tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17161829463885482582024-03-14T04:56:54.437-04:00Jesse V Coffey, author and dreamerAuthor of "The Savior" and "Salt of the Earth"
Lover of Fun, Food, and Frolic
Reader of Romance, Adventure, and Bodice RippersJVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-3935070339705872082024-02-20T21:42:00.007-05:002024-02-20T21:42:44.233-05:00Review: 'Murder Under A Honey Moon' by Abigail Keam<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguYPcLAq7zyhGBQMWzo7aC2zS7is-kyX0a5IOzfxHCy7oJ21A1ejngwEYUMsuMbuo4DFEWzLwqM3jC5mb_W88FifbxcN6kDLiMmLaCSXj9zVQmNx5GIbCWZmbo2HJ1m7uxYKDOPiln5yi0PAOEBh1_cRjZwSGENCBTIrXnv22IB9AQiee_1y7tbPJuNyg2" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="386" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguYPcLAq7zyhGBQMWzo7aC2zS7is-kyX0a5IOzfxHCy7oJ21A1ejngwEYUMsuMbuo4DFEWzLwqM3jC5mb_W88FifbxcN6kDLiMmLaCSXj9zVQmNx5GIbCWZmbo2HJ1m7uxYKDOPiln5yi0PAOEBh1_cRjZwSGENCBTIrXnv22IB9AQiee_1y7tbPJuNyg2" width="156" /></a></i></div><i><br />Marriage and Murder and Pirates -- Oh My!!!</i><p></p><p>New Mona Moon is always a cause for celebration. And a great excuse to tuck up with cookies and hot tea and a great read. Murder under a Honey Moon is yet another exciting book by Abigail Keam. </p><p>Mona and Robert have tied the knot and, after an emergency trip to the Moon copper mine to sort that out, they're finally on the boat for their honeymoon. FINALLY!!! But, after all, the course of true love never ran smooth, as Shakespeare once noted. On the ship, they meet a few unsavory characters, have their cabin ransacked and Mona's jewels stolen, and then come across a very dead body investigating the theft. And what cruise on the high seas is ever complete without the threat of pirates? Poor Mona. Just can't catch a break.</p><p>It's been a while since I've been this glued to a novel. I came very close to reading straight through the night. Definitely hard to put down once you've started. Keam's ability to interweave historical figures into her narrative makes it all so real. Mona is a strong female character in a time when women knew their place and men ruled the world. But with her beloved Lord Farley at her side, the two make a dynamic power couple and the rules don't interfere. Once they get started investigating, they are unstoppable until the truth comes out. And believe me, it does. </p><p>This is an excellent read. And as long as Ms. Keam keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them. So worth the time! </p><p><b><i>Five out of Five stars for </i>Murder Under A Honey Moon! Now available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and any online bookseller.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Under-Honey-Moon-Historical-ebook/dp/B0BZM4YVF4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RP93M1T2WOEV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SMUue905vIjPxQBpohqPYqKch1eQ0BUE2KDMwlueP_z-sVZHQfCMuCtxSeXnen79Qe2oMlgzy1_agsgR3jnAQYa0YYLOkedwL6HlzU3fxO1D5OFFWZZmdz_cLL2LXSyg8D3mAF-rjzHK4Y43jeoEP9pkn4TyGb64ZoANHnBSVR659pl0p9eTyiiiL4QHuDE41VA04Nk902KwaKnkKIqjselrfe_DI2jefun9SpcUz2Q._-TojhWlud2cUpvP2xV2lLrGjPxfDoGhB5VEVoCY0yE&dib_tag=se&keywords=abigail+keam+mona+moon&qid=1708481985&sprefix=abigail+keam%2C+%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-under-a-honey-moon-abigail-keam/1143265051?ean=2940185734308" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a><br /><br /><br /></b></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-38091001712269961462024-02-17T14:59:00.005-05:002024-02-17T15:01:22.851-05:00Review: 'Red White & Royal Blue - The Movie<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiVYGvohRSEp_DKfRNVz19RxWB8bq-iUPc2eM1vCWMBEHI0OE7sJpTlw0P5Ec3DFqehFLnGpBqA8FzGGxtmGQStB8FEmJQcgGUUc8NWRsPutBLSeqkg4S5TU0VThKcNvKT-0vCJTkgzkw2W_-vf6cyFuXwRj073LTEA6rgTQDHtRHe-MlL72b_161P4keN" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="1944" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiVYGvohRSEp_DKfRNVz19RxWB8bq-iUPc2eM1vCWMBEHI0OE7sJpTlw0P5Ec3DFqehFLnGpBqA8FzGGxtmGQStB8FEmJQcgGUUc8NWRsPutBLSeqkg4S5TU0VThKcNvKT-0vCJTkgzkw2W_-vf6cyFuXwRj073LTEA6rgTQDHtRHe-MlL72b_161P4keN" width="162" /></a></div><br />I can't believe I'm sitting here, weeping. I do love a good romance. Me, the cynical pervert. I'm crying over a really good romance!<p></p><p>Just finished watching <i>Red White & Royal Blue </i>after having just finished the book, and I was not disappointed. I usually am when I love a book and watch the movie thereafter. I usually avoid doing that because the movie turns out to be a bad imitation. But I can tell you, this ain't the case.</p><p>Casey McQuiston made some amazing characters in a compelling story. I should write half as well as she does. I love that book. I love Alex and Henry--together and apart. They're truly wonderful souls. But together, they're one romantic power couple. Each damaged in their own way, but they complement each other. And compliment each other. My favorite scene was the "Cake-tastrophe" scene (of course) that sets it all up. It was freaking hilarious. But the talks that Alex has with Henry to bolster his confidence and then the "discussion" with the King about Henry's freedom to love whom he chooses were heart felt and glorious as well. </p><p>The movie doesn't disappoint. In fact, it complements and compliments the book. Taylor Zakhar Perez is the perfect Alex. He's got Alex's smart mouth, sarcastic soul, and gorgeous Latino good looks. Nicholas Galitzine is the perfect Henry. He's snooty and confident, then vulnerable and afraid, and the blond handsomeness of a true prince. These two together lit up the screen like a house on fire. Watching their romance was awesome. Uma Thurman was wonderful as Madame President Ellen Claremont and Clifton Collins Jr was equally divine as Oscar Diaz, her husband. </p><p>McQuiston's story retains its flavor of humor and romantic inclinations with all the complications that such a romance can hold. Watching Alex and Henry navigate through the problems and setbacks, then fall into such heights of love and joy, I was so caught up in it that I sat here with a box of Kleenex on my knee while giggling madly at their antics. Yes, a few details were changed, a couple of characters left out, but I didn't miss them, really. The story focused where it needed to be and was just as compelling without them. </p><p>I love the book. I love the movie. And another 5 out of 5 stars. Forget the "I don't read or do same sex romance" and just enjoy the beautiful story for what it is. A romantic fairytale for the ages and certainly for the modern day.</p><p><b><i><a href="https://amz.run/8dl0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Red White & Royal Blue</a> is streaming online at Amazon Prime. Worth the free week to watch. And maybe stick around for other good stuff on the channel too. </i></b></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-21148329143447717712024-02-16T09:15:00.001-05:002024-02-16T09:15:29.280-05:00Review: 'Red, White, and Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston--The Book<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv5WqJskHXx7DLkot_RABU2iOcnCegA-I_IXPEk6KD3M3iHctv-krQaHyVpZCQBKTHMmo0i0nH5ZsWQ-QpiDfv8KvQE_5QTa5tc9sPjQwYdpV6qPDCuxG7LsyEd73eviDJ81itqxgDzrfPWYBiggl9E23gDztVR3IDEUN-n9xkm_gtHvfl6qTu8QOU1-sO" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1289" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv5WqJskHXx7DLkot_RABU2iOcnCegA-I_IXPEk6KD3M3iHctv-krQaHyVpZCQBKTHMmo0i0nH5ZsWQ-QpiDfv8KvQE_5QTa5tc9sPjQwYdpV6qPDCuxG7LsyEd73eviDJ81itqxgDzrfPWYBiggl9E23gDztVR3IDEUN-n9xkm_gtHvfl6qTu8QOU1-sO" width="193" /></a></div><br /> As books go, this one was a little slow out of the gate--set up and exposition usually is. But, like a few other books I've ready, your patience will be rewarded. Once the two men come together, this takes off at a gallop and it's one hell of a wild ride, for sure.<p></p><p>Alex Claremont-Diaz is the son of the first woman president in the history of the US. His sworn, mortal enemy is Prince Henry of Wales in the UK. These two have had a tempestuous relationship since their first meeting and nothing has changed. Or has it? A fiasco at the wedding of Prince Philip, Henry's brother,--the two having a squabble at the reception ends up with them both in the cake. Literally--turns into an international incident. President's answer--you go there and make nice. OR ELSE!! Alex is determined to make the best of it and decides that the only way they can convince the world that they're besties is to start texting. Seeing each other socially on occasion. But friendship has a way of turning into something deeper. And there are always consequences to becoming lovers in a public forum. </p><p>The two are a study in opposites. Alex is a foul mouthed, rebellious son with charisma and real love for the world of politics. He's an idealist who believes in doing good for the people. He's free, if not closeted and questioning. Henry is a true child of royalty, restricted and confined. He's always known who he is and he's not questioning, but he's closeted in more ways that one. Henry is also charismatic and a major romantic. Together, these two are madly in love and afraid of the world at the same time. Watching this play out between them brought me to giggles at times and tears at times. I got so deeply involved with their story that I pretty much forgot MY life. </p><p>The pacing is delicious. Watching the romance bloom and blossom was perfect. The romance itself flowed along a logical progression of events without losing that sense of the romantic. They learn about each other in intimate terms. Nothing is glossed over, nothing is left out. And when the relationship turns physical, it's tasteful and so damn hot that I busted out a sweat, then had a drink and a cigarette. </p><p>Ms. Mcquiston has turned out a brilliant book, a great read, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. This weekend, I plan on watching the movie. I hope it's as faithful to the book as I want it to be. That review will follow. </p><p>In the meantime, five out of five stars. A must read for anyone--even if you're not into LGBTQ lit. If you want a great love story, this is just the thing.</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Red White and Royal Blue is available at:</i></b></p><p><a href="https://amz.run/8cEE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br /><a href="https://bityl.co/OCIz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><br />Apple -- must be purchased through the Apple Bookstore on your Apple Device</p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-68969160002071156522023-12-31T14:05:00.001-05:002023-12-31T14:05:21.818-05:00Review: "Saltburn" is a "Mr. Ripley" rehash without the charm<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjedh7LqBx7yFgCz0GBSBddwOL_R-DneUL_1k-HMx2dykolXTLH0aid8c3rXzBL5FY3uX069JG91VH6Ztjmon7lfOYZfV0PTIRsoNu-R9v7RjOafW81IdJHT29zUzvkSDttqQzQEfoHDXCK9XbBsSJUBYL8UAnA5uuNbeupSIRd5t5vwMq3iJ9QHTNMlnni" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1296" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjedh7LqBx7yFgCz0GBSBddwOL_R-DneUL_1k-HMx2dykolXTLH0aid8c3rXzBL5FY3uX069JG91VH6Ztjmon7lfOYZfV0PTIRsoNu-R9v7RjOafW81IdJHT29zUzvkSDttqQzQEfoHDXCK9XbBsSJUBYL8UAnA5uuNbeupSIRd5t5vwMq3iJ9QHTNMlnni" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I found an article whinging that <a href="https://bityl.co/NJ87" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">"sexual antics" had no place in <i>family entertainment</i></a> and the movie <i>Saltburn</i> was mentioned specifically. Ooooo, depravity. Any article having a small hissy about depravity in film and preaching against such things certainly piques my interest. I said to myself, "Self," I says, "I simply must."