I have read all the books in Orchard’s Port Aster Secrets series so I was expecting her new series to be similar. Boy was I wrong! Protagonist Serena Jones could not be any further removed from Kate Adams if she tried. Don’t get me wrong – I thought it was great!
Serena is a smart cookie with a penchant for trouble. She loves art and loves her job with the FBI investigating art thefts. When a friend asks her to investigate some missing paintings from the local museum, Serena jumps right in, hoping to prove her abilities. Little does she expect all the trouble the case will bring nor does she expect the number of suspicious candidates who might be the culprit.
“A Fool and His Monet” is a cozy mystery at its best with multiple suspects, some danger and action, a touch of romance, and a large dose of humor. What could be better? In my opinion, Sandra Orchard made a successful transition from romantic suspense to cozy mysteries. I simply cannot wait to see where Serena might take the readers next.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Sketchy politics and a palette of lies can’t stop Serena Jones from exposing the mastermind behind the daring theft of a priceless work of art
Serena Jones has a passion for recovering lost and stolen art–one that’s surpassed only by her zeal to uncover the truth about who murdered her grandfather. She’s joined the FBI Art Crime Team with the secret hope that one of her cases will lead to his killer. Now, despite her mother’s pleas to do something safer–like get married–Serena’s determined to catch thieves and black market traders.
When a local museum discovers an irreplaceable Monet missing, Serena leaps into action–and a whole heap of trouble.
Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
I believe “Buckhead Dead” is the first novel I’ve read by Deborah Malone and I’m not sure how I have missed out on her books. If her others are as entertaining as this one, I plan to remedy that situation asap. The first of a new series, “Buckhead Dead” left me wanting to spend more time with Skye, Honey, and Ginger. I will be watching for the next installment.
A cozy mystery, “Buckhead Dead” begins with Skye Southerland learning that their recent client had been murdered. As most readers of cozy mysteries can guess, Skye and her friend Honey, along with Honey’s cousin Ginger, get involved in the investigation – much to Detective Montaine’s dismay. This trio of gals are hilarious. They seem to operate by the seat-of-the-pants rule with most of their investigation what I would call spontaneous with side trips to parks, aquariums, etc., not to mention restaurants! Those girls seemed to eat all the time!
Needless to say, “Buckhead Dead” was fun and entertaining with a bit of danger and adventure thrown in for good measure. Disaster seemed to follow Skye around with hilarious results. She also learned along the way that she couldn’t judge people by their appearance or their past.
“Buckhead Dead” would be a great beach read this summer if you can wait that long or to read when you just need a good laugh. I recommend!
A copy of this book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Skye Southerland and Honey Truelove have just finished an interior design job for Sylvia Landmark, one of Buckhead’s most eccentric characters, and their designs are to die for. After a celebration at Sylvia’s home where they reveal the new décor, including a desk with a possible link to the pirate Blackbeard, Sylvia turns up dead, leaving the ladies wondering if this desk is worth more than they bargained for. Skye and Honey are now suspects in the murder of a woman who had few friends, and plenty of possible enemies. In an attempt to clear their names, Skye, Honey, and Honey’s loveable cousin Ginger embark on a journey to find the real killer, figure out the real history behind the desk, and clear their names before they end up going to jail, or even worse becoming the next victims! With plenty of warnings from Skye’s husband Mitch, and the ruggedly handsome Detective Montaine assigned to Sylvia’s case, these girls still manage to get right in the middle of the investigation, while having time to enjoy all that Georgia has to offer.
Giveaway
To celebrate the book tour, Deborah is graciously giving away a $50 Darden gift card. Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/94c8
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega,finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2011 and 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads” since 2001. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson, as well as the “Christian Communicator.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Guest Post From Deborah Malone
My Journey to Publication
Pack your suitcase and come take a little journey with me. Let’s start at the beginning. I believe I came out of the womb with a book in my hands. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love to read. I can still remember the smell of the library in my elementary school. I don’t know if it was dust or mildew, but I associated it with books. I loved that smell!
When I got a little older my friend introduced me to the library downtown. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. Book heaven that is! I think I read every mystery in the young adult section. I know many of you will remember Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon (then there will be others scratching your head). My main character, Trixie, in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series is named after Trixie Beldon.
