The Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook is a 2022 IPG Publishing Licensing publication.
Many, many years ago, I was gifted a Better Homes and Gardens The Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook is a 2022 IPG Publishing Licensing publication.
Many, many years ago, I was gifted a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook for Christmas and of all the cookbooks I have on hand-and of all the Pinterest boards, and internet recipe bookmarks I have for recipes and ‘how to’ advice, the ‘Better Homes’ book is the one I use more than any other. So, I was thrilled to see an updated version had been released and did not hesitate to grab it!
I couldn’t have asked for a better update of my favorite cookbook. There are still immeasurable amounts of useful and historic information, beautiful color pictures, and plenty of up-to-date recipes which include plant-based recipes, for example, and provides various cooking methods one can use, like pressure cooking and slow cooking, sheet pans, and more!
I had a blast looking at the ‘then and now’ comparisons- which could also be humorous at times, and had a pop culture feel to it, which was not only a lesson in history, but entertaining as well.
The recipes are truly meant for the home cook and for everyday use- and offers some ideas on how to take the base recipe and be more creative with it- or make substitutions so that it will work with your personal preferences or diet.
There are so many interesting new dishes alongside the more traditional recipes- there are quick dinners, everyday sides, meatless dishes, soups, salads, sandwiches, meat, fish, poultry, you name it- plus a very handy index!
The Better Homes and Gardens cookbook has the single most helpful cookbook I have ever had- this new addition, though, takes that to a new level.
This is the only practical cookbook you will ever need, most likely and, speaking from experience, it would make a nice gift for Christmas, or a newly married couple, a housewarming- or for anyone who loves to cook… And eat!! ...more
Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn is a 2022 publication. (Amazon Original Stories)
Normally, I don’t do well with short stories, but the title of thResting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn is a 2022 publication. (Amazon Original Stories)
Normally, I don’t do well with short stories, but the title of this book grabbed my attention, and I just couldn’t resist.
As it turns out, this quickie was very well done. The characters have some good back and forth dialogue, there’s a hint of holiday magic and a cute romance all rolled into a compact package. It was well worth the time spent reading it, and it might even cure your own ‘Resting Scrooge Face’.
Overall, because this one is under a hundred pages, it would be terrific ‘lunch break’ distraction and quick holiday spirit booster!
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a 2021 Flatiron publication.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright- Amelia and Adam- and their dog, Bob, are having a weekend awaRock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney is a 2021 Flatiron publication.
Mr. and Mrs. Wright- Amelia and Adam- and their dog, Bob, are having a weekend away, knowing this is a last-ditch effort to salvage their marriage. Adam is a workaholic screenwriter who has lived with face blindness his entire life. Amelia works at a dog shelter, which is where she wins this getaway trip in a raffle drawing.
Once they arrive at their destination, which is a remote Chapel of all places, things go awry from the get-go. The tension between the couple, brought on by mistrust, lies and secrets, only intensifies when a series of odd occurrences soon becomes an edgy cat and mouse game. Someone lured them to this exact location, and now they want them to stay…
Indefinitely…
Ha! This is my third book by this author and so far, we are three for three. Very clever, well executed, and it held my undivided attention from start to finish.
Overall, a solid, twisty- (and twisted)- psychological thriller with a chilling conclusion!
Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers-Your guide to not to Getting Murdered in a quaint English Village by Maureen Johnson is a 2021 Ten Speed Press publication.
A must for mystery lovers- especially the British variety! Yes, I do love a quaint English village- and of course, crime fiction readers, do know better than to be fooled by the deceptiveness of the bucolic scenery. That is what made this satirical graphic novel so funny. There’s a lot of dark humor, along with many fabulous illustrations, which made this a very entertaining book! This is a quick, one-sitting type of book, and was a nice change of pace.
Overall, I loved this graphic novel and highly recommend it to mystery lovers, of course, and maybe more for those who aren’t aware of the dangers of visiting a quaint English village….
Snowed in For Christmas by Sarah Morgan in a 2022 HQN publication.
Lucy, Ross, Alice, Nico, Clemmie, Fergus, Glenda, Douglas and last, but not least, Snowed in For Christmas by Sarah Morgan in a 2022 HQN publication.
