Books

Book Review and a Giveaway- Happiest Marriage in the History of the World-Patrice Locke

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Who doesn’t love a great rom-com? I know I do! I am excited to chat with you about The Happiest Marriage in the History of the World By Patrice Locke.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. The plot was well thought out and I was cheering for the protagonist, Tracy Price. This novel is one that will keep you laughing until the very end!

One lucky follower with win a copy of the book! More about that a little later.

About the Book :

Tracy Price needs a sampler that says, “When you’ve got it all, don’t screw it up by worrying you’re going to screw it up.”  
 
Not that she doesn’t appreciate the abundance in her life.  
 
She has a rock star husband, two slightly spoiled kids, a successful career, friends who are mostly sane, a sprinkling of the ridiculous, and a pinch of the absurd.  
 
It’s her never-fail recipe for the potluck of life.  
 
But Tracy also has a fertile imagination that torments her with visions of impending disaster, everything from divorce, dysentery, and disinterest, to dodge-ball injuries, dolphin uprisings, and the return of disco.  
 
When a real disaster strikes her friend Randi, Tracy pledges to do anything she can to help, even if that means agreeing to find Randi a man and plan a dream wedding.  
 
Tracy’s husband, Jesse, suggests the whole thing is crazy, but she insists she’s up to the tasks, even over-qualified. Except that she’s not. But she’s never been one to let reality interfere with her good intentions.  
 
As Randi’s big day approaches, Tracy’s anxiety mounts along with her fear that instead of planning a wedding, she’s been cooking up a disaster for her friend. And for herself. 

 

About the Author:

As a journalist, Patrice Locke wrote articles about everything from city councils and drug busts to Navajo Code Talkers and haunted houses. 
 
Eventually, the desire to give the stories she wrote happy endings led her to write fiction. The best thing about that, she says, is having time to think before her characters speak, so they can say the things most of us only come up with after the perfect moment has passed. 
 
She loves to write, read, and watch romantic comedies where life always turns out the way it should. Her only obsessive relationships are with semicolons and Oxford commas. 

Her major accomplishments include teaching hundreds of community college freshmen to write essays and valiantly attempting to teach even more seventh graders about New Mexico history, language arts, and literature. (Please note the Oxford comma). She has an M.A. in secondary education from the University of New Mexico. 

Patrice lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, not far from her daughter Kaitlin, eight hours from her son Trevor, and way too many miles from amazing grandsons Alexander and Zackary.  
 
To Keep in touch with Patrice Locke, go follow her :

 

Amazon 

Goodreads

I am pretty sure I mentioned a giveaway!

Go HERE to enter!  GOOD LUCK!

Until the Next Chapter,

Wilfrieda

 

Review: The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcelo

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I was so excited to read an advanced copy of The Key to Happily Ever After by Tif Marcelo. She is one of the fantastic Tall Poppy Authors .

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About the book: 

A charming romantic comedy about three sisters who are struggling to keep the family wedding planning business afloat—all the while trying to write their own happily-ever-afters in the process. 

All’s fair in love and business.

The de la Rosa family and their wedding planning business have been creating happily ever afters in the Washington, DC area for years, making even the most difficult bride’s day a fairytale. But when their parents announce their retirement, the sisters—Marisol, Janelyn, and Pearl—are determined to take over the business themselves.

But the sisters quickly discover that the wedding business isn’t all rings and roses. There are brides whose moods can change at the drop of a hat; grooms who want to control every part of the process; and couples who argue until their big day. As emotions run high, the de la Rosa sisters quickly realize one thing: even when disaster strikes—whether it’s a wardrobe malfunction or a snowmageddon in the middle of a spring wedding—they’ll always have each other.

Perfect for fans of the witty and engaging novels of Amy E. Reichert and Susan Mallery, The Key to Happily Ever After is a fresh romantic comedy that celebrates the crucial and profound power of sisterhood.

Publication Date: 5/14/19 by Gallery Books 

About the Author:

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Tif believes in and writes about heart-eyes romance, the strength of families, and the endurance of friendship. A veteran Army Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Administration, she is a craft enthusiast, food-lover and the occasional half-marathon runner. As a military spouse, she has moved nine times, and this adventure.


My review:

I do love a good ROM COM , and The Key to Happily Ever After is that and MORE.
So many great things about this book. I have a sister and I love stories about sisters, especially when they are so well written, honest and REAL.

