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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Vinyl Resting Place in Books
Mar 16, 2023 (Updated Mar 16, 2023)
Vinyl May Not be Dead, but Somebody Is
Juni Jessup and her sisters have opened Sip and Spin Records, a combined record store and coffee shop, on the site of the one that their family used to own before records stopped selling. The night before their official opening, they are throwing a party, but things turn tragic afterward when Juni finds a dead body in their storage closet. When their uncle is arrested for the crime, Juni and her sisters don’t hesitate to put their shop up to get him released on bail. But then he vanishes. Can the three of them figure out what is really going on in time to save their shop?
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
I really enjoyed this debut. The plot takes off in a couple of different directions, and I enjoyed that creativity. I did feel it slowed down a little in the middle, but it picked up again for a fantastic climax. You can feel the history between Juni and her sisters, and I loved their relationships. There are other fun series regulars, and the suspects fit into the book perfectly. I also enjoyed the humor running through the book. The setting, a small town just outside of Austin, Texas, was charming as well. I can’t wait to revisit Juni and the rest of the characters again soon.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Mirrors and Ashes: A Snow White Retelling in Books
Mar 6, 2022
MIRRORS & ASHES is a fantastic Snow White retelling that encaptures the reader and holds their interest from start to finish.
Ember is the main female and she has a lot to put up with from her mother, which she is made to believe is her fault. When things in the kingdom start going wrong, Ember is the one they blame. She has made friends with the Dwarves though and is welcomed among them when she escapes the death that waits for her. Through them, she learns about who she is and what love truly is, and what forms it can come in. Romance plays a part here but is not the focus.
This was very well-written, with plenty of depth and detail, giving this a polished edged. I loved the Dwarven way of life, their language, their customs, etc. I loved seeing the growth of Ember from a child, to a woman of two cultures.
The pacing was perfect for the story, and it always flowed and never faltered. A great retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Ember is the main female and she has a lot to put up with from her mother, which she is made to believe is her fault. When things in the kingdom start going wrong, Ember is the one they blame. She has made friends with the Dwarves though and is welcomed among them when she escapes the death that waits for her. Through them, she learns about who she is and what love truly is, and what forms it can come in. Romance plays a part here but is not the focus.
This was very well-written, with plenty of depth and detail, giving this a polished edged. I loved the Dwarven way of life, their language, their customs, etc. I loved seeing the growth of Ember from a child, to a woman of two cultures.
The pacing was perfect for the story, and it always flowed and never faltered. A great retelling that I thoroughly enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Bayou Book Thief
8.0
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A fantastic new cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha...
Merissa (14068 KP) rated Tapped by My Roommate (Thrust Into Love #3) in Books
Sep 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 14, 2023)
TAPPED BY MY ROOMMATE is the third book in the Thrust Into Love series and could easily be read as a standalone as the connection is the college, not the people.
Ethan has just finished with his girlfriend, a real piece of work who had changed the locks before he could get his clothing or his lizard out of there. He ends up staying with Rhett, someone who always seems willing to help. When they share a drunken kiss, Ethan realises he may not be as straight as he thought. But just who will help him with his bi-curiosity?
I really enjoyed this book! Ethan and Rhett are both great characters with lots to learn. They are ably supported by a great cast of supporting characters who help them with their highs and lows.
This was both steamy and sweet. Told from both perspectives, you are with them as they make their own realisations about who they are and what they want.
A fantastic addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2021
Ethan has just finished with his girlfriend, a real piece of work who had changed the locks before he could get his clothing or his lizard out of there. He ends up staying with Rhett, someone who always seems willing to help. When they share a drunken kiss, Ethan realises he may not be as straight as he thought. But just who will help him with his bi-curiosity?
I really enjoyed this book! Ethan and Rhett are both great characters with lots to learn. They are ably supported by a great cast of supporting characters who help them with their highs and lows.
This was both steamy and sweet. Told from both perspectives, you are with them as they make their own realisations about who they are and what they want.
A fantastic addition to the series and absolutely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Sep 9, 2021
Merissa (14068 KP) rated The Ghost is Clear (A Series of Midlife Curses #1) in Books
Apr 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 27, 2023)
THE GHOST IS CLEAR is the first book in the Series of Midlife Curses and it starts off sort of sad. Brooke is fighting a losing battle to save her marriage to a complete jerk who blames her for everything. A series of even more unfortunate events send her back home and then the whole story really picks up.
