Babs BookMark issue 6

SEPTEMBER 2018 NO 06

BABS BOOKMARK

AUTHORS| REVIEWS | INTERVIEWS

editor's notes September is a time of Autumn, leaves changing color and cool weather coming to great us all. We decided to make this issue black and white since Halloween will be coming soon.

Amber and I decided we would add two new features to the magazine. Starting in November's issue we will have the Cooking Corner and the Crafts Corner. We can feature a recipe or craft from a cozy mystery or have authors and readers send recipes or have instructions sent to us. We will gladly feature one and all.

We want to thank our followers and friends for sticking with us all this time. We love authors and loving helping them.

Babs Hightower

CONTENTS

Keta Diablo, p5 Comes An Outlaw, blurb, buy links and more.

Romance Reviews, p7

Kayelle Allen, p10 Sci-fi Opera book information.

Paranormal Review, p13 Brita Addams, p16 Book Feature

Amy Reade, p18 Author interview, book feature and more.

Cozy Mystery Reviews, p23

Cooking Reviews, p25

Disclosure Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive compensation. This compensation comes at no additional cost to you, and as always we only recommend products we trust!

“For as long as she could remember, she had thought that autumn air went well with books, that the two both somehow belonged with blankets, comfortable armchairs, and big cups of coffee or tea.”

KATARINA BIVALD

R E V O C

R E V O C

Comes an Outlaw Keta Diablo

When a tragic accident claims her husband's life,

Praise for COMES AN OUTLAW

Jesse Santos must find a way to keep the ranch, the only home her 12-year-old son has ever known. The

"I loved all the components of this story. The Indian

ranch hands have abandoned her, a gang of

lore was probably my favorite though."

cutthroat ranchers want her land and an ancient Yaqui Indian insists a spirit has taken up residence in

"The storyline is brilliant. This novella has many twists

the house.

and turns. A page turner."

After a fifteen-year absence, her husband's brother,

"Diablo has created a set of compelling characters.

Coy, returns to his childhood home. He doesn't plan

Jesse captures the essence of the time, when women

on staying, and he certainly doesn't intend to settle

had very few options, and even fewer good ones."Â

down with a widow and her son‌no matter how pretty she is.

He's an outlaw, after all, and made a decision to put an end to his gun-slinging days long ago. Will his conscience let him walk away from family, or will his heart overrule his head?

About Keta Diablo

About Keta Diablo Keta Diablo lives in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of woodland. When she isn't writing or gardening she loves to commune with nature. She adores animals and has made it her mission in life to help feed hungry children in the USA. Greatly disturbed by the statistic that one in every five children goes to bed hungry, she donates her time and support to local food and animal shelters.

Keta is a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay fiction. Her erotica novel Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the MOLLY contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America and has been nominated for a Red Carpet Award in 2014. Her paranormal novel Where the Rain Is Made has been nominated for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark.

Her historical novel Sky Tinted Water has been nominated for a RONE Award by Ind'Tale Magazine.

Keta's books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards from the top professional review sites.

Romance Reviews

Gone Too Deep (Search and Rescue, #3) by Katie Ruggle Review by Amber I’ve loved this series since the first book, On His Watch. The suspense and romance are nicely blended in this action-packed series. The imperfect couples in each book are perfectly matched. Ellie and George made me so happy in Gone Too Deep. Their chemistry is instantaneous and off the charts. She was able to do what no one had been able to do in a long, long time – get George to talk, converse, and open up to another person. The majority of the book is just George and Ellie and their quest to find Baxter, however, they face a lot of dangers that had my sitting on the edge of my seat. I was fully engaged in their story.

We get a little bit of back story concerning Ellie’s childhood and relationship with her dad. We also get a glimpse of her mother who, as far as I’m concerned, didn’t do her daughter any justice by refusing to support Ellie’s interest in her father. Sometimes it only takes attention from a special person (Ellie) to get someone on the brink (Baxter) back on the trail. The author also provides some background for George but not a lot. Why George doesn’t talk to anyone really isn’t addressed. Is it because of being on his own for so long? How can you be on the SAR team if you don’t talk? Having those questions though does not detract from the story. They are just observations. Maybe they were discussed and I missed them because I was anxious to keep reading.

