Funny, free-spirited Annie Quintana and sophisticated, ambitious Julia St. Clair come from two different worlds. Yet, as the daughter of the St. Clair’s housekeeper, Annie grew up in Julia’s San Francisco mansion and they forged a bond that only two little girls who know nothing of class differences and scholarships could—until a life-altering betrayal destroyed their friendship. A decade later, Annie is now a talented, if underpaid, pastry chef who bakes to fill the void left in her heart by her mother’s death. Julia, a successful businesswoman, is tormented by a painful secret that could jeopardize her engagement to the man she loves. When a chance reunion prompts the unlikely duo to open a cupcakery, they must overcome past hurts and a mysterious saboteur or risk losing their fledgling business and any chance of healing their fractured friendship.
Meg Donohue's How to Eat a Cupcake is story about friendship. Annie and Julia were as close as sisters, but once they hit theirs teens that bond of friendship started to tarnish. Annie, years later still feels the sting of betrayal but she's willing to give it a try when Julia wants to open a cupcakery together. Slowly those wounds begin to open again, but this time around both Annie and Julia are prepared to listen to each other.
How to Eat a Cupcake is one of those books that I couldn't put down. I started reading this book Tuesday evening and I finished it last night. I probably would have read it through the night on Tuesday, but real life had a issue with that. And it was also one of those that ended and I was wondering what happened next, in a good way. I wanted more.
I loved everything about it. The setting, San Francisco, one of my favorite cities. The characters were great, Annie and Julia were absolutely wonderful, their problems were so ingrained in their relationship that the time they spent together started to peel those problems away. Their feelings were real to me. And all those little twists and turns that the author added was the icing on the cupcake.
How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: William Morrow (2012); Debut Novel; New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (38)
It was one of Eve Dallas's earliest takedowns, back in her uniform days. A monster named Isaac McQueen had been abducting young victims and leaving them scarred in both mind and body. Thanks to Eve, he wound up where he belonged, removed from civilized society in Rikers. But he's not behind bars anymore.After his escape, McQueen has two things in mind. One is to take up where he left off, preying on the young and innocent - when necessary, with the help of a female partner all too willing to be manipulated and to aid and abet his crimes. His other goal: to get revenge on the woman who stopped him all those years ago, now a high-profile lieutenant in the NYPSD and married to one of the city's richest men.Commanding Eve's attention with a chilling and brazen crime, McQueen sets off the chase - forcing Eve down a road marked with blood and tears, a road that eventually leads southwest to Dallas, Texas, the home Eve fled long ago. And each new twist brings her closer to the harrowing memory of when she wasn't a hardened detective but a vulnerable girl just like McQueen's innocent prey. As her husband, Roarke, tries to rescue her from the nightmares that claw at her mind, and her partner, Peabody, doggedly works to support her, Eve must confront - and call upon - the darkest parts of her own soul in order to survive.
A violent pedophile has escaped a high security prison and it wrecking havoc in Eve's personal and professional lives. Along the way he leaves clues for Eve to find him...in Dallas.
There are only two different things in this book (in comparison to others in the series), a different city and a different crew. But all the other things are there: the suspense, Eve's need to capture this monster, her need for victims justice, Eve's relationship with Roarke and her capturing the bad guy in the end. It's all there, but, along the way there was so much more, there the tender moments between Eve and Roarke (a bit different, here), new kick ass characters, a character that I did not see coming and all the emotions brought out in Eve by being back in Dallas. Emotional roller-coaster does not do it justice.
This book was a great read and I cannot wait to read Celebrity in Death!
New York to Dallas by J.D. Robb (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Futuristic; Published: Putnam Adult (9/2011); Series: # 33, Eve Dallas; Mystery Suspense Reading Challenge 2012 (8); Library; Books 2012 (36);
Abandoned at the altar . . .Lady Beatrix Danbury had always known she would marry William Mallory. She'd loved him forever and she'd never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together or his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter . . . and left two weeks before their wedding. Return of the duke . . . Will has no illusions that Beatrix would welcome him back with open arms, but six years did not dim his love or desire for her. The only problem is, she's about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable . . . the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?
It's been ages since I read a book by Laura Lee Guhrke, I believe the reason I stopped reading her was because of a few of her previous books I felt were, for the lack of a better word, crappy. Lately I've been seeing her titles around and it got me curious. I know she's in the middle of a new series, so I decided to start at the beginning. I'm beginning with the first book of Abandoned at the Altar series, Wedding of the Season.