<p></p><p>I really should have saved myself the time. </p><p><i>Saltburn </i>is certainly no holds barred in the story telling, I'll say that much for it. But it's such a tired cliche, it's not even worth the time it takes to watch it, And if there's a familiarity to the plot, it's not your imagination. You have seen this before. In fact, Matt Damon did it better in <i><a href="https://bityl.co/NJ8C" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Talented Mr. Ripley</a></i>. I wasn't overly impressed with the plot then, either. </p><p>Barry Keoghan plays the <i>down-on-his-luck</i>, scholarship student Oliver Quick, a socially inept young man who is only in Oxford by the grace of someone's largess. Ollie is looked down on by the wealthy elite of Oxford until the day he does a solid for the fantastically handsome, favored son Felix Catton, played by the gorgeous Jacob Elardi, and a friendship begins. Felix invites Oliver to his home at Saltburn, to relieve his boredom and things begin to fall apart so easily. The puppet master pulling the strings and watching the wealthy tapestry begin to unravel.</p><p>Gods, I wish I could say that the machinations were worth the watch, but they weren't. The sexual antics was about as titillating as a PG film. I've seen more racy Disney films than this. The plot was plodding, taking forever to develop and play out, and by the time the events <i>did </i>play out, I had stopped caring way earlier. The final scene of a naked Oliver dancing his way through the family mansion seemed so gratuitous that I was more bored than intrigued or aroused. </p><p>Elardi's performance was fairly stereotypical as the rich, favored prince. Jude Law was, at least, real in his acting in <i>"Ripley". </i>The normally brilliant Richard Grant and Rosamund Pike did their best to inject life into their scenes but by then, it was too little and too late for me.<br /><br />And that's usually the problem with British films for me. They're either amazingly filled with action and life or they're so supremely boring that I'm falling asleep. <i>Saltburn </i>falls in the latter category, I fear.</p><p>If you've got Amazon Prime, you'll find <i>Saltburn </i>included for your viewing (cough) pleasure. But truthfully, watch <i>The Talented Mr. Ripley </i>instead. Far superior since that movie did it first and did it better. </p><p>One star out of 5. And that's a gift.</p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0Lexington, KY 40505, USA38.05414 -84.45402139.7439061638211513 -119.6102713 66.364373836178842 -49.297771299999994tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-89117246012470622962023-12-17T20:41:00.003-05:002023-12-17T20:41:35.891-05:00Review: "40 Ways to Lose a Guy" by Donna Mcdonald.<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ckpOzBEh1_s_CUyhFDB4fu2k_nUgQ67fBMP_jC6B49WJ2c7JIT1ew3kwMYJ98a-d5iEfrFj82vzCi7DihQ9bNFvagrNM72IX4ALWeTqOP1wRKmh51sL4SUxksVAZ5FVph9gRZNCuOzgMMlWTlZZmsMMx_qLUXmZCMxSbW4f5_snwtF2A_VzOBeEmmcHI" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ckpOzBEh1_s_CUyhFDB4fu2k_nUgQ67fBMP_jC6B49WJ2c7JIT1ew3kwMYJ98a-d5iEfrFj82vzCi7DihQ9bNFvagrNM72IX4ALWeTqOP1wRKmh51sL4SUxksVAZ5FVph9gRZNCuOzgMMlWTlZZmsMMx_qLUXmZCMxSbW4f5_snwtF2A_VzOBeEmmcHI" width="160" /></a></div><br />There are very few authors that I will move heaven and earth to read. And then spend more money buying every book they write or have written. Diana Gabaldon. Abigail Keam. And Donna McDonald. <p></p><p>I've been really enjoying her latest series, <i>Tales of a Midlife Witch</i>. Nothing like a feisty woman who just happens to be a Celtic Witch and puts up with no shit from the son of a bitch who put her in prison on a trumped-up charge. Add a demon familiar, a daughter who thinks she's guilty, and a Wu Shaman named Mulan, and life gets interesting, if not downright dangerous. </p><p>But add an even more dangerous wrinkled -- a hot, studly, sexy celestial being known as a Guardian -- and we're talking danger on a whole other level.</p><p>Welcome to the second book in the series, <i>40 Ways to Lose a Guy</i>. </p><p>McDonald has this amazing talent for taking the fantastical and making it mundane. You mean we don't walk amongst angels and guardians and demons on a daily basis? Sure feels like it. And after reading these books, I'd be hard pressed to say we don't. The plot is tight, lots of action and suspense. Her characters are so real, you almost expect to have them walk out of the pages and into your living room. And each character has a story to tell and a way of making you involved in their doings and comings. </p><p>I can never put these books down once I start reading. It was no different with the first book, too - <i>40 Ways to Say Goodbye</i>. And I don't think the coming books will be any different. I look forward to them. I plan on carving out a weekend to sit with some Walker shortbread cookies, a steaming cup of Earl Grey, and the next book - <i>40 Ways to Tell a Lie</i>. </p><p>5 out of five starts. Another must read from a talented author. </p><p><b><i>Available from:</i><br /><br />Amazon - https://amz.run/7WAa<br />Barnes & Noble - https://bityl.co/N2SU<br /><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-67394691213937783042023-12-10T13:50:00.000-05:002023-12-10T13:50:19.838-05:00Review: Doctor Who -- The Giggle<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0kw3TJoMQ5tel_j3mBlDYqk7IM3jPGY8xv5lqpx8AXvL3_c4wEysD8TtXtsVALlMkAbnRQRXzogLwYLS83GXHOinsvwGKQIOAnkvUGoqWR3lhz3RVjwVWJAIMifCpp_K8Wq7DX-eJCdNI7kDVpCqOH2VYp7WZRySx-lTmOkW1M46p7P1QbtsxUzZv1DeU" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="474" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0kw3TJoMQ5tel_j3mBlDYqk7IM3jPGY8xv5lqpx8AXvL3_c4wEysD8TtXtsVALlMkAbnRQRXzogLwYLS83GXHOinsvwGKQIOAnkvUGoqWR3lhz3RVjwVWJAIMifCpp_K8Wq7DX-eJCdNI7kDVpCqOH2VYp7WZRySx-lTmOkW1M46p7P1QbtsxUzZv1DeU" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>That was just too much fun. And Russell T. Davies is back with bells on.</p><p>Our Doctor is back, my friends. </p><p>We catch The Doctor and Donna at the end of the last episode, where Earth has gone mad. Everyone everywhere thinks they're right and the rest of humanity is wrong. The Doctor and Donna piece the clues together to realize an old enemy has returned.</p><p><i>The Toymaker </i>(Neil Patrick Harris) has returned to enjoy the fruits of his labor--playing his games--and getting a little revenge in the bargain. </p><p>Fantastic cast, Harris was a brilliant choice for The Toymaker. The chemistry between all the actors was just amazing. The story had lots of action and tense moments. And when the resolution finally came, it was both unexpected and satisfying. A dream come true for our DoctorDonna and a glimpse at the new guy in an unexpected way. Ncuti Gatwa is going to be just fine as the 15th Doctor. He'll take over with the Christmas episode on 12/20/2023.<br /><br />I am so excited to meet my new Doctor and get involved again in the show. <br /><br />5 out of five stars again!!! Bring on Christmas.</p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-23765728992369528612023-12-02T15:01:00.000-05:002023-12-02T15:01:30.166-05:00A Whovian in Love -- Review: Doctor Who: Wild Blue Yonder<p> I probably should have written a review of <i>The Star Beast</i> with a returning David Tennant and Catherine Tate, but by the time I got to it, it had been out a few days and I was in the middle of a really hectic busy work week. Just know that I loved it. I thought it was brilliant. And I was--and am--damned having to have Tennant and Tate back again. Their chemistry together is chock full of tension and talent and the two work together like the proverbial hand in glove.</p><p>Which leads me to today's episode in the series, <i>Wild Blue Yonder.</i></p><p>A bad pun with Isaac Newton in 1666 certainly underscores the chemistry between these two actors. And first trip for Donna Noble, she's broken the TARDIS. And it left them behind, stranded on a spaceship. In the middle of nowhere. And it doesn't take them long before the Big Bad has them in Big Trouble.</p><p>It is so absolutely wonderful to have Russell T Davies back at the helm. The Doctor is the Doctor again. The whimsy back with the drama. The flashes of darkness in the story. And yet it all molds together to become the glory of The Doctor. The close calls. The action. </p><p>Tennant still has the fire. Catherine Tate is still saucy. Wonderful to see Bernard Cribbins (Wilf Mott) one last time, along with Jacqueline King (Sylvia Noble) and Karl Collins (Sean Temple). The story is tight and angsty without giving up that whimsy and action. </p><p>I loved this. I can't wait for next week's episode. And it makes me very anxious to meet Ncuti Gatwa. Now that we've got some decent writing again and the Master (no pun intended) at the helm. Again.</p><p>Brilliant. Just, brilliant.<br /><br /><i>Doctor Who is currently airing on Disney+ and the BBC. </i></p><p><i><br /></i></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-18630123945579217572023-12-02T12:57:00.000-05:002023-12-02T12:57:04.870-05:00Review: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb9gHl9HCvYOL2JLnvTOS4SFj2Bu58E8CG7F3-leo9_B42nqmggUlZm__9XJGIh-sSZwXD5iypTDPQrMNIRrHQ11DZHZgHHVKvife312Nic3gS9HWwu9mHMQYJL9MEPVIO6IljNJh9076HgOIwBg0V7o202kSPZEcqnRvsa92o4ad1MxSjUxadJQRkVLKQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb9gHl9HCvYOL2JLnvTOS4SFj2Bu58E8CG7F3-leo9_B42nqmggUlZm__9XJGIh-sSZwXD5iypTDPQrMNIRrHQ11DZHZgHHVKvife312Nic3gS9HWwu9mHMQYJL9MEPVIO6IljNJh9076HgOIwBg0V7o202kSPZEcqnRvsa92o4ad1MxSjUxadJQRkVLKQ" width="157" /></a></div><br /> I'm not sure who decided this movie sucked but I <i>finally </i>got a chance to see <i>Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. </i>And it most definitely does not suck. <p></p><p>We pick up with a very young Indiana, played by the iconic Harrison Ford, on an adventure with partner Basil, played by actor Tobey Jones, stuck with Nazis as the villains, once again stealing treasure...and a notorious artifact. The Antikythera device. A time traveling device created by Archimedes. An adventure to keep it out of the wrong hands. Indeed. Right up your alley, Indy.</p><p>But the day is not saved for long when in present day, two milestones arrive. Indy is retiring as a professor, now old and worn down by time and his previous adventures. And his goddaughter Helena, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who turns out to be a bit of a blatant thief. Beloq in a skirt. The other half of the Antikythera device is being hunted by a Nazi passing as the savior of NASA, played by Mads Mikkelson. The world needs Indiana Jones to save us once again. </p><p>Indy has slowed down. Physically, not up for the job. Welcome to a touch of reality, which is probably why the reviews were mixed. We want our heroes young and virile, able to do anything. The idea of an aged hero just doesn't sit well. Which is too bad because heroes come at any age, shape, weight, and form. Harrison Ford once again delivers a brilliant performance. Indiana may have lost the sparkle and dazzle, but he hasn't lost his wit and sarcastic nature. Even in the face of personal tragedy.