Thursday, April 10, 2014

Review: Gone and Done It (Dreamwalker Series) by Maggie Toussaint









  • Hardcover
  • Publisher: Five Star; 1 edition (May 9 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1432828134
  • ISBN-13: 978-1432828134


Book Description


Baxley solves crimes in her dreams


While planting a cherry tree, landscaper and pet sitter Baxley Powell digs up a skull. As she waits for the cops, she dreamwalks to identify the victim. Once her findings prove helpful, the sheriff agrees to pay her for consulting, if she closes cases.


 A widow and single mom, Baxley needs this consulting gig. Her in-laws want custody of her daughter, so she has to be self-sufficient.


 Complications arise when a fresh body is found on Baxley’s jobsite, planting her in the suspect pool. Concurrently, her father steps down as county dreamwalker, passing the honor to her. Some honor. People need help, and she barely knows what to do.


 With a killer dogging her heels and spirits nipping at her mind, Baxley follows her dreams.


About the Author

A scientist by training, a romanticist at heart, Maggie Toussaint loves to solve puzzles. Whether it’s the puzzle of a relationship or a who-dun-it, she tackles them all with equal aplomb and wonder. Maggie writes cozy mystery for Five Star, romantic suspense for The Wild Rose Press, and contemporary romance for Muddle House Publishing. Besides being a member of Washington Romance Writers, she’s also a member of First Coast Romance Writers, Southeast Mystery Writers of America and Sisters In Crime. She was awarded the WRW Magic Crystal service award in 2004.



My Review

I love the cover of this book! It is spooky with an air of mystery! 

The main character in Maggie Toussaint's latest book, Gone and Done It which is part of the new Dreamwalker series, is Baxley Powell whose psychic gift is just emerging. She has inherited this gift from her father. While I'm not really fond of supernatural stories, the mystery element of the story makes this a good read for me.

Baxley, whose day job is a landscaper as well as a pet-sitter, isn't sure she is ready to be the county psychic or dreamwalker who has the ability to communicate with the dead. While working as a landscaper, Baxley finds a dead body in a client's yard. The police of course are skeptical that she can communicate with this body through her dreamwalking ability. Could a new career as a police consultant be in the works?

This is an interesting paranormal mystery set in coastal Georgia. It is a good story and if you like paranormal mysteries or just mysteries in general be sure to pick up a copy when it releases next month.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Upcoming Book Alert: Blessed are the Dead: A Gabriella Giovanni Mystery by Krisi Belcamino


  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • Publisher: Witness Impulse (June 10 2014)
  • Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers CA
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00GLS4VR8




For her debut novel, BLESSED ARE THE DEAD (Witness, on sale 6/10/2014, $2.99, ISBN 13: 9780062338907), Kristi Belcamino relies on her knowledge gained from working as a crime reporter at newspapers in California, specifically in her experience with a serial killer who police and FBI agents liked to several kidnappings and murders. Belcamino’s personal past colors this smart, thrilling novel with a unique new voice.

BLESSED ARE THE DEAD offers chilling, authentic glimpses into the mind of a psychopath while also mining the psyche of an extremely likeable protagonist.  The novel sets up a new series featuring Gabriella Giovanni, an Italian-American Bay Area crime reporter.  BLESSED ARE THE MEEK, the second book in the series will be published in July.

First Two Chapters Preview Here:


BLESSED ARE THE DEAD pits Italian-American Bay Area Crime reporter against a serial killer who preys on children. When they were little girls, Gabriella Giovanni’s sister was kidnapped and killed. Twenty years later, Gabriella spends her days on the crime beat flitting in and out of other people’s nightmares and then walking away unscathed. That changes when a little girl disappears and Gabriella’s quest for justice and a front-page story leads her to a convicted kidnapper who reels her in with tales of his exploits as a longtime serial killer and promises to reveal his secrets to her alone. Meanwhile, Gabriella’s passion for her job quickly spirals into obsession when she begins to suspect the kidnapper also killed her sister. Gabriella won’t hesitate to risk her life to garner justice for the dead.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Cookbook Review: My Paris Kitchen: Recipes and Stories by David Lebovitz




  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 36248 KB
  • Print Length: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Ten Speed Press (April 8 2014)
  • Sold by: Random House Canada, Incorp.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00FUZR04O




Book Description

A collection of stories and 100 sweet and savory French-inspired recipes from popular food blogger David Lebovitz, reflecting the way Parisians eat today and featuring lush photography taken around Paris and in David's Parisian kitchen.

