Books from the Backlog - The Calamity Cafe

 

Today I'm linking up with Carole from Carole's Random Life of Books for Books from the Backlog.  I really enjoy the chance to feature a book that's been hiding in the piles of books for far too long!

Goodreads:  The Calamity Café by Gayle Leeson

Blurb:  Aspiring chef and small-town Virginia native Amy Flowers is ready to open her own café offering old-fashioned Southern food. But her dream may go up in smoke when someone kills the competition...
Tired of waiting tables at Lou’s Joint, Amy Flowers doesn’t just quit—she offers to buy the place from her bully of a boss, so she can finally open the café of her dreams. Amy can't wait to serve the kind of Southern, down-home treats and dishes that her grandmother always loved to the kooky cast of regulars at the restaurant. She knows her comfort food will be the talk of the sweet, small town of Winter Garden, Virginia.

At first Lou Lou refuses to sell, but when she seems ready to make a deal, she tells Amy to come see her. Showing up at the eatery ready to negotiate, Amy is shocked to find her former employer murdered. As the prime suspect, Amy will have to clear her name by serving up the real killer—and with Lou Lou’s stack of enemies, that’s a tall order.

Why This Needs to Come Off the Shelf:  I read a later book in this series and really enjoyed.  Plus, this series only has a few books in it (all of which I own) and it'd be an easy one to finish this year.

Speculations in Sin - Historical Mystery Review

Goodreads: Speculations in Sin (A Below Stairs Mystery #7) by Jennifer Ashley

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  To save an innocent man’s life, amateur sleuth and cook Kat Holloway must expose a financial scam that could ruin the most powerful aristocrats in Victorian-era London, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Secret of Bow Lane.

Kat Holloway is distressed to learn that Samuel Millburn, husband of the woman who looks after her daughter, has been accused of embezzling funds from the bank where he works as a clerk. The accusation is absurd, and Samuel’s wife fears that her husband will not only lose his post but be imprisoned. Kat vows to uncover the truth.

When she discovers the bank is involved in shockingly murky business dealings, Kat realizes she’s treading in dangerous waters. She turns to her confidante and handsome suitor, Daniel McAdam, for help. To exonerate Samuel, Kat and Daniel may have to expose the unseemly financial dealings of prominent aristocrats and government officials, and even those working to bring down the royal family. Kat will risk everything to protect the man who has sacrificed so much for her daughter, even if it means endangering herself and the friends she has come to love.

Genre:  Mystery - Historical 

Why I Picked This Book:  I have enjoyed every book in this series so of course I had to pick up this newest book.

My Impression: I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and I was super excited to have a book that focused a bit on the family where Kat's daughter, Grace, has lived since the beginning of the series.  I really enjoyed seeing what life in what is essentially the time's version of a middle class home as well as getting to know Joanna and her family better.  

Kat was very personally involved in this mystery as both the fate of her daughter and a family she cares deeply about.  She's also tackling a very different area than her previous investigations as she delves into an established financial institution that is very much not open to women.  Nor is it a world that Daniel McAdam is particularly comfortable in which made for an interesting change.  I enjoyed the mystery though my heart did break for Joanna through the majority of the book.  I wasn't quite sure how it would work out until close to the end.  

My only complaint is the will they/won't they aspect of Kat and Daniel's relationship.  I get why Kat would be hesitant giving her history but I wish the situation would be resolved.

This is a great historical mystery series with lots of upstairs/downstairs atmosphere.  This is the seventh book in the series and I think I've enjoyed every single book.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  I would!  I have thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and I would pick up any mystery they write.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy historical mysteries this is a fantastic series though best read in order.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

Library Loves - Ten Books From My Latest Library Wander

 Yesterday I had a good library wander and picked up all the books that caught my eye (and that I could carry).  Here are 10 I picked up.

1.  At the Chinese Table: A Memoir with Recipes by Carolyn J. Phillips -  I do love a memoir and this one involving the author's time in China sounds like it could be fantastic.  

2.  Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick - Every library wander for me involves picking up some kind of light romantic suspense and this is one I've been wanting to read by one of my favorite authors.

3.  The Ghosts of Paris by Tara Moss - I haven't heard of this author but the cover caught my attention and the blurb sold me.  

4.  Go Ask Fannie by Elizabeth Hyde - I feel like I had heard good things about this one and the blurb completely hooked me.

5.  The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel - I'm fascinated by art theft and this nonfiction book sounds interesting.  

6.  Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen - I love this author and this one has been on my TBR for awhile so of course I had to pick it up.

7.  The Kindred Spirits Supper Club by Amy E Reichert - The title totally got me.  I'm not sure if there's any connection to Anne of Green Gables but I had to try it.  If nothing else I love the title.

8.  The Gown by Jennifer Robson - This is a dual timeline historical fiction involving Queen Elizabeth's (well Princess Elizabeth at the time) wedding gown.  

9.  Epic Road Trips of the Americas: Exploring America's Most Thrilling Driving Adventures by Amy C. Balfour - I love a good road trip and I'm curious to see what trips the author talks about.

