by admin | Aug 27, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
“Whispers on the Dock” is the third book in the Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn series and was just as enjoyable as the first two. Each book in the series was very readable and just the right thing for a relaxing afternoon or evening. I liked the fact that the three sisters featured in the story were a good bit older than the usual primary characters found in Christian novels, particularly since I am a member of their generation myself. The plot and dialogue moved so smoothly that it was difficult to imagine that the book had been written by four different women. A little mystery, a little romance, and other challenging situations held my interest until the end.
The authors’ description of life in Nantucket and the inn were vivid and made me want to see it for myself. I thought the situations experienced by the sisters were realistic and their characters were quite believable. A strong message of faith was evident but subtle. I liked how Sam’s conscience bothered her when she did something she shouldn’t have and the way she resolved the issue.
“Whispers on the Dock” and the entire series are a charming way to pass the time and I hope to see more from this talented team of authors.
This book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Book 3 in the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series.
Three sisters. A charming inn. Hints of mystery and romance. And a gorgeous seaside setting. Escape to Misty Harbor Inn.
As Nantucket reaches the pinnacle of its summer glory, and the Marris sisters welcome guests at Misty Harbor Inn, youngest sister Sam Carter enters her mother’s cobbler recipe in the Summerfest baking contest. But she faces a formidable opponent, a past winner who is determined to keep her title even if it means stooping to dirty tactics. Can Sam’s newfound faith help her rise above the fray and reach out to this lonely woman? Meanwhile, an elderly guest arrives who knows the inn’s history, and the sisters are stunned to learn that their late mother lived there as a child. But she told them she’d never been to Nantucket until her honeymoon! Through the woman’s reminiscences and photos, the sisters make an intriguing discovery — not only about the mysterious Hannah Montague, the young woman who disappeared from the house in 1880, but also about their own family history.
Readers will delight in the inviting Nantucket setting and be enthralled by the adventures of these sisters who reunite to bring their mother’s Misty Harbor dreams to life.
Purchase a copy here.
More about the series here.
More About Evangeline Kelley:
Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.
Find out more about Evangeline HERE .
Welcome to the blog tour for book three in the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series, Whispers on the Dock (Guideposts Books). Come back to Nantucket and be enthralled by the final installment of the cozy intrigue of Misty Harbor Inn.
Enter to win the entire set of Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn.
Three winners will receive:
- Seaside Summer, Sunflower Summer and Whispers on the Dock by Evangeline Kelley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on August 31st. All winners will be announced September 2nd at the Litfuse blog.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to visit the
Litfuse blog on the 2nd to see if you won one set!
(Or better yet, subscribe to our blog (via the box in the top right sidebar)
and have the winner announcement delivered to your inbox!)
by admin | Aug 16, 2013 | Books, Cozy Mystery, England
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingRules of MurderBethany House Publishers (August 1, 2013)byJulianna DeeringABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JULIANNA DEERING has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, 2014).
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Downton Abbey Meets Agatha Christie in This Sparkling Mystery
Drew Farthering loves a good mystery, although he generally expects to find it in the pages of a novel, not on the grounds of his country estate. When a weekend party at Farthering Place is ruined by murder and the police seem flummoxed, Drew decides to look into the crime himself. With the help of his best friend, Nick Dennison, an avid mystery reader, and Madeline Parker, a beautiful and whip-smart American debutante staying as a guest, the three try to solve the mystery as a lark, using the methods from their favorite novels.
Soon, financial irregularities at Drew’s stepfather’s company come to light and it’s clear that all who remain at Farthering Place could be in danger. Trying hard to remain one step ahead of the killer–and trying harder to impress Madeline–Drew must decide how far to take this game.
