Florist Grump {+ Giveaway}

*This post contains affiliate links.

Moving back home can be an undertaking for all involved, but throw in a new husband, a rescue dog and a talent for finding trouble and you have the makings for a new adventure for sleuth-solving, flower shop owner Abby Knight Salvare.

Saving money to build a new home, Abby and her husband Marco move into her childhood bedroom of her parent’s home. The stress of family togetherness has Abby on edge.

The tension mounts when an employee of the savings and loan is found murdered and the authorities look at the local window washer as the prime suspect. Abby is determined to get to the root of the matter and find the real killer even if it means putting herself in danger once again.

Author Kate Collins has created such entertaining, realistic characters you can’t help but feel like they are all your friends. The loyalty, friendship and compassion she blends throughout the story makes it a heartwarming read despite the murder. The small town atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The family antics will have you relating to your own family’s bantering.

There’s never a dull moment in this fast pace adventure that will keep you guessing until the end. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While the momentum of many long-running series tends to slow down, Collins continues full steam ahead in this 17th installment of her Flower Shop Mystery series. FLORIST GRUMP can be read on its own. But if you’re a first time reader, don’t be surprised to find yourself plucking more installments from the series to read.

Collins crafts a perfect bouquet of charming characters, suspenseful mystery, quaint setting and family togetherness that mystery lovers will adore. FLORIST GRUMP is chalked full of enough entertainment and surprises to outdo a box of chocolates.

Florist Grump by Kate Collins, A Flower Shop Mystery (Book #17), NAL, @2015, ISBN: 978-0451473431, Mass Market Paperback, 336Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Thanks to Danielle and the great folks at Berkley, I have a print copy of FLORIST GRUMP to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, Nov. 19.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Florist Grump Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decide for whatever reason you don’t want to win, once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks for stopping by today. What are your thoughts on moving back in with parents if you’re trying to save to buy a home?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Flower Shop Gang Takes Over {+ Giveaway}

I’m delighted today to welcome author Kate Collins to Thoughts in Progress to talk about her latest release, A ROOT AWAKENING, the 16th installment in her Flower Shop Mystery series.

It looks like Kate has brought the gang from the flower shop to help her out. Thanks to Kate and the lovely Danielle at Penguin Group, I have a print copy of A ROOT AWAKENING to giveaway in celebration.

Here’s a brief description of this tantalizing mystery:

Abby Knight's marriage may be in full bloom, but house hunting is no bed of roses in latest novel in the New York Times bestselling Flower Shop Mystery series...
 
        Now that they’ve tied the knot, flower shop owner Abby Knight and her husband, Marco, want to put down roots. When it comes to picking a house, Marco can’t wait to get his hands dirty, while Abby isn’t ready for a fixer-upper. But conflict really sprouts when they’re checking out a dilapidated Victorian and watch a construction worker take a life-threatening tumble.
        Since witnesses claim the man shouted for help, suggesting that the fall was no accident, the victim’s flamboyant wife hires Marco to find the person responsible. Meanwhile, Abby keeps secret from Marco her own investigation into the home’s inhabitants, a family whose off-kilter behavior has aroused her suspicions. If only Abby’s very pregnant cousin, Jillian, will stop distracting Abby with false labor pains, she can conclude her own inquiries before Marco finds out…and her case blossoms into a disaster.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Kate and the flower shop gang. But wait, it seems the gang may be turning the tables on Kate.

Dear Readers,

I’m sitting here with Abby Knight, owner of Bloomers Flower Shop, along with some very important people in her life. They’ve agreed to meet me today in the coffee-and-tea parlor to let me interview them. Abby, would you like to introduce everyone?

Abby: Thanks, Kate. This incredibly sexy hunk on my right is Marco Salvare, who, as you know, is the man of my dreams, the guy who makes my heart beat faster, the—

Jillian: Yuk. Someone have a barf bag?

Abby: Hey! No need to get nasty. This, by the way, is my cousin Jillian, the—

Jillian: Wardrobe consultant extraordinaire.
 
Abby: Right. Next to Jillian are my assistants at Bloomers, Lottie Dombowski and Grace Bingham, and at the far left is my mom, Maureen Knight. My dad couldn’t come today, unfortunately. 

Kate: I’m sorry to hear that. I know he’s been a strong influence in your life, Abby. So tell me this. In MUM’S THE WORD, you try various means to bring more customers into your struggling flower shop, such as your addition of the parlor. What else do you plan to do to grow your business, no pun intended?

