The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns is the first book in the Mystery Bookshop series. Recently widowed Samantha is opening a mystery bookstore. When the crooked realtor who sold her the property winds up dead in her yard, Sam finds herself in a real murder mystery. She sets out to solve it with help from her grandmother and other senior women from a nearby retirement village. Sam is also an aspiring writer, and her British cozy mystery is sprinkled throughout. This did not bother me but some may find it annoying. The book is a wonderful start to a new series, and I look forward to seeing how the characters develop as the series progresses.
Very rarely do I give up on a book, but I did just that with Full Bodied Murder by Christine E. Blum. This is the first book in the Rose Avenue Wine Club Mystery series. Due to the foul language in this book, I never got past chapter two. I can overlook a bit of language, but I do not want it to overtake the book especially when I am reading a cozy mystery. This one was simply not for me.
Mayhem and Mass by Olivia Matthews is the first book in the Sister Lou Mystery series. Sister Lou (short for Louise) invites her friend, Maurice, to be the guest speaker at a special presentation. While Maurice is popular, he has just as many people who do not agree with his views. When he is found dead in his hotel room, the suspects are many. The police do not seem to be taking the case seriously. That leads Sister Lou to team up with her nephew and a local reporter to solve the death of her dear friend. This is a religious themed mystery of sorts but religion is not the focal point. I enjoyed the characters and would definitely read another book in this series.
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
Etched in Tears by Cheryl Hollon is the fourth book in the Webb's Glass Shop Mystery series. I adore this series. I have read the previous books, but it is not necessary to enjoy this one. Savannah's first high school boyfriend, Dennis, returns to Florida for an art show. She barely has a chance to speak to him before his is whisked away only to end up dead before morning. Savannah agrees to help the police as an art consultant, but she gets pulled in much deeper. She and her friends set out to solve Dennis' murder. The glass shop setting is fun, but Jacob (an apprentice) and Suzy (his service dog) are easily my favorite part of the series. I am already looking forward to the next book!
Lynn Cahoon's Of Murder and Men is the third book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series. Cat finds herself pulling more than her weight at the writers' retreat when her business partner, Shauna, falls madly in love. The final straw is when Shauna fails to show up to prepare breakfast. When it turns out that Shauna's boyfriend has been murdered, Cat is pulled into yet another mystery. She juggles this new one while continuing to work on solving her ex-husband's murder. While this book can stand on its own, reader would benefit from having read the previous two books. I enjoy this series for the characters and setting. I especially liked the crossover with a character from the author's other series, Tourist Trap Mystery series.
Altered to Death by Christina Freeburn is the sixth book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This series. Faith is busy planning her wedding and putting together a scrapbook of the town's history. The mystery of what happened to the founding family is puzzling enough, but then a body is unearthed at the family's abandoned mansion. I read this book in less than a day. The story moved quickly, and the book was hard to put down. The mystery and sub-plots had several twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. While this is the first book I have read in this series, it will not be the last.
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Lynn Cahoon's Of Murder and Men is the third book in the Cat Latimer Mystery series. Cat finds herself pulling more than her weight at the writers' retreat when her business partner, Shauna, falls madly in love. The final straw is when Shauna fails to show up to prepare breakfast. When it turns out that Shauna's boyfriend has been murdered, Cat is pulled into yet another mystery. She juggles this new one while continuing to work on solving her ex-husband's murder. While this book can stand on its own, reader would benefit from having read the previous two books. I enjoy this series for the characters and setting. I especially liked the crossover with a character from the author's other series, Tourist Trap Mystery series.
Altered to Death by Christina Freeburn is the sixth book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This series. Faith is busy planning her wedding and putting together a scrapbook of the town's history. The mystery of what happened to the founding family is puzzling enough, but then a body is unearthed at the family's abandoned mansion. I read this book in less than a day. The story moved quickly, and the book was hard to put down. The mystery and sub-plots had several twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. While this is the first book I have read in this series, it will not be the last.
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Friday, December 29, 2017
Weekly Goals Update: Week 52 - Wrap Up
1. Completely Finish the New House & Update Property
Looking back I can see this was a huge goal and much too big for one year. The difference between doing it yourself on a budget and paying to have it done is enormous. While we still have some house projects and the yard needs work, we are happy to be in a completely paid for house. I know we will knock out the rest of the items involved with this. It just did not happen in 2017.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
This was a success. I am actually ahead on birthday gifts for next year. I am more focused on keeping an eye out for gifts throughout the year rather than right before the date. I feel like it got me back on track with gift giving.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
We had a good garden year. I can see some things I need to change going forward. It will help me be more focused in the future.