I enjoyed the frequent revisits to some of the characters from previous books. They are, after all integral to the entire series. Each of their stories contain events that are important to the next book. I highly recommend that you read the series in order. And the ending of Gone Too Deep?? Holy cows. I did NOT see that coming! What a buildup through the previous books and a bomb drop at the end of this book!

Katie Ruggle's Search and Rescue series is phenomenal. The world building and character development in each book is extraordinary. I love the connection between Ellie and George.

Their backgrounds, lifestyles, and living arrangements are vastly different from one another, yet, as the story progresses so does their attraction to each other.

The chemistry between Ellie and George is unmistakable and their relationship evolves kind of quickly yet realistically. The romance is one of several key themes but it doesn't overshadow the seriousness of the events that unfold in Ellie and George’s world - worlds that may seem distinctly different but get entangled into one giant mess. Katie Ruggle does a superb job with these characters not only with their romance but with the struggles each faces in Gone Too Deep.

Katie Ruggle's writing style is wonderful; her worlds just flow across the pages smoothly, easily, and powerfully. I was engaged immediately and the content kept me focused. There are several themes weaved throughout the story, keeping the book from becoming stale, but not so much that the reader feels confused or overwhelmed. The characters were well developed and Ellie and George are really likeable and realistically written.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves romantic suspense!

Flames of Love by Erin Wright Review by Babs Jaxson has moved from Boise to be a Fir Chief in a smaller town of Sawyer. He is trying to keep his kids close and this is what needed to happen. He is the only paid fire fighter on the force.

This has made a few volunteers mad.

Sugar is a young woman who works at the bakery Jaxson likes to frequent. She is guarded but her and Jaxon become friends with a few benefits along the way.

Jaxson is a great guy who comes into town in the middle of a huge mess. Equipment not working. Another man who thinks she should have gotten the job and more. Sugar had a lot of baggage from her ex husband but with Jaxon they were good together.

A nice read of people who get second changes and a new start.

Mail Order Bride: The Widowed Bride’s Escape

by Rowan Gracemill Review by Babs Mary Harbrough is 20 years old and just buried her husband.

He left her with a huge gambling debt. What is she to do to pay them off? She has to find work. As she roams the town for jobs she picks up the Matrimonial Times.

Mary finds an ad by Alexander Smith in Arizona. They begin to correspond.

Mary helps a woman deliver her baby. He was premature and Mary saved his life. The grandfather of this little boy, also a friend of her late husband, pays off all the debts so she can go meet the man she has been writing to.

Mary and her friend head to Arizona to meet Alexander. Along the way her friend meets a man on the train and disembarks with him ton leave Mary on her way. Once she arrives Alex meets her and has very little to say which makes Mary feel unwanted.

When both Mary and Alex have kept secrets from each other that are revealed can they keep the marriage going or will Mary head back to her old home in Washington DC? A great story of lost love, second chances and new beginnings. It was nice to see Alex come out of his shell and Mary growing with a new job she loves. The characters were well developed and likable. Alex comes across as uncaring and short but once you learn the secret the reader will understand.

N E L L A

E L L E Y A K

Lights OutÂ

by Kayelle Allen

He can save mankind. After he does this one

Pietas regenerates from every wound. He's so fast, no

important thing. Die.

human has ever laid a hand on him. As a precaution,

Join the Ghost Corps, they said. You'll live forever,

they're sending in Tornahdo's squad only after

they said. You'll save mankind, they said. They didn't

evacuating the station and trapping the king in a

say that first he had to die.

chamber emptied of air. The immortal will have to

When Tornahdo signs on the dotted line, he puts his

fight in a vacuum.

life into the steady hands of the mighty Ghost Corps.

So will Tornahdo.

Three grisly deaths and three agonizing resurrections

Do they expect him to win? Fat chance. Tornahdo

later, he's assigned duty on the space station

and his team are already dead men and this mission

Enderium Six.

is code named "Lights Out." No, there's more to this

He's facing his most dangerous mission yet, the very

than Tornahdo can see.

reason the corps exists.

