Review: Girl's Guide to Witchcraft

Girl's Guide to Witchcraft by Mindy Klasky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book so much! I liked the majority of the characters a lot. Jane is a favorite and I am so invested in what happens to her. I want to begin reading the next book now. I like that no one is perfect in the story. I love all the emotions that Jane went through. Nothing was glossed over. It is one of the most honest, true to life paranormal story I have read in awhile. I love being taken away by fantasy and had forgotten how good it can feel to meet a character you can relate so well to. At times this book had the feel of Practical Magic for me. (That is good as that book is a favorite with my girls and me.) I'm not big on books I love being made for the screen. It is so iffy on how they will turn out that it scares me. However this is a series that I think would be truly fun to see made for the screen. I laughed way too often reading this book. It has definitely made my list of favorite reads for this year.

There are mature scenes though nothing explicit in this book for those who want that information.

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Review: In Time For Christmas

In Time For Christmas by Mona Risk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Time For Christmas is a delightful story. Sylvia hasn’t made it home for the last couple of Christmases. This year she plans to have Christmas with her family. What she doesn’t have plans for is romance. But you know what happens with carefully made plans, right? And being too busy for romance is like tossing out a challenge. Will Sylvia make it home for Christmas? Will she get an unexpected Christmas gift? This book is a perfect book for relaxing after a day of holiday rushing around. When commercialism threatens your holiday spirit, put your jammies and grab some cocoa. Then get comfy and spend the evening reading. Let Mona Risk sweep you away from reality In Time For Christmas!
I purchased the box set, Sweet Christmas Kisses 4, which includes this story. My verified purchase will be on that book. This is a sweet romance so no worries about sexy scenes or language you prefer not to read. It is a safe Christmas romance for teen, young adult readers and those whose preference is clean stories.

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Review: Twelve Slays of Christmas

Twelve Slays of Christmas by Jacqueline Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is so much I enjoyed of this book! First the name, Twelve Slays of Christmas. The play off of Twelve Days of Christmas had me wanting to know more. Then I noticed the author name, Jacqueline Frost. I’m singing Christmas Carols. But then I saw the gorgeous cover! I freely admit I am a cover lover. I will buy a book I know nothing about if the cover is done well enough. I had been drooling for days over this book, when the Cozy Mystery Review Crew offered me the opportunity to review it. I pounced on it.
The main character is Holly who goes home to Mistletoe, Maine after a romantic disaster. Her family owns the local tree farm and participates heavily in the town’s Reindeer Games. Holly is not home long when she hears a scream for help and comes across a dead body. Yikes! The sheriff is a good looking single ex cop from Boston. Holly begins asking questions which leads to danger for her, her parents and the tree farm.
I like many of the characters but especially Cookie, Ray and his family. I am hoping this book is the first in a series that will allow these characters room to blossom. I love a sense of fun in my cozy mysteries and I believe these characters have wonderful senses of humor. I like the play Holly and the Sheriff have. I think they are good together but I can also see Holly with Ray. It will be interesting to see if a triangle develops. The mystery itself was filled with suspects. A few I discounted quickly but there were some twists that kept me guessing with others. I would discard a suspect but then bring them back for another look all the way up to the end. The series is a Christmas Tree Farm Mystery but I can see interesting things happening year round. The author could go in the direction of holiday books in this series, which would also be a delight. I am really excited about this series and what the author will do with it. I honestly had a hard time putting the book down. On the inside back jacket, the blurb about the author stated, “Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile.” Well, Ms Frost, congratulations. You had me smiling all the way through the book. To those considering this book, if you are looking for a fun afternoon filled with the delight Christmas brings, get a copy of this book. Buy it. Request it from your library. Definitely get a copy and then settle in for an afternoon of entertainment.
Thank you to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew for providing me with a review copy of the book. The opinions expressed are my honest feelings about the book. For those who enjoy their mysteries a little harder edged, this may not be for you. But for those who want the small town holiday feel with a dab of romance, a pet or two, three or more and a sense of fun while solving a murder, this just may provide you with hours of smiles.

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Review: Dog Days of Love

Dog Days of Love by Rachelle Ayala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the Have A Hart series by Rachelle Ayala. Each time I read a book in this series it is like meeting up with old friends and spending time catching up. The stories in the series are connected and most can be read out of order. This one, though, I would suggest you read Summer Love Puppy first. You will meet one of the main characters in it. This story also has a minor background story that continues from Summer Love Puppy.

One of the things I have come to look forward to with Rachelle Ayala books is the reflection of an issue in today’s world. Ms Ayala has a tremendous talent for shining a light on a contemporary issue using care, intelligence and respect. She educates with a story that is fun to read. In Dog Days of Love she writes of interracial dating and of doing what is expected of us or doing what we want. How often do we get stuck in doing what is expected of us even if it stresses us out or is making us unhappy? How do we make the change, without disappointing people we care about, to doing what makes us happy? What if we don’t even realize what is expected, is what is holding us back? These are the questions that Nessa and Dale need to find the answers to. Will they be able to find their happiness? Will their happiness hurt the ones they love? How do you make that choice and live with it?

This story is a sweet romance which means no graphic language, sex or extreme violence. I would recommend it to teens and up. This book does contain references to faith, though, in my opinion, it is not heavy handed and is relevant to the story.

I received an ARC electronic edition of this book, from the author, for review consideration. The edition I reviewed may be slightly different from the actual book. Upon release I may edit this review if any changes are significant and/or relevant to my review.

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Review: Calm Before The Storm

Calm Before The Storm by Ryan Mullaney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! This was intense. It is loaded with action and suspense. I was surprised by it.

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Review: The Method

The Method by Duncan Ralston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting story. It had quite a few turns in it. Just when you think you know who you can trust, bam! You are hit with something that pulls the rug from under your feet.I stayed up reading just to find out how the heck it was going to end!

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Review: Heartwarming Holiday Wishes

Heartwarming Holiday Wishes by Anna Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Christmas! It is the most magical time of year for me. I look forward to the decorations, movies, music and books. The Heartwarming Holiday Wishes series is one of the most anticipated collections for me. I am never disappointed with a trip to Christmas Town. It is magical how these authors take a central theme set in the same town and make each story unique yet connected. This year the theme is a Christmas Stocking. Every story was a delight to read. I can't even pick a favorite because they were all so wonderful. I recommend reading these anytime you want to feel the spirit of Christmas.
These are all clean stories. I would share them with teens as well as adults who prefer stories that don't have graphic content.

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Review: Death of a Wolfman

Death of a Wolfman by Susan Boles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading Death of A Wolfman. I found the characters to be likable and realistic. I love the relationship between Lily Gayle and her sheriff cousin. The mystery was not too hard but it definitely was fun to read about. I had a few scenes that had me laughing hard which had people asking what I was reading. This was a new author for me and I am looking forward to enjoying more Lily Gayle cozy mysteries.


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