I thought Brooke was an amazing character. She is no wallflower, even when her body hurts, and she is certainly not afraid of a little elbow grease. She is ably supported by Theo and Mitch, both of whom I want to see more of!
The pace of this book is smooth, taking you from her disastrous anniversary meal, through to the satisfying conclusion. There is a teaser for the next book, which made me smile. I love how Brooke is in her mid-forties, with a body that aches, and the determination to make things happen.
All in all, this was a brilliant read and a fantastic beginning to a new series! I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book, and I eagerly await the next.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2021
I thought Brooke was an amazing character. She is no wallflower, even when her body hurts, and she is certainly not afraid of a little elbow grease. She is ably supported by Theo and Mitch, both of whom I want to see more of!
The pace of this book is smooth, taking you from her disastrous anniversary meal, through to the satisfying conclusion. There is a teaser for the next book, which made me smile. I love how Brooke is in her mid-forties, with a body that aches, and the determination to make things happen.
All in all, this was a brilliant read and a fantastic beginning to a new series! I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book, and I eagerly await the next.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 21, 2021
Merissa (14068 KP) rated She’s the One Who Won’t Behave (The War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters, #6) in Books
Aug 8, 2022 (Updated Aug 8, 2023)
SHE'S THE ONE WHO WON'T BEHAVE is the penultimate book in the War Stories of the Seven Troublesome Sisters series and we get Gypsum's story, the unwanted 'daughter'.
It can be hard to not fit in or to want something you think is unattainable. This is how Gypsum feels. She has felt unwelcome for most of her life at home and wants nothing more than to be free to choose her own path. This leads her to the reczavy, where she learns sexual freedom is only one of the paths open to her with them.
Not only that, but Gypsum has a brain and isn't afraid to use it, concerned for what lies ahead from the Mongols. She learns all she can, figuring out plans and contingencies before she meets Ryalgar. I do think Gypsum was the most under-estimated sister and loved seeing her 'behind the scenes' actions.
Only one book to go and I really can't wait. This whole series has been a fantastic read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2022
It can be hard to not fit in or to want something you think is unattainable. This is how Gypsum feels. She has felt unwelcome for most of her life at home and wants nothing more than to be free to choose her own path. This leads her to the reczavy, where she learns sexual freedom is only one of the paths open to her with them.
Not only that, but Gypsum has a brain and isn't afraid to use it, concerned for what lies ahead from the Mongols. She learns all she can, figuring out plans and contingencies before she meets Ryalgar. I do think Gypsum was the most under-estimated sister and loved seeing her 'behind the scenes' actions.
Only one book to go and I really can't wait. This whole series has been a fantastic read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Aug 3, 2022
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Claws of Death in Books
Aug 16, 2023
Who is Crabby Enough to Commit Murder?
After getting out of rehab, Jackie Norwood is looking for any way to rebuild her life, and professionally, she is taking her celebrity chef name on the road, judging food festivals. Her first one is a crab festival in Texas. She is horrified to realize that her fellow judge is her nemesis, Heather Curtis. Then disaster strikes when Heather drops dead after tasting their first dish – a dish prepared by Jackie’s ex-boyfriend. With the police looking at the two of them as suspects in Heather’s murder, Jackie has to jump in and find out what really happened. Can she do it?
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Author Cathy Wiley has introduced Jackie in some short stories in the Destination Murders series, and I’m thrilled to see Jackie get her own novel finally. I liked getting to know Jackie better, and the rest of the cast, introduced here, are fantastic. The story starts quickly and never lags. I enjoyed how Jackie pieced things together at the end. Throw in some humor, and this was a book I never wanted to put down. It was over all too quickly. Those who enjoy crab will be interested in the recipes at the end. If you are looking for a fun new series, you’ll be thrilled you got your claws into this debut.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2603 KP) rated Spoon to be Dead in Books
Dec 16, 2023 (Updated Dec 16, 2023)
Is Trinidad’s Ex a Killer?
