Thursday, October 3, 2013

Getting Back On Track


 


Well just to let you know I am still around but not ready to get back to the Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge yet.  I was sick with an infection that took 2 doses of antibiotics to get rid of it. It really zapped my strength and when you don't even feel like reading you know you are sick. I am better now but when I was feeling better I went and took care of my 22 month old grand baby for 4 days which you know leaves you no time to read or post. I take it back I did read but it was books like the Llama Llama series that he really likes right now. Nana is going to make a reader out of him too. Next week we have a funeral for my husbands Aunt and then maybe just maybe we can get back to normal with reading, blogging and doing the Cozy Mystery Recipes. Thanks for hanging in with me.
Here is a picture of my grand baby Ian






                                          Until Next Week


GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!





Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Still not back to Cozy Recipe Challenge

Just wanted to let you know that I still have not gotten back to doing the Cozy Recipe Challenge. I hope to this weekend or next week at the latest. I have been down sick with an infection and not been able to get to the baking. I am still planning on doing the Honeybee Scones from Agony of the Leaves A Teashop Mystery by Laura Childs as well as Maple Pecan Butter. Hope to have more energy and feel better by the weekend. At least I feel like reading again so will try to catch up on some of my books. Check back this weekend. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Till later

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Well that didn't happen

Just a quick note to let you know the Cozy Mystery recipe challenge for last week didn't happen because I got sick. You know you are sick when you don't feel like reading or baking and you love to do both. Stay tuned I hope to do the Honey Scones and Maple Pecan Butter this week

Monday, August 19, 2013

Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge Wk 3 from Agony of the Leaves by Laura Childs

  I bet you thought I had already given up on this challenge. Sorry for the delay but my granddaughter came and spent a few days with me and I didn't do any blogging. She did want  to try the Chocolate Crack from the last challenge so we made more of it. We had a good time just hanging out with each other and doing nothing. She went back to finish her last semester of high school and so it was nice to spend time together. She only lives about an hour away but we don't see each other enough. I told her that when they come up this weekend so my husband can work on her Mom's van that I would try making some scones and I think I have found the perfect ones and it works into this weeks challenge also.

So this week's Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge will be Honeybee Scones from Agony of the Leaves A Teashop Mystery by Laura Childs as well as Maple Pecan Butter.

I will be making these on Friday so that I will have them to serve Saturday morning when my daughter and granddaughter are here. I will be making them gluten free of course and will blog and show pictures Friday or Saturday. I will also review the book at this time so come back and check it out.

Be sure to check out Laura Childs and her books at  laurachilds.com

So until then
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Patchwork of Mystery Murder Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan Review

 

           Murder Plain and Simple by Isabella Alan

    When Angie's wedding is called off she is glad to move back to Amish Country in Ohio where her Aunt has left her Amish Quilt Shop to Angie. What she doesn't expect is to be in the middle of a murder and for it to happen in her quilt shop which makes her a suspect. Angie thinks she has to help Sheriff Mitchell find other suspects and the murderer to clear her name. She has to piece together the clues before he arrests her for the murder.

I love the book. Angie is smart, stubborn, inquisitive, and strong. Angie is starting a new chapter in her life by moving to Ohio and taking over her Aunt's Quilt Shop which takes strength and courage. She tries to shed light on other people who could be suspects in the murder of Joseph, who was murdered in her store and puts herself and her dog Oliver in danger.  The Author gives you several people who could have been the murderers which keeps you guessing. She has some really unique characters in the town that adds to the story. Who doesn't know someone like Willow, the teashop owner, who is a flamboyant whirlwind that never realizes how ridiculous she is at times. The book is a great read for those who love to read about the Amish, the Amish culture and community as well as those who enjoy a good mystery with twists and  turns. I love the setting in a small Amish community and the author paints a picture with her words so that you feel like you are standing on the sidewalk on  main street with all the Amish shops and buggies. I would give this book 5 stars and I can not wait to read more in this series. Besides we have to find out if there is romance in store between Angie and Sheriff Mitchell.

The quilting hints and how to at the end of the book was a big plus. Overall I think this was a great, enjoyable read and hope that you will read it when it is released Sep 3, 2013.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP  for sending me a copy of this book to review and give my honest opinion and review

Monday, August 5, 2013

Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge Wk 2 Hannah's Chocolate Crack Recipe from Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

I have to apologize for being late with last weeks cozy mystery recipe challenge. When I started this I wanted to see how many of these recipes could be made gluten free. Well this is what slowed me up because I had to find a store with gluten free graham crackers. I did find them at our local HyVee grocery store but didn't get them until yesterday. I made this recipe yesterday and here are the results for Hannah's Chocolate Crack recipe from Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke.

Apple Turnover Murder (Hannah Swensen, #13)

Review of Book:

I enjoyed this book. Hannah Swenson owns The Cookie Jar in Lake Eden Minnesota. She always seems to find time in between baking to find herself in the middle of a murder investigation. This time is no exception only at the fund raiser Hannah has told the victim of before he is killed. Now Hannah has to solve this mystery to keep her good name. This book starts a little slow but picks up and turns into a really good read. Hannah is a strong woman who seems to be able to handle what ever is thrown at her. She does some of her best thinking a nd mystery solving while baking. I think you won't be disappointed by reading this book or this series,. The recipes are really good also so that is another reason to pick this book up.

