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Anne Blackburne lives and works in Southeast Ohio as a newspaper editor and writer. She is the mother of five grown children, has one wonderful grandchild, and a spoiled poodle named Millie. For fun, when she isn’t working on Amish romance or sweet mysteries, Anne directs and acts in community theater productions and writes and directs original plays. She also enjoys reading, kayaking, swimming, searching for beach glass, and just sitting with a cup of coffee looking at large bodies of water. Her idea of the perfect vacation is cruising and seeing amazing new places with people she loves.

Thanks for stopping in. Give a smile away today, it’s free.

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Happy publication day and Blog tour for Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock by Hannah Lynn

ABOUT THE BOOK

Blue Skies Over Wildflower Lock

There may be trouble ahead…

Just when Daisy thought she had canal life understood, Theo, her primary go-to for all of her boating questions has left Wildflower Lock, not to mention the budding romance that has been steadily growing.

Not one to sit and wallow, Daisy takes matters into her own hands. Who said long-distance relationships can’t work?

With the help of trusted friend Yvonne, Daisy takes the September Rose on a round trip to surprise her new boyfriend. The best thing about a home on the water? You can go anywhere!

But perhaps leaving the serenity of Wildflower Lock wasn’t the best idea. Daisy hates keeping secrets from Theo, and she’s not the only one…

Full of fun, friendship, laughter and sweet romance, Blue Skies over Wildflower Lock will delight readers who love Cressida McLaughlin, Heidi Swain and Holly Martin.

MY THOUGHTS

With such cute and stunning covers, I’m always drawn to this author’s books. The characters are so relatable, you feel like they could be friends and you’d love to share in their happiness.

The setting is so charming. I mean who wouldn’t want to frequent a coffee shop on a boat? Daisy’s home is a houseboat, and her coffee shop is there too. How lovely is that? Daisy is in a new relationship and really wants this to work out. Trouble is, it’s a long-distance relationship.

With Daisy putting in long hours in her coffee shop serving customers and baking goodies and her new man working his job them seeing each other frequently just isn’t happening. This is when Daisy gets the brilliant idea to travel on her boat, September Rose to visit him. She has her trusty guide, an elderly woman who’s navigated these waters many times and who was a friend of her mom to guide her.

Full of love, laughter, romance, fun chats, this is my favorite book this Summer. The adventures these ladies went on with this houseboat traveling coffee shop were marvelous.

The people they met, and the charming dog added so much fun to the story. Through this trip Daisy discovers so much about herself and her family she hadn’t know. A true gem that I highly recommend you zip right to the top of your summer reading list.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/blueskiessocial

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist. With over 20 publications spanning a number of genres and translated into half a dozen languages, Hannah has proven herself to be both an accomplished and prolific author. Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and horde of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynnAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlynnwrites/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/HannahLynnNews

Bookbub profile: Hannah Lynn Books – BookBub

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Happy Publication day and Blog tour for Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm by Della Galton

ABOUT THE BOOK

Happy Ever After at Puddleduck Farm

When life throws up the unexpected, can Phoebe hold strong?

In the idyllic setting of the New Forest, talented vet Phoebe Dashwood envisions a picturesque life alongside her beloved fiancé. However, the course of true love is fraught with unexpected hurdles.

Career wise, Phoebe encounters a goat who is seemingly experiencing a phantom pregnancy, and a highly-strung talking parrot who pushes her professionalism to the limits.

Things take an unexpected turn for the worse when Phoebe is confronted with a glamorous love rival, and a surprise Valentine’s Day ‘date’ to see a financial advisor! Can things get any worse?

When tragedy strikes Phoebe realises that nothing in life should be taken for granted and fears she will lose everything she holds dear.

Whilst her friends find their own happy endings, Phoebe is beset with doubts that she and Sam will ever find theirs. Is love enough to carry them into the future they deserve?

MY THOUGHTS

I am always so excited to see another installment in the Puddleduck Farm series and I’ve read them all plus other books by the author. I read some books that have a heavier subject matter, and this is always such a comfort read series.

After having read the other books in the series I can confidently say I feel as though the characters could be friends and we’d have a cozy chat and tea together. Having a catch up with the characters is great and I just love how realistic the situations and characters are.

