Review: Too Loved to Be Lost: Discovering God's Intentional, Unconditional, Without-Limits Love by Debora M. Coty

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 655 KB
• Print Length: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (Oct. 1 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00MYME094

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (Oct. 1 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1628369698
• ISBN-13: 978-1628369694

Book Description

 In Too Loved to Be Lost, you'll find simple, practical steps for healing, refreshment, and revitalization of spirit, body, and faith. Whether you're struggling with issues related to trust, depression, patience, relationships, hurts, or hopes. . .this humor-filled volume will deliver a much-needed smile and equip you with simple-to-implement tips for attaining the kind of guidance and belonging you crave—the kind that can only be found in the unconditional love of Papa God.


About the Author

Debora M. Coty is a popular speaker, columnist, lifelong Bible student, internationally published freelance writer, and award-winning author of numerous books, including Too Blessed to Be Stressed, and More Beauty, Less Beast. She's also an orthopedic occupational therapist, writing instructor, and tennis addict. Mother of two grown children, Debora lives and loves in central Florida with her husband, Chuck, and desperately wicked pooch, Fenway.

My Review

I am reviewing the paperback copy of Too Loved to Be Lost: Discovering God's Intentional, Unconditional, Without-Limits Love by Debora M. Coty. It is a humourous instruction book for women for assistance and guidance with all of the issues we women face daily.

It includes:

Section 1: Where Am I Going? Can I Get There From Here?
Section 2: Can Anyone Really Refold Maps?
Section 3: Woohoo! Road Trip!
Section 4: The Destination is my Journey

In each section there are 6 chapters. For example, Chapter 13: Backseat Driving (Relinquishing Control) is one of the things that I always need to conquer.  As each chapter does, it starts off with a bible verse. In this case it is Ephesians 3.20-21. Then a short story and devotional about the importance of relinquishing the control of our lives to God. Or Papa God as Debora Coty refers to God.

It is a very good book filled with appropriate verses and devotions to help us in our day to day life struggles. Be sure to pick up a copy for yourself or perhaps for a friend as a gift.

Great Escape Blog Tour Review: Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction by Amy Metz

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 563 KB
• Print Length: 320 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Southern Ink Press, an imprint of Blue Publications; 2 edition (Sept. 6 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00NE1H8FW

Tour Participants 

October 15 - MysteriesEtc - Review
October 16 - Tea and A Book - Review, Interview, Giveaway
October 17 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
October 18 – off
October 19 – A Cup of Tea, A Friend, And A Book - Review
October 20 – Girl Lost In a Book - Review, Giveaway
October 21 – Turning the Pages - Review
October 22 – deal sharing aunt – Interview
October 23 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana. Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! - Review, Giveaway
October 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Review, Interview, Giveaway
October 25 – readalot – Review
October 26 – off
October 27 – rantin' ravin' and reading - Review, Giveaway
October 28 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview
October 29 – off
October 30 - Queen of All She Reads - Review, Giveaway
October 31 - Melina's Book Blog - Interview, Giveaway
 



Book Description

When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle.

A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s not sure she’s ready. 


About the Author

 I am the author of a humorous mystery series set in the fictional town of Goose Pimple Junction. I live in Louisville, Kentucky with my invisible friends Tess, Jackson, Pickle, Louetta, Martha Maye, Butterbean, Henry Clay, Buck...

http://www.amymetz.com/

My Review


I always enjoy a well written cozy mystery, and Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction fits this criteria! Amy Metz is a good storyteller with a good writing style. I like the small town setting of Goose Pimple Junction. Each chapter begins with a quaint Southern saying which are cutesy and interesting.

There are two connected mysteries going on throughout the book that are both set in Goose Pimple Junction in different time periods. One is a story about an unsolved bank robbery and murder and the repercussions that spun off of that occurrence. This story occurs back in the 1930s. The other story is set in the present day and features Tess Tremaine, a new transplant from up north. Goose Pimple Junction is a small town in Tennessee. Tess has bought an historic home that she is remodeling. And she has taken a part time job in the local bookstore. But who is interested in her house and in particular the key she found? I was kept in suspense throughout the book!