If you want more information on the Hannah Swenson Mystery series by Joanne Fluke you can check it out here http://www.murdershebaked.com/books.htm

Check out this book and get this and other recipes you won't be disappointed.

                                     Hannah's Chocolate Crack Recipe

This is a candy that is really easy to make and very good. It is a chocolaty, toffee crunch candy. The hardest part of this recipe is making the toffee and that is only because you have to continually stir it for five minutes. Good work out for the arms so that is a plus.

This is what it looks like after you pour the toffee on before you put it in the oven.

 
 
This is what it looks like after the chocolate is added.
 
All I can say is this is wonderfully addictive. It is very, very, sweet. I think it would be great after it is broken into pieces to put in cellophane and tie a ribbon around and add to a Christmas gift basket or just put in a contain for a Christmas gift from the kitchen. I will be making this over and over and giving as gifts.
You should definitely give this recipe a try. It is quick, easy and oh so good.
 
Until Next time
 
GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!
 

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Fugitive Love Inspired Suspense by Shirlee McCoy Review

Fugitive
click on book picture to go to Love Inspired Books

Fugitive by Shirlee McCoy is part of the Heroes for Hire Series. It is a fast but good read. Laney is hoping to move on from her past once and for all but that doesn't seem possible when Logan stumbles back into her life. In trying to run from her past Laney runs right into it. Now Laney is also running from a killer and the law.

 I wasn't sure if I wanted to read this book or not at first but from the first page I was glad I did and I truthfully enjoyed reading it. It is a book with a good plot and enough twists to keep you guessing, not only about who is behind the killing and trouble Logan is in, but also who is trying to kill Logan and Laney now, and on top of all that it is about both of them  facing the past head on. Mystery, suspense, and a little romance makes for a quick, good read. If you are looking for a book that is good, not too complicated, and a fast enjoyable read this is your book. I would recommend this book.

If you want to know more info about this book and Shirlee McCoy's other books you can check her out at http://shirleemccoy.com/

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Cozy Mystery Weekly Recipe Challenge Week 2

This week I was wanting something different than just dessert or a meal. I wanted just a snack that I could share with the whole family. I love anything with chocolate and I have been craving chocolate and sweet so when I found this recipe I knew it would be the one to do this week for the challenge. It meets all my requirements and I will be making it on Friday so that I can share it with all the grand kids and family.

I found this recipe in the book Apple Turnover Murder A Hannah Swenson Mystery by Joanne Fluke. The recipe for this week is Hannah Swenson's Chocolate Crack.  Check back Friday to see how it turns out. I will be reviewing the book at the same time. If you get a chance check out this and other Hannah Swenson Mysteries by Joanne Fluke. You can find more info about her and her books at http://www.murdershebaked.com/index.html Until Friday

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

My Attempt at Haley's Butter Cake from Agony of the Leaves A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs

My Attempted at Haley's Butter Cake
Week 1 Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge
 






I decided to make my first recipe Haley's Butter Cake taken from Agony of the Leaves A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs  today for the Cozy Mystery Recipe Challenge. I had to change one thing in the recipe and that was in place of regular flour I used gluten free flour because I can not eat gluten due to having an allergy to gluten.

I first have to say that I do not have a big kitchen, I have a old oven in our apartment, and I don't own a mixer. That being said, I think all things considered this was an easy recipe to make. It is a challenge to mix it by hand because it is a thick batter, but not impossible. I think that the difference in flour always makes the outcome of a recipe just a little different, but this one worked well. I used Domata 
recipe ready gluten free flour and it worked well.

This is a dense almost pound cake like cake or sweet bread. I melted down some chocolate and drizzled my piece with the chocolate because anytime you can eat chocolate it a good time. My husband and grandson put a dab of apple butter my grandson had gotten from the farmers market on theirs. It was really good, I was thinking you could put strawberries or peaches on it also. The possibilities are endless. This is a top view it looks burnt but it isn't must be lighting.
 
 
This is after I turned it out of the pan and you can see a better picture. I must admit with the gluten free flour like all things made gluten free it starts out all big and pretty and then sinks some. Doesn't hurt the taste just the presentation.





This is a big hit and we will be making this again.

Don't forget to read the book you can get this recipe in the back of the book.  There are more recipes in it for biscuits, scones, and tea sandwiches. I will be reviewing the book next week.

Give this recipe a try and look for all of the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs at
laurachilds.com

Next weeks challenge recipe will be announced Monday so keep following to find out what we will make next. Please leave a comment if you have a recipe from a Cozy Mystery you would like me to try.
Until then

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, AND SOME BUTTER CAKE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Cozy Mysteries Recipes Weekly Challenge Wk 1 featuring Laura Childs A Teashop Mystery recipe

I know I am a day late letting you know which Cozy Mystery Recipe I will be trying this week but here is the one I have chosen.
Haley's Butter Cake taken from Agony of the Leaves A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs. This sounds like a great cake that will go good with Apple Butter or Chocolate drizzled on it. Either way sounds fantastic. I will be baking this later in the week and will share pictures and how it tastes so check to find out how it turns out.

