Sunday Post 134

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

Reading Reality, who hosts Stacking the Shelves

Readerbuzz, who hosts Sunday Salon

Caffeinated Reviewer, who hosts Sunday Post

The Book Date, who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

First, I want to send my condolences to the loved ones of one of my blogger friends. I found out just a few minutes ago that Jackie passed early this morning (Saturday). Some of you know her blog where she consistently posted memories of her beloved Eric and Flynn every Feline Friday. She was a regular commenter on my blog. Her comments here and her memories of her kitties will be greatly missed. It's amazing how connected you can feel to someone you've never met in person.

It's been over a month since I shared a Sunday Post. April was a busy, but fun month for me. The last time I shared a Sunday Post, it was my birthday weekend. I did indeed have grilled cheese for lunch (and dinner because I couldn't finish the entire sandwich in one sitting), make time to read, and play with the goats at the farm. I got to hold two baby goats. One gave me lots of kisses and the other one just sat quietly on my lap. I would have brought them home to my condo, but you....logistics and all. It wouldn't have worked. And the cats probably would not have been thrilled with the new living arrangements.

Last weekend I went to the annual Malice Domestic convention. I'm so thankful this convention is always held so close to home for me. If I had to travel, I likely wouldn't be able to go. For those of you who don't know, Malice Domestic is for mystery authors and fans - not just cozies, all types of mysteries. A lot of cozy authors and fans do attend, which is why I like to be there. There are panels, book signings, and other events all weekend long. This year, I decided to rent a motorized scooter, which made it so much easier on me. I really don't mind the walking. In fact, I love the exercise. However, when I have so much to carry, even with a rolling cart, it really slows me down a lot. With the scooter that I had all weekend long, I was able to do so much more. I didn't buy any books, but I did bring some books from home to get signed. I also picked up lots of free books and swag at the convention, and I added to my TBR list in a big way. It was so fun spending the weekend with bookish friends, readers and authors alike. I can't wait to do it again next year.

While at Malice, I broke my 400+ day reading streak. The first day I went (yes, the first day!), I was so tired. I chose to rest instead of read. I know I made the right choice because I felt much better the next day and for the rest of the weekend. I did not read at all while there, but I'm definitely back on track now. In fact, I've been reading more each day this week than I was before the convention. 

IN THE BOOKS

RECENTLY FINISHED

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Whiskey Business (Mixology Lounge Mystery 1), by Adrian Andover, won the Agatha Award at Malice Domestic for Best Debut Mystery. And I can see why. I loved it! I met Adrian at Malice last year before he was a published author. It was good to chat with him again this year. You can read some excerpts here and you can read my full review here.

IN PROGRESS

I'm continuing to enjoy The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl, reading one chapter each week and admiring the illustrations.

Spell to Pay (Spellbooked Mystery 2), by Elle Wren Burke, is my current read. I'm about 70% done. I'm planning to finish it soon and post my review next week. I'm enjoying it so far, even more than the first one in the series. You can read some excerpts from Spell to Pay here.

UP NEXT

Up next is Between a Roquefort and Hard Place (Grilled Cheese Mystery 7), by Linda Reilly. This is an ARC from a series that I've loved from the beginning. It was already released, but I was reading another book when I received the ARC. I'm really looking forward to it.

My next audiobook listen will be A Deadly Inside Scoop (Ice Cream Parlor Mystery 1), by Abby Collette. This is the May pick for The Cozy Mystery Book Club. I haven't been reading all the books for The Cozy Mystery Book  Club this year, but this is one I've been looking forward to.

DNF

All I had to do was read chapter one and part of chapter 2 to realize how much foul language is in this book. It's not for me, so I decided to DNF  Paris is Always a Good Idea, by Jenn McKinlay. I had researched the book before starting it and I couldn't find anything that said it contained foul language. Maybe I'm just more sensitive to such language than others are. 