And just like all of us the characters go through some rough spots but being surrounded by friends who are empathetic and will help out in any way they can means everything.

I love animals and growing up around a lot of them I thought I’d become a vet. Though things didn’t turn out that way I enjoy reading about the veterinarians in Puddleduck Farm. The antics the animals get up to, both farm animals and domesticated animals makes me chuckle.

This is an automatic read series for me, and I’ll be continuing to read it.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/happypuddleducksocial

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT HE AIUTHOR

Della Galton is the bestselling author of several romantic comedies set around the Dorset beaches and the beautiful New Forest. Her stories feature strong female friendship, quirky characters and very often the animals she loves.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside.

Find out more about Della Galton, her books, speaking engagements & workshops, on her website, dellagalton.co.uk.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: @dailydella

Twitter: @DellaGalton

Instagram: dellagalton

Newsletter Sign Up: http://bit.ly/DellaGaltonNewsletter

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/della-galton

I hope you’re enjoying your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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Sisters Under the Rising Sun

400 pages St. Martin’s Press Publish date October 23, 2023

Pub Date Sep 28 2023 Bonnier Books UK/Jaffre publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

From the New York Times bestselling author of the multi-million copy bestseller The Tattooist of Auschwitz comes a story of sisterhood and survival, inspired by a true story.

A phenomenal novel of resilience and survival from bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris.

In the midst of World War II, an English musician, Norah Chambers, places her eight-year-old daughter Sally on a ship leaving Singapore, desperate to keep her safe from the Japanese army as they move down through the Pacific. Norah remains to care for her husband and elderly parents, knowing she may never see her child again.

Sister Nesta James, a Welsh Australian nurse, has enlisted to tend to Allied troops. But as Singapore falls to the Japanese she joins the terrified cargo of people, including the heartbroken Norah, crammed aboard the Vyner Brooke merchant ship. Only two days later, they are bombarded from the air off the coast of Indonesia, and in a matter of hours, the Vyner Brooke lies broken on the seabed.

After surviving a brutal 24 hours in the sea, Nesta and Norah reach the beaches of a remote island, only to be captured by the Japanese and held in one of their notorious POW camps. The camps are places of starvation and brutality, where disease runs rampant. Sisters in arms, Norah and Nesta fight side by side every day, helping whoever they can, and discovering in themselves and each other extraordinary reserves of courage, resourcefulness and determination.

Sisters under the Rising Sun is a story of women in war: a novel of sisterhood, bravery and friendship in the darkest of circumstances, from the multimillion-copy bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Cilka’s Journey and Three Sisters.

MY THOUGHTS

One thing that gets to me when I read a Heather Morris book is how realistic they are. I love the fact that they are based on real people and situations and that I learn so much from them.


Her book, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is my absolute favorite historical fiction book of all time. It’s just an incredible book.
Sisters Under The rising Sun is an unputdownable book. It’s heartbreaking, yet full of courageous moments and actions.

The women displayed such bravery in the face of adversity time after time. This was a very well researched book, and I enjoyed the author’s notes in the back of the book. We learn more about the characters and their life after the events at the end of the book.


Brave women are struggling to survive in Japanese POW camps in WWII. Their lives were a living hell, faced with starvation, abuse, deprivation of the most basic needs. A novel of sisterhood, bound together by chance and the need to survive the dark circumstances that their life has become. Let us remember these women and the many sacrifices they have given.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now resident in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays, one of which was optioned by an Academy Award-winning screenwriter in the US. In 2003, Heather was introduced to an elderly gentleman who ‘might just have a story worth telling’. The day she met Lale Sokolov changed both their lives. Their friendship grew and Lale embarked on a journey of self-scrutiny, entrusting the innermost details of his life during the Holocaust to her. Heather originally wrote Lale’s story as a screenplay – which ranked high in international competitions – before reshaping it into her debut novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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The Twilight Garden

389 pages William Morrow publisher April 9, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Two feuding neighbors unite to resurrect a neglected city garden in this uplifting and quietly joyful novel by Sara Nisha Adams, author of the beloved The Reading List.