</p><p>It was great to see old favorites from the first movie, <i>Raiders of the Lost Ark. </i>John Rhys-Davies. Karen Allen. Every one of them has aged like fine wine and while not as physically active as before, they still retained their spirit. So, yeah, the action sequences aren't as full of ass kicking as they would have been once upon a time, but they were pretty damn good and held my attention. Kept my heart racing and my blood pumping. I held my breath and prayed Indy would get out of this one, only to watch it get even more impossible to survive. And yet he would. One more puzzle after another and he would solve it. </p><p>A fitting farewell to a beloved character as he marches into a new chapter of his story. A wonderful good by to a man that many of us grew up with. And still love. A movie worth of the Indiana Jones name and series. </p><p>Another 5 out of five stars. And here's to Indiana; may he live forever and may his adventures be many. Goodbye to a series that has kept us all on the edges of our seats, entranced with archaeology and adventures. Thank the Gods for DVD and streaming services that the stories and movies still live with us. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-44295427670060292902023-10-30T12:48:00.000-04:002023-10-30T12:48:06.073-04:00Review: Abigail Keam's "Death by Theft"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggiApxp3ORpmu9Er9lgoNf-RxNv95h0qRLWQr3BF1FdNS-IV4fMmt5QxMo-adLXJXowKWbMGBCLjZdwYYFHRX_x70dChHEMdFUuH26DeBq5-YdesLZhEoD-FKII-lLjUKymPUdzDwu5bf2-8lBO0kJGJwx2S7k6h5BhkWdVtd5E9VmwAR-NKIMH6C86k4B" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="683" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggiApxp3ORpmu9Er9lgoNf-RxNv95h0qRLWQr3BF1FdNS-IV4fMmt5QxMo-adLXJXowKWbMGBCLjZdwYYFHRX_x70dChHEMdFUuH26DeBq5-YdesLZhEoD-FKII-lLjUKymPUdzDwu5bf2-8lBO0kJGJwx2S7k6h5BhkWdVtd5E9VmwAR-NKIMH6C86k4B=w246-h370" width="246" /></a></div><br /><p></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-nostyle a-vertical a-spacing-none detail-bullet-list" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publisher : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Worker Bee Press (October 30, 2023)</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publication date : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">October 30, 2023</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Language : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">English</span></span></li></ul><p>“Death by Theft” is a dark romp through a great read</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpFirst"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>The latest book in A Josiah Reynolds Mystery series
is yet another great read. Lots of drama and angst. And what made me happy –
more of her daughter, Asa. Yes, Asa is back with her usual dark efficiency.</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>Two of Josiah’s friends, Shaneika Mary Todd and the
former June Webster of Monkey’s Brow, KY (now Lady Elsmere) have a new foal in
common thanks to breeding their two thoroughbreds together. Jo finally gets to get
a glimpse of the baby, but two things happen as they always do when Josiah
Reynolds is around. The foal is missing. And they find the night watchman dead
in his car.</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>Lots of action. Lots of plot twists that are enough
to turn anyone’s hair white. But Jo gives over to her daughter because, let’s
face it, our favorite psychopath Asa Reynolds has ways of finding out
information that her mother just doesn’t. Complicated characters that create
complicated stories that are still easy reads and will steal your afternoon, if
you let them. I know I can’t put them after I started reading. Death by Theft
is no different.</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>Another brilliant write by Abigail Keam and when
you finish this one, go find “Asa is Back”, the prequel short story that leads
into this one. More Asa but getting into her head now. Wonderful, real
characters that I love and adore. As long as Ms. Keam keeps writing these, I’ll
keep buying and reading them.</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p>Five out of five stars.</p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle">Find your copy at:<br /><br /></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle">Amazon - https://amz.run/7Fu8<br />Barnes & Noble - https://bityl.co/M1tq<br /><br /></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><a href="https://www.abigailkeam.com/books/death-by-theft-2/" target="_blank">Or visit Abigail's website to find other vendors!</a></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><br /></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><br /></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpMiddle"><br /></p><p class="TheNovelCxSpLast"><o:p></o:p></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-51739004405269553552023-10-16T12:15:00.001-04:002023-10-16T12:15:21.824-04:00Review - Asa is Back: A short story by Abigail Keam<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtz-QvVovh3WdZnu77fH9DNQReIo6TKg5A2S9_dbBBAKy98dqsvoIxzkTM7VR4DJA0zygVetIm9IVCa48E5DD1WICDRhZMUzKrUyIVg1THPRYV3xeEwbb_1EsgQgiCETgsS4jk7Yskk_78pV2NJGBNn3nxilvQNSD4tmCoZG2VS0-czEUSqWPmyTRbdwIl" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="971" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtz-QvVovh3WdZnu77fH9DNQReIo6TKg5A2S9_dbBBAKy98dqsvoIxzkTM7VR4DJA0zygVetIm9IVCa48E5DD1WICDRhZMUzKrUyIVg1THPRYV3xeEwbb_1EsgQgiCETgsS4jk7Yskk_78pV2NJGBNn3nxilvQNSD4tmCoZG2VS0-czEUSqWPmyTRbdwIl" width="155" /></a></div><br /><p></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-nostyle a-vertical a-spacing-none detail-bullet-list" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">ASIN : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">B0CKJ24CTX</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publisher : Worker Bee Press</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">; 1st edition (October 16, 2023)</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publication date : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">October 16, 2023</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Language : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">English</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></li></ul><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">What a great little one shot for the character that I already love. Asa Reynolds is one of those enigmatic characters that you think of as beyond stoic, beyond a riddle -- she's a total badass of a character. And in her bad-assery, it's easy to forget that she is human.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">As a prequel to "Death by Theft", this one totally knocks it out of the ballpark and then some. And I loved the tie in with one of Ms. Keam's other series, "The Last Chance Motel". Nice tight plot with action and a case Asa can sink her teeth into. Wounded from an earlier encounter/case, Asa is soon presented with another one. But does she have the physical wherewithal to solve it? </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">This short plays up on Asa's humanity and we get to learn a little more about her that explains so much. After reading about her in the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries, it's nice to peek inside of Asa's head for a while. See her inner thoughts. I've been waiting for this character to get spun off into her own series. I'm hoping this is the start. </div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">5 out of five stars!!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Grab your copy - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://amz.run/7Crn?fbclid=IwAR3LLz-HiGB02TtyDneFrSr5d3pQE0jg_BetzdaP7XUsaCTw5fBUIpSayUI" rel="nofollow" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://amz.run/7Crn</a></span> and then, get Death by Theft on 10/30 - <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a class="x1i10hfl xjbqb8w x6umtig x1b1mbwd xaqea5y xav7gou x9f619 x1ypdohk xt0psk2 xe8uvvx xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r xexx8yu x4uap5 x18d9i69 xkhd6sd x16tdsg8 x1hl2dhg xggy1nq x1a2a7pz xt0b8zv x1fey0fg" href="https://amz.run/7Crp?fbclid=IwAR1L1spseoOgdPL0kvsByPuKPXsU3ORpwGCKJJXRT5sXisHLb0v3MDnjEgE" rel="nofollow" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://amz.run/7Crp</a></span></div></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-77985503135196492002023-09-03T14:38:00.000-04:002023-09-03T14:38:22.141-04:00Review - Donna MacDonald's 40 Ways to Say Goodbye<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixxHBW_bnaNvdxcFle2_KwBhfQGLQYQ-efB1AMcJiIJ26vOxj8ZbBcJahH5ZvoTVLpyzH25q-Ai9O5f_efsSZiSRoiIcURmWdqOyZt7Ak3T1GWNhyLDTsAqnXdvFzftDBjzpYU0nfJDoCWZtnhLYdzG5Diy7I8OLfgTVEaK5CxN1OOlmBMfl1M596wnZER" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="300" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixxHBW_bnaNvdxcFle2_KwBhfQGLQYQ-efB1AMcJiIJ26vOxj8ZbBcJahH5ZvoTVLpyzH25q-Ai9O5f_efsSZiSRoiIcURmWdqOyZt7Ak3T1GWNhyLDTsAqnXdvFzftDBjzpYU0nfJDoCWZtnhLYdzG5Diy7I8OLfgTVEaK5CxN1OOlmBMfl1M596wnZER" width="160" /></a></div><p></p><h1 class="a-spacing-none a-text-normal" id="title" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 28px; font-weight: 400 !important; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span class="a-size-extra-large celwidget" data-cel-widget="productTitle" data-csa-c-id="qdi9em-jvxdow-n1oplj-urb08k" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 36px !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><a href="https://amz.run/73mT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">40 Ways to Say Goodbye: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Tales of a Midlife Witch Book 1</a></span></h1><p> It's been a long time since I've read a Donna MacDonald book. I've loved her books since I first started reading with the Never Too Late series. I lost touch with this wonderful author until I read her FB post that she had a new series out.</p>Reading <i>40 Ways To Say Goodbye</i> has reawakened my love of her work. Aran Derringer marries against her parent's best advice, has a beautiful daughter, and ten years later, the rat she married has her thrown in prison. Fiends like that, who needs enemas. But then again, Aran has a demon for a familiar and is the child of Celtic Gods. After seven years, a representative of the very people who put in her that magickal prison comes to give her a way out. If she'll do them a favor. <br /><br />All I know is that I started reading and didn't put the book down until I'd finished. The characters are fresh and intriguing. Aran is a strong woman who takes no guff off any man, not even her male familiar. But he's also a good woman and a powerful witch. She takes on the task at hand with a will and no one is going to stand in her way. The plot is engaging and filled with twists and turns. I finished the book and I'm ready to go on to the next. <br /><br />There are three books in this series and I will be finishing every one of them. I love Donna MacDonald and I love her books. Wow I've missed them. <div><br /></div><div>***** out of five stars, a must read!!!