Beatrix and Will were childhood sweethearts, they always knew that they would marry. But a few weeks before their wedding Will gets an offer to join an Egyptian dig and he assumes that Beatrix will accompany him. She on the other hand does not want to leave England and gives Will an ultimatum, his dream or her. He chooses his dream. And Beatrix is left with a broken heart. Fast forward six years, Will is returning to England and Beatrix is getting ready to get married to another man. And that's when the struggle begins, following your heart or following what society deems acceptable.
To be completely honest I didn't have high hopes for this book, so I was surprised on how much I enjoyed Beatrix and Will's story. They were both great characters, each with their own conflicts and desires and it seemed that they just needed a little more time to sort their feelings and set course to their life together. I enjoyed that the book set in the Edwardian time, it was a nice change to either Regency or Victorian times. The author did a great job with the fashion of time and also the technology that was available in the early 1900's.
I guess I'm back on the Laura Lee Guhrke bandwagon! After reading the teaser of the next book I'm itching to read it.
Wedding of the Season by Laura Lee Guhrke (3.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (12/2010); Series: # 1, Abandoned at the Altar; Library; Books 2012 (35);
A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny? Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order—just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience. Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune—but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?
After reading the first book of The Truth About the Duke series, I wasn't too keen on reading the second straight away, but unfortunately my turn came up at the library and other readers were waiting for their turn. I was actually pretty surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a five star read, but it was way better than the first book in my honest opinion.
I truly enjoy the ugly duckling theme. Katherine has lived all her life behind the shadow of her beautiful mother. She's always felt less than pretty and always very awkward, she doesn't have the finesse or the looks that her mother expected. Gerard is the first person that truly sees her for who she is, and she adores that he has a caring heart. Both Gerard and Katherine are likable characters, the only thing that tainted their relationship was that dreaded "misunderstanding". But that too was quickly resolved and they resumed their relationship with gusto.
I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for the eldest brother!
Blame It on Bath by Caroline Linden (3.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Avon (2/2012); Series: # 2, The Truth About the Duke; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (34);
With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess…
It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is the second book of the Donovan Sisters series. It's Olivia's story. Of all the sisters she is fragile and her sisters tend to be very overprotecting. They shield her from any nastiness or questionable places or people. But Olivia is more than just a fragile woman. She's curious and wants to prove to herself and her sisters that she is independent and strong. Max has a facade of a care-free, pleasure seeking person, but he also a strong sense of what is right and wrong, he protects those who cannot protect themselves. He has emotional scars that he keeps hidden but Olivia has the ability to put him at ease.
I thought that the first book of the series, Confessions of an Improper Bride, was very good, but this one in my opinion surpassed it. Even though there was a lot going on with the primary and secondary stories, neither story felt compromised. I loved the way the author brought the second story to light and all the ugliness surrounding it. It was very well written, considering it being such a sensitive and troubling issue, back then and still now.
I wonder what Jennifer Haymore will throw at us next.
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Forever (2/2012); New Release; Series: # 2, Donovan Sisters; Library; Books 2012 (33);
When strong and handsome Heath Rayne pulled Lucinda Caldwell from a winter river, he rescued her from an icy death. But soon he was plunging her into a torrid torrent of passion that this New England beauty had never suspected could claim her.
Heath was unlike any other man Lucy had ever known: a dashing, mocking, sensuous Southerner who came as a stranger to Lucy's town-and stayed as he stripped away her last shreds of resistance to the demands of desire and the flaming fulfillment of love...
I had this book on hold through the digital provider at my local library, I've been waiting months and months...And finally it was my turn to read, I was super excited, because let's face it, Lisa Kleypas rocks! I love her books and it's always a special treat for me to read them. I began reading, and everything seemed familiar. I was wondering if I already had read it, so downstairs I went, to check my keeper shelf. And there it was! I truly wish that the publishers would put something on the cover of the saying it is a re-print.
Ok, so I was disappointed that it wasn't a new book, but I kept on reading. As usual I devoured it, and it was nice to see old characters, there were a few things that I had forgotten about so it wasn't a total waste of my time. lol
As I was re-reading it, I realized that back when I first read it, I didn't care for the heroine all that much. And the same happened this time, but she grew a bit more on me, she wasn't as whiny as I remembered. I did enjoy her willingness to stand up for Heath. And Heath, well, he was yummy, strong, motivated and super sexy.
