Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Friday, May 30, 2014

Beth Art from the Heart blog


I love art.  Whether it is visual, audio,  aesthetic,  enjoyed by touch or by smell, art encompasses the world of color, texture and the printed word in my humble opinion.    The world is God's canvas and his gift to us.   I enjoy coloring with a variety of mediums, speaking to another's heart with my words of encouragement and through my artistic endeavors.   Someday I will write a book.   That is my bucket list.   I know I can never capture the world as God has painted it, but I sure like His sense of color and appreciate that he has allowed me to see, to hear, to smell, to taste  and to touch this world He shares with us.

I am in love with color!  My favorite artistic endeavor is to create  cards with rubber stamps and dye inks.   And in particular I am extremely intrigued with making the smaller ATC cards, (artist trading cards).   ATC's measure 2.5 X 3.5 inches and can be made of any artistic media.    The intent is to swap with others who share the love of making "mini" art.   I made my guitar man using Stamping up stamps and a procedure called bands of color.   I added a red quitar brad and then bound it to red glitzy background and it was made for my son-in-laws birthday.   He loved it and I was thankful I was able to please him with it.

 This second ATC was created using an alcohol splash technique, with a vellum overlay with the verse and butterflies stamped on the vellum, silver brads finished off the piece and I was again pleased with the results.
Last but not least, I made a mini scrapbook and used a starburst technique for the front cover using designer paper, flowers centered with colored brads and an ornate Butterfly brad and tied together with hemp twine.   My mini work of art contains pictures of my delightful grandchildren!   What fun it was to create a mini album full of my favorite people's pictures!
All of the techniques shown for the ATC cards were explained in the Technique Junkie Newsletter which I subrscribe to.   If interested in learning a bazillion techniques, please contact 
Pat Huntoon
Technique Junkie Newsletter
PO Box 16547

Stamford CT 06905

Or visit Pat at:    PatStamps.com for additional information.  It's fun
to participate in the techniques, card swaps and ATC swaps and
always fun meeting new people.

This is what I do, when I am not reading a good book!

Happy artsy-fartsying as well as reading!

Miss Beth



Wednesday, May 28, 2014

A Photographic Death by Judi Culbertson--A Review

This book is set to be released as of 5-27-14, so it should now be available.
I just finished the tale but my grandkids were not cooperating at all in allowing me to concentrate.     Of course that novel would be called, Killing Grandma...A Slow and Torturous Death!   LOL.    Reading is best done alone.

Synopsis:


Bookseller-turned-amateur detective Delhi Laine is back with another atmospheric mystery, but this time, it’s a family affair…


Nineteen years ago, Delhi Laine’s two-year old daughter disappeared. After a frantic but inconclusive search, authorities determined that she must have drowned, her body washed away from the picturesque English park in which she was playing.

Delhi’s heart has never healed, yet her family has since soldiered on. But when a mysterious letter arrives containing the ominous words, YOUR DAUGHTER DID NOT DROWN, their lives are once again thrown into turmoil. With her family torn between fighting for the past and protecting the future, Delhi is caught in the middle. For a mother, the choice to find her daughter seems easy. But for a family left fractured by the mistakes of the past, the consequence, and the truth, may be infinitely more costly.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC DEATH takes readers deeper into Delhi’s turbulent emotional and family life, while still maintaining the series’ renowned bibliophilic charm. It is preceded by A NOVEL DEATH, a USA Book News finalist for Best Book of 2011, and AN ILLUSTRATED DEATH, published by Witness Impulse in October 2013.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

One of my biggest fears when I was a young mother was that someone would steal my  children.  What would have made it worse, would have been if the abductor was some one I knew.   I do not know how people get through something like that.

Judy Culbertson gives us a look into Delhi Laine's personal life through  A Photographic Death   Granted it i a fictitious mystery, but it certainly deals with a truly poignant worry most mothers are concerned with.   Delhi was an interesting and strong character and I was quickly emerged and engrossed with her story.  A mother of three when her twins were two years old and pregnant with her fourth child, an afternoon at the riverside park had turned into a mother's worst nightmare.   While she was taking photographs, one of her babies, disappeared.   Supposedly drowned in the nearby river.

Nineteen years later she received a letter stating that her baby had not died that day.   What lengths would you go to if it were you?    Where would you begin your search?  The story was superbly told, fast paced and extremely satisfyimg.   As a first read for me of Judy Culbertson's work, I will not hesitate to  look into other works from her.