ON THE SCREEN

• The Way Home - It's so bittersweet watching this show. I'm watching season 4 as it airs on The Hallmark Channel each week, knowing it's the final season. I'm loving it! The seasons are also being rolled out on Netflix. I'm hoping it is picked up by Netflix (or any network) for a fifth season. I would get a temporary subscription just to be able to watch it.
• High Potential - I think I have nine more episodes to watch in season 2. Eeek!! I'm loving it!! 
• The Brady Bunch - I just finished watching season 2, so I'll probably start on season 3 next week. There was only one episode in season 2 that hasn't aired (recently, of course) yet, but it will in a couple of weeks. So I'll get to watch the entire season.
• Can't Buy Me Love - Yikes. I don't love this movie nearly as much as I thought I did. Once again, some movies just don't age well.
• A Little Park Music - This won't go down as a favorite, but I enjoyed it once. This was part of Hallmark's Spring Into Love premieres last month.
• To Philly with Love - This was about average, maybe slightly below. The plot was slow and I thought they could have leaned into the Philly setting more. It was also part of Hallmark's Spring Into Love premieres last month.
• I'll Be Seeing You - The Spring Into Love premieres ended strong with this one. It's one of my favorites of the year so far. I could easily watch this one again.

ON THE BLOG

• Sunday Post - 04/11 - Weekly Recap
• Book Review - 04/20 - Murder in a Lavender Daze, by Daryl Wood Gerber
• Book Review - 04/22 - Whiskey Business, by Adrian Andover
• Friday Features - 05/01 - Bookish Response, Featured Book, Feline Friday, Nature Pic
• Puzzle - 05/02 - Spring Flowers

Have a great week!

Puzzle 136 - Spring Flowers

Happy May! 

This puzzle took me 2:31 using 35 non-rotating pieces.

Remember, you can change the number of pieces, etc. if you like. 

Enjoy!

Friday Features 34

Happy Friday!

Today I'm once again participating in six blog hops.  You can click on the host links below to find the blogs of others who are participating in each blog hop. If you're a blogger, feel free to join through the host links.

BOOK BLOGGER HOP, hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Question: Is there a book you've been meaning to read forever, but haven't gotten to yet?

My response:  I've been an avid reader for only about five years, but I can think of a lot of books I've been meaning to read and haven't yet. The Hannah Swensen series, by Joanne Fluke, got me hooked on cozies and on reading in general. I started reading the series in 2021, but then wanted to explore other cozies. I'm on book 18 and have been wanting to finish the series for a while now. I've got the next one on my TBR for later this year.

FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower

FRIDAY 56, hosted by My Head is Full of Books

BOOK BEGINNINGS, hosted by Rose City Reader

Today's excerpts are from the e-book format of Spell to Pay (Spellbooked Magical Cozy Mystery 2), by Elle Wren Burke.

Here's the beginning:

"This is the book my soul needs?"

And here's an excerpt from 56%:

    On my way back to the sales counter, I made an impulsive stop in the self-help section to check if we had more copies of the books Page had found for James.

    Nope. For now, I'd have to think about being authentic and vulnerable all on my own. I shuddered.

You can see in the beginning, a question is being asked. The customer seems unsure of the book Page, the sentient bookshop, chose for him. In the excerpt from 56%, Kinley, who is the narrator, is talking. I wonder why she shuddered at the thought.

I'm about 60% done with this book. It's an ARC of a book that was just recently released. It was a short turnaround time, which is why wasn't able to finish it before the release date. I'm planning to finish it and post my review next week. Spoiler alert: I'm enjoying it!

FELINE FRIDAY, hosted my messymimi's meanderings

Although I believe my girls were born in April, their birthday is noted as today, May 1st. They are now four years old.  I can't believe how fast the years are flying by! These were the best I could get for their birthday pictures.

NATURE FRIDAY, hosted by Living the LLB Life

Dandelions are my favorite flower. I love seeing them on my walks. 

Whiskey Business (Mixology Lounge Mystery 1), by Adrian Andover

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Last year, I was thrilled to meet Adrian Andover at Malice Domestic.  At the time, Whiskey Business, his debut novel, had not yet been published. However, early readers were raving about it and I was intrigued. I don't drink alcohol, but the premise sounded like a fun way I could imagine having drinks, especially since mocktails would be included. 

Later in the year, I was ecstatic when I was the winner of a giveaway - a signed paperback copy of Whiskey Business! This book is nominated for Best First Mystery Novel at Malice Domestic this year, so I wanted to have it read before then. I recently finished it, and I have to say I now know why it's nominated and why everyone has been raving about it.

In this first in series, Reece Parker is dealing with his recent breakup with Chloe. They had planned on getting married, but as Reece is coming to terms with his sexuality, he called it off. As a way to cope with the breakup, Reece, a mixologist, opens an underground cocktail lounge. One night, after a whiskey club meeting, Reece stumbles upon a dead body and he becomes a prime suspect in this murder investigation. To make matters worse, Chloe's big brother is an officer assigned to the case. Reece sets out to find out who the culprit really is in an effort to clear his name and save his business's reputation.