There is also romance! Clean romance that is...how refreshing. Local celebrity writer Jackson Wright is set pursuing newly arrived Tess. And he is not the only one! But newly divorced, wary, middle-aged Tess is making Jack work for it!

A humorous romantic cozy mystery that is a fun and pleasant read! It is only 99 cents in the US Amazon store and $1.11 in the Canadian Amazon store so definitely a great buy!

Review: If the Shoe Kills (A Tourist Trap Mystery #3) by Lynn Cahoon

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 920 KB
• Print Length: 189 pages
• Publisher: eKensington (Nov. 10 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00KM9O6SQ

Book Description

The tourist town of South Cove, California, is a lovely place to spend the holidays. But this year, shop owner Jill Gardner discovers there’s no place like home for homicide. . .


As owner of Coffee, Books, and More, Jill Gardner looks forward to the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. But when the mayor ropes her into being liasion for a new work program, 'tis the season to be wary. Local businesses are afraid the interns will be delinquents, punks, or worse. For Jill, nothing’s worse than Ted Hendricks--the jerk who runs the program. After a few run-ins, Jill’s ready to kill the guy. That, however, turns out to be unnecessary when she finds Ted in his car--dead as a doornail. Officer Greg assumes it’s a suicide. Jill thinks it’s murder. And if the holidays weren’t stressful enough, a spoiled blonde wants to sue the city for breaking her heel. Jill has to act fast to solve this mess--before the other shoe drops. . .

"Murder, dirty politics, pirate lore, and a hot police detective: Guidebook to Murder has it all! A cozy lover’s dream come true." --Susan McBride, author of The Debutante Dropout Mysteries



About the Author

An Idaho native, her stories focus around the depth and experience of living big in a small town. Currently, she’s living in a small historic town on the banks of the Mississippi river where her imagination tends to wander. She lives with her husband and four fur babies.

http://lynncahoon.wordpress.com/

My Review

I have been enjoying this cozy mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Tourist Trap Mysteries are based in a central coast California town South Cove..I'm thinking a town like Cambria. Jill Gardner owns the town's book and coffee shop called appropriately....Coffee, Books and More. She also has a penchant for becoming involved in local murders.

Jill's boyfriend, Greg, is a detective with South Cove's police department. He wishes that she should stay home and keep her nose out of trouble but trouble seems to find her and she cannot help herself. It is a continuing cozy mystery series so the reader can follow along with Jill and Greg's relationship as well as those with her aunt, her shophelper Toby, and the rest of the assorted townfolk. Not too many people to get you confused but enough to make the story interesting.

If the Shoe Kills is the third book in the series. You do not need to read the first two to be able to follow the story properly but they do add background. I would recommend If the Shoe Kills if you are looking for a well written cozy mystery.

Bible Review: Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women-NIV by Lysa TerKeurst

• Hardcover: 1536 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 19, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310439361
• ISBN-13: 978-0310439363

Book Description

You spilled coffee on your shirt before walking out the door. Ran late to your appointment.  Snapped at your children, then regretted it all day.  And spent an hour at the grocery store with no dinner on the table to show for your efforts.

A typical day has come and gone.

Life is full of obligations, emotions, and relationships. Some are life-giving, yet sometimes the weight and responsibility of everyday life is heavy to bear. As wives, mothers, friends, and daughters, we need to know we’re not alone. We long for someone who understands—someone to help us find perspective.

When our days are long, and our nights are restless, it’s easy to think we should be able to handle things on our own. Or that no one struggles like we do. And that’s when we need a friend … to encourage us, to understand us, and help us become the woman God wants us to be.

You’ll find that friend on the pages of the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women. Filled with insightful daily devotions written by Lysa TerKeurst and the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries, the devotions in this Bible will meet you right where you are, in the good days and in the hard days, in the car pool line or the doctor’s office. With God’s truth as the foundation, this Bible will help you maintain a peace-filled place of balance in spite of your life’s hectic pace.
Features:

• The beauty and clarity of the New International Version (NIV) Bible
• 366 daily devotions from the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries inspire you to live authentically as a woman of God
• Author biographies
• A helpful subject Index

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages over half a million women worldwide through the ministry’s daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

About the Author

 Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey. For over 15 years, her message has enabled women to:

• Make the Bible come alive whenever you read it.
• Discover how to develop inner peace and security in any situation.
• Replace doubt, regret, and envy with truth, confidence, and praise.
• Stop unhealthy cycles of striving and learn to love who you are.
• Sense God responding to your prayers.