In a small pocket of London, between the houses of No.77 and No.79 Eastbourne Road, lies a neglected community garden. It was a beautiful thing once, a little oasis in a bustling city for neighbors by day and the local foxes at twilight. Now it’s overgrown and neglected, an empty patch of greenery lost to time.

Once a sanctuary, the garden’s gate is now firmly closed. And that’s exactly how Winston at No.79 likes it – anything to avoid Bernice, who has moved in next door with her young son. Their houses may share the garden, but they’re not exactly neighborly.

But then a mysterious parcel drops on Winston’s doormat. It contains no note, only a bundle of photographs of the garden in bloom many years ago—vibrant with flowers, filled with people from every corner of the community. Is someone trying to tell them something? The seed of an idea is planted…

Somewhere out there, a secret gardener made a decades-old promise to keep the community’s spirit alive. Now it’s time for The Twilight Garden to come out of hibernation.

Photo by Dmitry Demidov on Pexels.com

MY THOUGHTS

A new family moves into the rowhouses on a busy street in London. It’s a mother and young son. They share a backyard garden that used to be a community garden enjoyed by generations past for its vegetables and many beautiful flowers.

Families would spend evenings visiting in the twilight reminiscing as the foxes played nearby. Living next door to the new family is a man with a broken love relationship, it’s run its course and now they have different dreams, and it doesn’t include each other. A young family next door isn’t what he was looking for and he tries to avoid them.

The dry earth and overgrown weed choked lot is an eyesore and best avoided. When he and the new neighbors start getting mail suggesting a garden and pictures and long-ago garden designs of the former beautiful garden, they both have the same idea to start beautifying it again.

Who is the mysterious person with the thoughts of brightening up the area again. As the work continues it brings the generations together again. The concept of the book is a great idea, and it was a warm feeling I had while reading it.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sara Nisha Adams is a writer and editor. She lives in London and was born in Hertfordshire to Indian and English parents. Her debut novel The Reading List was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards for Fiction 2021. Her second novel is The Twilight Garden.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Christmas on the Riviera: Escape to the French Riviera for a delightfully festive read from Jennifer Bohnet 

212 pages Boldwood Books August 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a toddler Elodie Jacques was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her French grandmother, Gabriella in Dartmouth, Devon.

Now 24 years old, Elodie struggles to reconcile the deep anger for the mother she has never since seen.

When Gabriella unexpectedly announces she wants the two of them to spend Christmas and her 70th birthday in her home town of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France Elodie is thrilled.

Gabriella meanwhile has her own ulterior motives for wanting to return after 40 years, a daunting homecoming potentially filled with memories, secrets and recriminations.

With Juan-les-Pins pulsing with lights, decorations and the festive spirit, Christmas promises to be filled with fun. But when Elodie learns there is the possibility that her long absent mother may join them she hides her feelings behind a show of indifference and animosity.

Will there be the reconciliation that Gabriella longs for – or will the spirit of Christmas fail to work its wonder?

MY THOUGHTS

I enjoyed the idyllic setting of Juan-les-Pins in the South of France. It sounded very charming and like an enjoyable vacation spot.
When Elodie Jacques is three years old she is abandoned by her mother when she gets a new man, and he doesn’t want a child from the mother’s previous relationship around.


Having been raised by her grandmother ever since she’s been happy.
Grandmother announces she wants to spend New Years and her 79th birthday in her hometown of Juan-les-Pins. Unknown to Elodie grandmother has some secrets she has been keeping from her and she needs to travel to France to take care of somethings and come to grip with her feelings.

The book has a mention of Christmas here and there, but you don’t get a Christmassy feel to it.
While there are some heartwarming moments and a sweet new romance there were some things I didn’t agree with in the book that brought the stars level down for me. Quick easy read.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Bohnet is the international bestselling author of twenty-one novels, including ‘A French Adventure’, ‘Summer at the Château’, ‘High Tides and Summer Skies’, ‘Villa of Sun and Secrets’ and ‘A Riviera Retreat’. Jennifer’s stories usually span the generations with characters ranging in age and having to cope with unexpected problems in their lives – but there is always a hopeful ending, even if there are tears before. Living in France for twenty-five years she has happily adapted to the French lifestyle including the long lunches with friends and the wine.