I rated this a 5 Wink read!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.





Monday, May 26, 2014

Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell--A Review

Memorial Day--a lovely day for remembrance.   Soldiers who fell in protecting the freedoms we  cherish.  Thank you fallen heroes and thank you to those who returned from the grasp of wars.     Thank you for suffering those horrible sights, smells and sounds in my place.    Thank you for suffering the time away from loved ones and family, for enduring, for surviving.    You are my heroes!  And in today's world, we need heroes to look up to!   Look no further than our soldiers at home and abroad.

Have a wonderful weekend one and all!



Synopsis:

According to Maya legend, December 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world as we know it. Is it myth . . . or will their prediction become reality?

Archaeologist Lina Taylor has devoted her life to studying ancient Maya artifacts, splitting her time between digs in South America and the classroom teaching college students. But the professor's structured, academic life is about to spin out of control. Some extremely valuable and important Maya artifacts have gone missing. Are the culprits fanatics determined to create chaos and usher in annihilation?

Helping out a friend, former immigration and customs enforcement officer Hunter Johnston is determined to recover the missing pieces and he needs Lina's help. A man used to calling the shots and working alone, he isn't comfortable letting anyone get close, especially a beautiful and brainy woman like Lina. His gift for reading people tells him there's a lot going on below that professional exterior, and he's more than a little curious to probe her depths.

Burying herself in her work, Lina's had little experience handling men, especially one as fascinating and exasperating as the secretive, headstrong Hunter. A devoted archaeologist, she has the skill to excavate those protective layers all the way to his core.

But finding the missing artifacts is only the beginning of a mystery that will plunge these unlikely partners into adventure, romance, and danger more thrilling, sensual, and deadly than either of them knows. . . 

From My Perspective:

Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell was an archaeological thriller-romance read that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the read.   The romance was hot and heavy as  Lina and Hunter yielded to their need.  The story was rich in Mayan culture and belief, and violence as blood was shed in sacrifice.  Lowell's characters were rich and well developed, strong in their individual rite.

The story was shrouded in mystery and very intriguing as Hunter and Lina searched for the missing artifacts.   Returning to Lina's childhood home, they were met with an ailing grandmother,  a selfish mother and a temperamental father, and a cousin lost in the traditional Mayan ways of the past.

The most perfect, most beautiful of all sacrifices was to be the Mayan princess, unless Hunter could somehow stop the event from happening.    His entire future depended upon it.   This was a very intense read and as a result was very enjoyable.   Lowell's writing style, although very informative, was smooth and easy to follow.

I rated this book 4 winks!


  

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book for my personal collection.




Friday, May 23, 2014

Into the Devil's Underground by Stacy Green--A Review

Do you ever want a Do-Over?   When we were children our games often called for do-overs and sometimes we met with a lot of resistance from our friends in calling for it.  When my dear hubby passed away in December, I was screaming for a Do-Over, but as an adult, I knew it would never be.

But in the world of fiction and books, there is a Do-Over.   Stacy Green had such an opportunity.    Her book Into the Dark had a makeover.  The new title is Into the Devil's Underground.

SYNOPSIS:

Formerly published as Into the Dark, heavily edited with NEW SCENES. 

"Why are you here?" Butterflies swarmed in her stomach. Sweat rolled down her forehead and stung her eyes.

Laugh lines appeared at the corners of the man's eyes. "You don't know, Miss Emilie?"

Her heart skidded to a stop. How does he know my name? Throat constricted, she shook her head.

"For you, Miss Emilie. I'm here for you."


For Emilie Davis, it was business as usual in her job as bank manager of WestOne until two men storm in demanding cash. However, it doesn't take long before Emilie learns one of the men isn't there for money--he's convinced they have a connection and has come to claim her. And he won't give up.

When hostage negotiator Nathan Madigan and Las Vegas SWAT enter the bank on a rescue mission, Emilie's captor makes a shocking escape into the abyss that lies beneath the city: the Las Vegas storm drains, a refuge for the downtrodden and the desperate.

Through the darkness of the Devil's Underground and secrets from her past, Emilie finds there is no escape from her stalker. She turns to Nathan, who is determined to save her no matter what it takes.

But will it be enough?