Lysa’s personal adventure of following God captured national media attention when she and her husband adopted two teenage boys from a war-torn orphanage in Liberia, Africa. They never imagined their decision would start a chain reaction within their community, which inspired other families to adopt over 45 children from the same orphanage! Lysa’s amazing story led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.

Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 encourage 500,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Lysa’s blog averages over 80,000 avid readers per month. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman.

Lysa was a Gold Medallion finalist for her book, Leading Women to the Heart of God, and a People’s Choice Award finalist for, What Happens When Women Walk In Faith. In addition, her articles have been published in Focus on the Family magazine, Marriage Partnership, and Crown Financial Ministries’ Money Matters.

Each year, Lysa is a featured keynote presenter at more than 40 women’s events, banquets, and retreats across North America, including the Extraordinary Women conferences and Focus on the Family’s women’s conference, Renewing the Heart. In addition, she hosts the annual She Speaks Conference, which has helped thousands of women gain the tools to pursue God’s calling on their life.

In the midst of her busy schedule, Lysa is an everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. She and her husband, Art, reside near Charlotte, North Carolina, with their five priority blessings named Jackson, Mark, Hope, Ashley, and Brooke.


My Review

I am a fan of Lysa TerKeurst's Proverb 31  Ministries therefore I was more than pleased to review this bible. This bible is available as an ebook (ebible) but the leather version is a very beautiful and compact bible. Any woman would love to receive this bible as a gift.

I always enjoy devotionals and other writings by the women in the Proverbs 31 Ministries. The Real Life Devotional Bible for Women (NIV) contains 366 devotions from these lovely ladies. The devotions are numbered, not dated, which makes it a more realistic bible for today's busy women who may not have time to read the bible every day despite their desire to do so.  I found the devotions in this bible to be very encouraging for a busy woman like myself. There is also an index of devotions by author included. This can be helpful because sometimes when you find an author that you particularly are fond of, you may wish to see what else they have to say...right there and then!

I have discovered that I have a heart for women's ministry as I have set out to find my place in the church and I know that owning this bible will be a wonderful assistance to me and I go forward. I found the Real Life Devotional Bible to be very inspiring and I am sure that other women will as well.

For further information:  http://www.zondervan.com/niv-real-life-devotional-bible-for-women-2

Review: Desert Rage: A Lena Jones Mystery by Betty Webb

• Series: Desert Rage (Book 8)
• Paperback
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press; 1 edition (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1464203121
• ISBN-13: 978-1464203121

Book Description

Ferociously ambitious U.S. Senatorial candidate Juliana Thorsson has been keeping a secret.
The horrific slaughter of a prominent doctor, his wife, and their ten-year-old son inside their Scottsdale home brings Thorsson to Private Investigator Lena Jones. The slain family’s 14-year old, Alison, and her boyfriend, Kyle, have confessed to the murders. Thorsson wants to hire Lena to discover if Alison is telling the truth, but before accepting the job, Lena demands to know why a rising political star wants to involve herself with the fate of a girl she’s never met. Desperate for Lena’s help, Thorsson reveals her explosive secret – that Alison is the candidate’s biological daughter, a fact she’s kept hidden for years. But that’s not all. Thorsson then confides something even more unusual than a mere hidden pregnancy, something that could ruin her political plans forever.

Suspecting that Alison’s parents had secrets of their own that could have led to the murders, Lena finally accepts Thorsson’s assignment. But interviewing those who knew the family well soon puts Lena — now a strong defender of the two teens — in danger of her life.

Fast paced, probing, and filled with the trademark twists of the Lena Jones series, Betty Webb is unsparing of her characters yet writes their stories with wit and compassion.

