A Murder for the Books

 A Murder for the Books is the first book in the Blue Ridge Library series by Victoria Gilbert. I appreciated this book as it demonstrated some of the skills that librarians utilize in their daily lives. I found Amy to be an endearing character who had visible faults that she was aware of and acknowledge to her family.  I appreciated Gilbert intertwining a plot line that addressed those insecurities and highlighted how they played a role in the arts.   This mystery had many facets to the story that were weaved together quite proficiently and in a logical fashion.  For readers interested in genealogy and family history this is a great story that incorporates that topic as a main plot driver.   I look forward to reading more in the series and learning about Amy and her relationships with Richard, her Aunt, and Sunny.  

A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very engaging first book in the Blue Ridge Library mysteries. Amy is a well developed character who is overcoming the devastating outcome of her previous relationship. The results of which not only affected her personal but also her professional life. Ms Gilbert represented this blow to her self confidence very accurately and made it easy to want to know Amy.
The mystery is filled with family secrets as well as past tragedies in the town. At the center of it is the struggle within a small town to preserve its heritage vs a new development that will line the pockets of a chosen few. Just how far will the elite go to protect their investments

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #28  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  22 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes VA
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  V
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #24
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #20
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #6
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #20
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #17
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #45  Shot #4
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 8 Toe Tags (2 poison/3 shot/2 old age/1 pushed)
14. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #22 A Body Positive Message
15. Around the Year in 52 Books #4. A book with an interracial relationship
16. Bookworm #45 Read a book where the main character is a dancer
17. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #27 it’s a trope! (your favorite)
18. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #45. Read a book with a close proximity romance
19. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #15. THRIFTED OR GIFTED
20. Pick your Poison  # 81 A book by an author who has a pet listed in their bio
21. Read with Allison #4 Book From 2022 TBR

A Palette for Murder

 This is actually the 7th book in the Murder She Wrote series by Jessica Fletcher.  I found A Palette for Murder at a used bookstore and didn't think I had read it before.   If I had previously read it I didn't remember much of the plot so as a reread it wasn't an issue.  This book finds Jessica on vacation in the Hamptons where her investigation engages her with many younger artistic people.  It is refreshing to see her a bit baffled by the idiosyncracies and mannerisms of the younger generation.  The book talks quite a bit about artwork and styles so those readers interested in art will find that engaging I would suspect.   The mystery was well conceived and I really was surprised at the ending.  We as readers definitely discover a different side to Jessica in this novel.  

A Palette for Murder by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An old book in the series that I didn’t read before or it’s been so long I forgot I read it. A great read set in the Hamptons as Jessica expands her artistic expression to the visual arts

The mystery was well constructed with lots of plot twists. Always fun to read from this series.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 27 
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series in progress
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 7
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
5. Color Coded #9 palette
6. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2023  Book # 4
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #19
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Travel  #2
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #19
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #16
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #39  Shot #4
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 4 Toe Tags  (3 poison/ 1 hit)
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #21 A second hand book
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #15. Three books, each of which is set in a different century: Book 1
15. Bookworm #27 Read a book by an author who shares a first or last name with one of your friends
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #22 that heist plot tho
17. Cozy Mysteries   #17 Includes a home project
18. HP Quidditch 23 #10 Nimbus 2000: Set or written before 2000
19. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #41. A book you bought from a bookstore
20. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #42. TITLE WITHOUT 'THE'
21. Pick your Poison  # 15 A book from your "collection"
22. Read with Allison #9 Book You Owned Before 2023
23. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  Getaway

Murder 101

 This novella is set between the 1st and 2nd Kitchen Witch novels by Lynn Cahoon.  Murder 101 sheds light on Mia's relationship with her mother and grandmother as well as some history of the building she calls home.  I found it to be a fun read and felt it accurately reflected the emotions and behaviors present at HS reunions.  It is a great read if you are looking for an afternoon of mystery

Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Novella that fills in some history

This novella explains some of the history of Mias home as well as her family background. I actually read it out of order and it wasn't a big issue. I like learning about the backstory of characters and settings. my only issue is this wrapped up a little abruptly but I suppose that can be expected given it's a novella

