Monthly Archives: July 2020
Review: What the Heart Wants by Audrey Carlan
What the Heart Wants
Audrey Carlan
Wish Series, Book 1
From the #1 bestselling author of the beloved Calendar Girl books comes the first in a witty, wise and emotionally compelling new series, where coming home is just the beginning…
“Fly free.”
For ten years those words, written on pink parchment paper in her mother’s beautiful handwriting, have been Suda Kaye Ross’s guiding star. Every year on her birthday, Suda Kaye opens another of the letters her mother penned before she passed, heeding the advice inside as she fills her life with experiences. From Italy to Australia, from Rio to Russia, she’s slaked her wanderlust. And then, on her twenty-eighth birthday, she opens the letter that sends her home.
Returning to Colorado means confronting everything—and everyone—she left behind, including her cherished sister, Evie, and her first love, Camden Bryant. Suda Kaye and Cam spent four years and one unforgettable night together. Given the way she ran out on him, it’s no surprise that he’s wary, resentful…and engaged to someone else. Evie, hardworking and überresponsible, just wants her sister to put down roots at last.
For Evie’s sake, and her own, Suda Kaye is trying to build a new life, all the while wondering whether it’s too late to come back home—or if the most important part of her never really left.
5 Stars
What the Heart Wants is a heartwarming, emotional tale of coming full circle and making life what you want. A fantastic 5 Stars read.
Suda Kaye is a free spirit. A go with the flow kind of girl. Going wherever whenever the need and want tickles her travel wings. Her wanderlust is fueled by the encouraging words written to her from mother, has allowed Suda to travel the world, be her true self and experience more than many do in a lifetime in ten years. Following the pieces of the path that her beloved mother did, Suda has lived and loved, found passion is all manners of life and spread her wings in a way that not many people get to experience. The statement live and learn takes a different meaning for this wanderer. Suda Kaye was given the opportunity to do whatever her heart desired. In a way she broke Her own heart along with those she held dearest to her when she left and let her wings fly. Even with the heartbreaking memories, Suda has no regrets. Throughout the years Suda’s late mother has given her words of wisdom through letters written before her death. A wise woman who knew her daughter well and guided her in the best way she could. On Suda’s 28th birthday, her mother’s wisdom sends her on her biggest journey yet. The journey to return home and begin to plant her roots.
Returning home to Colorado has Suda a bit uneasy but she is more than willing to make it known that she is her to stay. Her sister Evie welcomes her with open arms even if she’s skeptical that her sister is only there temporarily. The love between the two sisters is something amazing yet the bond they shared has been stretched due to Suda’s absence for the last ten years. The two could not be more different yet seeing them rebuild their bond was touching. I have a similar but different story with my own sister and was able to relate so much with them.
After being home Suda figures out what she’s going to do to keep herself at home. Opening a little boutique that is all her own with a name that you can’t mistake to know is hers. Gypsy Soul!! With the promise of great things on the horizon, Suda has the only man she truly loved thrown back into her life, in a way she can’t avoid him. Camden Bryant would be the one regret if a girl had regrets. With one look upon one another they know the feelings are still there, the chemistry never faded and the love was real. But a lot has happened in the last ten year for both Suda and Cam. Yet fate has a way of working her way into things that she feels she needs too.
I loved every page of What the Heart Wants. A story of love and loss, a journey of oneself, and bonds that can last more than a lifetime. Audrey Carlan has something magical and special with What the Heart Wants. As someone who has lost their mother and had to rebuild a relationship with my only sister, Ms. Carlan gave this reader a story I can relate to on many levels, I have felt a few of those feelings and Ms.Carlan accurately and eloquently described the crazy emotions that people going through that particular kind of loss. What the Heart Wants is so much more of a story than I can give words to to describe. What I can say is I have not had a story hit me like this in a long time. There were moments that were hard for me to read through, my tears blurred my ability to be able to read, but it was so worth it for the wonderful and beautiful story that is What the Heart Wants.
Review: More Than Dare You by Shayla Black
More Than Dare You
Shayla Black
More Than Words Series, Book 6
4 Stars
I honestly don’t know how Ms. Black does it. The intimacy level of each book of the More Than Words series is more so than the last. More Than Dare You may be the most Intimate of them all. Two people hurt by love, find themselves being swept up in the simplistic intimacy that lies within a kiss. A kiss that is the kindling needed to the beginning of something deeper, bigger and far more than either one could have expected.
I Love a single dad story. I may be biased because my own other half was a single father when we met. Trace may have been a player but he was never malicious. The man was just a lover of women. Changing his ways on a moment’s notice to make the best life for his son. Trace is fun loving and has a personality that can’t be beat yet he’s genuine and caring. He’s a man that knows that family is more than blood and family means almost everything to him.
Masey is a sweet woman who has this sassy side that I loved. She is beautiful and most of it shines from the inside out. Every bit of who she is shine through the wonderful person that she is. Coming out of a ten year relationship that was not as it seemed does things to a girl. Trying to rid herself of the lingering cloud of ex, Masey throws caution to the wind, steps out of her box and learns what she thought was nowhere near the real thing.
