"Coffee is Serious Business!" A New Cozy Series from Emmeline Duncan!

 This cozy was so fun! A fresh new entry into cozy mystery land, Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan takes place in Portland, Oregon which right off the bat is a fresh location for a cozy series.

What I loved about this book:

*Coffee Talk! I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of how various popular coffee drinks are made.  Good coffee is a science and an art.

* Emmeline Duncan did a great job writing dialogue that sounded like people actually talk.

* Our amateur slueth Sage acted and sounded like an actual 27-year-old.

I also enjoyed that Sage because of her unusual upbringing, is good at reading people, it's like a little superpower that will help her solve murders in all the Ground Rules Mystery books to come.  In cozy mysteries, you have to suspend a little disbelief because often the potential suspects the sleuth speaks with share more information than would likely happen in real life.  In Fresh Brewed Murder,  Emmeline Duncan addresses this dilemma by having an amateur slueth who was taught from an early age how to act and she uses those skills to get people to confide in her early and often. So Clever! It puts me in mind of one of my favorite P.I's Veronica Mars. 

All in all this book is a solid 4, very enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.  I would like to know Sage's thoughts on PSL's so I'm hoping the next book takes place in the fall. 

The Tourist Is Toast! Low Cost, Quick Paranormal Cozy!

 

I enjoyed The Tourist is Toast by Carly Winter. Bernie is a new BnB owner in  Sedona, Arizona. She has inherited the house from her grandmother Ruby.  Actually, it would be more accurate to say that Bernie has inherited the house and her grandma Ruby as Ruby is now a ghost! I enjoy the setting of this series as Sedona is a great place to have a BnB, we get to read about the natural beauty and solve murder mysteries! 

It's fun to spend time with Bernie and her colorful grandma, I like how Ruby and Bernie are now helping solve crimes with Adam, a local police officer.  Bernie and Ruby are like a twist on The Odd Couple (or Laverne & Shirley) and their natures really compliment each other. I thought this was a good mystery, In this installment, I quite liked that there were a small number of suspects and each of them had a motive. The pace of the book keeps the story moving, making for an engaging fun read. I would recommend this to anyone who loves reading cozies, especially if you like paranormal cozies. 

  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and have posted honest reviews in exchange. 

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This week in marathon training it's a cut-back week so my long run only needs to be 5 miles, wahoo! Also, we are enjoying some cooler temps, which is wonderful because running when the feel like the temperature is in the 90s is TOUGH! 

I've been busy trying to write run this month and I have not been trying any new recipes lately. Next week I am getting a Blue Apron box and it will have some fancy craft burgers we can make for the fourth of July. I could eat burgers every day, well more burgers one day, tacos the next day, and pizza the day after that and repeat! 

Happy Wednesday! 

 

Summer Solstice 2021! A 90s esque Chick Lit Rom Com May Be Just What You Need!

 This past week I listened to the audiobook version of People We Meet On Vacation.  If you are familiar with romance shorthand this could be described as a long-time friends-to-lovers tale. If you're fan of movies, this could be described as When Harry Met Sally on vacation. This book was a book club selection, if it hadn't been I probably would not have read it, just because I have so many other books I want to read on my TBR pile and I've been really loving diverse romance reads lately.

This book is told all from Poppy's POV.  Poppy is a fun-loving extrovert and Alex is a teacher who is much more reserved.  It seems very obvious that they are crazy about each other for years and years, and yet, they aren't a couple. Each year the pair go on vacation and this book is told in two timelines.  There is "this summer" and there is twelve summers ago, eleven summers ago, etc, etc. 

Overall it is a good read.  Poppy and Alex are very quippy and seem like nice people. I didn't think there was too much drama and the main reason I kept reading was that I wanted to know why Poppy and Alex had a falling out. I found the reason for the falling out was a little bit of a letdown for me. 

If you are looking for a book to read that is easygoing, something you can pick up and put back down as you need because you are on a summer vacation, this could be the read for you!

3.0 stars to People We Meet on Vacation! 

My library is having its summer reading program and for every book, I'm reading I get an entry to win a variety of prizes.  One prize is a $50 gift card for a local taco and tequila joint.  I'm thinking all the adult patrons will be trying to win this prize along with me!  I better get some more books read! 

#TheSundayPost - Father's Day 2021

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.  See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

If you celebrate Father's Day, I hope you have a wonderful time with the Fathers/Uncles/Grandpas in your lives.  My husband wants to do a backyard BBQ for the day so we'll be doing that and giving him a hammock (with a stand) for the backyard.  I'll be hanging out in my pool and I think at least 2 of the three kids will be working. 

This past week I returned to the DMV with Youngest Child to make attempt number two at passing the road test.  This time we arrived over an hour before the office opened.  This time instead of there being about 200 people ahead of us in line, there were about 100.  We were in line outside for four hours after they opened before it was our turn to enter the building.  Then there was a hold on-road tests for about 45 minutes. So more waiting, but at least at that point we were waiting inside in air conditioning. Then we had to wait in the car in line with about 20 other cars for her turn to finally get that second chance at the test.  