If you want more information on Laura Childs and her books you can go to her website at
http://laurachilds.com
She has three mystery series right now which are
The Tea Shop Mysteries
The Scrapbook Mysteries
The Cackleberry Mysteries

If you haven't read any of her books you should. The Tea Shop Mysteries include recipes and information on Teas and Tea Time tips.  Her Cackleberry Mysteries have recipes also. I will be reviewing the Agony of the Leaves by Laura Childs later.

I love when I can combine the things I enjoy like cooking, baking and reading.

If you have any suggestions of books and recipes from those books for this challenge let me know by leaving a comment at the bottom of this post. Until later

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Cozy Mysteries Recipes Weekly Challenge

   I was looking through my cozy mystery books and marking the recipes from the different culinary ones that I want to try and I was wondering have you ever tried any of the recipes from the books or not? If you have which ones and from which books and how did they turn out? I have not tried any personally, but have them marked as the ones I would like to try especially if I can make them gluten free since I have to eat gluten free. I must admit I love a good culinary cozy mystery book. I love when recipes are included.

  I thought I would try starting next week making 1 recipe a week from my favorite Cozy Mystery book recipes. I will let you know which recipe I will do on  Monday and from what book and then when I make it I will show a picture and let you know how it turned out. This should be fun. Feel free to make suggestions for me to try just remember to include the book the recipe is from.

I will start this challenge Monday July 22, 2013 so if you want me to try something let me know before then.

This should be fun.

Until Monday

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Another Big Hit Curse of the Holy Pail by Sue Ann Jaffarian

The Curse of the Holy Pail (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #2)

 The Curse of the Holy Pail (An Odelia Grey Mystery #2) by Sue Ann Jaffarian


I just have to say right up front I love this book and this series by Sue Ann Jaffarian. Last night I stayed up past midnight to finish this book because I just couldn't put it down, 4:30am came early this morning, but the book was well worth losing sleep over.

Odelia Grey is a plus size, smart, sassy, paralegal who seems to have a knack for getting into the middle of murder mysteries. Trouble just seems to find her even when she isn't looking for it. In The Curse of the Holy Pail a client for the firm she works for collects lunch boxes and when she goes to do some notary work for him he shows her his collection of lunch boxes, including his most precious one The Holy Pail.  Later that day he is found dead at his office and the pail missing and everyone assumes Odelia has the pail since he had sent her one from his collection earlier that day after their meeting. So again Odelia is thrown into danger while trying to solve this mystery that just happened to fall in her lap.

This book has a number of possible suspects and it keeps you guessing to the end who the murderer is. Odelia also goes through a range of emotions from fear, to anger, to sorrow and of course her love for her boyfriend Greg. It has everything mystery, mixed with a little romance and intrigue as well as giving us a look into the world of lunch boxes.  I think with this book we see even more into who Odelia Grey is and her character.


I can't say enough how good this book is and I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Thugs and Kisses (An Odelia Grey Mystery #3) by Sue Ann Jaffarian
 
 
Thugs and Kisses (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #3)

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Gem of a Ghost by Sue Ann Jaffarian Review

 Sue Ann Jaffarian is becoming one of my favorite authors. I really like both of her series The Ghost of Granny Apples Mysteries and Odelia Grey Mysteries. If you haven't read any books in either one of these series you are really missing out. She has another series The Madison Rose
Vampire Mystery Series
 
that I have not read any of the books. If you want to know more about her books check out her website at http://sueannjaffarian.com/

Gem of a Ghost (A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery, #3)

Gem of a Ghost (The Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery) Book 3 by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Another great book. Each one gets better. Emma has to find out if a ring is haunted and if so why. This book has ghosts, mystery, romance and is somewhat darker than the other two books. Makes for a good book that I recommend if you like the paranormal mixed with history and mystery. The Ghost of Granny Apples and Emma work together to help a ghost that is harming others and they take us on the wild ride with them and along the way we learn a little of the history of Jim Thorpe PA. The book piqued my interest into finding out more about the town and its legends which to me is a plus if a book can do that. Don't miss this book and the others in the series you won't be disappointed.

If you like me would like to learn more about Jim Thorpe PA (Mauch Chunk PA) then check out these sites:
http://www.mauchchunkmuseum.com/
http://www.jimthorpepa.com/


That's it for now on to the next book. Let me know what you are reading and

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE, A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Summer Reading What are you Reading

The last few days have been hectic at our house. We had a flat tire, with no spare and I think we bought a whole forest of Rubber Trees for the price we paid for a tire. Then our daughter had surgery on her elbow and they had to reattach her tendon. Then she went to the ER because her arm was hot to touch and she was sick an they found she has an infection at the surgery site. She was given antibiotics and is doing better now so finally I hope, saying with fingers crossed, that things are settling down.

