Review: Dying To See You

Dying To See You by Kerena Swan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was surprised by this book. I don’t want to say more about that as I hate ruining a book for someone else. I enjoyed it. I liked the way the author wrote the ending to this.

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Review: Baby Teeth

Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was captivating! I started listening about 11 hours ago and completely listened to it until the end. This is the number one book of the year for me. Zoje Stage is brilliant! She expertly kept me horrifyingly enchanted. If you haven’t listened to the audio version of this book, I urge you to do so. The narrator, Gabra Zackman, took this book to the next level! I haven’t heard a better narrator. She read this book in such a manner that she totally added to the creepiness creating a movie inside my mind. If you read this in book form, ask the library if they have it on audio. You will be blown away!
I wish I could give it more than five stars! I honestly want to listen to it again.
Read this book. Buy it. Borrow it. Request it from the library. Just do it. If you do any of the readathons, this book is perfect for it. It will keep you awake and reading!

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Review: A Deadly Brew

A Deadly Brew by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. It didn’t take long to read but that was because I kept wanting to read. I like the balance between the characters, especially Jill and Greg. Their differences are balanced with respect. I really enjoyed the mystery. I believe in haunts. I think we do leave imprints on places we lived or loved, especially if we experienced a lot of emotions there. My belief coupled with the author’s knowledge of Wicca made the story very interesting for me.
It is a clean cozy mystery. It is a good pick for late summer/fall reading. I think the YA crowd would enjoy it as much as older people.

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Review: Real Actors, Not People

Real Actors, Not People by Karen Musser Nortman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the eighth book in the series. I have not read any of the others in the series. It is my first time reading this author. I first heard of this book at a Facebook party. I was excited about it because I love camping. I also found it intriguing that the mysteries will most likely move around. I found this to be interesting as locations, victims, suspects and witnesses will be different. I was wondering how that might affect the series and if I should start with the first book. Then I was notified I won a copy of this book.

I was able to enjoy the mystery with no problem at all. Yes there were hints of prior mysteries but nothing that made me feel as if I was left out of the loop. I loved the idea of family and friends going on camping adventures together. I felt right at home with Frannie and the gang. There was no awkwardness of being the outsider wondering about all I missed. It was the welcoming, friendly feeling you really do get from most campers. The reality show aspect was fun. Just imagining some actors out in the “wilds” building fires and living without luxuries was hilarious. I think the author did well with blending what we imagine they are like with what may be realistically more accurate. I don’t want to go into the mystery. I am always afraid of ruining the story. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fairly easy to solve but a fun book to read. I do want to go back and read prior books though it isn’t necessary. I just think the people were fun and the author did a wonderful job bringing the camping experience to me. I found the book to be appropriate for those who enjoy “clean” books.

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Review: Mischief in Italy

Mischief in Italy by Beate Boeker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won this book during a Facebook party.

This was such a fun book to read! It is definitely a summer fun book. This does not mean that you can only read it during the summer. What it means is if you are wanting to take a book-cation and enjoy the summer time feeling, this book is perfect. It is set in Italy with a small part in Germany.

The book is told in first person chapters, told by four main people. Yes. That is right. Four narrators. I can imagine your thoughts right now. I myself would have been thinking, ‘well, that is three too many.’ Do not make that mistake! It works out divinely. I actually cannot wait for this to come out on audio though I am scared to death for it to come out on audio. I want it done with two narrators: one male, one female. I want the narrators to be able to do two voices each: one old, one young. I know that is asking a lot but it would be so amazing. It is the only pairing that would do justice to the perfection of this book. So knowing the almost impossibility of this, I fear what I wish for. It is just that the author wrote these characters so well you truly come to know them. I remember having the thought that they were written in such a way that the author brought them to life with what she didn’t say as much as she did with what she did say. It is an amazing feat! Even the lesser characters, who have their turn narrating, were wonderfully written.

The story is delightful. It had me laughing, gasping in disbelief, worried and holding my breath in anticipation. I don’t want to go into any of it though. I want you to experience the deliciousness of it yourself. It is a clean read so can be enjoyed by everyone, though some may want more heat. For me, it is a treasure as it is.

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Review: The Mystery Of Hollow Inn

The Mystery Of Hollow Inn by Tara Ellis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The edition I am reviewing is actually the Audible one.

I listened to this book with my grandchildren in two different states. There was a total of 2 girls and 4 boys ages 4-12. We use video calling to read together.

The story begins with two 12 year old friends, Sam and Ally, arriving in Montana. They went by bus to vacation at the inn owned by Sam’s aunt and uncle. Upon arrival it becomes apparent that there won’t be cell phone service. Something that dismays one but delights the other. When a teenage boy, working at the inn, lets it slip that there is a legend attached to the inn, the adventure begins!

My grandchildren found it fascinating that the girls were allowed to go alone on a bus from California to Montana. They do not travel alone. This caused some excitement and a few questions. The cell phone being taken out caused some anxiety for the kids, too. Personally I loved that the author made a point of showing them they would not only survive without it, they would have fun. I was also impressed that the author made the point that while some people are very comfortable and even attached to social media, others are not. I always think it is important that differences be shown and accepted. The said they really liked how the author described things. They were able to picture it in their minds and watch the story unfold, which is something I have always loved about books. We all agreed the author did an excellent job with the narration. We are looking forward to the next book.



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Review: Bad Mommy

Bad Mommy by Tarryn Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Much like a train wreck, I couldn’t stay away. This story grabbed me and I listened all the way through with only a few breaks. I don’t even know if I really like the story. I plan to listen to it again. There is crazy and then there is another level of crazy. This goes in the second crazy status.
The narration on this was awesome! I enjoyed it.
This might not be for you if you are offended easily. If you can handle people having real thoughts and feelings, (no judgment from me..I believe I am only responsible for my words and deeds), then you might find this story fascinating.


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