Farm to Trouble

 This is a new series by Amanda Flower.  Unlike her other series set in Amish country, this is a farming community in northern Michigan.  (if you are a Kid Rock fan and now have that "All Summer Long" line stuck in your head- my apologies )   

In this series Shiloh Bellamy has returned how from LA after 15 years.  She intended to come home to help revitalize and convert her family farm to an organic farm.  Unfortunately for her, financial troubles are the least of her concerns when she comes home. 

She discovers she is an outsider in the town she grew up in and has a lot of past demons to contend with upon her return.  The characters are well written and complex- they are certainly not all tea and roses but rather have some real issues with real disagreements.  As the story progresses we learn more of Shiloh's past and she discovers secrets about her neighbors and family.  

The mystery is well written and has multiple layers to the storyline.  The clues are well constructed and the guilty party is not at all the expected individual nor is the motive what the reader would expect. 

 All in all this is a great start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.

Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this debut in the new series by Amanda Flower. While still set in a rural Midwest farming community this is different from her others which are set in Amish country. This book still has the outsider who is thrown into the role of the detective while trying to help someone she cares about. Unlike the Amish cozies this features Shiloh Bellamy who has returned to help her father resurrect the family farm. Unfortunately things are worse than she expected, not just with the farm but also with her choice of investors. Shiloh quickly learns that Althusser grew up in this northern Michigan town, the locals view her as no soggy from a fudgie and trust her the same. The story is a good mix of plots, drama- family and small town history varieties, and characters. The relationships are layered and full of simmering tensions similar to real life. The mystery keeps the reader guessing and has a great twist or two at the end. Cannot wait to read more in the series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #101
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #109
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #123
4. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
5. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #70
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #104
7. Craving for Cozies  Book #88
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Rifle or shotgun
• Detectives- Shiloh Bellamy
• Victims-Jefferson Crocker
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #6  Shot #5

Class Act

This is the 58th installment in the Stuart Woods series about Stone Barrington.  At this point the series is definitely a bit predictable in certain aspects, dinner with Dino; Stone as a playboy;  people wanting to kill people.  All of this was present but I did find the plot a little better than the recent installments in the series.  I also found some of Stone's decisions to be a deviation from his normal behavior with a bit of a more edgy and questionable slant.  The plots are enough to keep my attention and will keep me returning for more but if you are looking for highly thought provoking or intricate details this is not the series for you. 

Class Act by Stuart Woods
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

On one hand this is a typical Stone Barrington story. Rotating trysts and people wanting to kill him amidst fancy dinners at PJ Clarke’s and Patroon. This installment was a bit more gritty and showed a side of Stone that isn’t often seen. He is faced with some moral and ethical choices that he deals with himself rather than passing off to Herbie or other associates. This book will full of action, deceit and double crossing highlights the fact that people are not always what they seem and their pasts may surprise you

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #100
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Stone Barrington #58
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #108
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #122
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #103
7. Around the Year in 52 Books #31. A book by an author whose career spanned more than 21 years  
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 6 Toe Tags
9. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Kitchen or bakery
• Row 4

Street or sidewalk
Row 5

Bedroom
Bathtub, shower, bathroom

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun x3 
• Pointy object x2 
• Row 3
• Bomb or explosion
• Row 4
• Dagger 
• Row 5
• Hands or fists
• Detectives- Stone/Dino
• Victims- Manny/Hilda/Sal/Cora/the Don/Michael 
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #5b  Shot #1

Death Gone A Rye

 The 6th book in the Bread Shop mysteries did not disappoint.  I actually think this might be the best one so far.  The dynamics of the investigation and the character developments and relationships were very well done.  I can highly recommend this book but would advise caution if you are trying to eat low carb as Winnie Archer includes many yummy descriptions of breads that may make your mouth water.  

Death Gone A-Rye by Winnie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this latest book in the series. Ivy was a strong detective and this book has her working with Miguel Baptista to determine what happened to school board member Nessa Renchrick. This mystery brings up people from both their past. The book introduces real life relationship and trust issues that felt realistic and unstaged. The animosity with the detective in charge was well written and a change for this series; giving it a more urgent and tension filled tone.
I look forward to reading more and building a greater sense of depth of the characters that recur in the series

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #99
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Bread Shop #6
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book # 107
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 121
5. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice # 69
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #102
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #87
9. Pick your Poison #2-3 A book with a pun in the title
10. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO  "Gone"
11. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
12. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5

Home or business office

• Weapons
• Row 5
• Household object
• Detectives- Ivy Culpepper
• Victims- Nessa Renchrick
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #36  Shot #3

Pulp Friction

 This second book in the Cider Shop mystery series by Julie Anne Lindsey is an enjoyable read.  I discovered that the 3 cozies I was reading at the same time were all based around weddings which I found to be a funny coincidence.  This one is a rural barn setting for a country wedding while the previous book I finished was the Beach setting.  The cake in the beach one sounded absolutely beautiful but in this book it was easy to envision the twinkling lights hanging from the barn rafters.  The old fashioned truck as the just married vehicle sounds charming as well.