What I did enjoy was the setting. It's set just after the Civil War, in the North. You just can't find too many romance novels set during that time. Or maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. Don't get me wrong I enjoy British setting but it wouldn't hurt to have a little more variety.
I wonder if the author's next historical will be a re-print. Hmmm....
Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas (Re-read) Historical Romance; Published: Onyx (6/1988), Signet (8/2011); Format: Ebook; Library; Books 2012 (32);
A bargain that was all business...and pure passion.
Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London's top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case...if only she can melt the dashing lord's stony heart.
Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London's tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership...and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both...and leave their love hanging in the balance.
Here is another author whose books I've seen around quite bit but never got a chance to read them. I found this one while browsing through the romance section at my local library, which is not very big but it does have a good selection of titles. I was also pleased to see that it is the first of a series. I dislike reading a series out of order.
The Duke of Durham has died. He has left his three sons, Charlie, Edward and Gerard a mess to clean up. There is a slight possibility that his sons were illegitimate...he was briefly married when he was young, there wasn't an annulment or a divorce. And for the last while he was being blackmailed. Each of the brothers dealt with this information differently, Edward hires the best lawyer to get at the bottom of this ordeal, Gerard sets off to look for blackmailer and Charlie doesn't really care all that much. This is when Lady Francesca Gordon enters, she is furious that Edward has "stolen" her lawyer and demands that he help her find her missing niece.
I found the premise of the story to be entertaining, three siblings trying to safe their "family", Francesca's desperate need to find her niece believing that she was in danger, Edward discovering that he was more passionate than he thought, but... Yes, but. I couldn't not warm myself to either Francesca or Edward. Ok, maybe not Edward, I found him endearing but Francesca was another story, I'm not sure what precisely caused my dislike but it was there and I think it may have clouded my judgement on the overall book.
One Night in London by Caroline Linden (2.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon Books (9/2011); New Author; Series: # 1, The Truth About the Duke; Library; Books 2012 (30);
Six years ago, Lucy Kincaid was attacked and nearly killed by an online predator. She survived. Her attacker did not. Now Lucy’s goal is to join the FBI and fight cyber-crime, but in the meantime, she’s volunteering with a victim’s rights group, surfing the Web undercover to lure sex offenders into the hands of the law. But when the predators she hunts start turning up as murder victims, the FBI takes a whole new interest in Lucy.
With her future and possibly even her freedom suddenly in jeopardy, Lucy discovers she’s a pawn in someone’s twisted plot to mete out vigilante justice. She joins forces with security expert and daredevil Sean Rogan, and together they track their elusive quarry from anonymous online chat rooms onto the mean streets of Washington, D.C. But someone else is shadowing them: A merciless stalker has his savage eye on Lucy. The only way for her to escape his brutality may be another fight to the death.
I came across this book while I was browsing ebooks on OverDrive, ebook library provided through my local library. I have heard of the author, but I never got around to reading her books. Love Me To Death went straight into my virtual basket. I'm a sucker for romantic suspense and it's been a while since I read a really good.
I was hooked instantly! I did not want to put this book down, which I had to, it's been a very busy few days, but whenever I could out came my ipad and I went back to reading it. The suspense/mystery had me second guessing almost all the characters, which was a bit hard to do because of a lot of them were very likable and I didn't want to be disappointed. The main character, Lucy, is a survivor and she wants to help put away these dangerous individuals. Soon she's the one who is being targeted and she doesn't know who to trust. All the twists and turns are so well written that certain scenes left me feeling a tad dirty and icky. But not all the book was dark, there were a few sweet moments which were needed and the author provided them well. The developing relationship between Lucy and Sean was the icing on the cake.
I truly enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Allison Brennan. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book of this series, Kiss Me, Kill Me, I've already placed a hold on it.
Love Me To Death by Allison Brennan (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: Ballantine Books (12/2010); New Author; Series: # 1, Lucy Kincaid; Format: ebook; Mystery Suspense Reading Challenge 2012 (6); Library; Books 2012 (29);
Lucy Houston and Mickey Chandler probably shouldn’t have fallen in love, let alone gotten married. They’re both plagued with faulty genes—he has bipolar disorder, and she has a ravaging family history of breast cancer. But when their paths cross on the night of Lucy’s twenty-first birthday, sparks fly, and there’s no denying their chemistry. Cautious every step of the way, they are determined to make their relationship work—and they put it all in writing. Mickey promises to take his medication. Lucy promises not to blame him for what is beyond his control. He promises honesty. She promises patience. Like any marriage, they have good days and bad days—and some very bad days. In dealing with their unique challenges, they make the heartbreaking decision not to have children. But when Lucy shows up for a routine physical just shy of their eleventh anniversary, she gets an impossible surprise that changes everything. Everything. Suddenly, all their rules are thrown out the window, and the two of them must redefine what love really is.