Reviews

"...Webb’s tough, moving eighth Lena Jones mystery... Several red herrings arise along the road to a surprising and satisfying ending." -Publishers Weekly

About the Author


Betty Webb is the author of the acclaimed Lena Jones mystery series, which includes “Desert Cut” and “Desert Wives.” A former Californian who once lived on a boat, like the zookeeper protagonist of “The Anteater of Death,” Betty now lives in landlocked Arizona, where she volunteers at the Phoenix Zoo. She also teaches Creative Writing at Phoenix College and is a member of the National Association of Press Women, Mystery Writers of America, and the Authors Guild. http://www.bettywebb-mystery.com/

My Review

I just devour books in Betty Webb's Lena Jones series. They are well-plotted and well-written. I love the Phoenix setting. Betty obviously knows the area well.

This Lena Jones mystery dives right into the story revolving around a prominent doctor and his family who are murdered and the key suspects being their daughter and her boyfriend. The teenage daughter and her boyfriend initially confess to the murders. But is it really that simple? Throw in a US senatorial candidate who is secretly the girl's biological mother. What secrets were the doctor and his wife hiding? The story is full of interesting characters like the steroid crazed woman in Lena's gym who keeps stealing her parking place! There are plenty of red herrings until Lena is able to solve the murders. Great story!

And Lena, take a closer look at that partner of yours. Why is it that some women are so blind to a good man right in front of them?

Highly recommend! Five stars.


 For further information, please see:  http://www.poisonedpenpress.com/desert-rage/

Review: Keepers of the Covenant (The Restoration Chronicles #2) by Lynn Austin

• Series: The Restoration Chronicles (Book 2)
• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (October 7, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764208993
• ISBN-13: 978-0764208997

Book Description

 The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It calls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple--but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges...this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.


About the Author

 For many years, Lynn Austin nurtured a desire to write but frequent travels and the demands of her growing family postponed her career. When her husband's work took Lynn to Bogota, Colombia, for two years, she used the B.A. she'd earned at Southern Connecticut State University to become a teacher. After returning to the U.S., the Austins moved to Anderson, Indiana, Thunder Bay, Ontario, and later to Winnipeg, Manitoba.

It was during the long Canadian winters at home with her children that Lynn made progress on her dream to write, carving out a few hours of writing time each day while her children napped. Lynn credits her early experience of learning to write amid the chaos of family life for her ability to be a productive writer while making sure her family remains her top priority.

Extended family is also very important to Austin, and it was a lively discussion between Lynn, her mother, grandmother (age 98), and daughter concerning the change in women's roles through the generations that sparked the inspiration for her novel Eve's Daughters.

Along with reading, two of Lynn's lifelong passions are history and archaeology. While researching her Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the Kings, these two interests led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology through Southwestern Theological Seminary. She and her son traveled to Israel during the summer of 1989 to take part in an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Timnah. This experience contributed to the inspiration for her novel Wings of Refuge.

Lynn resigned from teaching to write full-time in 1992. Since then she has published twelve novels. Eight of her historical novels, Hidden Places, Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, A Proper Pursuit, and Until We Reach Home have won Christy Awards in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2008, and 2009 for excellence in Christian Fiction. Fire by Night was also one of only five inspirational fiction books chosen by Library Journal for their top picks of 2003, and All She Ever Wanted was chosen as one of the five inspirational top picks of 2005. Lynn's novel Hidden Places has been made into a movie for the Hallmark Channel, starring actress Shirley Jones. Ms Jones received a 2006 Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Aunt Batty in the film.


My Review

The Restoration Chronicles series by Lynn Austin brings the Old Testament to life. The Keepers of the Covenant is the second book in the Restoration Chronicles. If you are like me, I tend focus my biblical learning on the New Testament instead of the Old Testament. However, the Old Testament is full of amazing information about the journey that God's people were on before the life of Jesus.

So why not just read the bible story instead of reading a book like Keepers of the Covenant. For one thing, a fictional retelling of Old Testament stories can help bring the stories to life for non-believers and believers alike. Reading a fictional account can help cement the information in your mind. It will also give believers the background to recount the story to others. I happen to have a particular non-believer in mind that I am going to pass this book along to so that as he enjoys the story he may become encouraged to pick up his bible again and explore it.

