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Murder on the Home Front
10.0
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Disrespect, disdain - and dead bodies! It's all in a day's work for WPC Billie Harkness, a...
Cynthia Armistead (17 KP) rated Grave Secret (Harper Connelly, #4) in Books
Mar 1, 2018
I'd say that wraps it up for this series. No, I won't tell you why I'm saying that, or it'll ruin the book for you.
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
The Harper Connelly series hasn't ever been as strong as the Southern Vampire series, in my opinion, but it wasn't too bad in comparison to some of her earlier work, like the Aurora Teagarden and Shakespeare mysteries. She seemed to be experimenting with something darker this time around. I haven't looked at the Amazon rank or any other figures for the series, but it's my gut feeling that they never took off in comparison to the Sookie Stackhouse series, especially since True Blood has gotten so much attention with the television series. I have to wonder what that feels like for Ms. Harris, as this really was a decent concept with some promise, and it doesn't seem to have been given that much of a chance to blossom.
In any case, Harper and her brother are prickly characters and not very easy to relate to, and they don't get any easier in this book. They are back in their home town, and we get to now a lot more about their origins this time around. We finally get the whole story about their missing sister, and we meet the two little sisters who live with an aunt and uncle.
The portrayal of the devout blue-collar people with their working-man's faith is absolutely smack on. I came from those people, and I could taste the sweet tea and see the linoleum and the absolutely clean Formica dinette, feel the cracked chairs the characters sat on and look around at the carefully kept house. Harris did a great job with that town and those people, so much so that I'm sure she either came from a similar place or has spent plenty of time in one.
There isn't as much new magic/plot stuff as there are answers this time. The sexy gypsy boy-almost-man is back, to my delight. Harper's love interest is still a bit of a squick, but I suppose it makes sense for the characters. I have to wonder how many authors would stick with that kind of decision, knowing the backlash they'd get from their readers?
If you've read the other Harper Connelly books, read this one for closure. If you haven't, this isn't the place to start!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2631 KP) rated Murder on Lenox Hill in Books
Feb 13, 2019
My First Disappointment in This Series
It’s a cold winter’s day when midwife Sarah Brandt is summoned to the Linton home. When she arrives, it is to discovered they are worried about their daughter Grace. While biologically almost a young woman, mentally she is still a child. And yet, her parents think she is pregnant. Sarah’s examination confirms their suspicions, but Grace never leaves them. How could this have happened to her? Who would take advantage of her like that? Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy has been summoned to see Sarah’s father. Mr. Decker wants Frank to work further on his investigation into the murder of Sarah’s husband, Tom. Decker insists that Tom was not that man that Sarah thought he was, and he is certain that this investigation will help Sarah learn the truth. Is Decker correct? Can Frank find the truth while sparing Sarah from any pain?
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Yes, my discussion about a current murder is missing on purpose since the body isn’t found until late in the book. There is still plenty of plot to keep us engaged until that happens, but unfortunately it felt very predictable. I had most of this book figured out long before Sarah and Frank did. I’m often a step or two ahead of them, but not this far ahead. I do still recommend this book to series fans since there are some significant developments on series arcs in this book, and you’ll want to see what happens there. The subject matter is fairly sensitive, but it is handled delicately without going into too much detail. Don’t make this the first in the series you pick up, but if you are already a fan, you’ll want to know what happens to Sarah and Frank here.
Home on the Range
10.0
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A cowboy romance with a heart of gold, in Home on the Range author Ruth Logan Herne returns readers...
Romance Christian Fiction Family Fiction Double S Ranch Series
The Rocky Road to Ruin
8.0
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Justice will be swirled by amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes in the first in Meri Allen's brand-new...
The Alchemist of All Hallows Eve (An Accidental Alchemist Mystery #10)
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An eternally young alchemist. A gargoyle who fancies himself Poirot. A Murder House for sale the...
Cozy Culinary Fantasy Mystery
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Dreams Never Seen (Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master #3) in Books
Oct 31, 2023
DREAMS NEVER SEEN is the third novella in the Gen-Heirs World: Bella and the Beast Master series. It does follow on from the previous two, so I would definitely recommend you read those first.
Markus is back in town, and this time, Bella is there for him. This time, it's Lunah who throws the first spanner in the works, simply by being too enthusiastic. That aside, Markus and Bella are both looking forward to being together, making their home their own, and deepening the bond that has forged between them. And here comes the second (and biggest) spanner.