From My Perspective:

I had previously read this book when it was titled Into the Dark, but it had since been updated, edited and featured new scenes.   I had an opportunity to re-read the story in its updated form, so I did.   I was surprised that I could get invested in the story so quickly as a re-read.

But the storyline was more than interesting, the characters as strong as I remembered, likable except for Detective Avery.   His character was written well, he was just antagonistic and pompous.


I believe the story flowed better than the the first with the new scenes and all.The story was still entertaining and the information about the Vegas tunnels still tugged at heartstrings.If you like psycho thrillers, this is a good one to read!

I rated this 5 winks!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn--A Review

Good Morning my Friends!

Today is a strange day for me.  I am taking care of my Claire, (3 yr old granddaughter) as her mother has after four and a half months returned to work.   I knew this would be hard morning for both of them.   Claire is of course much more resilient than an adult, so she got over it relatively quickly.  Watching one is so much easier than watching several younguns, except that more could entertain themselves as well as each other.   I just don't think I could handle more than one, my poor nerves may be stretched with just the one.   But she is being really good and I love being with her!

The book I'm reviewing today literally got on my nerves.   What good are ye, nerves?

SYNOPSIS:

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

My oldest grandson is 14.  He recommended Gone Girl for a great read.   However after a couple of chapters, I began to wonder if there had been a miscommunication.   Not because the book wasn't  interesting, but it was about a married couple who were in the midst of marital strife.   Sure enough, he had not read this book.   Too late, I was already hooked on the odd story before me.    That is how I came to read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

What a quirky story this was.     There was definitely a competitive spirit between the husband and the wife and not in a sportsmanship sort of way!  When one had been scorned and disrespected it was up to the other to one up their partner.   The characters in this book were very well written and very believable although they sometimes  sickened me  with how perverse they could be.   That included secondary characters such as Amy's parents Rand and Marybeth Elliot.  The police were portrayed as narrow minded and bungling, although I found Rhonda Boney interesting and redeemable.

The book is written in three parts and told from Nick's point of view in one chapter and Amy's point of view or her Diary's point of view in another.   I had one piece of the story figured out, but it took a direction I totally did not expect.  I knew that Amy was crazy and manipulative and I knew that Nick was totally battling against her in an attempt to get the upper hand, but aside from being insane, she was absolutely brilliant.   I thought her self-brilliance might be what her undoing would be.....

I'm glad I invested the time in Gone Girl.   It was the most unique book I think I have ever read.  I was tense for Nick throughout and I cheered him on until his capitulation.   I was nerved up as Amy pulled one successful moment after another.  And I was disappointed with Nick's character in the end.  But a successful author makes you feel and I definitely felt a flood of differing emotions throughout this book.
It's a long read at 413 pages, but it was worth it   I rated it 4 winks!


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book for my private collection.  




Friday, May 16, 2014

Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover--A Review

Oh my goodness!!   I  just finished Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover and I feel like my epitath has reconfirmed I am indeed a day late and a dollar short!!    Where do all these great reads come from?????    And why did I wait til now to pick up one of her books???

I never read book two before I read book one, but this time, I screwed up and although book two can be read as a stand alone, I am beside myself in lusting after the first in this series.   I'll be buying Slammed, book two, come the first of June!

SYNOPSIS:

Layken and Will have managed to overcome the obstacles that threatened to destroy their love, proving that they are destined for one another. What they are about to learn, however, is that the things that have brought them together may be the very things that ruin their connection forever...

Layken is left second-guessing the relationship whilst Will is jumping over hurdles to prove his love for her. What the young lovers discover about themselves along this journey may change their entire world, and the lives of those who depend upon them the most...


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

My absolute favorite romance novel of all time is Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover.  Hands down, this is a winner!!  It is smartly written, it is fun and easy to read and it sure warms the heart.    The characters are all quirky and believable in their own right and somehow, they all fulfilled necessary elements of the story.   For anyone who has ever been in love, this  is a captivating read to be relished!

I read Hoover's book in one setting and could not put it down.   I fell in love with Will and Layken and their friends and family.  I felt like I knew them like they were part of my family.   The dialogue was witty and although the romance was intense, it was to my utmost delight, clean romance.   All I can say is it left me breathless, and feeling as if my husband were still beside me and loving me.   When a book moves me like that, it has got to be powerful and great.   Kudos to Colleen Hoover for capturing and telling such a beautiful love story.    I can't wait to read Slammed for the rest of their story! 