If you would like to read the first chapter of Rules of Murder, go HERE.
by admin | Jul 20, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Romance, Suspense
MY REVIEW:
“Dolled Up to Die” is the second of The Cate Kinkaid Files and I found it just as entertaining as the first, “Dying to Read”. Cate is an assistant private investigator working for her uncle as she learns the business. Once again Cate becomes what one might describe as an accidental detective as seemingly routine investigations turn into life threatening situations.
I love Cate Kinkaid. She is both quirky and a little dingy but there is method behind her madness. She certainly has a penchant for getting in over her head but you have to admire her determination. At least she has boyfriend Mitch to help her stay grounded and watch her back. The quickly advancing plot is very clever with plenty of humor as a counterpoint to the escalating suspense. A strong message of faith is evident throughout without being too heavy-handed.
What else can I say without revealing too much? I have always enjoyed Lorena McCourtney’s novels and she has definitely not lost her special touch. Do yourself a favor and pick up one or both of The Cate Kinkaid Files novels soon.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cate’s not sure just what she expected . . . but she knows it certainly wasn’t this.
When Cate Kinkaid receives a frantic call about a triple homicide, she drives to the scene against her better judgement—aren’t triple homicides more up the police department’s alley?—only to find that the victims are not quite who she expects. Now she has a new rule to add to those she’s learned in her short stint as an assistant private investigator: always find out if the victims actually have human DNA. Because these three do not.
But who would shoot this nice lady’s dolls? What possible reason could the shooter have? And then there’s the startling discovery of another victim, who definitely does have human DNA . . . With tension that is matched only by humor, Dolled Up to Die is the exciting second book in Lorena McCourtney’s The Cate Kinkaid Files. Mystery fans won’t find a place to stop and take a breath in this fast-paced and intriguing tale.
“Fans of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will enjoy getting to know amateur sleuth Cate Kinkaid.”
—RT Book Reviews for Dying to Read
“Fans of McCourtney’s Ivy Malone Mystery series will quickly get the clue that The Cate Kinkaid Files will be just as quirky, charming, and fun.”
—Publishers Weekly for Dying to Read
• With over 200,000 copies of her Revell books sold, McCourtney keeps cozy mystery fans coming back for more
• McCourtney has won RWA’s coveted Daphne du Maurier Award for Mystery
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Dying to Read, Invisible (which won a Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Grants Pass, Oregon. Find out more at www.lorenamccourtney.com.
by admin | May 4, 2013 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery
MY REVIEW:
After reading the first two books in the Postcards From Misty Harbor Inn series, I can truthfully say that the series would be perfect to read during summer vacation or a long, lazy weekend. These novels invite the reader to join three sisters on Nantucket Island, the location of many happy childhood memories of family vacations there. When they discover that the Misty Harbor Inn is empty and has been allowed to deteriorate, Caroline encourages Gracie and Sam to join her in buying the property in order to open a bed and breakfast. Thus begins the adventure as each sister wrestles with the possibilities and then the process to make the inn their own. Not only was Misty Harbor Inn a dream of their late mother’s but it is the subject of many local legends and mysteries which include a missing widow and the possibility of secret rooms. Intrigued by its mysterious history, the three sisters are determined to discover everything they can about the former residents and what actually happened to them.
Each sister has a unique personality and background which at times causes a bit of conflict but their love for each other usually brings their differences to a quick resolution. The books themselves were easy and comfortable reads. I liked the fact that the three sisters were older and were of my own generation. I could also identify with them because I too am one of three sisters. The interaction between the characters was good with just the right balance of humor and conflict interspersed with normal, everyday life. Although contemporary in nature, this series has a nostalgic feel to it. Central themes are that you are never to old to follow your dreams and never too old for love.
These books were provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOKS:
The Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series (Guideposts Books) introduces readers to Caroline, Gracie and Sam as they gather for a vacation where they spent the summers as children, and follows their adventures as they fulfill their mother’s dream of opening a bed and breakfast. As the sisters heal from their mother’s passing, they bond in ways they never imagined and discover evidence of God’s hand in the unlikeliest of circumstances.