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 26 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   21
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series :3 Book: 2
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1.5
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. What an Animal Book #6
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #23
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #18
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Paranormal  #2
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #18
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #15
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #17 Shot #2
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags poison
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #34. A novella
15. Bookworm #14 Read a book of short stories or a novella
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #50 main cover color is your least favorite color 
17. Cozy Mysteries   #21 Three cozies, same author
18. HP Quidditch 23 #32 Slytherin: Related to Slytherin house/traits
19. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #11 Read a book with a number in the title
20. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #33. SET IN THE SUMMER
21. Pick your Poison  # 83 A book with a housepet on the cover
22. Read with Allison #14 One-Word Title 

Three Shots to the Wind

 Three Shots to the Wind is the 3rd Chloe Jackson book set in the Panhandle of Florida.  I am particularly engaged by this series by Sherry Harris because our family has a condo in the area and I have spent a fair amount of time in the Panhandle in the last 20 years.  The characters are well developed and have positive attributes but also have negative sides to them which adds to their authenticity.   

As for the mystery I can definitely say I really didn't see the outcome ahead of time.  Fans of cozies set in warm climates and interested in reading of different cocktails will like this series.  

Three Shots to the Wind by Sherry Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy where the readers continue to learn more about Chloe Both about her past and her family. She is an independent and strong woman who is working to get her bearings in a new town with a new career. He fierce independence puts her at odds with her new boss, Vivi and her brothers and she works to clear her friend, Rip, from a murder charge. I really enjoy these books as we spend a lot of time in the Panhandle. The spirit of the people and the area is conveyed well in these books. I look forward to reading more about Chloe and figuring out what Vivi is keeping secret. 

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 25 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   20 
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series in progress
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #22
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #5
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #17
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #14
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #48  Shot #6
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags shot
12. 23 in 2023 # 3 The third book in a series
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #45 First Word in the Book is "The"  
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #25. A book with a tropical setting
15. Bookworm #25 Read a book that takes place somewhere you'd like to live
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #44 five word title
17. Cozy Mysteries   #19 Has a setting different from yours
18. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #46. Book you meant to read last year but didn't
19. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #4. ILLUSTRATED COVER
20. Pick your Poison  # 96 A book about alcoholic beverages
21. Read with Allison #  6 Number in the Title  

Last Tang Standing

 This debut novel by Lauren Ho was a great read.  While light and breezy at times there is definitely depth to the characters, especially Andrea.  Her struggles to decide the direction of her life both professionally and personally feel real and probable.  She has spent her entire life trying to make her mother and employers happy as she reaches her 30s she is starting to question what it is she wants in life.  She finds herself torn between what she thinks she wants and what she believes others what.  Last Tang Standing is a deeper book than it first appears.  It is especially appealing if you have ever spent time in Singapore or around high-achieving Asians.  Tiger moms have a reputation for a reason.  

Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

funny but thought provoking read

Well on one hand this is a light hearted story with many laugh out loud moments it is also a reflection on what makes us happy in life Andrea is so driven to do the things that make her mother happy that she often forgets about her own happiness. I’m sure many people pleasers can relate. The internal struggle is well presented in the epistolary style of diary writing and the reader can tell how troubled Andrea is with her decisions. I really liked it after she had taken control of her life how she was able to find ways to be successful. My only regret is not knowing how her relationship work out

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  23
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   19
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes Singapore
4. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge L
5. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  L
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #21
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #17
8. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #42 Time in the Title
9. Around the Year in 52 Books #10. A book related to one of the Spice Girls' "personalities"  -  Posh
10. Bookworm #42 A book set in Asia or an Asian-inspired culture
11. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  # 7. Character with a Disability
12. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #47 epistolatory or an unusual writing style
13. HP Quidditch 23 #31 Ravenclaw: Related to Ravenclaw house/traits
14. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #37. Read an author's debut book
15. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #21. BETWEEN 380-430 PAGES
16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #36 A book you think your best friend would like
17. Pick your Poison  # 76 A book with a cover that matches your shirt (on the day your start it)
18. RAD Challenge #aradreadingchallenge #5 Disability Represented (Author or Character)
19. Read with Allison #26 Debut Author
20. Sci and Nature # 37 With a Disabled Character:
21. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 10 Hotels
22. Unruly Reader Bingo  #20 Drama Club
23. Diversify your reading #DYRC23 February: Romance
24. Read Your Bookshelf Feb
25. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge Feb Getaway