I loved that the sisters were wedding planners that was an unexpected part of the plot that I really enjoyed. The characters were complex and likeable. The story was beautiful, emotional and sorry for repeating myself here, but REAL. I really enjoyed the author’s style of writing.

5 beautiful stars to The Key to Happily Ever After.

Until the Next Chapter,

Wilfrieda

Book Review and a Giveaway: A Killer Latte – Tonya Kappes

Y’all! I am so excited About “A Killer Latte” Book Six in the Super Popular Killer Coffee Series by Tonya Kappes.

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Did you see how I said Y’all? I am from New England and we don’t say that here, but I can’t help myself after reading this Cozy Southern Mystery Series.

The first book I read by Tonya Kappes was Scene of the Grind, Book 1 in the Killer Coffee Series. I fell in LOVE with that book and quickly became addicted to this series and the loveable characters.

Book 6, Killer Latte is releasing on 4/23/19 and I got my grabby hands on an early copy.

About the Book:

Light, camera, lattes!

A film production crew is wrapping up a major movie filming in Honey Springs, Kentucky.

Everyone is excited. The production crew has brought the bright lights to the tourist town and The Bean Hive has been supplying the production crew with unlimited treats and coffee.

When film actress Daisy Lemon comes in for a taste of the Star Studded Latte being served at the Bean Hive, Roxy Bloom is excited to serve her one. It would be good for promotion for Roxy to get a photo of the famous actress drinking her creation, only Roxy is witness to Daisy’s kidnapping.

The Star Studded Latte is now know as the Kidnap Latte, bringing national attention to the Bean Hive, attention that’s not necessarily welcome.

With production on hold and Stephen Lemon, Daisy’s husband, as the number one suspect, Roxy puts back on her law hat to help Stephen not only clear his name, but find Daisy before Honey Springs is no longer known for the cute, southern, lake tourist town due to the sudden spotlight on the cozy town.

 Here is my review:

A Killer Latte is Book 6 is the absolutely fantastic sizzling Killer Coffee Series.

Welcome back to Honey Springs, my favorite small town in Kentucky. There is a lot of excitement due to a Hollywood movie being filmed right in Honey Springs! Roxy is right in the mist of another (several) mysteries that she is determined to solve. 

The plot was masterfully crafted with several surprises. The author manages to pull off several different intertwined mysteries expertly done leaving you guessing until the very end. 

The characters are lovable and relateable and the cast of supporting characters sneak into your heart in a way you don’t expect. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the recipes included in the book. I am from New England and when the author described the Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches I really wanted one! I am definitely trying this recipe as well as the Blueberry Crumb Cake! YUMMM! 

I truly cannot wait for the next book in the Killer Coffee Series.

About the author:

Tonya Kappes is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today’s most popular southern mystery authors.

HEY! Who wants a sneak peak? You can read chapter one of Killer Latte absolutely free on Tonya’s wesbite, just click HERE! While your there Sign up for her Tuesday Coffee Chat with Tonya. Its such a fun newsletter that goes out every Tuesday and there is always a fun giveaway.

Killer Latte releases on 4/23/19!!!! Preorder it HERE!

How about a giveaway???

Tell me in the comments if you have read Tonya Kappes before. I will choose one random winner on 4/30/19 to receive an ebook of Scene of the Grind, Book 1 in the Killer Coffee Series.

I am so excited for release day tomorrow!

Until the next chapter,

Wilfrieda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: Lisa Gardner “Never Tell”

I am such a HUGE Lisa Gardner fan. I have been reading her books for years. Her newest book, Never Tell is fantastic and does not disappoint.

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About the book:

A man is dead, shot three times in his home office. But his computer has been shot twelve times, and when the cops arrive, his pregnant wife is holding the gun.

D.D. Warren arrives on the scene and recognizes the woman – Evie Carter – from a case many years back. Evie’s father was killed in a shooting that was ruled an accident. But for D.D., two coincidental murders is too many.

Flora Dane sees the murder of Conrad Carter on the TV news and immediately knows his face. She remembers a night when she was still a victim – a hostage – and her captor knew this man. Overcome with guilt that she never tracked him down, Flora is now determined to learn the truth of Conrad’s murder.

But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is a devilishly elusive thing. As layer by layer they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?

