Beyond Orange County

Beyond Orange County: A Housewives Guide to Faith & Happiness

By: Lydia McLaughlin

194 Pages

Summary:

Despite being asked to remain on “Real Housewives of Orange County,” mother of two, Lydia, made the controversial decision to walk away from the popular franchise to pursue her passions—her faith and her family. Lydia will share the inside scoop from the television series. But more importantly, she will inspire you to examine your own life and inspire you to boldly live out the calling God has given you.

--- Publisher's Description

I have to be honest: prior to reading this book, I had no clue who Lydia McLaughlin was. I had never watched The Real Housewives of Orange County, so there was no frame of reference to go on. What I did know was that all the shows in this franchise are drama filled, and pressure cooker environments. So, I was curious to see how Mrs. Laughlin balanced her faith with the show. I figured there was a lot to be learned.

If you're looking for any gossip on the show, her fellow cast mates, or behind-the-scenes insights, you will not find them within these pages. While I respect this approach, I would have liked to get a more detailed look at how she struggled with her faith, where, and how it was tested. I think we all could have learned many things from how she was able to handled the temptations, or stresses, she came in contact with.

Having said that, you do see a woman grow into her faith. She includes Scriptures in just about every single paragraph in the book. The focus is mostly put on God, not her. She does share lessons she's learned. Her goal is to uplift you and your walk with Christ. 

This book would be a great Bible Study read. Every chapter has a list of discussion question to be had with just the reader, or a group of them. I really think this is a great small group book study, more than a memoir.

Living A Chocolate Life

Living A Chocolate Life

By: Deb Burma

108 Pages

Summary:

Fun, friendly, and engaging, Living a Chocolate Life invites women to savor God’s rich and endless supply of grace in Christ. Whether they're sampling everything from bitter nuggets of pain to sweet morsels of joy, this study reminds them that the Holy Spirit fills us with sweet faith in our Savior–and it is only He who can truly satisfy.  -- publisher's description

Being the chocolate lover that I am, I could not pass this Bible Study up! I was immediately intrigued to see how the author was going to tie God and chocolate together. Turns out, she didn't it very well! 

This 8 week study is perfect for a small group, but also can be done by yourself. You will explore themes such as:

•  Like Chocolate has a pleasant aroma, we bring a pleasant aroma to God, and those around us.
• How our words can be a touch of salt to the people who hear them
• We have several types of cravings: spiritual, physical, emotional- to name a few. But what do we do when they reach an unhealthy point?
• How can we decipher between real & imitation Christianity? 
• Life, like chocolate, has bitter morsels from time to time. 

I really enjoyed ready this book. It was fun to have a chocolate theme to tie everything to. Not to mention, the fun tidbits within each session, and ice breaker activities to share within a group. And did I mention all the chocolate recipes this book has?! 

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. I have no doubt I will be buying this book when it comes out. I look forward to reading it with a group of friends. 

The Dress Shop of Dreams

The Dress Shop of Dreams
By: Menna Van Praag
336 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Broks

Summary:
Since her parents’ mysterious deaths many years ago, scientist Cora Sparks has spent her days in the safety of her university lab or at her grandmother Etta’s dress shop. Tucked away on a winding Cambridge street, Etta’s charming tiny store appears quite ordinary to passersby, but the colorfully vibrant racks of beaded silks, delicate laces, and jewel-toned velvets hold bewitching secrets: With just a few stitches from Etta’s needle, these gorgeous gowns have the power to free a woman’s deepest desires.

Etta’s dearest wish is to work her magic on her granddaughter. Cora’s studious, unromantic eye has overlooked Walt, the shy bookseller who has been in love with her forever. Determined not to allow Cora to miss her chance at happiness, Etta sews a tiny stitch into Walt’s collar, hoping to give him the courage to confess his feelings to Cora. But magic spells—like true love—can go awry. After Walt is spurred into action, Etta realizes she’s set in motion a series of astonishing events that will transform Cora’s life in extraordinary and unexpected ways.-- publisher description

Menna VanPraag's newest book "Dress Shop of Dreams" is a treat for any mystery lover. It is packed full of twists and turns with just a bit of magic. I would just think I had the answers and there would be a couple of twists, a turn or two and a fascinating  character. 

Ettaa Sparks' dress shop has been in her family for generations. Her creations are made of rich fabrics in any color one can imagine. Each dress is unique and Etta is always ready to add a very special stitch.

Ettaa's granddaughter, Cora, has been raised by her since the tragic death of Cora's parents. Cora's parents were scientists and Cora shares their passion and drive. Dr. Baxter and Cora have a grant to develop ways to feed underdeveloped nations. Etta is concerned that Cora is burying herself in the laboratory . Walt, a life long friend of Cora's, has told Etta that he loves Cora, but she is oblivious. Etta encourages Walt and gives him a little bit of magic to help him. This does not work out the way Edda had hoped.

While celebrating Cora's birthday Edda tells her that she doesn't think her parents death was an accident. Hearing this Cora decides to investigate. She meets detective Henry Dixon and together they discover some conflicting information. Visions from Cora's early childhood begin to pop up . Following the clues brings Cora to a shocking conclusion.