Getting back to books I decided to make a list of books I want to read this summer but find there are so many good ones coming out that it is really hard to narrow down just a few. What are you planning on reading? Have any suggestions for me to read or books you have read that you could suggest to me?

Here is a list of the ones I know for sure I am reading over the summer:

1. Gem of a Ghost (A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery #3) by Sue Ann Jaffarian
2.The Curse of the Holy Pail (An Odelia Grey Mystery, #2) by Sue Ann Jaffarian
3. The Yada Yada Prayer Group (The Yada Yada Prayer Group #1) by Neta Jackson
4. Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries #1) by Rhys Bowen
5. A Cookbook Conspiracy (A Bibliophile Mystery #7)  by Kate Carlisle
6. Final Sentence A Cookbook Nook Mystery by Daryl Wood Gerber
 
Of course there will be others that I will read and review this summer but these are the ones on my list to read for sure. Maybe you could read them with me and let me know what you think of them. I love to connect with you and hear what you think. Till the next time:

GRAB A CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA, SOME CHOCOLATE AND A GOOD BOOK AND KEEP READING!




 



View the full version of this book online

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Marianne Harden's Malicious Mischief Cover Reveal and Giveaway

I am so glad to be a part of the cover reveal for Malicious Mischief by Marianne Harden. So here it is the cover:

I love the look of this cover. It catches your attention and makes you want to stop and look and get the book to read.


Malicious Mischief (Mischief and Mayhem, #1)

 by Marianne Harden


Excerpt

 

~When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty~

Am I a flake? Sort of. But I’m trying to change. My grandfather has property tax issues, and what troubles Granddad, troubles me. Good thing I’ve held down a steady job for months. A major big deal. Not the getting a job part—I’ve had lots—but the held down aspect. Somehow, I always end up unemployed, but not today.

Today, I am Rylie Tabitha Keyes, chauffeur to the seniors at Fountain of Youth Retirement Home (FoY.)

It was dawn Sunday as I eased my employer’s van from one freeway onto another. After that, I concentrated on the wet asphalt up ahead. I didn’t want to think about my job history or our financial woes. Instead I focused on the summery sunrise over the Cascade Mountains due east. I stared at it a moment, charmed by its contrast to the more typical Bellevue, Washington gloom brooding overhead.

I should’ve been asleep, but I needed to toss trash from a fundraiser rolling around in the back of the van. Leland Rosenberg, my boss at Fountain of Youth Retirement Home, had asked me to dump the bags at his second business, Rosenberg Laboratory, as FoY’s Dumpsters were full from a recent bathroom remodel. His mood had been edgy, kind of insistent I dispose of them last night. I confess, before I could carry out this task, a minor traffic accident and an all-important overnight obligation had waylaid me. I didn’t bother to sigh over how blunders always seemed to pepper my work performance. Some things were fated to be. After all, I slogged at my job for money not joy. It isn't that I don't like working at FoY, it just isn’t my dream gig. You see, I yearned to be a private detective, a Veronica Mars 2.0. Problem is, my grandfather is against the idea. Dead set against it.

So with the stench from the trash bags mounting, I steered FoY’s van onto the off-ramp and headed toward Rosenberg Laboratory just off the freeway exit. My mind was filled with thoughts of a steamy shower, maybe a few hours of shut-eye before punching the clock at nine. I stared forward, squinted. And iced over. Up ahead. Wrong-way traveling. A panel truck advanced, peeling rubber.

Faster.

Closer.

Zeroed in to hit me.

I whipped the van off the road, the red, white, and blue panel truck whizzing past. I slammed on the brakes, fighting to control the wheel. I wrestled with it, panicked, my mind flashing on one fortunate thing: no seniors were in the van.

Tons of hazards burst before my eyes. I struggled to absorb them. A mangled guardrail zigzagged up ahead; its many gaps from other out-of-control vehicles big as life. Worse was the wall of giant Douglas-firs growing beyond, lower trunks scarred, limbs low and swaying.

I was going to careen through the railing.

I was going to hit the trees.

I was going to die.

 

Book Summary

 

Career chameleon, Rylie Keyes, must keep her current job. If not, the tax assessor will evict her ailing grandfather and auction off their ancestral home. When a senior she shuttles for a Bellevue, Washington retirement home winds up dead in her minibus, sticky with a half-eaten s'more, head clad in a cellophane bag, and a pocketed complaint letter accusing her of driving by Braille, her goal to keep her job hits a road bump.

 

The deceased was thought to be a penniless Nazi concentration camp survivor with a silly grudge against Rylie. However, the victim has enemies who will stop at nothing to keep their part in the murder a secret.

 

Forced to dust off the PI training she's kept hidden from her ex-detective grandfather, Rylie must align with a circus-bike-wheeling Samoan to solve the murder, all while juggling the attentions of two very hot police officers.

