Happy New Year to those still celebrating as we launch into the first Sunday Salon of 2014. Hopefully everyone is safe and warm this cold winter’s day as yet another storms blankets the country.
One fun way to enjoy cold, gloomy days is to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate (coffee, tea, etc.) and a good book. I have a delightful book to tell you about today. It’s the latest in an enjoyable series I find refreshing.
Grab an extra throw, fill your cup to the brim with your favorite hot beverage, settle into a comfortable chair and let’s talk books!
What was to be a quick trip to the Memorial Cemetery to deliver flowers for the site’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebration, turned into a find that was unexpected and dangerous.
Suzanne and Toni had left their other partner, Petra, handling the breakfast rush at their café, the Cackleberry Club, to run the errand to the cemetery. In their search for the historical society tent, they’re almost run off the small cemetery road by their friend Missy. When they stop, they discover ex-prison warden Lester Drummond dead and lying face down in a freshly dug grave.
Drummond was well known throughout Kindred and had quite a few secrets. Suzanne knew that he had been hitting on Missy and won’t take no for an answer. With the cemetery celebration fast approaching, Missy among the prime suspects and the local authorities with their hands full, Suzanne and her partners swing into action. It’s up to the Cackleberry Club trio to unscramble the murder and find the killer before another body turns up dead.
Author Laura Childs has crafted a protagonist that is spunky and realistic with flaws that readers can relate to. Her friends are likable, funny and well-developed. The setting is quaint and inviting with a small-town atmosphere that quickly draws you in.
EGGS IN A CASKET is an easy read that will have you guessing who the killer is until the very end. The story moves at a steady pace with twists and turns. There’s a good blend of mystery, suspense, humor and romance. Childs’ eye for details makes the Cackleberry Club a place readers will want to visit again and again.
This is the fifth installment in the Cackleberry Club Mystery series, but can be read on its own. New readers to the series won’t be left in the dark, while returning fans will enjoy catching up the folks of Kindred. An added bonus is the recipes featured at the Cackleberry Club are included at the end of the story.
Author Laura Childs’ website is http://www.laurachilds.com/
Eggs in a Casket by Laura Childs, A Cackleberry Club Mystery #5, Berkley Prime Crime, @2014, ISBN: 978-0425255582, Hardcover, 336 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope this posts finds you snuggling with a good book. You can order EGGS IN A CASKET now before it's release date on Tuesday.
On this first Sunday Salon of December, I’m delighted to be a part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN by Rosemary Harris.
In celebration of the release and this tour, Rosemary is giving away one print copy of THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN to a lucky visitor to Thoughts in Progress. Please see the giveaway details at the end of the post.
Now, I’m sharing my thoughts on this tantalizing story.
The issue of trust always makes for an intriguing plot focus and author Rosemary Harris knows how to take it to the limit.
The five have been friends since high school and have been called bitches and witches. As they gather at a secluded Cape Cod bungalow for their annual summer all-girls weekend, things take a drastic turn when the fifth doesn’t show up.
Rachel, Clare, Tina and Jane aren’t so much worried that Abby is a no show. That is until her note arrives instead. It reads - “I’ve run off with one of your men.”
The ladies aren’t sure what to do. Did she really run off with one of their men or is it a prank? Can they enjoy their weekend without her and not start making phone calls? The friends reevaluate their lives and what they thought they knew.
Harris will have you smiling and shaking your head as she takes you on an amusing journey dealing with friendship. Her characters are eccentric, witty and likable. They are well-developed and may remind you of your own friends.
THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN moves at a steady pace, grabbing your attention at the beginning and not letting go until the very end. It’s filled with romance, fun, friendship and laughter. There’s a touch of suspense thrown for a well-balance tale. A fascinating start to a captivating new series.
The Bitches of Brooklyn by Rosemary Harris, Chestnut Hill Books, @2013, ISBN: 978-0989697019, Paperback, 322 Pages, ASIN: B00E3XMPN0, 469 KB
FTC Full Disclosure – A digital copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author's blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rosemary Harris is a native Brooklynite, like some of the characters in The Bitches of Brooklyn. A former bookstore manager and television executive, she’s the author of the Dirty Business mystery series featuring amateur sleuth Paula Holliday. Her debut novel, the Agatha and Anthony-nominated, Pushing Up Daisies (Minotaur), was followed by The Big Dirt Nap, Dead Head and Slugfest. The Bitches of Brooklyn is the first in a new series.