A team of four authors come together under the pen name of Evangeline Kelley to bring the unique personalities of each sister to vivid life and welcome audiences to the charming and historic island of Nantucket, complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air.
Seaside Harmony:
Three sisters, a charming inn, hints of mystery and romance, and a gorgeous seaside setting. Summer reading at its finest!
When Caroline Marris joins her sisters, Gracie Gold and Sam Carter for a Nantucket Island getaway, she has no idea how it will change her life. The sisters stumble upon Misty Harbor Inn, the place their late mother loved so much, and Caroline talks her sisters into buying the beautiful but dilapidated inn. But can free-spirited Caroline stay focused enough to make opening the inn a reality? Hand-drawn old postcards draw the sisters into the mystery of Hannah Montague, the young widow of the original owner. Can the sisters uncover the fate of this woman who disappeared in 1880? As Caroline and her sisters work together to make their mom’s dream a reality, they bond in ways they never expected.
Sunflower Summer:
Misty Harbor Inn officially opens, and Gracie Gold, the middle Marris sister, wrestles with an overwhelming decision. As the sisters learn the day-to-day workings of running an inn, Gracie counsels its first guests, newlyweds whose honeymoon seems to be ending before it begins. Meanwhile, Sam’s discovery of a clue in a secret room sheds unflattering light on Hannah Montague, who vanished from the house more than one hundred years ago. And as Gracie and Caroline welcome guests to the inn, they are delighted to see how God uses it — and them — to deepen relationships and transform lives.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Evangeline Kelley is the pen name for the writing team of Patti Berg, Pam Hanson & Barbara Andrews, and Camy Tang, the four authors who collaborated to create Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn. Each of them has published novels individually, but this is their first series together.
Find out more about Evangeline HERE.
Welcome to the series launch of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series. Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer are the first two books to release in this charming series highlighting the beautiful Nantucket setting – complete with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, ferries, sandy beaches and salty air. The series weaves together the stories of a family of sisters as they progress through their own unique personal journeys. Along the way, readers will discover the wonder of God’s love in the lives of each of his children and be drawn deeper and deeper into a mystery right alongside the characters.
Guideposts Books will be celebrating the release of the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn series with a Nook HD giveaway and a Facebook party on May 9th.
One fortunate winner will receive:
- A Nook HD
- Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer by Evangeline Kelley
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on May 8th. Winner will be announced at the Postcards from Misty Harbor Inn Author Chat Facebook Party on 5/9. Connect with Patti Berg, Pam Andrews, Barbara Hanson, and Camy Tang (who collaborated together under the pen name, Evangeline Kelley) for an evening of book chat, trivia, and fun! There will also be great giveaways (gift certificates, books, and more) as well as a sneak peek at the next book in the series!
So grab your copies of Seaside Harmony and Sunflower Summer and join readers just like you on the evening of May 9th for a chance to connect with the authors and make some new friends. (If you haven’t read the books – don’t let that stop you from coming!)
Don’t miss the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends about the giveaway via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 9th!
by admin | Aug 25, 2012 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery
MY REVIEW:
“Dying to Read” is a clever and whimsical cozy mystery featuring Cate Kincaid. Cate is a pretty smart girl but is baffled by the fact that she can’t seem to hold on to a job. Could it be that disaster seems to follow just a step or two behind her? Out of compassion, her uncle Joe, a private investigator, has hired Cate to be his assistant. Her first simple assignment is to locate a young woman for an out-of-town relative. Cate arrives at Willow’s last know address to find Willow missing and her employer dead. Although the police have ruled the death an accident, Cate believes otherwise.