To discover the truth, he must face an unbeatable,

Tornahdo and a team of ghosts must take out the

unkillable enemy, and this time--somehow--find a

man responsible for every war between humans and

way to keep himself alive...

Ultras since the origin of the Ultra bloodline: the immortal king, Pietas.

Lights Out, from the Bringer of Chaos series by

If they succeed, the war is over.

Kayelle Allen, is featured in the Expanding Universe

If they don't, the Ultras will rule mankind for another

(Vol 4) anthology, edited by Craig Martelle.

thousand years.

Release date Sept 17, 2018 Genre: Science Fiction and Space Opera Book information page https://kayelleallen.com/lights-out-save-mankind/

Lights Out Inside Peek Behind the scenes with the world and characters of Lights Out. https://kayelleallen.com/media/lights-out-behind-scenes-kayelle-allen.pdf Excerpt, Lights Out by Kayelle Allen The air reeked of antiseptic and starch stiffened the pillowcase. If only the mind-numbing jabbering would stop.

Tornahdo pried open his eyes. The flattened blood bag above him, stenciled equipment and gray walls screamed military hospital.

He'd died. Again.

Spanish curses slipped out. His abuela would've taken a switch to him. He made the sign of the cross and kissed his fingertips.

After yanking the tube out of his arm, he pressed a thumb over the entry point.

Thankfully, this time, he wasn't writhing on the floor in agony. Well, not yet.

A faceless android in a Ghost Corps uniform loomed over a bank of equipment displaying Tornahdo's name and vitals.

First impression was right. Military hospital.

The weapons-grade yapping continued.

"Did you hear?" a youthful voice bragged. "He killed six of 'em last night."

"Yeah, but they don't stay dead. They never do."

"If Ultras didn't come back to life, their plasma wouldn't bring our own people back."

The transfusion of enemy blood healed the hole in Tornahdo's arm in seconds.

He thumbed off the red smear and rolled over on the gurney.

An open door led to a sink and toilet built to let gravity do its work. Which meant this was a planet. You hadn't lived until you were in space, floating in zero gravity while your body's final twitches sent your corpse spinning.

Notices on the wall confirmed this was San Xavier in the Colonies of Man. Same place he'd bought it the first time.

This was getting old.

About Kayelle Allen Kayelle Allen writes Sci Fi with misbehaving robots, mythic heroes, role playing immortal gamers, and warriors who purr. She's a US Navy veteran who's been married so long she's tenured.

Kayelle is the founder of Marketing for Romance Writers, a peer-mentoring group with thousands of members. She is the author of seven books, three novellas, and multiple short stories.

Paranormal Reviews Whispers in the Wood has easily become a new favorite paranormal novel. Written with wonderfully descriptive text, it is easy to visualize everything the author packed into this novel. The story takes place primarily in Sheep’s Crossing, a small village in England. For such a small town, this village is filled with large secrets, a mysterious forest, and mischievous children. Rowan gets pulled into the secrecy, not by her own accord, but the townsfolk are reluctant to disclose anything to her. She’s a stranger and the faster she blew through town the better.

Rowan is a strong, independent character that isn’t in the best place in her life in San Francisco, CA. While backpacking through Europe, she faces a couple unfortunate incidents that lead her to backpack blindly through the English countryside. It is then that Rowan finds herself on the doorstep of Sheep’s Crossing. Her trip to Sheep’s Crossing will forever change her.

The twists, turns, and psychological suspense in the book are phenomenal. The long running ancient elements of the novel give the book a tinge of horror. The book will pull you in and demand that you read the book from start to finish in one setting. I did not give in to the book’s demands, however, as I did have to adult during the timeframe I read the book. This is one of those books that calls to you when you are unable to read. It reminds you that the story is left unfinished. I read Whispers in the Wood at all available times. I usually read 2-3 books at a time. I didn’t with this novel. There was no room in my schedule for anything but Whispers in the Wood.