Rosemary is past president of Mystery Writers of America’s NY Chapter and Sisters in Crime’s New England Chapter.
Rosemary lives in New York City and Fairfield County, CT. She blogs with seven other mystery writers at www.jungleredwriters.com. For more on Rosemary and her writing, visit her website at www.rosemaryharris.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RosemaryHarriswriter
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for one print copy of THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN.
To enter this giveaway, just send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win The Bitches of Brooklyn.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a print copy of THE BITCHES OF BROOKLYN is 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Dec. 15.
TOUR PARTICIPANTS . . . . . . .
A number of blogs participating in this tour will be hosting a giveaway. Three blogs are offering a Special Giveaway that includes: Bitches goody bags made up of insulated tote, plastic champagne glasses, Bitches tank top with a copy of the book. Here’s the tour schedule.
December 1 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Kick Off Spotlight
December 2 - Mystery Playground - Interview, Special Giveaway
December 3 - StoreyBook Reviews - Review, Giveaway
December 4 - Books-n-Kisses - Review, Guest Post
December 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - Review, Giveaway
December 6 - Shelley's Book Case - Review, Giveaway
December 7 - dru's book musing - Guest Post,
December 9 – off
December 10 - Darla King Series – Interview
December 11 – Kelly P's Blog - Guest Post
December 12 - rantin' ravin' and reading - Review, Interview, Special Giveaway
December 13 - fundinmental - Guest Post, Special Giveaway
December 14 - According to Squenn - Review, Interview
December 15 - Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Interview
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you get together with friends from your youth for annual outings?
Here we are enjoying another Sunday Salon with just over a month until Christmas. Are you like me, wondering where oh where did the time go? Seems like just last week it was spring and the flowers were beginning to bloom.
Well since there’s a nip in the air where I live and the weather is getting a bit cooler all over the U.S., I guess it’s time to think of Christmas.
With today’s Sunday Salon I want to tell you about a delightful book and charming movie that features the Christmas spirit. As an added bonus, thanks to Laura Beth and the wonderful folks at FlyBy Promotions, I have a copy of each to giveaway. Please see the end of each review for more details on the giveaway. First up, the charming children’s book followed by the movie for the entire family.
Christmas is a time of gift giving, delicious food, festivities, and so much more. It’s that ‘so much more’ that author Jill Hardie captures beautifully in her children’s book, THE SPARKLE BOX.
Illustrator Christine Kornacki does an excellent job bringing the story to life through her rich and magical drawings. She captures the sentiment of the story with her detailed and colorful illustrations.
THE SPARKLE BOX is a tender story of a young boy who learns the real meaning of what it’s like to give at Christmas. Sam sees a sparkly gift on his mantel and wants to know if it’s for him. His mother explains that it’s a gift the family will open together, but first it needs to be filled.
As Christmas draws near, Sam helps his family give to the homeless and learns how his father’s company helped families in Africa. Sam, himself, makes a generous gift to a homeless man.
When Christmas arrives, the family opens THE SPARKLE BOX. Sam finds it contains slips of paper telling of the gifts to Jesus they have given through their own acts of kindness.
Hardie’s enchanting tale will warm your heart and add sparkle to the holiday season. While the book is geared toward youngsters ages 4 to 8, the story will resonate with all ages quickly becoming a family favorite.
This charming book comes with its very own fold-out sparkle box in the back. You assemble the box to create your family’s own personal holiday tradition.
The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie, Illustrated by Christine Kornacki, Ideals Children’s Books, @2012, ISBN: 978-0824956479, Hardcover with jacket, 32 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.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
GIVEAWAY DETAILS…
This giveaway is for one print copy of THE SPARKLE BOX. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted.
To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win The Sparkle Box.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of THE SPARKLE BOX is 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Nov. 24.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that THE SPARKLE BOX will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.
For more on this delightful book, visit the publisher’s website, the book website, view the author’s video, and connect on Facebook. On Twitter use #TheSparkleBox.
Here’s a book trailer for THE SPARKLE BOX for your viewing pleasure:
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This Norman Rockwell, Nasser Group DVD is an ideal story of how one family comes together for the holidays in a house they once called home.