Abby: Okay, first of all, do you always have to refer to Bloomers as a struggling flower shop? That’s not good for our business.

Lottie: You tell her, sweetie. Kate, this little angel here kindly took over the shop when my husband’s health problems caused us a severe financial hardship. I think Abby’s doing a fantastic job, especially in this economy.

Grace: Hear, hear. Might I add that putting in this coffee-and-tea parlor was pure genius on her part?
 
Abby’s mom: That and selling my pieces of original art. 

Kate: Speaking of your art, Maureen, where do you get your inspirations?

Maureen (Abby’s mom): My inspirations? Well . . . I just combine things. For instance, (looking around) flowers and . . . tea. Flowers and . . . scones. No, wait. Scones and stems . . . thorns and coffee . . . I know there’s magic here somewhere. Let me just think for a moment . . .

Abby: Going back to your original question about growing my business, Kate – 

Jillian: Why just your business? Kate, my wardrobe consulting business is doing quite well, thank you. (Whispering to Kate) Would it be too much to ask if you would let me have some input on Abby’s wardrobe for the next book? I mean, seriously, do you see the khakis she’s wearing? Ew. 

Abby: I’m sitting right next to you, Jillian. I can hear you whispering. Stop it.

Marco: Calm down, Sunshine. Consider the source. 

Kate: Abby, your talent for creating beautiful floral arrangements is impressive, but where you really shine is in your ability to solve murders and catch killers. Isn’t that a contradiction of character?

Abby’s mom: (thinking aloud) Killers and flowers… murder and mocha … contradictions and coffee…

Abby: I don’t see it as a conflict. It’s more like I’m good at arranging things. I pay attention to details. Take all the flowers in my coolers, for instance. I have to pull the right stems out and put them together in a way that satisfies me as well as my customers. It’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, which is what it takes to solve a murder. 

Marco: (Putting his arm around Abby) Good answer, Fireball. You must have been thinking about that one for awhile.

Abby: Thank you. I have. But I’m really not the one who catches the killers, Kate. That’s Marco’s job. He’s the pro. He’s my hero.

Jillian: Did Abby actually say she pays attention to detail? Abs, hellooo. Have you looked in the mirror today?

Abby: That’s it. I’ve had it. Marco, let go of my arm. 

Marco: I don’t think so.

Abby’s mom: Mirrors and magnolias….puzzles and petunias….

Grace: Would anyone care for one of my blueberry scones? I made them fresh this morning.

Kate: I’d love to try one later. But since time is running short, let me just ask one last question. 

Lottie: Hold on just a gosh darn minute. Why don’t we ask you the question this time?

Jillian: I think that’s only fair.

Grace: What’s fair for the goose is fair for the gander.

Marco: (folding his arms and leaning back) This should be good.

Kate: What would you like to ask? I’m an open book.

Jillian: (Whispering to Abby) Is that supposed to be funny?

Abby: Okay, I’ve got a question, Kate. You spend hours at the computer every day, documenting our lives for the benefit of readers. That has to get monotonous. Why do you do it? What do you get out of it?

Jillian: That’s easy. Look at her outfit. She gets fashion advice from me.

Grace: I’d be more inclined to think she loves my quotes.

Lottie: Or our flower arrangements.

Abby: I think it’s deeper. Am I right, Kate?

Marco: Maybe she’s a romantic at heart. 

Abby: She’s writing a murder mystery series, Marco. I wouldn’t call that romantic.

Marco: I’m talking about us, sweetheart. Our relationship. It’s been pretty hot – at least for me.

Abby’s mom: Sweet hearts . . . relation ships . . . sweet ships . . .

Kate: It’s all of those things -- the flowers, the fashion, Grace’s wisdom, Lottie’s common sense, Abby’s deep love for Marco, her passion for helping people solve puzzles and her crusade against injustice. Marco’s strength and courage, and his devotion to Abby. It’s every one of you that keeps me coming back day after day. We’ve been together for over ten years now and I love you like family.

Lottie: Well, aren’t you a sweetie to say so? We love you, too, Kate.

Kate: And to be honest, it’s even Abby’s mom’s, um, unique art creations. I always look forward to seeing what she’ll come up with next.

Maureen: Unique . . eunich . . . unicorn . . . Wait. I’ve got it!

Abby: Say goodnight, Mom.

Kate: Hold on a minute, gang. I want to tell everyone about your latest mystery, A ROOT AWAKENING. 

