December 20, 2018

From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan - Review and Giveaway


I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details
From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan
Publication Date: September 15, 2016
Five Star Publications
Hardcover & eBook; 271 Pages
Genre: Historical/Epistolary

Book description
Self-indulgent young writer Thomas Gadwell has traveled from Boston to the new Hotel Del Coronado in California to at last finish his novel when he meets the clever and headstrong Miss Mary Harting. At once Thomas tosses aside his literary pursuits for a charmed summer of romance that ends with the happy couple making future plans. However, Mary Harting is the only unmarried daughter of notorious railroad tycoon Charles Harting, and he has no intention of letting a useless wordsmith derail his own critical plans for Mary. The couple must continue a clandestine courtship, but Thomas' ingenuity has unexpected repercussions and he unwittingly uncovers a sinister plot of deception, greed, and blackmail. Guided by mentor Henry James, to win Mary, Thomas must step from the pages of the world he creates to explore his own insecurities, battle against worldly corruption, and expose family demons. Told through a series of clever, heartfelt, and engaging letters, From Across the Room is a voyeuristic escapade that delights at every twist. Reflecting back to a time when letters were saved in the imagination of the reader, the lost art of letter writing brings to life the opulent Gilded Age and unfolds the universal passions of love, ambition, and the resilient bonds of family. 

Praise for From Across the Room

"A passionate love story set in a brilliantly recreated Gilded Age, this intimate epistolary novel takes the reader from a wide-open California to the salons of literary and industrial New York. Colorful and indelible characters stride across the pages of this exceptionally vivid historical novel that brings the past stirringly to life." -Diana Birchall, Bestselling Author of Mr. Darcy's Dilemma

"Gina Mulligan's impeccable prose, engaging characters, and original style reminds us all why we love to read." -Reza Kahlili, 2010 National Best Books winner for A Time to Betray

"The characters have richly defined voices and fascinating lives that sparkle against a transcontinental history of America at the beginning of the twentieth century." -Jessica Klein, Award-winning Writer/Producer of Northern Exposure, Beverly Hills 90210, Gabriel's Fire and other popular TV series.

Meet the Author - Gina Mulligan
Gina L. Mulligan is a veteran freelance journalist for numerous national magazines and the author of the award-winning novel, REMEMBER THE LADIES and FROM ACROSS THE ROOM. After her own diagnosis, Gina founded Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women with breast cancer. She was honored for her charitable work on the nationally syndicated television talk show The Steve Harvey Show, People.com, and TODAY.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My thoughts
This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. I thought that the author did a good job with the historical details of this story. That is one of he things that I like the best. I also enjoyed the way the book was written. Reading a book written as letters makes the book read quickly and for me it makes the book that much better. The author did a good job of keeping the reader engaged. 

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 3 copies of From Across the Room & Stationary! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. From Across the Room


Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, November 26 
Review at Creating Herstory 
Excerpt at Spellbound by History 

Tuesday, November 27 
Review at Pursuing Stacie 

Wednesday, November 28 
Review at Jathan & Heather 

Thursday, November 29 
Review at Tar Heel Reader 

Friday, November 30 
Review at A Holland Reads 

Saturday, December 1 
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All 

Monday, December 3 
Review at Jorie Loves a Story 
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 4 

Wednesday, December 5 
Interview at Passages to the Past 

Thursday, December 6 
Review at Peppermint Ph.D. 

Friday, December 7 
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story 

Monday, December 10 
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books 

Tuesday, December 11 

Wednesday, December 12 
Review at Laura's Interests 

Friday, December 14 
Review at 100 Pages a Day 

Monday, December 17 
Review & Excerpt at Locks, Hooks and Books 

Tuesday, December 18 
Feature at Broken Teepee 

Wednesday, December 19 
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads 

Thursday, December 20 
Review at Bri's Book Nook 

Friday, December 21 
Review at The Book Mind 
Guest Post and Excerpt at Confessions of an Avid Reader 



December 13, 2018

One Taste Too Many by Debra Goldstein - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details
Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 
Kensington (December 18, 2018) 
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages 
ISBN-10: 1496719476 
ISBN-13: 978-1496719478 
Digital ASIN: B07CDCZXLP
  

Book description
For culinary challenged Sarah Blair, there’s only one thing scarier than cooking from scratch—murder!