The day of Melanie’s wedding, her sister Kate told her she was marrying a man who didn’t love her and left, refusing to be a part of the wedding. Five years have passed, the sisters haven’t spoken to each other and now their parents are separating. Kate is determined to get her parents back together.
The sisters put aside their problems as they plan a family Christmas. They want the celebration in their old family home, but someone else is living there now.
As Kate and Melanie work together, with the assistance of the new homeowner, things begin to like it will be a special Christmas after all. But, misunderstandings could still block the path to a happy Christmas for this family and the new friendships they’ve made.
The cast includes George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod), and Vanessa Parise (who is also the director). They do a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and drawing you in to be a part of the adventure.
COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS has a warm, family-feel to it and includes a number of delightful songs. This is a movie that can be view by the entire family, enjoyed as a couples’ flick and provide entertainment for children’s groups.
This movie demonstrates that wholesome family theme to light up the holiday spirit. The DVD includes a limited edition print by the late Norman Rockwell, famous for his American culture illustrations and artwork.
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.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
GIVEAWAY DETAILS…
This giveaway is for one copy of the COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS DVD. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted.
To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Coming Home For Christmas.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is 8 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Nov. 24.
MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE:
The DVD is available at Wal-Mart or can be order. In addition, a soundtrack is available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon.
Here’s a movie trailer of COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS for your viewing pleasure.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember, you can either one or both of these giveaways. If entering both, just send separate emails. Do you and your family have a holiday tradition you’d like to share with us?
We are over half way through October, quickly coming up on Halloween and time once again for Sunday Salon. It’s during Sunday Salon that we discuss the amazing books we’ve read or found to read.
Visitors here know I have a habit of sharing a variety of books at the same time that fall into completely different genres. And so it is today that I’m sharing three intriguing stories from three genres. You could say their only connection – other than being good reads – is family.
I’ll share my thoughts on these books and then you tell me if you agree that family is the foundation of each story. Now, refill that cup of steaming coffee (or tea) to ward off any chill of the crisp fall day and let’s talk books.
Each year – no each month – more and more families are finding their lives touched by the terrible disease called Alzheimer’s.
This disease not only effects the person who has it, but also those family and friends dealing with losing their loved one. Dr. Patricia Hernandez Arnazzi shares her pain and understanding of this tragedy in her book, I AM MY FATHER’S KEEPER: 10 Steps to Caring for the Elderly. The author’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1991 and then later suffered a stroke that left him unable to do anything for himself or even speak.
Born in 1921, Arnazzi’s father had always been a happy, outgoing man. Due to his new condition, not all of Arnazzi’s siblings contributed to her father’s physical care. She explains how those who couldn’t be around their father helped in various other ways. She and her stepmother became the ultimate caregivers for her father.
The book is broken down into 10 steps to help those caring for loved ones in this condition to cope. These steps include: Be Proactive, Know Your Resources, It Is a Labor of Love, Have a Sense of Humor, Faith – You Are Never Alone, Be Grateful, The Importance of a Healthy Attitude, Join Forces, Push for a Resolution, and Don’t Put Your Life on Hold.
Throughout the book the author stresses that every family and every patient is different. She provides numerous types of resource information in the back of the book to help caregivers in various ways.
I AM MY FATHER’S KEEPER is a touching story of a woman’s struggle to do what she thought best when caring for her father. It’s a heartwarming story that will tug on your heartstrings, especially if you’re caring for a loved one.
This is a quick read that will inspire. While the author doesn’t go into specific details of daily care, she gives an overall view that will give readers a better understanding of what caregivers face. This book is a useful resource tool that will make a great addition to your library.
Whether you are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient or not, this charming story will give you guidance when dealing with others who are caregivers for loved ones.
I Am My Father’s Keeper: 10 Steps to Caring for the Elderly by Dr. Patricia Hernandez Arnazzi, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2012, ISBN: 978-1468119688, Paperback, 100 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Going to the corner store to pick up milk can be a boring task unless…
Author Neil Gaiman tells the tale of a father who goes to get milk for his children’s breakfast cereal and has a grand adventure. What the father encounters on his way home is truly magical.