Every now and then I come upon a book that really hits home. This book did it for me, I come from a family that has lost many our female relatives to breast cancer, aunts, cousins, my mother had a run in with it a few years ago and it now is cancer free. I'm one of those people that have to have a mammogram every two years, not only for my piece of mind but also my family's. The fear is always in the back of my mind, I have two children and I plan to be around for a very long time, but the fear is there.
Lucy is no stranger to death, not only has she faced it with her bout of cancer, but she also lost her mother to cancer when she was 17 and her father when she was only 5 years old. Mickey suffers from bipolar disorder, he controls his meds but he has his good and bad days. Before Lucy and Mickey get married they decide that they don't want to pass their ailments to their children so they decide not to have them. They are definitely surprised when Lucy discovers that she's pregnant.
I was an emotional mess reading this book. The book made me smile, laugh, and it made me cry. I'm not talking about the occasional tear running down my face. Nope. It was the down right ugly gut wrenching crying. I felt it, I felt the happiness, the love, the confusion, the anger, the disappointment and the loss so vividly.
I absolutely loved this book. I read the book through the library, but I will definitely be buying my own copy.
I highly recommend this book!
Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock (5/5) General Fiction; Published: Gallery Books (3/2012); New Author; New Release; Favorite Read 2012; Library; Books 2012 (28);
When the newly minted minister Adam Joseph Jordan comes to guide the flock of Butternut Creek Christian Church, Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes take it upon themselves to educate him on how things should be done. They also decide he needs a wife, and soon. As Adam deftly dodges the Widows matchmaking, they turn their attention to another new bachelor in town.
Having lost his leg in the war in Afghanistan, veteran marine Sam Peterson has come to live in his late aunt's house. Dealing with post-traumatic stress and depression, Sam wants to be left alone. But the community of Butternut Creek doesn't know how to do that. Between the matchmaking of the Widows, the eager young minister, and the two red-headed sons of his beautiful physical therapist, Willow, playing in his yard, Sam is soon drawn out of his self-induced solitude. Though he falls for Willow, she's unlike any other woman he's pursued. Sam doesn't know where his life is headed, and Willow is afraid to commit herself and two sons to another man after being betrayed by her first husband. The Widows will have to put all their energy and scheming into bringing this couple together.
I love novels set in small towns! I know I sound like a broken record, I'm sure I've mentioned a few times (or more...). This small town it right up my alley, interesting (and entertaining) characters: meddling old women, a lonely war vet, a couple of single moms, a young minister just to name a few.
The meddling old women, or the Widows, as they liked to be called, are the welcoming committee, the matchmakers, the all around organizers for all those little extras around town. Adam and Sam are their projects, they know that what they need is the love a good woman. Adam isn't quite ready for a relationship. Sam on the other hand, is attracted to his physical therapist and he's slowly falling in love with her and her two sons.
It was a quick read. I enjoyed it, I did find that there's was way too much going on, but it was easy enough to follow. The book reminded me of Jan Karon's Mitford series. A good and entertaining read.
The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine (3.5/5) General Fiction; Published: Hachette Book Group (4/2012); New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (27);
Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. And the truth is reinforced by her friend China Bayles' news-Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker.
As a police chief in a male-dominated force, Sheila meets many challenges, especially when her theories rock the boat in high profile cases like that of George Timms. He was caught breaking into Larry's computer shop to steal his own computer back because of dangerous personal information it contained. Now that Larry is dead, she's sure it's connected to the burglary. And she's also sure she'll get plenty of resistance on her assessment...
Timms's time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. In her investigation, Sheila uncovers secrets, terrible secrets that would drive anyone to kill. So who then? It's up to Sheila to prove she's got what it takes to hunt down the predator that's loose on the streets of Pecan Springs...
Susan Wittig Albert is one of those authors that I make a point to read. I loved her historical mystery series that she co-wrote with her husband, the books were published under the name of Robin Paige. I adore her Beatrix Potter Cottage series. I know she has a new series, the Darling Dahlias, which I haven't had the pleasure to read, yet. But my favorite has always been her China Bayles series, set in the fictional town of Pecan Springs, TX. So let's just say I was a little surprised when I picked up the book at the library, it's says that it's a Pecan Springs Mystery. I'm not sure if it's a new series or just a series within a series, where the book is not necessarily focusing on China but someone else in her circle of friends. I admit I was a little hesitant with the small change in the dynamics of this series, but I kind of like the change. The chapters are in alternating narrators, there's the first person China, and Sheila's part of the story is written in the third person.
