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Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why A Magnifying Glass Is the Perfect Christmas Gift

by Chautona Havig · 1 Comment

I don’t remember how old I was, but it had to be after I was ten or so. I’d just read another three or four Nancy Drews—the old pink, library hardbacks, in fact—and something about the books bugged me.

Nancy Drew books always had a magnifying glass somewhere inside. But why? She never used the things. I mean, there were pictures of her walking along, peering through it at the ground. And for what?

So, I did what all smart girls do (sometimes I was, you know–smart.  Sometimes).  I went and asked Mom about it. That’s when I learned about symbolism—the use of objects to trigger an expectation. That magnifying glass meant she was trying to solve a case—even if it didn’t mean anything to the actual story.

Kind of like me taking a trash bag up to my room to clean… it didn’t mean I’d actually do anything with it… just kidding.

Why A Magnifying Glass Is the Perfect Christmas Gift

Note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why A Magnifying Glass Is the Perfect Christmas Gift

So why am I nattering on about magnifying glasses? Why would they be a great gift?

Symbolism, people. Remember? I’m talking about Angela Ruth Strong’s A Caffeine Conundrum.

If you love Nancy Drew, ridiculously realistic characters, and a plot that keeps you tumbling from one mess to the next, you’re going to love this book. Coffee? Check! Tea? Check!

How about an adorable little dog who fails miserably at the guard dog job but makes up for it in comfort and cuddles? Ex-boyfriends who may or may not be guilty of everything from growing into hunky dudes when you weren’t looking to oblivion and possibly even murder?

Poison? Explosions? “Avalanches?”

Yeah, this book has it all, from the klutzy girl who could give Miss Congeniality a run for her money to murder, theft, and mayhem.

The best part is probably how neither girl is actually any good at this sleuthing thing. It’s kind of refreshing after the Nancys, the Miss Marples, and the Miss Fishers of this work, you know?

Seriously, just typing it all out—and avoiding typing too much—I should be telling you what a terrible book it was. But it wasn’t. Somehow Ms. Strong makes it work. How is that even possible?

All I know is if you like cozy mysteries with quirky characters and a less-than-obvious plot, you’re sure to love A Caffeine Conundrum. It seriously was just too much fun.

The good news is, it’s the first book in the CafFunated Mysteries.

And that’s why a magnifying glass is a perfect gift–and by magnifying glass, I mean A Caffeine Conundrum. Zip it to someone’s Kindle as a surprise if you need a last-minute gift or “stocking stuffer” or let Prime have it to your door before you leave on Saturday for cousin Hilda’s house.  You know how she loves a fun mystery…

Here’s a bit more about it.

A Caffeine Conundrum by Angela Ruth StrongTitle: A Caffeine Conundrum

Author: Angela Ruth Strong

Synopsis:  Solving a murder mystery is harder when you don’t trust your partner…or their taste in beverages.

Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to the small town of Grace Springs to start a coffee shop, never imagining she’ll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects.

The unlikely pair team up in an attempt to discover the real killer, though with the secrets in Tandy’s past and Marissa’s infamous clumsiness, they could be their own worst enemies. Despite their differences, they follow clues to question a sweet, apple pie baking antique store owner, a GQ Santa in the retirement center, and a hipster millionaire with no social skills.

Will they be able to figure out whodunit and prove their innocence before one of them goes to jail…or worse?

Has anyone else read this book?  Any of her others I should read while I wait for the next?

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Comments

  1. Phyllis says

    December 25, 2018 at 8:23 am

    I have read many of her books and love them. She loves to be over-the-top funny and somehow just makes it work. I recommend you read Dead on Arrival and False Security next. And probably throw in The Princess and the PI for mystery/suspense. Her other books are great as well. 🙂 I have reviews (and quotes from the books) on my site if you want to see more of my thoughts on them.

    Reply

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The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
byChautona Havig

 A chat with Tracie Peterson is always a treat, and this was no exception. Listen in as we talk about A Moment to Love, the last in the Hope of Cheyenne series. 

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

I’ve been loving what Tracie is doing in this Cheyene series, but something about this book really hit home. I think the themes of revenge for heinous crimes and the indignity of our work being stolen are things we relate to whether it’s the 19th or the 21st century.

Also, don’t miss out on her Christmas novella collection with Karen Witemeyer and Misty M. Beller, On a Midnight Clear. 

A Moment to Love  by Tracie Peterson

A shared heart for justice pulls them together, but is their love strong enough to survive their trials? Dr. Carrie Vogel’s heart is shattered when her groundbreaking medical research is stolen and falsely credited to her ex-fiancé. With years of diligent work lost, she grapples with the disastrous turn of her career and leans on her faith for strength. When she learns that her Pinkerton friend Spencer Duval is on a justice-driven mission to her hometown of Cheyenne, she agrees to an arranged marriage to provide him with a cover story. But merely pretending to be in love with Spencer becomes increasingly difficult the more time she spends with him. Spencer is determined to apprehend the ruthless murderer who killed his father years ago, but his quest ignites unexpected emotions–both for Carrie and about the desire for revenge that has dominated his life. As the web of suspects tightens, their futures hang in the balance, and they must learn to trust God’s plan as unexpected love takes flight. Return to Cheyenne, Wyoming, with bestselling author Tracie Peterson for a journey of healing and forgiveness in this exquisite western frontier romance that will appeal to readers of faith-filled stories and When Calls the Heart.

Don’t forget that you can get this and her other books at 30-40% off with FREE US shipping from Bakerbookhouse.com

Learn more about Tracie Peterson on her WEBSITE. Follow her on BookBub and GoodReads.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

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Episode 480: A Chat with Tracie Peterson
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