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Murder of a Mail-Order Bride
Murder of a Mail-Order Bride
Mimi Granger | 2022 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
After Marriage Comes Murder
Long time bachelor Al Little has found a bride thanks to the internet, and he is thrilled that Svetlana is coming to town. Lizzie Hale, owner of the romance bookstore in Tinker’s Cover, Ohio, gets roped into helping make sure their first meeting and their wedding is perfectly romantic. But when Svetlana turns up dead in the middle of the reception, the question becomes, who would want to kill a new comer to town?

This is a strong second book. The plot kept me engaged the entire time. I did guess a couple of plot points early, but there were so many more I didn’t see coming, including the ending. The book is focused on the new characters central to this mystery, and they are all strong. We do have a small core cast of characters who are back, and they are fun. I also enjoy watching Lizzie’s romantic life, which is a great romantic comedy sub-plot. If you are looking for a slight twist on a cozy mystery set up, this is a series you will love.
  
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Merissa (14146 KP) rated Awake in Books

May 24, 2023  
Awake
Awake
Natasha Preston | 2015 | Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
4
5.0 (4 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book has all the ingredients for a good Young Adult Thriller, but for me, it just didn't quite work out that way. Perhaps it was the insta-love going on, with marriage mentioned very quickly into their 'relationship'. Perhaps it was the best friend who wasn't a best friend at all that I actually felt sorry for. Perhaps it was the dodgy behaviour of the main characters. I don't know. It just didn't quite work for me. There is also the fact that Scarlett makes a HUGE deal about not remembering anything before she was four, but has no hesitation in talking about it to a complete stranger at the first opportunity.

An interesting premise, with a cult aspect, that just didn't work for me. Try it for yourself though, don't take my word for it!

* 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!
Mar 2, 2016
  
Resurrection of an Empire (The Magic Within #2)
Resurrection of an Empire (The Magic Within #2)
Sharon Gibbs | 2016 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Resurrection of an Empire starts pretty much where Bound to Survive finished. We meet up with Henry, Clarence, Christopher and Elle as they try to reawaken and revitalise the Keep, making it a home for people again. It actually starts with a prologue that will immediately have your heart jumping, but you will have to carry on reading to find out what is happening!

With thrills, spills, action, adventure, evil, love, dying, and hope, there is something in here for all fantasy lovers. Hang on for a thrilling ride as Ms Gibbs puts you through your paces in a fast but smooth adventure fantasy read.

This is part of a series, so I would definitely recommend reading Bound to Survive first. Also, you can get Beginnings, a free prequel novella from her website, or by clicking http://sharongibbsauthor.com/book/beg...

* 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 29, 2016
  
Pour Choices
Pour Choices
Adrian Andover | 2026 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Laughing at Murder is a Poor Choice
It’s been a few months since Reece Parker opened Subplot, his literary themed speakeasy, and he’s trying new things to hopefully bring in customers. One such experiment is a comedy night with standup comic Meghan Spencer. The night appears to be a success, but the next morning, Reece’s best friend finds Meghan floating in the river. In order to make sure his friend doesn’t wind up convicted of the crime, Reece jumps into the case. But can we find the truth amidst all the lies?

The suspects do a great job of confusing things, and I had no idea exactly what was going on until we reached the end. Once we did, everything made perfect sense. I was a bit surprised at just how happy I was to be revisiting the characters and setting. They were just as charming and cozy as I remembered. I’d definitely love to visit Subplot if I could. Reece’s new relationship with Julian wasn’t super surprising, but it is sweet. Fans of the first will definitely enjoy this one as well.