Block off a quiet time, find a comfortable spot and dive in. There are skeletons in several closets, a diary written in code, a patient priest, a police inspector with a little magic of his own and romances both old and new. Enjoy!

Geared For The Grave

Geared For The Grave

By: Duffy Brown

304 Pages

Summary:

Evie Bloomfield is desperate for a job promotion. So desperate she has agreed to go help her boss's father. What she didn't know before leaving was that getting Rudy's Rides back on it's feet was going to take her on the ride of her life. Mackinac Island is not what Evie thought it would be, and when a loathed, but wealthy, resident is found dead by Evie, everything changes. Suddenly, being the new "fudgie" in town is the least of Evie's worries.

Readers!!! I'm so excited to share this first book in a series with you!! If you love cozy mysteries, you will want to check out Geared For The Grave. If you are a fan of the unbelievably talented Duffy Brown, you will love her newest series! Her writing style is fun and full of spunk. She knows how to bring the characters to life. I felt that early on in the book, the characters stopped being "characters", and felt more like people I interact with often. I didn't want to stop reading them!!

Duffy Brown has created a new world to get to know on Mackinac Island. Here Rudy has his bicycles-to-rent shop, Rudy's Rides. However, as quaint as the island may seem, (did I mention there are no cars allowed on the island?) Rudy's life is about to go from bad to worse. Several residents would like to see his shop close. One lady, Bunny, was rather vocal about her desires to have him closed down. The fact that Rudy wasn't a fan of Bunny's wasn't a well hidden island treasure, either. So, when Bunny is found dead, it doesn't take long before Rudy becomes the prime suspect.

Evie is on Mackinac Island to help Rudy, but also get a much wanted promotion at work. Helping the boss's father has to count for something, right? However, Evie had no clue what she was walking into. Before long her, and her "black cloud", are in thick of things. Trying to prove Rudy's innocence won't be easy since she's the new girl. And "fudgies" aren't embraced that much.

You are going to love the characters. You are going to love the hilarious lines and sayings! I was giggling, laughing, and chuckling my way through the whole book! I didn't want to put it down, or finish it! You have Irish Donna and her thick Irish accent. Irma is one of many who own a fudge store. However, her no good husband left her for the competition- taking with him their recipes. Watching Irma come out of her shell reminded me that, sometimes, revenge is sweet. You will find Rudy as a big teddy bear. And you will melt at the tension between Evie and the temporary Police Chief with a background of his own, Nate Sutter. Did I mention there's a resident who has been nicknamed Jason Bourne? Just wait until you find out why! 

I hope you rush out and buy this wonderful book! Curl up and get acquainted with Mackinac Island, Evie, and all the island residents. You are in for such a fun treat! (Just stir clear of the fish sticks, if you know what I mean.)  You will love Geared For The Grave as much as I did. I'm looking forward to the next installment in this delightful series!! 

P.S.- if you are new to the delightful Miss Duffy Brown, I highly recommend you read her other series, The Consignment Shop series. You will love this series and all it's Southern Charms!

If You've Got It, Haunt It

If You've Got It, Haunt It
By: Rose Pressey
304 Pages
Reviewed By: Betsey Brooks

Summary:

Cookie Chanel has opened her own vintage clothing boutique, It’s Vintage, Y’All, in the charming town of Sugar Creek, Georgia. Always on the lookout for stylish second-hand steals, she attends the estate sale of deceased socialite Charlotte Meadows. But she gets a lot more than she bargained for when Charlotte’s ghost appears before her—offering fashion advice and begging Cookie to find out who murdered her.

As the persistent poltergeist tags along and a possibly psychic pussycat moves into the shop, Cookie sorts through racks of suspects to see who may be hiding some skeletons in the closet. Do a clothing store owner and a disembodied socialite have a ghost of a chance of collaring a killer—or will Cookie’s life be the next one hanging by a thread? --- Publisher's Description

What  a delightful time I've had reading Rose Pressey's new book, "If You Got It, Haunt It".  Cookie Chanel owns a vintage clothing store in the small quaint town of Sugar Creek, Georgia.  Vintage clothing is Cookie's passion and her business. Dressed in her own vintage collection, Cookie is a walking advertisement for her store "It's Vintage Y'all!"

Charlotte  Meadows was one of the wealthiest people in Sugar Creek and, was recently found strangled. She has returned as a ghost and wants her killer found.  Finding help is not easy, especially when no one sees or hears her.  Charlotte's house is having a real estate sale and Cookie is there looking for bargains.  Imagine Charlotte's surprise when she came face to face with Cookie and Cookie smiled.  Charlotte knew she had finally found help.

It took a  lot of talking, badgering, and singing to convince Cookie that teaming up with a ghost to find a killer was a good idea.  A fake psychic, more bodies, a charming detective, and a card playing cat appear to try and help catch Charlotte's illusive killer. Meanwhile the killer has a bag of surprises waiting for them.

This book was a great read from the first sentence to the last. There are lots of wonderful descriptions of vintage fabrics, clothes and accessories. I would love to be able to visit  "It's Vintage Y'all". So curl up in comfortable spot with a nice cup of hot chocolate and join Cookie on this most unusual mystery.

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.