A Truth for a Truth by Emilie Richards

Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
Division of Penguin Publishing
5th Book in the Ministry Is Murder Series
Release Date October 5, 2010

Aggie Sloan-Wilcox is the wife of minister Ed Wilcox of the Consolidated Community Church of Emerald Springs, and she somehow keeps finding herself trying to do good deeds for others but ends up investigating murders.

In this installment of the series, Goodwin "Win" Dorchester, a former pastor of the church comes back to enjoy his retirement in Emerald Springs.  But his retirement ends abruptly when dies suddenly after a party celebrating his return. 

Just as the mourners from his funeral are about to leave to go to the cemetery, the service is cut short because the coroner's office has requested an autopsy, feeling his death was not by natural causes but murder.  His wife Hildy, minister's wife extraordinaire, is outraged. Then to top it off the police feel Hildy is a prime suspect.

Aggie is knows Hildy is a busybody and sticks her nose in where it doesn't belong often, but she is no killer.  With a little investigation Aggie comes up with quite a list of other people who may have killed the former pastor, but she also learned some secrets that "Win" had been keeping.  Secrets that could lead to more people dying.  Aggie needs to get to the truth and get to it quickly.

This entire series has been delightful. The small hometown setting should resonant well with all readers.  With a back story of church and ministry these stories are not at all "preachy", they are pure entertainment.  The characters are like any you would meet in any church, anywhere in the country.  You may even draw comparisons with members or pastors or their wives to those of your own church or community.  The plots are well developed and are true cozy mysteries that will keep you pleasantly occupied from the first page until the last and then awaiting the next story to the series.

It was interesting to read the author's biography, as she is herself a preacher's wife though these stories are in no way are autobiographical, thank God, especially with the high murder total in this fictional small town.  She is also the author of The Shenandoah Album Novels and several other novels. Check out the slide show below for more stories by Emilie Richards.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Berkley Prime Crime, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

WINNER SOAP OPERA MYSTERIES!!!!!

I can't believe the number of entries I had for this giveaway. 

I LOVE this series and so happy to share it with one of my followers!

to:

HEATHER A.

You have won all three books in Eileen Davidson's 

Soap Opera Mystery Series.  I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!!!

Thank you to all who entered!!!

Winner was chosen using Random.org

Please be sure to come back to 

Dollycas's Thoughts 

for more

Book Reviews, Recommendations & Random Thoughts

plus more giveaways!!!

 

 

ENQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW - Week 5 + Tag

 

  

No, I am not a new Tabloid Reporter, but it is a feature so 

that we can all get to know each other better.  

It struck me recently how much time I spend on this computer every day, blogging, chatting or playing games on Facebook, 

emailing friends and relatives, 

making cards and calendars, etc. etc. etc.

We depend on each other for book reviews, giveaways, encouragement, friendship, but how well do we really know each other?

So that is what this meme is all about, 

getting to know each other. 

Each Thursday I will post 3 questions for you to answer that you can copy and post on your blog with your answers. 

You don’t have to be a blogger to participate either. I will be using a Linky List for the blogs to use to participate and follow each other around to get to know each other, but if you are not a blogger just answer the questions in the comment section following the post on your favorite blog. 

This way we not only get to know other bloggers, 

we get to know our followers too.

I am really excited about this meme 

and hope many more people will join the fun.

Are you interested?

This week has a little added twist.  

On Tuesday I was Tagged by Cheryl at

 C Mash Loves To Read

Which was started by 

Mandy from Mandy's Escape

and the requirements are very similar to this meme, so this week, I am incorporating 3 of her questions and then will Tag 4 blogs that have never participated in the Enguiring Minds Want To Know meme with the additional questions for them to answer. Feel free to answer the extra questions if you wish and also feel free to tag other bloggers.  Hopefully it will bring more attention to this feature and we will all get to know each other better!!

WEEK 4 QUESTIONS 

1.  List four things you carry in your handbag.

2.  List four things on top of your desk.

3.  List four of your favorite things in your bedroom.

Additional Questions:  This is hard for me because while not in list form these were questions I had slated for the coming weeks, but I want to participate and support other blogs so here goes...

List four things you have always wanted to do but haven't.

List four things you really enjoy doing at the moment. 

List four songs you can't get out of your head.

List four things we don't know about you.

Now to pass it on:

Sheila at Book Journey

Sabrina at Cheeky Reads 

Mystee at A Moment With Mystee

Brenda at Brenda Loves Books

The four of you have officially been tagged!!  

Now for my answers:

1.  List four things you carry in your handbag.

I do not carry a handbag, haven't since my accident.  Anything I may need is slipped in my daughter's bag or a pocket.

2.  List four things on top of your desk.

My wonderful computer, my printer, lots of books and my can of Mountain Dew.