Through the Liquor Glass

 This is the 5th book in the Literary Pub series by Sarah Fox.  I am anxiously awaiting the next book now that I have finished Through the Liquor Glass.  I thoroughly enjoy the characters of Sadie and Grayson and enjoy how we see their relationship progressing as the series moves forward.  In this book, we see another personal relationship of Sadie's in detail when her mother comes to visit.  This visit sparks a range of emotions that I think many readers can relate to with their mothers.  Sadie wants her mother to be proud and approve of her choices since establishing her home in Shady Creek, Vt.  Unfortunately, the unexpected discovery of a body at Grayson's brewery makes the reunion a bit strained.  Sadie struggled to keep the situation from her mother in order to avoid clouding her opinion of her new boyfriend but secrets have a way of causing stress and revealing themselves.  

Overall this mystery is well written and has some side mysteries that fit within the plot line.  In fact, those side mysteries help to cast suspicion on several people, thus distracting Sadie from finding the real killer and clearing Grayson's name.   I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens with Sadie and Grayson next.  

 Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gave the reader a chance to see Sadie’s interactions with her mother. I think anyone who has ever sought their parent’s approval will relate to the trepidation Sadie was feeling about her visit. Unfortunately that visit became strained when Sadie had to coverup the reason for Grayson’s absence as well as her clandestine investigation into another murder. The story was well constructed and there were side mysteries that added to the suspicions surrounding the original murder. I really enjoyed this book and felt as though I was right there In Vermont investigating and celebrating with Sadie.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #22  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 18  
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  VT
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  S
5. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 6 Book #1
6. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 5
7. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book # 20
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #4
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #16
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #13
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #41  Shot #5
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
14. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  # 14 Survival Story
15. Around the Year in 52 Books # 31. A book found by inputting a favorite author on https://www.literature-map.com
16. Bookworm #24 Free Space! Pick any book
17. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #1 cozy read or cover
18. Cozy Mysteries   #3 Has a beverage recipe
19. HP Quidditch 23 #6 Quaffle: With a title including the letter Q
20. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #18. Highly anticipated read
21. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #23. A 2022 RELEASE YOU NEGLECTED
22. Pick your Poison  # 106 A book with a restaurant on the cover 
23. Read with Allison #42 Featuring a Murder
24. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 #27 Beer
25. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge Feb Getaway

Dead Heat

 I started reading Dick Francis novels again last year and have remembered how much I enjoy his work.  I think the stories are a bit more engaging to me now as my son's girlfriend rides and I have now been exposed to the horseshow world peripherally.  This allows me to have more of a connection to the details in the novels Francis has written.  This one was written in 2007 after he had taken a break in writing and just returned to publication in the previous year.  

I really enjoyed Dead Heat and the character in the lead, Max.  There were several references to contemporary restaurants and chefs that made the connections to the story even stronger.   I think that is one of the aspects of Francis' writing that I enjoy.  He gives depth not only to his characters but also to the topics discussed in the stories.  In this case, there was a great deal about running a restaurant and being a chef since that is Max's career.   

There was also a great bit written about the polo scene.  It was interesting to learn some of the subtleties of the sport both in its play and rules and also the descriptions of the spectators and participants.  I appreciate that much of this information is conveyed either by the reflection of discovery by Max's research or conveyed through conversations with other spectators at the match.  It is far more interesting than just reading a factual paragraph or two.  

I found myself connecting with Max on an emotional level because his experiences and emotions were portrayed in a realistic manner.   He is a civilian exposed to some extreme violence and he reacted in a manner typical to how I would expect someone to process such an experience.  Rather than making him stoic and a hero we see his emotions and weaknesses which makes him that much more appealing as a character.  

Overall I really enjoyed this book both based on the plot and the mystery it entailed as well as the characters. There are some graphic descriptions of the violent aftermath of a bombing so readers should be aware before reading the novel.