The rest is just as good as any other book of the series. The old characters are just as entertaining as ever, the newer ones just as good as I would expect. The murder and missing person case was very well written and intertwined very well together, although there was a little twist within the crime story.
As usual I inhaled the book, it was quick read and but it was also a fast paced book. Not that complaining, ok, maybe just a bit. I will need a fix soon, which I will be looking forward to trying the Darling Dahlias series.
Cat's Claw by Susan Wittig Albert (4/5) Contemporary Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (3/2012); Series: # 20, China Bayles/Pecan Springs; New Release; Mystery Suspense Challenge 2012 (5); Library; Books 2012 (26);
After twelve years in India, Robert, Duke of Dovedale, returns to his estate in England to avenge the murder of his mentor during the 1803 Battle of Assaye. Robert plans to infiltrate the infamous, secretive Hellfire Club to uncover the murderer's identity -- but he has no idea that even more difficult challenge awaits him, in the person of one Lady Charlotte Lansdowne.
Having cherished a romanticized view of Robert since childhood, Charlotte is thrilled by his return. To Charlotte, Robert is all the Knights of the Round Table rolled into one. That's not exactly the case, but she can't help but search for the man she loves inside this less-than-pristine package. And while Robert works to dissuade Charlotte from her delusions, he can't help but be drawn to her innocence and inner beauty.
When Charlotte is approached by Lady Henrietta Selwick to join her in a bit of espionage -- investigating a plot to kidnap the king -- Robert soon realizes that Charlotte is not only the perfect partner in crime; she's the perfect partner, period. Caught in a dangerous game with deadly flower-named spies and secret members of the Hellfire Club, Robert and Charlotte must work together to reveal the villain...and confront their true passion for each other.
After reading the previous book in the series, my expectations on this book weren't very high. I was hoping that it would be better but I was a little skeptical about it. But, read the book I did.
Lady Charlotte Lansdowne is a wall-flower, she's a heiress and she lives in her own little fantasy world. She also has a grandmother that loves to control everything and everyone her. It's not easy to be her own person with grandmother meddling in her life. When her cousin, Robert returns from his decade long travels, she excited to have her childhood friend back, and hopes that their friendship will evolve to something more.
And that's when the roller-coaster of emotions start for both the hero and heroine of the story. He wants to protect her from his need of revenge and she wants to help him no matter the consequences. Robert doesn't know how to react to the feelings he has for Charlotte. He wants to protect, therefore he breaks her heart and her trust.
Although I enjoyed this book more than the previous one, I found that there was way too much going on in the story. I did love the way that the author incorporated the King's illness into the book, it just wasn't a little mention it really revolved around the illness and how he was perceived among the people closest to him.
Hmmm, I wonder what will happen next....
The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Dutton (2/2009); Series: # 5, Pink Carnation; Library; Books 2012 (25)
In the fortune telling business there are a lot of pretenders, but Sunshine Meadows is the real deal—and her predictions can be lethally accurate...
Sunny is a big city psychic who moves to the quaint town of Divinity, NY to open her fortune telling business in an ancient Victorian house, inheriting the strange cat residing within. Sunny gives her first reading to the frazzled town librarian and discovers the woman is going to die. When the woman flees in terror, Sunny calls the police, only she’s too late. The ruggedly handsome, hard-nosed detective is a “non-believer.” He finds the librarian dead, and Sunny becomes his number one suspect, forcing her to prove her innocence before the real killer can put an end to the psychic’s future.
Sunny, finally moves out of her parents home to a small town in New York state. She buys a old Victorian home where she plans to live and open her business. She's a fortune teller who specializes in tea leaf readings. The old house comes with a mysterious cat and some say the odd ghost or two. During her first reading she "sees" the woman dead and warns her to be careful, she also calls the police to warn them of the possible crime. That's when Detective Mitch Stone comes in. He's a no nonsense, by the book type and he thinks that Sunny is loopy. And definitely a person of interest.