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for: The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden

“You must be our new neighbors!” Mrs. Lowell gushes and waves across the picket fence. I clutch my daughter’s hand and smile back: but the second Mrs. Lowell sees my husband a strange expression crosses her face. In that moment I make a promise. We finally have a family home. My past is far, far behind us. And I’ll do anything to keep it that way…

I used to clean other people’s houses—now, I can’t believe this home is actually mine. The charming kitchen, the quiet cul-de-sac, the huge yard where my kids can play. My husband and I saved for years to give our children the life they deserve.

Even though I’m wary of our new neighbor Mrs. Lowell, when she invites us over for dinner it’s our chance to make friends. Her maid opens the door wearing a white apron, her hair in a tight bun. I know exactly what it’s like to be in her shoes. But her cold stare gives me chills…

The Lowells’ maid isn’t the only strange thing on our street. I’m sure I see a shadowy figure watching us. My husband leaves the house late at night. And when I meet a woman who lives across the way, her words chill me to the bone: Be careful of your neighbors.

Did I make a terrible mistake moving my family here?

I thought I’d left my darkest secrets behind. But could this quiet suburban street be the most dangerous place of all?

From New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Freida McFadden comes the next installment of the unbelievably twisty, tension-packed and globally bestselling Housemaid series. This book can be enjoyed as a standalone read: and once you start, it will have you up all night racing through the pages until the final explosive twist.

MY THOUGHTS

Having read the other Housemaid books in this series I knew I had to read this book. I was familiar with the author’s writing style and knew what to expect. NOT!!! With this author though you may have read her other books you never know what to expect.

Reading it in one day was what happened, and this book sure didn’t disappoint. I know it’s been said before but, in this case, it’s so true, once you start you won’t be able to put it down. I had a late night reading it, but I didn’t mind.

All of the characters have an important role and the more you read the more you’ll discover their role. This book really took me by surprise.

As you read you believe things to be a certain way but don’t settle in too comfortably because this book will take you on a joy ride you may not recover from.

A must read for fans of psychological thrillers!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Buy link: https://geni.us/B0CK4YL5FMsocial

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

#1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Sunday Times, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Freida McFadden is a practicing physician specializing in brain injury who has penned multiple bestselling psychological thrillers and medical humor novels. Freida’s work has been selected as one of Amazon Editors’ best books of the year, she is the winner of the International Thriller Writers Award for best paperback, and she is a Goodreads Choice Award winner. Her novels have been translated into 40 languages.

Freida lives with her family and black cat in a centuries-old three-story home overlooking the ocean, with staircases that creak and moan with each step, and nobody could hear you if you scream. Unless you scream really loudly, maybe.

To hear Freida talk about herself more in the third person, check out her website freidamcfadden.com

Twitter: @Freida_McFadden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freida-McFadden-Author-of-Psychological-Thrillers-and-Medical-Humor-400860063303345/

Instagram: @fmcfaddenauthor

Newsletter sign up: https://www.bookouture.com/freida-mcfadden/

Have a marvelous day. Thanks for stopping in.

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Death by Iced Coffee (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery Book 11) 

259 pages Kensington publisher April 25,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

A smart, well-crafted mystery set in a charming Midwestern small town, where bookstore-cafe owner Krissy Hancock has a sideline in sleuthing—just right for fans of Leslie Meier, Cleo Coyle, and Carolyn Hart.

Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
 
It’s a brutally hot day in Pine Hills, and Krissy Hancock would love to be sitting in a shady spot and sipping her favorite iced coffee. Instead, she’s lacing up her sneakers for a marathon—and swiftly regretting it. Especially when she finds one of the other runners lying motionless. At first Krissy suspects heatstroke, but the red marks around the man’s throat tell a more sinister story.
 
The victim, it turns out, had brewed up all kinds of enemies thanks to his cheating ways—both romantic and financial. Krissy’s not keen to get involved, but her friend Rita’s boyfriend, Johan, seems to be mixed up in the mayhem. For Rita’s sake, Krissy wants to help filter out the real killer. But can she do it before another Pine Hills resident gets permanently iced?