It’s been ten years since David Lebovitz packed up his most treasured cookbooks, a well-worn cast-iron skillet, and his laptop and moved to Paris. In that time, the culinary culture of France has shifted as a new generation of chefs and home cooks—most notably in Paris—incorporates ingredients and techniques from around the world into traditional French dishes.

     In My Paris Kitchen, David remasters the classics, introduces lesser-known fare, and presents 100 sweet and savory recipes that reflect the way modern Parisians eat today. You’ll find Soupe à l’oignon, Cassoulet, Coq au vin, and Croque-monsieur, as well as Smoky barbecue-style pork, Lamb shank tagine, Dukkah-roasted cauliflower, Salt cod fritters with tartar sauce, and Wheat berry salad with radicchio, root vegetables, and pomegranate. And of course, there’s dessert: Warm chocolate cake with salted butter caramel sauce, Duck fat cookies, Bay leaf poundcake with orange glaze, French cheesecake...and the list goes on. David also shares stories told with his trademark wit and humor, and lush photography taken on location around Paris and in David’s kitchen reveals the quirks, trials, beauty, and joys of life in the culinary capital of the world.

“David Lebovitz is a rare specimen: both a terrific storyteller and a brilliant, uncompromising recipe writer. His lighthearted, almost satirical style is combined with far-reaching knowledge of food and its context. I’d follow him blindfolded on this journey to the City of Light.”
-Yotam Ottolenghi, coauthor of Jerusalem

“David Lebovitz is a chef who can write better than most food writers, a writer who can hold his own in any restaurant kitchen in the world, and, most of all, a guy who simply rejoices in food and cooking. This may be his most personal cookbook, describing all facets of his cooking life in Paris, with great stories, information, and recipes. I need two copies of this book: one for the kitchen and another by my reading chair.”
-Michael Ruhlman, author of Ruhlman’s Twenty

“Opening this beautiful book is like opening the door to David’s Paris. Of course, you get great recipes, but you also get to wander the world’s most delicious city with a friend who knows it well and is excited to share it with you. A treat  for those of us who love French home cooking, Paris, and David’s take on it all.”
-Dorie Greenspan, author of Around My French Table
 
“David Lebovitz is the ultimate American in Paris and this book is the ultimate insight into his beautiful and delicious world. I am beyond jealous!”
-Suzanne Goin, author of The A.O.C. Cookbook

Black Olive Tapenade
Tapenade Noire

Serves 6 to 8

This was the first tapenade I ever made, and it is still my go-to recipe. The best olives to use are the slightly wrinkled black olives from Nyons; or, if you have the patience for pitting teensy Niçoise olives, they’re marvelously oily and are the base for a wonderful bowl of tapenade. Other olives work well, too, but if they’re very salty, rinse them in cold water and pat them dry before using them.

One way to pit olives is to squish them under your thumb or use the side of a broad knife blade, with the blade held parallel to the table (i.e., not facing up), and rap it down briskly to release the pit from the olive meat. Be sure to wear a dark shirt or kitchen apron since the pits like to celebrate their liberté in a very “far-reaching” way.

Tapenade can be spread on Herbed goat cheese toasts. Pastis is the classic accompaniment, although I never developed a taste for the anise-scented
elixir that mysteriously turns cloudy when water is added to dilute its high-test taste and strength. I opt for chilled rosé.


1-1/2 cups (210g) black olives, pitted
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and squeezed dry
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
2 anchovy fillets
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed  lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup (80ml) olive oil
Sea salt or kosher salt (optional)

1. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the olives, garlic, capers, thyme, anchovies, lemon juice, and mustard a few times to start breaking them down.

2. Add the olive oil and run the food processor until the mixture forms a slightly chunky paste. The tapenade shouldn’t need any salt, but taste and add a sprinkle if necessary. The tapenade will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

About the Author

DAVID LEBOVITZ has been a professional cook and baker for most of his life; he spent nearly thirteen years at Chez Panisse until he left the restaurant business in 1999 to write books. He moved to Paris in 2004 and turned davidlebovitz.com into a phenomenally popular blog. He is the author of six books, including The Perfect Scoop, Ready for Dessert, The Great Book of Chocolate, and a memoir called The Sweet Life in Paris, and he was named one of the Top Five Pastry Chefs in the Bay Area by the San Francisco Chronicle. David has also been featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Cook’s Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, Saveur, Travel + Leisure, and more. 