Lucy, Ross, Alice, Nico, Clemmie, Fergus, Glenda, Douglas and last, but not least, Nanna Jean have all gathered for Christmas- except that Lucy is an unexpected guest, having found herself trapped there by a vicious winter storm after she pulls an in person ‘cold call’ with Ross Miller, the CEO of ‘Miller Active’, which specializes in activewear, desperately hoping to snag a new and lucrative account.
Lucy has idealized the Miller family- but soon discovers their ‘perfect family’ image isn’t as perfect as it seems. The Millers also have their share of personal resentments, broken dreams, and doubts and fears- just like everyone else…
I love Sarah Morgan- she’s one of my ‘go-to’ contemporary fiction/ romance authors, these days. Knowing this author, I knew the book would have depth and might not necessarily have the light festive atmosphere of other Christmas themed stories.
Don’t get me wrong, the issues are not all that heavy, really, but… the story is heavy on the drama, if that makes sense. This is SM’s style, no matter what the calendar says. In fact, with a calendar change and few tweaks here and there, this book would work just as well as a 'beach read'. So, while there are holiday festivities- the story does have a bit more levity.
I admit I got caught up in the Miller’s lives, and their various concerns and relationship woes- it was pretty good stuff. If I must make a complaint, it would be that the story was too busy. I’m ashamed to admit that for a while there I almost completely forgot all about poor injured Lucy, who was left alone for an inordinate amount of time. In fact, the characters seemed to have realized this at about the same time I did- and thankfully, Lucy was checked on- and was woven back into the story. So- yes, a few too many POVs and characters, perhaps.
I also thought that Clemmie and Alice’s issues might have been wrapped up a little faster, as well as the Ross/Douglas/Glenda thread- because all these characters have a long history with their family and prospective partners, whereas Lucy and Ross only just met, and spent precious little time alone. Their banter was not terribly playful or sharp the few times they did have a convo, and their romance was terribly rushed.
That said, Morgan is a seasoned pro, and she was able to adeptly bring all the threads together with satisfaction and with a nice happily ever after!
All’s well that ends well, right?
Right!
Oh-and just one more thing, Nanna Jean deserves a special mention as she very nearly stole the entire show!! I loved her!...more
Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark is a 2023 Pocket Books publication. (Originally published in 1975 by Simon & Schuster)
If I have my infoWhere Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark is a 2023 Pocket Books publication. (Originally published in 1975 by Simon & Schuster)
If I have my information straight, this was MHC’s first novel of suspense, which was originally published in 1975. Of course, we all know she went on to earn the ‘Queen of Suspense’ moniker and had a very long, successful career.
I can’t tell you with complete honesty, if I ever read this book before, but if I did, it was too long ago for me to remember- so I'm happy to see the book has been reissued so I can read it before Alafair Burke's follow-up- which I am so excited about!!
(Burke co-authored a series with Clark before her death, so she is familiar with Clark’s style of writing, and I hope she will continue to keep her legacy going. It seems fitting that Burke would begin with a story featuring Nancy's adult children.)
But before I get ahead of myself- let's take a look at this classic:
Nancy was in her twenties when her two children were murdered, and she became the prime suspect. She was convicted of the crime, but was let go on a technicality. She started over, got remarried, had more children, and lived a quiet life off the Cape, hoping a key witness would stay hidden and that she would never be recognized or retried for murder.
Unfortunately, the absolute worse happens when Nancy’s children disappear- again!
For a book written back in the mid-seventies, this story featured some taboo topics, for its time, such a pedophilia, which publishers were apparently concerned about. Though there are some signs of age, this story stands the test of time very well. The suspense is indeed intense, and although I am a jaded reader, I was on the edge of my seat a few times.
Overall, I thought for a first-time suspense writer this book was well executed and fast-paced. I can see why Clark became so popular! This is a quick read and a real page turner, too. I can’t wait to see how Burke continues this story with Nancy’s adult children!
Christmas at Cozy Holly Inn by Meredith Summers is a 2021 publication.
This is a cute holiday themed contemporary novel centered around Pinecone FallsChristmas at Cozy Holly Inn by Meredith Summers is a 2021 publication.