As for the actual mystery it is well written and we find the main character getting into lots of trouble- both from the investigation and her ex.  The characters are well developed and the reader can readily relate to their good and bad characteristics.  There are some stereotypical nefarious activities that cause a bit of an eye roll when they come up in the story as a possible explanation for the murder, but not so outrageous to be unbelievable or detract from the story.

The cider recipes that are included sound wonderful and I am tempted to try the champagne cider used at the wedding reception- it sounds elegant and yummy.   The book definitely makes me hope for crisp fall weather and possible trips to the apple orchard/pumpkin farm.

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this next book in the cider shop series. I appreciate how it depicts the struggles with owning a small business and the creativity and decisions that are needed to run it. Often times stories just portray running a business as an easy task outside of the long hours. They don't tend to talk about the financial struggles and the ever demanding need to evolve and stay current. This series feels realistic about that.
The mystery in the book is well written as well and a good balance of creativity and an honest reflection of small town The setting in the orchard makes me look forward to the fall and hopefully some apple picking or pumpkin patch activities.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #98
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes West Virginia
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Cider Shop #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #106
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #120
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #68
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #101
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #86
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Pathway or forest

Row 5

Garden, park, gazebo

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Hand gun
• 
  
• Row 3
• Motor vehicle (struck by)
• Detectives- Winnie
• Victims- Jack Warren & Chad Denton
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #70  Shot #2

A Beach Wedding to Die For

 This second installment in the Murder to Die for series by Judy Moore was a fun read.   The details about the beach town of Manatee Beach, FL really had me wanting to go on vacation and just sink my toes in the sand.  The victim in this story is quite the Bridezilla and the mystery Winnie finds herself embroiled in is quite well done.  The bride was so irritating and self centered it was hard to figure out who amongst the players is guilty-  believe me the ending is quite shocking. 

Meanwhile Winnie and her Great Dane, Coaquina are both attracting lots of attention in this book;  some of it unsolicited and unwelcome.  The characters are growing on me as I read the series and I look forward to reading more about Winnie, Lizzie and Grammy. I know the next book is about another favorite pastime of mine- tennis so it should be interesting as well.  

A Beach Wedding To Die For by Judy Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bridezilla meets her match

The 2nd book in the series is full of the. Unique characters with Winnie being the main character along with her Grammy and sister, Lizzie. Of course there’s the dashing detective that provides the romantic tension. The cozy is full of realistic characters who react in truly normal was. Their behavior is not perfect but they feel authentic. There’s a great twist to the story that really was quite unexpected

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #105
2. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #119
3. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #67
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #100
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #85
7. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags
8. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 2
• Lake or ocean

Row 4

Hotel room

• Weapons
• Row 2 
• Knife
• Row 3
• Drowning, water, ice
• Detectives- Beck
• Victims-Amelia/Alfred
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #51  Shot #2

Reserved for Murder

 This is the 2nd Booklover's B & B mystery set in North Carolina.   I enjoy the characters in this series quite a bit.  There are 2 female leads who partner up and they are a great balance to each other.  Both strong women with diverse backgrounds. Ellen, who's in her 70s just happens to have a mysterious past which we learn about in the first book.   This book has a person from her past appear with unclear intentions while a murder is being unraveled that centers around the B & B guests that Charlotte (Charlie) is hosting as part of an author meet and greet awarded to fans.  

The 2 stories intertwine quite well and you cannot help but have strong emotions towards the characters.  The feelings are both positive and negative and are well developed.  The mystery itself is well constructed and really does have a surprise outcome.  

