Book Review ~ Apple Pie and Trouble by Amber Crewes ~ 10/16/2024

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Title:   Apple Pie and Trouble by Amber Crewes

Series:  Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery Book #1

Pages:  72

Date Published:  July 20.2018

Publisher:  Pen-n-a-Pad Publishing

Stars:  ***

 Blurb:

The first book in the Sandy Bay Cozy Mystery series!

Meghan Truman always had a dream to become a Hollywood actress. Hollywood decided she wasn’t good enough. She left Hollywood broken but with a burning desire to start afresh in the Pacific Northwest, pursuing her second dream – opening a bakery. She never expected that the owner of a rival establishment would be found dead and all eyes would be focused on her as the prime suspect.

As the new girl in town with a new bakery store, she’s determined to clear her name and find the murderer; otherwise she’ll have to leave Sandy Bay penniless and pitiful and possibly the murderer’s next victim.

No cliffhanger, swearing or graphic scenes!

My Thoughts:

Well, that was a whirlwind mystery!

I didn't realize this book was as short as it is and it only took me about an hour to read.  I know cozy mysteries are quick reads but this is probably the fastest one I've ever read.  I'm not complaining because it was super fun :)

Amber Crewes, a new-to-me-author, did a good job writing a likable character in Meghan, Karen, Jack and Lori.  I also enjoyed the fact that it was set in a bakery.

I gave this book a 3* rating because I wanted MORE!  More of the story.  More of the characters.  More of Shady Bay.  Maybe that means I'll have to check out the rest of the series.

I had downloaded this book from Amazon on my Kindle a while ago and finally got a chance to read it.

Onto the next book :)

I read this book while partaking in 3 readathons:

Journey Through the Bible 3.0 - Cozy Mystery Prompt

Cozy Cottage Readathon - Fresh Baking Prompt

Annetober - Free square

Book Review ~ The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep ~ 10/9/2024

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Title:   The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep

Series:  N/A

Pages:  348

Date Published:  April 1, 2020

Publisher:  Shiloh Run Press

Stars:  *****

 Blurb:

What Can a London Opera Star and an Escaped Dartmoor Prisoner Have in Common?
 
Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.

My Thoughts:

Oh my!  What a wild ride this story was!

From bogs on the Moor to the opera stages of Bath, this book  had it all: faith, history, romance, suspense.  All the best of the best!

I loved how the author built the story piece by piece and took me on the journey along with Maggie and Oliver.  Just when I thought the story was winding down to the end...wham!  another curveball!

  Even the villains were crafted in a way that I loved to "hate" them.  Barrow and Groat were horrendous in their evilness. 

There was a strong message of justice, forgiveness and mercy throughout the book but especially toward the end.

This book is a Christian, historical, romantic, suspense.  And it was amazing!  Michelle Griep is a very talented author!

I had downloaded this book from Amazon on my Kindle a while ago and finally got a chance to read it.  I'm so glad I did!

Onto the next book :)

I read this book while partaking in 3 readathons:

Journey Through the Bible 3.0 - Building on the Cover Prompt

Cozy Cottage Reatathon - In the Dark Prompt

Annetober - a book that has been on your TBR a long time

Book Review ~ Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye ~ 10/2/2024

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Title:   Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye

Series:  Bluestar Island Book #1

Pages:  287

Date Published:  April 13, 2021

Publisher:  Lazy Dazy Press

Stars:  ****

 Blurb:

He’s an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true—opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she’s on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker’s life is in a tailspin after he’s injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island’s Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help…and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island’s sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

My Thoughts:

This was a sweet book that read a lot like a Hallmark movie.  Big city guy goes to help his family.  Small town girl couldn't imagine living anywhere else.  Sigh...  I love Hallmark movies :)

Ethan, the male main character, was a firefighter but was questioning his future in the firefighting career.  He had scars that were physical and emotional that he had to work through.

The female main character, Hannah, who was a baker had her own emotional scars and tragedies.  I loved how her character evolved throughout the course of the book.

Perhaps my favorite characters were Aunt Birdie and Peaches.  I hope to see more of them in future books.

I loved the setting of Bluestar Island.  Everyone knew each other's business just like my small town :)  I loved that cars weren't allowed on the island except for special reasons and that traveling consisted of walking, bikes and golf carts.

There were themes of forgiveness, facing fears and family in the book.

Jennifer Faye is a new-to-me author but I look forward to continuing the Bluestar Island series.

This book is a CLEAN, contemporary romance.

I had downloaded this book from Amazon for free on my Kindle a while ago and finally got a chance to read it.

Onto the next book :)

I read this book while partaking in 3 readathons:

Journey Through the Bible 3.0- Babylon = Flowers on the Cover Prompt

Cozy Cottage Reatathon - Rainy Day Prompt

Annetober - ebook Prompt

Anne-tober 2024 Readathon ~ October 2024

I've decided to join another readathon taking place in October (actually 2 more for a total of 3!).

I'm going to try to read books that would count for all three readathons, for the most part.

This post is about the Anne-tober 2024 Readathon hosted by Chautona Havig.

Here's Chautona's announcement:

The prompts are in BINGO format and are quotes from Anne of Green Gables.  I doubt I'll fill all 9 squares but if I get 5/9 completed I'll be happy.

I think I have it planned out that the books I'm reading for the Journey Through the Bible 2024 Readathon will work for Anne-tober as well.  (unless I get super motivated and read more!)  So, these books will look familiar if you've read my post about the Journey Through the Bible 2024.

Here are the 5 prompts I've picked out at this point:

"Call Me Anne With An E" =

an eBook

This could really be any book as I've become an eReader.  I used to be a physical copy only reader but have come to love my Kindle!

"I Suppose It Was a Romantic Way to Perish"=

romantic sensibilities 

I thought this book would work well as "LOVE" is actually in the title :)

"Some Books Are Best Left on the Shelf"=

A book that has been on your TBR a long time

This book has been on my Kindle for a long time.  I'd even say a few years...

"I'm So Glad We Live in a World With Anne-tobers"=

Free Square

"It Is Ever So Much Easier to Be Good If Your Clothes Are Fashionable"=

A Great Cover

I think the cover of Brave is absolutely amazing!

So, let me know if you will be joining in Anne-tober 2024!  I think it will be lots of fun :)

Bookishly yours,

Colletta