Review: A Devil of a Time

A Devil of a Time by Mona Marple
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book of the A Witch In Time Series. This series is being written by several authors, each of whom has a main character and a mystery to solve. In the previous book we met Vee and time traveled to New York. In this book we meet Felicity, (Flick), and go to 1999 London. This series is fast becoming a must read more series. I love that each character goes on her own adventure, (though the other characters may make appearances), and solves their own mystery. So far, you don’t need to read the books in order of publication. I would encourage you to, though, just for the fun of it and, of course, to meet each witch. In the weeks before the first book was released I found myself wondering who will be my favorite witch. I think it is going to be more difficult than I thought to choose her.
I love that Flick is in a beginning of the craft, (by this I mean she is becoming an independent witch). She comes from a prestigious line of witches, yet seems to truly want to find her own way. Her Gram places emphasis on high standards and the family. She has made sacrifices for them and expects Flick to do the same. Yet she loves Flick deeply. Flick is aware of all this but isn’t certain making the sacrifices her mother and grandmother made are for her. This complexity makes for an interesting secondary story. I found the mystery that Flick needs to solve intriguing and fascinating, (perhaps because Johnny and Candice had me remembering Sid and Nancy - I probably just dated myself there but I was a fan and their story was heartbreaking for me). Another thing I loved about the story was the way Flick tried to use her power to do good. It’s not often that I feel like crying in a mystery but I did with Bill and his wife.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this bewitching series. I find myself wondering about the next witch, her personality and mystery, at odd moments of the day. I am also anxious for more from both Vee and Flick.


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Review: Better Witch Next Time

Better Witch Next Time by Stephanie Damore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I heard of this series, I was curious. It has a number of really good authors but I have been disappointed before with witchy books. Stephanie Damore, my first time reading her, surprised me. I was impressed to see real craft knowledge in the story. Not only that but treated respectfully. The mixing of reality and fantasy was well done. The mystery of what happened to Irene was interesting. The introduction of shifters, expected. I liked Vee immensely and adored Michael. Ms. Damore set the bar high with the first book in this series. I’m truly excited to read the other books in this series.

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Review: The Guilt We Carry

The Guilt We Carry by Samuel W. Gailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book description really sucked me in. I have been wanting to read it since I read that. Thank you to Goodreads and the author for the opportunity to read this as a Goodreads giveaway winner.

I was wrapped up in the book though that didn’t happen until almost the halfway mark. There is a lot of descriptive writing that leaves little to be imagined. At the same time that descriptive writing allowed you to distinctly hear the major sound of the book. Sorry to be a little vague but I’d rather you read the book. There were three places where the plot did not hold up for me. One had to do with a death, the others with Alice. I really liked Alice. I could form a fairly accurate idea of who she is, which is where the two breaks from the story come in. Despite these three spots, (two get addressed though, for me, not satisfactorily), I was still invested in the story I was being told. I did like the ending. I would have liked to know more about Elton and Delilah though.
I am interested in reading another book by this author.



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Review: A Charming Blend: A Magical Cures Mystery and A Killer Coffee Mystery Crossover Mystery

A Charming Blend: A Magical Cures Mystery and A Killer Coffee Mystery Crossover Mystery by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Charming Blend by Tonya Kappes features a blend between Roxy and Patrick from the Killer Coffee Series and June Heal from the Magical Cures Series. If you aren’t familiar with the two series, I’m sure this book will have your interest peaking. If you are familiar with them, you might want to catch up a bit with the Killer Coffee series. This blend has a spoiler if you are not caught up.
Roxy and Patrick have left Honey Springs to visit the town of Whispering Falls. Love is in the air and mixing with magic. Sassy and Pepper are with them and Mr Prince Charming can be found at A Charming Cure. They add some furry shenanigans to the fun. Of course, some favorites from the Magical Cures Series make appearances as well as a dead body.
The story is told from alternate viewpoints, first Roxy then June. The name of the narrator is listed at the beginning of each chapter so you can easily check if you need to. The setting is at Christmas, which is one of my favorite times. The story is a fun, quick and easy read. It is a light but complete mystery. I really enjoyed the blending of the series. I am looking forward to seeing June and Roxy together again so I am truly hoping there is more crossing over to be done.
I first read this story as part of Cozy Christmas Crimes - A Cozy Christmas Box Set. I am pleased to see the story offered individually. I voluntarily reviewed this book after enjoying it a second time.