As winter sets in, Trinidad Jones is concentrating on figuring out how to keep her shake shop going through the cold months. But that takes a back seat when her ex-husband walks through the door of her shop one morning. No one had informed her that Gabe had been let out of prison. Even more surprising, he announces that he thinks he just killed someone before collapsing on the floor. What could be going on?
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
The book starts that quickly, and I got caught up in the action. The pacing was a little uneven in the middle, but things pick up for a fantastic climax. Since this is (sadly) the final book in the series, we get a wrap up for the characters. Some of that was a little abrupt, but overall, I liked it. Gabe being in town provided a great way to see different sides of several of the characters and watch their relationships grow. Considering how much I love the characters, that was nice. The Christmas setting didn’t really kick in until the second half of the book, but it was strong then. We also get some festive recipes to enjoy later. Fans of the series will be satisfied with this book, and if you haven’t started this series yet, you’ll want to do so today.
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Housemaid [Audiobook] in Books
May 15, 2022
![The Housemaid [Audiobook]](/uploads/profile_image/c03/3740bbca-cb41-49c7-a566-4c0c47ae2c03.jpg?m=1652622395)
Well, that was definitely a ride on the crazy train!
Millie is not in a good place when she applies for the position as a housekeeper/maid at the beautiful home of the affluent Andrew and Nina Winchester and their daughter Cecilia. Against the odds, she gets the position and, as is usually the case, things are too good to be true and all is not what it seems.
I can't really say much without giving the game away but I will say that I found it riveting and intriguing and I didn't really know who or what to believe or how everything was going to play out. It was great and exceeded my expectations and whilst I found it a little unbelievable, it was extremely entertaining and I was hooked nevertheless.
I listened to the audiobook and although I think it would have worked better with 2 distinct voices for Millie and Nina, I think the narrator did a fantastic job.
I haven't read or listened to any of Freida's books before but this definitely won't be my last and she will be an author I will look out for in the future and I must thank Bookouture and NetGalley for introducing me to her books, for allowing me to listen to this one and share my thoughts.
Millie is not in a good place when she applies for the position as a housekeeper/maid at the beautiful home of the affluent Andrew and Nina Winchester and their daughter Cecilia. Against the odds, she gets the position and, as is usually the case, things are too good to be true and all is not what it seems.
I can't really say much without giving the game away but I will say that I found it riveting and intriguing and I didn't really know who or what to believe or how everything was going to play out. It was great and exceeded my expectations and whilst I found it a little unbelievable, it was extremely entertaining and I was hooked nevertheless.
I listened to the audiobook and although I think it would have worked better with 2 distinct voices for Millie and Nina, I think the narrator did a fantastic job.
I haven't read or listened to any of Freida's books before but this definitely won't be my last and she will be an author I will look out for in the future and I must thank Bookouture and NetGalley for introducing me to her books, for allowing me to listen to this one and share my thoughts.
Merissa (14068 KP) rated The Water King's Bride (The Descendants #2) in Books
Oct 12, 2022
THE WATER KING'S BRIDE is the second book in The Descendants series and follows directly on from book one, so I definitely recommend you read that first!
Heidi and Isaiah have stopped their constant bickering from book one as they both realise they have feelings for the other. That has to take a backseat though, as Heidi is desperate to find her father and missing people. We meet a multitude of new characters and reunite with some old ones, although whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.
As with book one, this is just as fast-paced and it is full of action. Whilst it fits with the story, I would like to see more about the characters, their backgrounds, the world they live in. Sometimes, it feels as though it's a spin-off from another series, one that explains about TimeKeepers, etc.
Saying that, this was a brilliant addition to the series that kept my attention and had me turning the pages. A fantastic story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Heidi and Isaiah have stopped their constant bickering from book one as they both realise they have feelings for the other. That has to take a backseat though, as Heidi is desperate to find her father and missing people. We meet a multitude of new characters and reunite with some old ones, although whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.
As with book one, this is just as fast-paced and it is full of action. Whilst it fits with the story, I would like to see more about the characters, their backgrounds, the world they live in. Sometimes, it feels as though it's a spin-off from another series, one that explains about TimeKeepers, etc.
Saying that, this was a brilliant addition to the series that kept my attention and had me turning the pages. A fantastic story and I can't wait to see what happens next.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!