 

Book Links

 




 

 

About Marianne Harden

 

Marianne Harden loves a good laugh. So much so, she cannot stop humor from spilling into her books. Over the years she has backpacked through the wilds of Australia, explored the exotics of Asia, soaked up the sun in the Caribbean, and delighted in the historic riches of Europe. Her goals in life are simple: do more good than harm and someday master the do-not-mess-with-me look. She divides her time between Switzerland and Washington State where she lives with her husband and two children.

 

Find Marianne Harden

 




 
 

Giveaway Rafflecopter

 

Marianne is giving away a $25 gift card to the book retailer of the winner’s choice. The Rafflecopter code is below:

 

 

 

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 23, 2013

What Are You Reading

A long weekend is upon us so what is in your future to read this weekend? I will be reading the third book in the Granny Apples series Gem of a Ghost (Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery). I really enjoyed the first two books and wanted to read the next one too. I hope it is as good as the others, I will be letting you know what I think of it.

Just a reminder of what to expect from some of my favorite authors in the next few months, here is a list of books coming out:
1. Daryl Wood Gerber new series Cookbook Nook Mystery first book Final Sentence is coming out July 2, 2013 check her website  http://www.darylwoodgerber.com/homepage.html out for more information
2. Kate Carlisle has a new one A Cookbook Conspiracy: A Bibliophile Mystery  June of 2013 check out her site for more information http://www.katecarlisle.com/index-mystery.php
3. Krista Davis has a new book The Diva Frosts a Cupcake (A Domestic Diva Mystery) coming out June 3, 2013 if you want more info go to her website http://divamysteries.com
4. Heather Graham has a new book in her Krewe Hunters series The Night Is Alive (Krewe of Hunters #10) out in July 2013
Some new authors for me that have books coming out in June and July are
1. Peg Cochran with her book Steamed to Death (A Gourmet De-Lite Mystery) will be out in June 2013
2. Sheila Connolly with her book Monument to the Dead A Museum Mystery  out June 2013
3. Donna Andrews with her book Hen of the Baskervilles (Meg Langslow #15) out July 2013
4. Lorna Barrett with her book Not the Killing Type (Booktown Mystery #7) out July 2013
5. Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg has a new book The Heist out in June 18 2013

I know that there are probably more books due out in June and July that I don't know about let me know if you have any favorites coming out then. Looks like it will be a great beginning to a summer of good books.

Leave me a comment and tell me what you will be reading this weekend and any books you are looking forward to coming out in June or July.

For now though:

Grab a cup of Coffee or Tea, some chocolate and a good book and KEEP READING!

Monday, May 13, 2013

Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini A Ghost of Granny Apples Series book 2 Review

I like to read a lot of different mysteries from Clive Cussler and Kathy Reichs to Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes to Cozy Mysteries. I have found several authors that I try to read all of  their books, but I am always looking for new authors and series to read. What authors and series do you like? What other genres do you read? I have found that The Ghost of Granny Apples Series to be one of my favorites. If you like a good cozy mystery that has a good plot and characters as well as paranormal then you might want to try this series. I just finished reading the second book in this series and after I finish another book will be reading the third book. If you want to find out more about Sue Ann Jaffarian and her books you can go to her site http://sueannjaffarian.com/ 
 Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini A Ghost of Granny Apples Series book 2 by Sue Ann Jaffarian

This is a enjoyable book. This is book 2 in the A Ghost of Granny Apples Mystery series. This series just gets better with each book. Emma is on vacation and meets the ghost of a young girl in a polka dot bikini. Emma and the ghost of Granny Apples try to help her and to find out how she died. Solving a mystery from over 40 years ago is challenging, especially when your ex father in law might know the victim. Emma is determined to find out what happened and who is responsible, which might prove hazardous to her health. If you haven't read this series I would recommend it. Murder, cover up, ghosts and a mystery that will keep you wanting to read more equals a really fun, fast and good read.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

What are you reading?

Hope all of you are having a great day and week. It is back in the 60's and 70's here so we have the windows open and enjoying the fresh air. I have been busy crocheting and reading as well as cooking, baking and in my spare time doing genealogy. I have been busy and loving every minute of it. What other hobbies do you have besides reading? I love genealogy, crafts, crocheting, camping, hiking, cross stitch and of course reading. I think you can find a mystery book that just about covers all of these and I try to do just that. If you like the outdoors Nevada Barr has a good series Anna Pigeon Mysteries set in National Parks. Good series for cooking and baking are Joanne Fluke Hannah Swensen series, Krista Davis A Domestic Diva series, Livia J Washburn A Fresh Baked Series, Laura Childs with her Tea Shop Mystery Series and Cackleberry Club Mystery Series, Cleo Coyle with her Coffee House Mystery series, Avery Aames with her A Cheese Shop Mystery Series, Daryl Wood Gerber with the new series The Cookbook Nook Series, and Jenn McKinlay Cupcake Bakery Mystery series and the list can go on and on. There even genealogy mystery series of which I haven't read any yet but plan too. Just about anything you are interested in has a cozy mystery series probably. A great site to help you find a series and I use it all the time is http://cozy-mystery.com/ go to this site and see if you can find a series and author you like.

