#bookblog – Page 154 – Rosepoint Publishing

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: This Week’s Topic is Rainbow Colors

Cee's Fun Foto Challenge

Create a Cee’s Fun Photo Challenge (CFFC) Post

Cee at Cee’s Photography hosts a weekly Fun Foto Challenge. Each week she presents a specific theme. The weekly photo runs from Tuesday through Monday. You can always check her page to see a list of upcoming challenges. Fun and interesting topics! Feel free to go through your photo archives to ascertain which photos fill the current week’s challenge or grab your camera (or in my case, my cell phone) and take a new photo!

To Create a CFFC Post:

Then add a link to your blog in my comment box.
To make it easy for others to check out your photos and post, title your blog post “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” or “CFFC”
Remember to follow her blog to get your weekly reminders and see her weekly examples (which are gorgeous, by the way!).

(She will usually respond to your entry on your blog, rather than her page.)

Feel free to use her fun banner from her challenge page. (I’ve used her banner with a slight addition of my own.)

This week’s challenge is Rainbow Colors (must have four colors). As there is no specific topic, I’ve chosen some of my more popular Insta/Bookstagrams. Obviously I love bright colors!! Check out her website and get creative. Then link your photo(s) to the comment box on her website!

Please check out Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge to learn more what this challenge is about!

Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder #BlogTour #BookReview

I am so delighted today to provide a review for you at my blog stop for Murder Wears a Little Black Dress by Debra Sennefelder on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour.

Book Details

Murder Wears a Little Black Dress (A Resale Boutique Mystery) Book 1
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Lyrical Underground (January 22, 2019)
Paperback: 200 pages
ISBN-10: 1516108965
ISBN-13: 978-1516108961
Digital ASIN: B07CR2CG63

Book Blurb

Manhattan fashionista Kelly Quinn thought she’d left her upstate New York town far behind . . . until the Seventh Avenue expat returns home to revamp her grandmother’s

consignment shop into an upscale boutique—and unwittingly sets a trend for murder . . .

After her rising career as a Manhattan buyer is derailed, Kelly has mixed feelings about relocating back to Lucky Cove, in spite of her big plans for the soon-to-be-renamed Curated by Kelly Resale Boutique. What’s left of her luck starts running out when a customer puts on a black lace dress that triggers visions of someone being murdered. As if the haunted “Murder Dress” isn’t enough to kill business, the psychic’s doppelganger cousin has just been found bludgeoned to death.

Was Maxine LeMoyne the real target or was it a case of mistaken murder? With some creepy pre-Halloween bargain hunters walking the night and Kelly suddenly a person of interest, a second murder rocks the close-knit town. Now Kelly could be the one who ends up talking to dead people when she’s stalked by a killer determined to take her out in high style . . .

My Review

Ah, I love actually getting in on Book 1 of a new series and one that promises a hint of paranormal with the cozy, girly stuff, even better. Kelly Quinn has been drummed out of her high-fashion, up and coming position in New York in humiliating circumstances about the time her grandmother passes away and leaves her the decades old and established resale/consignment shop in Lucky Cove.

True to cozy standards, Kelly fled her small town trials and tribulations for the bright lights and excitement of the fashion world only to find herself back home living above Granny’s shop, re-establishing all her previous contacts and relatives. She’s had devastating experiences that left her guilt ridden which she’ll now have to confront and finally come to terms with.

The twenty-six-year-old protagonist tries to bring some of that New York sophistication to her granny’s shop with a general do-over, creating a higher-level boutique experience catering to a younger crowd. She’s studied colors, arrangements, retail and now must concentrate on bringing an aging, dusty inventory current. The problem is that during an initial three-day event, the town psychic tries on a black lace dress that gives her the vision of a murder. And as it normally does in a small town. Word gets around. Especially after Kelly discovers the body of the psychic’s sister. This can’t be good for business!

There are a number of support characters to get to know in Book 1, not all of whom are well-fleshed, but exhibit engaging personalities, including Liv, Kelly’s bestie. Then there is Pepper, her grandmother’s contemporary, best friend, and co-worker who resists even the slightest change to the shop in which she’d worked so many years. Her uncle and aunt perform duties close to antagonists while twists and turns abound as Kelly is yanked first on one trail then another to discover the truth behind the “murder dress” and then proceeds to defend her own culpability in any crime. She has inherited a cat and confronts a cousin that is more hinder than help.