I enjoyed this book from start to finish and HIGHLY recommend it to lovers of paranormal, psychological suspense, and mild horror. The author did a wonderful job with the story, the characters, and the cover.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days

by Kerrelyn Sparks Review by Amber Luciana has magical powers that put her life in danger the second she was born. In an effort to keep her safe, she was taken to a safe island and raised under secure protection. She grew up believing her family gone or not wanting her until her father comes calling. He needs her help and she is only one that can protect their heritage and save her father’s life. Luciana will have to marry the dreaded Beast of Benwick and hope he doesn’t discover secrets she doesn’t wish to make known.

Lord Leofric (Leo) has a magical affliction that leaves him unable to touch other humans without killing them. His ability to harness lightning makes him a formidable foe but also renders Leo quite lonely. He must marry but is resigned to the fact that he will never be able to touch his wife. Or can he? It appears she may be magical and stronger than she appears.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days turned out to be a fantastic novel that I devoured – after I got through the first couple of chapters. I started the book three different times before I was finally able to get past the slow beginning and move forward with the rest of the book. When you have as many books to read/review as I do, giving any book more than one chance takes away time from another book. I’m really glad I didn’t give up and give the book a DNF. I ended up loving Luciana and Leo. Both of their characters are strong but flawed. Both with vastly different childhoods, they both bear scars of loss. Yet, they both find kindred spirits in one another. Luciana and Leo are drawn to each other in a way neither Once I got into the groove of the book, the intricate plot that the author created kept me understands and the author created them and developed them so realistically. engaged. The world building brought forth a historical setting with fantasy and paranormal elements. The descriptions were so vivid that I had no problem envisioning the story and feeling like I was there on sidelines. I look forward to the next book.

Historical Fiction

When is enough too much?

BRITA ADDAMS

In keeping with a promise made by her father to her mother, Uranie Delacroix has lived the life of a Southern Belle, with all the refinements afforded members of the Louisiana planter society. But she’s never belonged in either her father’s world or her mother’s, and that will come to set her apart from everything she knows.

When the War Between the States threatens the stability of the South, nothing is as it was, nor will it ever be again. Her determination drives her to do things she’d thought herself incapable. But her strength is also her weakness and her weakness is her weapon. As the Yankees pillage and plunder the countryside, and Cedar Grove, Ranie’s actions come with a price.

When is enough too much?

Cozy Mysteries Interview with Amy M Read. Â Book information and more.

Amy M. Reade

BBM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure. I’m a lawyer-turned-writer living in New Jersey. At a library event just last week, I was asked why there are so many lawyers who turn to writing. Is it coincidence? I don’t think so.

I grew up in northern New York, not far from the St. Lawrence River, where I set my first novel. I am married and I have three children, a dog named Orly, and two cats named Athos and Porthos. My hobbies are reading, cooking, and traveling.

I write mysteries because I love to read mysteries. I started writing Gothic mysteries, then moved into more contemporary-style traditional mysteries. I have also written a cozy mystery.

BBM: Was there a certain time in your life you knew you wanted to write?

I always loved English classes when I was in school, and I wrote constantly for class assignments. Then when I went to law school there was a lot of writing and research, and that continued when I entered the practice of law.

So I suppose I’ve been writing since I was a wee thing. But I turned to fiction writing after attending a workshop on writing and publishing hosted by a local library.

BBM: What are you currently working on?

I’m working on several projects right now. The first is a Christmas-themed cozy mystery called The Worst Noel; it’s Book One in my new Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery series. It’s the first book I’m self-publishing and I’m really excited about it. The book is written—it’ll be available for pre-order in September and I’m planning a release date in November.

I’m actively working on Book Two in the same series, which is titled Dead, White, and Blue. That will be out for July Fourth of 2019.

I’m in the revisions stage of a historical mystery called Cape Island Menace and I’ve loved working on it. It takes place in the mid-eighteenth century in what is now Cape May, New Jersey. I don’t have a release date for it yet, but definitely next year.

BBM: Of the books you’ve written, which one is your favorite and why?