I finished reading Too Big To Miss an Odelia Grey Mystery by Sue Ann Jaffarian. It is the first book in the series and I liked it. Good book. Odelia Grey is a BBW who is middle aged and never married. When her friend dies she finds out some shocking secrets about her and has to find out what really happened to her. Good twists and fun read. It is humorous at times, touching, add a little romance and a good keep you guessing mystery and it all equals a fun good read.

I am now reading another book of Sue Ann Jaffarian, Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini A Ghost of Granny Apples Series book 2. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and so far this book is right up there with the first.

Tell me about your hobbies, and what you are reading. Looking forward to reading your comments.

For now Grab a cup of Coffee or Tea, some chocolate, and a good book and KEEP READING!


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Crocheted Bookmark Giveway


Hi everyone. What a crazy month. My good friend ArthirItis has been visiting big time, causing me to not do much in the way of crocheting or typing. Then the husband was sick and we went with our daughter to the ER twice in one week. Our Granddaughter got the flu and gave it to her mother. Needless to say I haven't been on the computer much so trying to catch up on everything. I did finish reading Fool's Puzzle A Benni Harper Mystery by Earlene Fowler. I really enjoyed this book and hope to find her other books in this series. Benni's husband died and things in her life have changed. She gets a job running a folk art museum. She is trying to get things ready for a quilt show but things go crazy when she finds one of the artist dead and her cousin speeding from the museum. Benni has to find her cousin and who the murderer is as well as deal with the stand in police chief. The book is fun to read and keeps you intrigued by the many suspects. The tension and attraction between Benni and the police chief is an added bonus to the book. Just when you think you have it figured out a new twist comes along. I would recommend this book to all who like a good mystery and a strong independent woman sleuth.

A little side note Fool's Puzzle is a quilt pattern also called Drunkards Path. If you would like to see a picture of a Fool's Puzzle quilt block go to http://www.earlywomenmasters.net/quilts/f/foolspuzzle/index.html

My next book I am reading is Too Big To Miss An Odelia Grey Mystery by Sue Ann Jaffarian. What book are you reading? What book or series would you recommend for me to read next?

I was suppose to hold another giveaway for a crocheted bookmark a week ago. Sorry it is late, but here goes. The first 10 who comment telling me who their favorite author is and which book from that author is their favorite,  will win a crocheted book mark and one to give to a friend.

It is cold and a rain/snow mix is falling so I am going to get another cup of coffee and snuggle up with my book.

Till next time:

Grab a cup of coffee or tea, a good book, and some chocolate and Keep Reading!

Monday, April 8, 2013

Cozy Marathon Finished

Things have been crazy around here at our place. I was sick for a couple of days and then I had a flare up where all my joints were inflamed and hurting, so needless to say I wasn't doing much. Easter was busy. We always go to my parents and have a Taco dinner where everyone brings something. I have to eat gluten free so I have taco salad and a side of rice while the others pile on the Tacos. Even my grandbaby loves tacos, at least the insides of the taco not the shell. My older Grandkids hid Easter eggs for the little ones to find in the back yard and that was fun to watch them looking for the eggs. Ages were  11 mon, 16 mon, 2, 3, and 8. At the end only one egg was not found and the older kids who hid them couldn't find it either so I guess we have The Case of the Missing Egg on our hands. I am sure when the lawn people start mowing they will find it. I hope you all had a good Easter.

Now on to the Cozy Marathon. While not feeling well even holding a book hurt but I muddled through and finished reading the rest of the books in the Marathon.
Book 4 Just Desserts A Savannah Reid Mystery by G. A. McKevett it was good but it was hard for me to get into. I just kept reading and finished it but for some reason I didn't connect with police detective Savannah Reid. I will try another one in this series and see.
Book  5 Peril In Paperback A Bibliophile Mystery by Kate Carlisle I loved this book. Brooklyn Wainwright is invited to a neighbors birthday party and finds someone wants her neighbor dead. When another guest is killed mistakenly and the true victim was suppose to be Grace Brooklyn's neighbor then Brooklyn has to try to find who the murderer is before they succeed in killing again. Book has murder, mystery, books and twists and turns. Couldn't put it down. Will read the rest in this series. Book 6 Fire Engine Dead A Museum Mystery by Sheila Connolly was another good read.  My love for museums and history is what drew me to get this book and read it and I wasn't disappointed. There are warehouse fires and when one of them that is storing items from the Fireman's Museum Nell gets involved to help find who is setting the fires and who killed the guard in one of the fires. Good book and will read the rest of her books.  Book 7. Shamus In The Green Room by Susan Kandel One of my favorite characters is Cece Caruso, she loves vintage clothing and writes about people I love. Cece has written a biography of Dashiell Hammett and they want to turn it into a movie. The actor knows nothing about Dashiell Hammett so the studio wants Cece to tutor him, but the murder of one of his old girlfriends sends Cece into trying to find out who murdered her. Cece is an older Nancy Drew kind of person. She loves vintage things and solves murders. This is a good book and keeps you guessing. I like it because it is a light, fast, fun read that has interesting facts about Dashiell Hammett and a murder to solve. What more could you want.  Book 8 Christietown by Susan Kandel Another Cece Caruso mystery. This book is worth reading especially if you like Agatha Christie like I do.  A person claiming to be the descendant of Agatha has a new mystery town and asks Cece to do a play so she does A Miss Marple Mystery for the opening. True to form for Agatha and Cece someone gets murdered and Cece has to find the murderer before someone else becomes a victim, maybe even her. This book keeps you guessing and has so much more than just murder. If you are a Christie fan read this book. I love all of Susan Kandel Cece Caruso mysteries the only problem I have is I have read them all and would love to see a new one. Last book of the Cozy Marathon was 9. Butter Save Than Sorry A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers I had not read any of the other books in this series so maybe that is why I could not get into this book or the characters. I think you must read this series in order so I recommend you hold off on this book if you have not read the other ones first. I think it could be a good series. Magdalena Yoder runs a Mennonite Inn in PA Dutch country. She strikes me as  quirky and funny. She and her son are at a bank when it gets robbed by Amish men but something is just not right about them. She needs to find out who was behind this. I really had a hard time getting through this book since I knew nothing of the characters life's before this book. Had recipes too. My suggestion and what I am going to do is to get the first book in this series and read it and I will see if the rest are for me to read then. Leaving judgement on this book till then.

