THE SUSPECT: MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN BOOK 1 by L.R. Wright

THE SUSPECT: MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN BOOK 1

by L.R. Wright

5 stars

I decided to read this series because of the TV series "Murder In A Small Town" starring Kristen Kreuk and Rossif Sutherland. I am a fan of both stars and wanted to watch the show. But with all tv or movies that are based on books, I like to read the books first. You get so much more information and insight from the books. And sometimes your own imagination can do better than even the best director. 

Ok, so The Suspect is book 1 in a series of 9 books by L.R. Wright. The writing is great, the characters are likable, and the descriptions of the area are beautiful. 

George is a 80-year-old man and has just killed his brother-in-law. It was spur of the moment, and George is wrecked over the act. At first, he is ready to go to jail for the murder. But as time goes by, he starts to believe Carlyle deserved it. If it wasn't for the damn parrot and war shells, George probably wouldn't have even been a suspect.

Karl Alberg is the new Staff Sergeant in the area. He is called in on the case. Only 2 suspects, George and a traveling salesman, no motive, no weapon, and no evidence. 

Cassandra is a local librarian and friend of George's. She put a personal ad in the paper looking for a companion, and Karl answers the ad. This puts Cassandra in a n odd predicament. Does she remain loyal to her friend or tell Karl anything she knows of the case?

I really enjoyed this book. I read it in a day and a half, couldn't put it down. stayed up way to late to finish it. Even though the book started with the killer being revealed, it kept me reading to see if George would get away with it or if the Mountie would get his man.

I recommend this story to anyone who wants an easy read with a touch of heart and soul to it.

If you read this book or series, please let me know your opinion. I would love to know if you like it and why or why not.

PEACE AS A COSMIC LAW: ALIGNING WITH THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE by Francis Pekpe

 

PEACE AS A COSMIC LAW: ALIGNING WITH THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE

by Francis Pekpe

3 stars

I received Peace as a Cosmic Law for free from LibraryThing.

This book will help you to find inner peace, if you really want it and work for it. Peace just doesn't come to you. It is your job to calm your mind and soul, then help quiet the chaos around you as much as possible.
There are a few exercises explained in this book to help. Meditation, slow steady breathing, and mental awareness of your surroundings are common processes to keep yourself at peace.
With personal peace, you can help bring peace to your surroundings and community. And with a little charity and love, even to the world. This will take you showing love and patience to someone else, who hopefully will then show it to others. Until everyone is "paying it forward" throughout the whole world.
It could have been about 100 pages less and still gave the same information. There was a lot of repetition to the book.
But overall, I found the book informative and many of the processes and exercises useful.

As always, let me know if you read this book what your thoughts are. I would love to hear from you.

STRANGE SHAPE OF LOVE by Herta Feely

STRANGE SHAPE OF LOVE
3 stars

by Herta Feely

I received Strange Shape of Love through LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

Charlotte Cooper has a really messed up past. But she has gotten her life together and on track, somewhat. 

When the magazine she writes for is bought out by a London online company, she is sent to London to work. She used to live there 7 years ago. She reconnects with Celia, her good friend. Charlotte runs into her ex, Rafe. They reignite their relationship and then her past comes back to haunt her. 

The story is sometimes fast paced and sometimes slow. Sometimes it's exciting, but more often boring. You figure out quickly who is to blame for Charlotte's troubles. It isn't much of a mystery. 

I understand the devastation Charlotte felt when her cousin died. But the horrible choices she made, I can't feel sorry for her. I like a character that I can relate with or commiserate with. I feel sorrier for Rafe. He has 2 women that he cares for and both are screwed up. 

I would recommend this book for the way it puts a spotlight on human trafficking and harassment, along with the #MeToo movement. 

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would like to know if you liked it. And why or why not.

BEYOND THE MIND'S ILLUSION: SIMPLE ANSWERS ABOUT SOURCE, STILLNESS, AND LIVING IN PRESENCE by Rosemarie Quay

BEYOND THE MIND'S ILLUSION: SIMPLE ANSWERS ABOUT SOURCE, STILLNESS, AND LIVING IN PRESENCE

by Rosemarie Quay

4 ****

I received Beyond the Mind's Illusion from LibraryThing in return for an honest review."

