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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2200 KP) rated Gone but Not Furgotten in Books

Aug 17, 2022 (Updated Aug 17, 2022)  
Gone but Not Furgotten
Gone but Not Furgotten
Cate Conte | 2022 | Mystery
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Tail of Two Halves
Summer is in full swing, and that means Maddie James is busy with her cat café thanks to the tourists on Daybreak Island. However, when her friend Cass informs her of a potential cat hoarding situation, Maddie readily agrees to help. Sadly, when they arrive, they find Laurel at the bottom of her stairs. It appears that her cats tripped her, but Maddie starts to notice a few things that don’t make any sense. Can she figure out what happened?

This book can almost be divided into two parts. Unfortunately, the first half is rather weak. While a few threads of the mystery are set up, the focus is on rescuing the cats. Meanwhile, some of the characters, including Maddie, over react to what they find. Yes, the situation was bad, but their reactions were over the top. However, the book gets stronger in the second half as the mystery becomes front and center. There are some good twists and a logical solution even if a few pieces set up early don’t seem to quite be paid off. Also, a bit of character development is rushed. I do see that I’m in the minority in my reaction to this book, so if you are a fan of the series, give it a chance. But if you haven’t started it yet, try some of the earlier books before jumping in to this one.
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Apr 25, 2022 (Updated Apr 25, 2022)  
Sneak a peek at the contemporary romance/women's fiction novel COMFORT ZONE by Kimberly Fish, Author on my blog. There's an amazing giveaway going on there for a chance to win an autographed copy of the book, a hand-painted note card from artist Elaine McMillan, and a NFL official Silver Series football signed by Jack Moses. Be sure to enter!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2022/04/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-comfort.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
The award-winning author of Comfort Songs, Comfort Plans, and Comfort Foods digs into the life of single-mom Anna Weber, an appraiser who gives value to other people’s found treasures. On assignment to research a handwritten sheet of music, Anna helps a stranded motorist, only to discover she’s rescued retired NFL quarterback Jack Moses. His confidence and fascination for solving problems makes him impossible for Anna to ignore even as they both dart along separate deadlines to save the finances at an inner-city school. Little does Anna know that as she wrestles with secrets from her past and a suspicious approach to people, Jack is running too—dodging women, pro athletes, and a future with no definable end zone.

As a nemesis threatens Anna’s young daughters, these two unlikely partners discover that it’s in stepping back from years of self-sufficiency that Anna and Jack can find the best treasure of all: a series of sweet, second chances.
     
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Merissa (12051 KP) rated Bear Creek Valentine (Holiday Mates #2) in Books

Mar 27, 2023 (Updated Jul 9, 2023)  
Bear Creek Valentine (Holiday Mates #2)
Bear Creek Valentine (Holiday Mates #2)
Alexander Elliott | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
BEAR CREEK VALENTINE is a second-chance romance between a bear shifter and a human. Dash's first mate was killed 'by accident' and he has been alone ever since. Aiden is getting ready for Valentine's Day with his amazing baked goods, a day that reminds him how alone he is. Will these two be able to find their HEA?

Once again, I was lost in Bear Creek and loved every moment of it. The story is long enough for me to fully immerse myself in it with the characters. As with book one, there is a slight mystery that comes to its own conclusion before the end of the story. It doesn't take the front seat so if you're after a fully-grown mystery, you've got the wrong book. It does present Aiden with quite a few problems, mind you. Luckily for him, he has Dash with his deep pockets to help him out.

It was also nice catching up with Knox and Levi again, although you don't technically have to read book one to get this one.

Thoroughly enjoyed a year spent with Aiden and Dash. Definitely recommended by me and I'm already looking forward to the next story.

** 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!
Mar 19, 2023
  
Under the Mistle-tome (Christmas Falls #5)
Under the Mistle-tome (Christmas Falls #5)
Sammi Cee | 2023 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
UNDER THE MISTLE-TOME is the fifth book in the Christmas Falls series. In it, we meet Trey, owner of Seasons Readings, and Trevor, who moved away and has now returned with his daughter. This is First Love/Second Chance at its finest!

First thing I need to say though is Holly-Berry. She is a delight and steals every scene she's in. I loved how her wisdom came across, and how she easily accepted Mr T! I won't tell you how I snorted when I read that! I loved the A-Team when I was younger, so that was just perfect.

As for Trey and Trevor, well, they had a rock-solid friendship to fall back on, so it was no stretch of the imagination that things would go in the direction they did. What I loved was how it was written, with both of them wanting to connect as friends first, and not wanting to mess Miss Holly about.

One came I thought was great was that of Arlo and Emerson. It was so good to see it from a different perspective.

All in all, a great addition to the series, and a story 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; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 1, 2023
  
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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Mar 1, 2023  
Sneak a peek at the romantic suspense mystery novel COPPER WATERS by Marlene M Bell, Author on my blog, and enter the amazing #giveaway for a chance to #win a signed ARC paperback of the book; a leather bucket bag; a 100% New Zealand gray wool throw; a Hagestad hammered water bottle; a Lucy Pittaway notebook; and a $50 VISA gift card!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2023/03/reviewapalooza-and-giveaway-copper.html

**ABOUT THE BOOK**
A rural New Zealand vacation turns poisonous.

Antiquities expert Annalisse Drury and tycoon Alec Zavos are at an impasse in their relationship when Alec refuses to clear up a paternity issue with an ex-lover.

Frustrated with his avoidance when their future is at stake, Annalisse accepts an invitation from an acquaintance to fly to New Zealand—hoping to escape the recent turbulence in her life.

But even Annalisse’s cottage idyll on the family sheep farm isn’t immune to intrigue.

Alec sends a mutual friend and detective, Bill Drake, to follow her, and a local resident who accompanies them from the Christchurch airport dies mysteriously soon after. A second violent death finds Annalisse and Bill at odds with the official investigations.

The local police want to close both cases as quickly as possible—without unearthing the town’s dirty secrets.

As she and Bill pursue their own leads at serious cost, the dual mysteries force Annalisse to question everything she thought she knew about family ties, politics, and the art of small-town betrayal.