What can be more dramatic than a decree from the Babylonian king's palace to annihilate every single Jewish man, woman and child throughout the Babylonian Empire. The Old Testament is filled with drama such as this. Author Lynn Austin does an incredible job of bringing the story of Ezra to life. More importantly she brings the story of the exiles to life. You feel their pain as they struggle against all odds to survive during these brutal years and be restored to Judah.

Lynn Austin brings the Old Testament to life. The Restoration of God's People is an important portion of the Old Testament. The Keepers of the Covenant brings the people of that period in the fifth and sixth centuries before Christ (BCE) to life. I think this book will help its readers a deeper understanding of this period of the Restoration.

Highly recommend.

Review: The Difficult Sister (Emma Golden Mysteries #2) by Judy Nedry

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 382 KB
• Print Length: 182 pages
• Publisher: BookBaby; 1 edition (Oct. 31 2013)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00GYE0498

Book Description

Freshly recovered from her adventures in Oregon wine country (An Unholy Alliance, Book 1) Emma Golden is contacted by her old friend Melody Wyatt to help Melody find her missing sister Aurora. Known as "the Bolter", 50-year-old Aurora has burned her way through so many husbands and lovers everyone has lost count. Then, on an internet dating site, Aurora meets Mr. Right. She can't wait to move with him to the southern Oregon coast where, after a few short weeks, she drops out of sight. Emma and Melody head south to find her, and what starts out as a five-day girls' adventure quickly morphs into a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse, murder, and even romance.


About the Author


Judy Nedry graduated University of Oregon with a degree  in journalism and spent more than 20 years documenting the growth of the Pacific Northwest wine and food industries. She parlays this experience, plus her knowledge of small rural communities, into the Emma Golden Mystery Series which debuted in 2009 with "An Unholy Alliance" set in the vineyard-covered hills southwest of Portland, Oregon. The second in the series, "The Difficult Sister," is set on the remote southern Oregon coast. It was released in November, 2013.

The author resides in Portland, Oregon.

From the author:
"I specialize in lost causes, long friendships, and living well when I am able. The last award I won was in 1970; I can’t even pick up a couple bucks from a lottery scratch-it. I love anything to do with words, and always have. It’s a disease. Like my main character, Emma Golden, I’m a real dullard at a party. But I know a lot about food and wine and dark nights of the soul.

I grew up in a home where we were expected to find our own entertainment--riding bikes, disappearing into the woods to build forts...or just wander, stealing the neighbors' berries, lolling by the lake or reading Classic comic books on hot summer afternoons, eavesdropping on conversations at our mostly dysfunctional family events,and later just eavesdropping. And of course, reading. There was always a book around.

It is natural I became a story teller because I love stories. At college I started out as an English major, and then switched to journalism because it seemed to make sense.

As a journalist I became a better listener. As a wine and food writer I discovered an world of pleasures beyond my wildest imaginings. You see, I'd grown up in small towns. Where I came from, people didn't eat fine food or drink wine. I literally fell off a turnip truck! But I always knew there was more out there because I read books.

In addition to writing, I have worked in strawberry fields and onion fields, shipped potatoes and onions all over the continental United States, taken a summer job as secretary for a small town attorney, spent a month in New York as a guest editor for Mademoiselle magazine, served as managing editor for a small alternative magazine in the early 1970s, become a stock broker (a big mistake for someone like me!), helped found a vineyard and winery, co-founded a wine and food magazine, and traveled all over the world. I even ran a farmers' market for six months, carhopped at an A&W rootbeer stand, volunteered at a college theatre (and was smitten), married and bore two children.

All the while reading, loving, devouring mysteries, spy novels, thrillers, and suspense...."

Find out more at: www.judynedry.com

My Review

I was introduced to author Judy Nedry and the Emma Golden Mysteries in Nedry's first book, An Unholy Alliance, which is a great mystery. The second book in the series, The Difficult Sister, is another fabulous story.