I’m sure you’ve heard this answer many times, but I don’t think I could choose a favorite. I work so hard on each one that they’re all special to me for different reasons. I’ve got a different idea— suppose I tell you which is my husband’s favorite.

His favorite is Highland Peril. Set in the Highlands of Scotland and the second book in my Malice series, it’s the first book I wrote that brings a true incident from the long-ago past into the present and weaves it into a contemporary story.

The Scottish crown jewels were once kept in Castle Dunnottar, a few miles from the village of Kineff on the Scottish coast. During the English civil war, Oliver Cromwell’s troops were advancing toward the castle and the keeper of the castle was eager to secrete the Crown Jewels in a place where they would be safe from Cromwell’s army.

What happened next? You’ll have to read the book. The story is in there with a “what if?” twist that readers have enjoyed.

BBM: What books have most influenced you as a writer?

Phyllis A. Whitney, one of the greatest Gothic writers of the twentieth century, wrote a Guide to Fiction Writing that is no longer in print, but available from used book sellers online. This was the book that spurred me to try to write for publication. She includes plenty of examples of how to write scenes that will evoke a response from readers, and more importantly, the book is full of encouragement that I found comforting and wise.

On Writing by Stephen King is another good book, though it’s written in a style that’s harsher and more tell-it-like-it-is. I found it to be more cautionary than encouraging, but that can be a good thing and there is some great stuff in there.

Fictional books that have influenced me as a writer include Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, anything by Ernest Hemingway, and anything by Phyllis Whitney.

BBM: What do you find to be the most challenging part of writing? And the most rewarding?

I find the middle of the first draft of any story to be the most challenging part of writing. You know how you want the story to start and you might know where you want the story to end, but you’ve got to connect those two points with an arc. It’s the body of the arc that can be difficult.

The most rewarding part of writing is knowing that this is something I get to do every single day. I can’t think of a job I’d rather be doing, so it doesn’t feel like work to me.

I have also finished the first draft of a mystery that has two stories woven together: a modern murder mystery and the disappearance of a woman who lived on the American plains in the 19th century.

I’m working on a portfolio of short stories; and finally, I’ve got plans in the works for another standalone Gothic novel.

BBM: Is there anything you’d like to share with your readers?

I would like to give my readers my most heartfelt thanks for their support and their encouragement. Whether it’s on social media or in an email or in person, each and every encounter I have with a reader is meaningful to me.

Thanks very much for having me on Babs BookMark!

Amy M. Reade is a cook, chauffeur, household CEO, doctor, laundress, maid, psychiatrist, warden, seer, teacher, and pet whisperer. In other words, a wife, mother, and recovering attorney. But she’s also a writer—she is the author of The Malice Series (The House on Candlewick Lane, Highland Peril, and Murder in Thistlecross); three standalone Gothic novels, Secrets of Hallstead House, The Ghosts of Peppernell Manor, and House of the Hanging Jade; and a cozy mystery, The Worst Noel. She lives in southern New Jersey, but loves to travel.

You’ll often find her in the laundry room, but she much prefers the kitchen, where she loves to cook. She also loves reading—it’s her last name!

Y Z O C

S W E I V E R

Y R E T S Y M

Reviewers Amber & Babs

Knot My Sister's Keeper by Mary Marks Reivew by Amber Knot My Sister’s Keeper is a different book than the rest of them in the Quilting Mystery series.

This book is very personal to Martha. After submitting her DNA through an ancestry database, Martha learns that she has a sibling, a half-sister named Giselle Cole. The exact opposite of Martha, Giselle is rich, glamorous, and tactless. What they do have in common is the want of family and to know why their father disappeared without a trace so many years ago.

An up-and-coming artist, their father disappeared at the high of his career, never to be heard from or seen again.

The emotional content in this book is heightened due to the personal nature of the situation. Thinking she had limited family members, Martha can’t believe that she has a half-sister. When the gravity of the situation surrounding their father comes to light, the new-found sisters know they have to try and find him. This entire book was an emotional rollercoaster. I liked the unique spin of this book compared to the rest of the books in this series.