I absolutely wish I could give this book a 10 wink review.   5 will have to do, but this was exceptional and unique!



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Pressed Pennies by Steven Manchester--A Review

Morning Friends!

I have a real treat for you today.  Some of you may remember that I love the writing of Steven Manchester.   He quickly became a favorite author of mine, (I have a lot of favorite authors), after I read The Rocking Chair.   It was so beautifully written and when I was offered a chance to read Pressed Pennies in exchange for a fair and honest review, I jumped on it!   I was not disappointed in my decision to read another of his works of art.

To me, reading a book is such a personal experience, journeying with the characters to where ever the author is inclined to take you; feeling however the emotions of the story fill you!   Such is the writing of Steven Manchester.   He is clearly as emotionally entrenched with his characters  as the reader often becomes.

SYNOPSIS:

(from GoodReads)  Rick and Abby grew up together, became best friends, and ultimately fell in love. Circumstance tore them apart in their early teens, though, and they went on to lives less idyllic than they dreamed about in those early days. Rick has had a very successful career, but his marriage flat-lined. Abby has a magical daughter, Paige, but Paige's father nearly destroyed Abby's spirit.

Now fate has thrown Rick and Abby together again. In their early thirties, they are more world-weary than they were as kids. But their relationship still shimmers, and they're hungry to make up for lost time. However, Paige, now nine, is not nearly as enthusiastic. She's very protective of the life she's made with her mother and not open to the duo becoming a trio. Meanwhile, Rick has very little experience dealing with kids and doesn't know how to handle Paige. This leaves Abby caught between the two people who matter the most to her. What happens when the life you've dreamed of remains just inches from your grasp?

PRESSED PENNIES is a nuanced, intensely romantic, deeply heartfelt story of love it its many incarnations, relationships in their many guises, and family in its many meanings. It is the most accomplished and moving novel yet from a truly great storyteller of the heart.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Pressed Pennies tells the story of Rick and Abby's childhood, separation, and reunion at thirty something adults.   The characters are very realistic and believable.   The writing is smooth and flawless, drawing the reader effortlessly into the story.    Rick and Abby, since childhood have loved one another.   The day that Rick and his family moved from the "hood", Abby and the gang made wishes on pennies and placed them on the railroad track so those wishes would be pressed into the pennies forever.   Rick's penny fell off the tracks, so Abby gave him hers.

Years later, their paths would cross again and the nuance of that young love had survived all those years.   They were ecstatic to find one another again...a second chance.   But their was a complication and her name was Paige.   And Paige didn't want to share; she didn't want a change between her and her mother.    Although I got to the point in the reading where I could easily have hated Paige and her resentful, rude behavior, had either of my parents sought a different mate when I was a child, I would have had the exact same reservations and fears.

Manchester can weave a story like no other and I am touched each and every time, I read his words,   If I ever grow up, I would love to write like him!

I gave this a 5 Wink  rating!!

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.


Friday, May 9, 2014

COCOON by Emily Sue Havey--A Review









SYNOPSIS:

New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry has said that, “Emily Sue Harvey has a sure touch and strong voice. She's a talent to watch.” New York Times bestselling author Jill Marie Landis called Harvey’s first novel, Song of Renewal “an uplifting, heartwarming story.” Now Harvey returns with a tale as rich in drama as it poignant in the truths it tells.

When widowed Seana Howard meets Barth McGrath, a newcomer to their little town, she never dreams she’ll fall in love again. Despite his somewhat quirky ways, she falls for the man. The only problem is that her married children do not trust the mysterious stranger. Who is he? Where exactly did he come from? Why are there so many questions about his past?

Against their wishes, Seana elopes with Barth and is happier than she’s been in years. Then her happiness shatters when a mysterious illness suddenly befalls her, exiling her once brilliant mind to a dark nightmare from which she may never return. The eclipse is startling and complete. Will Barth, with such a short history with Seana, love her enough to endure the trials of caring for someone under such dire circumstances? Can her family get past their suspicions and trust his motives and love for their mother? Will Seana ever escape her dark cocoon and reclaim her very purpose for living? Will life give her a second chance to spread her wings, like a beautiful butterfly?

COCOON is a life-affirming story of travail, obstacles, and the extraordinary lengths that undying love will travel.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

(Spoiler Alert!)