Beautifully illustrated by Skottie Young, readers will be captivated by the mysterious people, places and things the father meets on his way home. The black and white sketches help bring the story to life and enhance the adventure.
When the mum of the family heads off to a conference, she gives the father detailed instructions on what to do while she is away. Among the tasks, pick up milk. At breakfast the next morning, the family discovers they have no milk and the father goes to get some.
On this way home with the milk, the father encounters aliens, wumpires, and pirates. He’s transported through space and time in a balloon operated by a Stegosaurus. His travels takes him here and there but always he manages to hold on to FORTUNATELY, THE MILK.
This is a charming and wacky look at how a simple trip to the market can be an incredible adventure with a little imagination. The author and illustrator will have you laughing within a few pages and you won’t be able to stop until the last page.
Written for young readers ages 8 to 12, FORTUNATELY, THE MILK will delight readers of all ages. After reading this, a trip to the store for milk will never be the same. You’ll still be smiling when you put this book down.
Author Neil Gaiman’s website is www.NeilGaiman.com
Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Garman, Illustrated by Skottie Young, Harper Collins, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062224071, Hardcover, 128 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.
A parent’s love, especially a mother’s, can be fearless and unstoppable when their children’s lives are in danger.
Author Suzanne Redfearn tackles this issue in her debut novel, HUSH LITTLE BABY. Here the author explores what a mother would do for her children in this gripping story.
By all outward appearances Jillian Kane has a wonderful life. She has two precious children, a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a thriving career. But underneath, Jillian’s life is anything but wonderful. She’s hidden the truth of an abusive marriage for nine years for her children’s sake.
Finally reaching her limit, Jillian flees taking the children with her. She has no money and no plan, just the desire for freedom and peace. As her husband Gordon searches for them, Jillian knows if they are found – she will die.
The circumstances that brings Jillian and Gordon back together will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be breathless as the events unfold and come to a startling conclusion.
The author has created realistic characters dealing with traumatic issues. Her vivid narration draws you in as you feel the roller coaster emotions of the characters.
HUSH LITTLE BABY moves at a smooth, steady pace. It’s filled with twists and turns that will grip your heart and keep you in suspense.
Author Suzanne Redfearn’s website is www.suzanneredfearn.com
Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn, Grand Central Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1455573202, Trade Paperback, 368 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.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve peaked your interest in at least one, if not all, of these wonderful books. Do you see family as the common tie-in to these three books of different genres?
Can you believe it’s time for another Sunday Salon where we discuss the wonderful books we’ve discovered during the past week? Where has the time gone? There’s a nip in the air foretelling of autumn just around the corner.
I have two amazing books to tell you about today. One is by a ‘new-to-me’ author and the other is the second installment in a wonderful new series by one of my favorite authors. First, the novel by the late Siân Busby, an award winning novelist. Then the second book in the Jane Ryland series by award-winning author Hank Phillippi Ryan.
The events prior to the killing and the steps of the murder investigation are told simultaneously in author Siân Busby’s last novel, A COMMONPLACE KILLING.
The late author beautifully weaves the past and the present in such a manner you don’t realize at first that the two events aren’t taking place at the same time. The story flows smoothly as it transitions keeping a steady pace.
This psychological thriller is set in post-World War II London and follows the double life of a seemingly proper middle-class woman, Lillian Frobisher. When Lillian’s body is found in an abandoned churchyard, it’s assumed she was the random victim of rape. Evidence shows she was strangled, but not raped.
It’s up to Divisional Detective Inspector Jim Cooper to find the person responsible for this ‘commonplace killing.’ Cooper begins to look into her private life and why her husband didn’t report her not returning home. What the DDI finds is a seedy double life the victim hid from her family and a postwar London that has none of the cheery optimism portrayed in newsreels.
A COMMONPLACE KILLING is suspenseful, intriguing and spellbinding as readers are taken back in time to London and the harsh reality of life after the war. Rich in history, the author’s vivid descriptions and details places the reader in the middle of the bombed landscape, the meager lifestyles and the broken promises.
The last 20 pages of the novel were transcribed from a handwritten manuscript following the author’s death. There is less intense descriptions and details in these pages, but at the same time carries the story just as well. In some ways, the stark contrast to the earlier rich embellishments makes the ending more dramatic.
