I'd seen the covers of her books--lovely Regency titles that intrigued me. However, when we put out the call for authors in our upcoming series, The Independence Islands, I never imagined I'd see her name among the applicants. Well, let's just say that not only was Carolyn Miller an excellent Continue Reading
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Great Things Happen When You Mix Danger and Donuts
The title was a clever play on words when juxtaposed with the quirky cover images. The combination screamed "Cozy mystery," but the synopsis, categories, and opening chapters argued back. "No! Suspense!" Of course, that meant I was riveted, right? Not only that, the writing kept me riveted, Continue Reading
My First “Top Book” of 2021 Begins HERE!
The cover got me first. It was "my" Madeline, but of course, no one could tell if they didn't know the photographer's work. So, combine WWI, poppies, and "my" Madeline... well, I had to read it, right? Yeah. Among the Poppies (review here) by J'nell Ciesielski was the best debut novel I've ever Continue Reading
When Your Creativity Fails, Kill a Beloved Character:
Get your safety harness strapped on because this book will take you on a roller coaster ride of suspense, action, and all the feels. I’m talking about Jennifer Pierce’s, Deadly Connection, and today I’m talking with Jennifer Pierce herself! We talk about her love of fiction, her iffiness with Continue Reading
The World is Full of Depraved People
There's such a fine line between mental illness and the natural result of the depravity of man. The True Colors Crime Series sure does show the true colors in the hearts of men--black as coal and burning even hotter. I don't necessarily like being reminded of the ugliness out there, but I do Continue Reading
A Regency Christmas to Delight Your Heart
The cover of An Ivy Hill Christmas sold me. While my daughters are enormous fans of Julie Klassen, I had not read anything by her. However, the festive air of snow on hedges, evergreen boughs, a manor house, and a gentleman... well, who wouldn't be impressed? By the time the book arrived, I Continue Reading
Can We Create an Amazing Garden in the Desert?
Truth be told, I don't know. Some do. We have gorgeous gardens here in Ridgecrest (which is only an hour from Death Valley... just for reference). None of those gorgeous gardens have ever grown at our house, aside from that amazing crop of corn we had one year. Usually, we are content to grow Continue Reading
Why This Is My Favorite Book of This Year!
Some books are "once-in-a-lifetime" books. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of mine for reasons I talk about in THIS post. Recently, I read what for me has become another one. Bleak Landing In what feels like a delightful moment of happenstance, I saw it offered for just $1.99 on Amazon, and when Continue Reading
Join Us for an Exciting Christmas Scavenger Hunt
NOTE: This doesn't begin until December 6, 2020 at 6:00 Eastern. Until then, many links won't work. Merry Christmas! It's my turn on in this Christmas Round-Robin! Don't forget, each author asks a question at each blog stop. You will find the answers to these questions by checking out the free Continue Reading
I Love This Author’s Work but It Makes Me Uncomfortable
Why did I like the book? The point-of-view character wasn't likeable (for a LONG time), made stupid choices, used language I didn't appreciate (not constantly but there were a few words here and there that made me squirm), and basically made me uncomfortable. Of course, that was the point. By Continue Reading
Bookish Advent Giveaway: WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Bookish Advent Giveaway: Christmas Is in the Bag! WINNERS ANNOUNCED: note: this is only part of the email, so it's possible that more than one person could have the same but not likely. Your author will be emailing you to find out how to get you your prize! DAY 1: WINNER CHOSEN: Continue Reading
Anger and Rebellion Hide Hearts Full of Pain and Bitterness
Picture it. July of 1982-1984. Somewhere in there. Arizona. Phoenix, no less. In that little apartment on Osborn, just down from 7th Avenue. My grandmother lived there. While I recall visiting her at what I think was a mobile home in Ray, Arizona when I was two or three, that's all I remember. Continue Reading
