A Maple Cookie Homecoming

 A Maple Cookie Homecoming

by Judy Ann Davis

Can you ever go home again? Julien Franklin is recently discharged from the Army and headed back to his hometown of Linden, Vermont with a new puppy he's named Mozart. He's planning to stay "for a while" and remodel his adopted parents' home. He's unprepared to see Natalie Pinkett again. She's the one he regretted had got away. Now, years later lots of life has happened to them both, changed them both. Is there any possibility they can rekindle their friendship, or even their star-crossed romance? What surprises are in store with the house remodel? Plans to stay a while be extended, or shortened as his heart will dictate.

The former high school sweethearts begin to get reacquainted over coffee and their forever favorite treat, maple cookies. Natalie is running her bookstore, and renting the rooms above it for extra money. She's returned home herself after becoming a widow. She wants to raise her daughter in her own home town. Julien is looking for a place to stay, and moves into this apartment. The pair will remain in close contact, especially since Natalie's daughter and Mozart become fast friends.

Judy Ann Davis, the author of this charming story sets a vivid scene of a small town and the details that make it unique. It's easy to see why it's a magnet for those characters who grew up there. The author creates intriguing characters and introduces the reader to them, then slowly peels away the layers and reveals more and more about their backgrounds, desires, dreams, and buried secrets. As the plot moves forward, the ripple effects of one person's life on others' lives is beautifully shown and quite thought provoking. It's such an engaging story, and it surfaces an interesting debate about possibilities, and exploring the idea of how idyllic is it if you ever go home again?

Merry Little Wishing Spritz Holiday Read

Merry Little Wishing Spritz

by Cherie Colyer

Cassie is about to lose everything. Big change threatens her present and her plans for her future. The home and the job she loves are facing a large yellow construction crane and demolition blueprints according to a prescient vision disclosed by her friend. Lakeside Books is a charming store and living above it suits Cassie just right in the idyllic town of Mystic Creek. She had a beloved history with this bookstore and Bea, the current owner. On the brink of a heartbreak, her thoughts turn dark toward the anonymous buyer. Wrath in a witch such as Cassie can be a worry, except she's bound by the magic rules, or can those rules be stretched?

Cassie and her friend just happen to have baked a batch of special cookies used to cast a wish-come-true spell. Deciding it's worth a try, Cassie casts enthusiastically and with only the best of intentions. What could possibly go wrong? Just like Cassie, you'll be surprised at the answer to that.

The first surprise is the handsome new visitor to town who has a great interest in the bookstore as well. Cassie's attraction to this man grows stronger as she gets to know him better. She has her own rules to apply in this aspect of her life too. This dear witch has vowed not to date mortals. In this case, it's a tough decision to stick to, romance has a magic all its own.

It's not long before Cassie has her hands full smoothing the wrinkles caused by her good natured spell. Some of the affects are unexpected and don't seem to occur due to her actions alone. Is someone else dabbling in magic?

Author Cherie Colyer writes a delightful, winsome romance that amuses from page to page as the reader frolics through this charming witch Cassie's story. You'll want to linger over every page with its vivid descriptions, sweet humor, and characters that you'll wish were friends living in your own hometown. Spend the holidays with them in this merry little read. 

Death By Sample Size

 

Death by Sample Size

By Susie Black

How about a liberal dose of laugh out loud humor with your intriguing mystery? Here's an amateur sleuth who is wise-cracking, irreverent, and becomes determined to follow all clues and find a cunning killer. The victim was certainly no friend to Holly Schlivnik. In fact Bunny Frank really had no friends, leaving a long line of suspects in her wake. It's when Holly's friend Sonia is charged with the murder that this swimwear sales executive gets into action to help her friend. How can the police get it all so wrong? But, Holly hasn't investigated a crime before. Can she really be any help? When she rolls up her sleeves, which suspects will stand out to her? Can she convince authorities with the clues she finds? The police are not happy with an amateur on the case, and the situation could become desperate for poor Sonia behind bars.