Busby’s characters are well-developed with sharp contrast. They are courageous, yet flawed; broken, yet not without dreams. The author gives you a good sense of the time, place and the people trying to survive. The gripping story will hold your attention as you try to uncover the truth.
Busby has an alluring way of telling a story concerning a time I’ve always found difficult to read about. You might be tempted to read this story solely because the author died as she completed the work. However, I would recommend reading it solely because it is a psychological thriller that will captivate you with strong characters, rich descriptions and a well-balanced plot.
A Commonplace Killing by Siân Busby, Atria Books/Marble Arch Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1476730295, Paperback, 272 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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I can not tell you about this fascinating novel and not tell you a bit about the author and how this story finally came to be published.
Siân Busby, an award-winning writer, broadcaster and filmmaker, was married to BBC Business editor, Robert Peston, and the mother of two sons. She published four books, including THE CRUEL MOTHER, a memoir of her great-grandmother that won the MIND Book Award in 2004, and a novel, McNAUGHTEN, a highly acclaimed historical novel published in 2009.
Busby died in September 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Following her death, her husband transcribed her handwritten manuscript for the end of A COMMONPLACE KILLING. He did not known until reading the handwritten pages that she had completed the novel despite the toll the illness took on her in the end. Peston gives a beautiful tribute to this wife in the prefaces of the book and provides more about the story, as well as what sparked the idea for the novel.
One of the things I especially enjoy about author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s Jane Ryland Series is how realistic her characters are, particularly her protagonist.
Narrator Ilyana Kadushin does an excellent job giving individual voices to the various characters in Ryan’s THE WRONG GIRL. Kadushin conveys the vast array of emotions the different characters experience. Her cadence holds your attention and heightens the drama of Ryan’s new suspense thriller.
Newspaper reporter Jane Ryland agrees to help former colleague Tucker Cameron with a personal issue concerning her adoption. Tucker has been reunited with her birth mother through the Brannigan Family and Children Service. However, she’s afraid she’s the wrong girl because of several items that were supposedly left with her when she was an infant.
Meanwhile, Detective Jake Brogan - Jane’s ‘sort of’ boyfriend - has his hands full investigating the murder of a woman that left two toddlers unharmed. In addition, Jake believes there had also been a baby at the scene and is now missing.
As Jane and Tucker search for answers to Tucker’s real birth mother, Jake’s murder investigation leads to the same adoption agency. When there are more murders and Jane is threatened, the cases collide turning the lives of several people upside down.
Ryan has a knack for creating realistic and likable characters. She gives them strength and courage, but also flaws and self-problems. The secondary characters are also well-developed adding depth and flavor to the story.
The plot of THE WRONG GIRL flows smoothly and at a quick pace. While there are a number of things happening at once, the reader/listener isn’t lost in any confusion. The dialogue, as well as the bantering, among the characters pulls you in holding you captive as you try to figure out who the bad guys really are.
Ryan’s detailed descriptions of the locations enhances the story painting a vivid landscape of the setting. In addition, she brings out the true worries and fears print journalists face daily with cut backs and lay offs. Her own journalism background enriches the working aspects of this story. Her descriptions of Jane’s inability to get to the point of telling something without going into great deal hits home for this former newspaper journalist.
THE WRONG GIRL is a roller coaster ride of emotions topped off by suspense, humor and touches of romance. The action is heart-pounding, the characters memorable, and the intrigue spine-tingling.
The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan, A Jane Ryland Novel, Performed by Ilyana Kadushin, Macmillan Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1427232038, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 13.5 Hours
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.
Thanks for stopping by today. Hope you’re having a grand Sunday and finding time to do a bit of reading. Is there an era of history that you enjoy reading about more than others? What is your take on the adoption system?
Summer is fading fast as we come to another Sunday Salon to discuss the books we’ve read and discovered the past week.
Once again I have an odd combination of books to share with you. First up, I have my thoughts on a new thriller set to be released later this month. I had the great pleasure of reading this book ahead of time and can only say - pre-order now, you don’t want to miss this one. Second, I’m sharing my thoughts on a thriller featuring a newspaper reporter (a girl after my own heart) and the tangled web she encounters. Then, I’m concluding with a cute children’s book about Oscar the Octopus that’s entertaining and delightful.