Beyond the Mind's Illusion" is meant to be a companion book to "The Space Between". I have not read "The Space Between". But this book does make me think about moments of feeling connected to everything.  Moments of realizing the simple things going on around me. Such as birds, the breeze, or vibration of the earth when a semi drives by. Little things that normally you would not notice, remember, or even care to remember.

Everything that happens in your life is shaped by your own perception, awareness, and reactions to all the events going on around you. How you respond to a sudden downpour, a stubbed toe, or waiting in traffic. You should take a moment, breathe, and enjoy it all.

"Beyond the Mind's Illusion" and "The Space Between" are helping hands in understanding how to feel the world around you. And how to know when you are aware of all things and connected to them.

I feel that using some of the tips in this book will help me to slow down, center myself, connect, and become aware of the small things in the world.

STILL COMING by Joseph Flynn

STILL COMING

by Joseph Flynn

4 stars

When Dula Jenning, president of Shepardton college, sent out her refusal letters for the upcoming semester; she had no idea about the backlash that the hurt applicants would cause. 

From seemingly innocent letters with just two words "still coming" to ghost in town to traffic disturbances. These bright students are angry at being dismissed and want to prove Dula wrong. 

I found the concept very interesting. These young people were technologically advanced and cunning. The writing style was excellent, and the story was a great read. I found the book hard to put down. 

SNOW FLEAS AND CHICKADEES: EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS IN THE SIERRA by Eve Quesnel

SNOW FLEAS AND CHICKADEES: EVERYDAY OBSERVATIONS IN THE SIERRA

by Eve Quesnel

4 stars

I received Snow Fleas and Chickadees from Librarything in return for an honest review.

Have you ever gone for a walk and wondered what is making that sound? Or what kind of bug is that? This book answers some of those questions for the Sierra Nevada region in California.
Animals, trees, insects, or birds: Eve Quesnel tells of some of her favorite nature finds that are right within walking distance of her home.
I never heard of a snow flea, but learning about them and the way they propel themselves was interesting. She explains the difference between a white fir and a red fir.
This book is for anyone interested in nature. It's not like any other nature guide; this has a homier, more comfortable feel. Almost like talking to a friend about her adventures of the day.

FEARLESS FOURTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 14) by Janet Evanovich

 

FEARLESS FOURTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 14)

by Janet Evanovich

5 stars

What would you become for 9 million dollars? A thief, a killer, a kidnapper?

Would you deal with a crazy monkey, an aged has-been pop star, a stalker?

Stephanie Plum has to deal with all of this while on a case. One of her skips, Loretta, has disappeared after Stephanie took her in for reprocessing. While searching for Loretta, Stephanie has to take care of Zook, Loretta's son.

Loretta's brother is part of the crew to rob the bank many years ago. Now the rest of the crew wants the money that Dom hid, and are willing to kill for it.

If you read this book, please leave a comment or review. I would like to know your thoughts.

LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 13) by Janet Evanovich

LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 13)

by Janet Evanovich

5 stars

When Dickie Orr (Stephanie's ex-husband) disappears, our favorite bounty hunter becomes the prime suspect. She must avoid getting arrested, find Dickie, and discover why he vanished. 

She has the help of Ranger and Morelli. Even though Morelli is a bit disconnected while protecting someone at a safehouse. 

We get the usual Plum family fun and fiascos. Grandma, Lula, Connie, and the rest of the crew are here. 

Book 13 is just as good as the rest.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion.

TWELVE SHARP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 12) by Janet Evanovich

TWELVE SHARP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 12)

by Janet Evanovich

4 stars

This 12th installment of the Stephanie Plum series is just as good as the others. Although I found it to be a bit more serious, not as much comedy to the story.