Abby: It was a rude awakening for me, that’s for sure. Double mysteries are tough to solve.

Jillian: May I just say that my part in the story got really tense when –
Kate: You’re not allowed to tell them what happens, Jillian. Don’t give me that wide-eyed look. You know better.

Jillian: Fine. Then can I just say that they’re going to meet a new character in this book that most of us have come to love? 

Kate: What do you mean by most of you?

Jillian: (pointing to Abby) Ask her. Go on, ask.

Kate: Let’s leave that discovery to the readers, too, Jillian. Thanks, everyone, for showing up. And I hope all the readers will show up for the 16th installment in the Flower Shop Mystery series, A ROOT AWAKENING, which was released Feb. 3. The ending is a WOWZER~

Kate (and gang), thanks so much for stopping by today. Getting to know these characters does feel a bit like having an extended family.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Kate, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Kate Collins

Kate Collins is the New York Times bestselling author of the Flower Shop Mystery series. Kate’s 16th book in the series, A ROOT AWAKENING, is a February 3, 2015 release. 

All of Kate’s mysteries are available in print, digital, and large-print editions both in the U.S. and in the UK. Kate’s historical romances and children’s anthologies are also available in digital format at Amazon, B&N, and other e-book sellers. 

For more on Kate and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Cozy Chicks where she blogs.

Here are my thoughts on this entertaining cozy mystery.

Author Kate Collins has created fun characters that are well-developed, likable and realistic. They are the type characters you would like to be friends with. The secondary characters add depth to the story.

The setting is warm and friendly. The story is inviting and holds you spellbound until the end. It moves at a steady pace with enough twists and turns to make it captivating and intriguing.

A ROOT AWAKENING is the 16th installment in the series, but can be read on its own. The humor, friendship, and caring mixed with the tantalizing murder mystery makes for a well-balanced story that will entertain your senses. 

A Root Awakening by Kate Collins, A Flower Shop Mystery Book #16, Signet, @2015, ISBN: 978-0451415516, Paperback, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this 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 thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for one print copy of A ROOT AWAKENING. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Friday, Feb. 20.

To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and following the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load, so please be patient. The winner from this giveaway will have 72 hours to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. The email will have ‘Thoughts in Progress Kate Collin’s Tour’ in the subject line, just so you know what to watch for (in case it goes into your spam folder).

With Valentine’s Day just a couple days away, don’t you think it’s a great time to check out this Flower Shop series? Thanks so much for stopping by today and don’t forget to check out A ROOT AWAKENING.

*This post contains affiliate links.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Salon - A Couple of Reviews

Another week has passed and it’s time once again to share with you some interesting books I’ve read. Today’s Sunday Salon features an unlikely pair - a cozy mystery murder and a children’s book.

DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS by Kate Collins

When a guy from a small town makes it big there’s bound to be a few unhappy acquaintances left behind.

That seems to be the case for singer Cody Verse who was the winner on America’s Next Hit Single. His childhood pal, Andrew Chapper, says he wrote the lyrics to the winning song so he’s suing Cody.

Flower shop owner Abby Knight doesn’t like how her little town of New Chapel is turned upside down with Cody and Andrew’s court case. The media has descended on the town to follow the case and most the shop owners are changing their store names and fronts to draw attention their way.

Cody’s hired sleazy Ken “the lip” Lipinski as his lawyer, while Abby’s former boss, clean-cut Dave Hammond, is representing Andrew. A key piece of Dave’s evidence goes missing and he accuses Ken of taking it. When Ken turns up dead a short time later, Dave is the prime suspect. It’s up to Abby and her boyfriend, Marco Salvares, to find the real killer and help Dave out of a jam.

The quirky antics of the secondary characters will have you crying with laughter, while the twists and turns of the plot will keep you guessing whodunit until the very end.

DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS is the 10th installment in the Flower Shop Mystery series, but it’s a stand alone book. Readers can keep up without having read the prior books, but once you meet Abby and the gang you’ll want to read all the rest.

An added bonus is an excerpt of the 11ths installment in the series, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DANDELION (coming April 2011) is included at the back of the book.

Kate Collins’ website is www.katecollins.com

Dirty Rotten Tendrils, A Flower Shop Mystery, Obsidan, @2010, ISBN: 978-0-45123152-9, Paperback, 336 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This 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 BEDTIME OF THE SKY AND OTHER SLEEPY-BYE STORIES by Carolyn Wolfe

THE BEDTIME OF THE SKY features four short stories that are designed for bedtime reading. The stories included:

“Dolly Dear” - a story about the nighttime adventures of a doll or was that just a dream?