Author Libby Fischer Hellmann takes you to a different place and time and brings you back to the present in her soon-to-be released thriller,
HAVANA LOST. It’s a mesmerizing story of lost love, conflict and suspense.
The story begins on the eve of the Cuban Revolution as Francesca ‘Frankie’ Pacelli, a headstrong 18-year-old American, flees the luxury of her father’s casino and lifestyle to be with her lover, Luis Perez. Frankie’s father, Tony Pacelli, is a ruthless Mafia boss determined his daughter should return to the U.S.
Life with Luis, a rebel fighting with Fidel Castro, is different. But Frankie quickly adapts and enjoys life. She becomes pregnant and the couple plan their life together. Meanwhile, Frankie’s father uses any means necessary - blackmail, torture - to find his daughter. He has her kidnapped from her home while Luis is away on a mission. The life Frankie dreamed of is shattered as she’s sent back to the states.
Thirty-plus years later a member of the Pacelli family is lured back to Cuba. But what is discovered is far more significant than the untold riches others are seeking. The consequences of those actions have dangerous results that come to a head twenty-plus years later.
HAVANA LOST is a spellbinding saga that follows three generations of a troubled family looking for wealth and happiness, but finding pain and sorrow with only glimmers of what might have been. The family’s search goes from the war-torn streets of Havana to the mean streets of Chicago. The story explores how strife and revolutions affect those it touches, and how the need for power and wealth can destroy.
Hellmann has created realistic, well-developed characters with secondary characters that add flare and depth to the story. Her protagonist Frankie is a character you will first love, then come to dislike, but still will have empathy for.
With an eye for authentic historical detail, Hellmann’s vivid descriptions of Havana and the sights and sounds of the Revolution places the reader in the middle of the action. You can almost feel the mist from the ocean, hear the musicians in the streets, and feel the terror and joy of a new life promised by the Revolution.
HAVANA LOST draws you in and holds you enslaved to know more. You feel the characters joy and happiness, as well as their pain and sorrow. A roller coaster ride of emotions and fast-pace action, the story will leave you wanting more.
For Frankie, HAVANA LOST is when love goes awry leading to a life never wanted, but one embraced with complete control and denial. A gripping tale of love, betrayal and absolute power.
Libby Fischer Hellmann’s website is http://www.libbyhellmann.com/. HAVANA LOST will be available on Aug. 16th.
Havana Lost by Libby Fischer Hellmann, The Red Herrings Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1938733383, Paperback, 300 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - A digital download of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Author Lisa Jackson has created a story that tugs on your heartstrings and keeps you on the edge of your seat in TELL ME.
Narrator Julia Whelan captures the listener’s attention with her pleasant voice sprinkled with Southern charm. Her vocalization of the emotions and actions throughout the story intensifies the author’s words.
After 20 years, the lead witness in a murder case is changing his testimony and the most hated woman in Savannah, GA, is about to go free. Blondell O’Henry was convicted of murdering her oldest daughter and wounding her other two children. It was the prosecution’s theory that Blondell, beautiful and sexy, wanted to get rid of her children to be with her lover. She allegedly staged the scene and blamed a mysterious intruder.
Now Blondell’s son is recanting his testimony and the case is falling apart. Before that happens, reporter Nikki Gillette is determined to find out the truth. The victim, Amity O’Henry, was her childhood friend. Nikki was suppose to be at the cabin the night Amity was killed. She had begged Nikki to meet her as she had a secret to tell that was a matter of life and death, but Nikki didn’t go.
The case is personal in other ways, as well. The murder happened at a cabin owned by Nikki’s family. Her favorite uncle was the attorney who helped save Blondell from execution amidst rumors that he was one of her many lovers. Now, Nikki’s fiancé, Detective Pierce Reed, is in charge of making sure the case holds together or he finds the real killer.
The more Nikki digs, the more secrets she finds and it seems someone has her in their sights. The tragic night 20 years ago appears to have many connection to Nikki’s own fractured family. Can she put the pieces together in time to stop a killer and get married?
Jackson blends mystery, murder, suspense, and guilt with a good dose of humor and wedding woes for a well-balanced story. The characters are well-developed and realistic. Some have quirks and flaws that make them memorable and add a bit of color to the story.