Reserved for Murder by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy with murder and some espionage

Charlotte is a wonderful lead character and together with her quirky elderly neighbor she has wolves 2 mysteries now. The extended core character cast comes from their book club as well as the 2 employees of her B&B The rotating characters that a few central to this mystery are all guests of her B & B who are there for a visit with a famous author. Readers who like books and a diverse group of characters will enjoy this book and the series

View all my reviews   

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #97
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #104
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #118
4. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #66
5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #99
6. Craving for Cozies  Book #84
7. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
8. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 5
• Beach or shoreline
• Weapons
• Row 4
• Push or fall
• Detectives- Charlotte
• Victims- Lisette
9. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #52  Shot #2

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives

 Fans of the Bravo series Real Housewives will find this non fiction work interesting.  I will admit I enjoyed it but it wasn't quite the expose with lots of gory details I was hoping for when I placed it on hold at my library long before its publication.   It was an enjoyable read but I was looking for juicy details and backstage info.  While there was some of that it felt at times like it was trying to be a college thesis or was looking for a sociological tie to justify its writing.  

I think if you  watch the shows you enjoy their gossipy/ voyeuristic aspects and you are probably hoping to find that and details of behind the scenes info which this book did provide just not as much as I was expecting.  If you would like to find out some of the background info on the reality world and how it is made this is an interesting read you might find enjoyable

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives by Brian Moylan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I will admit I have watched an episode or 2 of the housewives. The glamorous settings combined with the drama is a bit addicting. Perfect shows for binge watching and this book helps clarify the work that goes into that appeal and how they set up the cliffhanger in every episode. It gives a birds eye view of the process that goes into the making of a series and an episode. There is a bit of history into reality tv as well. While I found it well written and interesting I was hoping for me tidbits on the housewives and the show events. It was enjoyable but did not totally fill my need for inside information

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #96
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #103
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #117
4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #12. Published in 2021 
5. Pick your Poison #26-1 A book with a crowded cover

Jackpot

 

This is the next installment in the Teddy Fay series co written by Stuart Woods.  I really enjoyed this book with an added bonus of an author starting with a Q so it was a double winner for me.

I am finding I enjoy the Teddy Fay series more than the Stone Barrington books these days probably because they seem to focus more on the clandestine operations and less about the gratuitous sexual encounters.  I am not a prude but it does get old reading about Stone's escapades.  

This book finds Teddy in Asia- Hong Kong and Macau to be exact.  He meets up with a female who challenges him on his skillset and intelligence.  This subplot makes for interesting introspection by Teddy and for a great development of his character.  It makes him more human that's for sure.  

The mystery and intrigue is also well written and full of plot twists.  If you like reading spy novels that feel like a Bond movie then this will be a good fit for you.

Jackpot by Stuart Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Teddy Fay adventures keep your on the edge of your seat

I am finding the Teddy Fay series to be more engaging than the Stone Barrington series these days This story is about the intrigue and action of the spy/intelligence business without the gratuitous sexual exploits of Barrington. The twists and turns and uncertainty of who’s on Teddy’s side is very engaging. The complexity of the characters and what is justified behavior keeps the book moving rapidly.
Great book if you’re looking for a foreign espionage book set in Macau

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #95
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Macau (China)
3. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  "J"
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  "Q"
5. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Teddy Fay #5 
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #102
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #116
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #98
9. Diversify your reading #DYRC21  Thriller
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #5a  Shot #6

Z Rex

 This book is definitely not in my usual genre choice for sure.  It is a middle grade reader that is definitely science fiction.   I also don't generally pick books about dinosaurs either.  This book just happened to cover to more difficult challenge prompts in one read though-  the letter Z and a book about dinosaurs.  So this is how I came to read it in 2021.

This book is a great book for young readers especially boys who may be reluctant readers.  The main character is a male who is trying to find his father all while encountering bad guys and real dinosaurs.  The book also incorporates video game features.  All the makings of a book that is interesting to young males.  Personally I found it a quick read once I got engaged in the book and finished it in one day.  I found it interesting if not exactly realistic.  It was a fun read.

I did enjoy it though so I guess the goal of reading things out of your norm by participating in challenges was achieved.  Who knows I might even pick the follow up next year to complete my alpha challenge again in 2022.  

Z. Rex by Steve Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable read and would be a great pick for any young reader who likes fantasy and dinosaurs. It is not my usual choice of genres but I selected for a reading challenge. It was an enjoyable read with drama and a bit of mystery thrown in. All in all a fun read that had a bit of deeper ethical questions underlying it that sparks thinking from more mature readers

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #94
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Scotland
3. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  "Z"
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #101
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #115
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #32. A book whose title starts with “Q,” “X,” or “Z”
7. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #30. Change: about/involving dinosaurs
8. Pick your Poison #17-2 A book with a shape-shifting character
9. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  magic/super powers
10. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO-  One
11. 52 books in 52 weeks  #22 fantasy creatures

Fishing for Trouble

 This second book set in Elkview, Alaska centers around Charlie and her cafe.  I didn't care for this book quite as much as the first in the series.  I think I just didn't like the characters as much.   I did enjoy reading more of Charlie's backstory and meeting people from her past life before the series had started.   This development of her character and the added descriptions of Alaska are well written.