Wow! This is an exceptional debut novel! I loved the relationships. I never felt overwhelmed by the number of characters. There was a comfortable balance between getting to know them and moving the plot along. It's always a challenge to accomplish this in a first in series, but it's done perfectly here.

Although Reece and Chloe have parted ways as a romantic couple, they still get along well with each other. They support each other the way two good friends would. Chloe's brother adds an interesting layer. He is very protective of Chloe and he does have trouble accepting that Reece broke it off with her, but he's also willing to listen and talk about it. There is tension between them, but they are not enemies. Reece also has the support of his best friend Nate. Reece's parents are introduced as well and I love the scenes when they are together. All of these relationships are multi-dimensional and they really held my interest from beginning to end. I love when there are layers to characters' relationship, but not too much animosity. It made for a pleasant read. 

There was just the right amount of romance in this book. As Reece is now coming to terms with his sexuality, he is not quite sure if he's ready for another relationship. He is open to possibilities, but is taking it slow. There could be a possible love interest and I'm interested in seeing where that storyline goes.

If you enjoy fur babies in cozies, be patient. There is a feline friend who shows up later in the book. It looks like Jameson could be a permanent member of the cast going forward. I certainly hope so!

While I don't drink alcohol, I enjoyed this aspect of the book. I was interested in reading about the different cocktails they created and how they were made. It's also good to know that Subplot, the name of Reece's cocktail lounge, serves mocktails. My only question about the setting is whether or not Subplot is accessible for wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments. There are two entrances. One has stairs. The other leads to a back alley and I'm not sure the path is flat enough for everyone. I really like to imagine myself in the setting, but this is not easy to do if I'm not sure I can access it. 

The mystery is solid. There are several viable suspects and I was unable to guess the whodunnit. It was a carefully-crafted mystery, with twists and turns I didn't see coming and a conclusion that had me on the edge of my seat when all was being revealed. It all came together perfectly in the end.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend Whiskey Business, by Adrian Andover. Book two will be released in a couple of months, so you have time to catch up before then. I'm confident you won't be disappointed!

Murder in a Lavender Daze (Aroma Wellness Mystery 2), by Daryl Wood Gerber

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I really enjoyed the first book in the Aroma Wellness mystery series, Essence of Foul Play, by Daryl Wood Gerber. From the moment I closed that book, I was eagerly anticipating the second one. So I was thrilled when I was offered an ARC of Murder in a Lavender Daze. Like the first one, it's a great combination of relaxation (the aroma wellness theme) and mystery.

In this second installment, Emma Brennen, owner of Aroma Wellness Spa has booked a "Happily Divorced" event for soon-to-be divorced Addison Lacey. However, the discovery of a dead body changes everything. With Addison as the prime suspect in the murder investigation, Emma believes there's more to the story and she is determined to figure out who is behind this heinous crime. Was it Addison or did someone else commit murder?

The setting for this series is Carmel-by-the-Sea, the same setting for Daryl Wood Gerber's Fairy Garden Mysteries. It truly feels like a community, especially since characters from that series make appearances in this one. Since fairies reside in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we are even treated to appearances by them. While the fairies are not main characters in the Aroma Wellness series, they are present enough for fairy fans like myself. For me, the only thing that would improve the community even more is the mention of ramps wherever there are stairs. I like to imagine myself in the setting of the books I read, but it's difficult to do this when I don't know if I could access the delightfully cozy businesses in the area.

I love the theme of wellness. In the midst of an investigation, I found the spa scenes quite serene and calming. The contrast with the murder mystery worked very well.

I once again really enjoyed spending time with most of the main characters in this second installment. I also had fun getting to know new characters. There are just two characters I'm not a huge fan of. One may be moving on, but the other one is the detective. I understand he has a job to do, but I thought he was overly harsh with Emma. I didn't feel that she was interfering in the investigation as much as the detective felt she was. In real life, sometimes it is the citizens who provide the authorities with leads in investigations.  I thought he could have been more accepting of her help.

The mystery in Murder in a Lavender Daze is strong. Trying to figure out the whodunnit had my head spinning in the best way. I had a a few suspects in mind and I thought I narrowed it down to the the two strongest suspects. Both of them turned out to be wrong. I love when that happens. The big reveal surprised me, but it came together in a logical way.