My Review

 I'm a huge fan of David Lebovitz's blog. I love to read about living and eating in Paris. This cookbook was an obvious addition to my cookbook collection.

Here is a link to his blog post today:  http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2014/04/the-making-of-my-paris-kitchen-cookbook/ 

David's latest book is not just a cookbook. It is a book about living, cooking, eating, and shopping in Paris. The book is divided into Appetizers, First Courses, Main Courses, Sides, Desserts and Pantry. The Introduction itself details the ingredients and equipment you need in your kitchen to accomplish modern French cooking. The Pantry section details such basic items as chicken stock, creme fraiche and vinaigrette. These items are handy to have on hand. I was just looking over his recipe for Madeleines as I have a new Madeleine pan that I want to try out. And I've been drooling over the photo of the chocolate-dulce de leche tart. The Chicken With Mustard on the cover looks amazing. That will definitely be happening soon at my house.

The book has beautiful photographs of the recipes in the book as well as photos of Paris. It is available in hardcover as well as in digital. It is available today!! You definitely want a copy of this book!

Review: Poisoned Ground: A Rachel Goddard Mystery (Rachel Goddard Mystery #6) by Sandra Parshall








  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1591 KB
  • Print Length: 297 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1464202249
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press (March 1 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00IRHZXDW


Book Description

When a powerful development company sets its sights on Mason Country, Virginia, as the location for a sprawling resort for the rich, the locals begin taking sides. Many residents see the resort as economic salvation for the small Blue Ridge Mountains community, while others fear the county will become financially dependent on a predatory company.

Few oppose the development more vocally than veterinarian Rachel Goddard. She sides with locals reluctant to sell their land and, in the process, complicates the life of her new husband, Sheriff Tom Bridger.


When a beloved couple is gunned down on the very farm they refused to sell, it seems supporters will stop at nothing to ensure the success of the resort. Now disagreement in the community has exploded into civil war with both sides lashing out. As the violence escalates, Rachel discovers the attacks are more sinister than they appear.


Can she bring the truth to light before her community tears itself apart?


About the Author

Sandra Parshall is the author of the Rachel Goddard Mysteries: The Heat of the Moon, which won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel of 2006; Disturbing the Dead; Broken Places; Under the Dog Star; and Bleeding Through (Sept 2012). A former reporter on newspapers in her home state of South Carolina as well as West Virginia and Baltimore, MD, she now lives in the Washington, DC, area with her journalist husband and two cats.


My Review

This is the second book that I've read in the Rachel Goddard Mystery series by Sandra Parshall. I am very impressed with Ms. Parshall's writing style. I am also impressed with the story. It was a good mystery that kept me guessing until the end.

A development company has divided the residents of Rachel's small Blue Ridge Mountain community. Some people want to sell out and some don't. Old friendships are strained. Families are divided. It is amidst this turmoil that people start being murdered and vandalism is rampant. Are the murders related to the possible development...or is it something completely different.

Loved this book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.



Saturday, April 5, 2014

Blog Tour Review: Organized for Murder (Organized Mysteries #1) by Ritter Ames




Tour Participants
March 31 – Chloe Gets A Clue – Interview
April 1 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews – Review
April 2 – i blog 4 books – Review
April 3 – Book Club Librarian – Review
April 4 – Queen of All She Reads – Review, Guest Post
April 5 – Mysteries Etc – Review
April 6 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview
April 7 – Bea’s Book Nook – Review
April 8 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post
April 9 – Thoughts in Progress – Review, Interview
April 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review, Guest Post
April 11- I’d Rather Be At The Beach – Review
April 12 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
April 13 – Socrates’ Book Review Blog – Review



1 BOOK GIVEAWAY AT EACH STOP AND A RAFFLECOPTER GRAND PRIZE.

Enter Here for the Grand Prize



  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1728 KB
  • Print Length: 255 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1495379957
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: Gemma Halliday Publishing (Feb. 21 2014)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00ILBRNXC



Book Description

Organization expert Kate McKenzie is on track to make her new business, STACKED IN YOUR FAVOR, a hit in small-town Vermont. But when her first client, the wealthy Amelia Nethercutt, is found dead, the job takes a decidedly sinister turn.

Kate thought she and her family were making a fresh start in her husband's hometown, but she quickly learns that small towns can hold big secrets. When her first client is poisoned just after Kate leaves her mansion, she knows she's gotten off to a bad start. But things only get worse when the police find Kate's fingerprints on the murder weapon, suddenly putting her in the position of suspect number one. The stopwatch is ticking for Kate to prove she had nothing to do with the murder, and the odds are further stacked against her when items stolen from the Nethercutt mansion start showing up in the McKenzie home. Now, Kate must trust her methodical skills and expert eye to sort out who is trying to frame her and to find the real killer before she's organized right into a jail cell.