I know that I've mentioned on how much I love books set in small towns because of the close knit community feel. But this one, it just had way too much going on. I think the author might have jumped the gun on introducing so many characters in the first book. It was hard to follow who was who, and whom they were connected to and how they were related in the story. Obviously there were the comic relief characters, that made me smile, but it still felt very over crowded. That being said, I did enjoy the story. The premise of a fortune teller mystery series sounds fun and add the hunky non-believer detective and you have a possible love story within the series is a added bonus. The who done it part was a surprise which I did not see coming, but it tied in nicely.
Tempest in the Tea Leaves by Kari Lee Townsend (3/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Berkley (8/2011); New Author; Series: # 1, Fortune Teller Mystery; Mystery Suspense Challenge 2012 (4); Library; Books 2012 (24)
Former Manhattan fashion designer Harlow Jane Cassidy has a gift for creating beautiful dresses. But when Harlow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, she’ll more than her sewing skills to unravel the mystery…
Business is booming at Harlow’s custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great grandmother’s ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. Zinnia James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown.
With the debutant ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit…
A Fitting End is the second book A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series by Melissa Bourbon. The author also writes under the name of Melissa Bourbon Ramirez, Lola Cruz Mystery series. I read the first book of the Magical Dressmaking series last year, and it was one of those great cosy's that you read in one sitting. So I was hoping that this one would be just as Pleating for Mercy.
Harlow is slowly getting back into the groove of things, both in her haunted house and in her hometown of Bliss, Texas. Like any other small town, the gossip reigns supreme. There were a few more introductions in this book, and I have a feeling that these additions will be very enjoyable in the future. It was nice to have more background information on the Cassidy clan and how the "gifts" are manifested within the family. The mystery itself was truly a mystery to me, I found that my initial presumption was not correct and I was completely floored on who did it and the reason behind it.
It did not disappoint. I was hooked right from the first page. Good thing the book was read during the weekend otherwise I would have been able to do a thing. I only have one little complaint, there wasn't enough of Harlow and her love interest. Ah well...maybe in the next one.
A Fitting End by Melissa Bourbon (4/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Signet (2/2012); Series: # 2, Magical Dressmaking Mystery; New Release 2012; Mystery Suspense Challenge 2012 (3); Library; Books 2012 (23);
Determined to secure another London season without assistance from her new brother-in-law, Mary Alsworthy accepts a secret assignment from Lord Vaughn on behalf of the Pink Carnation. She must infiltrate the ranks of the dreaded French spy, the Black Tulip, before he and his master can stage their planned invasion of England. Every spy has a weakness and for the Black Tulip that weakness is beautiful black-haired women -- his "petals" of the Tulip. A natural at the art of seduction, Mary easily catches the attention of the French spy, but Lord Vaughn never anticipated that his own heart would be caught as well. Fighting their growing attraction, impediments from their past, and, of course, the French, Mary and Vaughn find themselves lost in a treacherous garden of lies.
And as our modern-day heroine, Eloise Kelly, digs deeper into England's Napoleonic-era espionage, she becomes even more entwined with Colin Selwick, the descendant of her spy subjects.
I was not too pleased to see who the hero and heroine of this book were to be, let just say that in the previous books that both these characters have been, they have left me a little cold. I stuck with the book because of series itself, and I like to follow Eloise and her discoveries.
Lord Vaughn, has a darkness about him. He exudes confidence and is not afraid to use his power to manipulate and use people as he sees fit. If anything, to me he would have a been the ideal double agent for the series. Mary, at the beginning I did feel sorry for her, having to witness her sister and her former suitor, but eventually her lamentations just got on my nerves. Her beauty does not compensate for her being a brat or her shallowness. But mostly what got on my nerves was that I couldn't see them falling for each other. It just didn't have the romance that the other book had. What saved the book for me was Eloise story, considering it wasn't too much but it was nice to have that break from Mary and Lord Vaughn.
Here's hoping that the next book will be better!
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig (2.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Dutton (2/2008); Series: # 4, Pink Carnation; Library; Books 2012 (22)
Serena Donovan left London six years ago, her heart broken and her reputation ruined by devilishly handsome Jonathan Dane. Now, with her family's future in peril, she reluctantly agrees to return to England and assume her late twin's identity. The price? Marry a man she doesn't love and spend the rest of her days living a lie.
Jonathan Dane, Earl of Stratford, has become an incorrigible rake, drinking, gambling-and trying to forget Serena Donovan. Yet the moment he's introduced to the prim and proper "Meg", he recognizes the sensual young woman who captured his heart. Haunted by his past mistakes, he refuses to lose Serena again. But convincing her to trust him is no easy task. Claiming his lost love means exposing the truth and destroying the life Serena has sacrificed everything to rebuild. With the future of all the Donovans at stake, and their undying passion capable of triggering yet another scandal, how much will Jonathan and Serena risk for a chance at true love?