When I was growing up my mother had severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and required a lot of help from me. I would read my books to take me away from all the responsibility for a while. Looking back I believe my mother realized how important books were to me because she always made sure I had plenty to read.
I married at nineteen and had two girls over the next few years. My youngest daughter became very ill leaving her seriously disabled and requiring around the clock care. So I stayed busy raising my girls. In 1999 I went through a divorce and Niki and I moved in with my dad. I would take care of both of them for the next 10 years until my dad moved into assisted living. During those years I started writing, and this like reading would take me away from the tremendous responsibility for a little while. I worked on my first book off and on for the next ten years.
Then one day I learned about the on-line writer’s group, American Christian Fiction Writers. I knew I wanted to write my book as Christian fiction, but didn’t know how. I learned everything I could about the craft of writing (and still learning) and rewrote my first book, Death in Dahlonega, as a Christian cozy. This doesn’t mean that it is a preachy or judgmental book, but one that is just good clean fun. I hope I can make my readers laugh a little and take them away from their stress for a minute.
My first book, Death in Dahlonega, was published in 2011 by Lamp Post Publishing of California. There are now four books in the Trixie Montgomery Cozy Mystery Series. My latest book is, Buckhead Dead, the first book in the new series, Skye Southerland Cozy Mystery Series. I am working on the second book in the series, Decatur Dead. One thing that is unique about my books is that even though they are fiction all of the settings are real. If you knew the area you’d recognize the buildings, roads, restaurants, etc. But you don’t have to be familiar with the area to enjoy the book. It is just icing on the cake.
A fun thing about my book, Buckhead Dead, (an affluent suburb of Atlanta) is that one of the main characters, Honey Truelove, wears Merle Norman Romance Red Lipstick. I had a book signing the other day at a nearby Merle Norman and we had a ball. It was like having a great big girl party. I’ve had a lot of good feedback from those that have read, Buckhead Dead. I am now wearing Honey’s signature color, Romance Red, and really like it. I didn’t think I could wear red lipstick, but I’ve had a lot of compliments on it.
I’m looking forward to finishing the next two books in the series to see what kind of adventures the girls, Skye, Honey and Ginger take us on. I hope that you will take that journey with them, too, and that you’ve enjoyed going on a little journey down memory lane with me.
There is a treasure hidden in an underground bunker and Trudi Coffey doesn’t even know about the treasure or that she has the secret to finding it. A strange visitor and subsequent office break-in send private investigator Trudi Coffey and her ex-husband/partner on a search for the treasure – but will they be on time?
From the first action-packed pages until the very end, “Annabel Lee” grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go. There are multiple questions to be answered in this story and little-by-little the truth comes to light. Unique characters are very well fleshed out and had me rooting for the “good guys”. Tension between Trudi and Samuel was realistic and believable. There were a few fairly violent scenes that might not be for the queasy. I personally could read it but would not want to view it in a movie.
I have not previously read anything by this author but am looking forward to the next volume of this series. I believe this is a book that both men and women might enjoy.
A copy of this book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fourteen miles east of Peachtree, Alabama, a secret is hidden.
The secret’s name is Annabel Lee.
She doesn’t know why her enigmatic uncle has stowed her deep underground in a military-style bunker. He’s left her with a few German words, a barely controlled guard dog, and a single command: “Don’t open that door for anybody, you got it? Not even me.”
Miles away in Atlanta, private investigator Trudi Coffey is visited by a mysterious older man calling himself Dr. Smith. He’s been trailing a man for a decade–a man she met through her ex-partner Samuel Hill–and the trail has led him to her office. The last thing Trudi wants to do is to contact Samuel. But it will take both of them to unravel this mystery–before it’s too late.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at FamilyFans.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allan Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full time.
I have to admit that I can often grow weary of Amish fiction but I know I can count on Suzanne Woods Fisher to provide me with a solid story that will always hold my interest. “The Imposter” was no exception. My only problem is how to review it without spoilers.
