The Look of Love

The Look of Love
By: Sarah Jio
286 Pages

Summary:
Jane Williams may not be one of the few women who struggle in the love department. However, she is one of the rare women who has the ability to see love before her eyes. That's right. She's able to tell if a couple having dinner really love each other, or are just going through the motions. But now that she's been made aware of this gift, she has a challenge she must meet. Identify the 6 types of love, or her gift will become a curse that will prevent her from ever having real love in her life. 

I have to say, that I felt Sarah Jio wrote a different kind of book than I'm used to her writing. While it did take me longer to get into this book, once I did, it was a marvelous read. 

Jane has been seeing a neurologist most of her life for blurred vision. Going on the theory that she has a tumor on part of her brain, Jane never had any reason to doubt what her doctor told her. Yet, everything changes when she receives a random card on her birthday- from a lady she has never met. Upon meeting Colete Dubois, Jane learns that her blurred vision has nothing to do with a tumor, and everything to do with a gift she received from Colette on the day she was born, Jane can see love. Now she has one year to identify six types of love within her life. If she fails to do it, then she will never know love in her own life. 

It isn't long before the lives around her start demonstrating various examples of love. Everything from adulterous love, to love with a stranger, Jane begins to see it all. And Jane isn't the only one who will discover love during the year she has. Her brother introduces her to a friend, and a connection grows. However, like many types of love, all is not smooth sailing for them. Can they overcome the obstacles they encounter? Will they be a type of love?

While I admit to not enjoying this book as much as her other books, Sarah Jio has written a book that you will want to read. The idea of being able to see love in front of you has such potential, how can you not see what story it will unfold?! It may not be a book you can't put down, but you will want to see what happens and how each love scenario plays out.

If The Shoe Kills

If The Shoe Kills
By: Lynn Cahoon
153 Pages

Summary:
As owner of Coffee, Books, and More, Jill Gardner looks forward to the hustle and bustle of holiday shoppers. But when the mayor ropes her into being liasion for a new work program, ‘tis the season to be wary. Local businesses are afraid the interns will be delinquents, punks, or worse. For Jill, nothing’s worse than Ted Hendricks—the jerk who runs the program. After a few run-ins, Jill’s ready to kill the guy. That, however, turns out to be unnecessary when she finds Ted in his car—dead as a doornail. Detective Greg King assumes it’s a suicide. Jill thinks it’s murder. And if the holidays weren’t stressful enough, a spoiled blonde wants to sue the city for breaking her heel. Jill has to act fast to solve this mess—before the other shoe drops…
                                                                                   --- publisher's description

Jill and the gang are back for the third installment of the delightful Tourist Shop Mystery Series. I have loved every book in this series, and If The Show Kills was no exception. You have the chemistry between all the characters. You have the romance between Jill and Greg. What isn't to enjoy?!

The Holiday season is upon South Cove. Thanksgiving is only weeks away, and Christmas is already being planned. The tourist town has decided to do something different this year: each business will take on an intern. It's a win-win situation! The businesses get extra help during the holiday rush, and some struggling people may get a new direction in life. What you will quickly find is that no one is a fan of Ted Hendricks, the man running the company supplying the interns. When he is found dead, the list of possible shooters grows longer before it gets shorter. 

Yes, Ted has an unsavory reputation. From questionable romances, to a wife who was believed to have been kidnapped. Not to mention all the alive people who would like to see him out of their lives on a permanent basis. 

As Jill tries to figure out who is responsible for doing in the no good doer, her life is about to get even more stressful. Enter in the much heard about ex-wife of her boyfriend, Greg. As if planning a big Thanksgiving dinner wasn't enough to worry about?!

You are in for a fun read. I didn't want to put the book down when I was reading it. Every time I read this series, it's like visiting old friends. So, get comfy, and ring in the holiday season with cheers and jeers. South Cove style.