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Thursday, March 30, 2017

Book Review-Duplicty by Jane Haselfine


About the book (provided by TLC tours)
• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation (March 28, 2017)
In Jane Haseldine’s new novel of riveting suspense, Detroit newspaper reporter Julia Gooden is up against the city’s most devious criminal—and her own painful past.
Julia Gooden knows how to juggle different lives. A successful crime reporter, she covers the grittiest stories in the city while raising her two young boys in the suburbs. But beneath that accomplished façade is another Julia, still consumed by a tragedy that unfolded thirty years ago when her nine-year-old brother disappeared without a trace.
Julia’s marriage, too, is a balancing act, as she tries to rekindle her relationship with her husband, Assistant District Attorney David Tanner, while maintaining professional boundaries. David is about to bring Nick Rossi to trial for crimes that include drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and bribery. But the story becomes much more urgent when a courthouse bomb claims several victims—including the prosecution’s key witness—and leaves David critically injured.
Though Julia is certain that Rossi orchestrated the attack, the case against him is collapsing, and his power and connections run high and wide. With the help of Detective Raymond Navarro of the Detroit PD, she starts following a trail of blackmail, payback, and political ambition, little imagining where it will lead. Julia has risked her career before, but this time innocent lives—including her children’s—hang in the balance, and justice may come too late to save what truly matters…
And I thought...
As I thought about what I wanted to say about this book I began to think about the main characters Julia and her husband the D.A. David Tanner.  I thought about the suspense and twists and turns in the story.  
Then I thought about the title and how it fit into the characters and the story.  
And I realized the definition of 'Duplicity' tells it all. . . 
du·plic·i·ty
d(y)o͞oˈplisədē/
noun
  1. 1.
    deceitfulness; double-dealing.

The story line is filled with characters that are dishonest, double-dealing, deceitful etc. etc.  which for me made for a good story. 

Not necessarily a story that had me interested in becoming friends with or have coffee with a few of the characters. 

I enjoyed the story.  It was a little slow in the beginning but there was a steadiness that kept me interested enough to stick with it till the tempo sped up to the roller coaster ending.  

I have no desire to 'spill the beans.'  I just suggest if you like a good suspenseful story you'll enjoy Duplicity.

There are a few bedroom seems.  In fact the story begins with a scene that some people might read and stop then and there. 
That is not the theme of the book.  Its a short part that sets the story into motion.   There are a few descriptions of some sexual acts further into the story that are described by the police as a video tape is watched while the are gathering evidence.   And there is a little graphic detail in some of the crimes that are committed.  
This didn't bother me.  I just mention it because some people might wish to have a heads up.  

Overall I really liked Duplicity and look forward to reading additional books in the Julie Gooden series.

I received a complimentary copy from TLC book tours. 

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.
This review will appear on My Journey Back and Good Reads.

Coffee with a character
I had a hard time choosing the character that I wanted to chat with. It was easy to know who I didn't want to 'get to know'.  And actually it wasn't difficult know who to choose.  The hard part was choosing 1.  So I didn't choose 1.  I chose 3. 
 Never done before. Probably never done again.  But here goes in no particular order.
Character #1 is Salvator Gallo I suspect that if I was to sit, chat and consume some sort of beverage with 'Gallo' who is kind of a 'mob type' fellow but ends help helping Julie.  He just seems like the character that I would love to see in another book. 
Character #2 is an informant that has helped Julie in the past and comes to her rescue in Duplicity he makes a short appearance but I was fascinated with his character. Tyrone is a rapper that is 
wheelchair bound.  He has connections and associates that he utilizes to help get Julie out of some jams.  And he 'knows' and has 'information' that helps Julie in her investigation. 
The last Character that I would love to share probably a cup of tea or coffee with is the neighbor/baby sitter Helen.  Helen is a grandmotherly type woman that jumps in and helps with her children.  Helen covers the home front for Julie when business and investigations call Julie away.  

This review will appear on retail sites where the book is available.
This review will appear on My Journey Back, Good Reads and
Springtime in Magnolia.

Available

Barnes and Noble, Amazon



Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday
For today  . . 
. . . yesterday is past.  
Thankful God is bigger. . . 
. . .Since Oct. we have struggled financially.  A week before 
we were to move into the house we live in now the Cowboy got 
fired.  
He got a job a week later but not enough hours for us to make it. 
We exhausted our savings by Dec.   
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We have struggled over and over and God has provided.  
The days seem to stretch into weeks.  

In an attempt to juggle bill's the Cowboy wasn't able to pay a
ticket he got because our inspection sticker on our car went out. 
It's a long story.  He thought he had till tomorrow.  