Unlike the murdered Bunny Frank, Holly Schlivnik has lots of friends. She meets up with many of them often at The Java Jolt as they take begin their work day in the garment industry, or taking a break. They talk about the business, and about the people in the business. Holly is able to recruit some help from them, especially from Queenie Levine who, along with Holly keeps the reader laughing out loud while they dig up irresistible clues. There's plenty of opportunity for readers to analyze the clues along with the swimwear sales exec and narrow down suspects.

Miguel Martinez is the detective challenged by this amateur sleuth and her friends. There appears there's a romantic spark between the two of them, at least when confrontational sparks aren't flying between them over the case.

The details in the case about the the setting of Los Angeles, and especially about the fashion industry matches the excitement of the suspect chase and hunt for the killer. It's very interesting to learn about this business, and the unique characters enhance the plot. The author's story telling style flows beautifully through this delightful fast paced mystery.

Born in the Big Apple, Susie Black calls sunny Southern California home. Like the protagonist in her Holly Swimsuit Mystery Series, Susie is a successful apparel sales executive. Susie began telling stories as soon as she learned to talk. Now she’s telling all the stories from her garment industry experiences in humorous mysteries. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Susie Black

Snickerdoodle Snowmen Tells A Sweet Story

Snickerdoodle Snowmen

by Sarita Leone 

It's the busiest time of the year in North Pole, Alaska. Baker Kris Kringles is certainly feeling the deadline pressures as she bakes, packages and sends snickerdoodles all across the globe. Keeping busy means she can fulfill the wishes of all those people waiting for their sweets, and she can bury her secret regrets in her work. She certainly doesn't want to share with anyone the secret she hides, and she doesn't want to talk about it with her sometimes meddling sister. After all, what help is a sister who believes in magic and happy endings?

Big time New York reporter Santos Kloss makes no secret of his feelings about Christmas - bah humbug! It's his last assignment before he moves on and of all the bad luck, he's sent to North Pole to report on a certain baker's world renowned Snickerdoodle Snowmen. He's not happy, but he will fulfill his final obligations.

The flour flies when these two strong-willed characters meet on the snowy grounds of North Pole. It is the time of miracles, in the clear, frozen, tundra. Will a miracle bring peace between these two? Do they have something to offer each other that they didn't even realize they might be missing? How could that possibly happen between two strangers, both so set in their ways? It is North Pole after all.

This author skillfully interjects delightful humor into a sweet, romantic book. The setting is crafted so vividly, you'll want a steaming mug of hot chocolate nearby as you enthusiastically devour each page. The characters will steal your heart, including a mischievous sister who only means well. This dear story is absolutely a stocking stuffer must, but you don't have to wait, you can get it now.

Krampus and the Kolaches Holiday Reading

Krampus and the Kolaches

by JD Douwes

Now this is anything but a harmonious caroling expedition, but these characters sure know how to show a reader a good time. It was so fun to join Khalie and her quirky group of friends on their way to the Figgy Pudding event and singing competition. They're all seasonally excited, and I am too as I read about their antics in this vibrant and witty story. 

One of the friends, Dina has brought along her son Fred. He is a mischievous imp, and Dina is in denial about his pranks. That's when the action turns wild. Who shows up as the sparks fly? Krampus appears. Of course, that's the costume that Khalie's boyfriend Harry planned to wear for the caroling event. His furry appearance scares Fred who runs away. Krampus helps Santa by scaring the naughty.

The hunt for Fred begins, and reveals such a crazy adventure all over the holiday event. Everyone wants a taste of Khalie's delicious kolaches too, but she needs to deliver them to the event's bake sale intact. That turns out to be easier said than done. Along the way, Khalie notices some curious peculiarities about Harry in the Krampus costume. What has got into him? What indeed? It's very unnerving, but some changes are actually endearing. With all the crowds and commotion, will they find Fred? What naughtiness will he have instigated? 

At the end of this rollicking chase, you'll have exercised your funny bone. The mystery of the Krampus will be revealed and it will warm your heart. This author has created a delightful holiday story filled with entertaining characters. A nice gift for the season.