4. Take One Class a Month
I did fairly well with this one. I slipped when things got busy around the holidays. I would have been happy if all I did this year was learn to make macarons! I still have a long list of classes waiting for me.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
This was a great success. I love being able to support this ministry.
6. Boost Savings
This one was a bit hit and miss. I did add to savings just not as much as I would have liked. I am calling it mostly a success though.
Stop back by Monday when I will be sharing my goals for 2018!
Looking back I can see this was a huge goal and much too big for one year. The difference between doing it yourself on a budget and paying to have it done is enormous. While we still have some house projects and the yard needs work, we are happy to be in a completely paid for house. I know we will knock out the rest of the items involved with this. It just did not happen in 2017.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
This was a success. I am actually ahead on birthday gifts for next year. I am more focused on keeping an eye out for gifts throughout the year rather than right before the date. I feel like it got me back on track with gift giving.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
We had a good garden year. I can see some things I need to change going forward. It will help me be more focused in the future.
4. Take One Class a Month
I did fairly well with this one. I slipped when things got busy around the holidays. I would have been happy if all I did this year was learn to make macarons! I still have a long list of classes waiting for me.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
This was a great success. I love being able to support this ministry.
6. Boost Savings
This one was a bit hit and miss. I did add to savings just not as much as I would have liked. I am calling it mostly a success though.
Stop back by Monday when I will be sharing my goals for 2018!
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
X Marks the Scot by Kaitlyn Dunnett is the eleventh book in the Liss MacCrimmon Mystery series. This is the first book I have read in this series, but I had no problem jumping right in. Liss buys an old painting from the Chadwick mansion auction and is shocked to find a treasure map hidden in the back. It quickly become apparent that she is not the only one interested in the map. When strange things start happening even on her trip to Canada, Liss becomes determined to solve the mystery of the mysterious map. While it was not the strongest mystery I read recently, it did hold my interest until the end. The characters work well together, and the side stories were all relevant. This is a solid cozy mystery.
Where the Wild Coffee Grows by Jeff Koehler promises the "Untold Story of Coffee". Mr. Koehler definitely delivers. While a bit slow at times, it covers everything from the beginning of coffee in the wild to the problems it faces today. I particularly enjoyed reading about the culture of Ethiopia and how this region shaped the coffee we love today. If you are interested in learning more about coffee, this book is the one to read!
disclosure: I received these books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Where the Wild Coffee Grows by Jeff Koehler promises the "Untold Story of Coffee". Mr. Koehler definitely delivers. While a bit slow at times, it covers everything from the beginning of coffee in the wild to the problems it faces today. I particularly enjoyed reading about the culture of Ethiopia and how this region shaped the coffee we love today. If you are interested in learning more about coffee, this book is the one to read!
disclosure: I received these books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Monday, December 18, 2017
Weekly Goals Update: Week 51
1. Completely Finish the New House & Update Property
W got the new curtain rod and curtains up in the bedroom. He also started putting up the new fencing. I have serious doubts that much else will be done over the last two weeks of this year. There is still time to finish a few minor projects.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
I finished Christmas shopping although I still need to wrap everything. I even ordered the books for the first five birthdays of next year! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for gifts throughout 2018.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
The chickens have been enjoying greens from the garden as have the rabbits. I started some of the pepper seeds for my spring garden. I will get the rest of those planted by the end of this month. I want to fix the garden fence to seal off any escape routes so the puppy can get out there with me and run freely.
4. Take One Class a Month
I decided to take the rest of this year off and will get back to it after the new year.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
I got a start on next year's by ordering soap from Amazon yesterday. I might try to do some posts on packing a box on a seriously tight budget next year.
6. Boost Savings
I added a bit of money to savings this past week. We had a couple of unexpected bills which is just life. I was thankful for the money to pay them.
W got the new curtain rod and curtains up in the bedroom. He also started putting up the new fencing. I have serious doubts that much else will be done over the last two weeks of this year. There is still time to finish a few minor projects.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
I finished Christmas shopping although I still need to wrap everything. I even ordered the books for the first five birthdays of next year! I will definitely be keeping my eye out for gifts throughout 2018.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
The chickens have been enjoying greens from the garden as have the rabbits. I started some of the pepper seeds for my spring garden. I will get the rest of those planted by the end of this month. I want to fix the garden fence to seal off any escape routes so the puppy can get out there with me and run freely.