“Ritter writes like a seasoned veteran, and you will not believe how helpful these organizational tips are!”
- Gemma Halliday, New York Times Bestselling author

"A delightful new cozy mystery series starring an intriguing heroine--Kate McKenzie. Twists and turns abound, entertaining the reader throughout! I loved it and look forward to the next installment. Ritter Ames is a new star on the cozy set!"
- Michele Scott, author of the Wine Lovers Mystery Series, featuring Nikki Sands

About the Author


Ritter is an award-winning author who writes the Bodies of Art mystery series and the cozy Organized Mysteries series, both published by Gemma Halliday Publishing. She focuses most of her time and writing energies on globe trotting the world via her keyboard to create memorable characters and fascinating fiction novels for readers. In this great new endeavor, her cat muse remains faithfully by her side–only voicing displeasure when the food bowl sits empty due to Ritter focusing more on writing than on kibble. She is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ritter.ames, and you can follow her on Twitter @RitterAmes. Ritter tries to blog regularly at http://ritterames.wordpress.com/ and uses her Pinterest boards at http://www.pinterest.com/ritterames/ to capture great places and ideas she wants to use in both series. Follow her blog and boards to learn more about Ritter and her upcoming books.

Author Links:
Web page: http://ritterames.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ritter.ames
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RitterAmes
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ritterames/

My Review

The right business hook is the most important criteria for success, and Kate McKenzie thinks she’s found a perfect one.  As an organizational expert, Kate knows Americans are running out of space and money, and renting more storage units is usually not the best solution. Starting an organizational business, Stacked in Your Favor, in her new hometown of Hazelton, Vermont seems like an answer to her family’s budget problems and an answer to southern Vermonters’ prayers.  Business looks good when she snags collector, Amelia Nethercutt, as her first client, signing on to organize the wealthy woman’s eccentrically-filled mansion.  But things take a turn beyond chaos when Amelia is murdered and Kate’s fingerprints are found on the poison that killed her.


This is the first book in the Organized Mysteries series by Ritter Ames. The series is set in the small town of Hazelton in Vermont. The main character Kate McKenzie, who is an organization expert, and her retired hockey player husband who is now a radio sportscaster, have settled into his hometown now that his hockey career has ended. Kate has found a best friend Meg who can help her with her six year old twins and has settled into small town life. She starts a business of her own Stacked in Your Favor which is an organizing business.

Kate has a new client she is initially very excited about, Amelia Nethercutt. Amelia owns a huge mansion filled with things that need to be organized! Shortly after Kate's initial assessment, Amelia is found murdered. Is Kate a suspect...not really...but the police don't rule her out and it looks like somebody wants her to appear guilty....

A good, fast paced, easy to read cozy mystery. I loved all the organizing tips!! I was kept guessing until the end as to who the murderer was.  The ebook is only $3.99 for the Kindle on Amazon.



Leave a comment to be entered for the giveaway of an ebook copy of Organized for Murder:

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Review: Companion to the Old Testament: For the Interpreter Within Each of Us by Ted Leach





  • File Size: 501 KB
  • Print Length: 265 pages
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
  • Publisher: WestBowPress (July 23, 2013)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00EF3V3MW

Book Description

This book helps Christians understand how the Old Testament is “community property” shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith discussion, particularly for people of different faiths (or no faith) who are seeking to identify some shared principles of our common humanity.

Beginners to Bible study will enjoy the simple language in this useful introduction to the Old Testament. Long-time students of the Bible who want more than a literal approach to scripture will find refreshing interpretations for some of the more difficult passages. The author respects the historical context of the ancient biblical stories and encourages the reader to make practical application to today's world. This book helps Christians understand how the Old Testament is "community property" shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is a constructive resource for interfaith discussion, particularly as people of different faiths (or no faith) seek to identify some shared principles of our common humanity. Abraham, revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims, can be a starting point for greater mutual understanding. The Jewish concept of Messiah can be a metaphor of hope for all people. Footnotes are included for those who "want to know more" about a given topic. "Questions for Reflection" at the end of each chapter facilitate group discussion. A concise index is provided. The book's introduction and ten chapters are suitable for a 10-12 week study.