TELL ME moves at a steady pace filled with action and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The story flows smoothly as the past and the present are mingled together. Jackson captures the adrenaline rush of her protagonist, as well as the obedient child we all feel when parents are involved.
There are prior adventures of Nikki and Pierce, but TELL ME can be read as a stand alone.
Author Lisa Jackson’s website is http://www.lisajackson.com/
Tell Me by Lisa Jackson, Performed by Julia Whelan, Brilliance Audio, @2013, ISBN: 978-1441877147, Unabridged, 11 Discs, Listening Time: 12 Hours 23 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.
Ever wonder how octopus came to have eight arms? Author Yvonne Arroyo answers that intriguing questions in her delightful tale about 
Oscar the Octopus.
Oscar originally had only two arms and was quite happy. Then he meet the lovely Sharky McGhee. They were soon married in a fairy tale wedding and before long they were blessed with eight offspring.
Oscar discovered he couldn’t care for all of his family with only two arms. He has to make adjustments in order to keep up with his demanding family life.
Arroyo weaves a charming tale explaining why and how octopus came to have eight arms. It’s a quick read that will delight young and old alike.
The interior of the story is highlighted by Carl Wanzung’s colorful and beautiful illustrations. The cover of HOW THE OCTOPUS GOT EIGHT ARMS will quickly draw youngsters’ attention with the enchanting illustrations by Carla Francesca Castagno.
This is a fun story to share with the entire family.
How The Octopus Got Eight Arms, Two Arms Are Never Enough by Yvonne Arroyo, Interior Illustration by Carl Wanzung, Cover Illustration by Carla Francesca Castagno, Outskirts Press, @2013, ISBN: 978-1432793692, Paperback, 45 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks for stopping by today. Hope everyone is having a pleasant Sunday. What books have you read this past week? What books are you looking forward to reading? Anything here catch your eye?
Can you believe it’s already the last Sunday Salon of July and fall is just around the corner?
Hard to image we’ll soon be cooped up inside as cold weather descends on us. But no matter the weather, it’s always a good time to read an intriguing mystery and do I have one for you today. It’s my pleasure to 
welcome New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen here today to talk about the latest release in her Royal Spyness Mystery series, HEIRS AND GRACES.
Thanks to Rhys and the lovely Kayleigh at Penguin, I have one copy of HEIRS AND GRACES to giveaway. Please see the end of the post for the details. Now here’s a brief look at HEIRS AND GRACES:
As thirty-fifth in line for the throne, Lady Georgiana Rannoch may not be the most sophisticated young woman, but she knows her table manners. It’s forks on the left, knives on the right—not in His Majesty’s back
Here I am thinking the education I received at my posh Swiss finishing school would never come in handy. And while it hasn’t landed me a job, or a husband, it has convinced Her Majesty the Queen and the Dowager Duchess to enlist my help. I have been entrusted with grooming Jack Altringham—the Duke’s newly discovered heir fresh from the Outback of Australia—for high society.
The upside is I am to live in luxury at one of England’s most gorgeous stately homes. But upon arrival at Kingsdowne Place, my dearest Darcy has been sent to fetch Jack, leaving me stuck in a manor full of miscreants none of whom are too pleased with the discovery of my new ward.
And no sooner has the lad been retrieved than the Duke announces he wants to choose his own heir. With the house in a hubbub over the news, Jack’s hunting knife somehow finds its way into the Duke’s back. Eyes fall, backs turn, and fingers point to the young heir. As if the rascal wasn’t enough of a handful, now he’s suspected of murder. Jack may be wild, but I’d bet the crown jewels it wasn’t he who killed the Duke
Now here’s Rhys to talk about ‘Living with Her Royal Spyness.’
I’m always fascinated by the American fascination with royalty. Why did the colonies fight so hard to get rid of a king, only to spend the next two hundred years wishing they had one? Well, maybe the fantasy aura of royalty is better than the reality.
I can’t tell you exactly why I decided to write a book about the royal family. I have certainly enjoyed writing about a long-ago spunky female detective (Molly Murphy, who has now appeared in six books and is going strong). Historical mysteries have so many juicy motives that don’t exist any longer: I love another but I am not free. I am the true heir to the fortune. I will ruin you with the secret of your illegitimate child. In addition detectives in those days really had to work for their living. No DNA or other modern forensic methods to help them solve their crimes. Just good old fashioned sleuthing and use of the little grey cells.