This is a cute holiday themed contemporary novel centered around Pinecone Falls, a cozy little town in Vermont. Julie Green’s grandmother, Ida, is selling her B&B, but before the sale in finalized, she wants to host one more Christmas Eve party. Unfortunately, she is a little under the weather, so she calls Julie asking her to help with decorating the B&B. Because Julie is in-between jobs, and she can’t refuse her grandmother under the circumstances, she leaves Boston to spend a few weeks getting the B&B in shape for the big Christmas party finale….
When she arrives, though, the place is in disrepair, she finds a cat she doesn’t want, and who doesn’t seem to like her very much, but becomes her temporary responsibility, and a neighbor, Nolan Miller, she doesn’t have fond memories of, is suddenly quite interested in whether she plans to stick around or return to Boston.
Nolan’s family has been through some heavy tragedies, virtually erasing their holiday spirit- seemingly forever. Now they are set to buy the B&B, but Julie’s appearance has made them suspicious. To make sure the sale isn’t about the fall through, Nolan’s family wants him to keep an eye on Julie Green…
This is a festive story with plenty of holiday atmosphere. Lots of snow, decorations, holiday memories and a little romance to top things off. Because this was such a nice story, I hesitate to nitpick- but the small-town vs. the big city comparisons were too heavy handed, and contradicted itself a time or two as Julie's neighbors weren't always very nice. There are salt of the earth people everywhere, not just in small towns, but that is my only complaint.
I was completely won over by the animals in the story- both ‘Kringle” the cat and ‘Snowball”, the dog played key roles in the story, and were occasional scene-stealers.
Overall, I love good, clean, holiday stories- and I read lots of them every year- and yes, often they are predictable-but that is not always a bad thing, in my opinion, and so what? Sometimes holiday stories can go overboard on the sap, though- but Summers did a good job of keeping the story light in tone, while avoiding anything too sickly sweet. It had just the right touch of holiday spirit and was a lovely way to spend a dreary afternoon. ...more
Directed by James Burrows by James Burrows, Eddy Friedfeld (With) is a 2022 Ballantine Books publication.
I can tell you the names of the characters aDirected by James Burrows by James Burrows, Eddy Friedfeld (With) is a 2022 Ballantine Books publication.
I can tell you the names of the characters and the actors who portray them on television shows- especially those I grew up watching -but ask me who the director was and I might draw a complete blank.
That said, James Burrows is one director's name I recognize. He worked on so many of the best sitcoms in American history. Still, I had no idea how long he had been working behind the camera, how he got his start, and all the amazing shows he directed.
This book is not just about a list of shows or actors Burrows worked on or with, but it was also an education on what goes on behind the scenes that creates that awesome chemistry that makes a show standout and becomes a major success.
For me, it was also a bit of a trip down memory lane. It brought back the magic of some of my favorite shows, but also gave me incredible new insights and details that made me want to binge watch every one of these shows all over again, so I could see them through Burrows' eye lens.
That said, the book is listed as a memoir- or autobiography, but it is almost entirely about Burrows professional life. If you are hoping to get a feel for who the man is in his private life, you won’t find that here- so maybe we should create a new category – like ‘professional memoir’ or something, so we know what to -or not to- expect. I’d like to have had more of a balance in a memoir- but other than that, I thought this was a very interesting book. It is also nostalgic and entertaining, too.
Southern Living Christmas 2022 is a Harry N. Abrams publication.
I have a ‘subscription’ to Southern Living magazine via the KU program. I love the maSouthern Living Christmas 2022 is a Harry N. Abrams publication.
I have a ‘subscription’ to Southern Living magazine via the KU program. I love the magazine, which is a little bit addictive, I must say, so when I saw this Christmas edition book at the library I couldn’t resist.
Evidently, this is an annual Southern Living tradition, so this is the newest Christmas publication. I did not know what to expect really, but I thought the book would be a little chunkier than this with better photos and articles. (This is a digital copy- the hardcover version probably has bigger and brighter pictures.)
The book is nice enough- with the charm and elegance has the Southern Living readers are accustomed to, and includes some very interesting southern holiday recipes, with the cakes winning the day.