And there are some extras in this book. If you're a fan of culinary cozies, you'll be pleased to know there are several recipes at the end. They all sound delicious. These include gluten free options. Something else in all of the books I've read by Daryl Wood Gerber that I really appreciate is the list of characters in the beginning of the book. If I ever lost track of who a character was, all I had to do was quickly look at that list that gives a brief description of each one. This eliminates the need to highlight or write down a list of characters, which I often do when a list isn't given.

If you're looking for a cozy mystery that has a light, airy feel to it, look no further than Daryl Wood Gerber's Aroma Wellness series. While each installment contains a standalone mystery, I recommend reading them in order so you can follow the subplots and character development. There is only one book before Murder in a Lavender Daze, so you have time to catch up before this second installment is released on April 28th. I am already looking forward to more!

Thank you to author Daryl Wood Gerber, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with ARCs of this book!

Sunday Post 133

Hi everyone!

Through Monday, I am linking with the following: 

Reading Reality, who hosts Stacking the Shelves

Readerbuzz, who hosts Sunday Salon

Caffeinated Reviewer, who hosts Sunday Post

The Book Date, who hosts It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's my birthday! Well, tomorrow, Sunday, is my birthday. It's also National Grilled Cheese Day, so I'll be having grilled cheese for lunch, but not before going to the local farm to play with the goats! I do this every year. Usually I go after my birthday so I can hold at least one baby goat that was born on my birthday (lots of them are born at this farm during April), but this year I decided to go on my birthday. It's supposed to be a picture perfect day with highs in the low 70s (even lower than that at the time I'll be going), with sunshine. I couldn't pass up this opportunity because I think next week is supposed to be hotter with a chance of rain. And the following week I won't be available. So it made sense to go on my birthday this year. Who knows. Maybe I'll be at the farm when a baby goat is born! The farm also has a fairy forest that I love to visit. I'm looking forward to a fun time in the great outdoors with the goats and fairy friends.

I'm intentionally not doing a lot of posting this month because of various birthday activities, several appointments, and a convention. It's a busy month! But I am finding time everyday to read. In fact, my birthday also happens to be D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day!

IN THE BOOKS

RECENTLY FINISHED

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I listened to The Jig Is Up (Irish Bed & Breakfast Mystery 1), written by Lisa Q. Matthews and narrated by Rebecca Gallagher. I had a difficult time connecting with the characters, but I loved the setting and the mystery was strong. I might give the the second book in the series a try.

IN PROGRESS

I'm on track with The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, written by Margaret Renkl and illustrated by Billy Renkl, reading one chapter each week. I enjoy reading the authors thoughts throughout the year and seeing the illustrations.

Whiskey Business (Mixology Lounge Mystery 1), by Adrian Andover, is still my current read. I'm almost 70% done and I expect to finish this upcoming week. I am enjoying it. You can read some excerpts here.

UP NEXT

Spell to Pay (Spellbooked Mystery 2), by Elle Wren Burke, is still up next. I'm excited to read this eARC, especially since it has a cat plus a fairy theme. These are two of my favorite things!

My next audiobook listen will be Paris is Always a Good Idea, by Jenn McKinlay. It became available from Libby, but I wasn't quite ready. I should have borrowed it when it was available because even though I'm first in line again, I still have to wait until it's available. It says it will be less than two weeks, so it's not a long wait. Meanwhile, the online book club I'm reading it with is well into the book. Oh, well.

ON THE SCREEN

• The Way Home - Season 3 is on demand on frndly, so I'm rewatching it in preparation for season 4, which premieres on The Hallmark Channel next Sunday. I love this series so much and I'm sad this will be the final season. If you have Netflix, they have been rolling out each season there. It's also on Hallmark+.
• Gilligan's Island - Why do I even bother? This show is so silly, but I watched S1E2. It was okay, but I have so many questions!
• The Breakfast Club - After the Escape Room experience and the actual date that this movie is set being in March, I decided to re-watch it. I had it recorded from frndly. It was okay, but some movies just don't age well.
• A Royal Setting - This was Jen Lilly's return to Hallmark, which I was really looking forward to. Unfortunately, the movie was underwhelming. It's a pretty standard royal Hallmark movie. There was nothing unique about it. It had all the royal tropes, almost as if they had a checklist they needed to complete. It's not a bad movie, but it's nothing special either.
• A Season to Blossom - This is another pretty standard Hallmark plot, but I enjoyed it. I thought the second half was stronger and there was some uniqueness throughout the movie in how the story was told. I also adored the cat, of course.

ON THE BLOG

• Sunday Post - 03/28 - Weekly Recap
• Puzzle - 04/11 - Birthday Party Table

Have a great week!