Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander was a cozy, quick read that launched me into modern cozy mysteries. It is the first book in the Bakeshop Mystery series.
Juliet Capshaw returns to her hometown in Oregon after suffering heartbreak while working as a chef on a cruise ship.
Hoping for a break from all the stress, she begins working with her mom at the family bakery. Her hopes for a peaceful settling-in are dashed when she discovers a body on the kitchen floor one morning.
This book had me hooked on the characters fairly quickly. There is a close relationship between Juliet and her mom and there are plenty of quirky and sweet characters to grow attached to.
Even though I am not a baker myself, I liked how baking was seamlessly woven into the story. I won’t lie – I did skip over some of the more detailed descriptions of the baking process and how it made her feel because it isn’t really my thing, but for those who absolutely love baking I know those descriptions will be something they will love to read.
Alexander does an amazing job of bringing her characters to life – whether it is in how she describes them or in how she creates a dialogue between them.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves super, super cozy mysteries.
Crime and Poetry by Amanda Flower
Crime and Poetry is the first book in the Magical Bookshop series by Amanda Flower. Violet Waverly rushes back to her hometown to help her ailing grandmother, only to find out her grandmother (Daisy) isn’t so sick after all.
Daisy owns a bookshop that Violet soon finds out is magical because the books pick their readers, which is hard to explain until you read the book.
Before Violet knows it she’s wrapped up in a murder mystery when a man named Benedict Raisin dies clutching a copy of Emily Dickinson that he bought at Daisy’s bookshop. Even worse for Daisy is that Benedict left her in his will.
This is a book that takes you on a wild journey full of magic and craziness. I’m not usually a fan of “magical” books. I prefer my cozy mysteries to have at least a little bit of reality to them but I’ve read Flower’s other magical series – The Magical Garden Series – and really liked it.
I did not enjoy this book as much as the magical garden because it featured more about spells and that’s not really my thing. It may, however, be something other readers enjoy. I also felt that the timeline for solving the mystery was completely ridiculous. But there were magical books involved so of course it would be solved fast. A little bit of suspending belief isn’t a bad thing when reading a cozy mystery though.
I don’t know if I will continue this series because I didn’t connect with Violet as much as characters in other series by Flower but I might since I liked the book overall.
Have you read either of these? What did you think?
It’s time for our Sunday morning chat. On Sundays, I ramble about what’s been going on, whatthe rest of the familyand I have been reading and watching, andwhat I’ve been writing. Some weeks I share what I am listening to.
I finished All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese Friday. Finally. No, the book is not bad. It is very good, in fact. I just kept putting it aside so I could finish books for other authors or library books.
I’m going to try to not add any more library books to my TBR list right now . . . other than the one I just added: A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales. Ahem.
I started it last night and we will see if I like it. So far I do. The last Regency cozy mystery I picked up from Libby I did NOT enjoy. Hopefully, this one will be better the whole way through this time.
I’ve also started another cozy mystery for a book tour: A New Leash on Life by Kathleen Y’Barbo. It comes out on October 1. I was going to read it slowly since I don’t have to review it until October 30th but I was hooked right away and have been enjoying it. I read another of her books in this series and I did enjoy it but I did not enjoy the ending. It sort of fell apart so I am hoping this one doesn’t. This book is different because it is somewhat like a romance with it being from two points of view – one from the woman and the other from the man – but it is also a mystery.
I am not a huge fan of those types of switches in books when it is first person but it’s not so bad in this book. After writing two or more POVs in all of my books in the Spencer Valley Chronicles, I have now decided I am not a huge fan of more than two of POVs and I really don’t like the back-and-forth POVs in romances as much anymore. I don’t know if I will ever write two POVs again or not, but I definitely don’t plan to write more than two POVs in one book.
Anyhow, back to the books I’m planning to read after the two I just mentioned.
For fall I have a stack of books I’d love to get through:
Trouble Shooter by Louise L’Amour
The Cat Who Blew The Whistle by Lilian Jackson Braun The Cat Who Talked Turkey by Lilian Jackson Braun A Case of Bad Taste by Lori Copeland Sydney Chambers and the Perils of the Night by Jamie Runcie Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I’d also like to add a Longmire book to that list because I don’t think I’ve read any Longmire this year so far.
The Boy and I are reading Red Badge of Courage for school so I’ll have to add that to my planned reading list too.
Little Miss and I are reading Gone Away Lake for school and sometimes we are reading it at night too. We are really enjoying it and I’m so glad that Erin from Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs sent it to us!
What’s Been Occurring
I wrote a bit about what’s been going on in my post yesterday. You can catch up there but the bottom line is: fleas, sick animals recovering, fall weather, and homeschool. There. You’re caught up. *wink*
Photos from Last Week
I didn’t take a ton of photos last week but here are a few and a few from my parents’ anniversary party last week.
What We watched/are Watching
Last week I watched two movies with Erin from Still Life, With Cracker Crumbs for our Comfy, Cozy Cinema: Fantastic Mr. Fox and The Secret World of Arrietty.