</div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-26497518095626993332023-04-02T19:53:00.002-04:002023-04-02T19:53:20.038-04:00Review -- Death by Greed by Abigail Keam -- Josiah Reynolds is still "Bullish" on Murder!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZHa_IOOVhWBEC_GKlBv5B8R0crYTBpIjGmtVYYLOn1SEDqPjMPoXAb-D9fQoeHI6RJY0bF3zcTWLoNYx6bYNnoeF9TlkM_FjKTiuVAe1hKhx4swAEXFwTv--2G6jv_aYBGdcL4sr9K52JQDgXCOFp6_MG7dMn3q4Q4d6vYww5KIMJLqqXKoVzmFewxA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="474" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZHa_IOOVhWBEC_GKlBv5B8R0crYTBpIjGmtVYYLOn1SEDqPjMPoXAb-D9fQoeHI6RJY0bF3zcTWLoNYx6bYNnoeF9TlkM_FjKTiuVAe1hKhx4swAEXFwTv--2G6jv_aYBGdcL4sr9K52JQDgXCOFp6_MG7dMn3q4Q4d6vYww5KIMJLqqXKoVzmFewxA" width="160" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">***** / 5 stars out of 5<br /></span></b><p></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-nostyle a-vertical a-spacing-none detail-bullet-list" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publisher : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Worker Bee Press (March 27, 2023)</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publication date : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">March 27, 2023</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Language : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">English</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></li></ul><p> As murder cozies go, the Josiah Reynolds series by Abigail Keam is the best story telling around. And Death By Greed just continues the streak of wonderful writing and a taut storyline that'll keep you hooked from the first word to the last word.</p><p>Josiah, out tending to her bees, gets a visitor -- a very large, very angry longhorn bull that comes very close to turning her and Baby--her English Mastiff "guard dog"--into a mash. The vet that comes to tend the animal tells Josiah that he knows the owner. And of course, Josie is going with him to talk to the man. But--surprise, surprise--they arrive in time to see the other animals fending for themselves and in terrible shape. Along with the dead owner. Another job for Josiah Reynolds, Amateur Sleuth and Scourge of the Lexington Police Department. And this is going to be an all hands on deck sort of investigation.</p><p>The plot is complicated and riveting. I quit trying to figure it out and just went with the flow -- and by the way, the flow was exciting and kept me hooked. The characters in this novel are once again real, as if they exist in the real world. Josiah tends to be just as complicated as the plots; one minute, I truly like her and the next, I'm having problems with her sense of Kentucky Justice. She's like us all, a deep desire to do the right thing and make sure the real criminal is punished, but sometimes taking short cuts and telling a little white lie to do it. And yet, I can't help but root for her as she goes about it. And you wondered where her daughter Asa got it from. </p><p>I love this series and the latest book is no different. Great plot, great characters. Excellent pacing--never too quick or too slow to keep the story going. I can see it all as if it were happening in front of me. I'm getting to know these people intimately and only a great writer can do that. I'm never bored. I keep thinking that the latest is Ms. Keam's best and then a new one comes out and I'm hooked all over again. Death by Greed is certainly the current BEST in this series and a damn fine read. I hope The Josiah Reynolds Murder Mysteries never end. I'm too invested.</p><p><br /><b>Available through:<br /><br />Amazon at https://amz.run/6Xee<br />Barnes & Noble at https://bityl.co/Hz1L</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-54695655374615279482023-01-20T17:36:00.002-05:002023-01-20T17:36:51.966-05:00Review of Abigail Keam's Death by Drama -- and Oh, the Thrills Galore<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfdFpugFQluZYmmWG9VjeuQtUX_N57n2twS75s8zjgDX5PfhS-ft2WfxCNn8HayS0IXYgb3hI7MDKTDZSMe5cLOAtRkXdducp0vbLGOcb7Q7lsN3Yo6cSNs0_FP5zkCziElDyrOzk7zYlLVpjAZOyw3Cy89q3qsFaCnaJ31Vd3Zj6CFWqFUCAwA03gA/s475/63892818._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfdFpugFQluZYmmWG9VjeuQtUX_N57n2twS75s8zjgDX5PfhS-ft2WfxCNn8HayS0IXYgb3hI7MDKTDZSMe5cLOAtRkXdducp0vbLGOcb7Q7lsN3Yo6cSNs0_FP5zkCziElDyrOzk7zYlLVpjAZOyw3Cy89q3qsFaCnaJ31Vd3Zj6CFWqFUCAwA03gA/s320/63892818._SY475_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><b><i>Abigail Keam does it again.</i></b><p></p>Madison Smythe, leading lady of the play Josiah Reynold's amateur theater group is doing, drops dead and Jo's friend Franklin Wickliffe is arrested for a charge of Murder in the First. Jo makes a panicked call to the one person she can count on to find the real killer -- her daughter, Asa. And from there, the plot carried me along and the tension never lets go till the bitter end when the killer is finally revealed. <br /><br />This is a first, exploring other points of view. We get to see through Josiah's eyes but also through Asa's as the Professional carries on the real investigation. Asa is part temptress and part cold blooded investigator, but her instincts are dead on. No pun intended. <br /><br />I love Keam's strong women who are anything but stereotypical. They live and breathe, and they are as real as any of us are. Everyone has a story here and everyone has a motive. And EVERYONE is lying for some reason. To watch the mother/daughter team find the answers is a pure joy. And when I tell you that the thrills never stop, I mean that in a way that gives a breather now and again, but I couldn't stop reading. I had to know. I had to find out. I hated every moment I had to spend away from this novel. <br /><br />Hunter Wickliffe is fast becoming my "Boyfriend of Choice". It's nice to see Jo with an older man. I am loving following their romance. <br /><br />Another 5 out of 5 stars and truly an amazing read. Well done, Mrs. Keam! Well done!<br /><br /><b><i>*** Available through all online bookstores, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Bookstore***</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b><br /><br /></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-49739739813429162322022-12-22T21:15:00.002-05:002022-12-22T21:15:38.242-05:00Review of Abigail Keam's Death By Malice: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSrHaisUwkLhtlwZN30VVLb1vPUY_Q2MW_tccxixnFWDZnXcJiUi2LNf9Z6hAmUHwNh0X2NN_YqYpCxEKJDVinPorUGgiEzSSnupGU_-EmWj9v680upXhacmdov7inruOd5QW0djsgd7BSQdDtAxDcdEm0VoGjmiJM9hP4Dy7VSQvsf_C4NBQrVbYjMQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="408" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSrHaisUwkLhtlwZN30VVLb1vPUY_Q2MW_tccxixnFWDZnXcJiUi2LNf9Z6hAmUHwNh0X2NN_YqYpCxEKJDVinPorUGgiEzSSnupGU_-EmWj9v680upXhacmdov7inruOd5QW0djsgd7BSQdDtAxDcdEm0VoGjmiJM9hP4Dy7VSQvsf_C4NBQrVbYjMQ" width="155" /></a></div><br /> I'm telling you, <a href="https://www.abigailkeam.com/" target="_blank">Abigail Keam</a> is the Heir Apparent to Agatha Christie! That's how good these books truly are. <p></p><p>Sandy Sloan stops at the bank and withdraws every cent from her account. Then shows up on the doorstep of our intrepid beekeeper and sometime amateur sleuth, Josiah Reynolds, and leaves her dog in Jo's custody with a BS reason, then goes home to scatter money and set the place on fire. </p><p>Thus begins <i><a href="https://www.abigailkeam.com/books/death-by-malice/" target="_blank">Death By Malice</a></i>, number 10 in the series. As always, the story is engaging and addictive. I have such a hard time putting the book down just to sleep at night. I usually have to read these on the weekends so that I can devote the entire day. The disappearance of Sandy Sloan and her husband, Toby, draws Josiah in to find out what happened to them. Is this a murder? Is this a case of arson? Josiah, for the first time, seems to be stumped and a bit vulnerable. </p><p>Josiah is a complicated woman and cynical, but something about this woman just keeps on going and refuses to completely give up. Her wonderful friends -- Matt, June (Lady Elsemere), and Franklin -- still stand by her side, helping her when the drama gets a little beyond her. And now, a new member of the friends, Hunter Wickliffe, joins the crew. The sparks fly between Hunter and Josiah as a possible new love interest. </p><p>A great story, a satisfying conclusion, and once again, Abigail Keam has written one hell of a story. Five out of five stars. </p><div><br /></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-51422627675098811752022-12-08T18:18:00.003-05:002022-12-08T18:19:57.146-05:00REVIEW -- Guinevere's Revenge by Lucy Blue<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggV7lsnOAXdYUMXtDYzVTTKtbUxjrSwc-7Kf6NLyWNrmZc3nVGW7tJE8FELNtOGGuOO_ZCcg0iiQvwXh9cp9BfXhJhWM2iaH2uGPbgKCRzvzp2zx2Do4qRHVz71KPFiE_vWmtv2G5wJ1plNvYVqeyiWDg2uPzDi9nWP6-RE7IldO5JcolKaiNikntYBA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="313" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggV7lsnOAXdYUMXtDYzVTTKtbUxjrSwc-7Kf6NLyWNrmZc3nVGW7tJE8FELNtOGGuOO_ZCcg0iiQvwXh9cp9BfXhJhWM2iaH2uGPbgKCRzvzp2zx2Do4qRHVz71KPFiE_vWmtv2G5wJ1plNvYVqeyiWDg2uPzDi9nWP6-RE7IldO5JcolKaiNikntYBA" width="150" /></a></div><p></p><ul class="a-unordered-list a-nostyle a-vertical a-spacing-none detail-bullet-list" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #0f1111; font-family: "Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 1px 18px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">ASIN : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">B07CWK61PD</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publisher : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Falstaff Crush (May 6, 2018)</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Publication date : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">May 6, 2018</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span class="a-list-item" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="a-text-bold" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700 !important;">Language : </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">English</span></span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b><i><br /></i></b></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 5.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><b><i>Out of five stars: * * * * *</i></b></li></ul><p>Love love love murder cozies, especially historical murder cozies. And if they happen to occur in Britain, all the more. The home of the murder cozy.