Dead Heat by Dick Francis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dick Francis did it again with another suspense filled novel set amongst the horse world This one have a glimpse into the life of polo and explained some of the basics as well as some unique nuances. The storyline was well written with the various unknowns being unraveled at appropriate times. I felt the experience Max had and the way it haunted him was an realistic representation of how someone would react to the situation he found himself in. I always enjoy reading Dick Francis and this book was no exception

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 21
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  England
3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge   F
4. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2023  Book # 2
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #16
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #15
7. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #42  Shot #3
8. Medical Examiner Challenge 22 Toe Tags
9. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #28 Includes a Funeral
10. Around the Year in 52 Books #27. A book by an author from continental Europe
11. Bookworm #36 Free Space! Pick any book
12. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #49 horses. that’s the prompt.
13. HP Quidditch 23 #52 Double Eight Loop: Written by multiple authors
14. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #31.Read a book with two or more authors
15. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #17. BOOK WITH ORANGE SPINE
16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #33 A book about an athlete/sport
17. Pick your Poison  # 66 A book with a person jumping on the cover
18. Read with Allison #37 Bought Secondhand
19. Sci and Nature # 8 About Science Gone Wrong
20. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 
21. Unruly Reader Bingo  #8 Fire Drill
22. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  Feb Western Europe

The Ghost and Mrs. Fletcher

 I thought somewhere along the way I missed this book in the Murder She Wrote series so I selected it for this year's challenge reads.  As the 44th book in the series, it means they are usually somewhat formulaic but this one actually involves an apparent haunting by a ghost which is atypical for this series.  As I was reading it I realized this was actually a reread for me but I didn't remember enough to spoil it for myself, only had an inkling of some things as I went along.  I always enjoy reading this series because I was a fan of the tv show so I find it easy to visualize the characters based on the actors who portrayed them on tv.   For readers looking for a series with mature self-reliant main characters and no romantic aspects to the story, this is a great selection.  No helpless young females falling for the local sheriff in this series.   

The Ghost and Mrs. Fletcher by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another enjoyable book in the Murder She Wrote Series. This had a sub mystery within the main story line. Some of which I suspected long before it was revealed but other pieces were kept in the appropriate suspense box. This series is a good read for those who enjoy cozy mysteries without any romantic tropes generally.

View all my reviews 

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 20 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  17 
3. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge G
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge   J
5. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  y
6. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 44
7. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #19
9. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #15
10. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #3
11. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #14
12. Craving for Cozies  Book #12
13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #39  Shot #3
14. Medical Examiner Challenge 2 Toe Tags
15. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #3 Title starting with letter "G"
16. Around the Year in 52 Books #28. A book that is dark
17. Bookworm #48 Free Space! Pick any book
18. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #38 spooky vibes
19. Cozy Mysteries   #14 A reread
20. HP Quidditch 23 #9 Catching the Snitch: A book with isbn# that includes 1, 5, and 0
21. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #20. A book title that starts with the word "The" 
22. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #12. SURNAME COULD BE A FIRST NAME
23. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #16 A book where the main character's name is in the title
24. Pick your Poison  # 91 A book with an elderly protagonist
25. Read with Allison # 25 Water on Cover
26. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 #32 About Books
27. Unruly Reader Bingo  #14 Detention

Parable of the Sower

 I must admit I wasn't looking forward to this prompt from the 52 book club.  In general, I am not a big fan of specifying a specific author to read, I prefer the more generalized "pick an author that fits certain criteria" prompts.   The reason I wasn't too keen on reading Octavia Butler is I am generally not a science fiction or a dystopian reader.  As far as I know, her books fall into those tropes.   That being said, I picked Parable of the Sower in a graphic novel format to fulfill this requirement.  

Once I began reading the book and got past the initial adjustment to the format and learning the characters, I ended up appreciating the book.  I found there to be lots of thought-provoking aspects to the plot and the actual verses contained within the story.   I found myself stopping and reflecting on society and my own personal beliefs, particularly about religion.  I am a firm believer that the world would be a better place if we all just treated each other with the kindness and respect we would like to receive.  Instead of judging and critiquing others assume the best.   If their actions prove to be unsatisfactory for your morals and ethics then chose to move on;  judging others based on their appearance, background, and beliefs without getting to know them is a recipe for a lot of anger in your life.  Knowing someone's story gives you a better chance to know them, and even if you don't agree on all things it doesn't mean you cannot get along and be friendly.   Our diversity is what makes the world an interesting and unique place.  Much of this story aligns with this thought process and I appreciated that.  