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Review: Game Players

Game Players by Anita Waller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the third book I have read by the author. In this one, a group of children are involved. After they witness a drug dealer bury some drugs things go down hill. This book was full of twists and surprises. There is violence with children involved, so please consider that when choosing to read it. I know that some have a difficult time with that. I dislike it but have to admit, for this story, it fit. I felt the author portrayed the children accurately. I didn’t really like most of the adults and don’t think the author wanted me to. I would recommend the book to readers of crime and those who like thrillers. I expect I will be reading more from this author.

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Review: Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder by Tonya Kappes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder is the 5th book in the Tonya Kappes series, “A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery.” It is not necessary to read the books in order as each has its own completed mystery. It is my recommendation that you do. The world building is ongoing with characters changing slightly with the books, (mostly adding a character or two). You will understand the relationships easier when read in order. Ms. Kappes does include a quick update that is woven so well into the story those familiar with the series will enjoy it as much as newcomers.
This series is one of my favorites. Perhaps it is because I spent so much time as a child in Southeast Kentucky where the story is set. My family were big campers, too. I can vividly picture the fictional town and campground. Ms. Kappes does a wonderful job painting the town and campground within the very real and beautiful Daniel Boone National Park. The characters are well written, each with their own personality that are very relatable. You quickly become friends with owner and narrator, Mae West, the Laundry Club gals and others from the town. There is a romance blossoming as an ongoing secondary story. If you enjoy romance mixed in your cozy, you will definitely want to read the series in order. This book is set during the spring time when a Civil War re-enactment and an after party are set to go. The citizens of Normal are ready to participate and Happy Trails campground is filling up with spectators. The only thing not planned are a prison break, murder and a major theft that threatens not only the re-enactment and the good people of Normal but also Mae and Happy Trails! Hunky Detective Hank Sharp is on it and wants Mae to stay out of it but sometimes fate just decides differently.
At the end of the book there are some camping hacks and a couple of recipes. I’m planning on making those gooey cinnamon buns in the morning. I’m also thinking of trying, in home, the hack for the omelet recipe just because it sounds interesting.
I highly recommend this fun book and the series to cozy mystery lovers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced, unpolished, electronic copy of this book. I am purchasing a finished copy because I enjoyed it so much, (and because I want a completed set of this series. It is one I know I will read again).

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Review: Ginny Moon

Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a difficult book for me to read. First, there are children in my family who are autistic. Second, abuse, child abuse, hits me hard. I have personal experience with it. To have a main character dealing with both..I knew it was going to be difficult. There is out right child abuse and implied possible sexual abuse. From my experience, I believe sexual abuse happened. Fortunately the author of this book knew how to get the point across with having to detail it. I am grateful.
This book had me emotionally distraught a lot. I was angry at Gloria and even Crystal. I expected to be angry with them. I didn’t exactly expect to be angry with Maura. I was though, even when I could understand why, I was a bit angry at her. It is a heartbreaking story that is, unfortunately, very realistic. In the end it is triumphant but the road there was not one very many can walk.
I did find myself, at times, forgetting the age of Ginny. She thinks much younger than her physical age. Some may say it is her autism. Other the abuse she suffered. I think, perhaps, the two mixed together. This is a case where early childhood home setting interrupted the child’s growth. I was feeling, for awhile, that every adult was failing Ginny.
If you are looking for a book about a child’s experience on the autism spectrum, this one might not be what you are looking for. The child was influenced by neglect and abuse as much as the autism. However I do think it is a book worth reading. The author does do a very good job with portraying autism. I think he did well blending the neglect and child abuse with the autism. This book, in my opinion, makes an excellent choice for book clubs or buddy reads. It is a book you want to discuss. I know I do.

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