4. Take One Class a Month
I decided to take the rest of this year off and will get back to it after the new year.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
I got a start on next year's by ordering soap from Amazon yesterday. I might try to do some posts on packing a box on a seriously tight budget next year.
6. Boost Savings
I added a bit of money to savings this past week. We had a couple of unexpected bills which is just life. I was thankful for the money to pay them.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
How the Finch Stole Christmas by J.R. Ripley is the sixth book in the Bird Lover's Mystery series. Christmas is fast approaching in the small town of Ruby Lake. Amy, owner of Birds & Bees, finds that very few residents are in the holiday spirit once Franklin Finch takes over Christmas House Village and starts making changes. She never believed that anyone would go so far as to murder him though. I enjoy this series, and this book was just as good as the previous ones. It does stand on its own, but I high recommend the entire series. The characters mix well together, and the mystery kept me interested until the end.
Melissa Caughey's How to Speak Chicken focuses on chicken behavior especially the how and why. This is a wonderful book for new chicken owners. Long time chicken owners will find themselves nodding along at the information included. There is still something for everyone to learn about chickens from this book. The gorgeous chicken photos were an added bonus!
Seeds of Revenge by Wendy Tyson is the third book in the Greenhouse Mystery series. It is December on the farm, but Megan cannot focus on the upcoming holidays when there is another murder in Winsome. Megan picks up stranded Becca and soon get pulled into the family drama surrounding Becca and her estranged father, Paul. When Paul is found dead, Megan sinks deeper into the drama and mystery. This series continues to get stronger with each book. The characters mesh well together, and I enjoy the farm/cafe setting. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Melissa Caughey's How to Speak Chicken focuses on chicken behavior especially the how and why. This is a wonderful book for new chicken owners. Long time chicken owners will find themselves nodding along at the information included. There is still something for everyone to learn about chickens from this book. The gorgeous chicken photos were an added bonus!
Seeds of Revenge by Wendy Tyson is the third book in the Greenhouse Mystery series. It is December on the farm, but Megan cannot focus on the upcoming holidays when there is another murder in Winsome. Megan picks up stranded Becca and soon get pulled into the family drama surrounding Becca and her estranged father, Paul. When Paul is found dead, Megan sinks deeper into the drama and mystery. This series continues to get stronger with each book. The characters mesh well together, and I enjoy the farm/cafe setting. The mystery is strong and kept me guessing until the end!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Weekend Book Review: Ring in the Year with Murder
Auralee Wallace's Ring in the Year with Murder is the fourth book in the Otter Lake Mystery series. It is New Year's Eve, and Erica finds herself as a working guest at a party along with co-worker and best friend Freddie. The two run Otter Lake Security and their job is to keep an on eye on a guest who has received threatening notes. The mystery was good with quite a few twists and turns.
What makes this series for me is the combination of Erica and Freddie. The situations the two end up in and the banter between them is wonderful. I literally laughed out loud a few times. I had read a previous book in the series, but it is not absolutely necessary to enjoy this book. Ms.Wallace's writing style is wonderful and adds true humor rarely found in a cozy mystery.
disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not otherwise compensated for this review. All opinions are my own!
What makes this series for me is the combination of Erica and Freddie. The situations the two end up in and the banter between them is wonderful. I literally laughed out loud a few times. I had read a previous book in the series, but it is not absolutely necessary to enjoy this book. Ms.Wallace's writing style is wonderful and adds true humor rarely found in a cozy mystery.
disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not otherwise compensated for this review. All opinions are my own!
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
Canal Days Calamity by Jamie M Blair is the second book in the Dog Days Mystery series. Cam is rushing to finish the planning for Canal Days when she finds a local man dead behind her sister's shop. When the town handyman is arrested, Cam knows she must jump into the investigation and find the real murderer. I read the first book in this series. While it is helpful, it is not necessary. The mix of characters in this book is a definite plus. I enjoyed this book, and the mystery kept me guessing a bit until the end. The only downside for me was Cam's constant use of "good gravy". It is not enough to keep me from reading book number three though.
I was excited to read The Herbalist's Guide to Formulary by Holly Bellebuono. I am a big fan of using herbal remedies. This book is based on using a 4 Tier system for making remedies. While the book provides good information, it is not for a beginner. Very little information is given regarding preparation and dosing. I found the descriptions of how the body works a bit unnecessary. As good as the information is, the book left me wanting more.