Would you believe me if I told you, of all the driver examiners at the local DMV, of which there were over 10, she got the same examiner that flunked her the week before?  Well, that's what happened!  Talk about stress. We recognized the examiner, but I don't think she recognized Youngest Child.  

Thank goodness, Youngest Child passed the test!  She is now a licensed driver!  For what it's worth, and I think it is worth something; she has a great story to tell about her trials and tribulations on the road to a driver's license.  Maybe not as heartbreaking as Olivia Rodrigo's song, but still quite emotional! 

This week I'll be sharing a book with an excellent title: 

And a book about my favorite beverage (Fresh Brewed Coffee) 

And a new Cozy that takes place in Sedona!

How was your week?  Read anything fun?  Oh, I almost forgot, we started watching Loki, I love it.  Time travel and multiple timelines--that's my jam! 

Latest Book in our #COYER #readalong!

I'm excited to talk about the latest book in our Psy-Changeling Read-Along Series! This time I had a physical book which means it's a little harder to highlight my favorite lines because I don't like to write in my books. On the plus side, it's easier to read a physical book while I'm lounging in a pool float. 

From the moment Max was introduced in Talin/Clay's book I have been hoping he would get his own book, and here it is!  I was excited to read this book and learn more about the human police detective Max.  We also meet our first J designation, Sophia.  J-Psy are able to literally look into the minds of criminals and see their memories.  Not surprisingly J-Psy burn out very fast, even though they are Psy, even the Silence protocol can keep them from breaking down after years of being inside the minds of the most heinous of criminals. 

It makes perfect sense that Sophia and Max would become a couple as only they can really understand what they have lived through as part of the flawed justice system in this world. This book is written as a police procedural and I enjoyed that change up in the storytelling for this growing series. 

As in previous books, Nalini Singh share more knowledge about the Psy-Changeling-Human world. This reasoning for why the Psy keep humans around was on page 87: 

"Humans, often came up with ideas and concepts that were staggering unique"  

That of course, makes complete sense since the Psy under silence live without and need or want of creativity. 

 I enjoyed crime solving parts of this book probably more than the romance. I was very glad that Max was able to find love and as always I enjoy scenes with past couples in the current instalments.

4 stars for Bonds of Justice!

I'm Anti Invasive Anything! Gardening and Post Cancer Treatment Life #PTSD #BCSM

 

Today I was in my garden, which is tiny but the plants are thriving; so much so that my cucumber plant is now encroaching on my flowering red bell pepper plant. This morning I was checking the garden plants for nefarious invaders and I found cabbage worms! Picture me looking at my cauliflower plant above, seeing all the holes, and frowning. Then I look closely at the leaves and bam!  A green worm!  On my leaf! First of all, this is why I don’t plant cruciferous vegetables, and second of all, how dare invasive disease attack my garden! 

Cue my outsized stress reaction to the garden pests. Yes, cancer trauma here we go again. First I put on some gloves, then I went inside and got a plastic knife,  and then I eradicated the worms. I serial-killed five of them, and I think there were either eggs or poop down on the budding leaves so I scrapped that off the plant. I’m glad I only have one plant. I don’t know that I will be planting cauliflower in the future, I don’t like murdering bugs almost as much as I don’t like, cue my waving my hands around, another reason to have some PTSD. 

After I killed the worms I found, I did a google search to find out if there was anything I could do to not have cabbage worms. First I learned that it’s supposed to be too early in the season for the worms and second I learned that if I put down diatomaceous earth that might help. 

Tricky how trauma can creep up on a person. Imagine what it will be like for people of this earth over the next decade given all the trauma the pandemic inflicted.  We are going to see so many different ways people try and cope--and plenty of that will be bad. It's a fine time as any to try to be kind because you don't know what people are dealing with when you run into them. 

Last thought for this post, later this afternoon, after I had reflected on invasive disease in my garden is just too on the nose a metaphor for the stress of cancer treatment,

I decided if I find more worms I'm going to scoop them up and then put them out for the plentiful birds in my backyard to eat!

How the Garden Started...

How the garden is going... just three weeks later! Looking great except for invasive pests! 

Psychological Thriller #TheNewHusband This dude is Sus!

 The first time we meet Simon, he is the hero who found the family dog after the family has been rocked by a tragedy. Strike one I say! 

And then....

The first time she invites him into her home, he shows up with her favorite meal?  Suspicious. Coincidence?  There are no coincidences in thrillers! 

 

From the beginning of The New Husband,  I was very suspicious of Simon.  I don't trust anyone who is almost superhumanly in tune with anyone else feelings and needs.  Frankly, I think that is a recipe for disaster. 

D. J. Palmer got me right from the beginning because I needed to keep reading to find out if Simon is a terrible monster, or if there is going to be a turn of events that will show me I am a cynical suspicious person.  Either way, I'm invested in how this turns out. 

Since I don't write spoiler book reviews, if you would like to know how things turned out for me as a Simon-hater; you'll have to read The New Husband. 

Two! Two! Reviews in One Post! Happy Monday!