Kelly is ready to run away again, but fights the notion, and gets everyone’s opinion whether she should stay and battle it out or run. She is alternately at a loss while brain-storming new promotion ideas for the boutique. In the meantime, we are given the down-low on designer labels, accessories, and fashion trends. Prada would be proud! There are unanswered questions here–backstory on the estrangement of Kelly with her sister being one. The series has lots of room to grow and it’s fun to start at the beginning and see where this one will take you.

I was given this ebook download by the publisher and NetGalley for the book tour and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read and review.

About the Author

Debra Sennefelder and is an avid reader who reads across a range of genres, but mystery fiction is her obsession. Her interest in people and relationships is channeled into her novels against a backdrop of crime and mystery. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her family. She’s worked in pre-hospital care, retail and publishing. Her writing companions are her adorable and slightly spoiled Shih-Tzus, Susie and Billy. Find out more about her at her website, http://www.DebraSennefelder.com

Thank you for visiting my stop on the tour and please visit the other stops listed below!

Tour Participants:

January 21 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

January 21 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

January 22 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 22 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – REVIEW

January 23 – My Reading Journey – REVIEW

January 23 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 24 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

January 24 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 25 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

January 25 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 26 – Mallory Heart’s Cozies – REVIEW

January 26 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW

January 27 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 27 – Carla Loves To Read – REVIEW

January 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

January 28 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 29 – Rosepoint Publishing – REVIEW

January 29 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

January 30 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

January 31 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 31 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 1 – A Blue Million Books – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

February 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 2 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

February 3 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW

February 3 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

Thanks to Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this cozy mystery!

Instagram-Bookstagram Fun Depends on Your Phone–Any Help Here?

#TBR

I’ve mentioned on this blog before how much I enjoy photos, especially doggy and gorgeous landscape shots and that I love working on graphics, particularly in relation to the books I’m reviewing. Many times a neat book cover will grab me and I can’t wait to “play” with it. (HOPE that is okay!!)

To that end, I discovered Instagram, and behind that, Bookstagram. Yeah, I know. Millions of people discovered it long before now and let’s face it, a free account is not going to get the glitz and glamour of a business account, but it has provided more fun than a new canvas and oils–until now.

#TBR - Freedom Road

Sprint socked it to us again and we finally gave up. Can’t afford them anymore and went hunting for an inexpensive (read: cheap) cell phone carrier. There are several who advertise “senior specials.” Uh huh…Trying to change cell phone carriers is almost as difficult as buying a car. Perhaps more so. With tons of cell phones out there, it boils down to…hmm…anything that doesn’t require half the social security check. We went to see about Consumer Cellular and learned for the first time about locked and unlocked cell phones. My old cell phone (emphasis on old) was a Samsung Galaxy S5 (Android). Easy, intuitive, and fairly fast, the only downside being the camera. Not the best. But it’s a great phone! And I could use the Later app to schedule my Instagram/Bookstagrams. But even unlocked, my trusty Galaxy could not be interfaced with the new carrier (T-Mobile).

Now I have a “basic” phone (read: really cheap). An LG K30, it’s still an Android. Ever heard of this thing? It doesn’t like Instagram (it freezes) and absolutely refuses to open Later. I’ve scoured the internet for any information on it as granted I hate switching phones; it takes me forever to learn to use a new device and thought it might be my fault.

I can still view some of my favorite blogger/bookstagrammers, however, and love to see how so many talented artists put together gorgeous and engaging book photos. Here are just a few:

Lynne at http://www.instagram.com/fictionophile56 – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtBHJ2xHoYv/

Shalini at http://www.instagram.com/shalini_g26 – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtGmZ4BH4U8/

Lorilin at http://www.instagram.com/thebugbug – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtDnKvAnvzf/

Jessica at http://www.instagram.com/oddandbookish – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtGmvCknT4g/

Betty at http://www.instagram.com/ thegeekybibliophile – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtDnKvAnvzf/