Unfortunately I found some aspects of the mystery a bit lacking.  At one point one of the characters makes a reference about knowing another character, who supposedly had just arrived in AK.  The mystery of why he had been there longer than he indicated was never cleared up and would have been a relevant piece of the solution since he was a realistic suspect in the murder.   For some reason that issue stuck with me.  

This frustration will not keep me from trying the next book in the series though and I recommend the books to anyone interested in small town diners and particularly if you like outdoor life and Alaska in particular.  

Fishing for Trouble by Elizabeth Logan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While I really enjoy the main character, Charlie and her core group of friends/detectives I just found myself not getting invested in this story for some reason. I think I just didn’t like the suspects/friends of the deceased that Charlie was trying to help. This made me not really root for finding the truth and felt like Charlie was wasting her energy. Even the parents of Josh were irritating and cold characters. I just couldn’t “bond” with them. That being said this felt like the author’s intention so in that sense it was well written. I just think I am not a big fan of stories where the protagonists aren’t appealing.
I did like reading about Alaska and the diner including it’s fare. I will look forward to reading more in the series

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  √

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #93
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Alaska
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021  Alaska Diner #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #100
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #114
6. Calendar of Crime  #CalendarOfCrime2021   
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #65
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #97
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #83
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 

Row 3
Bar, store, restaurant

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Detectives- Charlie
• Victims- Josh
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #71  Shot #2

Murder on the Orient (SS)

 This is the 2nd Agatha Christie Book Club mystery by C.A. Larmer.  The style of the writing of these cozies is a unique approach that I find enjoyable.  The books are modern twists on classic Agatha Christie stories.  What makes them especially unique is the fact the original book is discussed during the plot of the new cozy.  The only downside to this format is if the reader hasn't read the original Christie novel, the Agatha Christie Book Club version will give away the major plot points and outcomes.  So, if you are interested in reading the originals, do it first.

This book is a spin on the Murder on the Orient Express (my review of the original is found here).  The first in the series was a play on the strange case of the disappearance of Mrs. Christie herself( my review can be found here). I found this 2nd book to be better than the original and am glad I stuck it out with the series.

Larmer writes a compelling story with engaging characters that truly resonate with readers, they feel like people you would meet in real life.  The friendships and relationships feel authentic and believable.  This story captures the aspects of cruising quite well and is a perfect getaway while many are not traveling.  The twist is outstanding and not real predictable.   Readers of cozy mysteries and especially those who enjoy travel based mysteries will like this book.

Murder on the Orient (SS): by C.A. Larmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy set down under

This mystery was set aboard a cruise ship and was an enjoyable read. There are plenty of references to Agatha Christie‘s works. Note of caution if you haven’t read murder on the orient express and want to be sure to spread it first as this story gives the plot away.
This book feels like a good balance between descriptions and story/mystery. It is easy to visualize the cruise ship it is set upon and the different locations the scenes take place. The tensions between characters are well done and plausible. The mystery itself keeps the reader guessing until the very end

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #92
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  New Zealand
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2021 Agatha Christie Book Club #2
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #99
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #113   
6. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #64
7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #96
8. Craving for Cozies  Book #82
9. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge July: Australia & New Zealand
10. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
11. Beachcomber Challenge  
• Crime Scenes 
• Row 1
• Boat

Row 4

Hotel room

• Weapons
• Row 1 
• Poison, poisoned food
• Row 4
• Push or fall
• Detectives- Alicia
• Victims- 
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #  Shot #2

Review: Pulp Friction

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this next book in the cider shop series. I appreciate how it depicts the struggles with owning a small business and the creativity and decisions that are needed to run it. Often times stories just portray running a business as an easy task outside of the long hours. They don't tend to talk about the financial struggles and the ever demanding need to evolve and stay current. This series feels realistic about that.
The mystery in the book is well written as well and a good balance of creativity and an honest reflection of small town The setting in the orchard makes me look forward to the fall and hopefully some apple picking or pumpkin patch activities.

View all my reviews

Review: Pulp Friction

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



View all my reviews