</p><p>Stella Hart makes good an escape from an unwanted suitor, Tony, by heading towards her mother and stepfather's home in England. But when said suitor chases after her, step-cuz/crush George--who's already engaged to another woman, Mavis--comes up with the idea to pretend to be engaged themselves and he'll go away. All of the family is pressed into the charade, including Mavis. But then, things begin to fall apart. Overheard conversations and a dead body on the grounds lead to more complications and it's up to Stella to sort it all out. </p><p>I love the characters in this book. Stella is as feisty as a girl in the 20's can be. George is a misunderstood hero in disguise and yet fits the profile of the cad that his fiancee and future in-laws try to make him out to be. Mavis is the woman scorned as the charade continues and yet, a thoroughly likeable woman scorned. Parents and friends gathered for a weekend and they all keep things lively. Everyone seems to be more than what they are. </p><p>Plot was great. Absolutely fantastic. I couldn't help myself; I couldn't stop reading. I was hooked from the first paragraph to the last. It moves along but never goes too fast and never bogs down. I didn't even see that ending coming and yet, if I look back now, it makes perfect sense. Brilliant writing all around, Lucy Blue. </p><p>I loved it so much, I bought the other three in the series and I can't wait to read them as well. Definitely five out of five stars and a must read for anyone who loves Agatha Christie and Abigail Keam.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div><br /></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-16268522398424956682022-06-11T15:22:00.002-04:002022-06-11T15:22:19.831-04:00REVIEW -- "Death by Design" by Abigail Keam<p> I know it seems that I'm only reading this series but that's because I am. And working on my own series on another genre. But for now....</p><p style="text-align: center;">****************</p><p><span data-offset-key="fkq5l-2-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">I've only read one other series that was so satisfying, so full of plot and real people. Action. Mystery. And a plucky heroine that even at her worst, you can't help but adore her.
Josiah Reynolds is still recovering from her 40 foot fall by the hands of a sick twisted cop. She's in NYC, getting her head together after finding out disturbing news on that score. She also gets accosted by an acquaintance -- help Bunny Witt of the Philadelphia Witts find whoever is stalking her. But Jo gets a very bad feeling about this. Too many lies being told by too many people. And Jo has her own fish to fry. Matt's home with the baby. Lady Elsmere and Liam are on the outs. And a very handsome, urbane British man is bent on seducing our Ms. Reynolds.
And then comes the first murder. Of Bunny Witt.
Abigail Keam is literally the Queen of the Murder Cozy. This series is engaging and engrossing to the point that I can't put them down. I have to read first page to last in one sitting. I can't read fast enough to find out what's happening next but I can't read slow enough to savor every single word, action, and reaction. I can't stop. And woe to the idiot who tries to interrupt me.
Josiah is a soul in transition, recovering phyisically and emotionally. She can be bitter and arrogant in turns, but vulnerable and kind. She's a convoluted woman, which makes her conflicted but fascinating. She makes a great heroine because she's so real. You can't help but liker her, even at her naughtiest. A strong woman. I love her. And because of her, I love these books.
Another five out of five stars for author Abigail Keam and Josiah Reynolds. Long may they </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="fkq5l-3-0" style="font-family: inherit;">write!</span></span></p><p><br /><b><i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MMJW5S?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1654970717&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn" target="_blank">Click here to find the whole Josiah Reynolds Mystery series. And grab your copies.</a> </i></b></p><p><br /><b>Next review -- </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli </i><b>by Mark Seal</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-80009231829347547382022-05-07T14:49:00.005-04:002022-05-07T14:49:46.511-04:00Review of Abigail Keam's "Death By Derby" -- And the hits just keep on coming!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The book I didn't even know I'd been waiting for arrived. And, holy cow, I was hooked deep.</span><p></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ac77p" data-offset-key="3r4v1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3r4v1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEYOpjRufbgpzT71BF3-IRb6HnoxfyXL1sFx8n8T5upnfGMHL9WVFqEkZMlfGHbUzd0KxKy8ZMMKdVVx_hljn9x_2w02PPpYNjtgO7ZuKMORxG_lyCYi0ZkZn3SHa_LG74UrPat0jiJ9_MHEiCO59aFnkzN3qGpil5rxkwArSH4o-ti5sr3_0Ij64YJA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="353" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjEYOpjRufbgpzT71BF3-IRb6HnoxfyXL1sFx8n8T5upnfGMHL9WVFqEkZMlfGHbUzd0KxKy8ZMMKdVVx_hljn9x_2w02PPpYNjtgO7ZuKMORxG_lyCYi0ZkZn3SHa_LG74UrPat0jiJ9_MHEiCO59aFnkzN3qGpil5rxkwArSH4o-ti5sr3_0Ij64YJA" width="160" /></a> <span style="font-family: inherit;">A bad man gets his just desserts in the air, in a hot air balloon, when it explodes practically overhead of the Kentucky Derby. And this time, the alleged culprit is none other than Josiah Reynold's attorney, Miss Shaneika Mary Todd. So. Josiah calls in the cavalry, in the person of one Asa Reynolds--her daughter, the Black Ops Security expert. Of course, as the truth comes out and as the players assemble, it all goes to hell in a handbasket and Josiah has to figure it out. Step by step, piece of evidence by piece of evidence. And before the dust settles, we'll get to meet the major players and finally find out who we've been dealing with. And oh, honey. Does it get juicy!!</span></div></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ac77p" data-offset-key="vd52-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="vd52-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="vd52-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ac77p" data-offset-key="32pu8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="32pu8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="32pu8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">These people are fascinating and the truths that play out show just how fascinating they truly are. Ms. Keam has assembled a very diverse cast of characters that felt so real to me. The story is just as diverse as the cast, just as spell binding, and just as deep. Once I sit down to read, I really can't stop. That was the same here. I stayed hooked until I found I'd finished the story and it was bloody 4 am. </span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ac77p" data-offset-key="c94p3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c94p3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c94p3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ac77p" data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Another five out of five stars for Abigail Keam!!! This whole series is must have. </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5t78r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-43708510165556445162022-04-21T21:10:00.002-04:002022-04-21T21:10:34.284-04:00A Splash of the Paranormal Adds to the Sinister Quality to a Brilliant Mystery<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqh7reHb476xZJHgH9HRuScoB5p-ymzRuCFLpD2SE_PhNdoAmtDiy-UbzxrBHuSL4w_e34riP7Um4Yx657pCjN8C_Y0ArO8dYoKolZ1K_VvO1B68nf6EImMlLUiQFy-sVFAm_KSkhN7HseyRLp0bhj6q_LXhookkVsz3DuDp0ab7ErdGZRkzItqPFtVw" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqh7reHb476xZJHgH9HRuScoB5p-ymzRuCFLpD2SE_PhNdoAmtDiy-UbzxrBHuSL4w_e34riP7Um4Yx657pCjN8C_Y0ArO8dYoKolZ1K_VvO1B68nf6EImMlLUiQFy-sVFAm_KSkhN7HseyRLp0bhj6q_LXhookkVsz3DuDp0ab7ErdGZRkzItqPFtVw" width="160" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">Damn, woman!! </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/abigailshoney?__cft__[0]=AZVnkb9GwOi-181Ud-JGFcenyuMcA2SMViZLW40XAOR0b06YSJUR24ObKxefLRMYLvkw0uB43ytW7AdDbp4WqBpfJe-bXZxrB7XVFIwmMg1Ve3D8eJiWURgblnn3exQEVHk&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6" style="display: inline;">Abigail Keam</span></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is the new Goddess of the Cozy Mystery. A bit of well-earned, well-deserved hyperbole. I just finished the 7th Book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Haunting-Josiah-Reynolds-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B00MT6X3AM/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8" target="_blank">Death By Haunting</a>, in the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ajosiahreynoldsmystery?__eep__=6&__cft__[0]=AZVnkb9GwOi-181Ud-JGFcenyuMcA2SMViZLW40XAOR0b06YSJUR24ObKxefLRMYLvkw0uB43ytW7AdDbp4WqBpfJe-bXZxrB7XVFIwmMg1Ve3D8eJiWURgblnn3exQEVHk&__tn__=*NK-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0">#AJosiahReynoldsMystery</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"> series and I swear, I'm still in a state of tense. </span></span><p></p><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Brilliant story line -- Terry Bailey wakes one night to see his deceased mother-in-law standing in the corner of the bedroom he shares with his wife. A short time later, he drops dead of a heart attack. One thing leads to another, things are adding up that don't make sense, and Josiah Reynolds is on the case. Especially when one of those things leads to an international art theft and what did Terry Bailey have to do with it?</span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know, I know, I gush about all of these books. If you read them for yourself, you'd not only understand but agree with me. <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl gpro0wi8 q66pz984 b1v8xokw" href="https://www.facebook.com/abigailshoney?__cft__[0]=AZVnkb9GwOi-181Ud-JGFcenyuMcA2SMViZLW40XAOR0b06YSJUR24ObKxefLRMYLvkw0uB43ytW7AdDbp4WqBpfJe-bXZxrB7XVFIwmMg1Ve3D8eJiWURgblnn3exQEVHk&__tn__=-]K-R" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: transparent; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: inherit; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;" tabindex="0"><span class="nc684nl6" style="display: inline;">Abigail Keam</span></a> is a natural at these stories. Every single one of them keeps me hooked from first page to last and I have to know how they end. I love Josiah, she's a feisty lady that just don't take shite from nobody, especially a murderer. Or a thief. Or a cop. Forget the matronly Miss Marple. Here comes hell on two feet Mrs. Reynolds. She's better than the Mounties. Or the Texas Rangers. She gets her culprit with sass and subterfuge, not ashamed to break the rules on occasion. But then, she doesn't have to follow rules. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't and won't stop reading 'em. And I can't and won't stop gushing over them. Seriously, you want a great series with lots of plot twists and red herrings, with a strong female lead, and a cast of characters that are pure Kentucky, the A Josiah Reynolds Mystery series is the one you want. And then add her Mona Moon Mysteries on top of that. </span></div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Five out of five stars, kids!