I gave this book a 5 Wink rating as I could not hardly put it down and had to know how Seana's story turned out.  Cocoon was a story of change, thus the title.  The first change for Seana was an elopement with Barth and alienation from her adult children.   The second change was the debilitating disease that struck her down.  The last change was the way the community and church came together and prayed for Seana and her victorious emergence from the mind numbing disease that attacked her.

The characters were very relatable and strong.  Seana's daughter Zoe, was strong and self sufficient and quite antagonistic to Barth, the new husband.   She had convinced herself that she did not need  a man herself.   She was too strong and sent them running once they got to know her.   I didn't care for her until she had her moment of enlightenment,   I enjoyed Barth's character immensely...he stuck by his woman, although he had moments of bitterness when he thought a mean thought or a tired thought and instantly felt guilty.

I loved the part where the community held Seana up in prayer and bonded together for her care and treatment and the miracle that cleared her mind once and for all.   This was a story about small town life, caring and community.   Hearts and minds were healed throughout the story.   Heartwarming, thoughtful and well plotted, this is a story with strength and healing within the covers.


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book for my collection.


Wednesday, May 7, 2014

The Messiah Matrix by Kenneth John Atchity--a Review












SYNOPSIS:

To what lengths would the Vatican go to suppress the secret origins of its power?

The Messiah Matrix is a myth-shattering thriller whose protagonists delve into the secrets of the past—and expose those who hide them still. 

A renowned scholar-monsignor is killed in a mysterious hit-and-run in Rome. A Roman coin is recovered from a wreck off the coast of ancient Judea. It’s up to his young American protégé--a Jesuit priest--and a vivacious, brilliant archaeologist to connect these seemingly disparate events and unravel the tapestry that conceals in plain view the greatest mystery in the ecclesiastical world. 

Together they pursue their passion for truth—while fighting to control their passion for each other. 

What they uncover is an ancient Roman imperial stratagem so controversial the Curia fears it could undermine the very foundations of the Roman Catholic faith. 

From the ancient port of Caesarea to Rome's legendary catacombs and the sacred caves of Cumae, this contemporary novel follows their exhilarating quest to uncover the truth about the historical existence of the real "Christian Savior."

The Messiah Matrix may prove to be one of the most thought-provoking 
books ever written. 

Classical scholar and Yale Ph.D. Dr. Kenneth John Atchity is the only author alive today capable of creating this literary and historically-based masterpiece.

"All that is hidden must now be revealed."

For more information on The Messiah Matrix, including location maps, blog and more please visit: www.messiahmatrix.com

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Ok, I am giving this read 3 WINKS.    Not that it is a bad book, but I felt it was a little too technical for me.  Some of the book just went right over my head.   And it was difficult for me to keep at it and get it finished.   I liked the characters of Father Ryan McKeown and Emily, the archaeologist.   They were both very educated and intelligent and understood their mission.

Emily who had friended the monsignor  who was researching the truth about the early church beginnings, was devastated to learn of his demise, (murder).    She remembered most of the information she had been told by Isaac.   Father Ryan was asked to follow in his steps and bring the information to light.    Together they travelled and studied and fell into evil hands as they sought the truth.   The adventure was good.   The sexual tension between them was great, but they each tried to keep that on the back burner!

Possibly, I did not appreciate the challenge to my own belief system.  The book and the alternate theory presented much to be contemplated and was very thought provoking.

 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Previously Loved Treasures by Bette Lee Crosby

Woo Hoo!   I attended Bette Lee Crosby's release/Facebook Party on the 28th and did I get lucky!   I not only won an e-copy of Bette Lee's The twelfth Child, I also won a paperback copy too!   That means, since I already have a paperback copy of the Twelfth Child, I am gifting the e-book to my dear friend Jeanne and the paperback to my friend Renee as a Pay It Forward gift.   Now to call Renee when the book arrives and make a lunch date with her!

Thank you Bette Lee Crosby for your generosity!!

SYNOPSIS:

In Previously Loved Treasures recently widowed Ida Sweetwater and her granddaughter come together in a heartwarming mystery rich with imagination and magic. 

Struggling to make ends meet, Ida turns her home into a boarding house and goes in search of used furniture. This quest leads to the Previously Loved Treasures shop and Peter Pennington, a delightfully strange proprietor who anticipates people’s needs. In addition to bargains, Peter hands out sage advice. When a pocket watch belonging to one of the residents goes missing for a second time he warns of danger—but will Ida’s granddaughter listen and will she heed his advice?