Martha Rose is the typical heroine - totally not a crime solver/fighter but makes it her duty to dive in head first whether there's water in the pool or not. Martha Rose puts herself into vary precarious situations and breaks a lot of laws in her quest to find the killer.

During downtime in the quest to find their father, Martha still holds the quilting sessions that now include others besides Lucy and Birdie. Giselle, even though she is thoughtless in the things she says does take an active interest in Martha and Crusher’s Jewish customs and traditions, bringing the two sisters that much closer together.

The relationship between Martha and Crusher is sweet and I’m honestly glad she is with him. He is so devoted to Martha and she to Crusher.

Mary Marks does another wonderful job building up the mystery and keeping everything a secret. The truth of the situation is revealed at the perfect time and the person responsible is not the person I thought it would be. The writing flows well and is concise.

The author's writing style is fluid and smooth and so easy to get lost in. The romantic elements of Knot My Sister's Keeper are subtle and don't overshadow the mystery. The entire novel is engaging; never a dull moment.

Midnight Snacks Are Murder by Libby Klein Review by Amber Midnight Snacks are Murder is the sophomore follow-up to Libby Klein’s first Poppy McAllister Mystery, Class Reunions are Murder. Poppy has decided to settle in New Jersey to help Aunt Ginny convert her Victorian home into a Bed & Breakfast.

Amid the construction, a neighborhood vandal has cropped up. The thief is breaking into homes in the middle of the night and eating snacks found in the kitchens and then taking a memento from the homes. When it’s discovered that the snack and memento bandit is none other than Aunt Ginny, Poppy has to figure out how to get a handle on things.

The situation goes from bad to worse though, when a local counselor for troubled teens is found dead in the middle of the thief’s latest B & E. Poppy knows that the meds Aunt Ginny has just begun taking are making her a sleepwalker – NOT a killer. So, while planning the remodel, trying to get settled into the new area, dealing with her mother-in-law who is now on premises, and getting a new business started, Poppy has another murder to solve.

Book two is just as wonderful as book one. Midnight Snacks are Murder pulled me in and kept me engaged from the very beginning. The author put a lot of thought and research into this book concerning both Poppy’s life but the life of her Aunt Ginny. Poppy is a wonderful main character. She’s not perfect, not supermodel thin, yet has a personality that is awesome. She’s a very realistic character, kind of a pushover when it comes to her mother-in-law, and funny.

This book is full of wit, snark, and humor. Poppy’s Aunt Ginny is a such a quirky character, too. I loved her antics.

The strong character development and world building continues in Midnight Snacks are Murder. The book is written with realism that I could feel. I love how the author continues to develop Poppy. She uprooted herself from where she lived with her husband and took on the caretaker role for Aunt Ginny – who is healthy and spry but needs a little bit of looking after. She changes her diet, meets a new flame and reunites with an old flame, and begins new business ventures. The author takes these themes and combines them into one fantastic book.

This book is fun and a must read for all cozy mystery enthusiasts.

Death Over Easy by Maddie Day Review by Amber Death Over Easy is the 5th book in the Country Store Mysteries. Robbie has opened the bed and breakfast located above her store/cafe just in time to house some of the participants in the nearby Blues Festival. Robbie's father Roberto and his wife Maria are visiting and are also staying in the B&B. Between her father's visit, her guest in the B&B, and the cafe clientele, Robbie has been very busy. The chaos ratchets up even more when one of the participants in the Blues Fest is found dead by banjo string and people dear to Robbie are on the suspect list. Now she has to run her cafe/store, continue learning the ropes on running a B&B, find time to spend with her father, and figure out who committed murder. The author does a great job introducing characters with motive and means.

The plot of Death Over Easy is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing about a lot of different things. The author did a great job adding different plot lines into the story and then connecting them all at the end. The whos, whats, and whys of the story are engaging and the reader will not want to put down the book. I was taken on a suspenseful ride that produced evidence of one character being the murderer then turning around and providing evidence that pointed to someone else. I wasn't really able to narrow down the suspect list too far or figure out who actually committed the murder, making the reveal a surprise. The story was fun, exciting, and full of suspense.