Holly at http://www.instagram.com/ hollysdressedtoread – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtDnKvAnvzf/

Dee at http://www.instagram.com/deesradreads – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtHfayVHrK5/

http://www.instagram.com/book.inspector – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtHC_H6Hle2/

Amy at http://www.instagram.com/novelgossip – https://www.instagram.com/p/BtEDp_inPTK/

Nicole at http://www.instagram.com/thebookwormdrinketh – https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgcCuLnpK2/

Ava at http://www.instagram.com/noveldeelights

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eva (@noveldeelights)

(Don’t ask me why that last copy/paste worked and the others didn’t. I’ve no clue.) Obviously, I love looking at so many fantastic, original pieces of art woven into the beauty of book covers. There must be a way to get Later to work, or failing that, is there another scheduling program for Instagram?

Any ideas or suggestions would be more than welcome! Thank you!!

Baby Daddy Mystery by Daisy Pettles – a #BookReview

Title: Baby Daddy Mystery: Shady Hoosier Detective Agency (Book 2)

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Women Sleuths

Publisher: Hot Pants Press LLC

Publication Date: December 8, 2018

Print Length: 216 pages

ASIN: B07KV79P7M

Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title and Cover: Baby Daddy Mystery – Fun cozy mystery cover

Book Blurb:

It’s spring in Pawpaw County, Indiana, and everybody has a bad case of hanky-panky pants. Senior sleuths Ruby Jane Waskom (RJ) and Veenie Goens are on the run, chasing down cheating heart jezebels and shaking child support out of deadbeat daddies. After Avonelle Apple’s husband, William, the esteemed town dentist, passes away, she receives a child support letter from a self-proclaimed mistress. Suspicious, she hires the Shady Hoosier Detective Agency, to determine if her late husband was a philandering baby daddy. The case seems simple until Avonelle’s son, Bromley, heir to his father’s dental empire, and well-known King of the Pawpaw County Hanky-Panky Pants Club, pops up dead in a scarecrow costume. The mounting romantic mysteries come to a surprise head as the senior sleuths outrun shotgun showers to close in on the answers at the Moon Glo Motor Lodge, the Original Home of Hillbilly Hanky Panky. Veenie and RJ have to buy an extra case of Bengay and a buttload of BBs just to keep up with the romantic misadventures in this humorous crime classic. Continue reading “Baby Daddy Mystery by Daisy Pettles – a #BookReview”

Freedom Road by William Lashner – a #BookReview

Title: Freedom Road by William Lashner

Genre: Literature and Fiction, Thriller and Suspense, Action and Adventure

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Publication Date: January 22, 2019

Print Length: 377 pages

ASIN:B07F6CLX1H

Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title and Cover: Freedom Road–Depicts lonely flight

Book Blurb:

He’s taking a dangerous path in search of his missing granddaughter—the only part of his life worth saving.

Oliver Cross is fresh out of jail. His plans for the future are to live out his days in regret, back pain, and a bottle of Lone Star. But when he finds out his granddaughter, a wild child who reminds him of his late wife, has vanished—bless her hell-raising heart—Oliver jumps parole. With a sketchy teen and an abandoned dog, he hits the blacktop to find her.

On the road and on the run from a vengeful Russian drug dealer, Oliver finds himself on a trip across America and into his own past, fueled by fumes from a Ford F-250 and a reason to live. But from an exclusive club in Chicago to a seedy commune in the Rockies, a series of disastrous choices sends Oliver spiraling further from his goal and deeper into danger. It’s a journey that could all end in redemption or a hail of bullets. And either’s okay by him.

My Review:

Perhaps Clint Eastwood is now too old to play the part of 72-year-old Oliver Cross, but he could have played the brooding, caustic, cantankerous man so believably that these pages would have quivered with the excitement. There were sooo many times I pictured him in this part, seeing Oliver as Clint has always been, the quintessential masculine hero who would triumph even at his own expense.