10.  The Glass Kitchen by Linda Francis Lee - This is another one I've had on my TBR for ages so when I saw this sitting on the shelf I had to pick it up.

What books have you gotten from the library recently?

Kilt Trip - Contemporary Romance Review

 Goodreads: Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Ready or Scot...

Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?

Genre: Romance - Contemporary

Why I Picked This Book:  I love a Scottish setting and this looked like a fun romance.  

My Impression: This was a fun read that tackled some serious issues but also involved kilts and castles.  Addie and Logan both have their baggage.  Logan's attempt to change the business went terribly wrong and caused a rift between him and his brothers.  Addie lost her mother 13 years ago and her dad has been lost in his grief every since.  Addie is in Scotland on a work assignment that means a lot to her boss - to turn around Logan's family tour business.  Logan is reluctant to change anything and is quite vocal about it.  Much banter ensues.  

While there is quite a lot of banter both Logan and Addie are dealing with some hurt feelings and a sense of loss when it comes to their respective families.  I liked the moments in between the challenging each other when Logan and Addie were really able to get to know each other.  As well, the Scottish countryside was pretty much a character in this book and it was a glorious one with beautiful scenery and fascinating history.  

While I did enjoy a lot about this book it did took me awhile to get into it and there were times it felt like the story was dragging a bit.  That said, overall, I enjoyed this read and would definitely read the next book I see by this author.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would.  I enjoyed this story quite a bit once I got into the story.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're in the mood for a contemporary romance and a virtual trip to Scotland this is a fun read.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *

This Week in Reading - March 3

It's Sunday Post time!  This is hosted by the awesome Caffeinated Book Reviewer and gives us all a chance to recap our week.

What I Got:

The Rose Arbor by Rhys Bowen - I really enjoy everything I've read by this author and this historical fiction involves a missing person and secrets from the past.  (Publisher)

Close Knit by Jenny Colgan - I typically enjoy the books by this author so I'm curious about this one. (Publisher)

Come Shell or High Water by Molly MacRae - I have been wanting to read this author's cozy mysteries for ages so I couldn't resist the first in a new series - especially since it involves a ghost. (Publisher)

 

Haunting License by Carol J Perry - I enjoyed the first two books in this haunted cozy mystery so I was really excited to see a new book.  (Publisher)

Currently:

Reading:  Speculations in Sin by Jennifer Ashley and The Science of Murder by Carla Valentine

Listening:  Someone to Love by Mary Balogh

How is it March already!?  I feel like everyone had some kind of gunk through most of February.  I know some people who had covid and some who had the flu and others (like me) who just had a chest cold but everyone had some kind of sick.  I'm hoping March will be a healthier month!  

Have a great week and happy reading!

2024 Monthly Reading Recap - February

Monthly Breakdown

Monthly Total: 18 - not quite as good as last month but it is two days shorter and I have several books I'm almost done with.  Once again I really enjoyed all my reads and it was hard to choose a favorite book of the month!

Print: 5

Ebook: 5

Audio: 9

Mystery:  12  

Romance: 3

Fiction:  3

Favorite Books of the Month:

Favorite Audio:  The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman - Cozy and bookish and fun - what wasn't to love!  Though I had several other audio books give this one a run for its money.

Favorite Book:  The Lantern's Dance by Laurie R. King - I have been a fan of this series for a long time and I think this was my favorite yet.  

Least Favorite Book of the Month:

The Pleasures of Passion by Sabrina Jeffries - Not terrible but not as good as all the other books I read this month.

Armchair Travel for the Month:

Domestic Travel:  I visited three new states this month - Connecticut, North Carolina, and Oregon.  I also revisited California, Maine, Washington, and Virginia.

International Travel:  In addition to my trips to England (5 times) I also visited France, Australia, and Canada.

How was your reading in February?  Where did your books take you?

Friday Fives - March TBR

I'm taking a bit of a break from my usual Friday Linkups to try something a little different.  I'm in a list making kind of mood so I thought I'd start making random five lists.  Sometimes they'll be bookish other weeks not so much. This is the first Friday in March so I'm picking out five books I hope to read this month.

1.  A Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian - This is the third book in a really fun mystery series involving a company that creates hidden rooms and staircases and a former magician.  I really enjoyed the previous book and can't wait to read this one.

2.  The Beekeeper's Daughter by Santa Montefiore - I've read a few books by this author and really enjoyed them but for whatever reason I I never got around to this one.  It sounds gorgeous.

3.  Homecoming by Kate Morton - This book is on my priority list for this year and I absolutely cannot wait to read it!  It sounds amazing and I love all the books I've read by this author.

4.  Peril in Paperback by Kate Carlisle - I've enjoyed this cozy mystery series involving a book restorer for years and looking forward to going back to this series.  

5.  Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne - My TBR Tarot prompt for this month was Choose a Book That Has Been Made into a Movie or Show.  I'm pretty sure this has been made into both and multiple times.  It's the classic I've been meaning to read this year and this looks like the perfect time to do it!

What are you hoping to read in March?