The character development continues on in Death Over Easy as we continue to get to know Robbie, Abe, the rest of the townsfolk, and now her long lost father. Robbie is a great main character. She's realistically written as a kind, generous person who had a dream and worked hard to make it a reality. She treats people with respect and dignity, the perfect person to work in a retail/food establishment. She gets involved in things she shouldn't much to the chagrin of the police department but her heart is in the right place. Her relationship with Abe is sweet and just a small part of the story. Their romance does not overshadow they mystery or take over.

All of the secondary characters all have their perfect places within the pages of the novel.

I enjoyed the world building in South Lick, Indiana. I was able to easily vizualize the story and I felt like I was there. The interwoven storylines keep the story fresh, exciting, and engaging. If you are looking for a cozy mystery that is fast paced (never a dull moment) and will keep you on the edge of your seat, I suggest you give Death Over Easy a try!

Tail of the Dragon by Connie di Marco Review by Amber Julia Bonatti is back in the latest Zodiac Mystery, and she going to work for former boss, David. Three of his team members are being targeted by someone unknown. The only thing linking all three people is a large case years ago involving a fire in bank in San Francisco that left one man dead. Things really heat up when the death threats turn out to not be threats but, rather, promises. Julia jumps right into the fray to help her temporary boss, and his legal firm, to prevent any more deaths. Someone knows what she’s up to, however, and she finds herself a target in the killer’s games. Using her astrology, Julia must catch a killer before anyone else, including herself, gets injured or winds up dead. No pressure, or anything!

Tail of the Dragon is a good addition to the Zodiac Mystery Series. The twists and turns in the book had my head spinning as I desperately tried to piece things together. The author pulled in several characters that had motive, means, and opportunity to I enjoyed at the ebb and flow of the book and how the author tied everything together. The multi-faceted story kept me engaged and interested throughout the entire book.

I found Julia’s critical thinking skills to be pretty lacking in Tail of the Dragon, though. There were several instances that fully warranted the police being called, if for nothing else, a police report, and she just didn’t. Pretending nothing happened because you don’t want to deal with it is a good way wind up dead.

I was really bummed about the extra helping of astrology talk we got in this book, too. If you’ve read my reviews of the first two books you’ll know that I’m not into astrology. I am, however, open minded enough to read books that feature things that are different from what I believe, practice, or find interesting.

For those of us who don’t know a thing about astrology, there was just too much in this book. Most of it wasn’t really explained well enough for nonbelievers, or those who are unfamiliar, to understand. I was lost every time Julia got in her Zodiac zone.

As someone who isn't really interested in astrology, I had a hard time relating to her in that respect. However, as the story progressed, I was able to push the astrology parts aside and focus on the characters and the plot. I was able to relate to her better throughout the non-astrological sections of the book. During the parts where she had to revisit her past, I really felt her emotions bleed through the pages. She’s still grieving because there really hasn’t been any closure to the tragedy that struck her a few years prior.

When information regarding the cold case is found, not only does hope bubble up, but her emotional wounds are reopened.

Regardless of my opinions (and that’s all they are) about the astrology content, I still find the series interesting and read-worthy. I would like to see where the author takes Julia in terms of her love life and the resolution of the tragedy from her past. The author does a great job weaving together different threads so I have no doubt the next book will be just as fun, unpredictable, and suspenseful as Tail of the Dragon and the first two books.

Deadly Delivery: A Cruise Ship Mystery ( book 14

by Hope Callaghan Review by Babs

Deadly Delivery is book 14 of the Cruse Ship series. I have read each book and love the characters more and more as I read.

Fall has arrived on the ship and Andy has gone all out . He has a contest going on with another ships director. Who is going to win?

Millie has her hands full with Andy when Danielle's cabin mate is found dead in her bed.

Everyone thinks Danielle did her in as they both complained about one another and who better to take her out?

Millie and her friends of course start their own investigation but the show much go on. Millie has a witch costume, Danielle has a clown outfit but what does Andy have?