First a strange woman follows Stephanie and claims to be Ranger's wife. Then Ranger's daughter is kidnapped. Who is out there pretending to be Ranger and trying to steal his life.
The love triangle between Steph, Morelli, and Ranger, while titillating, is starting to get boring and overplayed. Both men are very macho, but neither seems to mind sharing her. Men like Morelli don't share their woman.
Ranger's daughter, Julie, would be a nice addition to future books. She seems tough and a little mischievous. She will definitely follow in Ranger's footsteps even though he didn't raise her.
I still consider this series the funniest I have ever read. And I would love to see it become a tv series.

If you read this book, please leave a review. I would love to know your opinion.

PRAY WHAT GOD SAYS by Christine Brooks Martin

 

PRAY WHAT GOD SAYS

by Christine Brooks Martin

3 stars

This book is to help you understand God's word, will, and plan. It is intended to help you study the scripture and learn how they apply to your life and everyday situations. "Pray What God Says" will deepen your relationship with God through self-reflection and growth.

Full of scripture for every felling, need and purpose. From health, strength, wisdom, and confidence to serving, worshipping and obeying the Lord.  Also dealing with rejection, loneliness, and anger.

Great book to have on your bedside table for those times of need or to reconnect with God.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think.

ELEVEN ON TOP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 11) by Janet Evanovich

ELEVEN ON TOP (STEPHANIE PLUM SERIES BOOK 11)

by Janet Evanovich

5stars

In this installment to the Stephanie Plum series, Steph has had enough. She quits her job as a Bounty Enforcement Agent. She is tired of being shot at, having cars blown up, and all the other messes that came with the job. But her 

new perfect life doesn't go as planned when someone from her past needs to get even with her.

Stephanie applies for three new jobs, Cluck-in-a-Bucket, Kan Klean Dry Cleaners, and the button factory. All are short lived and turn out badly. She just can't escape being a victim to her past, and being drawn back into the bounty hunting scene.

Along with Ranger, Morelli, her parents, and Grandma Mazur, Stephanie gives us her usual brand of hilarity and adventure. 

I just love this series. I have said it before and I'll say it again. This series is one of the best written and funniest that I have ever read. 

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think of the story and why.

TENDER REBEL: MALORY FAMILY BOOK 2 by Johanna Lindsey

TENDER REBEL: MALORY FAMILY BOOK 2
by Johanna Lindsey

5 stars

Rosalynn must run away from Scotland and escape her evil conniving cousin. She needs to marry quickly to protect herself and her inheritance from him.

Anthony Mallory is England's biggest rake, and he has no plans to change that. But once he sees Rosalynn 
hiding in a quiet garden, his plans change. Even if he doesn't know it.
The two fall immediately for each other. But in usual romance novel style, they won't admit it.

Lindsey books are always a joy to read for me. I have her entire collection and have read them more than once.
This is a nice, easy, funny, and relaxing read.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know what you think about the story, 
Did you like it? Why or why not.

STROKES: VOLUME 1 by Delilah Devlin

STROKES: VOLUME 1

by Delilah Devlin

4 stars

7 sexual stories, each one as good as the last. From a wife who feels neglected, to a new assistant to a doctor of sexual stimulation, to a new version of Beauty and the Beast.

Quick 10 minutes read for a sweet dream filled night. Enjoyable if you are into this kind of book.

If you read this book, let me know what you think. I would love to know if you liked it and why or why not.

CLAIM ME by Tawny Taylor

CLAIM ME

by Tawny Taylor

3 stars

Sophie finds a man murdered and hanging in her office at her nightclub. That is how she meets Burke and Miko. Two vampires investigating the murders of other men in other nightclubs in the area. She feels an irresistible pull to both men, and they also are unable to resist her.

The sex is a bit rough, but it doesn't distract from the actual storyline. A little far-fetched but a good story

If you read this book, please leave a comment. Let me know what you think, and why?

THE ELDERINE STONE: BOOK 1 DREAMS OF DESTINY by Alan Lawson

THE ELDERINE STONE: BOOK 1 DREAMS OF DESTINY
by Alan Lawson

3 stars

Jason finds himself in another land after investigating a shed in the middle of the woods. He meets Emily, Sherbit, Deron, and Gimble. They believe he is the savoir for this world. There is a prophecy that says he will defeat the Dark Lady, The Dark One and the darkness that they will bring to the world. The "twist" at the end was not a surprise, and was pretty easy to see coming.

This is a story for a 10- to 15-year-old. I didn't really connect with the story, but it wasn't a bad tale. Somebody of the proper age group would probably enjoy it.

If you have read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion of the story. Did you like it, and why or why not?

WALKERS: A ONE ACT COMEDY FOR FOUR ACTRESSES by Patricia Rockwell

WALKERS: A ONE ACT COMEDY FOR FOUR ACTRESSES

by Patricia Rockwell

 Quick 25 - 30 page story of Essie Cobb and her friends. This story seems to put the rest of the series into one conversation between the 4 ladies while playing cards. A little mixed up, some names are changed, and there is no mystery to solve.

Not really worth the time if you have read the other Essie Cobb Senior Sleuth books.

SMART MONEY MOVES: 2025 EDITION: SIMPLE TIPS THAT HELP YOU KEEP MORE OF WHAT YOU EARN by Serena Bennett

SMART MONEY MOVES: 2025 EDITION: 

SIMPLE TIPS THAT HELP YOU KEEP MORE OF WHAT YOU EARN

by Serena Bennett

4 stars

The tips in this book are great, positive and relativity easy to enact. Such as selling your old items and clothing that you no longer use. There are online sites like Ebay or Facebook market place, or even the old-fashioned yard sale or flea market. Another great tip: wait a day or two before you make an online purchase. You may decide you don't really need it or the price may come down.

The author lives in the UK, so not all the links or services are available to me in the US. But for most of them, there is a comparable service or app in my country. Quidco is not available to me, but Rakuten is an app that gives you up to 6% cash back on purchases made through certain online sites.

I recommend this book to everyone. Because we all need to spend less and more smartly. 

ZOOMED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 6 by Patricia Rockwell

 

ZOOMED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 6

by Patricia Rockwell

4 stars

During the pandemic, Happy Haven is on lockdown. All residents must stay in their rooms. Essie is missing her friends. So her grandson, Ned, sets her up on Zoom along with Faye, Opal, and Majorie. 

While they are having their first meeting, and unexpected and unknown guest enters. She is very upset, yells about Will, and then disappears. Essie sees a mystery to solve. The girls start to investigate who this lady was and how can they help her. 

These girls are always exciting and funny. But being able to solve this case seemed a little far-fetched to me. The story was still enjoyable. I recommend it to anyone who wants a light, quick, easy and fun story.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know if you liked the story, and why of why not.

GHOSTED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 4 by Patricia Rockwell

GHOSTED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 4

by Patricia Rockwell

5 stars

Happy Haven Assisted Living Facility resident sleuth, Essie Cobb, is at it again. It's Halloween and she is seeing ghosts, losing track of time, and hallucinating. Is it just Halloween hauntings or is Essie losing her mind? She is 90 years old after all.

This book is more about Essie and her family. The first 3 books involved Essie's 3 best friends in the investigations more. 

There are 2 mysteries to solve. First, Essie's mental issues. That one is pretty easy for the reader to figure out. Second, what is Happy Haven's newest resident, Edward Troy, up to? This one comes as a total surprise. 

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know your opinion and why you did or did not like it.

FIRECRACKERED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 5 by Patricia Rockwell

FIRECRACKERED: AN ESSIE COBB SENIOR SLUETH MYSTERY BOOK 5

by Patricia Rockwell

5 stars

When you talk about a firecracker, you could easily be talking about Essie Cobb. She is unassuming, elderly, innocent looking lady. Yet she is a nosy, smart, wild card. If there is a mystery or puzzle, she will figure it out.

Essie and her 3 friends are on a mission to find out who shot Happy Haven's newest resident, Lester Mills, with a firecracker on the 4th of July and why. Now this is not just a firecracker, this was a drone driven missile.

I love this series. Essie and her friends are fun and adventurous. And the mysteries are intriguing, yet easy to solve if you pay close enough attention. The stories are short, easy, fun reads.

If you read this book, please leave a comment. I would love to know if you liked it, and why or why not.