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve really gotten into cozy mysteries over the past few years and have started a few series and this is one of them. I enjoy cozies that have cats in them and have a coffee shop as the main area it takes place. Co-Owner Krissy Hancock, of Death by Coffee, a coffee shop in Pine Hills, Ohio has given up slogging joe for the day and entered a marathon raising money for a good cause.


Not sure I understand why the race was run during an ungodly heatwave and Krissy Hancock hadn’t trained for this race or gotten into shape for it. The race proved too much for her and she almost fainted from the heat and was couch bound after the race.

During the race a body was found, heatstroke is suspected but upon inspection it’s determined not to be the case. I do enjoy the cozies, but they can be a bit predictable as many are very similar. It surprises me how many people will just talk to the amateur sleuth and how much they’ll tell them.

Lots of clues presented and the victim did not have the best character so many people could have had reason to want the victim out of the way.
Enjoyed this and I’ll be reading more in the series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks for stopping in today. Do you prefer hot coffee or iced coffee if you drink it? My choice is iced coffee.

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Book covers with cats on them. 2 reviews for you. The Pumpkin Spice Cafe and Syrup to No Good

268 pages One More Chapter publisher August 30,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a cozy romantic novel with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

Spicy

Grumpy x Sunshine

Small town

Found family

MY THOUGHTS

You can’t beat the name of the Pumkin Spice Cafe for full on Fall vibes and this book is full of Fall vibes let me reassure you . With pumpkin deliveries to the cafe to a Fall festival and delicious sounding Fall baked goods to warm and divine drinks to sip what more could you possibly want?


New owner of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe, Jeanie feels in a little over her head after her aunt gifts her the Pumpkin Spice Cafe in Dream Harbor. The town’s folks including her aunt have known each other since the beginning of time and have each other’s back on everything.

When Jeannie meets the cafe delivery man, Logan who is a local farmer she finds herself falling for him. The town’s folks make sure she knows she’ll be in for it if she breaks his heart. The story is so warm and welcoming, I really loved it.

There’s a bit of a mystery going when Jeannie hears strange sounds outside of the cafe door at night because she lives upstairs of the cafe. Is someone out to get her? What is going on?

We can’t forget about the cafe cat Casper; he was a sweet addition. From a psychic mayor to the town’s folks all having Logan’s best interest she knows she had better be on her best behavior. I know Jeannie is just what Logan needed to bring happiness into his life in this grumpy/sunshine romance that made me smile.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

306 pages Poisoned Pen Press publisher Oct 31,2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Spring has finally come to Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and with it the end of syrup-making season. But Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm, won’t be making like molasses any time soon. Her best friend Heather’s wedding is coming up, and Leila will do anything to make sure it lives up to all her sweetest dreams.

Even with Leila’s own romantic past stirring up trouble, everything is going to plan until the bridal shower ends up with a body count.

Heather’s rich and backstabbing aunt had a whole orchard of enemies, so Leila will have her work cut out for her. Can she tap the killer before Heather’s dream wedding becomes a nightmare?

MY THOUGHTS

Includes delicious Middle Eastern recipes!

Syrup to No Good is the second book in the Maple Syrup cozy mystery series.
After reading the first book in the series I just knew I had to continue on with the series.


Taking place in beautiful Vermont, the series continues on with the main attraction the maple syrup farm.
Leila Khoury, new owner of Sappy Endings Farm is excited about her best friend Heather’s upcoming wedding. With the bridal shower in full swing, you wouldn’t expect any unpleasantness but when the bride to Be’s more than unpleasant aunt is found stabbed Heather believes she’ll have to chancel the wedding.


Leila was engaged to be married herself several years ago and the groom broke it off at the last minute and she’s moved on. There’s a new man in her life and they’re very happy together so why is her ex doing everything to try to get back together with her again all of the sudden?

There is an adorable cat in the story, Toast. He’s the maple farm cat.
When yet another body turns up in a short amount of time Leila decides to take things into her own hands to solve this case much to the dismay of the police.

Can the wedding planning go on as planned or will it all collapse into a sticky mess?
Looking forward to more in this enjoyable series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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