3.  List four of your favorite things in your bedroom.

My books, my television, a candle, and my hubby. 

List four things you have always wanted to do but haven't.

Take a cruise, visit Niagara Falls, visit the Grand Canyon, just travel the U.S.

List four things you really enjoy doing at the moment. 

Blogging, reading, playing with my grandson, being here for my family.

List four songs you can't get out of your head.

The theme to Hawaii Five-0.  That's  the only one.

List four things we don't know about you.

I used to build houses and pour concrete. 

I have an Associate Degree in Accounting.

I wake up every morning just glad to have another day.

I miss all the things I can no longer do, and all the things I wanted to do before but am now physically unable.

This week may have been a little more work than the previous weeks, and I apologize for that.   Next week will will return to the 3 question format. Now be sure to copy and paste the information and your answers into your blog, then come back to link up, so we can come to your blog and read your answers.

I hope you will come back to this meme every week and tell your friends so we can all get to know each other better and get the answers to all the questions 

Enquiring Minds Want To Know!!

The Literary Life from Penguin Publishing

Today, Penguin Group has  launched a new monthly radio series called The Literary Life.  Completely written, produced, and hosted by Penguin employees, The Literary Life features literary fiction and nonfiction from bestselling, critically acclaimed authors and fast-rising newcomers. It’s hosted by Jake Morrissey, Executive Editor at Riverhead Books.  Each episode will debut on the last Tuesday of the month.  

In addition to candid interviews with authors, regular segments on The Literary Life include: Inside Publishing, featuring a publishing personality giving a behind-the-scenes look into the book industry; Writer’s Rant, where authors are given the floor to vent; and Penguin Mix Tape, featuring interviews and performances by musicians-turned-authors. 

This link will take you directly to the podcast.

 

Literary Inspiration

This month you'll hear from Sigrid Nunez, whose provocative new novel, Salvation City, explores what happens when the world as we know it falls apart. 

Joe Pernice, critically-acclaimed musician and author of the funny and touching novel It Feels So Good When I Stop, tells us how songwriting and prose use inspiration in very different ways. We'll also speak to the editor of the international bestseller  

The Help about discovering and working with Kathryn Stockett, the author of one of the most successful debut novels of the decade.

Lastly, journalist and author Virginia Ironside, author of the upcoming book You're Old, I'm Old…Get Over It! joins us to rant about writers using the present tense in our latest installation of The Writer's Rant.

If you missed last month's Podcast you can still watch it, the link above will take you to the main page and you will find it in the right sidebar.

Be sure to check them out.  I truly enjoy them.

WINNER STAMPING SISTERS GIVEAWAY!!!

VICTORIA Z.

You have won the 

Stamping Sisters Mystery Series!!!

Thank you to all who entered!!

Winner was chosen using Random.org

Please be sure to come back to 

Dollycas's Thoughts 

for more

Book Reviews, Recommendations & Random Thoughts

plus more giveaways!!!

Dirty Rotten Tendrils by Kate Collins

An Obsidian Mystery
Division of Penguin Publishing
Release Date October 5, 2010
10th Book in the Flower Shop Mystery Series

New Chapel, Indiana is the home to Bloomers Flower Shop owned by amateur sleuth Abby Knight.   Her two assistants, Grace, who has an overwhelming memory for quotes and can spew one for any occasion, and Lottie, mother of quadruplets, who will keep you in stitches laughing throughout the entire story.  We can't forget Abby's boyfriend,  Marco Salvare, owner of the tavern, Down The Hatch, former Army Ranger, who also moonlights as a private investigator.  Or Abby's mom, a kindergarten teacher, and multi-talented artist in a various mediums, and using the word talented in very tongue in cheek.  Plus Abby's cousin Jillian who continues to shake up Abby's life under the guise of  being a personal shopper. Just for good measure we will throw in Marco's mom, and his brother who seem to rake havoc wherever they go.

Those are the key players to this series, but in Dirty Rotten Tendrils, New Chapel welcomes home their own hometown boy who has won first place in a national reality show, America's Next Hit Single.  His return has set the whole town upside down as they makeover and beautify their stores.  Shops are even changing their names to garner the attention of all the national television and newspaper reporters.  

The problem is Cody Verse is not in town for only a concert, he is in New Chapel to fend off a lawsuit filed by his former song writing partner, Andrew Chapper, who claims he is the one who wrote the song that won Cody first prize.  The trial barely gets started and Cody's lawyer, Ken "the lip" Lipinski is found dead from a very suspicious overdose. The police are calling it murder and pointing finger at Andrew's attorney.  

Abby believes the police have struck a wrong chord with their suspect and starts to conduct an investigation of her own with her duet partner Marco. They make some beautiful music together bringing an end to things with just the right note.