</span></div></div>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-32477315391654211052022-04-17T15:07:00.007-04:002022-04-17T15:07:57.403-04:00 'Death By Poison' just might be the cure to the COVID blues!<p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">**I received an Advanced Reading Copy for review.**</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-81bb2ac9-7fff-f7e6-5cc2-44dd8fb84feb"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The latest in </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Josiah Reynolds Mystery </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is undoubtedly the best of the series. But then I say that with every book, and quite frankly, I mean it too. These books get more and more intricate, the plotting gets more and more involved, and Josiah keeps me endlessly intrigued with her life as an amateur sleuth. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Death by Poison</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, Josiah has entered her American Paint horse, Morning Glory, in a parade to celebrate Kentucky’s </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Horse Capital of the World</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> title. But just as she’s gotten the rambunctious pony hitched up and in the queue, infamous local horse whisperer, Velvet Maddox gives her a very grave pronouncement. “I see death around this horse.” What to do. It’s either pull the horse out of the line up or ignore all the hard work Josiah and boyfriend, Hunter Wickliffe, have put into the outing. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Josiah decides, this time, Velvet is wrong and nudges the pony along. Which is when it all goes to hell and then something drops down just in time for the horse and cart to run over it. When Jo sees a leg protruding from beneath the cart—a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">human </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">leg—the realization of Velvet’s assessment being right on the money comes too late.When the realization that it’s the bane of Josiah’s existence, it’s a matter of self-preservation that sets her on the path to finding out who killed the victim.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These characters are so real, so vivid, that they should be walking about in front of me. My own private movie and I sit with popcorn, reading until I’ve finished. The pacing is right on, keeping me drawn in but never slow enough to lose my attention. Twists and turns are a fact of the game but sometimes can be contrived. Not in the hands of a skilled author like Abigail Keam. Things happen organically, naturally, and the red herrings are plentiful and just as possible. When I say I couldn’t put this down, it’s not hyperbole. I had to know. I had to know what was coming next and how the hell she was going to piece this together. And when she finally did, the ending was very satisfying and I felt as if I’d been put through the ringer.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another five star reading from an amazing and talented author. A definite must read, as is the rest of the series. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Death-Poison-Josiah-Reynolds-Mystery-ebook/dp/B09T79K132/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XG2H17WQ1RRJ&keywords=death+by+poison+abigail+keam&qid=1650220723&sprefix=death+by+poison+abigail+ke%2Caps%2C354&sr=8-1" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Death by Poison by Abigail Keam</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is $4.99 for the ebook and $15.00 for the paperback. Set to be released on Monday, April 18, Preorder your copy today. You won’t be sorry. </span></p><br /></span>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-39742519773956619942022-02-17T15:09:00.000-05:002022-02-17T15:09:51.351-05:00FLASH FICTION -- Unsuspecting Love<p> </p><p><i>This piece was originally written for the Flash of Valentine's Day fiction group and published on their website.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>~*~</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Your best friend just set you up on a blind date. You just know this is an exercise in futility. And then you see the one man you've always wanted to get to know. What do you do?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>~*~</b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><h1 style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;">Unsuspecting Love<o:p></o:p></h1>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Marlene stepped out of
the shower, wrapping the towel around her long chestnut curls, and using the
other to dry herself off. She stepped into the bedroom, trying to think what
the hell she was going to wear…and stopped in front of her full length mirror. She
managed to drop the towel to the floor without making some kind of remark about
the woman in the reflection. She wanted to. Mirrors were not her friends. And
this one surely wasn’t. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">She stared at the overly
curvy woman and wondered what kind of fool would want to date her. Forty pounds
overweight, what the hell was she thinking? Breasts that were saggy at best,
and even that was being kind. No decent guy was going to find her attractive.
Probably a good thing that Natalie hadn’t given her the guy’s number or she’d
be doing a quick phone call to cancel this blind date. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Marlie tilted her head,
first one way and then the other. Well. Maybe she might be able to make a silk
purse out of this sow’s ear. <i>Sow’s ear, </i>she thought with a huff. How
appropriate for the pig in the mirror. Okay, guys loved big boobs. Maybe she
could wear the dark purple dress that would show off the cleavage. Yeah, the
shirred sides accentuated her curves even more. She didn’t look quite so fat
when she wore it. The amethyst necklace and matching earrings would give her a
bit of a sparkle too. She didn’t look so bad when she wore that. Maybe pile her
hair on top of her head and let the curls cascade down over her shoulders. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><i>It can work. I can at
least be presentable. Hopefully, he’s a good conversationalist. Because he’s
damn sure not getting a beauty queen. <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">She went to her makeup
first, a flattering base that put some color in her face. A lovely shade of
blush that put the roses in her cheeks. Blessed with long, thick eyelashes, she
added just the lightest hint of plum to her lids and then went to town with the
mascara. Her lips were a bit thin to worry about lipstick but, she could add a
shimmer thanks to the gloss that she had purchased. She used her fingers to
shake the curls loose and then a pair of tortoise shell combs to pile the hair
just as she wanted. Marlie stepped back to look at that hateful image again and
decided, maybe it wasn’t so bad after all. She started to feel a little
confidence building. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">By the time she’d added the
shaping underwear and her strapless bra, she was in the dress and zipping it up
the side. She smiled at herself, her reflection smiling back. There was just
enough emphasis on the cleavage and her eyes were smoky and sultry. Maybe…
Maybe…<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">She drove to the
restaurant, one minute petrified that this was a stupid idea. The next minute
telling herself that she had nothing to lose. One night, at least, where she
wasn’t going to be alone. She wasn’t going to sit with another <i>Lean Cuisine</i>
and watching <i>NCIS </i>reruns. And in between, trying to decide what they’d
talk about. She could sound like she knew <i>something</i>. Not just a
brainless Administrative Assistant. <i>This is stupid. I should just go home. I
want to go home.<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Valet parking? Oh God, it
was <i>that </i>kind of restaurant. Did she have enough money in the checking
account to cover her dinner? The valet helped her out of the car, and for the
briefest moment, he almost seemed to be checking her out. But then, he jumped
in her car to park it and she was immediately forgotten. She went inside to the
host’s station.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">“Miss?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">She suddenly realized
that she had no idea whose name was on the reservation. That panic rose up
again. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">“Miss? Is your name
Marlene Wallace?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Marlie glanced up. “How
did you know that?”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">The host held out a card
with her name on it, the time of the reservation, and Lily’s name. She’d put
the reservation under her own name. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">“Come with me, Ms.
Wallace. I’ll take you to your table.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Lily Harry was her best
friend. And worried about Marlie constantly. It was rather nice but she could
take care of herself. And yet, Lily worried about her being alone. Lily had
been the one to set up this blind date. Nothing like a pity date, she told
herself. Lily’s heart was in the right place.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">Marlie carried her clutch
under her arm, pressed close to her side by her elbow. She followed the host,
every step digging into her self-confidence a little more. She was a few steps
from the table when she saw him. <i>Oh shit, it had to be him. He isn’t
interested in me. He won’t even look at me. Damn, Lily. Why him?<o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Him </i>was the
attorney in the office. <i>Him </i>was David Manning, a tall and well-built man
with golden blond hair and the deepest chocolate brown eyes she’d ever seen. He
looked like Robert Redford in <i>Sneakers</i>, but a bit younger. She had been
smitten with him since she’d come to work in that office. But he never looked
at her. Never gave her the time of day. And always seemed to have a hot model
on his arm. Lily fixed her up with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">him</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">? That was cold and cruel. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">David looked up at her as she got even closer and for a moment, he
stared at her. Forgetting his manners. He opened his mouth to say something and
she knew it. She just knew it. He was trying to find some way to let her down
easy and make his exit. The rock dropped in her stomach and she stood with the
clutch her hand, trying not to burst into tears. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Marlie? Please sit.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He was standing next to her, holding the chair for her. She met his
gaze and nodded, sitting down. He scooted her to the table and came back to his
seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Let me guess,” she started. “You were hoping for Jackie in reception.