“If Mom Designed The Universe” - deals with how a mother would care for the universe. What changes would she make?

“The Bedtime of the Sky” - tells about what the moon, stars, planets, and other elements do when it’s time for bed.

And my personal favorite - “There’s A Dragon In My Sock Drawer” - this delightful tale explains what really happens to those missing socks, crumpled sheets, and why it’s sometimes hard to sleep at night.

The beautiful illustrations by Leslie Mathis enhance the stories and bring them to life as author Carolyn Wolfe weaves intriguing tales for bedtime adventures. This would make a nice addition to any child’s library.

Carolyn Wolfe’s website is www.whenthemoonspeaks.com

The Bedtime of the Sky and Other Sleepy-bye Stories by Carolyn Wolfe, Illustrated by Leslie Mathis, Avid Readers Publishing Group, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-935105-57-2, Paperback, 32 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and the author sent it to me in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Sending Kate Hugs and Prayers

Today’s post was to be by author Kate Collins with her 10th installment in the Flower Shop Mysteries series, DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS, being released this week.

We scheduled her post months ago shortly after the release of the 9th installment in the series. She was excited to have another book coming out this year. However, as most of you have probably already learned, Kate suffered a devastating loss last Wednesday, Sept. 29, with the death of her husband, Jim. It’s my understanding that his passing was sudden and that he suffered a heart attack.

In her writings, Kate always said her husband was her soul mate and biggest fan who supported her writing. I can only image that the release of her latest book is somewhat bittersweet for her.

I’ve just started reading the delightful DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS and knew I couldn’t do it justice if I tried to review it today. I have received several awards from some wonderful bloggers. But today’s post didn’t seem the place to talk about those or pass them on to others. I hope those who passed them onto me will understand as I will do this soon.

Today I just wanted to acknowledge Kate, what’s she going through, and help get the word out that her book is being released this week. The coming days, weeks and months will be difficult for her and her family. Life will never get back ‘to normal’ for her, but life will go on with adjustments and change. One day a different type of ‘normal’ life will take its place.

This is also a bit of a reminder for each of us just how precious life is and the time we have. Enjoy each day to its fullest and let the ones you love know it.

Keep Kate and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Jennifer at Cozy Chicks is collecting cards and comments from those wishing to let Kate know they’re thinking of her. In addition, Leann at Cozy Chicks has some ways those wanting to do something can honor Jim’s memory.

That’s it for now. Tell that special someone you love them, give your kids an extra hug, call that friend that you’ve been meaning to talk to.

Kate, sending you love, hugs and prayers. Take care.

The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose

If you’ve ever wondered about living a past life or if you enjoy a suspense thriller, then THE HYPNOTIST is for you.

Lucian Glass was an aspiring artist when his girlfriend was brutally murdered in his father’s framing shop. Even though he was attacked and died briefly from his injuries, Lucian feels guilty. Some 20 years later Lucian is a criminal art investigator for the FBI’s Arts Crime Team having given up his desire to be an artist.

The current case involves the 8-foot-tall statue of the Greek god Hypnos, god of sleep, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Iran wants the statue back saying it was stolen from their country over 100 years ago by a French archaeologist.

The Greek government also wants the statue returned saying it is of Greek origin and is a national treasure. In addition, hypnotist Malachai Samuels wants the statue too. He believes it’s part of the ‘Memory tools’ which will allow users to see clearly all of their past lives proof of reincarnation.

The Met had received the chryselephantine sculpture when an American collector died and left it to the museum, along with the rest of his collection.

Lucian is brought into the case when The Met receives a destroyed Matisse painting and threats of more unless the statue is surrendered. Lucian realizes the painting is one that was stolen from his father’s shop when his girlfriend was killed.

Author M.J. Rose weaves thrills, terrorism, smuggling, suspense, twists and turns into this tale of past and present colliding. It will make one wonder if past lives effect the present. It will also bring into question, who really owns the art treasures of the world.

This is the third installment in the Reincarnationist series, but it is a stand alone book.