My review:

What I absolutely loved about this book was three protagonists: DD Warren, Flora Dane, and Evie Carter. I really enjoy the author’s writing style and the ability to tell the story from all three perspectives The characters are so well developed, they are not only like-able, but I found myself rooting for them. 

Never Tell is a fast paced, dark, action packed twisty tales filled with lies and half truths. 

This is one book where you will be flipping the pages until the very end.

The author makes it known that she is not done with these fantastic characters and I cannot wait to get my grabby hands on the next installment.

Release Date: February 19, 2019

Publisher: Dutton Penguin Random House

You can read Chapter 1 for free over at Lisa Gardner’s website and find out more about a # 1 New York Times Best Selling Novelist.

Check out this fantastic Never Tell Book  trailer !

I would love to know what you think about Never Tell.

Until the Next Chapter,

Wilfrieda

 

Series Highlight and a GIVEAWAY!

Happy Saturday Evening!

I am excited to share a series with you what has become one of my faves. Do you love chick lit mysteries? Boy, do I have the series for you and a GIVEAWAY! More on that a little later.

First let me introduce you to the author, Stephanie Damore. Stephanie Damore is a mystery author with a soft spot for romance and humor, too. She loves all things girlie with a dollop of danger, has a strong affinity for the color pink (especially in diamonds and champagne), and not to brag but chocolate and her are in a pretty serious relationship. Her books feature fearless females, a little bit of loves, a few laughs and a whole lot of whodunit. She hopes her stories keep you guessing and laughing all the way until the end.

I am happy to share with you more about Stephanie Damore’s Beauty Secrets Series. I would classify this as a chick lit mystery series. Its super fun! There are currently 6 books in the series with the 7th book available on preorder!

Check out the cover for Book 1, Makeup & Murder!

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A little about the book: Beauty Consultant Ziva Diza is a girl boss who doesn’t back down from anyone. When she’s attacked inside a client’s home and wakes to find a dead body, she gives up the safety of selling lipsticks for the dangerous role of detective.

I really enjoyed the characters and the story and the mystery. I did not guess who the murderer was at all! This was a great start to a fantastic series. 

So lets talk about Book 2 …I think I mentioned a GIVEAWAY??? Book 2, Kiss & Makeup is the extremely popular follow up to Makeup & Murder. Look at this cover! I listened to this book on Audible and I absolutely loved the story and the narrator, Tonia Blake.

Do you love audiobooks? I do! I listen to them at work they are great!

I have FIVE audible copies of  Kiss & Makeup to give away ! I know you will love this series as much as I do.  All books in the series are stand alone stories , but I love to read in order, myself.

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How to win: All you have to do to enter is follow my blog, follow Stephanie Damore on  instagram .  I will pick FIVE  winners on April 6, 2019.

Stay in touch with Stephanie Damore on her website. If you do , you will find a FREE BOOK there, a short story in this fab  Beauty Mystery Series.

One more fun thing! Did you all know I am a blogger for a fantastic mystery author  group on Facebook and Stephanie Damore is one of the authors there? It is a great group which I have been part of since its inception. There is great conversation, giveways and lots of fun. I would love if you would join me and the fantastic authors . Click here to join the fun!

Let me know what you think about the Beauty Secrets Series. I love hearing from you!

Until the Next Chapter,

Wilfrieda

 

 

Book Review: The Last Time I Saw You by Liv Constantine

About the Author:

Liv Constantine is the pen name of bestselling authors Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Their debut thriller, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, was a Reese Witherspoon book club selection, a People Magazine book of the week, a Target book club selection, and is in development for television. They are national and international bestselling authors with books available in 26 countries.

About the Book:

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Dr. Kate English has it all. Not only is she the heiress to a large fortune; she has a gorgeous husband and daughter, a high-flying career, and a beautiful home anyone would envy.

But all that changes the night Kate’s mother, Lily, is found dead, brutally murdered in her own home. Heartbroken and distraught, Kate reaches out to her estranged best friend, Blaire Barrington, who rushes to her side for the funeral, where the years of distance between them are forgotten in a moment.

That evening, Kate’s grief turns to horror when she receives an anonymous text: You think you’re sad now, just wait. By the time I’m finished with you, you’ll wish you had been buried today. More than ever, Kate needs her old friend’s help.