He didn't.
He was pulled over and arrested.
He was arrested in the parking lot of the resale story where 
we take our donations.  The give jobs to the boys in the prison unit where we serve.
He spent 8 hours in jail yesterday until I could arrange funds.
Our car was impounded.
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Two of my clients have advanced me the money. 
God provided through these two people. 
I am Thankful
I am working through all the emotions revolving around the situation.  

I am Thankful

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Book Review-Her Secret-Shelley Shepard Gray

Her Secret

And I thought
Described as suspenseful.  And it is.  I would not add thriller to the description which I think sometimes becomes part of a book with this type of story line... A suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.
 I was not on the edge of my seat.  But I will say I picked this book up yesterday  at around 10 a.m. about 12 hours later I turned the last page . 
Yes.  I read it in one day.  Did the book keep my attention?  I 
would say so.  The story flowed in a steady pace from page 1. 
It did pick up rather quickly nearly to  the end when it's discovered the stalker is in town and up to his old tricks. 

I have to say I really loved the main characters Hannah and Isaac. They were a pleasure to get to know.  This wasn't a story where they meet, get together, have conflict, then get back together in the end. 
They pretty much met, became friends then became closer friends and ended courting with plans to marry in the end.
There was no family interference or other distraction for the couple.  In fact everyone seemed to agree that Hannah and Isaac were a great couple. 

The stalker really only made a very brief appearance at the very end when his identity was revealed at about the same time he became bolder in his activities.  

The characters really didn't seem to jump off the page for me. 
In fact I actually didn't really like Hannah's family.  The drama and trauma of the stalking which preceded the move to a new town basically caused the entire family to blame Hannah.  Their treatment of her including her parents I thought was a bit harsh.    The parents had some personal underlying difficulties and did redeem themselves  in the end but I just didn't connect with them or the other children in the family.  

Hannah's younger sister played a big part in the story.  Her character did not display the religious beliefs of the family and acted out in ways that caused Hannah more trauma.

I enjoyed Her Secret.  I really like a book that I can't put down! 
I look forward to reading more in this series.  

I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse.
This review will appear at retail sites were the book is available.
This review will appear on Good Reads, My Journey Back and 
Springtime In Magnolia.

Available
Visit Shelley's website for additional retail links.
Social Media links.  Click Here.

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Click here to enter Givaway


This/That and Theme Parties

Good Morning Dear Friends
I do hope this day finds you happy and well, and enjoying this lovely month of March.
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I apologize for my lack of posts the last couple of weeks. 
I have had such problems with the internet.  

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I've been a busy girl.  Working and keeping our Cabin Cozy. 
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A few friends are visiting for the season.
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I am preparing to send off Easter presents to the grand kids.
The 16 y.o. boy will get a book and candy the 8 y.o. girl gets this pretty bunny and candy.
For spring I pulled out this pot that was my daddy's to display an orchid.  This is my view is I write.  
And
 I've been planting.  
But I can't show you now you'll have to. . .
Come back on Wednesday for my Outdoor Wednesday post.  
And 
I've been reading all the wonderful links at the 
Have you visited and linked at the party?
The party goes on all month every month. 
There is a monthly theme with barely any rules.  
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I would love for you to come over and link.  
And plan ahead for the month of May.
It should be tons of fun sharing Copy Cat Posts.
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I wanted to give you a 'heads up' so you could plan some posts.
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Have you tried any Copy Cat Recipes?
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Or maybe saw a magazine layout and you can't wait  to Copy?
Maybe you saw a  pin that strikes your fancy. 
All posts are welcome!  
You have all of April to think about 
Being a . . . 
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Come over and join the parties at
Our Holiday Journeys
I hope you have a Blessed day.
Thanks for stopping in.









Monday, March 27, 2017

Single Malt Murder-Book Review w/Giveaway



About the book (provided by Great Escapes Book Tours)
When Abi inherits her uncle’s quaint and storied single malt distillery, she finds herself immersed in a competitive high-stakes business that elicits deep passions and prejudices. An award-winning photojournalist, Abi has no trouble capturing the perfect shot—but making the perfect shot is another matter. When she starts to receive disturbing, anonymous threats, it’s clear that someone wants her out of the picture. But Abi’s never been one to back down from a fight.
Arriving on the scene with her whisky-loving best friend, Patrick, and an oversized wheaten terrier named Liam, Abi seems to put everyone in the bucolic village on edge—especially her dour but disturbingly attractive head distiller. Acts of sabotage and increasingly personal threats against Abi make it clear that she is not welcome. When one of Abi’s new employees is found floating facedown in a vat of whisky, Abi is determined to use her skills as an investigative journalist to identify the cold-blooded killer and dispense a dram of justice before he strikes again. But distilling truth from lies is tricky, especially when everyone seems to have something to hide.
Available

Visit the author
And I thought...
Definitely a great beginning and a promising start.  I enjoyed this debut novel by Melinda Mullet.  Congratulations Melinda for keeping me spell bound and intrigued. 