The Husband and I watched Song of the Thin Man yesterday after he cooked me dinner for my birthday. My birthday isn’t until Tuesday but he has to attend a meeting that night. It was the last movie in the Thin Man series with William Powell and Myrna Loy.
We also watched a few episodes of Newhart this week.
By myself I watched part of a documentary about what the Victorian royals wore.
My brother also sent these hilarious videos of real letters being read by celebrities. I was warned that some of them are crude so to be careful.
What I’m Writing
I am working on Gladwynn Grant Takes Center Stagefor a November release and, in case you don’t know, Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing, the first book, is out already on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. It will leave Kindle Unlimited on October 8 as I hope to be able to offer it on additional sites for sale. This a cozy mystery series and I really am having fun writing it, even though this week I was almost in tears trying to decide who my murderer is because I didn’t like who I had originally decided it to be.
Yes, I am writing other blog posts but, no, I haven’t finished them because I keep getting distracted by life. Sigh.
What I’m Listening To
This past week we took some time to turn off the TV (where cartoons are mainly played) and listen to some music, including Frank Sinatra and Tim McGraw. I know. What a mix right?!
Now it’s your turn
Now it’s your turn. What have you been doing, watching, reading, listening to or writing? Let me know in the comments or leave a blog post link if you also write a weekly update like this.
Note: This is my monthly author newsletter because Substack kept freezing my posts and not letting me edit them after I had them completely written and ready to go. I am not sure what I am going to do for a newsletter right now, but for now I’ll place my updates on my blog. If you don’t care a bit about my writing, interviews with other authors or book and bookish things giveaways, please just ignore this post and return for my other mundane ramblings *wink*
I almost died on the Fourth of July.
This might not be completely true, but it’s how it felt to me. My family and I went to a local fireworks display, put on by professionals, but not a public show. It was fantastic but toward the end, my 16-year-old son and I realized we were way too close as several explosions and flash bangs went off while they lit the fireworks for the finale. My daughter and husband had already gone back to our van, but the problem was, I never heard them say that because the explosions at the end were so loud.
As the flashing and explosions continued, I looked for them frantically.
I started to worry that pieces of fireworks were going to fall on me and my family so I tried to stand, but now there was a strobe effect going on and the ground was moving and shaking for me. I tried to stand up, but couldn’t tell where the ground was part of the time so I kept falling back down to a kneeling position, all the while yelling at my son to stop looking at the lights because I was certain it was going to blind him.
Looking over my shoulder I caught him laughing at me but the lights were still moving all over and I was sure something was going to fall on us so I just sat and put my hands over my head and prayed. We finally managed to stand and make our way back to our van and later my son said he was watching me and wondering if I was eventually going to stop trying to stand up after the second time I fell over.
By the time we were walking to the van I was laughing pretty hard and even harder when he told me how silly I had looked trying to stand up over and over. For your amusement, I am attaching the video where you can hear me telling him not to look at the lights.
Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing Released
Luckily, I survived our fireworks display because last week, July 11th to be exact, I released Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing a week early. This is the first book in my Gladwynn Grant Mysteries series, which is a series of cozy mysteries.
Not sure what a cozy mystery is? Read on.
Cozy mysteries are usually fun reads with an amateur sleuth as the main character. That sleuth usually has no connection to law enforcement other than trying to tell the police about what she (or he, but it is often she) has discovered about a crime.
Cozy mysteries are not hard-hitting thrillers or mysteries. They are free of graphic descriptions of murder or death or sex. There is almost never sex, but if there is, it is always “closed door”, which means there may be suggestions that sex happened, but the reader doesn’t see it. My books won’t even discuss main characters having sex, just an FYI.
These types of mysteries usually take place in a small town or village, have lots of quirky characters, and are sometimes slowly-paced and sometimes fast-paced. It all depends on the author.
Here is what readers are saying about Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing:
“If you like mysteries with a slower pace, you’ll enjoy the small-town adventures awaiting Gladwynn, amateur journalist-sleuth.” – Alicia G.
“The characters are rich and full, just like in her other series. The small-town antics reminded me of the several small towns I’ve lived in. And her plot line kept me guessing all the way to the very end.” – Bettie G.
“Intrigue, mystery, cold case, attempted murder all with a side of humor, new relationships and letting go of the past…..this author has a way with words, literally!! I love her style, her creativity in not just writing an incredible story but in the depiction of each wonderfully devised character so easily brought to life! A treasure for the TBR list for any and every reader!” – Evelyn F.
In case you’d like to know what you can expect from Gladwynn Grant Gets Her Footing, here is a small list:
A slightly introverted, sometimes extroverted main character
For a little change of pace for this newsletter, I’m featuring an interview with an author I am familiar with and whose work I have read and enjoyed.
An interview with Danielle Grandinetti, Christian Historical Romance Author
Read on to learn more about Danielle and for a chance to win a copy of her latest book!
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I wrote my first story in third grade and never looked back. I love telling stories as much as I love reading them, and it is a delight to share mine with such amazing readers.
2. Tell us a little about your already completed/published projects.
Refuge for the Archaeologist is my fifth historical romance, second in the Harbored in Crow’s Nest series. My first series, Strike to the Heart, centers around the 1930 Wisconsin Dairy strikes. In August, my debut Love Inspired contemporary sweet romance releases. I’m thrilled!