Once Blaire decides to take the investigation into her own hands, it becomes clear that all is not as it seems in Baltimore high society. As infidelity, lies, and betrayals come to light, and tensions rise to a boiling point, she begins to alienate Kate’s friends and relatives with her relentless, accusatory questions, as she tries to find Lily’s killer. The murderer could be anyone—friend, neighbor, loved one. But whoever it is, it’s clear that Kate is next on their list. . .

In The Last Time I Saw You, Liv Constantine takes the lightning pace of The Last Mrs. Parrish and raises the stakes, creating an exquisitely tension-filled and absorbing tale of psychological suspense in which innocent lives—and one woman’s sanity—hang in the balance.

Miss W Book Review: 

I was thrilled to get my grabby hands on this book in advance of the publication date. Liv Constantine does not disappoint with this book. This well written twisty thriller left me breathless as a flipped through the pages. The story is well thought out and the characters will leave you guessing until its juicy end. You do not want to miss this one! 

The Last Time I Saw You will publish May 7, 2019 from Harper Collins.

Until the Next Chapter,

Wilfrieda

New Cover REVEAL: Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mystery Series by Gretchen Allen

COVER LOVE! I am excited to share the new covers for Gretchen Allen’s Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mystery Series. These look SO YUMMY !

About the author: 

Cozy Mystery Author, Gretchen Allen, is a lover of all things quaint, cozy and caffeinated. Her debut series, Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mysteries, features heaping helpings of creative ice creams and other frozen treats, set against a backdrop of mysterious murders and small-town scandals.

When she isn’t writing, Gretchen loves to spend her time with her family, in beautiful, sunny Florida. This Cozy gal is a cat lady through and through, and has two of them – a sweetheart named Swiper and a feisty one named Steak. Her mischievous, and newly acquired Chihuahua puppy, Ladybug, has been snuggling its way into her heart as well. In her rare moments of free time, Gretchen can be found at Disney World, or relaxing by the pool, plotting murder at every turn

While she loves Romance and Thrillers, this author’s heart lies squarely in cozyland, and she has plans for several exciting new Cozy Mystery releases!

Follow Gretchen on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/gretchenallenauthor/

Follow Gretchen on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Gretchen-Allen/e/B07GBFJ2SJ/

Follow Gretchen on Facebook:

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gretchen-allen

About the Sundae Afternoon Cozy Mystery Series:

Yvette Lockhart is the manager of Sundae Afternoon, a local ice cream shop in the quaint touristy town of Heritage, Massachusetts. The ever-inquisitive amateur sleuth has plenty of friends and family to back her up whenever she gets herself in the midst of a murderous jam. Readers love the sweet down-home feel to this delicious Cozy Mystery series. 

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Good News! The first book in the series is FREE right now!

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Let me know what you think!

Until the next chapter,

Wilfrieda

Patricia Sands Signed Book Giveaway!

Its time for a giveaway! I am so THRILLED to be giving away A SIGNED PRINT copy of Patricia Sands’ “Drawing Lessons” !!!!

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The author of the Love in Provence series returns to the South of France with a poignant portrait of a woman who must learn how to create a new life for herself…

Sixty-two-year-old Arianna arrives in the South of France for a two-week artists’ workshop full of anticipation but burdened by guilt. Back home in Toronto, she has been living with the devastating diagnosis of her husband’s dementia and the heartbreak of watching the man she has loved for decades slip away before her eyes. What does her future hold without Ben? Before her is a blank canvas.

Encouraged by her family to take some time for herself, she has traveled to Arles to set up her easel in the same fields of poppies and sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh. Gradually, she rediscovers the inner artist she abandoned long ago. Drawing strength from the warm companionship and gentle wisdom of her fellow artists at the retreat—as well as the vitality of guest lecturer Jacques de Villeneuve, an artist and a cowboy—Arianna searches her heart for permission to embrace the life in front of her and, like the sunflowers, once again face the light.

Doesn’t this sound like a fantastic book? More great news! Drawing Lessons is a March Kindle Book Deal, grab it for $.99 through the end of March. 

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You can grab your copy here:  https://amzn.to/2F9NTeo

To enter this amazing Giveway, please follow my blog, and follow Patricia Sands on Instagram !

I will choose a winner on March 31st, 2019.

Good LUCK!

Until the next chapter,

Wilfrieda

 

Highlight: The Killing Girl by Summer Prescott

About the author:

Summer Prescott is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author, who has penned nearly one hundred Cozy Mysteries, and one rather successful Thriller, The Quiet Type, which debuted in the top 50 of its genre. As owner of Summer Prescott Books Publishing, Summer is responsible for a combined catalog of over two hundred Cozy Mysteries and Thrillers. Mentoring and helping new Cozy writers launch their careers has long been a passion of Summer’s, and she has played a key role in the incredible success of Cozy writers such as Patti Benning and Carolyn Q. Hunter.

Summer enjoys travel, and was a featured speaker at the International Writer’s Conference in Cuenca, Ecuador, in May 2018. The event draws writers from all over the world.

In an exciting development, Summer has recently been asked to write monthly for her favorite magazine, Atomic Ranch. Having been an Interior Decorator before giving up her business to write full-time, Summer is thrilled by the opportunity and looking forward to having her writing published in the only magazine to which she actually subscribes.

Summer is a doting mother to four grown children, and lives in Champaign, Illinois with her Standard Poodle, Elvis.

Let me start off by saying that anyone that follows my blog KNOWS my two favorite genres of books are cozy mysteries and psychological thrillers. I first discovered Summer Prescott’s writing when I came across her “INNCredibly Sweet” Mystery Series. It is a great culinary cozy mystery series.

When I found out that Summer was writing a psychological thriller featuring a female serial killer, I had to get my grabby hands on it. It takes a very talented author to be able to cross genres the way in which Summer Prescott does.

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The Killing Girl Summary:

Til death do us part… 
Obsession can be a dangerous thing. 
Susannah dabbles in darkness, finding sadistic solace in the death of those who deserve it. But now she wants something more. Or, more to the point…someone. 
She’s on a manhunt. She will possess him, one way or another, whether in life, or death. She hasn’t made up her mind yet. 
He’s the only one who ever accepted her. Who even maybe loved her, in his own strange way. And then, he left her, which could turn out to be a deadly mistake. 
Her husband Tim, a mild-mannered mortician, has packed his bags and fled, a fugitive from his homicidal wife. She wants him, and what Susannah wants, she gets. 
Will Tim continue to elude his murderous mate? If he doesn’t, will he survive her peculiar form of love? 
This journey through the mind of a stone-cold killer will leave you on the edge of your seat. Close the doors, lock the windows, and get ready for a bloodcurdling ride. 

The Killing Girl is on sale March 15, 2019 and published by S. Prescott Thrillers. Want to learn more about Summer Prescott and all her books? Check out her website Here ! Have you read any of Summer Prescott books, cozy or thriller? I would love to know!

Until the next chapter,

Wilfrieda 

Highlight: Peter Swanson “Before She Knew Him”

About the author: Peter Swanson is the author of All the Beautiful Lies, Her Every Fear, the Kind Worth Killing, and The Girl with A Clock for a Heart. His second novel, The Kind Worth Killing, won the New England Society Book Award for fiction, and was a finalist for the CWA Ian Fleming Dagger. Her Every Fear was an NPR book-of-the year. His books has been translated into over 30 languages.

I absolutely LOVE Peter Swanson’s books and Before She Knew Him is no different. The early praise speaks for itself.

“A twisty, fast-paced tale that depicts picket-fence suburbia’s seamy murderous underside…A dark, quick-moving, suspenseful story-KIRKUS reviews

“Exceptional…surprising twists help keep the suspense high to the end”-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY *STARRED REVIEW*

Before She Knew Him published by William Morrow is on Sale March 5, 2019 and you don’t want to miss this chilling story of a young suburban housewife who fears she might be living next door to a killer.

I tore through this book so fast and read it in less than 24 hours because it is THAT good. Living in Maine, I enjoy how Peter Swanson incorporates New England into his stories.

Imagine my surprise when just yesterday I found out that Peter Swanson is coming to the  Portland, Maine Public Library I live about 45 minutes from Portland and you all KNOW I took the day off so I can go see Peter Swanson AND James Hayman talk about Before She Knew Him. If you are in the area you should come to this amazing event.

The event is free, to find out more about the Literary Lunch with Peter Swanson and James Hayman click here.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you read Peter Swanson? Post a comment and let me know .

Until the next chapter,

Wilfrieda