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Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma, #2)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Ahh, Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe was such a sweet story! This is my first time reading a book by this author I decided to read her book after hearing so many of my bookish friends rave about her books and let me say I was not disappointed.

From the surprise of finding out you are a father to the learning curve of running a family business, Tina Radcliffe managed to make me feel immersed in the character’s choices and emotions. I enjoyed the character’s conversations with each other and their logical thoughts about the situations presented and the sweet romances that they allowed to happen between them. Add in an adorable sounding daughter, a wayward cow, and a cowhand that makes you smile, and you have a recipe for a fun lighthearted book. I will definitely be going back to read the other book in the A Hearts of Oklahoma Romance series.

The setting of this book is small-town USA, tight community, caring neighbors, family get-together’s, and food. I loved Tina Radcliffe’s description of life on a farm/ ranch and all the work that goes into it. It was a truly warm setting that I loved reading about.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars for the fun characters, the lighthearted romance, and the sense of community that Tina Radcliffe displayed. A truly enjoyable book with a lighthearted feel that I did not have to concentrate on while reading.

*I Volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.
  
The Camel Club (Camel Club, #1)
The Camel Club (Camel Club, #1)
David Baldacci | 2005 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Baldacci does it again! If I wasn't already, I am now officially hooked on his books.
This particular book is the first in a series about the Camel Club. A group of rag-tag misfits who are hell bent on proving conspiracies within the US government. What's not to like about that!? Of course they all have "checkered" pasts that seamlessly weave into the premise of the book.
I do have to say that I gave this book only 4 out of 5 stars because it took me about a 100 pages before I truly got into the story. Once I was fully entrenched however the action was take my breath away GREAT!
I can't wait to get started on the next installment! I look forward to seeing what is in store for Oliver Stone, Alex Ford, & the rest of the crew this time around.
  
The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle
The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle
Stuart Turton | 2018 | Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
7.9 (24 Ratings)
Book Rating
In the USA, this book had to be published as 'The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle', due to it being too close to a book released a few months previously. I actually think the US title is more accurate than the original title.
I found it hard to get my bearing when I began reading this, trying to figure out exactly what was happening. I found the fixation on Anna was very strange, and slightly unnecessary in my mind. I just got tired of her. It is slightly convoluted, and it probably could have been cut down by at least 100 pages.

While I figured out the answer around 1/4th into the book, I did end up liking it for the most part. This would make a really good 10 episode series, and I hope a company has bought the rights so an adaptation can occur.
  
The Cuckoo's Calling
The Cuckoo's Calling
Robert Galbraith | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.0 (21 Ratings)
Book Rating
Character depth (0 more)
Slightly too drawn out (0 more)
I read this book for my monthly book club, I was a bit dubious about reading it for two reasons- number one, I don't usually read crime fiction and number two, knowing it was J K Rowling and how much I love Harry Potter, I didn't know if I would like it.
All that being said I absolutely loved it, just as ahe does with Harry Potter she gives the characters so much depth and background you feel like you actually know them. I love the character of Cormoran Strike and the relationship he has with Robin.
I also like the fact there were no clues given away at all to indicate how the book will end which kept me interested all the way through.
Needless to say I will absolutely be reading the next few books in the series.
  
Sabrina and Henry have taken on a new villa, and the first event at this villa is a big wedding that they are helping coordinate. However, when family strife turns to murder of the bride-to-be, Sabrina finds herself once again playing detective to prove that she isn’t negligent in the murder of another customer.

I enjoyed the first in this series only a couple of months ago, so the characters were still fresh in my mind. It was absolutely wonderful to be back in their presence. The new cast are just as strong, and the conflict they provide keeps the pages turning until we reach the logical end. I read the book in two days, I just couldn’t put it down.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-permanent-sunset-by-c.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Hilary Westfield takes on Captain Blacktooth one last time, this time for leadership of the Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates. However, there is much more at stake since the Mutineers are plotting once again to take over the kingdom, and this fight might be the only way to stop them. But can Hilary rustle up any kind of pirate crew for the battle?

While I knew the broad outline of the story early on, I had a wonderful time getting to the end. The characters are charming, and the plot moves quickly with a few surprises along the way. I could hardly put the book down. I also loved the humor of the book. I’m sorry to see this series end, but I’m so glad I found it.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/09/book-review-buccaneers-code-by-caroline.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Michelle and Erica are getting into the Halloween spirit by helping create the annual haunted house to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. But their time gets distracted when a murder happens out of town, and Dylan, a teen they know, becomes the prime suspect. Can the duo find the time to help prove he didn’t do it?

It was fantastic to be back with these characters again. The series regulars are fantastic, and the new characters were just as good. This book was a little different because he didn’t meet the victim before the murder, but that didn’t hamper the plot at all with plenty of suspects and clues before we reached the logical end.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/10/book-review-behind-chocolate-bars-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
MH
Murder Has Nine Lives
Laura Levine | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
When Jaine’s cat Prozac lands a part in a cat food commercial, Jaine is already spending her money. However, on the day of the shoot, Dean, the creator of the cat food, dies after eating some. Jaine had witnessed his bad behavior first hand, but the police consider everyone there a suspect. Desperate to clear her name, Jaine begins investigating. Who poisoned the cat food?

This series is dependable for it’s light look at murder, and this book is no exception. The characters are a little out there, but they fit the tone of the book perfectly. The plot is strong with plenty of viable suspects and shifting motive, which kept me turning pages. And a couple of sub-plots pack in the laughs.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2016/08/book-review-murder-has-nine-lives-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
Hayley is trying to get a job at the new magazine in Key West as a food critic. This is despite the fact that she found the magazine's owner in bed with Hayley's boyfriend. But when the owner is killed, Hayley finds herself the chief suspect in the murder.

Since I liked the most recent one when I read it a couple months ago, I thought I'd go back and start at the beginning. Hayley seems to have more flaws here than in the later book, although I still loved her. The story was a little slow to get going as well, but I got hooked in the second half. A good start to a fun series.

NOTE: I was sent this book in exchange for my honest review.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-review-appetite-for-murder-by-lucy.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
  
The latest case for brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath solves a mystery 100 years in the making. When Reggie goes to set up a display of the some the letters written to Holmes over the years, he accidentally lets out a secret people will kill to keep quiet. Can he figure out what it is?

While playing with the Holmes lore, this series is different from the famous stories. Still, it's very fun. We know most of what is going on early, but watching to see if our heroes can figure it out kept the pages turning. I love the characters, too, which helps.

While book 4, this one heavily follows book 2 and spoils much of that one, so make sure you've read it before jumping in here.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-moriarty-returns-letter-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.