 I wanted to get back to give a proper review of One Perfect Lie by  Lisa Scottoline.  I listened to this while running, shopping at Aldi, and doing dishes.  It was an audiobook that kept me doing chores so I could listen longer, so a real win, win for the cleanliness of my cozy abode! 

The book had unexpected but earned twists and I really enjoyed how the story concluded.  I was completely wrong about where it ended up.  There are multiple POV characters in addition to Chris Brennen.  This is a suspenseful thriller,  but it isn't a graphic psychological thriller, so I would recommend this book as one to read if you are new to thrillers or if you like TV shows like 911 on the Fox Network.  

3.5 stars for this book- it's got some good twists!

And now for something completely different.  This is a romance, so there will be a happy ending, it's just how are we going to get there? Well, this time it's going to be through a reality TV show.  Yes, this book is like an alternative Bachelorette.  In this book, unlike the show, for once the Bachelorette isn't a size 2. Bea is a successful plus-size fashion blogger whose scathing critique of the fictional show "Main Squeeze" goes viral and she winds up being the next main squeeze. 

I used to watch the Bachelor franchise but gave it up a few years ago when I realized it was always going to be a parade of thin young women and men who were on the show more often than not to up their social media profiles so they could translate that into endorsement deals. This fiction version of the show will ring true to watchers of the actual show, and also gives the show true romance. 

I borrowed this book from my library's Libby App because I need distractions while I train for the marathon.  This book was a good distraction! A must listen if you are part of #BachelorNation 

3.5 stars for this book as well! 

Tomorrow we head back to the DMV for Youngest Child's second attempt at passing the road test.  Please send good vibes!

#TheSundayPost The Weekend Before Father's Day-

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.  See rules here: Sunday

A reminder that you have six days until father's day if that is something you need to plan for, now's the time to do it!  Don't tell my husband but we, and by we, I mean me, bought him a hammock for the backyard. I am hoping Middle Child will put it together for me. 

Here in my neck of the woods, it was hot and rain-free until Saturday afternoon when it poured.  I think we got about 2-3 inches of rain in half an hour.  This should help my garden and our weed-filled yard. 

I had a rough long 6-mile training run on Saturday. This was completely due to the hot humid weather.  I am so glad I have my small backyard pool it gave me a focus and a finish line.  Finish run, dunk head in pool! 

I was very glad I had an engaging audiobook on my run, I needed the distraction as the miles slowly rolled by.  I will be posting a review of it tomorrow. 

On Tuesday me and Youngest Child will be heading back to the DMV to see if the second time around she'll be passed by the instructor and get her license.  This time we are planning to arrive at the office an hour and a 1/2 before they open to get as close to the door as possible.  Hopefully, she can take her road test while she is fresh and the instructors are fresh as well.   This time we are bringing chairs, snacks, water, and headphones. 

Wednesday I have my annual exam at the dermatologist.  As far as I can tell that should go well aside from having a medical professional look at all my skin--awkward. 

I currently have a Kindle Unlimited subscription and it includes digital Food Network Magazine.  I am planning to look through it for a new recipe or two to try out over the upcoming week. 

I'm also reading Get A Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibert, and The New Husband by D. J. Palmer.  I'll be reviewing them this week and may throw in another book--depending on how things go! 

How are things with you?  How's it going? 

Sharing Sheltering Spirits - A Lola Blog Tour!

 

Sheltering Spirits (A Mallory McGrath Mystery #1)
by Lori Allison
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 6 October 2020

Blurb:
Orphaned at a young age, all Mallory McGrath wants is a place to call home, the companionship of friends who have become her family and to keep her Basset Hound, Elmer, from wrecking everything she owns.

A simple life.

And things are going her way until a sudden encounter with the bumper of a car driven by the intriguing new coroner in town leaves her with a head injury that unlocks a strange new talent.

Now Mallory is dealing with ghostly roommates, a dead body on her property and finding herself under suspicion of murdering the town’s matriarch. Not to mention the angry poltergeist trashing her attic!

To save all she holds dear, Mallory must catch a killer who has her in his sights … and to make sure her supply of peanut butter doesn’t run out.

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        This is fun, short cozy!  You can read it during an afternoon sitting by the pool or over a few summer nights.  Mallory is a great MC, she is smart, kind, and not afraid to do some sleuthing! I liked the paranormal aspects of the ghosts they were (for the most part) like Mallory's guardian angels.  Elmer and Luther were wonderful cozy companion characters. LizzyAnne,  Mallory's BFF was pretty over the top, but her heart is clearly in the right place so she started to grow on me. 

I really like the budding romance and I liked how the town funeral home is a feature in this book. This is definitely a cozy to add to your TBR and I'm looking forward to book two!

Links:
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon

About the Author:
Lori Allison has had a life-long love affair with books, both as a reader and a writer. Lori is the mother of 3 grown children and has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of New Mexico. She managed the construction company her family owned for 17 years before retiring to pursue writing full time.

Lori lives in a small town in New Mexico with her husband, Jeffery, and their three dogs.

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Instagram