I felt Butler brings her perspective as a Black woman without being too judgemental, but rather provides an opinion without lecturing, allowing the reader to take in the story and form their own perspective.  I am glad I read this book but won't be rushing to read any more in the Parable series soon as I really do not care for the doomsday tone of dystopian stories.  

Parable of the Sower by Damian Duffy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

food for thought

While dystopian stories are not my normal reading choice I did find this one engaging once I got into the story. There are many aspects of belief presented here and how amongst horrors people can find hope. Much of the book is about survival and the story talks about the different ways people can be enslaved. While there is discussion of race and discrimination it felt as though it was about economic disparity as well. There are definite parallels to the struggles seen in inner city US today and the story highlights illiteracy and drugs as a factor in the issues. Many ways it feels like a warning of what can come if we as a nation don’t start caring and respecting life and each other instead of constantly being at odds and choosing sides

View all my reviews

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #19  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 16  
3. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge P
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #18
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #14
6. 23 in 2023 # 15 A book about a religion you don't practice
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #48 A Book by Octavia E Butler
8. 52 books in 52 weeks  #24 speculative fiction
9. Around the Year in 52 Books #11. A book about a person/character with a disability
10. Bookworm #50 Read a book where the main character is a Villain or Anti-hero
11. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #47. Modern Classic
12. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #41 graphic novel outside your fave genre
13. HP Quidditch 23 #35 Angelina Johnson: Written by a BIPOC author
14. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #36. Read a graphic novel, manga, or comic
15. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #32. A BILINGUAL CHARACTER
16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #23 A book with a map
17. Pick your Poison  # 79 A book with something that can be lit by a match on the cover
18. Read with Allison #36 Fantasy
19. Sci and Nature # 15 Cli-Fi (Climate Fiction)
20. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 11 LGBT Graphic Novel
21. Unruly Reader Bingo  #7 Apple
22. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  Gardens and Library
23. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge Feb Getaway

     

A Christmas Candy Killing

 

A Christmas Candy Killing is the first book in the Killer Chocolate series by Christine Romeril.   While I am not sure I would partake of the chocolates with poison names, I have a feeling I would change my mind if I entered Murder and Mayhem run by the twins in this story.  It was a charming book and was full of quirky characters and drama.  I look forward to reading more in the series.  I'm glad I picked up this book based on its title font reminding me of a Christmas Story. 

A Christmas Candy Killing by Christina Romeril
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What’s not to love about a bookstore and chocolate shop all in one place. Too bad it’s fictional but then I’m not sure I could eat chocolates named for poisons. The mystery and it’s characters reminded me of the Aurora Teagarden mysteries in the group meeting to discuss crimes. Jane seems like a motherly lady who’s a lot like Miss Marple. The small town atmosphere makes the suspects secrets all the more realistic and makes the discovery of the guilty party that much more difficult. The clues are unraveled well and are there in retrospect. I look forward to reading more in this series as they are published

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #17  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 14  
3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  R
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #16
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Holiday #1
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #13
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #11
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 96 Shot #1
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 6 Toe Tags poison
12. 23 in 2023 # 23 A book that makes you happy
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #9 Book with a Dedication
14. 52 books in 52 weeks  #3 northern
15. Around the Year in 52 Books #13 A book that has an object that is repeated on the cover
16. Bookworm #54 Read a book that has an illustrated cover
17. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #1 Winter Read
18. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #17 no romance
19. Cozy Mysteries   #7 A Cozy that matches the season
20. HP Quidditch 23 #44 Viktor Krum: With a character who speaks a different language
21. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #33 A book that has a cover you love
22. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #5. DEBUT AUTHOR
23. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #48 A book that features two languages
24. Pick your Poison  # 78 A book about twins
25. RAD Challenge #aradreadingchallenge #6 About your Favorite Holiday
26. Read with Allison #19 Set During Your Favorite Season:
27. Sci and Nature # 39 About Gardens or Gardening
28. What's in a Name   #5 Celebration 

A West Side Love Story

 A West Side Love Story is a retelling of the classic Shakespeare play, Romeo and Juliet.   This was a such a great read.  I loved all the drama and indecision that was felt by Mariana and Angelo.   Having to choose between their growing attraction for each other and their loyalty to family is tearing them both apart.  The generation-long dispute between the 2 families comes to a head during the San Antonio Mariachi Battle.  I loved how Priscilla Oliveras mixed the culture and traditions within a modern story.  The subtext about the dangers of gentrification and its unintended consequences was well-written without being an in-your-face lecture.  I appreciate that the story presented both sides with room for the reader to think about the topic on their own. If you are looking for a great romance with minimal steamy scenes this is a great read.