But, out of curiosity, I checked the book price at Amazon and thought that for what you get the price point was a bit steep. I’m sure the hardcover version is beautiful, but I didn't feel even remotely tempted to buy a copy. I think I got more out of the monthly periodical, than from this book.
If you find a copy at your library- it is a fun book to flip through and might give you a few decorating and holiday planning ideas, and there were a number of recipes.
Though I wasn't tempted to buy a copy of this book for myself, I thought it might make be a good gift idea-but on second thought, a subscription to the Southern Living monthly publication would probably be the better option -and give you more bang for your buck.
An Old- Fashioned Thanksgiving by Mary Louise Alcott is an 1868 publication.
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for thAn Old- Fashioned Thanksgiving by Mary Louise Alcott is an 1868 publication.
The excitement of Thanksgiving is in the air as preparations begin for the big holiday feast. Unfortunately, a family emergency leaves the Bassett children in charge of the festivities. They are determined- but can they pull it off by themselves?
What a sweet and cozy short story! This little gem has never shown up in my search for a Thanksgiving story, somehow. Heartfelt thanks go out to my dear GR friend, Tina, for sending me the link to this lovely story.
Times have certainly changed since this story was first penned, but coming together in times of stress, working together, enjoying our friends and family, and being thankful, are themes that are timeless, and endlessly inspirational!
Paying it forward- Anyone interested in this story can find it here:
Thanksgiving Target by Laura Scott is a 2009 publication.
Tara is watching over Melissa, her friend and client, as she lies in a coma due to a viciousThanksgiving Target by Laura Scott is a 2009 publication.
Tara is watching over Melissa, her friend and client, as she lies in a coma due to a vicious beating by her boyfriend. When Melissa’s brother, Max, an army Lieutenant on leave, arrives, he steps in to help when it becomes clear that someone has Tara in their crosshairs...
I’ve been on a mission to find some Thanksgiving themed books this year. Surprisingly, I have stumbled across a few, after doing a deep dive at my Overdrive library- and this was one of them.
This is a romantic suspense novel, and though it is a few years old now, it hasn’t aged all that much. The story moves at a brisk pace, and the mystery is solid enough- though it was easy to figure out who the stalker was -Still, it didn’t deflate the suspense.
Because these books are so short, some situations were rushed through, and not fleshed out properly, when they desperately needed to be.
Since this is a “Love Inspired” novel of suspense- (which, for those who don't know), is a Christian/ Faith-based/ Inspirational imprint), there was a strong Christian message included in the story.
While I expected the story to be clean, this one was chaste to the extreme- but that’s fine since the mystery/suspense was the big draw for me anyway.
As to the main reason I chose this book- the Thanksgiving theme…
Well…
Thanksgiving does finally come up- though I was beginning to wonder- and it was a sweet part of the happily ever after for Tara and Max.
Overall, this is not a story that will stick with me for very long. It was highly implausible at times, but was still a quick, easy, and enjoyable holiday diversion on a very cold, wet, dreary afternoon.
Manson by Jeff Guinn is a 2013 Simon & Schuster publication.
After reading Jeff Guinn’s chilling book about Jim Jones, which was published after this Manson by Jeff Guinn is a 2013 Simon & Schuster publication.
After reading Jeff Guinn’s chilling book about Jim Jones, which was published after this one, I was so impressed by his work, I added this book to my library wish-list- but I couldn’t seem to muster the emotional courage to read about Manson, right away, so the book fell down the list.
I recently learned Guinn had a new book coming out, which reminded me that I had never gotten around to reading this one. So, I took a deep fortifying breath and got started on it.
Guinn really digs deep in his biographies so that the reader gets a full picture of how someone like Charlie developed into the person they became, which means we begin with his childhood- which was far from charmed.
As a result, Charlie started getting into trouble at an early age- and naturally ended up in prison- it was as though he was in his element and preferred to stay there. Unfortunately, he was paroled…
Manson was a combination of a narcissist and con man- eventually spiraling out of control in what I feel was a perfect storm- the sixties, communes, the blurred lines that saw people like Manson and his ‘family’ hanging out with Didi Lansbury, living at Dennis Wilson’s home, brushing elbows with music industry people, while his ‘family’ lived under the rule of a maniac cult leader, who was desperate to keep them under his thumb.