I don't know about you, but when I try out a new author I'm always a bit skeptical. I'm never sure if the the book or the author's "hype" is truly deserved or just that...hype. So let's say just say I was giving this book my full attention and not having the reviews (that I read) cloud my judgement.
Serena was a young, romantic woman when Jonathan first hurt her. Now she has the opportunity to give her family the happiness that they deserve. The only problem is that she has to pretend to be her twin sister. She feels that she can fool people into believing that she is Meg, but the moment that she's re-introduced to Jonathan, he doesn't quite believe it. And then the "struggle" begins. She is disappointed that she still has feelings for Jonathan, and he wants to get to the bottom of the Meg/Serena masquerade. Serena wants to guard her heart but it's hard to her to live Meg's life...
I usually don't like masquerades, I feel that the deception never really works out in the end, someone will always get hurt at the end. But surprisingly enough I found this one very well written and at times Serena's struggle with the deception really got to my heartstrings, she wanted to give Meg's spirit the happy ending that she deserved. Okay, I have a prediction, I predict that Meg is not dead and somehow survived, she somewhere....I just know it! lol Both Serena and Jonathan loved each when they were young and those feelings didn't die, and the way that they fight for those feelings as adults was heartwarming and a true romance. This is truly a touching book. You should have tissues handy, just in case.
Confessions of Improper Bride by Jennifer Haymore (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Grand Central Publishing (8/2011); New Author; Series: # 1, Donovan Sisters; Library; Books 2012 (21);
Emerald rings aren't all they are cracked up to be....
Eloise Kelly has gotten into quite a bit of trouble since she's been spying on the Pink Carnation and the Black Tulip - two of the deadliest spies to saunter the streets of nineteenth-century England and France. Not only has been unearthing secrets that will change the course of history, she's been dallying with Colin Selwick - great-nephew of Mrs Selwick-Alderly, the keeper of important hidden documents - looking for a romantic adventure of her own.
Little does she know there's another fierce heroine running headlong into history...
It's 1803 England, and Letty Alsworthy awakens in the middle of the night to discover that her sister, Mary, is about to make the very grave mistake of eloping with Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe (second in command of the League of the Purple Gentian). In an attempt to save the family name, Letty tries to break up the midnight assignation - only to find herself accidentally carried off in her sister's place. The ensuing scandal forces Letty and Geoff into a hasty marriage - and just as hastily, Geoff disappears on their wedding night, under orders to hurry to Ireland and help the Pink Carnation squash a ring of Irish rebels led by the Black Tulip. Not to be outdone by her husband, Letty steals away on a ship bound for the Emerald Isle, armed and ready to fight for her integrity, and learn a thing or two about espionage - never imagining that she might learn a few things about love on the way...
After reading the previous book of this popular series, I had high hopes for The Deception of the Emerald Ring.
Although I find the misunderstanding theme in romance novels to be over done and sometimes to be pointless in the story line, I enjoyed the way that Letty and Geoff are basically thrown together due to a "misunderstanding", it fit in nicely. I loved the way that Letty stood up for herself and her principles, and the way she was willing to help Geoff, even though he was a brute to her. Their relationship I found to be very quick, considering that at the beginning they had professed their dislike for each other, it just seemed to me that their friendship should have develop before love sparked, it would have made more sense (to me at least). I can't really comment of the history part of the novel because I truly don't know much of Irish history, but I can tell you that it has sparked a interest and I will be looking into it.
Even though I enjoyed this book, I still think that The Masque of the Black Tulip was better. But so far I'm finding this series to be very good, and I cannot wait to read The Seduction of Crimson Rose.
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Dutton Adult (11/2006); Series: # 3, Pink Carnation; Library; Books 2012 (20);
With her vintage clothing store taking off, Lily Ivory is finding that life in San Francisco suits her just fine. But her ability to sense vibrations from the past, so useful in locating secondhand gems, has landed her in the middle of a new mystery... Lily gets called away from Aunt Cora's Closet when the police need a witch's take on a strange case. Malachi Zazi was stabbed to death in his apartment, under a ladder, surrounded by the number thirteen, a broken mirror, and a black cat—superstitions that the victim, as head of a rationalist society, was devoted to discrediting. When the police identify a suspect from the Serpentarian Society, Lily is shocked to learn it's someone she knows. But with bad luck plaguing all its members, she begins to wonder if there's more at work than mere coincidence. And while there aren't many clues from the crime scene, Lily finds evidence of dark witchcraft and a hex on her friend's doorstep. With her friend's safety at stake, Lily is determined to use magic to find the murderer before everyone's luck runs out...