West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

an emotional story of forbidden romance

This book was a wonderful example of a retelling of Romeo and Juliet. The growth of the relationship between Mariana and Angelo amidst the strains of a decades long feud was full of emotion and stress. Both adept at managing their own and their family’s needs and struggles makes their burgeoning relationship that much more complicated. You cannot help but root for them to succeed. I also liked the details of the mariachi music and other aspects like the importance of family in their culture. I really appreciated the way the Spanish was woven into the prose and then translated. It was clever and flowed amazingly. If you are looking for a Feb romance read with some steamy scenes that centers around devotion to family while trying to make a forbidden romance work then this is a read for you

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 18 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #15   
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  TX
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  O
5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #17
6. 23 in 2023 # 11 A book by William Shakespeare or a retelling
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #20 a Book about siblings  
8. 52 books in 52 weeks  #18 isn't it romantic
9. Around the Year in 52 Books #30 
10. Bookworm #52 Read a "Found Family" story 
11. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #33. About Adoption 
12. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #37 all the romance 
13. HP Quidditch 23 #22 Chudley Cannons: Includes a battle
14. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #15  Read a retelling
15. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #1. RECOMMENDED BY THE NERD DAILY
16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #14 A modern retelling of a classic
17. Pick your Poison  # 119 A book about finding hope when life is challenging
18. RAD Challenge #aradreadingchallenge #4 Retelling of a Classic
19. Read with Allison #16 Romance
20. Sci and Nature # 7 About Women in Science
21. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 17
22. Unruly Reader Bingo  #25 After School Special
23. What's in a Name   #4 Chess Piece 
24. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  February: Romance
25. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge jun romance

The Sentence

This is my first read by Louise Erdrich and I can understand how she is such a revered author when it comes to representation of the Native cultures of the US.   Overall I liked the book even though I did not agree with much of her political comments and at times found them to be unnecessary to the story.  I appreciated the explanations of the different tribal cultures and customs and felt like they were very enlightening to begin to understand the history of the Indigenous culture in the US.  I did have concerns about the presentation of some of the storyline as it was written as being a historical account of the Covid era in the US and much of the summer protests following the George Floyd murder in Minneapolis.  I felt this was well written and explained with emotions as perceived by the characters (and much of the nation), but then Erdrich's representation of what happened in Kenosha was inaccurate and I worry about people taking all the story as 100% factual when some of it was incorrectly represented.  I did like the story on the whole and do look forward to reading more of her work.  

The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

interesting book that provides many perspectives

Thought provoking book with interesting perspectives on Indigenous lives in the US. While I found the story to be engaged and well plotted to fit with current events I did find some event of 2020 to have been misrepresented, specifically the Kenosha death that lead to rioting there. In some ways it made it harder for me to view the rest of the plot and messages as openly when I knew this event was being incorrectly portrayed All in all I found the book quite good and thought provoking

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 16 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #13   
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  MN
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #15
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #13
6. 23 in 2023 # 21 A book containing Latin or that has been translated to or from Latin
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #51 Doesn't Fit Any of the Other 51 prompts
8. 52 books in 52 weeks  #12 spirituality
9. Around the Year in 52 Books #9 A book nominated for an award beginning with W 
10. Bookworm #44 Read a Folklore book or book based on Folklore 
11. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #32. Contemporary Fiction Bestseller
12. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #13 multiple points of view
13. HP Quidditch 23 #29 Gryffindor: Related to Gryffindor house/traits
14. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #35 A book that has mental health aspects to it
15. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #46  #OWNVOICES AUTHOR
16. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #5A book with mythical creatures
17. Pick your Poison  # 33 A book about a werewolf
18. RAD Challenge #aradreadingchallenge #1 By an Activist
19. Read with Allison #46 Indigenous Author
20. Sci and Nature # 28 By an Indigenous Author
21. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 31
22. Unruly Reader Bingo  #17 Humanities