3. What are the main themes of your novels or stories?
I love telling stories about finding home in hard times. Whether historical or contemporary, with or without suspense, life can be hard … but there is hope and home to be found.
4. What advice would you give to other writers who hope to someday write and publish a book?
Keep reading in your genre, especially new releases. Learn all you can from those who’ve been there. Keep learning by studying books on writing to find the system that works for you. And most of all, keep writing. The more you apply what you read and learn, the better your writing will become.
5. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Read! But I also love to tinker in my veggie/herb garden or take nature pictures, especially of Lake Michigan. Being a mom of young boys, I don’t have all that much free time, but I love the opportunity to introduce my boys to the joys of creativity – whether through my writing, reading, or God’s creation.
6. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Surprised isn’t quite the right word, but I’m not sure I was fully prepared for how blessed I’d feel by my readers. Their encouragement, kindness, and excitement over my books is both humbling and inestimable.
7. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a missionary, or a better way to say it was that I wanted to share the story of hope with those who desired to hear it. And guess what? I may not travel to other countries anymore to do so, but I still get to share that hope within the pages of my stories. And I pray they are a blessing to those who read them.
8. For fun, what’s your favorite snack when you’re writing?
There’s nothing like writing beside a big teapot filled with Chai.
9. Share a little more about yourself outside of your writing.
Though originally from the Chicagoland area, I now live along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline with my husband and our two young sons (and Penny our Labrador). I have a Master of Arts degree in Communication and Culture, and spent twenty years in various educational fields, including as a middle school writing coach and an adjunct professor, teaching intercultural communication. I love learning about other people and their cultures and am privileged to have visited a handful of countries on four different continents.
10. Where can people learn more about your work and connect with you?
I’d love to keep in touch! The best way is to join my Fireside News email community. I send out weekly emails with all sorts of bookish fun. New subscribers receive a complimentary ebook. Sign up here.
Thank you for visiting with me today!
Giveaways
Danielle has graciously agreed to give one commenter here one paperback copy of her latest book, Refuge for the Archaeologist. Simply subscribe to my newsletter and leave a comment about one thing you remember about Danielle’s answers above and you’re entered.
Here is a description of the book:
Will uncovering the truth set them free or destroy what they hold most dear?
Wisconsin, 1930—With her health in shambles and her archaeological career on the line, Cora Davis retreats to Crow’s Nest and the home of her great aunt to heal. She doesn’t think much of the missing memories from between the earthquake that caused her dizzy spells and her trip home. Until she begins remembering the danger that sent her fleeing her last dig and the person responsible.
After a decade as a ranch hand, Silas Ward returned to Crow’s Nest to provide for the women in his life. That same protective instinct propels him to Cora’s aid. But when finances dwindle, the lies and greed of others threaten to ruin his family. Unless Silas can walk the thin line of compromise. A choice that might cost him Cora’s affection.
As winter’s chill threatens, will Crow’s Nest prove a refuge, or will both Cora and Silas have no choice but to sacrifice their chance at happiness to save those they love?
Welcome to Crow’s Nest, where danger and romance meet at the water’s edge.
Bookmark Giveaway
This month I am also giving away a bookmark designed by Sara The Book Lady who is @her.novel.opinion on Instagram.
She offers up very honest, but polite book reviews on Instagram, and, obviously, also designs bookmarks.
To win a bookmark comment that you are interested in the bookmark and please subscribe to my blog for more writing updates (or just sometimes silly posts!).
Learn about a contemporary author’s new book series and get a free novella.
I recently read a book by author Maryanne Landers that I will be endorsing. Maryanne has a Kickstarter for the book that you can learn about HERE.
Here is a quick description of the book:
“She’s detached in a stormy marriage because of both of their unfaithfulness. Now she faces the aftermath of her compromise with an unwanted pregnancy. Will fleeing bring her the freedom she yearns for?
Emily Corentin wants to escape the jagged edges of her brokenness. She believes the only option she has is to take her young daughter, leave her husband, and end the unintended pregnancy with an abortion. But her plans take an unexpected turn when the homeless shelter she finds is not the type of help she wanted. She’d buried religion years ago with the death of her Gran. Any God-fearing place will only confirm how much God abandoned her.
An offer from a shelter volunteer may be the lifeline she and her daughter need, but Emily only sees it as a means to an end. The unlikely friendship that follows, draws her closer to the answers she may have carried with her all along. But rash decisions bring new challenges that drag her further into a sea of helplessness.
When all hope is lost in despair will she be washed away by the patterns of her past? Or will she answer the call to embrace the mercy of the cross and in turn bring reconciliation to her marriage?”
If you would like to receive a free short story that kicks off the series you can scroll down to the bottom of the above linked page.
And finally, Thank You!
Thank you to all of you who keep up with my writing adventures and for anyone who subscribed to my newsletter on substack. I hope you will look around my blog and hang out and then subscribe so you will receive my monthly writing updates here.
You can also find me on the following social media sites:
