Chapter and Hearse – Lorna Barrett

I believe this is book 5 of the 7 books I bought in the “Booktown Mystery” series of books. I enjoyed it as well as the others, but there were a couple of things that I read that just did not sit well with me.

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Tricia Miles again is caught up in a murder mystery of her own, while trying to run her bookstore, “Haven’t Got a Clue”. There are many who really wish she would just mind her own business: mostly the people killing other people. Her sister, Angelica, is on a book tour promoting her new cookbook, so Tricia is watching her employees at her restaurant and bookstore. Throw in her love-life-going-down-the drain, and some sketchy behavior by her employees, and you will certainly keep turning the pages.

I am switching it up and starting a different type of genre to read next, so be on the look-out for that.

A fun cartoon from Lorna's website! Be sure to visit it at http://lornabarrett.com
A fun cartoon from Lorna’s website! Be sure to visit it at http://lornabarrett.com

I have yet to hear from anyone who has read this series, and am curious on how you liked it if you have indeed read some of these stories?

1000 Followers! Thank You So Very Much!

There are no words!
There are no words!

After over 2 years of running this blog, I have reached 1000 followers. It is a milestone I was determined to reach by Christmas of 2014, but opted to spend a bit more time enjoying the holidays and my family and less time blogging. I am thankful to each and every one of you for your likes, your comments, and your suggestions. I have a tweak (or two), to do with my new theme and menus, and I think I can stop playing with how it looks, and start enjoying it. Unless, of course, I find that one theme that is absolutely perfect for what I am looking for. The current one I have chosen is a little difficult to edit.

So I think I need to set a goal for myself to reach by Christmas 2015, and then make it happen!

Thank you Thank you Thank you

What’s Next?

I am about set on getting my blog where I need it, and setting up my store for all things book! There is nothing like a couple of family emergencies to make you lose your focus!

So I will be set up to edit books, which I have been doing for quite some time now; on the side. I also have personalized book bags, key chains, bracelets, and all things book.

Most of all, I am so thankful to those of you that choose to follow me. I am all about book reviews. Most of the time they are professional; but sometimes, I just have to throw out there what I thought immediately, (first impressions, right?), So I am always good for a laugh. Straight-forward, but tell-it-like-I-see-it.

But most of all… Thank you for your patience.

You are about to see a bigger-and-better Books and Opinions that will make you stand up and say…”What took you so long?”

Finders Keepers – Stephen King

Another brilliant book by Stephen King. He is in fine form with this sequel to “Mr. Mercedes”. The way this story ended has me nothing but hopeful that there has to be a third installment.

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These books have the classic Stephen King feel to me. Fright, suspense, and a touch of paranormal and unexplainable things happening quietly in the background.

Bill Hodges is enjoying his retirement from Detective, and quite successful in his private detective business. This story picks up where “Mr. Mercedes” ended, but the focus has turned to one of the families that was devastated by the actions of Mr. Mercedes.

photo courtesy of www.liljas-library.com
photo courtesy of http://www.liljas-library.com

If you have read “Mr. Mercedes”, then some of these names will be familiar to you. If you have not read it, yet, I cannot recommend it enough. In this installment, we get more of Holly, now Hodges assistant. Jerome and Barbara are still in this story, and we get to meet Pete and Tina Saubers. Their father was seriously injuring in the City Center Massacre, and Pete finds a way to help them with their financial struggles. Although he does nothing illegal, per-se, what he does do has serious consequences for his family. It is up to Bill to save all of them.

If you have gotten to read this as well, I would love to here what you thought of it!

Desperate Chioces – Jeanette Cooper

This is a fantastic book! A quick read, full of suspense, romance, and intrigue. As a note, there is quite a bit of violence against women going on in this book, please be advised before you read.

Rochelle met a wonderful man who she married, and learned about his abusive side after the fact. He is a major king pin in the drug world, and she is a hostage in her home.

It seems predictable at points, and when Michael starts acting like a total ass, it got a bit hard to not skim over. but keep going, it is worth the read. One woman learns what is important, learns a lot about herself, and just may find her happy ending!

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The Boss Killers – Keith Gillison

You have to read this book! I cannot remember the last time I read a story that had me not only laughing out loud, but also anxious to turn the page and see what was about to happen. Excellent book! You will laugh, and hold your breath waiting to see what happens next. A fun read that you will not want to put down!

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Ross Ackerman is obsessed with getting rid of his boss, Mr. Charles Belvedere. Chief Inspector Harry Christmas is not only tired of the jokes he listens to during the holiday season, he is the only one who sees a connection with the fact that more business executives seem to die from “accidents” during the holiday season than at any other time.

With a full cast of characters, you will never get bored with this story. When Ross cannot take it one more day, he reaches out to his friend that he absolutely needs to kill his boss. His friend, ever concerned about Ross, devises a better idea.

Let him think he is killing his boss, via computer graphics, 3-D, real life video game. If only he knew what he had just stumbled upon. It is almost like opening Pandora’s box.

I would love to give you all the details on this story, but it truly is one you need to read for yourself. I challenge anyone to read this book and tell me they did not enjoy it!

Dreams and Shadows: The Aylosian Chronicles – Jeffrey Collyer

A young man, Michael, has had a less than ideal childhood. The only thing he is aware of in his short 19 years of life, is that his mother abandoned him, his foster mother died when he was 5 years old, and his foster father, Rob, was so absorbed in his own grief that Michael was basically on his own from that very young age.

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A dream that seemed too real to be ignored started Michael on a journey that would change his life. Although he would have some questions answered, many more would come to mind as he learned things about a world he had no idea existed. A world that he was taken out of, and where he finally managed to find his way back.

Going back to the world he came from is just as difficult as you would expect it to be. He knew no one, he did not understand their traditions, some of the things they said, and many of the things they did. While he made a couple friends, there were others who were still wary of him, and questioned why he just suddenly showed up in their land.

A journey of epic proportions is in store for Michael. It is his chance to find out about his mother, as well as how he may have come to be in such a strange and wondrous land. Although others seemed to understand, would Michael come to terms with who he really is, and why he is needed in this new land?

With brilliant writing, well-developed characters, and a fantastic storyline, I could not put this story down. I tend to avoid Dystopian type novels as of late, but this was a great surprise and a breath of fresh air for finding a whole new world that you want to know everything about.

Sorry, but you know my policy (at least 99% of the time); no spoilers.

To find out more about Jeffrey Collyer, please visit his website here:  www.jeffreycollyer.com

Over You – Christine Kersey

This was a fun, quick read that I really enjoyed. Labeled as a romance/suspense novel, it delivered as promised.

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Jessica Stevens has just broken up with her boyfriend Alex, after he was seen out to dinner and kissing another woman. Needing to get away, she goes and stays at her favorite Aunt’s house. Running into Kyle, her ex-fiancé, was the last thing she had expected, or wanted. Having him remodeling her Aunt’s house had her seeing him much more than she wanted to.

Kyle seems to have a girlfriend, and Alex can’t stay away from Jessica. He knows he made a mistake, and wants to make it right. Not being able to figure out her own personal life and feelings, Jessica begins investigating a mystery that seems to have taken place in her Aunt’s house. 50 year old love letters start Jessica on a hunt for answers that may come with a price she doesn’t want to pay.

I do not want to give away any spoilers to this story, but I certainly recommend you read this if you like romance or suspenseful stories. Free of profanity and sexual content, there are no worries here about having to struggle through awkward sex scenes that seem to be very difficult for anyone to get right.

There is a sequel to this story, called Second Chances. which I have purchased. Over You is free where e-books are sold. I am currently reading another story, and have another one I will be starting today as well. The review for second chances will be posted in the near future.

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Have you read Christine Kersey before? Let me know what you thought. She has several novels and I will be choosing some of her other works as well.

For more information on Christine and purchasing her books, please visit her website here: http://christinekersey.com/

No, I Do Not JUST Read Books!

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It is so much more than that. I learn things, and I share the things I learn with others.

I get to experience places and things that otherwise would be off limits to me.

I get to encourage and support new authors, when they feel like giving up, and setting their work on fire.

I get to edit books, and help authors present their best work possible.

There is no such thing as too many books, or reading too much.

If you believe there is, you will never understand what you are missing.

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Start With Me (A Modern Parable) – Michael Seaton & John Blase

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This is a fast read that involves many different characters, all at different points in their lives, but also all connected in one way or another. A middle-aged married couple who have everything they ever wanted, and feel like “Is this it?” A young widow who lost her husband in Iraq, and is raising two young sons. A new pastor in town who is getting the feel for the members of the church. Another married couple who have never been able to have children, and are now looking to adopt.

The whole idea of Start With Me is right on the back cover: “In a hurting, broken world, one person can make a difference!”

As each of these people go on with their busy lives, along with other characters in the story, they slowly see opportunities to help someone in need. Or someone with a need who can not see it themselves. The smallest kindness, gesture, or even a few words, really can change a person’s day. It can also change their outlook, their attitude, and the way they view the world.

One person really can make a difference. And if many persons make those small differences, just imagine how much more wonderful things could be in your neighborhood, your town, your state, the world? I often feel like there is something I should be doing to help others, more than donating time and money. I pray about it daily, that I will see the opportunity or calling when it is presented to me.

If you are in need of a powerful, uplifting read, this is a book you will be glad you spent a quiet afternoon with.