Married at eighteen, divorced at twenty‑eight, Sarah Blair reluctantly swaps her luxury lifestyle for a cramped studio apartment and a law firm receptionist job in the tired hometown she never left. With nothing much to show for the last decade but her feisty Siamese cat, RahRah, and some clumsy domestic skills, she’s the polar opposite of her bubbly twin, Emily—an ambitious chef determined to take her culinary ambitions to the top at a local gourmet restaurant . . .

Sarah knew starting over would be messy. But things fall apart completely when her ex drops dead, seemingly poisoned by Emily’s award-winning rhubarb crisp. Now, with RahRah wanted by the woman who broke up her marriage and Emily wanted by the police for murder, Sarah needs to figure out the right recipe to crack the case before time runs out. Unfortunately, for a gal whose idea of good china is floral paper plates, catching the real killer and living to tell about it could mean facing a fate worse than death—being in the kitchen!

Includes quick and easy recipes!

Meet the author - Debra Goldsteins
Judge Debra H. Goldstein’s new Sarah Blair cozy mystery series debuts from Kensington Press debuts with One Taste Too Many. She also is the author of Should Have Played Poker: a Carrie Martin and the Mah Jongg Players Mystery and the 2012 IPPY Award-winning Maze in Blue. Besides novels, Debra writes short stories. Her short story, The Night They Burned Ms. Dixie’s Place, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine (May/June 2017) is an Agatha Award Short Story Nominee. In addition to being the Sisters in Crime Guppy President, Debra serves on the national Sisters in Crime board and is Vice-President of the Southeast Region of Mystery Writers of America.

Website http://www.debrahgoldstein.com 
Twitter @DebraHGoldstein 
Purchase Links Amazon B&N Kobo Google Play 

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
December 3 – Book Babble – REVIEW 
December 3 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
December 4 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW, GUEST POST 
December 5 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - CHARACTER GUEST POST 
December 6 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
December 6 – My Reading Journeys - REVIEW 
December 7 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW 
December 7 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 8 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
December 8 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT 
December 9 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
December 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 10 – StoreyBook Reviews - REVIEW 
December 10 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT 
December 11 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 
December 11 –A Wytch's Book Review Blog – CHARACTER GUEST POST 
December 12 – Moonlight Rendezvous - REVIEW, GUEST POST 
December 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GUEST POST 
December 13 – MJB Reviewers - REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
December 13 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT 
December 14 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
December 14 – Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW, RECIPE 
December 15 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW 
December 15 – Socrates' Book Reviews – REVIEW 
December 16 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW 
December 16 – Bibliophile Reviews - REVIEW, GUEST POST

December 11, 2018

Eggs on Ice by Laura Childs - Review and Giveaway

Book details
Cozy Mystery 8th in Series 
Berkley (December 4, 2018) 
Hardcover: 304 pages 
ISBN-10: 0425281728 
ISBN-13: 978-0425281727 
Kindle ASIN: B07BD23MV9
  

Book description
Some say that casting crusty attorney Allen Sharpe as Scrooge in the Kindred Players production of "A Christmas Carol" is just playing to type. He's not the most beloved man in town. In fact, you'd have a dickens of a time finding someone who liked him. Still it's a shock when the Ghost of Christmas Past stabs him during the first rehearsal. Suzanne, co-owner of the Cackleberry Club café, Kindred's favorite combination diner, craft store and bookshop, chases the murderer out of the building but loses him in the alley. As the days pass the list of suspects grows longer. Is it the disgruntled partner? The former secretary whom Sharpe sexually harrassed? Or is it fellow owner of the Cackleberry Club, Toni's almost ex-husband, Junior? The women of the Cackleberry Club are determined to find the killer before he can add another victim to his Christmas list.