Murder In The Past Tense

 

Murder In The Past Tense

By Lynn Bohart

There's a gruesome discovery lying in wait. Decades go by. People move on with their own lives in Southern California. Then one day, one very routine, regular work day, that body is discovered. At first no one knows who it is, but there are clues. Detective Giorgio Salvatori is called to investigate. History has not been buried forever. History has secrets to show, heartbreak to revisit, and sinister acts to finally bring to justice. This death was not natural. No, this death was a violent act. Giorgio will not stop until he uncovers the whole truth, as dirty as it may be. Although many have forgotten those days way back then, this investigation will finally revive the memories of the innocent that were wronged. But how will Giorgio do that, when someone is throwing obstacles in his path, and threatening him and his family? Is there a paranormal force that may also help Giorgio?

The second book in the Giorgio Salvatori mysteries, this detective moved from the New York police department to a small town in Southern California to bring his family away from the crime of that large city. Now he's confronting a murder mystery that touches his heart. It's a brutal murder. As if he's not motivated enough to solve the mystery, he's also haunted by an image that seems unrelated yet is pushing him to uncover clues. It's a mystery within a mystery.

The Southern California setting is so vividly described in this story. The characters are dynamic. Giorgio's family life with his wife and children is brilliantly depicted and contrasted with his job. His brother also assists in this case, and the ties that bind despite some frayed threads. Their partnership is fascinating. It's compelling to watch a police detective who is driven by facts and where the clues lead him also steered by a paranormal force that appears directly to him. Giorgio is more comfortable with facts, but cannot turn away from anything that can help him deliver justice and solve this mystery. The picture of the victim, and the way the author artfully tells this character's story allows the reader to fully get to know them.

After a more than 35 year career as a nonprofit executive, author Lynn Bohart now owns a freelance writing company called Lil Dog Communications, by the way she's a big dog lover too, and she writes for nonprofits and businesses all over the world. With a Master's degree in Theatre, she loves diving into a good story whether she's writing it, reading it, watching it, or bringing it to the stage. She loves a mystery, with the intriguing characters and danger lurking around every corner and is author of 3 series and ten books. Her website is lynnbohart-author.com For more information about the author and her books. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Lynn Bohart

Birth of the Fae - An Electric Debut

Birth of the Fae                        Locked Out of Heaven

By Danielle M. Orsino

What's it like to be abandoned, locked out from your home and left to find your own way. The angels on earth must reconcile their feelings as their beautiful wings decay, and they are locked outside the gates of Heaven. After the great war with Lucifer, they band together to learn how to survive, even how to thrive in this foreign land called earth. Now they need to embark on a new, fantastical, epic adventure. They will transform, with their magical dragons, into the Fellowship Aegis of Earth, the FAE. Can they unite? They splinter into the Court of Light and the Court of Dark. They need to find ways to protect themselves from the people of earth, and each other.

In the dedication for this first book in the series, the author writes this book is “to all of the freethinkers and anyone who was told they had a vivid imagination, were too dramatic or flamboyant. . . . You never know where it will take you or the worlds you will create . . . .” Danielle M. Orsino's skill in world building is breathtaking. Characters are striking in their great and varied strengths, but also in their stunning flaws to overcome. The earth's dragons are infused with extraordinary and unique personalities as well. The characters are all so interesting and tug on your heart strings. This story certainly celebrates imagination and the heights it can take a reader.

The Court of Light is led by Queen Aurora. She has her hands full providing vision for a great unity of former virtue angels. These desperate beings populating water, different lands, and air need to be shown the advantages of uniting. Queen Aurora is strong, with a bright vision, but she needs the help of her friends and her court to successfully aid her fellow beings.

In the meantime, the Court of Dark is commanded by King Jarvok who is a former Power Brigade Angel. There is a bitterness that lingers over abandonment from their Creator. When these two factions clash, it is truly epic. And the people can get in the way. All around, the stakes are high.

Drawing from her passion for comic books, cosplay, and the fantasy genre, along with her martial arts expertise Danielle M. Orsino authors an electric book debut. And this is only the beginning of this growing series. You'll want to check out the website https://www.birthofthefae.com/ for more information about the author and her books. You can also hear directly from the author herself on YouTube's podcast, A Novel Talk with Danielle M. Orsino