In fact this series came into being because my editor had been urging me to write a big, dark standalone. I kept toying with serial killers, child molesters and terrorists and finally asked myself whether I wanted to spend six months in such company. The answer was a resounding NO. So a silly idea crept into my head. What if my sleuth was a sheltered, upper class British girl in the 1930s—what if she was a member of the royal family, not allowed to work, to go out unchaperoned, and destined to marry to some chinless, spineless, buck-toothed and utter awful European royal. Trying to solve a murder would indeed be a challenge, and fun. I would have a chance to poke fun at the British class system and chuckle to myself as I wrote.
And so HER ROYAL SPYNESS was born. However, the moment I visualized Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, I found that this was royal family life turned upside down. She may be cousin to the king of England. She may be destined to make a good marriage, thus cementing ties with a potential enemy, but she is penniless. She is too far from the line of succession to get any public money. Her father gambled away the last of his fortune. Her brother is saddled with horrendous death duties and can barely keep the Scottish estate running. He certainly can’t afford to go on keeping Georgie after she has come out into society.
So in the first book, she bolts to London and tries living on her own. Not an easy task for one who has never done a thing for herself. How does one light a fire and where
does milk come from? So she does the only logical thing—she starts a house cleaning service. Little do the owners of the London mansions know that their furniture is being dusted by the 34th in line to the throne, and that their loo is being cleaned with the bath brush!
Then the queen asks her to act as her spy. It seems the Prince of Wales has met a most unsuitable American woman. Georgie takes all this in her stride, until she finds a body in her bathtub and someone is trying to kill her.
I have now written seven books in the series, and as it progressed I realized something: Georgie was becoming me. Things that happened to her had happened to me in my youth in London. I had had a disastrous attempt at modeling. I had endured a most uncomfortable tea with the present queen. I had a friend who had habitually crashed society weddings.
Then I realized why this character was so closely mirroring my own life: like Georgie I have straddled the British class system enough to make me an observer and outsider. Georgie’s father was a royal duke but her mother an actress, whose father lives in a semi-detached house with gnomes in the front garden. My family was respectably professional — my mother was a school principal and my father a research engineer. But my father was self made, self educated and claimed to be a cockney (although I doubt he could have heard the sound of Bow Bells from where he was born). At school and college I started mingling with the daughters of society. My friend’s brother dated Princess Anne. And then I married into an upper class family whose royal roots go back to Edward the Third and who had owned Sutton Place. Suddenly I was meeting cousins with ridiculous nicknames like Fig and Podge. I was visiting relatives who live in stately homes, and I became horribly aware of how important the class system is to British society, even today.
Remember when William and Kate almost broke up because her mother was deemed too lower class for using the word “toilet” instead of “lavatory. It was huge in Britain. Headlines screamed “toiletgate.” The British upper class is still remarkably cruel, horribly snobby and make sure that those below them never cross class barriers. One can never ascend to the upper class, even today.
Giving Georgie one grandmother who was Queen Victoria’s daughter and one who sold fish in the East End has created the opportunity for my own wicked digs at the British class system, written by one who knows both sides, as Georgie does. When you read these book you’ll laugh, but as you laugh, remember it is all still happening today.
Oh, Rhys thanks so much for joining us and giving us this look at Georgie and how she came to be. With the new addition to the Royal Family, it will be interesting to see if any changes come about. You do have a most intriguing series here.
HEIRS AND GRACES (which debuts August 6th) is the seventh book in the Royal Spyness Series. It has been billed as the perfect fix between seasons for Downton Abbey addicts and in deed the story centers around the heir to a dukedom, discovered in the Australian Outback. Think of Crocodile Dundee coming to Downton.
Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of 2 mystery series and winner of many awards including both Agatha and Anthony. Born and raised in Britain she now divides her time between California and Arizona.
For more on Rhys and her writing, visit her website at http://rhysbowen.com/
GIVEAWAY DETAILS: To enter this giveaway, please send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Heirs and Graces.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of HEIRS AND GRACES is 8 p.m. (EST) on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Thanks so much for joining us today. Are you fascinated by the Royal Family or just a bit interested? Do you think Georgie would make a perfect new addition to the real Royal Family?