As time passes, and the window of opportunity closes on Manson’s dream of being the biggest rock star in the world, he starts losing his grip over his ‘family’ and obviously things begin to go horribly awry.
Guinn does an incredible job of bringing that period of history to life, showing how it was the exact moment in time for someone like Charlie to flourish. It’s a mind boggling, emotionally conflicting and chilling tale- but at the end of the day, Guinn strips Manson of his mystique, exposing who he really was all along.
One of the chapter headings says- The Wrong Man in the Right Place, at the Right Time- which couldn’t be more apt. The 1960s was already a brewing storm and Manson simply capitalized on that. He was nothing but an opportunistic, sociopathic con-man- pure and simple…
He cost people their lives, both literally and figuratively, and in truth it’s sad that he managed to stay in the public eye for so long-something that most assuredly pleased him- and kept some people tied to him for years.
As to the presentation and execution of the book, this one didn’t quite reach the same level of excellence as ‘The Road to Jonestown”, but it comes in a close second. There were a few things I took issue with. On occasion I picked up on a note of sarcasm and wasn’t sure if it was due to the author’s personal feelings about the topic being discussed, or if it was aimed at Charlie’s twisted view of it. I chose to give Guinn the benefit of the doubt in those areas.
Other than that, I didn’t feel the author opined very often, mostly just presenting the facts and allowing the reader to interpret them from there. It is not the author’s place to make judgments on those on the fringes of Manson life- such as the celebrities that he rubbed elbows with on occasion, for example. I prefer this approach, myself, and do not like attempts to blame others for someone’s crimes, or attempt to lead readers to any like minded conclusion- so I was happy with the author’s presentation on that front.
There was some material inserted here that didn’t really have anything to do with the topic at hand and I wondered why it was necessary to include it- other than to simply remind readers of what else was going on at the same time the Manson cult was operating, killing, and on trial.
Sometimes it is still hard to believe all that really happened, but this book serves to remind us there is pure, narcissistic evil in the world, and we might do well to remember that…
Overall, another outstanding piece of true crime by this author. His portrait of Charles Manson was spot-on. The book is organized and well-researched, hard to read at times, but impossible to put down.
*Charlie died after this book was published- and is still referred to in the present tense. ...more
Basic Soups by Marguerite Patten in a 2008 Grub Street Cookery publication.
I picked this book up on a whim from the Overdrive library. Although I makBasic Soups by Marguerite Patten in a 2008 Grub Street Cookery publication.
I picked this book up on a whim from the Overdrive library. Although I make soups all year round, I am more apt to be in the mood to cook a big pot of soup during the winter months, which are almost upon us- so, I was hoping for some tips and tricks, and maybe a few recipes that would mix things up a bit.
I got all that and quite a bit more. The author goes into great detail about how to make the broth or soup stock and all the various meat or vegetable bases one could start with and goes on from there -including soups that are creamy or clear, vegetable, fish, meat, poultry- cold soups, and even fruit soups and soups for those who are dieting. Not only are there recipes, but various methods of cooking are explained, which includes microwave cooking and pressure cooking.
I learned a lot from the text portions and did find some interesting recipes. The huge downside of this informative cookbook is that there are no pictures- not one- front or back.
Overall, this book was very helpful for me when it came to making homemade broths and soup bases. The recipes are mostly simple, and the ingredients are not hard to find, in most cases. I appreciated the variations provided and the notes on how to freeze or not. That said, I’m not sure if I will purchase a copy for future reference, but I did keep it on my 'considering' list- just in case....more
A Vineyard Thanksgiving by Katie Winters is a 2020 publication.
This is the fourth book in the Vineyard Sunset series, but despite having missed the fA Vineyard Thanksgiving by Katie Winters is a 2020 publication.
This is the fourth book in the Vineyard Sunset series, but despite having missed the first three installments, I was given enough 'catch-up' information to keep me in the loop.