Next book I am reading is Fool's Puzzle (A Benni Harper Mystery #1) by Earlene Fowler. For now that is all. Will be having a contest for a crocheted bookmark next week. Check back.

Grab a cup of coffee or tea and a good book and
KEEP READING !



Friday, March 22, 2013

The Winner is....

The Winner of the book giveaway of A Plain Scandal by Amanda Flower is Cindi A. Congratulations Cindi. I hope you enjoy the book. To the others that entered there will be other giveaways so keep following. Next giveaway will be in April.

Now I was just wondering what is the first book or series that got you interested in reading? I can remember that my favorite books were the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew. I think they are what got me interested as a child in mysteries as my favorite genre. As I got older I decided that I like to read just about anything but mysteries are still my favorite. Leave a comment and let me know what is the first book you loved and who your favorite author is now.
Batting down the hatches here for another snow storm that I hope they are wrong about. Spring is not Spring like here right now.
Have a great weekend and Keep Reading

Monday, March 18, 2013

Review and Giveaway of A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower

I was asked to read and review A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower. I was given a ARC for this purpose and one to giveaway also. To get a chance to win the copy of A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery all you have to do is follow this blog and leave a comment. The winner will be picked at random from the comments.

A Plain Scandal An Appleseed Creek Mystery by Amanda Flower book 2 of series.

Chloe Humphrey lives in Appleseed Creek Ohio which includes the usually quiet Amish Community also.  The  Amish community is being rocked by someone who is attacking them and cutting the hair of the girls and beards of the men. Chloe gets involved to help find who is behind the attacks and she happens to stumble on the body of Ezekiel Young who has been murdered and his beard has been cut off also. Are these attacks and murder related? Why is the Amish being targeted? Who could possibly be behind these attacks and is Chloe in danger now too?

This book keeps you guessing with many possibilities of suspects so that you want to keep reading, because you want to find out just who it is behind the murder and attacks. It is a book you do not want to put down and that will be a surprise at the end.  I have spent time in the Ohio Amish country and can just picture myself there with Chloe and this community. I would highly recommend this book to the mystery buffs and cozy mystery fans that want a good read with a good plot, murder, romance, friendship and throws in the unique Amish Community, what more could you want.

The author Amanda Flower has another hit on her hands. This book has characters that you can see yourself being friends with. Find out more about this author and her books at http://amandaflower.com/Appleseed_Creek_Series.html


Monday, February 25, 2013

On to book 4 and 5 of Cozy Marathon

The Cozy Mystery Marathon is still on going. I have finished book 3  Murder By The Slice A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn and I once again enjoyed the book. Phyllis, Carolyn, Eve and Sam all are retired school teachers that seem to get involved in solving murders at the most unusual ways that always seem to involve a food contest.  When the head of the PTO ends up murdered Phyllis decides to try to find out who could be the murder.  This book was more predictable than the first one but still was well worth the read.  The recipes at the end look really good too. Recipes are always a plus and I think I will be trying a gluten free version of Phylis cookies and Carolyn's cake. If you like Murder She Wrote or Miss Jeffries books I think you will like this series. Give it a try. The characters are down to earth, older and its from a small town. Worth the read for sure.
I have started book 4 Just Desserts A Savannah Reid Mystery by G. A. McKevett and 5 Peril In Paperback A Bibliophile Mystery by Kate Carlisle since I got behind. It is not unusual for me to read two or three books at once as long as they are just different enough not to get the characters confused. I must admit I am also reading Inheritance by Christopher Paolini.

Since this is the beginning of the new week what is everyone else reading? Who are some of your favorite authors?