A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes is the first book in the Keepsake Cove Mystery Series. Callie reconnects with her Aunt Melodie. Her aunt's sudden death finds Callie the sole heir of her estate which includes a music box shop and cottage in Keepsake Cove. Callie is not convinced that her aunt's accident was as simple as that and begins an investigation. The mystery in this book is not strong, but the characters and setting more than make up for it. Keepsake Cove sounds like such a charming place. This is a great start to a new series!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
I was excited to read The Herbalist's Guide to Formulary by Holly Bellebuono. I am a big fan of using herbal remedies. This book is based on using a 4 Tier system for making remedies. While the book provides good information, it is not for a beginner. Very little information is given regarding preparation and dosing. I found the descriptions of how the body works a bit unnecessary. As good as the information is, the book left me wanting more.
A Fatal Collection by Mary Ellen Hughes is the first book in the Keepsake Cove Mystery Series. Callie reconnects with her Aunt Melodie. Her aunt's sudden death finds Callie the sole heir of her estate which includes a music box shop and cottage in Keepsake Cove. Callie is not convinced that her aunt's accident was as simple as that and begins an investigation. The mystery in this book is not strong, but the characters and setting more than make up for it. Keepsake Cove sounds like such a charming place. This is a great start to a new series!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Monday, December 4, 2017
Weekly Goals Update: Week 49
1. Completely Finish New House & Update Property
The only thing I accomplished on this goal was finally buying curtains for the living room and bedroom. I have picked out a curtain rod for the bedroom, but W will need to build one for the living room. The weather is supposed to be damp and rainy all this week. That will limit what we can do.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
I did end up ordering a second copy of Moo for my nephew. I am almost done with the photo gifts for my parents. The plan is to order those this week. With the cooler weather moving in, I will put on a Christmas movie, make some hot chocolate, and wrap gifts this week! The photo gifts should be the last thing on my list to purchase. It will be nice to be done early.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
I will start harvesting some lettuce this week so salads will be on the menu more often. I have also been harvesting greens for the rabbits. I need to harvest some for the chickens this week.
4. Take One Class a Month
I will be focusing on Christmas treats this week. I doubt there will be any extra time for a class. I plan to pick this back up after the holidays.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
Done! This year's boxes went to Tanzania, Mali, Belize, and Jamaica.
6. Boost Savings
No extra money into savings this past week. This seems to be a bad time of year for savings. I did use some Amazon gift cards to buy a few wants/needs. I am at least trying to avoid any impulse purchases.
The only thing I accomplished on this goal was finally buying curtains for the living room and bedroom. I have picked out a curtain rod for the bedroom, but W will need to build one for the living room. The weather is supposed to be damp and rainy all this week. That will limit what we can do.
2. Plan Ahead for Birthday & Holiday Gifts
I did end up ordering a second copy of Moo for my nephew. I am almost done with the photo gifts for my parents. The plan is to order those this week. With the cooler weather moving in, I will put on a Christmas movie, make some hot chocolate, and wrap gifts this week! The photo gifts should be the last thing on my list to purchase. It will be nice to be done early.
3. Use the Garden to Be More Self-Sufficient
I will start harvesting some lettuce this week so salads will be on the menu more often. I have also been harvesting greens for the rabbits. I need to harvest some for the chickens this week.
4. Take One Class a Month
I will be focusing on Christmas treats this week. I doubt there will be any extra time for a class. I plan to pick this back up after the holidays.
5. Pack Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes on a Budget
Done! This year's boxes went to Tanzania, Mali, Belize, and Jamaica.
6. Boost Savings
No extra money into savings this past week. This seems to be a bad time of year for savings. I did use some Amazon gift cards to buy a few wants/needs. I am at least trying to avoid any impulse purchases.
Saturday, December 2, 2017
Weekend Book Reviews
Slay Bells Rings by Karen Rose Smith is the seventh book in the Caprice De Luca Mystery series. Caprice is busy with holiday home staging for Chris, a friend of her dad. Chris also plays Santa for the town. Chris' strange behavior confuses his friends and family, but nothing is as bad as when he is found murdered. Caprice finds herself drawn into the mystery which is not as simple as it seems. I enjoy the characters and setting of this series. While I have read a previous book, it is not completely necessary. I found the mystery very interesting, and the side stories added to the book!