M.J. Rose’s website is www.mjrose.com

The Hypnotist by M.J. Rose, The Reincarnationist Book 3, Mira, @2010, ISBN: 978-0778326755, Hardcover, 416 pages

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

-----

In another note I want to take a moment to make mention that author Kate Collins’ husband passed away yesterday (Wednesday, Sept. 29) from a heart attack. The coming days were to be happy times for her as her latest installment in the Flower Shop Mysteries, DIRTY ROTTEN TENDRILS, is schedule to be released Oct. 5. Please keep Kate and her family in your thoughts and prayers. This is a last minute add. Jennifer at Cozy Chicks has a post about Kate and if readers would like to send cards. Check out Jennifer's post for more information.

Guest Blogger, Kate Collins

I'd like to welcome author Kate Collins as the guest blogger here today at Thoughts in Progress.

Kate's latest book, "Sleeping With Anemones" is scheduled for release tomorrow - Tuesday, Feb. 2. She will be dropping back by today to answer questions and respond to your comments. In addition, she will be giving away a copy of her book, "Evil in Carnations," to one lucky person who comments on her post between today and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7.

I've asked Kate if she would share a little background with us today about who she is and what she writes.

As a brief introduction, I’m Kate Collins, author of the Flower Shop Mysteries, staring that bad girl of the bouquet business, that fearsome, feisty florist, Abby Knight. In my latest book, “Sleeping With Anemones” - Ooops. Hold on I have to take this call.

Sorry. My cell phone has been ringing all morning. It happens whenever I have a new book coming out. Even standing in line to buy coffee I got two calls. Luckily, the clerk didn’t mind. She was on her cell phone too.

Anyway, I can’t remember where I was so I’ll skip to the part where I tell you what my hot topic of the day is, which you might have guessed is --

Unbelievable. Another call. You don’t mind, do you? You do? Seriously? Why didn’t you say so before?

Isn’t that a dumb question? If you’re like me, you were raised to be polite, even if it meant gritting your teeth and pretending nothing was wrong (while imagining yourself doing seriously bodily harm to the person being rude). Maybe I’m hypersensitive, but when I’m in my doctor’s office, giving her what I think is important information about my current health, and she stops to answer her cell phone, and it’s ANOTHER patient describing her health situation, I get a tab bit annoyed. After all, I’m paying for the visit.

However, I forgive her because she is, after all, my doctor. But then a second patient calls, and I am once again cut off, and now I’m seriously considering telling her that I will come back when she can give me her undivided attention. But is that likely to happen or is this what I can expect in the future? Maybe I should phone her instead.

I don’t know about you, but when I see a woman driving a van load of kids, holding a cell phone to her ear, at a traffic light, while making a turn, I give her lots of room. Yesterday, at a four-way stop, it was me and three women on cell phones in kid-loaded vans making turns. I almost put my car into reverse and backed away.

Last time I was in Chicago, strolling down Michigan Blvd., I counted every other person having a conversation with an unseen person, either through a cell phone, a blue tooth device, or because he had an imaginary friend. But we’ll let him be. A couple, walking hand in hand, were each having phone conversations with someone else.

I’m not saying that being able to stay in contact via a mobile phone is a bad thing. I depend on it all time to make sure my kids can reach me, and I surely wouldn’t drive anywhere alone without one. (And what would my sleuth, Abby Knight, do without her cell phone when she’s got a murder suspect cornered?).

What I’m saying is that it seems many of us can’t go anywhere without having a phone conversation - whether we’re buying groceries, enjoying a meal in a restaurant, trying on clothes, filling up the

gas tank, taking an invigorating walk around the block, and even -- I’m not making this up -- while appearing for a court hearing.

How did this happen? When did people lose the desire to be alone with their thoughts? To use that time between home and office to reflect? Ruminate? Daydream!

As a writer, I need time to daydream, a quiet time with no conversations happening except the one among the characters in my head. It’s my time to image what comes next in my story. So I don’t have a problem taking a walk without uttering a word aloud or buying groceries without telling someone all about my day. But I do watch and listen to others doing it, soaking up ideas for characters and conversations for future work. Still, I can’t image filling every moment of silence with chatter. But then, we writers live in our heads more than most folks do.

What are your thoughts about cell phone use or texting? Are you a constant conversationist/texter, or are you the one in the restaurant who can cook her own veggies because of the steam coming out of her ears from the loud person on the phone at the next table? Do you speak up at such rudeness or grit your teeth and bear it? Has your doctor ever talked to someone while with you? I’m curious. I’m a writer.  ....  Kate

Thanks so much for sharing this story with us, Kate. I think we can all relate to how cell phone usage has become a major player in our daily lives whether we want it to or not. Don't forget to leave a comment or question for Kate and have a chance to win a copy of her book.