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Wined and Died in New Orleans
Wined and Died in New Orleans
Ellen Byron | 2023 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder is Nothing to Wine Over
Ricki James-Diaz is on hand when a great discovery is made at Bon Vee - crates of a valuable and old wine. The hope is that they can sell it to raise much needed money. However, the discovery starts bringing long lost relatives to New Orleans. When one of them turns up dead, Ricki jumps in to figure out what is really going on. Can she solve the case?

It was great to be visiting these characters again. I enjoyed the growth that Ricki and several of the other characters, both new and old, got here. Yes, we do see more from the cliffhanger at the end of book one here, and I loved how it contributed to the story in this book. The plot took a bit of time to set up before the murder took place, but that time wasn’t wasted. We had lots going on to keep us engaged on the way to the great finale. The author’s love of New Orleans comes through on every page without slowing things down. There are five recipes at the end adapted from vintage cookbooks. This is a fun second book in a delightful series.
  
Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4)
Bakeries and Buffoonery (Magical Mystery Book Club #4)
Elizabeth Pantley | 2023 | Mystery, Paranormal
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!


The snapdragon inn is the setting of a cozy mystery book club with a difference they get transported into the stories to find out whodunit!


This time they are trying to find out who hates cake so much, in the town of Frosting that they have caused chaos, mayhem, and murder. Can they do it before the next murder happens?


This is such a delightful series they really are a pleasure to read. Elizabeth does such an amazing job at pulling you into the story as if you are one of the characters and I must say I am rather fond of all the characters, I'm sad we've lost one but happy for her circumstances and hope we do find out how she gets on.


Although this is a series I personally think you could read it as a stand-alone, but it's much more fun reading the series as you get to find out more about everyone.


I highly recommend and give 5/5


** 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. *
  
A Sparrow in Terezin
A Sparrow in Terezin
Kristy Cambron | 2016 | Fiction & Poetry
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I am apparently a glutton for punishment and decide to read all the books that will rip out my heart and stomp on it back to back. Story SHOULD move you though. As you read the words of the author's heart poured out on the page...If you finish unchanged...What was the point? These characters, these stories, may be fictional, but they represent many people who had to live through one of the darkest times in history. Ask yourself, what can we learn from them? What are they trying to tell us? Fiction CAN and WILL challenge you to grow, to learn, to thrive...

Multiple times I wanted to cry (and there were times tears escaped) while listening to this story. Knowing that the horrors depicted in this book were lived out in reality during WWII. Kristy Cambron...I tip my hat to you...You have found BEAUTY in the ashes of a history that is riddled with sorrow and death. You have brought redemption to life on the page. You have spoken TRUTH and LIFE and LOVE into the hearts of any who lay a hand on your books. But none more so than this one*. Thank you. A Sparrow in Terezin truly is a masterpiece.

*Revision: And The Lost Castle

I won a print copy of this book from the author. This review is based on the audio version which I borrowed from my public library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Infernally Mine (The Infernal Blades #1)
Infernally Mine (The Infernal Blades #1)
Jewels Arthur | 2020 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I'm a killer and I'm good at it.

It's not something you can put on a resume or bring up during a date -- but we all have our secrets.

The visions I see at night are part of mine.

The Elders send me visions of my new targets -- chosen by them -- for me to kill. I don't determine if they are good or bad -- just that their fate is to die by my hand.

Questioning the Elders is suicide. I am just a monster for them to direct.

One night my vision features four sinfully yummy men. They seem to find me delicious as well.

When my life gets thrown into chaos, these men are the only ones I can trust.

What happens when I am not the monster I've always believed myself to be?

I went from being the killer to the target.

One thing is for sure, I don't plan on remaining anyone's prey.

Infernally Mine is the first book in a paranormal RH/#whychoose romance series with assassins, shifters, and a succubus. Intended for mature audiences (18+). Contains MM, foul language, and violence.

This started of brilliant it was aggressive and had some attitude I loved Mara and her attitude! Then the men entered and it all became a bit meh! Then everything was so rushed all ect the sex scenes, now don't get me wrong I love a good sex scene I just think in my opinion this book lost its way a little!
  
Cassandra Files: Genesis
Cassandra Files: Genesis
Rod Pennington | 2021 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

Rod Pennington's latest novel, Cassandra Files: Genesis, is a quick and enjoyable read.

A third-generation and well-respected Naval combat pilot, Lt. Cassandra Morse, is performing a test of a prototype fighter jet with her co-pilot grandfather when they are attacked. Missing for weeks after the accident, she has no memory of the lost time. Stranger still, she can see and talk with her grandfather, who died in the accident. No one believes her even when she begins having prophetic dreams. That is, no one believes her until her dreams come true, and her latest dream is the scariest yet.

While I enjoyed the story, I enjoyed Pennington's writing, use of strong women characters, and humor more. The story wraps everything up at the end, but he left room for a sequel too.

Some reviewers had a difficult time keeping track of the numerous characters involved. I do not think that should prevent readers from enjoying this book. It is worth taking the time to read, and since it is a quick read, it will not take much time. I think it is best described as a cozy for the fantasy genre.

Pennington is best known for The Fourth Awakening Series.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com.