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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Aug 29, 2021  
Today's special guest author on my blog is DiAnn Mills discussing what family means to her in a sweet guest post. Be sure to sneak a peek at her Christian romantic suspense novel TRACE OF DOUBT while you're there, and enter the giveaway to win a $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card - four winners!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/08/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-trace-of.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS**
Fifteen years ago, Shelby Pearce confessed to murdering her brother-in-law and was sent to prison. Now she’s out on parole and looking for a fresh start in the small town of Valleysburg, Texas. But starting over won’t be easy for an ex-con.

FBI Special Agent Denton McClure was a rookie fresh out of Quantico when he was first assigned the Pearce case. He’s always believed Shelby embezzled five hundred thousand dollars from her brother-in-law’s account. So he’s going undercover to befriend Shelby, track down the missing money, and finally crack this case.

But as Denton gets closer to Shelby, he begins to have a trace of doubt about her guilt. Someone has Shelby in their crosshairs. It’s up to Denton to stop them before they silence Shelby—and the truth—forever.
     
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated On Spine of Death in Books

Apr 7, 2023 (Updated Apr 7, 2023)  
On Spine of Death
On Spine of Death
Tamara Berry | 2022 | Mystery
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Bones Under the Floorboard
Tess Harrow has decided to turn her grandfather’s old hardware store into a bookstore, which requires quite a bit of work. Unfortunately, that work uncovers two sets of bones – both from women who had disappeared from town without a trace years ago and years apart from each other. Worried that her late grandfather will become convicted in public opinion if not by the law, she starts looking into the case. But can Tess figure out what really happened?

Honestly, my teaser just scratches the surface of what is going on in this twisty book. There were some creative surprises, yet everything came together for a logical climax. There was one plot point that felt a little out there to me, but it was minor. And that’s saying something, too, since this is a wacky book with plenty of laughs along the way. I do appreciate the subtle change in tone as we get closer to reaching the climax. The characters, while a bit wacky as well, are still grounded enough to make us care about the outcome. If you are looking for something twisty and fun, you’ll be glad you picked up this book.
  
Murder on Union Square
Murder on Union Square
Victoria Thompson | 2018 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Murder in the Theater Means Trouble for Malloy
Frank and Sarah are upset to learn they can’t legally adopt Catherine, the little girl that Sarah has been caring for for several years, because, in the eyes of the law, Parnell Vaughn is her legal father. Fortunately, the actor is willing to sign his rights over to Frank and Sarah, but his fiancée wants some money from them. When Frank goes back to deliver the payment and get Parnell’s signature, he finds the actor dead in his dressing room. With Frank accused of the crime, he and Sarah have to clear his name. Who really murdered Parnell?

It's always a pleasure to pop back in on Sarah and Frank in 1899 New York City, and this book was no exception. I love the characters. As is often the case these days, we get parts of the story from four different points of view, and it is always easy to tell when we switch from one to the other. I did feel the plot wasn’t quite as good as usual for this series. There are a few twists and a strong climax, but it got bogged down in the middle. Still, fans will be happy to spend time with these characters we love. I know I did.
  
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Merissa (12897 KP) rated When the Wind Chimes in Books

Nov 13, 2020 (Updated Aug 14, 2023)  
When the Wind Chimes
When the Wind Chimes
Mary Ting | 2020 | Contemporary, Romance
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
WHEN THE WIND CHIMES is a light, contemporary read with low angst and lots of warm feel-good feelings attached to it.

I did find the blurb to be slightly confusing as Kaitlyn (Kate) did not come across as heartbroken. She was sad at the death of her brother-in-law, upset for her sister and nephew, and annoyed with her ex-boyfriend. Heartbroken though? No.

She goes to Hawai'i for Christmas as it is the first one her sister will have without her husband. Whilst there, she has two job interviews that come to nothing but does land a job looking after a little girl who is one of her nephew's classmates.

The angst in the book mainly revolves around whether or not Lee actually likes her or if he just sees her as his child's temporary nanny. There is some mention of what it is like to lose a husband or sibling and the impact that has on the family left behind.

All in all, this was a sweet read with a seasonal setting.

* 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 13, 2020
  
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Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2346 KP) rated Murder at Glenloch Hill in Books

Nov 27, 2024 (Updated Nov 27, 2024)  
Murder at Glenloch Hill
Murder at Glenloch Hill
Clara McKenna | 2024 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Golf Clubbed to Death
It’s been six months since Stella and Lyndy have found a dead body, and they have enjoyed the break. But that is about to change when they travel to Scotland. The trip has two purposes – Stella gets to meet some distant cousins, and Ludy’s soon to be brother-in-law is playing in the nearby Open Championship. However, when they arrive, they find a weird tension they can’t figure out. Then, there’s an accusation from a maid. Finally, Stella finds a dead body, and Lyndy finds himself the prime suspect. Can they figure out what is happening?

It was great to be back with these characters once again. I really have come to love the regulars, so I missed those who weren’t here. But we saw more growth in those who did come along for the trip. The new characters were great as well. The mystery slowed down a time or two, but never for long, and the final third really grabbed me as I headed toward the logical climax. As always, the time period came to life. Those looking for a series with character they will love need to pick up these books. Those who are already fans will enjoy this entry.