Readers of Suzanne’s earlier novels set in Stoney Ridge will delight in the return to familiar places and characters but new readers will have no problem jumping right into her latest novel. As one might expect, readers get an intimate look into the lives of several featured Amish characters; however they might just learn a few surprising secrets this time. There are some rumblings among the church leadership and members with a couple of the men who want to make sweeping changes without input from others. Then of course there is the expected romance. Actually this time there are at least two of them, both of which progress naturally as the story progresses. In fact other story elements often take precedence over romance.
All-in-all, “The Imposter” is a very satisfying read with strong and likable characters and a well thought out plot that moved along at the perfect pace. Some elements of the plot were resolved nicely while others will continue on at least into the next book of the series. I cannot wait to read “the rest of the story”.
Note:Previously reviewed for Revell on October 26, 2015.
This book was provided for review by Celebrate Lit.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . .
Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose.
What she doesn’t need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow’s farm just when help is most needed–and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She’s been deceived once before, and she isn’t planning on experiencing it again.
Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a tale of love, uncertainty, and trusting God to write your story.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children’s series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.
GUEST POST FROM SUZANNE WOODS FISHER:
If you think you have a pretty clear idea of what an Amish bishop is like—stern, authoritative, patriarchal?—have another think. David Stoltzfus in The Imposter is warm, kindhearted, a reluctant farmer, and quite attractive!
Sound like an unlikely character for an Amish novel? Maybe so, but David Stoltzfus is modeled after a bishop I met, years ago. This real-life bishop might be the most intelligent, thoughtful, spiritually sensitive, and well-read man I’ve ever met. We spent a morning talking Bonhoeffer in his Spartan living room, warmed by his woodstove.
I wanted to present the character of a bishop that best represented this man I’d grown to admire. So when it was time to create a proposal for a new series, I suggested ‘The Bishop’s Family,’ starring David Stoltzfus who was loosely based on this particular bishop.
Very loosely.
David Stoltzfus is a handsome, widowed father of six who runs a local bulk food store. His children are surprisingly nonconforming, outspoken, and fiercely protective of their clan. The real-life bishop is a farmer, happily married with four independently minded children, and looks…well, to be candid, he looks a little like Benjamin Franklin.
But here’s what they have in common: they both love to read, they love their families, and they love the work God has given them of tending a flock.
The Imposter begins as David Stoltzfus moves his family to Stoney Ridge for a fresh start, a new beginning. Things don’t start off well: his eldest daughter, Katrina, faces a crushing disappointment, his prodigal son Jesse has a bent for troublemaking, and then David realizes something fishy is going on in the little church.
A new life awaits the Stoltzfus family, but not the one they expected. Or wanted. But they are needed in Stoney Ridge, each one of them. Even Jesse. J
I hope you’ll feel as though you’ve made some new friends as you get to know David and his children. One thing I can promise: this bishop’s family will surprise you.
To most people, Evelyn Brandt lives an enviable life. Married to a senator, she has a fabulous home, clothing, jewels, and moves among the elite. Although thankful for what she has, Evelyn feels out-of-place in her own life. Her husband has molded her into the wife he thinks his position requires with no thought of her desires. When it all comes crashing down on her, Evelyn realizes that even her husband was not the man she thought he was and perhaps had never been.
Although “Change of Heart” is primarily Evelyn’s (Evie’s) story, it is also Trevor Whitley’s story. It doesn’t take the reader long to figure out that Evie has always been the love of his life but because he believed his best friend was a better choice for her, he stepped back and avoided the new couple as much as possible. When he learned Evie’s devastating news, he couldn’t help but come to her rescue and stand by her side as more and more shocking facts come to light. But will the secrets of the past catch up to him and prevent another chance at love?
“Change of Heart” is an emotionally charged story that reaches into the depth of its characters’ hearts. Its many ups and downs kept me wondering how anything could ever work out for either Evelyn or Trevor. An excellent story of love, forgiveness, and redemption, this novel is one to warm the reader’s heart. I strongly recommend it and “Paper Hearts”, the first book of the series. I look forward to the next installment and hope I will not have to wait too long for it.
This book was provided for review by The Tyndale Blog Network.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
A Colorado senator’s wife, Evelyn Brandt seems to have it all. But her carefully constructed life comes toppling down when the FBI crashes her society brunch with news that her husband has been arrested for embezzlement, and he’s far from repentant. It turns out this was only the start of his indiscretions—for which he has little regret.
