Sunday Salon: Books To Make You Smile, Wonder

Each week readers throughout blogdom gather together to celebrate Sunday Salon - a time of relaxing and discussing the wonderful books we’ve read or discovered.

This week I’d like to tell you about a delightful children’s book that adults will also find entertaining and a couple of mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end. So refill that cup with your favorite beverage, get relaxed in your most comfortable chair and let’s talk books.

THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS by Ruth Kaiser

We are never too old to learn and author Ruth Kaiser has a new book out that shows learning is fun and can be done anywhere.

THE SMILEY BOOK OF COLORS is a delightful book that teaches not only colors, but that happiness can be found in the most unique places. The inspiring rhyming text is accompanied by vivid color photos of objects featuring smiles. 

The objects include such things as the back of a chair, a tennis shoe, stacked concrete blocks, a slice of strawberry, and a bowl of mac and cheese. 

The author encourages readers to find happiness in everything around them. The photos will make you smile and have you looking at simple objects in a completely different light. If you look hard enough, you’ll be amazed where you can find smiles.

The book is a fun way to teach youngsters colors, about various objects, and how to how an enjoyable time learning.

The book came about through the author’s website, Spontaneous Smiley.

The Smiley Book of Colors by Ruth Kaiser, Gooden Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-0375869839, Hardcover, 32 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - A PDF of this book was sent to me by the author as part of her blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

*BTW, be sure to stop back by on Wednesday, April 18th, when author Ruth Kaiser visits. Her topic is “Be Porous, Not Teflon.”

 

DEADER HOMES AND GARDENS by Joan Hess

Three people in a house may not sound like too many for most, but for newly married Claire Malloy her cozy 2 bedroom apartment is too small for herself, her new husband, deputy police chief Peter Rosen, and her teenage daughter, Caron.

While house hunting Claire finally finds her dream home located in an area known as Hollow Valley. However, there are some problems like the real estate agent disappearing while showing Claire the house.

Claire contacts the owner of the property and he decides to return to the area to discuss the sale with her. When he dies a mysterious death, Claire knows there’s more to Hollow Valley and it’s cast of zany residents. Will she be able to find the killer before she becomes a permanent resident of the Hollow Valley Cemetery?

Author Joan Hess has created a likable and fun protagonist in Claire Malloy. The cast of supporting characters are witty and help move the story along at a good pace. With a number of twists and turns along the way, the author keeps you guessing who the real killer is while giving you laugh-out-loud moments to break the tension.

Rachael Warren does a delightful job narrating the story. Her cadence will draw you in and keep you on the edge of your seat. She does a wonderful job giving each character their own unique voice.

DEADER HOMES AND GARDENS is the 18th installment in the Claire Malloy Mystery series, but is a stand along book. It’s a fun read (or listen) filled with suspense and intrigue.

Deader Homes and Gardens by Joan Hess, A Claire Malloy Mystery, Narrated by Rachael Warren, AudioGo, @2012, ISBN: 978-1609983963, Unabridged, 9 Discs, Listening Time Approximately 11 Hours, 9 Minutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

THE VIOGNIER VENDETTA by Ellen Crosby

Who knew reuniting with an old friend could lead to murder, mystery and the downfall of an investment guru.

Lucie Montgomery visits Washington, D.C. at the request of an old friends, Rebecca Natale, who she hasn’t seen in years. After a brief reunion, Rebecca leaves on an errand for her boss, billionaire philanthropist Sir Thomas Asher, but never returns. Also missing is an antique silver wine vessel with an questionable history.

When Rebecca’s clothes are found near the Potomac River, authorities believe she may have committed suicide. Lucie doesn’t believe it. She begins suspect murder when she learns Rebecca was apparently going to help provide information against her boss in revealing his financial scam.

Author Ellen Crosby transports you to the wine country of Virginia with her vivid descriptions of the landscape and its residents. The story flows smoothly as the protagonist travels between wine country and the politics of Washington, D.C. It’s a fast-pace story with some unique twists and turns.

Narrator Christine Marshall does a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. She provides the emotions to draw listeners further into the story.

THE VIOGNIER VENDETTA is the 5th installment in the Wine Country Mystery series, but is a stand alone book. This story is filled with suspense and intrigue making it a fun read.

The Viognier Vendetta by Ellen Crosby, A Wine Country Mystery, Narrated by Christine Marshall, AudioGo, @2010, ISBN: 978-1609988401, Unabridged, 8 Discs, Listening Time Approximately 9 Hours, 26 Miinutes 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

What was on your reading’s list this past week? Have you ever stopped and try to find a smile in unusual objects? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a wonderful Sunday.