Month: October 2020

A Deception at Thornecrest

BonnieReadsAndWritesLeave a comment

A Deception At Thorncrest is the latest book in the Amory Ames mystery series. In this installment, a heavily pregnant Amory is visited by a woman claiming to be married to Amory’s husband! If that isn ‘t enough, relatives are coming out of the woodwork, and a local young man is shockingly murdered. Even though the baby’s arrival is imminent, Amory is on the case, determined to find the killer.

Amory’s wry sense of humor, even while thinking her husband might be a bigamist, is a delight. The mystery takes many twists and turns, and the true culprit is a surprise. Although this is book seven in a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, it may contain spoilers for the previous books.

Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with lots of humor and a strong cast of characters will enjoy this book. I would definitely read more of this series, and I rate it four stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

Link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Deception-Thornecrest-Amory-Ames-Mystery-ebook/dp/B084M1YJBC/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=A+Deception+at+Thornecrest&qid=1601728429&sr=8-1

Link to the author’s Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Weaver/e/B00IN9UBPO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Link to my review on Goodreads (Please like if you are so inclined) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3550625941?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Doing Time

BonnieReadsAndWrites1 Comment

I am writing this review of Doing Time, which came out last year, because the second book in this series, Hard Time, is winging its way to me in the mail as we speak. My review of Hard Time will be along soon. I must preface this review by saying Jodi Taylor has become my favorite author. Her St. Mary’s Chronicles is an absolute must for Time Travel (Sorry Dr. Bairstow) Fiction Readers. I would be remiss if I didn’t advise you to drop whatever you are doing and buy the first book in the St. Mary’s Chronicles, entitled Just One Damn Thing After Another. You will not be sorry, and I envy you the experience of reading it for the first time.

Doing Time is a spinoff of the St. Mary’s series and revolves around Matthew, son of two St. Mary’s main characters. Now that I’ve set this up and advised you to check out everything the brilliant Jodi Taylor has ever written, on to the review!

EDIT: My copy of Hard Time (Book 2 in the series) has been received. The review will be posted on 10/13//20. Hard Time will be released on 10/15/20.

************************************************************************************

Jodi Taylor has done it again. A spinoff of her wonderful St. Mary’s Chronicles, Doing Time is the story of Matthew, Jane, and Luke, trainees in the Time Police. Matthew is of course the son of Max and Leon from the St. Mary’s Chronicles. There is mystery, laughter, and intrigue all rolled up in one story as the trio (Team Weird) become Time Police cadets, and are faced with opposition from the Albayans. The Albayans are leftover followers of the late Colonel Albay, the former Time Police leader and unapologetic fascist, who killed first and asked questions later.

Beloved characters from St. Mary’s make an appearance and provide a lot of hilarity during some stressful times, and we learn a tiny bit about what is going on in Matthew’s head. I hope more will be revealed in subsequent books. 

If you love Time Travel, history, and well written characters, you will LOVE these books.

Amazon link to Doing Time: https://www.amazon.com/Doing-Time-Jodi-Taylor-ebook/dp/B07TF5YS7N/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=doing+time&qid=1601598336&sr=8-1

Jodi Taylor’s Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodi-Taylor/e/B00DOSKIHU?ref_=dbs_p_ebk_r00_abau_000000

Amazon Link to Jodi’s latest book: Hard Time: https://www.amazon.com/Hard-Time-irresistible-spinoff-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B0847JM5YP/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Hard+time&qid=1601598546&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

 

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past

BonnieReadsAndWritesLeave a comment

Mrs. Morris and the Ghost of Christmas Past is the third book in the Salem B&B Mystery Series. Although this is the third book in a series, it can be read by itself. However, there are some spoilers for the previous books.

Charlene is the owner of a bed and breakfast in Salem, Massachusetts. In addition to Charlene, her cat, small staff, and guests, the house is inhabited by Jack, who happens to be a ghost. In this book, Charlene’s parents are visiting for Christmas when a local restaurant owner is killed. Was it an accident or murder?

This book dragged on for me and I did not really connect with the characters. Even Jack, the ghost, was not very interesting. One thing I learned over and over is that Charlene’s mother is annoying and often rude. The reader is pounded over the head with that. The murder mystery was not very engaging in my opinion. Unfortunately, I have no interest in reading anymore of this series.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers and Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

Link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Morris-Ghost-Christmas-Salem-Mystery-ebook/dp/B082WQRCGP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M9E16DNZ1JUB&dchild=1&keywords=mrs.+morris+and+the+ghost+of+christmas+past+traci+wilton&qid=1601597064&s=digital-text&sprefix=Mrs.+Morris+and+th%2Cdigital-text%2C177&sr=1-1

Link to the Author’s Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Traci-Wilton/e/B07PX3ZTDY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1



			


    



			
				


 	

					
An Ivy Hill Christmas
		
				

			 BonnieReadsAndWritesLeave a comment		

			


	

		






My review of An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen




















Richard Brockwell is a careless playboy content to live off of his family’s money in London. But it is Christmas season, 1822, and his mother has summoned him. He is to come home for Christmas or his funds will be cut off. Left with no choice, Richard heads for Ivy Hill. Before, during, and after his journey, a dog, a boy, and a beautiful woman threaten to open up his cold heart. Will God do the rest?





I loved this beautiful story of redemption, charity, and second chances. . This wonderful novella will speak to anyone who has struggled with forgiveness and anyone who has longed for a chance to right old wrongs. The characters are well written and memorable, especially Richard, Arabella, and the boy Jamie. And let’s not forget Wally!





It was fun to read about and join in  the Christmas celebrations from 1800’s England, and there was even a recipe at the end of the book.





This is actually my first visit to Ivy Hill, but it won’t be the last. I plan to go back and catch up on Julie Klassen’s “Tales From Ivy Hill” series.





I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.










Buy book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Hill-Christmas-Tales-Novella-ebook/dp/B0821PWW1B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SI2MXB7Y5KEQ&dchild=1&keywords=an+ivy+hill+christmas+julie+klassen&qid=1601571685&sprefix=An+Ivy+Hill+Christmas%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-1










Julie Klassen’s Amazon Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Julie-Klassen/e/B001JS6J70/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1





My review on Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3572850187?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1