This is a story that resonates with Crosby’s heartwarming albeit quirky characters and the joy of a pay-it-forw
ard philosoph.

From My Perspective:

I was enchanted by this story.  It is a very sweet tale of love, family and is tinged with a bit of magic.   
Caroline Sweetwater had thought herself to be in love, but it came to her after years of living with Greg, that he was indeed a scoundrel, far from deserving her love and forgiveness.    When her grandmother contacted her, she decided it was time for a fresh start, so she packed her meager belongings and headed for home, her real home---her grandmother's boarding house.

Filled with elderly personalities, Caroline found herself learning how to cook and also how to truly love.   The characters in this book were strong and carried their weight through out the story, each of them contributing to the storyline and plot.    Grandma Ida was the glue holding them all together, whether she was with them or not.

A couple of the characters were up to no good and they were portrayed realistically. One character, Peter Pennington was just quirky enough to be adorable and magical.    Are there angels among us?

This story was heartwarming, thoughtful, and  definitely a tale, I shall treasure for many years to come.
I can not praise Bette Lee Crosby's creativity enough!   Thank you Bette Lee!!

I rate this a 5 Wink read!!




Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.




Friday, May 2, 2014

Cold Sacrifice by Leigh Russell






Goodreads SYNOPSIS:

When three dead bodies are discovered in Detective Ian Peterson's hometown of Kent, it becomes clear that a vicious killer is on the loose. And without his trusted colleague, Detective Geraldine Steel, by his side, Ian's left to take the lead on a complex murder case with few clues.

The first victim is a middle-aged woman named Martha, brutally stabbed to death in the local park. Her husband, who did not report her missing, is the prime suspect until a young prostitute, Della, reveals his whereabouts the night Martha was murdered. But then she is strangled to death in her apartment. While the police are frantically gathering evidence and looking for a connection, a second prostitute is suffocated.

With nothing but the timing of the murders to tie the three women to one another, Ian and his new partner, Polly Mortimer, struggle to make sense of the case and find the elusive killer before he strikes again. But by the time Ian realizes the truth, it may be too late to save Polly.

From My Perspective:

I enjoyed reading Leigh Russell's Cold Sacrifice immensely.    It's been awhile since I've read a police drama with such an engaging character as Detective Sargeant Ian Peterson.   Ian had a sense of humor, a weak stomach for viewing dead bodies, a total dedication to murder investigations and a completely baffled understanding of his wife's attitudes and hostilities.

Russell's writing style moved the story along at a steady pace, and kept the reader engaged with shorter chapter length and much movement in the story plot.   I had the murderer picked out fairly early on but that wasn't distracting from the story whatsoever.  This was just an easy to read steady book.

I rated this read 5 Winks...very enjoyable !

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.



Thursday, May 1, 2014

What I Actually Read in April

Greetings Peeps!   I am obviously so far behind in my reading goals.    Averaging eight novels a month, I am never going to accomplish my goal of 150 books this year.    But that is ok.   I am certainly enjoying the novels I read and that is the most important thing for me.

DYSTOPIAN:
This month I finished the Divergent series by Veronica Roth.    As usually happens with a trilogy, The first book in the series was the strongest, the middle book somewhat lacking from the first and the third again picked up strength similar to the first.   In Allegiant, pg 372 last paragraph was my favorite verbaige in the whole series.   Tris stated what I feel speaks of me and my deceased hubby's relationship.   The series is indeed worth the read, especially if you're into dystopian.
ROMANCE:
The Fault in Our Stars was an excellent read about a girl who lived with cancer and how she met and fell in love with her first true love.  I felt like I lived those pages with her, and beware, it is a tear jerker!




MYSTERY THRILLERS:    I read three this month.   Cold Sacrifice, Code of the Hills, and No One Else Can Have You.   All three were decidely different and quite enjoyable as well as thought provoking.



ROMANCE:  My Life Next Door  was a sweet love story and Circle of Redemption was a collaborative work between three friends who are all authors writing different styles and genres.  Three authors, three stories of love and romance.

I really had a great reading month in April.   Hope you all pick up some of these books and enjoy them as much as I did!

Happy Reading!

Beth