What should have been a one night stand quickly became an intimate journey of something more than anticipated. Masey and Trace are simply beautiful together. The beautifulness that is her nature along with that touch of sass paired with his charm, giving nature and dedication make them A fun and interesting couple. I love the patients Trace shows while allowing Masey to become comfortable with herself. Together they have fun, shared some of the most intimate moments and along the way realized that being apart from each other was no way to be. More Than Dare You will consume you in emotional intimacy from beginning to end. I dare you to give it a try.
Review: Knit of the Living Dead by Peggy Ehrhart
Knit of the Living Dead
Peggy Ehrhart
A Knit and Nibble Mystery, Book 6
When a spooky celebration in Arborville, New Jersey conjures real scares, can Pamela and the Knit and Nibble Club sink their teeth into a bone-chilling mystery that just won’t rest in peace?
Among the countless revelers at the town’s much-anticipated Halloween parade, a woman dressed as Little Bo Peep is the only one making people scream bloody murder. In a scene straight out of a horror movie, the Knit and Nibblers find the nursery rhyme character dead with thick strands of yarn looped around her neck. Pamela and her best friend, Bettina, are set on pinning down who wanted the woman gone forever, but it’ll take every trick they can muster to catch the culprit without becoming the next poor souls to join Little Bo Peep’s dark, endless sleep . . .
Knitting tips and delicious recipes included!
3.5 Stars
A fun Halloween themed cozy with the Knit and Nibble gang in Knit of the Living Dead.
Arborville, New Jersey is all in the spirit of Halloween with the anticipation of its local parade. When scarry fun turns into screams of murder the festivities come to an end and the sleuthing begins. Pamela along with bestie Bettina are on the case using the powers of the press and the love of yarn to finding out who murdered Lil Bo Peep.
Knit of the Living Dead has me as a newcomer to this well established series. I will admit it was easy to jump six books in. I didn’t feel like I was lost or missing out on something. Readers can totally feel the bonds of friendship that Pamela and Bettina share. They are a riot together. I loved the knitting group and that there was a male among them. I love the love of fiber throughout the story. As a yarn crafter is a touch that hits home. The town of Arborville was truly cozy. A serene setting with the colorful array of town folks that you expect within a cozy mystery. The mystery has more layers than I anticipated and was unable to figure out who had done it.
Author Peggy Ehrhart gives a fun read with many twists and gets readers ready for Halloween.
Review: Tea and Treachery by Vicki Delany
Tea and Treachery
Vicki Delany
Tea By The Sea Mysteries, Book 1
In this charming new cozy mystery series from nationally bestselling author, Vicki Delany, a New York City expat-turned-Cape Cod tea shop owner must solve the murder of a local real estate developer to help her feisty grandmother out of a jam . . .
As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop . . . for now. An aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.
Tempers are already steaming, but things really get sticky when Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose’s property and the police think she had something to do with his dramatic demise. Lily can’t let her grandmother get burned by a false murder charge. So she starts her own investigation and discovers Ford’s been brewing bad blood all over town, from his jilted lover to his trophy wife to his shady business partners. Now, it’s down to Lily to stir up some clues, sift through the suspects, and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag.
4 Stars
Tea and Treachery is a charming and funny start to the Tea by the Sea Mysteries.
Lily Robert is the owner and Confectionery goddess of Tea by the Sea. An amazing re-creation of a traditional English tea room. She also provides her culinary skills to her grandmother’s B&B, Victoria by the Sea. Keeping up with her grandma is a full time job in itself. Lily is a hardworking and her favorite place to be is in a kitchen backing. Her best friend Bernie is a bit undecided about life but she is trying to work her way through it. She’s loyal, willing, larger than life and funny. Grandma Rose is a hysterical riot. She is on the brass side but somehow that just works for her. An elderly english woman who’s set ih her ways, not afraid to speak her mind, has an opinion for just about everything and can cause trouble like a teenager. I can see many more entertaining moments coming from Grandma Rose. Being a romance fan first and foremost, I really enjoyed the playfulness of the English Gardner Simon.
Tea and Treachery is an entertaining, well plotted fantastic beginning to what is going to be a fun and charming series. The setting of Cape Cod It’s brought to life on the page through beautiful descriptions that allow the reader to transport themselves to another place. The characters are entertaining and charming. Each character throughout the story has a distinctive personality that contributes to the enjoyment factor overall. The mystery was well plotted and very believable. I love the way Lily and Rose go about getting to the truth of the matter. Tea and Treachery will keep you on your toes guessing and really wanting some tea with a scone.
Review: From Spirit and Binding by Carrie Ann Ryan
From Spirit and Binding
Carrie Ann Ryan
Elements of Five Series, Book 3
NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continues Lyric’s prophecy in this breathtaking sequel to From Flame and Ash.
In my quest to unlock four of my five elements, I have watched those I love fade into ash and ruin. Bearing the weight of soul-crushing loss, my friends and I must try to regroup and journey back to the only home I have left—the Obscurité Court.
With the future uncertain, and the one person who could help my control my new powers missing, I’ve never felt more lost.