With its zany cast of characters, several laugh-out-loud scenes, a good mystery with several possible suspects, and a little romance thrown in for good measure, “Dying to Read” is just the right book to lift your spirits. Cate is a great heroine – down to earth, a bit quirky and klutzy, but just stubborn and bold enough to follow her instincts. Even though there was a real possibility that Mitch could be the guilty party, I liked him well enough to hope that it wasn’t him. I truly enjoyed “Dying to Read” and look forward to future installments featuring Cate Kincaid. So glad I had a chance to read this book.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Lorena McCourtney has spun a fast-paced and witty romantic mystery in her new book, Dying to Read. From the very first chapter, she grabs your attention and keeps you hooked until the very end.
Cate Kinkaid is just dipping her toe into the world of private investigating until one of the many résumés she has floating around lands her a real job. All she has to do is determine that a particular woman lives at a particular address. Simple, right? When the big and brooding house happens to contain a dead body, this routine PI job turns out to be anything but simple. Is Cate in over her head?
Endorsements for Dying to Read & Lorena McCourtney
“With each new mystery series Lorena McCourtney skillfully creates a unique sleuth—and Cate Kinkaid is no exception in Dying to Read. I loved all the witty prose and the laugh-out-loud moments I’ve come to expect when reading McCourtney’s mysteries. Seasoned with romance and a fascinating collection of peculiar characters, this clever tale will keep you guessing about more than murder. Never a dull moment, Dying to Read is a winner!”
—Elizabeth Goddard, author of Carol Award–winning The Camera Never Lies
“Lorena McCourtney has fashioned a fun and engaging mystery that begs to be solved. And just when I thought I had figured it out, I realized she had added another layer. Mystery lovers, kick off your shoes, curl up somewhere comfortable, and prepare to be entertained! Dying to Read will keep you fully engrossed and guessing.”
—Kathy Herman, author of The Baxter series, Seaport Suspense series, and Secrets of Roux River Bayou series
“I adore Lorena McCourtney books. She’s one of my favorite authors. Dying to Read adds a delightful new tale to her stack of engrossing and entertaining mysteries seasoned with her signature wry humor. The fun and intriguing plot is populated by interesting characters with fascinating quirks, foibles, and challenges. McCourtney keeps the pages turning with fresh developments in a case that lures rookie PI Cate Kinkaid ever deeper into skin-tingling danger. I can hardly wait for the next book in this exciting new series!”
—Jill Elizabeth Nelson, award-winning author of Reluctant Burglar
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorena McCourtney is the award-winning author of dozens of novels, including Invisible (which won the Daphne du Maurier Award from Romance Writers of America), In Plain Sight, On the Run, and Stranded. She resides in Oregon.
by admin | Jul 21, 2011 | Books, Contemporary Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Romance
Shadows On The Sand is the perfect summertime book and would definitely be appropriate for a beach read. The story takes place in the small New Jersey town of Seaside with much of the action centered around Carrie’s Cafe’.
Carrie Carter and her sister have come a long way in the seventeen years since they fled an alcoholic mother and a life of neglect and abuse that had grown progressively worse. The proud manager of her own cafe’, Carrie couldn’t be happier except for the fact that her desire for a family is hampered by her lack of trust in men. Even so, she can’t help wishing that Greg Barnes, a frequent customer, would notice that she was alive.
Greg has actually noticed Carrie but he is haunted by the memories of the deaths of his wife and children and continues to feel responsible. His fear of losing another person he loves prevents him from acting on his attraction to Carrie.
When Carrie’s dishwasher turns up murdered and a young waitress walks out on her job several times without warning before disappearing entirely, Greg finds himself spending more and more time with Carrie as they try to discover what is going on in Seaside.
Not only is Shadows On The Sand an intricately woven mystery, but it is a sweet romance. Populated with some remarkable characters and a few reprehensible ones, Shadows On The Sand has a plot woven with unexpected twists and turns.
I enjoyed watching Carrie and Greg as they began to overcome obstacles from their past as they were forced to face difficult situations and to make difficult choices. Shadows On The Sand is a story of faith, forgiveness, and new beginnings. I would recommend that you add this one to your summer reading list.