She </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">a former Miss Kentucky.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">He poured a glass of sparkling wine and held it out to her. “I’m not
sure which one of us has been insulted here. You for not realizing how
beautiful you are…or me, thinking I’m that superficial.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The shock had to be showing on her face. He…he… </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He thinks I’m beautiful? </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’m sorry. I didn’t…mean it that way. I just…” Marlie took a sip of
the wine. Chilled and absolutely delicious. “I didn’t think you were the blind
date type.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’m not really,” he answered, sipping his own glass. “I hope you like
chardonnay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">For the first time since she’d sat down, she smiled. A genuine smile.
And felt something…go away. “I do,” she answered. “This is wonderful.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I don’t know much,” he explained, “but I do know good wine. This is a
small local vintner. I usually buy several bottles when I can. I like to
support local businesses.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Me too.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Hungry?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Yeah. A bit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I’m kinda glad that Lily booked this place. It’s my favorite. They
have great Italian here. Fresh made pasta and the sauces are pure heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I love seafood alfredo,” she answered. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The surprise on his face was hilarious. Like he’d been expecting her to
say something else. It suddenly dawned on her that he was just as nervous as
she was. There was a light sheen of perspiration on his face and his fingers
moved restlessly on the tablecloth. </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Why
are you nervous? <o:p></o:p></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“It’s my favorite dish here.” He winked at her, a teasing gesture.
“Have you been spying on me?” When she started to bluster at that, he put a
hand out to touch hers. “Hey, I was just teasing. Are you okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Marlie lifted the glass to her lips again and was surprised that it was
empty. She’d drunk that entire thing without paying attention. She stared at it
stupidly but he was already refilling it. For a moment, she had a sense it was
a really dumb idea and moved to put the glass back down. Only to have it to her
lips again, taking another small sip. And feeling suddenly very bold.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No. I’m scared.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Why?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She shook her head. “I don’t belong here. I’m not your type, David. I’m
not young and thin and pretty. I burp my wine, I eat too much, and… and….”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She was surprised to find out that he was still holding her hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“And what, Marlie?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“When Lily set this up, did she tell you it was me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“No,” he answered. The smile was lighting up his eyes into warm
chocolate pools. “She just told me it was going to be someone I’d been wanting
to be with for a long while.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Surprise turned to shock. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Wait…you wanted to be with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">David chuckled again, his cheeks turning a light shade of pink. “She
never told you? God, you’re all I talked about. Feels like you’re all I </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ever</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> talk about…when I’m not talking about the legal aspects of the
company.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“Holy…shi…uh…sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">David raised his glass in a toast to her, then sipped. “For what?
Having a saucy mouth? I love that about you. It’s one of the things that made
me want to get to know you. I figured a woman with a saucy mouth was going to
be a real woman with spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“But I’m…I’m…damn it, I’m fat. Why would you be interested in a fat
woman?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“First off, you’re not fat. You have more curves and they are
delicious. If I want to make love to a bag of sticks, I’ll go date one.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“But what about all those models?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">David blushed again. “They asked </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">me </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">out. I was arm candy.
Besides, all they talked about was themselves. And their careers. They didn’t
give a damn about me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">The stone in the pit of her stomach was gone. It sounded like he was
lonely too. Marlie turned her hand in his so that she could thread her fingers
in his. “<i>I</i> do.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">It was his turn to be surprised. “You do? Really?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;">She giggled. “I do. <i>I</i> give a damn about you. And movies. And manga. And
anime.”<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I love anime. And manga. And movies.” He raised her hand to his lips,
raising up just enough to kiss that hand. “I really did want to go out with
you. I think you’re sexy and funny. I just didn’t know how to talk to you. What
to say.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I wanted to talk to you too. But I just figured I wasn’t your type.
That you’d never be interested in me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">She smiled, a real smile. Feeling sexier than she’d ever felt before. Knowing
that he thought she was made it all worthwhile.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“I think we need to give Lily a special present. To thank her for this
evening.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">They raised their glasses in salute to their friend. And to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p><b>~*~</b></o:p></span></p><b></b><p></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-32348839038141260692021-06-11T12:40:00.001-04:002021-06-11T13:03:12.048-04:00To Fanfic or Not to Fanfic -- That Is the Question<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzTpi3DBl_Crlyql72UfmwQi_luqzQk0LOyj4IMn2GSdOqtlyBgGvAJB7JWCmCl0q2oWEKaNEpzJJ2Foa3b15RG3BHn2d1fN2T03FCr3Bx0TnXcr_GScCAEnzQXjAB08T0LW_GkGKKVGW/s334/blogging+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="260" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzTpi3DBl_Crlyql72UfmwQi_luqzQk0LOyj4IMn2GSdOqtlyBgGvAJB7JWCmCl0q2oWEKaNEpzJJ2Foa3b15RG3BHn2d1fN2T03FCr3Bx0TnXcr_GScCAEnzQXjAB08T0LW_GkGKKVGW/w159-h204/blogging+jpg.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><br />I love fanfiction. Love it, y' hear? <i>Love </i>it. Especially when it gets good and steamy. I love steamy fanfic. When you can read all about your current infatuation "in action". Especially when you can imagine that it's you that s/he is getting it on with. <p></p><p>But writing it seems to be a different matter among many authors. I know of quite a few that refuse to release their characters to fanfic. Even going so far as to threaten legal action if they catch it happening. And I know of many other authors that don't mind as long as you stick to their canon. But I think they forget that there were some very famous authors who wrote and still write fanfiction. James Joyce wrote <i>Ulysses, </i>a fan fiction piece taken from the stories in <i>The Illiad. </i>Neil Gaiman wrote his <i>Norse Mythology</i>, as an unapologetic retelling of the Norse myths of Thor, Odin, and Loki. And let's not forget <i>The Stan</i>, aka Stan Lee who created his own fanfic in the form of his comics about the Norse Gods.</p><p>Do a Google search on famous authors who wrote fan fiction. You'll get a long list. </p><p>I love reading fanfiction. But I also love writing it. Go on <i>An Archive of Their Own </i>and look for Lady Thomas Sharpe. I love writing Loki fanfiction -- based on the mythology and the Marvel character -- as well as Tom Hiddleston fan fic. And I write some serious NSFW (Not Safe For Work) stuff, too. </p><p>If you ask me, I don't discourage it. No, you're not writing your own, but.... It will give you great practice in plotting, character development, and writing in the original landscape will teach you how to make your own. It takes work to write fanfic. To be faithful to the characters and the author's intent. Or the movie's intent. Once you learn the tricks of the fanfic trade, you'll be able to go in and make your own stories, your own characters. Once you learn how the originals plotted and then, you'll know what to do with your own worlds and genres.</p><p>Always a good thing. Find someone or some world that <i>you </i>feel passionate about and get to writing. Learn by doing. And then come back and give me a link in the comments. I promise, I'll be glad to read. I can't wait. </p><p><i>Write on, Fellow Authors</i></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-27626525582596562021-04-26T12:20:00.002-04:002021-04-26T12:41:54.667-04:00The Plot Usually Thickens...Right?<p> <i style="font-weight: bold;">From the Coffeyhouse!</i><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxirxNxMUt9IczJKk1LqKgxiWkeDzbe-5LxrJiXBGi_mqDUGJ7dVVm_UeWOwJAKMoaS-JXcGhIvZuJQIIJBSG7PXadELOus6fcrZy0lqmjU4j8HNwc5uAgO2fE7bx84ifHt13pK141pKY/s334/blogging+jpg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="260" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxirxNxMUt9IczJKk1LqKgxiWkeDzbe-5LxrJiXBGi_mqDUGJ7dVVm_UeWOwJAKMoaS-JXcGhIvZuJQIIJBSG7PXadELOus6fcrZy0lqmjU4j8HNwc5uAgO2fE7bx84ifHt13pK141pKY/w205-h264/blogging+jpg.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br />And so begins the journey of a blank page to a finished product. Care to join me? Then, let's take the first step. Although, technically, I already have.<p></p><p>I decided to write a sequel to the <i>Her Super Spy </i>trilogy (by Jess Austen, one of my pen names--and that's another post entirely--and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Her-Super-Spy-Trilogy-Book/dp/B08S7THVQB/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=Jess+Austen%2C+Her+Super+Spy&qid=1619448911&sr=8-4" target="_blank">you can find them here</a>. First book is still $.99). I wanted to pick up with the other couple in the stories--Alex and Robbie. Had a great idea of the plots for another trilogy. Found my couple again, found the villains. Even included a bit of Kentucky lore. I even found a working title for the books. </p><p><i>And hit the proverbial wall.</i></p><p>Everyone's heard the term "writer's block" but you have to be a writer to truly understand the term. It's more than just having a problem writing. It's a crippling "I suck!", self-loathing term. We all go through it. I rather suspect that's George R. R. Martin's problem with his <i>Song of Fire and Ice </i>series. But, that too, is another blog. Suffice it to say that, my writer's block is usually a case of a story going the wrong way. Instead of letting it flow organically, I have a bad tendency to try to force my will on them. And the characters and the story will eventually fight back in the form of...nothing coming.