Oliver is a remnant of the ’68 Chicago Viet Nam anti-war demonstrations that have come to blows which actually introduces him to Helen, who will become the love of his life. Oliver is the product of a wealthy family, first-year law student, destined to become one of the good ole boys following in his father’s footsteps where the name Cross means wealth and power. But two things happen that will totally change the course of his life: He meets Helen and his brother, a soldier in ‘Nam dies a hero. Continue reading “Freedom Road by William Lashner – a #BookReview”

A Life for a Life by Lynda McDaniel – a #BookReview

Title: A Life for a Life: A Mystery Novel (Appalachian Mountain Mystery Book 1)

Genre: Literature and Fiction, Mystery, Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Lynda McDaniel Books

Print Length: 341 pages

Publication Date: August 15, 2016

ISBN: 0997780800

ASIN: B01KGVUREG

Source: Direct Author Request

Title and Cover: A Life for a Life–Simple cover–subtle subject suggestion

Book Blurb:

One mysterious death. One lazy sheriff. Two seekers of truth.

Della Kincaid escaped to the mountains of N.C. to get away from it all. Didn’t work. She discovers a dead woman in the wilderness and gets embroiled in the investigation. The sheriff says suicide; Kincaid says murder. As a former reporter in Washington, D.C., she knows how to chase the truth. Without her usual sources, she turns to an offbeat cast of characters—friends, forger, former husband, and new neighbor Abit Bradshaw, a challenged boy who’s spent the first 16 years of his life plagued by small-town bullies and family lies. They team up to search for answers to the possible murder—and to make peace with their own lives.

A Life for a Life is the first book in Lynda McDaniel’s internationally acclaimed Appalachian Mountain Mysteries series. Reviewers have compared her work to To Kill a Mockingbird and her storytelling style to that of Fannie Flagg. If you like page-turning dramas without over-the-top violence—but packed with suspense and character-driven stories—you’ll love this series. Continue reading “A Life for a Life by Lynda McDaniel – a #BookReview”

Just What I Always Wanted by Nancy Roman – a #BookReview

Title: Just What I Always Wanted by Nancy Roman

Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor and Satire

Publication Date: August 8, 2014

ASIN: B00MJLN2SA

Print Length: 381 pages

Source: Free offering promo from author

Title and Cover: Just What I Always Wanted – Great portrait catches attention

Book Blurb:

Cynthia Breault needs a new life.
She’s not miserable. She’s bored. Bored with her safe monotonous job; bored with her cautious loneliness.
Thanks to an unexpected financial windfall, Cynthia opts for early retirement at fifty, hoping to find a new passion. Soon, she thinks she’s found it – in the form of a failing boutique abandoned by its mysterious owner. And the shop is not the only thing the proprietor has deserted. There’s a very nice husband left behind as well.
It’s perfect.
Until Cynthia meets Shannon Miller. Shannon is fourteen, a tough and defiant casualty of the foster care system. And she’s pregnant.
Irresistibly drawn to this foul-mouthed, sarcastic, but vulnerable teenager, Cynthia rediscovers long-buried memories.
Suddenly the store seems unimportant. And hoping she can explain to the new man in her life – eventually, anyway – Cynthia takes the leap.
She offers Shannon a deal. With strings attached.
If they both get what they want, does it matter that their scheme is just slightly illegal?

My Review

Back when I started my blog, with absolutely no clue what I was doing (and that is still a topic for discussion), I found the blog, Not Quite Old. I could so identify and followed Nancy Roman immediately and lo and behold she was also writing and publishing a book. (I was trying to publish my grandfather’s manuscripts at the time.) I really enjoyed her contemplative writing style and thought if I ever had the money, I’d buy her debut novel which came out in 2014. Noticing she put it on a special freebie just after the first of this year, I jumped on it. I just knew it would be good. (Also recommended to my associate reviewer and his thoughts are below.) Was I right?

Oh yeah. Continue reading “Just What I Always Wanted by Nancy Roman – a #BookReview”

Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan – a #BookReview

Title: Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan

Genre: Thriller and Suspense, Assassinations

Publication Date: December 19, 2018

Print Length: 420 pages

ASIN: B07L5GLJQ1

Source: Direct Author Request

Title and Cover: Killer Lawyer – Series cover

Book Blurb:

Attorney by day, assassin by night. Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life. Trained by the CIA, he now wants peace and quiet, practicing law and living on a boat with his war dog. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.

Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.

With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?

Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads. Continue reading “Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan – a #BookReview”