Although I really enjoyed this book it took me awhile to read. 
Perhaps because I was reading on my phone which is usually a much slower read for me.  

I enjoyed the mystery and suspense of the story.  As I read I wondered about the main character Abi the main/sub characterPhillip her friend and business associate.  And I was intrigued with Abi's uncle. 

As I read I couldn't help but wonder if the the characters were introduced in a preceding book.  Which I realized when I was finished reading; this was not the case Single Malt Murder is a debut novel and the beginning of a series. This was not a negative for me in fact I felt like I wanted to know more about the characters.  I look forward to and hope that these characters history is revealed in future installments.

I enjoyed the story and suspense.  I really enjoyed the topic and the research/knowledge that the author put into the subject of 
producing Whiskey.  It was very interesting.  

I felt a part of the story as the reader going along with Abi as she investigates the murder and as she is stalked and ends up running for her life as well. 

There were great twists and turns that keep the reader engaged and interested and waiting to find out 'Whodunit'.  

Did I figure it out?  I had my suspicions.  

Single Malt Murder was a fun and cozy read.  I look forward to the chance to read future books in the series. 

Coffee with a character...The character I would have liked to have coffee or more likely a glass of single malt would have been Abi's uncle.   I would have enjoyed hearing about his exploits.   

I received a complimentary e-copy from Great Escapes Book Tours.
This review will be posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble.
This review will appear on Good Reads, My Journey Back and 
Sweet Magnolia Book Club.

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Giveaway 

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Happy Homemaker Monday

HHM

The weather... here in Texas we always have beautiful springs. 
Sometimes the beautiful spring temps last well into the summer. 
Hopefully this year will be one of those.  
This week we have beautiful days from the 50's rising to mid to high 70's.  Rain on Wed. and Thurs.  just enough to keep everything well watered.  And cool enough to enjoy the out doors.

The view from my window...I took a couple of  snaps to share the lovely view I have from my desk.  
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The view from my desk and the front door.  I walk up to this lovely view everyday.   The photo's don't do justice.  This bush is covered in blooms.  They open up into lovely yellow roses after a few days the blooms turn white.  I have never seen this kind of rose bush.  It is so easy to take care of.  I want more!

On my reading pile...
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And on the Kindle  :



Favorite Blog post from last week...
My friend Carol @ Comforts of Spring shared this lovely table.  

New Blog to share...
 
Michelle at It's A Small Town Life has a lovely blog where she shares her lovely photo's.  She hosts Thankful Thursday.  This weekend they lost their lovely dog who she has photo's on her banner.  Michelle sure could use a hug this week.  Go over and give her a hug.  Click here to visit Michelle.

On The Menu...
Monday--Hamburgers, Onion Rings, Broccoli Salad
Tuesday--Pork Chops, Rice,Black Eye Peas and Cream Gravy
Wednesday--Spaghetti (didn't do last week), Salad, Garlic Bread
I switched from Fri. because I realized I like leftovers for work on Thursday.
Thursday--Kid Friendly Chicken tenders, mashed potatoes,corn
Friday--Split Pea Soup w/croutons and bacon, Bacon Sandwich and salad

In the garden...planted Romain from nursery, lettuce from seeds, radish's  sprouted and growing, spinach sprouted and growing,Basil sprouted and growin,  Swish Chard for decorative planting,  Zinnia's sprouted, Marigolds not sprouted, Yellow Squash just planted.
I have also planted a second round of Zinnia's they seem to grow well for me.  Also I have cucumbers and tomatoes ready to be planted outside.  I have started everything in the green house. 

On the To Do List...
  1. Delete organize photo's on computer.
  2. Continue folding fabric in the sewing room
  3. Plant potatoes if not too late.  Checking on Monday for seed potatoes at the feed store.
  4. Clean up the green house to photo for Outdoor Wednesday.
  5. Try to find pallets to use for outside growing. 
  6. Ask neighbor to plow the plot for a planting of okra.

A Simple Pleasure...
English library:
I dream of a room filled with books.  I have a pinterest board over here.

Looking Around The House...
Spring is in the air.  The windows are open and my decorating has begun.  A little slow trying to figure out how to decorate this space for my first spring here. 

From the camera...
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A rabbit waiting for it's journey to Missouri to live with our grand daughter.  I need to add trip to post office on my to do list!

Verse/Devo./Printable
Free Blue and White Spring Printable:
Available here.

Something fun to share...
The May link party at Our Holiday Journey.  I hope you will plan a few posts on the theme . . . 
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Come over and share recipes, or decor vignettes you've copied from pins or magazines or where ever.  Come and  link 
at Our Holiday Journey.  This month we are celebrating spring. 
Click Here to link 

  Thanks for coming over for A look into my weeks plans. I am 
linking with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday and all my other haunts. Check out the list on my parties page.  

Enjoy you week