Grab a cup of coffee or tea, a good book and some chocolate and Keep Reading!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Snow, Snow and More Snow

Yesterday it snowed and snowed and snowed and at the end of the day and snow storm we had 12- 14 inches of snow. It was up to the door and in fact when I opened the screen door it would not open all the way because the snow was that high. I didn't get to do any blogging because we were afraid of losing power so I had the computer off. When I thought it was safe to try I turned the computer on and not 5 minutes or so later the power went out. Maybe I jinxed us, but luckily it was only out a minute or so but I decided to wait to turn it on till today. Now after we get dug out I will be back to blog more. It was a good day to read though and guess what I did read the rest of the cozy mystery I was reading. More on that later. Hope everyone has a safe warm day.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Cozy Mystery Marathon book 2 down

I have been reading book 2 of the Cozy Mystery Marathon and have started on book 3. When I listed the books I would be reading I mistakenly inverted book 2 and 3, and wanted to read in order of the series so I just finished A Peach Of A Murder A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn and have started the next one in the series Murder By The Slice A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn.

A Peach Of A Murder A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn was a fun read. It moved a little slow at the start but picked up and was well worth the read.  When people around Phyllis start being murdered and her friend Carolyn is the prime suspect, this retired history teacher decides she has to find out who really was murdering people before her friend is arrested. I can relate to the older characters in the book which is a plus and they are an interesting bunch of retired teachers who seem to have people murdered all around them. Carolyn and Phyllis are competing against each other at the Peach festival with their peach desserts and when one of the judges dies and  suspicion is thrown on both of them. This is a good read and I would recommend it to those who like an older sleuth that reminds me some what of Jessica Fletcher in the series Murder She Wrote. The included recipes are always a plus. I think I will be trying to make Carolyn's Peaches and Cream Cheesecake recipe.  I hope you will give this series a try. I don't think you will be disappointed and will definitely be surprised by the ending.

Now on too  Murder By The Slice A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn.
I also have added three more books to the Marathon to read after I finish the first 6 on the first list. I still have been unable to find a copy of Granny Smith Investigates by G M Dobbs so I am eliminating it from the marathon for now, but will continue to try and find it.
The list of the Cozy Mystery Marathon now is:
1. The Lord Is My Shepherd Book One The Psalm 23 Mysteries by Debbie Viguie finished
2. A Peach Of A Murder A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn finished
3. Murder By The Slice A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn
4. Just Desserts A Savannah Reid Mystery by G. A. McKevett
5. Peril In Paperback A Bibliophile Mystery by Kate Carlisle
6. Fire Engine Dead A Museum Mystery by Sheila Connolly
7. Shamus In The Green Room by Susan Kandel
8. Christietown by Susan Kandel
9. Butter Save Than Sorry A Pennsylvania Dutch Mystery by Tamar Myers

I have been enjoying doing this light reading by doing this Marathon. I hope if you haven't tried a cozy mystery or if you have but haven't read some of these authors that you will give them a try.
Let me know what you are reading. Oh and by the way I have had to put the books down at times because I have been asked to crochet another baby afghan and some jewlery so those patterns will be put on my Crafting Granny blog http://craftinggranny.blogspot.com/ when they are done. Check out my other blogs too please.
Back to the Books
KEEP READING

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

First Book Down in Cozy Mystery Marathon

I finished the first book in my Cozy Mystery Marathon  The Lord Is My Shepherd Book One The Psalm 23 Mysteries by Debbie Viguie and I must say I did enjoy it very much. When I first got the book I wasn't sure if it would be something that was up to the caliber of Avery Aames, Cleo Coyle, or Laura Childs but I must admit it was close enough to be an enjoyable read.

A Church Secretary, A Police Detective and a Rabbi, sounds like the beginning of a joke, but it is no laughing matter when Cindy the Church Secretary stumbles over a body. The trouble just begins there. This book keeps you guessing and has enough twist and turns to make you want to keep reading. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for the next book in this series. Now on to book two of the Marathon.

Read On

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Cozy Mystery marathon

I haven't been blogging for awhile since I have had to spend most my time trying to crochet Christmas gifts, birthday gifts and baby shower gifts. I am finished for the moment with all that and it is Cozy Mystery Marathon time. My list that I will be reading this next week is as follows:
Check out this website for another cozy mystery book http://tainted-archive.blogspot.com/2012/12/granny-smith-investigates.html let me know what you think.

1. The Lord Is My Shepherd Book One The Psalm 23 Mysteries by Debbie Viguie
2. Murder By The Slice A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn
3. A Peach Of A Murder  A Fresh-Baked Mystery by Livia J. Washburn
4. Just Desserts A Savannah Reid Mystery by G. A. McKevett
5. Peril In Paperback  A Bibliophile Mystery by Kate Carlisle
6. Fire Engine Dead A Museum Mystery by Sheila Connolly
7. Granny Smith Investigates by G M Dobbs if I can find it

Have started and will let you know what I think about the books once I finish the marathon.

Good Reading