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. 

Hannah's Hope

Hannah's Hope 

By: Karen Kingsbury

103 Pages

Summary:

Hannah Roberts is used to coming home to an empty mansion. What she isn't used to is finding out the man she always thought was her father, really isn't. Now she's on a desperate mission to find her real father. Will she be reunited with the man she hasn't seen in 11 years? 

This was my first Karen Kingsbury book, but I can assure you it won't be my last. I was immediately sucked into Hannah's story. Karen knows how to tell a moving story, all while keeping you glued to the book. Her characters are all real, and you become invested in them. The story was a moving one that breezed you through one emotion after another. You may not know what will happen next, or how the story will end, but you don't give up hope- just like Hannah didn't.

Hannah Roberts is the daughter of political parents. Her father is the US Ambassador for Sweden, and her mother has political aspirations of her own. Only in the same country as Hannah twice a year, Hannah has learned to keep herself so busy she doesn't have time to be lonely.

But everything changes when she receives an email from her mother informing her they won't be coming home for Christmas. Her response isn't what her Mother was expecting. It finally dawns on Carol, Hannah's mom, that her daughter may be lonely. Her solution? To inform Hannah that the father she always thought was her dad really isn't. Sending an envelope with the news, a few pictures, and very little else, Carol thought this would ease the loneliness. Instead, Hannah's search for her father, who enlisted in the Army, goes on National TV as part of a campaign to air messages for the soldiers to see overseas. 

Mike Meade has spent the past 11 years never forgetting his daughter. When searches for her turned up fruitless, he just kept going. Everywhere he went, his brown bag of mementos from her went with him. As the years passed, his hope in ever seeing her again did as well. Throwing himself into his pilot job for the Army, Mike grew a successful career. Never did he think when he set off for the most dangerous mission of his career that he had anything to lose. In fact, he insisted on going because he had no family waiting for him to return. But he sees the video message- just before he leaves. 

Mike's mission goes horribly wrong. He's captured. Once again, his hope of ever seeing Hannah again begins to fade. But, God works miracles for those who believe. And what he does for Hannah and Mike is nothing short of the Christmas miracle Hannah prays for.

I think you will love this Christmas book as much as I did. Like me, you will get lost in this story and have to remind yourself to breathe. Karen Kingsbury has been given a tremendous gift by God, and she uses it to illustrate His love. It comes shining through in Hannah's Hope. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and that you read more of her work. I know I will.

Mr. Miracle

Mr. Miracle

By: Debbie Macomber

272 Pages

Reviewed by: Betsey Brooks

I just finished reading "Mr. Miracle", Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas Angel book. What a treat you are in for. This angel's assignment is nothing like it sounds.

Harry Mills has just gotten the best job for Christmas: being a guardian angel! He is sent to help Addie Folsom and Erich Simmons celebrate Christmas. Harry figures this is going to be a cinch. Much to his surprise he discovers that Addie loathes Erich. This guardian angel business is definitely not the cinch Harry thought it would be. It 's a good thing he finds some help, but in a most unusual person.

Abbie arrived home to surprise her mother for Christmas and planned on staying so she could get her life together. She is greeted by a weeping mother who's plans to go on a Christmas cruiser with her best friend has just fallen through. Her friend is Erich Simmons' mom. Erich was in an accident and now needs some help. His mom just can't go off and leave him to fend for himself. After much soul searching, Addie volunteers to help Erich so the moms can go on their cruise. This doesn't set well with either Erich or Addie, but they come to an agreement. After all they are adults.

Harry has his hands full teaching at the local college, and trying to bring Addie and Erich out of the past and into the joys of Christmas. Lots of changes must come about on this Christmas assignment, including changes in Harry.

Debbie Macomber's "Mr. Miracle" is a wonderful Christmas tale at it's best. I smiled all the way through and didn't want to put it down. Snuggle in for a great Christmas read.

Miracle at the Higher Ground Cafe

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe

By: Max Lucado, Eric Newman & Candace Lee

176 Pages

Christian Fiction

Summary:

Chelsea Chambers is on her own. After a public split from her NFL superstar husband, Chelsea takes a bold step out of the limelight and behind the counter of the Higher Grounds Café, an old-fashioned coffee shop in dire need of reinvention. But when her courage, expert planning, and out-of-this-world cupcakes fail to pay the bills, this newly single mom finds herself desperate for help. Better yet, a miracle.

Then a curious stranger lands at Chelsea's door, and with him, an even curiouser string of events. Soon, customers are flocking to the Higher Grounds Café, and not just for the cupcakes and cappuccino. They've come for the internet connection to the divine. Now the café has become the go-to place for people in search of answers to life's biggest questions.

When a catastrophe strikes and her ex comes calling, Chelsea begins to wonder if the whole universe is conspiring against her quest to make it on her own. After a shocking discovery opens her eyes to the unseen world around her, Chelsea finds the courage to ask, and heaven answers in a most unexpected way. -- publisher's description

Max Lucado has made a name for himself within the Christian world as a force to be reckoned with in Bible Studies. Many praise his writing and how beautiful it is. Not ever having done one of his Bible Studies, I came into this fiction book with a blank canvas. Blank and in desperate need of a good book to take me away. It didn't take me long to realize Miracle at the Higher Ground Cafe delivered.

Readers are quickly introduced to Chelsea. As if she doesn't already have enough on her plate (impending divorce, running the cafe she inherited from her Mother), she's now got to make room for a heavy IRS tax bill. One that must be paid within 30 days. At the rate Chelsea's going, she's going to need a miracle to be the next thing to come through her cafe door. But would she recognize one, if it did?

Enter The God Blog. The Higher Grounds Cafe becomes a direct connection with the Almighty above, and customers line up to ask Him their one question- and get an answer to it. Throw in employee extraordinaire, Manny (aka Chelsea's Guardian Angel), coffee artist Katrina, and you have the magic combination that saves The Higher Grounds Cafe. 

But, like with all good books, the good story has to have it's share of obstacles. And Chelsea has several in her way- including herself. Ex-husband-to-be, Sawyer, comes to town wanting to fix the family he broke. Chelsea isn't in the forgiving state of mind, but Sawyer refuses to give up. It will take a miracle to give this family a happy ending.Che;sea's father has been a source of emotional strain for most of her life. Caught up in his own selfish desires, her father left scars that were more than emotional. With him within reach, can a miracle bring a father and daughter back together?

Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe will keep you looking for the next miracle within it's pages. You will curl up in this book and get lost within the pages. I didn't want to put it down, and I didn't want it to end. I loved this touching story so much, I'm hoping there's a sequel. I enjoyed all the characters, and becoming friends with them as I watched their stories unfold. 

Curl up with a cozy blanket, a couple of cookies, and read the magic that is Miracle at the Higher Grounds Cafe.