This series really keeps you hopping and with all the music in the background of this story I will say it has a great beat and is wonderful to dance to. 

Okay, seriously this story had me thinking I had the murderer figured out so many times I lost count, and was completely surprised at the end.  The story also has a cliff hanger ending worthy of any of today's television dramas.  I even sent a note to Kate Collins letting her know I was mad at her for the ending, a good mad though because I can't wait to read the next installment to this series.  She wrote me back telling me I would only have to wait until next April.  APRIL!!! that's 7 months away!!!

If you are a fan of the Flower Shop Mysteries, get this one pre-ordered today!!! If you are not a fan, why not?  I like to read books in the order written but trust me you can read this one first and I bet you will be rushing to find the rest of the series quite quickly.  This story has the intrigue to keep you thinking whodunit, but the humor and family dynamics will keep you turning page and page after page, and at the end you will be begging for more.  I pick up each book knowing it will be a great mystery, with a little romance and humor, but also to see what Abby's mom has created this time.  You will love this story too, from the opening note to the finale, I promise.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

It's Monday!! What Are You Reading???

This great meme is hosted by Sheila at "Book Journey".

 It's a great way to start the week and 
find out what other bloggers are reading.  

My To-Be-Read pile has grown to an 
unbelievable number thanks to this meme.

I can't believe it!  I exceeded my read goal last night for J. Kaye's 100+ Book Challenge.  My goal was 140 and Kate Colllins' Dirty Rotten Tendrils put me over the top.  I can't wait to see what I end up with for a year total!!  I have never read anywhere close to this many books in a year.

Off to a slow start this morning/afternoon.  

Need to kick my butt in gear to visit some wonderful blogs and 

get some reading done today!!! 

FINISHED LAST WEEK

 

Dead Renegade 

By Victoria Houston

My Review

 

Sleeping With Anemone 

By Kate Collins

 

Dirty Rotten Tendrils 

By Kate Collins

Watch for my review tomorrow!  

CURRENTLY READING

 

A Truth for a Truth

By Emilie Richards

ON DECK

 

Sew Deadly

Death Threads

Pinned for Murder

by Elizabeth Lynn Casey 

This entire series has been demanding my attention, the first and second for quite awhile.  I know these are perfect books for me because my ultimate favorite hobby before my accident was sewing.  I had started the first book shortly after it was released in 2009 and stupidly left at a doctor's office, where I was reading it waiting for an appointment and didn't want to put it down.  When we got home and I realized it was missing I called the doctor's office right away and they couldn't find it anywhere, so someone must have picked it up assuming it was some sort of Book Crossing thing.  I hope they enjoyed it and passed it on and purchased the 2nd book in the series and are anxiously awaiting the 3rd book's release.  I have now replaced it and can't wait to "Escape" into this series.

 

A Holiday Yarn (ARC)

by Sally Goldenbaum

 This is the 4th book in another wonderful series, 

and I can't wait to read it!!

Be sure to check out the Giveaways in the left sidebar. 

They are all ending this week!

Please come back for my new feature on Thursday!

  No, I am not a new Tabloid Reporter, 

but it is a feature so that we can all get to know each other better.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK READING!!!!

The Chocolate Pirate Plot by JoAnna Carl

Obsidian Mystery

A Division of Penguin Publishing

10th Book in The Chocoholic Mystery Series

Hardcover Release October 5, 2010

Pirates in Warner Pier, well of course!  Since a certain pirate movie became a huge success, Young Blackbeard, (what movie did you think I meant?) pirates are showing up everywhere.  They even leaped aboard Joe and Lee's antique powerboat while they were out for a little cruise.  The buccaneers hopped about doing a little jig, played a little music and performed a few acrobatics and then dove into the water and disappeared.  

The pirates visited a few more boats and great fun was had by all.  It was the "Summer of the Warner Pier Pirates", heck the local playhouse was even gearing up to perform the Pirates of Penzance.  Everything was swimming along nicely until a body was found floating in Lake Michigan with a Jolly Roger tattoo, then the fun quickly came to a halt.  Lee decides to plunge herself into the investigation to find out exactly what these swashbucklers are up to.

I love this series and since Pirates are our high school mascot, I loved it even more.  I am also a true CHOCOHOLIC!!! so this book is definitely perfect for me!! These stories are fast paced so be ready for some wild page turning fun with a chocolate twist.  JoAnna Carl is a master storyteller when it comes to the cozy genre.  By this 10th installment I feel like part of the TenHuis family, and love each and every predicament this family gets itself dipped into, no matter if it is milk chocolate or the deepest darkest chocolate, you always have to be ready for the surprise gooey center.  Reading these books is a truly tasty morsel with zero calories.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Obsidian, a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”