Another great story in the series. Millie and Nic are still going strong, Scout is adorable as ever and the other characters are a hoot.

The added recipes are the end are priceless.

Fatal Flirtation by Hope Callaghan Review by Babs Millie is getting use to married life, but not so good with a hurricane coming their way. The cruise line wants the ship to keep going. On top of that they have a huge family reunion to "Turners' coming on board. Not to mention other groups like the Knitters.

When two guest are on cabin arrest the security guard that was guarding them is found dead inn the hallway near the doctors office.

Which guest was involved or was it more than 1?

The gang starts their own investigation.

Love seeing what trouble Millie is going to get into.

This is one of the best series.

Gumballs and Murder by Wendy Meadows Review by Babs Margaret has moved to a small town with her son Zach who is twenty. They are opening up a candy shop, Nichol's Candy Store. Everyone around town jokes that the candy will cost a nickel.

She meets her new neighbor Dorothy and her daughter Mary. It seems Dorothy doesn't like very many people and no one seems to like her either.

As Margaret, Zach and Patty get the store stocked and ready for a grand opening Dorothy is found shot in her home. Margaret helps Mary and wants to help the police so Patty has her see Detective David. She seems to take over the case as she is a good Judge of character.

I personally like the characters a little more than the story. Patty, Simone, Mr. Stewart who comes across as grumpy who is a real sweetheart. They all come to together to help Margaret and are a great team. David took it well and I even liked him as well. I will read other books in the series to see if the plot gets better. Not a bad start.

Killed on Blueberry Hill

By Sharon Farrow Review by Babs Marlee's getting ready for the Blueberry Blow Out festival as it has begun. She has to make sure The Berry Basket shines throughout the festival. Ryan, her fiancĂŠ decides she is going to be in the pie eating contest. Thank goodness she is hungry and just might win. She needs to according to Ryan as Porter Gale, owner of Blueberry Hill Farm, won the men's round and he is also rivals with Ryan's family farm. Marlee does win to everyone's delight but now she learns she will be in the tug of war contest.

Again, Ryan volunteered her.

The rivalry gets worse as Ryan's team loses to Porter and he accuses him of cheating. A piece of glass was found on Ryan's side. All hell breaks loose and Ryan attacks Porter.

Marlee is disgusted by this behavior and storms off. When later that night Porter dies on one of the rides that is named after his farm. Was it because he was a diabetic and ate anything in sight? Or did someone at the festival kill him?

Marlee has to decide what to do about her fiancĂŠ and the marriage but Kit comes back into the picture. Why was Ryan seen in a different place then where he was supposed to be fishing? What else has Ryan lied about? What will happen? Who killed Porter and why?

Loved this book in the series it has to be my favorite so far. There are so many twists and turns and suspects you will be kept guessing until the end. I loved all the characters you hated some and loved the others. Marlee and Minnie are a hoot.

The recipes at the end look great and especially the Baked Blueberry French Toast which reminds Marlee of Emeril's recipe.

Thank you to Kensington and the author or an arc to read for my honest opinion.

Cooking Review Date Night Dinners

by Sloane Taylor Review by Amber

Date Night Dinners is a wonderful collection of recipes.

Many of the recipes use ingredients commonly found in your pantry. Whether you're in the mood for beef, pork, chicken, fish, veggies, or salad, this cookbook has a little bit of everything. You can even try your hand at international dishes from Russia, Poland, Italy, China, and other countries.

I enjoy the simplicity of the delicious sounding recipes and will be preparing some of them soon. The author also makes sure to discuss pairing the perfect side dishes, also found in the cookbook, and adult beverages with some of the meals. There are several sections in the book, each food category broken down into its own heading.

Even those with food sensitivities will find value in this cookbook. One of the best parts of a cookbook, besides the food you prepare, is the ability to customize a recipe to your own liking or necessity. For example, those with gluten allergies will be able to substitute wheat pasta for gluten free. I'm excited to try Sloane Taylor's cookbook out with my family. I'm always looking for something new and different. Date Night Dinners will help spice up those same ole-same ole meals.

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