About the Author

 Ted Leach served for 40 years as a United Methodist pastor. He approaches the Bible with intellectual honesty, great respect and a deep love. He has the heart of a teacher who enjoys seeing the Bible "come alive" as readers interpret and apply scripture to their daily lives.

My Review

 As much as we can relate more to the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus, it is important to understand the lessons and the wisdom of the Old Testament. The Old Testament provides Christian with hope for the future. Mr. Leach explains that the way you approach the bible will determine what you get out of the bible.   This new edition of Companion to the Old Testament by Ted Leach is easy to read and to understand.

In the first chapter he provides the following steps:

  1. Respect the texts
  2. Recognize our historical bias
  3. Understand the historical contest of the biblical stories
  4. Receive the Bible as community property
  5. Find personal meaning in the biblical texts
Intrigued yet...you should be!

This book can which easily be used as a 10 week bible study as each chapter is followed by discussion questions. The chapters are broken down:

  1. An Approach to the Bible
  2. The Hebrew Bible
  3. Seeds of Faith
  4. Freedom and Responsibility
  5. The Land of Canaan
  6. Jerusalem
  7. The Prophets
  8. In the Shadow of Empires
  9. Judaism
  10. Messianic Hope

The book ends with a further reading list as well as the endnotes with all the references. I think this is a great book, well written and easy to read. It is a wonderful addition to my biblical reference library.




Review: Gods at War Student Edition: The battle for your heart that will define your life by Kyle Idleman





  • Format: Kindle Edition
  • File Size: 1293 KB
  • Print Length: 190 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0310742536
  • Simultaneous Device Usage: Up to 5 simultaneous devices, per publisher limits
  • Publisher: Zondervan; Student edition (Feb. 4 2014)
  • Sold by: Zondervan CA (CA SOR)
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00BW3K25C

Book Description

 In this student edition of gods at war, Kyle Idleman, bestselling author of not a fan, helps us recognize there are false gods at war within each of us, and they battle for the place of glory and control in our lives. What keeps us from truly following Jesus Christ is that our hearts are pursuing something or someone else like money or popularity. While these pursuits may not be the “graven images” of old, they are in fact modern day idols. Behind the sin you’re struggling with, the fear you’re dealing with, the lack of purpose you’re living with is a false god that is winning the war for your heart.


About the Author

 From Kyle Ideman's website (www.kyleidleman.com)

This is a bio about Kyle Idleman. But what you need to know is that this bio isn’t really about Kyle at all. Confused? Keep reading.

Kyle Idleman, best­selling author of not a fan., will be the first person to tell you that any success he has had, or any good he has done, has been because of Christ alone. As he likes to say, “Any good God does is not because of me, but in spite of me.”

It may have started as a message, but not a fan. has sparked a movement all over the world. More than a half a million books have been sold and more than 10,000 churches have used the video curriculum.
Kyle is also the author and presenter of several projects that City on a Hill Productions has produced. Those projects include H20: A Journey of Faith, The Easter Experience, and The Christmas Experience.

Kyle, who continues on his journey from fan to follower, graduated from Ozark Christian College. After planting a church in Los Angeles county, Kyle moved to Louisville, KY to be the teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church, one of the largest churches in the country with nearly 21,000 in attendance every weekend.

But Kyle would say that his job description is simply to “be the branch” because Jesus is the Vine, and apart from Him – we can do nothing.

So this bio isn’t so much about Kyle. This bio is about God’s grace and strength in Kyle’s life.

My Review

This is a must read book for all Christians. I am reading Gods at War and working along in the Gods at War Combat Journal for my care group. The student edition is basically the same book but the message is relayed in a format that is more meaningful and easier to understand and relate to for students and young people.

These are the chapter headings:

  1. idolatry is the issue
  2. the battleground of the gods
  3. a jealous god
  4. calling all gods
  5. the god of the quick fix
  6. the god of sex
  7. the god of entertainment
  8. the god of appearance
  9. the god of materialism
  10. the god of achievement
  11. the god of romance
  12. the god of relationships
  13. the god of me
  14. idol winner
Why does every Christian need to read this book...because Christians need to understand what idol worship really is.  Idols are everywhere and they tempt us all day long.  I am glad that this wonderful book is now available in a student edition. It is a must read for youth bible study. We are all guilty of filling voids in our life with meaningless things and actions instead of turning to God. I cannot emphasize enough what an important book this is.

 The book concludes with some wise words:
Fighting the false gods of this age is a life-long battle. Every day is filled with decisions. Don't just win the battle for your heart - win the war.