Daryl Wood Gerber's A Deadly Eclair is the first book in the French Bistro Mystery Series. Thanks to a generous benefactor Mimi realizes her dream of owning her own bistro and inn. She is set to host the wedding of a famous talk show host, Angelica. The wedding guests are an eclectic mix that do not always get along. The weekend takes an awful turn when Mimi's benefactor and uncle of the bride is found murdered. Mimi sets out to avenge his murder. The setting is fun, and the characters definitely have room for growth and development. I look forward to seeing how the series develops since the first book left me wanting more!
Garden of the Lost and Abandoned by Jessica Yu tells the story of Gladys. Gladys is a reporter in Uganda writing a column titled "Lost and Abandoned". The column features children searching for their families. Gladys takes it much further by investigating both children and families. When no families can be found Gladys takes on the children's care all while struggling to support herself. The stories are hard to read at times, but Gladys in an inspiration. The book is wonderfully written and captures the hard truth of daily life in Uganda.
Ellen Crosby's The Vineyard Victims is part of the Wine Country Mystery series. Lucie witnesses former presidential candidate Jamison Vaughn drive his SUV into a pillar at the entrance of her winery. It seems like much more than a tragic accident. Lucie dives into the mystery that becomes more and more complicated. While this book fits into the cozy mystery genre, it is more serious than a typical cozy mystery. The characters are well developed, and the mystery was filled with twists and turns. If you prefer your cozy mysteries with a bit more depth, this is the book for you!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Daryl Wood Gerber's A Deadly Eclair is the first book in the French Bistro Mystery Series. Thanks to a generous benefactor Mimi realizes her dream of owning her own bistro and inn. She is set to host the wedding of a famous talk show host, Angelica. The wedding guests are an eclectic mix that do not always get along. The weekend takes an awful turn when Mimi's benefactor and uncle of the bride is found murdered. Mimi sets out to avenge his murder. The setting is fun, and the characters definitely have room for growth and development. I look forward to seeing how the series develops since the first book left me wanting more!
Garden of the Lost and Abandoned by Jessica Yu tells the story of Gladys. Gladys is a reporter in Uganda writing a column titled "Lost and Abandoned". The column features children searching for their families. Gladys takes it much further by investigating both children and families. When no families can be found Gladys takes on the children's care all while struggling to support herself. The stories are hard to read at times, but Gladys in an inspiration. The book is wonderfully written and captures the hard truth of daily life in Uganda.
Ellen Crosby's The Vineyard Victims is part of the Wine Country Mystery series. Lucie witnesses former presidential candidate Jamison Vaughn drive his SUV into a pillar at the entrance of her winery. It seems like much more than a tragic accident. Lucie dives into the mystery that becomes more and more complicated. While this book fits into the cozy mystery genre, it is more serious than a typical cozy mystery. The characters are well developed, and the mystery was filled with twists and turns. If you prefer your cozy mysteries with a bit more depth, this is the book for you!
disclosure: I received these e-books through NetGalley but was not otherwise compensated for these reviews. All opinions are my own!
Friday, December 1, 2017
Frugal Friday
In spite of being a bit spend-y recently I have worked on saving some money.
I did very little Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping. I had been on the lookout for a new crockpot since the lid on mine no longer closes securely. I ended up purchasing it from Kohl's along with some on sale curtains for the house so I could get free shipping.
I waited on sales for the online consignment stores (Schoola, Swap, and ThredUp). I was glad that I waited until Cyber Monday when the sales were better, and I got free shipping.
I never got around to making my Christmas cards this year so I followed a tip from Frugalwoods. I ordered postcards from VistaPrint. I waited for a sale so they were budget friendly.
I focused meals on what we had on hand. I am cleaning out the refrigerator freezers first, and then I will tackle the big freezer. I am not doing an official pantry challenge, but I am trying to eat what we have.
I ordered some free magazine subscriptions with a couple of free gift cards, points from Recycle Bank, and Reward Survey.
I did very little Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping. I had been on the lookout for a new crockpot since the lid on mine no longer closes securely. I ended up purchasing it from Kohl's along with some on sale curtains for the house so I could get free shipping.
I waited on sales for the online consignment stores (Schoola, Swap, and ThredUp). I was glad that I waited until Cyber Monday when the sales were better, and I got free shipping.
I never got around to making my Christmas cards this year so I followed a tip from Frugalwoods. I ordered postcards from VistaPrint. I waited for a sale so they were budget friendly.
I focused meals on what we had on hand. I am cleaning out the refrigerator freezers first, and then I will tackle the big freezer. I am not doing an official pantry challenge, but I am trying to eat what we have.
I ordered some free magazine subscriptions with a couple of free gift cards, points from Recycle Bank, and Reward Survey.
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