</p><p>Which was the case here. I had a great opening chapter too; Robbie and Alex get to making the beast with two backs on the dining room table. It just wasn't working. I gutted the chapter half a dozen times. I went through that "I suck" syndrome. I even blamed the story. And then, in one of my usual <i>3 AM run to the toilet to pee </i>moments, I realized what the problem was. </p><p>Why is it always me in the bathroom getting the fixes or the plots or the characters? Yeah, <i>another </i>blog entry.<br /><br />The problem was that Alex and Robbie, while being lovely people, were peripheral characters in the first trilogy and I had no ties to them at all. And no curiosity about their lives after the events of the storylines. I was trying to force something. And as Al Stewart once posited in song, "If it doesn't come naturally, leave it." So I did.<br /><br />It's still a working title of <i>Her G Man</i>, but I found a different couple, a different way to approach the plot, and it's flowing. As "Crash Davis"* once said, "...respect the streak. Because they don't happen very often." Well, in writing, they can and do, but his point was well made. When the stars align, yoyu don't question, you just do.<br /><br />So, here I go. And do.<br /><br /><br /></p><p><i>Peace, y'all</i></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-51761346447767505982021-04-21T14:54:00.004-04:002021-04-21T15:06:37.442-04:00Reading, Writing, and Romancing<p><b><i>From the Coffeyhouse!</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz4Mno5hb3tAhXUfmJ3FNc_tmwuTdcgwJ-nXA-dayFZ_7mAZkzCWpavK3f-_1T9BUSGhebR2vSUqx23YoeKa_7buElFILxFK3a8alBp25BPldE8u7Roda0COh0YclLsCbfnOOADEs_Rm2/s562/EmKLKqdWoAA18s1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAz4Mno5hb3tAhXUfmJ3FNc_tmwuTdcgwJ-nXA-dayFZ_7mAZkzCWpavK3f-_1T9BUSGhebR2vSUqx23YoeKa_7buElFILxFK3a8alBp25BPldE8u7Roda0COh0YclLsCbfnOOADEs_Rm2/s320/EmKLKqdWoAA18s1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /> Not meaning to whine, but I have come to the conclusion that as an independent writer, there are just not enough hours in the day. Okay, maybe I'm whining just a little bit. But there just aren't. Let me explain.<p></p><p>Let's start with the number of hours in a week -- 168. Multiply 24 x 7 = 168 hours. Now, the break down.<br /><br />I'm not at a point yet that I can just sit at home and write all day. One day, I pray. But not yet. So, I have an 8 hour a day, 40 hour a week day job. It pays the bills. That's 40 hours out of my schedule to pay those bills. Add another 56 hours a week to hit the pillow and do this little silly thing we call <i>sleep</i>. I'm a pretty fast eater, so maybe 2 hours a day to cook and eat food. 3 squares a day. There's another 14 hours out of the schedule. </p><p>Which leaves me a grand total of 58 hours a week to write, promote my own books while reading other books so I can review for others, and having some semblance of a life. Because, after all, I have family and friends to spend time with. I can't be chained to a desk -- oh yeah, I have to use the "powder room" in there, as well as shower because I get rather stinky if I don't. <br /><br />And just to make this truly crazy, I write under three different pen names. My own name (Jesse V Coffey), Jess Austen, and Siobhan. I dropped the last name on that one. They keep confusing me with another Siobhan MacKenzie, who lives in the UK and has only one book to her name. Gets entertaining.<br /><br />Not enough time to do what I truly love. Yeah, I guess I'm whining. But, for someone reading and trying to get into the writing game, you need to know what you're getting into. Especially if you make that grand and glorious decision to jump into the Independent Writer/Author gig. You <i>are </i>your publisher and marketer. The rewards are amazing. But so is the work load. <br /><br />So, join me while I go through my journey. Time I started to put this out there. Wish me luck.<br /><br /><i>Peace, y'all.</i><br /><br /><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-91266388525235377592021-03-09T11:51:00.000-05:002021-03-09T11:51:58.938-05:00Review: Death by Bourbon by Abigail Keam<p> Welcome to Kentucky -- we enjoy our horses and a good glass of bourbon. But not when it's the instrument of someone's death. That puts a crimp on the enjoyment. She said, tongue in cheek and with a sense of sardonic wit. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidd8IHC11DUpE8Opvs1PcH84uXXQdSH1H9iUExZn6G-3RkIc-kJqH5E6guRvMyx2y3iw7mg2oTM_Tw0gRZjLA1WvsXWg7pYHFqGijRMsLTXSURbsD5EdtDGoe9GWYqZ94GmSk-pXJ4N8ck/s297/th.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidd8IHC11DUpE8Opvs1PcH84uXXQdSH1H9iUExZn6G-3RkIc-kJqH5E6guRvMyx2y3iw7mg2oTM_Tw0gRZjLA1WvsXWg7pYHFqGijRMsLTXSURbsD5EdtDGoe9GWYqZ94GmSk-pXJ4N8ck/s0/th.jpeg" /></a></div><br />At least I hope that passed for "sardonic wit".<p></p><p>But <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098BMV54?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_3&storeType=ebooks" target="_blank">Death by Bourbon</a> </i>is the fourth book in the <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MMJW5S?searchxofy=true&binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_aps_series_rwt_tkin" target="_blank">A Josiah Reynolds Mystery</a> </i>series by author <a href="http://www.abigailkeam.com/" target="_blank">Abigail Keam</a>. Another great read by the author and another diamond in the series. I'm serious--I can't put these down. Once I start reading, I have to keep on reading until I have read the last word of the story.<br /><br />The extremely handsome Addison DeWitt has a glass of bourbon and immediately lapses into seizures, ultimately dying. But was it an accident or was it murder? Addison's "girlfriend" is sure it's murder. Josiah thinks so too. But proving it is harder than she imagined it could be. Because no one believes her. Added to that, her daughter Asa has left the country. Her friend Franklin has left for an extended cruise. And her lover Jake is back but distant to her. <br /><br />The <i>explosive ending </i>rocks everyone's world; most especially Josiah's.</p><p>Once again, red herrings a-plenty. Plot twists abound. One of the great things I like about Keam's cozy mysteries is that they play out from the heroine's point of view and she's not always right. But she gets there. So we have a flawed character who is human but not an idiot. As I've said before, even in the depths of depression, Josiah Reynolds is a fighter and a feisty lady. A strong woman. <br /><br />Her family and friends are flawed, but so real. So is her daughter Asa. We get to see a lot of the woman Asa is and learn more about her as a person. Asa is complicated, a little on the scary side, but very protective of her people, most especially, her mother. I wouldn't mind seeing her spun off into her own series, to be honest. <br /><br /><i>Death by Bourbon </i>is one of those books that stays with you. And makes you hunger for the next. Made me want to go on to book 5. Of course, reading an excerpt of the next book is a damn fine inducement too. And I intend to. <br /><br />Another 5 out of 5 stars. Well done, Ms. Keam!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1716182946388548258.post-70659012232937378032021-02-27T15:21:00.008-05:002021-02-27T15:33:34.340-05:00Review: "Death By Bridle" by Abigail Keam <p> Ever been so deep into a series that it's all you think about it? I have. Books, television, movies. My latest obsession seems to be Abigail Keam's "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078MMJW5S?binding=kindle_edition&ref_=dbs_s_ks_series_rwt_tkin" target="_blank">The Josiah Reynolds Mysteries</a>". I can't put them down and until I read the last word on the last book, I won't be able to read anything else. After devouring the first two books in the series, I put down the <i>Bridgerton </i>novel I'd intended to read and moved on to book three,<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A3HD3M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_d_asin_title_o03?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"> <i>Death By Bridle</i></a>.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2eEJA5H61GurmQFexzFExElFq3xQ_JyNN0Pbir0oFIfQny3C5son9YdWPFSG5BZRT5qpxa631w3RgPuYlsteaDhQDS2WkscgG2VlF00HclsuYEQMVR7BQUQi57PZ4IubDudZf5VH5P0N/s530/death-by-bridle-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2eEJA5H61GurmQFexzFExElFq3xQ_JyNN0Pbir0oFIfQny3C5son9YdWPFSG5BZRT5qpxa631w3RgPuYlsteaDhQDS2WkscgG2VlF00HclsuYEQMVR7BQUQi57PZ4IubDudZf5VH5P0N/s320/death-by-bridle-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />I certainly was not disappointed. If anything, I'm even <i>more</i> obsessed. <p></p><p>Josiah is still recovering from the injuries that she sustained in book one, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UV988Q?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks" target="_blank">Death By Honeybee</a> </i>and had begun healing from in book two, <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004INHR42?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_1&storeType=ebooks" target="_blank">Death By Drowning</a></i>. But now she has another mystery fall into her lap -- the death of an acquaintance, possibly witnessed by Lincoln Todd, the teen son of her lawyer, Shaneika. But that's just the tip of Josiah's personal iceberg. More evidence has popped up in the murder/death of Richard Pigeon (from <i>Honeybee</i>). The detective that almost killed her in book one is back and might just get released on technicalities. And the man she's fallen in love with has disappeared to parts unknown. It's enough to destroy her entire world. Again. </p><p><a href="http://www.abigailkeam.com/" target="_blank">Abigail Keam</a> adds so much of the history of the state that it's like reading a gossip column of the who's who of Kentucky. The salacious stuff, the juicy tidbits of someone's past that probably should have stayed buried. But can't be, because those details will help her solve the crime. Plot twists galore that kept me on the edge of my seat. I love those books that I can't read fast enough because I have to know what's going to happen next, but I can't read slow enough so that I can savor every little detail that comes. This is one of those books. You'll hear the term "pacing" a lot. The pace of this one is perfect. Again. As usual. This lady writes as if she was there and makes me feel like I'm there too.</p><p>No wimpy wussy characters in these stories. Josiah is definitely a handful but even in her depths of depression and pain, the real Josiah bubbles to the surface and stands up to the adversity. We see the vulnerable but we also see the stubborn. An amazing woman. The circle of friends that she's gathered are just as diverse as they can be, all of them into other things, different skill sets and talents. And they complement our leading lady quite nicely. </p><p>I'll get to <i>Bridgerton </i>eventually. But for right now, I have to ride this horse as far as it goes, as fast as it can run. </p><p>And I'm giving <i>Death By Bridle</i> another 5 out of 5 stars -- great plot, great pacing, great characters. If you're not reading them and you're a fan of historical cozies, cozies in general, and just flat out wonderful writing, then you're missing out on something special. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>JVRChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11467257065784931223noreply@blogger.com0