Meet the author - Laura Childs
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: Webpage - http://www.laurachilds.com/ 

My thoughts
Laura is one of my go to cozy mystery authors. I liked that this was a Christmas themed mystery. It makes it fun to read this time of year. Of course I always like to revisit Suzanne, Toni and Petra at the Cackleberry Club. You could understand why people would want Allen gone the more you learned about him, but with so many people wanting him gone who did it. I had someone in mind but then in Laura gave me twist and I was wrong. Laura's writing style for me is easy and enjoyable to read. I look forward to the next book by her. 

Giveaway



TOUR PARTICIPANTS
December 3 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW 
December 3 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST 
December 3 – The Power of Words – REVIEW 
December 4 – Valerie's Musings – REVIEW 
December 4 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
 December 5 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW 
December 5 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW 
December 6 – A Wytch's Book Review Blog – REVIEW 
December 6 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 7 – Cinnamon, Sugar and a Little Bit of Murder – REVIEW 
December 7 – MJB Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 8 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf - SPOTLIGHT 
December 8 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 
December 9 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
December 10 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW* 
December 10 – My Journey Back – REVIEW 
December 11 – Socrates' Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 11 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW* 
December 12 – The Cozy Pages – REVIEW 
December 12 – Brooke Blogs – GUEST POST 
December 13 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 
December 13 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW* 
December 14 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 14 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW* 
December 15 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 15 – Laura's Interests – REVIEW 
December 16 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

December 9, 2018

Ask Me No Questions by Shelley Noble - Review and Giveaway

Book details
Historical Cozy Mystery New Series 
Forge Books (October 16, 2018) 
Hardcover: 352 pages
ISBN-10: 0765398710 
ISBN-13: 978-0765398710 
Digital ASIN: B078X2BSDR
  

Book description
From New York Times bestselling author Shelley Noble, Ask Me No Questions is the first in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery series featuring a widow turned sleuth in turn-of-the-twentieth century New York City.

A modern woman in 1907, Lady Dunbridge is not about to let a little thing like the death of her husband ruin her social life. She’s ready to take the dazzling world of Gilded Age Manhattan by storm.

From the decadence of high society balls to the underbelly of Belmont horse racing, romance, murder, and scandals abound. Someone simply must do something. And Lady Dunbridge is happy to oblige.

Meet the author - Shelley Noble
SHELLEY NOBLE is the NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of women’s fiction. )BEACH COLORS, WHISPER BEACH, LIGHTHOUSE BEACH,)

As SHELLEY FREYDONT she writes cozy mysteries.(CELEBRATION BAY FESTIVAL MYSTERIES, THE SUDOKU MYSTERIES) and the Newport Gilded Age Mysteries beginning with A GILDED GRAVE an RT Reviewer’s Choice nominee for Best Historical Mystery of 2015 and Macavity Finalist.

ASK ME NO QUESTIONS is the first of a Manhattan Gilded Age series and written as Shelley Noble.

A former professional dancer and choreographer, Shelley lives at the Jersey shore and loves to discover new lighthouses and vintage carousels.

Author Links Website https://www.shelleynoble.com 

My thoughts
I love when a new book cozy mystery comes out and it is the beginning of a new series. Lady Dunbridge was a strong character and a strong woman in a time when women were supposed to be quiet, even more so she was an English woman moving to a new country after grieving the loss of her husband. So what happens but a the murder of her friend's husband and she feels obligated to find out who did it and why. I like that the author made sure the story was historical accurate as well as she put in many twists and turns to keep me guessing. This book has the beginning of a great new series. Worth the read. 

Giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS 
November 26 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW 
November 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 
November 27 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT 
November 28 – Island Confidential - SPOTLIGHT 
November 29 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
November 29 – Mallory Heart's Cozies – REVIEW 
November 29 – Readeropolis - SPOTLIGHT 
November 30 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW*, CHARACTER INTERVIEW 
December 1 – The Power of Words – REVIEW* 
December 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW*, AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
December 3 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 
December 4 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
December 5 – Laura s Interests – SPOTLIGHT 
December 5 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW 
December 6 – Mysteries with Character – REVIEW 
December 7 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT 
December 8 – Here's How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT 
December 9 – A Holland Reads – REVIEW*

December 8, 2018

Crazy Horse: The Lakota Warrior's Life & Legacy as told to William B. Matson - Review


Book details
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Gibbs Smith; 1st Edition edition (September 6, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9781423641230
ISBN-13: 978-1423641230

Book description
The Edward Clown family, nearest living relatives to the Lakota war leader, presents the family tales and memories told to them about their famous grandfather. In many ways the oral history differs from what has become the standard and widely accepted biography of Crazy Horse. The family clarifies the inaccuracies and shares their story about the past, including what it means to them to be Lakota, the family genealogy, the life of Crazy Horse and his motivations, his death, and why they chose to keep quiet with their knowledge for so long before finally deciding to tell the truth as they know it.

This book is a compelling addition to the body of works about Crazy Horse and the complicated and often conflicting events of that time period in American History.

Floyd Clown, Doug War Eagle, and Don Red Thunder are the sole administrators and spokesmen of the Crazy Horse estate and often speak at historical gatherings and national parks about their family’s history.

William Matson has produced and directed an award-winning video, Sitting Bull’s Voice, as well as the two-part video series, The Authorized Biography of Sitting Bull by His Great-Grandson, and the four-part video series, The Authorized Biography of Crazy Horse and His Family. He regularly speaks about these videos and their content at film festivals and has been working with the Crazy Horse family since 2001 to tell their story.

Meet the author
William Matson has produced and directed an award-winning video, Sitting Bull’s Voice, as well as the two-part video series, The Authorized Biography of Sitting Bull by His Great-Grandson, and the four-part video series, The Authorized Biography of Crazy Horse and His Family. He regularly speaks about these videos and their content at film festivals and has been working with the Crazy Horse family since 2001 to tell their story.

My thoughts
I will not be able to say enough good things about this book. When you read this book it is not like reading a book it is more like you are listening to the family telling your their story. I felt as if I could really hear them. The more I read this book the more angry I got as there were a lot of bad things done by our country to Crazy Horse and his family. It was all hateful and very unnecessary. I am very happy that I read this book and hope everyone takes the time to read it. Today I go the chance to meet Floyd Clown and William Matson. They came to my town and gave a lecture, which was very informative and interesting. When the lecture was over I got the chance to talk to both of them and found out that Floyd Clown is also a grandson of War Eagle who was a big name where I am from. My only wish was that I could have had more time to visit with them. I would love to hear more stories about Floyd and Crazy Horse's family. One of the best books I have read this year. 

Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr - Review


Book details
Series: A Virgin River Novel (Book 13)
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: MIRA; Original edition (February 22, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0778329428

Book description
Rising sous-chef Kelly Matlock's sudden collapse at work is a wake-up call. Disillusioned and burned out, she's retreated to her sister Jillian's house in Virgin River to rest and reevaluate.

Puttering in Jill's garden and cooking with her heirloom vegetables is wonderful, but Virgin River is a far cry from San Francisco. Kelly's starting to feel a little too unmotivated…until she meets Lief Holbrook. The handsome widower looks more like a lumberjack than a sophisticated screenwriter—a combination Kelly finds irresistible. But less appealing is Lief's rebellious stepdaughter, Courtney. She's the reason they moved from L.A., but Courtney's finding plenty of trouble even in Virgin River.