This installment is centered around Charlotte, a widow, who is a wedding planner living in Martha’s Vineyard. It’s the off season for weddings, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so maybe Charlotte can get some rest and enjoy the holiday- if only she could get a handle on her grief over the sudden loss of her husband of twenty years.
Things go from super quiet to crazy busy overnight when an Oscar winning actress calls Charlotte out of the blue begging her to plan a Thanksgiving wedding for her. With only three weeks to plan, and a self-absorbed actress turned Bridezilla to deal with, Charlotte hardly has time breath, must less grieve.
Things get even more interesting when a handsome photographer named Everett arrives to cover the celebrity wedding of the year. A small spark blooms between Everett and Charlotte- but Everett likes to roam around and travel, while Charlotte has never even left the island without her husband. Will they act on the chemistry they feel between them or go back to living their lives as before?
Poor Thanksgiving. It is completely overlooked these days, but I love Thanksgiving! It is one of my favorite holidays- but try finding Thanksgiving movies or books and it’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
This year, though, I was determined to find at least one book centered around Thanksgiving- and thankfully, my Overdrive library came through for me, as it often does. Not only did I find more books than I anticipated, but I also found a new author to love.
This book is a little busy at times, especially considering the brevity of it. There are lots of characters, and this is sometimes a pet peeve for me- but I managed to learn all the names, plus get a little feel for their back stories, and their relation to Charlotte.
The point of the story isn’t so much the insane wedding planning- or the OTT bride and groom- but the opportunity for Charlotte to feel a glimmer of hope, giving her a green light to begin moving on with her life.
Everett has some family issues he needed to resolve, but also knew that Charlotte could be a game changer for him, too.
The story is short, as I mentioned, so the characters and the storyline don’t get as much time to develop as I would like- but I went looking for a sweet, gentle holiday story, and Katie Winters delivered just that. She has a long list of books that have a holiday or seasonal theme, all of them seem to be around the same length as this one, and would be perfect books for a quick escape or a much need spirit boost. I will definitely check more of them out soon!
Beyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence- Ash is a 2023 Celadon Books publication.
Beatrix- ‘Bea’ Thompson is sent to America at age eleven by her parentsBeyond That, the Sea by Laura Spence- Ash is a 2023 Celadon Books publication.
Beatrix- ‘Bea’ Thompson is sent to America at age eleven by her parents to protect her from the ravages of World War ll. She lands with the Gregory family in Boston and is immediately folded into this loving family, though it does take some time to adjust.
As the war rages on, Bea enjoys a life she could never have imagined. Her American mother, Nancy, grows quite attached, and Nancy’s son’s also forge a tight bond with Bea.
But on the other side of the ocean, Bea’s parents struggle with the reality of war, with missing their daughter, and the widening distance between them- not just geographically, or physically, but emotionally…
Eventually, though, despite the chasm of grief over leaving America, Bea returns home to her mother. Yet, as the years pass, the bonds she created with the Gregory’s never fully fades. They each, in their own way, stay emotionally connected, believing they must live separate lives despite the deep-seated feelings that bind them together…
What an amazing novel! I love historical sagas- and this one fits the bill- it’s sweeping- covering decades of time. In many ways it is a quiet novel, but it packs a big emotional punch. The characters each have strengths and flaws, go through many trials and changes, periods of setbacks and growth, triumphs and grief, and the reader is right there- going through it with them!
Overall, this is a beautifully written story- a love story on so many levels, and a story that will stick with me a long time to come!
Rest You Merry by Charlotte Macleod is a 2012 Mysterious Press/Open Road publication. (Originally published in 1978)
I’ve been curious about this serieRest You Merry by Charlotte Macleod is a 2012 Mysterious Press/Open Road publication. (Originally published in 1978)
I’ve been curious about this series for ages, and I love reading through old cozy mystery series. The downside to that is trying to locate all the installments, since many of these older books are out of print or are priced outside my budget. Thankfully, I found a healthy number of Macleod’s Peter Shandy series in digital format on Hoopla while looking for holiday mysteries. As it turns out, this is both a Christmas themed book and the first book in the series, so it seemed the perfect time to dive in and test the waters.