As the weeks following the scandal turn into months, Evelyn withdraws, even shirking her duties with the philanthropic Valentine Volunteers. The inquisitive women of the group are determined not to let Evelyn’s divorce destroy her. They have big plans for her to use her long-forgotten artistic talent to reimagine the city’s iconic lamppost hearts. But doing so will force Evelyn to work closely with Trevor Whitney, her ex-husband’s former best…
Courtney Walsh is the author of Paper Hearts and the Sweethaven series. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
Talk about a money pit! At least it seems that way when every project turns into a bigger one in the run-down Victorian Millie and Al plan to turn into Millie’s dream B&B. It’s beginning to look like that will never happen. To complicate matters, Al has been drafted as manager of the softball team for the big Fourth of July game and squirrels are running rampant in his yard.
Then there is Susan, the new vet in town. She is perfectly happy with her new practice and a new boyfriend but her dad does not approve and plans to move to Goose Creek to keep an eye on her.
And what about Tuesday, the hippie/earth mother lady who plans to open a massage business in town. Why who wants a business like that in Goose Creek?
There are lots of things going on in Goose Creek and there are plenty of busybodies who want to keep up with it all. Plenty of drama and fun are in store as the summer progresses and things do not always turn out as planned.
I thoroughly enjoyed “Renovating the Richardsons” and its quaint and unique cast of characters. I had plenty of laughs along the way but found a strong underlying message woven throughout the humorous scenes. Several of the characters were forced to deal with change in one way or another. The author did a remarkable job with making it all work naturally. “Renovating the Richardsons” is an excellent story of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation. I’m glad I read it.
This book was provided for review by Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Things are finally starting to fall into a steady rhythm in the small town of Goose Creek, Kentucky. Millie Richardson is hard at work renovating a drafty Victorian house into a B&B. Her husband, Al, is busy writing checks for the renovations. And the new vet, Susan, has finally found acceptance from the town–not to mention a hunky new boyfriend, Justin.
But things never stay quiet for long in Goose Creek. The inner-county softball game is coming up, and Millie volunteers Al as team manager. But the softball team is a disaster. If they’re not going to embarrass themselves in front of the whole of Franklin County, Al needs Justin to play. But Justin lives just outside the city limits, and the rules say that players must live in town.
As if that weren’t enough to keep the town gossips busy, a massage therapist has come to town and opened up shop. Imagine–a massage parlor!–in Goose Creek! No decent Creeker will stand for it.
It’s up to Al and Millie–again–to save the day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Virginia Smith is the author of more than 20 inspirational novels and 50 articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense.
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Sandra Orchard is the award-winning author of many inspirational romantic suspense and mysteries, including Deadly Devotion, Blind Trust, and Desperate Measures. Her writing has garnered several Canadian Christian Writing Awards, a Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, a National Readers’ Choice Award, a HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and a Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. In addition to her busy writing schedule, Sandra enjoys speaking at events and teaching writing workshops. She lives in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Sandra’s books and check out the special bonus features, such as deleted scenes and location pics, at http://sandraorchard.com.
Deborah Malone’s first novel Death in Dahlonega, finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writer’s Category Five writing contest! Deborah was nominated for 2011 and 2012 Georgia Author of the Year in Novel category. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer, for the historic magazine “Georgia Backroads” since 2001. She has had many articles and photographs published, and her writing is featured in “Tales of the Rails,” edited by Olin Jackson, as well as the “Christian Communicator.” She is a member of the Georgia Writer’s Association, Advanced Writers and Speaker’s Association and the American Christian Fiction Writers.
Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at 
Courtney Walsh is the author of Paper Hearts and the Sweethaven series. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, was a New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller and a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. In addition, she has written two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is also an artist, theater director, and playwright. Visit her online at www.courtneywalshwrites.com.
Virginia Smith is the author of more than 20 inspirational novels and 50 articles and short stories. An avid reader with eclectic tastes in fiction, Ginny writes in a variety of styles, from lighthearted relationship stories to breath-snatching suspense.