Instead of being at home, Markus, Bella, and Lunah travel to a new land, Thanzia, to find a missing archaeologist. They are interrupted at every turn, whether by a person, a circumstance, or even by travel. They make time though, and phew, it's a hot one!
The story regarding the archaeologist is a sad one, but I loved where it led. The discoveries were wonderful, and I could imagine how others would see them.
As with the previous books in this series, it was over too soon and has definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see where they go and what happens next. Brilliant reading and highly 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!
Oct 29, 2023
Markus is back in town, and this time, Bella is there for him. This time, it's Lunah who throws the first spanner in the works, simply by being too enthusiastic. That aside, Markus and Bella are both looking forward to being together, making their home their own, and deepening the bond that has forged between them. And here comes the second (and biggest) spanner.
Instead of being at home, Markus, Bella, and Lunah travel to a new land, Thanzia, to find a missing archaeologist. They are interrupted at every turn, whether by a person, a circumstance, or even by travel. They make time though, and phew, it's a hot one!
The story regarding the archaeologist is a sad one, but I loved where it led. The discoveries were wonderful, and I could imagine how others would see them.
As with the previous books in this series, it was over too soon and has definitely left me wanting more. I can't wait to see where they go and what happens next. Brilliant reading and highly 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!
Oct 29, 2023
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Christmas Wish List (Hartbridge Christmas #2) in Books
Nov 24, 2021 (Updated Jul 10, 2023)
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST is the second book in the Hartbridge Christmas series, and we land right back in the Hallmark Town, complete with previously known characters, as well as new ones.
Jayden has become a drifter, always working but living temporarily, and is looking for somewhere to call home. Cass has returned home and is determined to make his new business venture a success. The sparks are there, but will Jayden stay?
If book one was low angst, then this one is medium. Jayden doesn't automatically make the leap as Hamish did, and the idea of falling in love terrifies him. But Cass has a sweetness about him that is hard to resist. I loved how this was a slow burn, but high on the romance and the getting-to-know-you parts. Jayden made no attempt to hide his attraction, and seeing Cass react was the best part.
Another Christmas story, full of warm fuzzies, that makes you want to visit. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony sounded wonderful, and I wanted to be there, especially for some of that brisket!
A great addition to the series that made me smile and fill up in equal measure. The only downside is I have to wait a year for the next one. Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Jayden has become a drifter, always working but living temporarily, and is looking for somewhere to call home. Cass has returned home and is determined to make his new business venture a success. The sparks are there, but will Jayden stay?
If book one was low angst, then this one is medium. Jayden doesn't automatically make the leap as Hamish did, and the idea of falling in love terrifies him. But Cass has a sweetness about him that is hard to resist. I loved how this was a slow burn, but high on the romance and the getting-to-know-you parts. Jayden made no attempt to hide his attraction, and seeing Cass react was the best part.
Another Christmas story, full of warm fuzzies, that makes you want to visit. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony sounded wonderful, and I wanted to be there, especially for some of that brisket!
A great addition to the series that made me smile and fill up in equal measure. The only downside is I have to wait a year for the next one. Absolutely brilliant and 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!
Nov 24, 2021
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated Out of the Ordinary (Apart From the Crowd, #2) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
Ms. Turano is back with her witty, soul capturing characters and brings her fans a novel that you won't soon forget! While this is not the first book in the series, it's easily read as a stand alone, though I do recommend reading the first book, as a series is always best read in order. Ms. Turano's writing style is unique and quirky and I loved every minute of this page turning novel!
Gertrude and Harrison really stole my heart. I loved the way they interacting and watching them blossom into their feelings was a pleasant treat while reading their story. Ms. Turano chiseled them both perfectly for their roles, and threw in a few other characters to round them out, though one character you'll just love to hate, if you're like me!
If you want a 5 star worthy novel that will captivate your stole, make a home in your heart and is filled with historic detail and laugh out loud wit from beautifully created characters, then this is most definitely a book that you do not want to miss! Ms. Turano has hit the nail on the head with this novel and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done and two thumbs up!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
Gertrude and Harrison really stole my heart. I loved the way they interacting and watching them blossom into their feelings was a pleasant treat while reading their story. Ms. Turano chiseled them both perfectly for their roles, and threw in a few other characters to round them out, though one character you'll just love to hate, if you're like me!
If you want a 5 star worthy novel that will captivate your stole, make a home in your heart and is filled with historic detail and laugh out loud wit from beautifully created characters, then this is most definitely a book that you do not want to miss! Ms. Turano has hit the nail on the head with this novel and I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. Well done and two thumbs up!
*Cafinated Reads received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Tours and Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*