For a book originally published in 1978 it held up well. There are a few remarks made that we might frown on, and some phrases popped up that were pretty funny. “When can we split for lunch?” Split? LOL! But the best one was referencing law enforcement as the ‘Fuzz’. That one made me laugh out loud. But, overall, the book is not all that dated. The mystery is solid, and I rather liked Peter Shandy. There were a few characters to keep up with, which was a little trying at times, and for a cozy mystery I was a little surprised at some of the language- no F-bombs or anything, but occasionally some words went beyond ‘mild language’, which is not typical for books in this category.
Other than that, this book got the series off to a good start. I have no idea if reading in order is required- I rather doubt it, to be honest- I’ll have to go with what books are available, though, either way. But I will most definitely read more books in the series whenever possible.
On Gin Lane by Brooke Lee Foster is a 2022 Gallery Books publication.
Everleigh’s fiancé, Roland, surprises her with a hotel he built for her in the HOn Gin Lane by Brooke Lee Foster is a 2022 Gallery Books publication.
Everleigh’s fiancé, Roland, surprises her with a hotel he built for her in the Hampton’s. Though she didn’t ask for this, Everleigh, embraces the role, but then a fire breaks out, putting Roland in a financial bind, and both of them under suspicion, as detectives believe arson might be to blame.
Under the strain, Everleigh’s relationship with Roland, begins to fray, and she begins to second guess her decision to marry him. Meanwhile, Everleigh’s love of photography gives her an opportunity to work doing something that she loves. Yet her family, and Roland, are determined to force her to quit…
As she digs her heels in, Everleigh is becoming more and more certain she’s made a mistake with Roland, but can’t seem to find a way out of her engagement…
Although Everleigh is naïve, and comes from a wealthy family, she spends her summer in the Hamptons growing up and becoming wise. She still must fight with herself about social standings and appearances, duty, and how her decisions will affect her family, but she comes into her own, in her own good time.
There is a mystery, an investigation, and loads of questions about that fire, but for a long time the mystery runs in the background as Everleigh struggles with her failing romance, her desire to break free from the strictures of her life, as she falls under the spell of both her new photography mentor, Starling Meade, and Curtis, a doctor she keeps bumping into.
Once the revelations start pouring out, though, the surprises are stunning, and not nearly as predictable as I expected them to be...
This was a book I had intended to read over the summer-but I crammed too many ‘Beach’ reads onto my summer list, and, sadly, ran out time before I had a chance to read all of them. Usually, I packed all seasonal books away until the next year- but the premise for this one sounded so good, I had to have just one last summer fling before I pack away the summer books for good this year.
I loved the setting, the location, and the quiet way the novel unfolded, the character growth and the pioneers who paved the way for women to have more options in life and step out from behind the shadows of their fathers and husbands to gain more independence and control over their own destinies.
Starling might have been the trailblazer in this story, but though it seemed unlikely, Everleigh also became a trailblazer in her own right, as well.
Overall, I have to say I enjoyed my last beach flirtation, and think this was a lovely swan song for the summer of 2022…
Agatha’s First Case by M.C. Beaton is a 2015 Minotaur Books publication.
I have waffled for ages about jumping into one of M.C. Beaton’s long-running mAgatha’s First Case by M.C. Beaton is a 2015 Minotaur Books publication.
I have waffled for ages about jumping into one of M.C. Beaton’s long-running mysteries series- so when I saw this novella length story featuring Agatha Raisin and her first case, I decided to dip my toe into the water.
This story was published in 2015 and the first full-length Raisin novel was published in 1992- so for fans of the series, this one was probably just a short bit of fun fluff sandwiched between installments, but it gave me an advantage, should I decide to give the series a start, in earnest someday. Although this novella was an okay test-taste, if you will, I’m still waffling. I may try the ‘Macbeth’ series first, then decide.
Overall, I read this one out of curiosity, just to see if the series might be a good fit for me. It is a great way to meet Agatha and see how she got started on the road to amateur sleuthing- but, as the series is categorized as a cozy- it didn’t entirely meet my qualifications for that genre- mainly due to the language, which did take me a bit by surprise. I may see how hard it is to find all the installments- and if they are mostly available, I'll give it a fair shake- as it does seem like a very popular series.
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