The third book of the Witchcraft series did not disappoint in my opinion, considering my thoughts on the second book. Alright the second book wasn't awful, it was a decent read. So let's just say my expectations for this book weren't huge.
And once again I inhaled this book. I find this author's ability to describe rituals and spells simply amazing, which kind of makes me wonder how much research is done for these themed cosy mystery books. I really enjoyed the mystery, the rituals, the addition of the occult in this but what didn't happen was the romance. It was missing. Although I understand Max's reluctance with Lily's "gift", he is really getting on my nerves.
Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell (4/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Signet (6/2011); Series: # 3, Witchcraft Mystery; Library; Books 2012 (19);
To Young Corinthian agent Marcus MacInnes, the Earl of Weston, his latest mission involving smuggling ring with ties to Napoleon seems ridiculous at first, but becomes all too threatening as pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. And the most troubling piece of all? Miss Sarah Tisdale, an unconventional beauty whose lust for life is rivaled only by her ability to drive Marcus to distraction. When her family comes under suspicion, Marcus must watch her very closely -- even if her touch ignites the fiery desire burning beneath his cool facade.
When it comes to suitors, Sarah's lush curves and kissable lips aren't enough to compensate for her willful nature. She's tasted disappointment before, but flirting with the sinfully handsome Marcus is a pastime worth savoring -- even when it leads to wicked pleasures. When Sarah's life is in jeopardy, Marcus discovers that the passion between them can no longer be denied -- and he'll do anything to keep her in his arms.
Marcus never felt at home, he's half Scottish - a Highlander- and half English and he was never accepted by either. When the agency sends him to keep an eye on a smuggling ring in Dorset, near the village his mother grew up in and where the townspeople are not too fond of him, he doesn't jump with joy on the idea but he does his duty. There he meets Sarah Tisdale, beautiful, lush, adventurous, and with a klutzy quality to her that he finds endearing.
I enjoyed both the romance and spy/smuggling intrigue of the book. I found characters both the main and the secondary ones interesting and entertaining. I wanted more romance though, not that it was lacking, because Marcus and Sarah were great together and I didn't wanted it to end.
This is the second book of the Regency Rogues series, the first book is The Devil in Disguise, you can find my thoughts here.
The Angel in My Arms by Stefanie Sloane (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Ballantine Books (6/2011); Library; Books 2012 (18);
It is 1893, in Newport, Rhode Island, and no detail of Cora Cash's lavish masquerade ball has been left to chance. Beautiful, spirited, and the richest heiress of her generation, Cora is the closest thing that American society has to a princess. Her debut is carefully orchestrated prelude to a campaign in which her mother will whisk her to Europe, where Mrs. Cash wants to acquire the one thing that money can't buy for her daughter in the States: a title.
Be careful what you wish for. Cora makes a dazzling impression on English society -- followed by a brilliant match -- but finds that the chill in the air of magnificent ancestral homes comes from more than the lack of central heating. As she gradually learns that old-world aristocrats are governed by obscure codes of conduct and loyalty that can betray even the most charming, accomplished outsider, Cora must grow from a spoiled young rich girl into a woman of substance.
Cora knows what or who she's being groomed to be, she knows her mother will not settle until she gets a title in the family. Cora is intelligent, spunky, beautiful and rich, and her mother is hoping that it will help in her quest for the title. Cora does find her titled prince charming, she's in love and ill prepared to deal with the rules of high society in England.
I was hooked right from the beginning. The author's style of writing had great appeal to me, it flowed beautifully. The characters, well some of them, were very good. And I was definitely rooting for Cora and Ivo, but along the way I felt more pity than like for them. It just seemed to me that they were destined to fail with all the outside "help". At times I was more interested in the secondary story, Cora's maid, Bertha, the way that she saw Cora's development from a spoiled rich girl to a woman.
I didn't find the ending very satisfying, I wanted more closure to Cora and Ivo's story, it just seemed that Cora was settling and not truly getting her Happy Ever After ending.
The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin (4/5) Historical Fiction; Published: St. Martin's Press (6/2011); New Author; Library; Books 2012 (17)