Kelly's never fallen for a guy with such serious baggage, but some things are worth fighting for. Besides, a bratty teenager can't be any worse than a histrionic chef…right?

Meet the author - Robyn Carr
Robyn Carr is a RITA® Award-winning, eleven-time #1 New York Times bestselling author of almost sixty novels, including the critically acclaimed Virgin River series. The third novel (THE FAMILY GATHERING) in her fan-favorite new series, Sullivan's Crossing, will be released in April 2018. Robyn is a recipient of the Romance Writers of America Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 and in 2017, VIRGIN RIVER was named one of the HarperCollins 200 Iconic Books of the past 200 years. Robyn and her husband live in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can visit Robyn Carr's website at www.RobynCarr.com.

My thoughts
Another great Virgin River book. This series never seems to get old for me. I could not help but feel bad for Kelly after what happened to her. She falls in love with her boss but because he was married she know he was out of reach and then his wife came after her with lies. I thing the best that could have happened was when Kelly went to stay with her sister. Then there was poor Courtney, she was a young girl who had been through so much but did not know how to deal with all the bad things that came her way. I liked how Kelly did not pressure Courtney into liking her but let nature take its course. I am looking forward to the next book in this series to see who we get to meet next. 

December 5, 2018

The Accidental Beauty Queen by Teri Wilson - Review

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details
On Sale: December 4, 2018
Gallery Books | Trade Paperback Original
ISBN: 9781501197604 | $16.00
E-ISBN: 9781501197611 | $7.99
Audio-ISBN: 9781508283553 | $17.99

Book description
Charlotte Gorman loves her job as an elementary school librarian, and is content to experience life through the pages of her books. Which couldn’t be more opposite from her identical twin sister. Ginny, an Instagram-famous beauty pageant contestant, has been chasing a crown since she was old enough to enunciate the words world peace, and she’s not giving up until she gets the title of Miss American Treasure. And Ginny’s refusing to do it alone this time.

She drags Charlotte to the pageant as a good luck charm, but the winning plan quickly goes awry when Ginny has a terrible, face-altering allergic reaction the night before the pageant, and Charlotte suddenly finds herself in a switcheroo the twins haven’t successfully pulled off in decades.

Woefully unprepared for the glittery world of hair extensions, false eyelashes, and push-up bras, Charlotte is mortified at every unstable step in her sky-high stilettos. But as she discovers there’s more to her fellow contestants than just wanting a sparkly crown, Charlotte realizes she has a whole new motivation for winning.

Meet the Author - Teri Wilson
Teri Wilson is the author/creator of the Hallmark Channel Original Movies Unleashing Mr. Darcy, Marrying Mr. Darcy, and The Art of Us, as well as a fourth Hallmark movie currently in development. Teri is a double finalist in the prestigious 2018 RWA RITA awards for her novels The Princess Problem and Royally Wed. Teri also writes an offbeat fashion column for the royal blog What Would Kate Do and is a frequent guest contributor for its sister site, Meghan’s Mirror. She’s been a contributor for both HelloGiggles and Teen Vogue, covering books, pop culture, beauty, and everything royal. In 2017, she served as a national judge for the Miss United States pageant in Orlando, Florida, and has since judged in the Miss America system. She has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses, Audrey Hepburn films, and good books. Visit her at TeriWilson.net or on Twitter @TeriWilsonAuthr.

Purchase Link: http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Accidental-Beauty-Queen/Teri-Wilson/9781508283553

My thoughts:
It has been awhile since I have read a chick-lit book and after reading this I realized I have missed them. This was a fun quick read for me. I read it in just a couple of days. The author's writing style was easy to read and ranked right up there with Sophie Kinsella for me. I loved how Ginny made Charlotte stand in for her at the pageant. I would have been just like Charlotte - a fish out of water. I related to her in many ways. It was nice to read how close the sisters were and that they helped each other. I liked the added romance to the story. I will be looking for more books by this author.