Ah....internet dating (something I am so glad that I do need to explore) always sends up warning signs to me. I find it terrifying! Emma Golden's friend Melody's sister Aurora who is a serial dater and serial wife thinks she has found Mr. Right this time. She moves to the southern coast of Oregon (which is gorgeous) to find her happiness....again. When she disappears shortly after arriving there, Melody asks Emma for her help in finding her sister Aurora.

The Difficult Sister is filled with interesting characters, a great setting and an abundance of suspense! It is hard to put down! It is wonderful to visit southern Oregon on these pages, particularly Bandon which is home to my favorite ocean-side fish and chips shack. A good author like Nedry lets the reader feel like they are really there....great sense of place.  I like that Nedry writes about older women who are flawed and realistic. I get tired of reading about perfect, perky, young women! The Difficult Sister is a fast paced suspenseful read. Emma is a foodie and there is romance but I wouldn't classify this as a cozy mystery. Satisfying ending.

Highly recommend this series set in the beautiful state of Oregon. You do not need to have read the first book to fully enjoy The Difficult Sister.

Review: When the Snow Falls by Fern Michaels, Nancy Bush, Rosanna Chiofalo , Lin Stepp

• File Size: 1209 KB
• Print Length: 427 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1420131060
• Publisher: Zebra Books (September 30, 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00J7W1E4I

Book Description


“Candy Canes and Cupid” by Fern Michaels
All private investigator Hannah Ray wants for Christmas is a quiet day at her Florida beachfront condo. When her biggest client insists she join him on a Colorado ski trip, she has little choice—but what she finds on her arrival could melt the coldest heart…

“White Hot Christmas” by Nancy Bush
Aspiring PI Jane Kelly likes to pretend she’s a bah-humbug kind of girl, but she’s had mistletoe on the brain ever since she shared a kiss with her boss, Dwayne. Before she can hope for a repeat performance, Jane must solve a kidnapping that’s as twisted as a candy cane—and not nearly as sweet.

“Seven Days of Christmas” by Rosanna Chiofalo
Five years ago, Bianca Simone received a wonderful early Christmas gift from her boyfriend, Mark—a week amid the stunning Alpine scenery of Innsbruck, Austria. Now she’s back under very different circumstances, but Mark has one more special gift in mind…

“A Smoky Mountain Gift” by Lin Stepp
Veda Trent is back in Townsend to fill in as temporary manager of the Crafts Co-op, but she’s not planning to stay. Though the mountain town is small, it holds lots of unsettling memories. Yet the wind can change, bringing with it new opportunities—and the chance to create the kind of Christmas Veda has always longed for.



About the Author

 Fern Michaels:  www.fernmichaels.com/

Nancy Bush:  www.nancybush.net/

Rosanna Chiofalo:  www.rosannachiofalo.com/

Lin Stepp:  www.linstepp.com/


My Review

Newly released, this is a wonderful Christmas anthology with all new short stories or novellas.

I am going to focus my review on just one of the stories: A Smoky Mountain Christmas Gift by Lin Stepp. I became a fan of Lin Stepp earlier this year I read Stepp's Down by the River. Her stories are based in the Smoky Mountains and are Christian romances.

In A Smoky Mountain Christmas, some of the characters from Down by the River have returned. I like this! However, you do not have to read Down by the River to enjoy A Smoky Mountain Christmas.

Veda Trent is back in Townsend, Tennessee after her shop failed in St. Augustine, Florida and the death of her beloved aunt. Veda has stepped into her aunt's shoes at the crafts co-op in Townsend. She has also been reunited with her childhood love, Reese. Reese has a young daughter from a failed marriage. The failed marriage was to a woman that Veda disliked intensely when they were growing up and was the reason that Veda had not returned earlier. Can Veda and Reese rekindle the feelings they once had for each other? Can Veda forgive Reese for his earlier mistake?

It's Christmas and there is mountain magic in the air! Great story!

