Death Drops lead to good reading

Death Drops by Chrystle Fiedler, published by Gallery Books

First in the Natural Remedies Series, this is a good read with interesting characters, romantic potential, a bothersome ex, a dysfunctional family and, oh yeah, a murder.  I enjoyed this book a lot.  I am hoping to have more opportunities to learn about Willow, Jackson, Merrily, Hector and Allie.  My one complaint is that I'd have liked to have had fewer "letters to Dr. McQuade" tips.  Maybe have a naturopathic hint every couple of chapters instead of one per chapter.  The story is well-structured, with well defined characters and their interactions.  My suggestion:  try the Natural Remedies way - you'll feel better if you do.

A Wish and A Prayer lead to an uplifting read.

A Wish and a Prayer by Beverly Jenkins, published by HarperCollins


Back Cover Blurb:

Anyone worried that living in a small town could be boring certainly hasn't lived in Henry Adams, Kansas. From the wealthy divorcÉe who saved this historic town founded by freed slaves to the romantic entanglements that have set tongues wagging and hearts fluttering (and everything in between), there's plenty to keep the lovably eccentric townsfolk busy.

Preston Miles is happy living with his foster parents, but an e-mail from his maternal grandmother is about to change all that. . . . Riley Curry, the former town mayor, is convinced his pet hog, Cletus, acted in self-defense when he sat on—and killed— a man. Now Riley just has to prove it in a court of law. . . . And as for Rocky, she has already had a lifetime of hurt. Will she risk opening her heart—and her life—to Jack?

Warm, funny, poignant, and unforgettable, Beverly Jenkins's latest excursion to Henry Adams is a true delight—a welcome return to a place that always feels like home.

This fourth visit to Henry Adams, Kansas is a joy to read.  I first discovered the Blessings series as a Free Friday offer for the Nook by Barnes and Noble.  It was love at first read.  These books are heart-warming, laughter-causing, teary-eyed novels that remind me of the best principles to live by.  The way that the characters have grown over the course of the 4 novels is wonderful.  If you are looking for a read that is going to leave you feeling warm inside, look no further than this book.

Good Buy Girls are good reading

50% Off Murder by Josie Bell (aka Jenn McKinlay and Lucy Lawrence), published by Penguin Group

Back cover blurb:  

Maggie Gerber-one of the founding members of the Good Buy Birls- loves her quiet life in St. Stanley, Virginia. But all that changes when Sam Collins, her old flame, moves back to town as the new sheriff. On top of that, Claire Freemont, a librarian and the newest member of the Good Buy Girls, starts acting utterly strange.

When Maggie goes to visit her the next day at the library, she finds the body of a very dead man. Turns out the man is someone from Claire's past. As the handsome new sheriff zeroes in on Claire, it's up to Maggie and the rest of the Good Buy Girls to use their bargain-hunting skills to hunt a killer-while making sure they don't pay too much in the process...

This first in the "Good Buy Girls" series is an excellent read.  The main character is enjoyable and the rest of the Good Buy Girls are just as good.  The death of a stranger in the basement of the library leads to revelations about some of the characters that give them more depth.  The town of St. Stanley, Virginia sounds like the kind of place I'd like to live in.  I'm looking forward to getting to know these characters better.  Keep writing, Josie!

First Impressions Some wonderful releases this week

I've read 6 brand-new releases and one 'new to paperback' release this week.  Here are my first impressions:

50% Off Murder by Josie Bell, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247020.
    Fabulous new series, fun characters, can't wait for next book


Reap What You Sew by Elizabeth Lynn Casey, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247068
    Another in a consistently good cozy series, always enjoy


A Pizza to Die For by Chris Cavender, published by Kensington, ISBN 9780758229533
    Enjoyable read, probably would need to start with "A Slice of Murder" to understand character interactions better


A Killer Read by Erika Chase, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247037
    Good story, excellent characters, realized at 'denouement' that I missed the clues Erika dropped


Hounds Abound by Linda O Johnston, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780425247051
    Enjoyed visiting with characters, excellent read for animal lovers


The Long Stitch Goodbye by Amanda Lee, published by Penguin Geoup, ISBN 978045123463
    Love the characters (old & new), good mystery


The Cat, The Wife and the Weapon by Leann Sweeney, published by Penguin Group, ISBN 9780451236470
    Good read, love discovering back story on characters


Almost forgot a release from last week!


Drift:  The Unmooring of American Military Power by Rachel Maddow, published by Crown Publishing, ISBN 9780307460981
    Thought-provoking book (not my usual read!), I went back to school and paused to review what I read as I read (reading comprehension, don't ya know!)