Great Escapes Virtual Blog Tour Review: Fit To Be Dead (An Aggie Mundeen Mystery Book 1) by Nancy G. West

Tour Participants

September 28 – The Gal in the Blue Mask – Review, Interview

September 29 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – Review

September 30 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Interview

October 1 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review

October 2 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review

October 3 – MysteriesEtc – Review

October 4 – My Recent Favorite Books – Review

October 5 – off 

October 6 – A Chick Who Reads – Review, Interview

October 7 – Back Porchervations – Review, Interview  

October 8 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Interview

October 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

October 10 – Dalene’s Book Reviews – Review

October 11 – Christa Reads and Writes – Review

October 12 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 476 KB
• Print Length: 338 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0974770582
• Publisher: Henery Press (July 24 2014)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00M4KIX44

Book Description

* Lefty Award Finalist for Best Humorous Mystery *

WRY HUMOR AND A CLEVERLY WOVEN MYSTERY...

“Fit to Be Dead has it all: intriguing characters that point to romance, an engrossing plot, a compelling puzzle and well-disguised clues—a fun read.” – L. C. Hayden, Award-Winning Author of the Harry Bronson Mystery series

Sub-genre tags: Humorous Mystery, Amateur Sleuth, Contemporary Cozy, Women Sleuths, Southern Mystery

Aggie Mundeen, single and pushing forty, fears nothing but middle age. When she moves from Chicago to San Antonio, she decides she better shape up before anybody discovers she writes the column, “Stay Young with Aggie.” She takes Aspects of Aging at the University of the Holy Trinity and plunges into exercise at Fit and Firm.

Rusty at flirting and mechanically inept, she irritates a slew of male exercisers, then stumbles into murder. She’d like to impress the attractive detective with her sleuthing skills. But when the killer comes after her, the health club evacuates semi-clad patrons, and the detective has to stall his investigation to save Aggie’s derriere.

Praise for FIT TO BE DEAD:

“West’s fine writing and clever plot reveal her mad sense of humor...She has produced a beautifully written book, brimming with wry humor, and a cleverly woven mystery. Highly recommended! I am very pleased to see there is a follow-up Aggie Mundeen novel, Dang Near Dead.” – Diana Hockley, Australian Mystery Novelist and International Reviewer for NetGalley and Kings River Life Magazine

“West's main characters’ histories suggest they could fill a series. I hope so. I love this book!" – Rollo K. Newsom PhD, Professor Emeritus, Texas State University, and an Editor of Lone Star Sleuths

“Aggie Mundeen’s wry observations on life, death, and the struggle to whip mind and body into shape make Fit to Be Dead delightful. Joining a health club has never been so dangerous...or so amusing.” – Karen McCullough, Author of Shadow of a Doubt and A Question of Fire

“Fit to be Dead is a satisfying read with powerful characterization, plot twists and a feisty believable protagonist.” – Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

Books in the Aggie Mundeen Humorous Mystery Series:

• FIT TO BE DEAD (#1)
• DANG NEAR DEAD (#2) September 2014
• SMART, BUT DEAD (#3) March 2015

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all...

About the Author

From Goodreads:  I have been writing since age seven: poems back and forth with my mom. I had a real poem published in the Library Journal, Pegasus, at age fifteen. At eighteen, I wanted to study journalism and English literature, but friends who chose that college route were making minimum wage or selling lingerie. Being practical, I earned a business degree. After marriage and two children, I decided I HAD to study literature and write. I wrote non-fiction articles, a biography, and a suspense novel in 2004. That's when whimsical Aggie Mundeen cut through the suspense, popped into my head and demanded her own series. The Aggie Mundeen mystery capers were born. Aggie must have been right:FIT TO BE DEAD is a LEFTY FINALIST 2013 for best humorous mystery, nominated by Left Coast Crime. DANG NEAR DEAD, Aggie second mystery caper has recently been released. http://tinyurl.com/nancywest

My Review

Fit To Be Dead, which is the first book in the Aggie Mundeen Mystery series, by author Nancy G. West is a humourous cozy mystery.

This is a fast read. It is entertaining in spots. The health club setting was contemporary. I enjoyed the focus on aging and getting into shape. The problems of losing weight as we age was interesting to me. 

A good cozy mystery featuring an amateur sleuth.