The King of Lumière wants revenge for his lost brother, and I stand in his way. With a missing king, a lost prince, and a few unexpected allies, I will have to battle more than one enemy as the darkness wraps its claws in my future…and in my heart.
Book 1: FROM BREATH AND RUIN
Book 2: FROM FLAME AND ASH
Book 3: FROM SPIRIT AND BINDING
Book 4: FROM SHADOW AND SILENCE
3.5 Stars
Carrie Ann Ryan continues her Elements of Five series with the latest release From Spirit and Binding.
Picking up where book two, From Flame and Ash, leaves off at a jaw dropping moment. Lyric continues to grow in her abilities while following the path of the prophecy that has been laid out before her. Many questions are answered but those answers come at a high and steep price. Lyric may not realize the strength she possesses but those around her do. Lyric and her band of allies truly begin to realize the force that they are together.  The faith they possess for Lyric is a need bonus that steers her toward her destiny. Those friends and allies are source of support that she didn’t realize she needed and the strength they allow her is something she wouldn’t have without them.
Ms. Ryan is giving fans a truly epic adventure of a read with From Spirit and Binding. Twists and surprises are everywhere leading Lyric through a crazy emotional and physical ride. Lyric struggled at times but fate always seems to know when to step in. As this series begins to come to a close, the anticipation for what’s in store Lyric is high and sure to be even more epic in the end. 

Review: A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee
A Sweet Mess
Jayci Lee
Paperback, 320 pages
Korean-American author Jayci Lee delights with this delicious and light-hearted romantic comedy that readers will devour and ask for more.
Bake a chance on love.
Aubrey Choi loves living in her small town nestled in the foothills of California, running her highly successful bakery away from the watch of her strict Korean parents. When a cake mix-up and a harsh review threaten all of her hard work and her livelihood, she never thought the jaded food critic would turn out to be her one-night stand. And she sure as hell never thought she’d see her gorgeous Korean unicorn again. But when Landon Kim waltzes into her bakery trying to clean up the mess he had a huge hand in making, Aubrey is torn between throwing and hearing him out.
When she hears his plan to help save her business, Aubrey knows that spending three weeks in California wine country working with Landon is a sure recipe for disaster. Her head is telling her to take the chance to save her bakery while her heart—and her hormones—are at war on whether to give him a second chance. And it just so happens that Landon’s meddling friends want them to spend those three weeks as close as possible…by sharing a villa.
When things start heating up, both in and out of the kitchen, Aubrey will have to make a choice—to stick it out or risk her heart.
3.5 Stars
A story as sweet as the desserts listed among the pages.
A Sweet Mess by, new to me author, Jayci Lee is a sweet romantic comedy with wonderful characters and a good dose of juicy drama. From beginning to end there is something weaved within the story that will make you want to keep the pages turning.
Aubrey is making her dream come true. Owning her own bakery and doing it on her own. Her talent is outstanding and her imagination for sweets is endless. She’s a strong woman who holds her head high and her determination is endless.
Landon has made a huge name for himself as a food critic. Having trained for his education at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America), his reviews are highly respected and influence his many readers culinary destinations. His critique could make or break a business. He’s a man that stands by his word, will do anything for his family and will admit when he’s wrong.
Who knew an accidental cake mix up would lead to the biggest roller coaster ride of your life. Aubrey and Landon knew from the moment they met their chemistry with something intense. Acting on their attraction and chemistry gave them both at night they will never forget. Yet when they find out who each other really is, a passionate memory gets tainted with anger and loathing. Aubrey just wants her dream to thrive. Landon can’t take back his words but he does try to help. Along the way that loathing fades and that attraction puts itself right at centerstage. Aubrey and Landon complement each other wonderfully. Their ride is bumpy but there are laughs and good wine along the way. From the Beautiful settings, the delectable eats and wines to the likable characters Jayci Lee pulls the reader in and gives them a laugh out loud, enjoyable story.
Review: A Study in Murder by Callie Hutton
A Study in Murder
Callie Hutton
A Victorian Book Club Mystery, Book 1
Kindle Edition, 320 pages
Published May 12th 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
A mystery author is charged with murder–and the plot thickens faster than anyone can turn the pages–in USA Today bestselling author Callie Hutton’s new series debut, perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ellery Adams.
Bath, England, 1890. Mystery author Lady Amy Lovell receives an anonymous letter containing shocking news: her fiancé, Mr. Ronald St. Vincent, has been dabbling in something illegal, which causes her to promptly break their engagement.
Two evenings later, as Lady Lovell awaits a visit from Lord William Wethington, fellow member of the Bath Mystery Book Club, her former fiancé makes an unexpected and most unwelcome appearance at her house. She promptly sends him to the library to cool his heels but later discovers the room seemingly empty–until she stumbles upon a dead Mr. St. Vincent with a knife in his chest.
Lord Wethington arrives to find Lady Amy screaming and sends for the police, but the Bobbies immediately assume that she is the killer. Desperate to clear her name, Lady Amy and Lord Wethington launch their own investigation–and stir up a hornet’s nest of suspects, from the gardener who served time in prison for murder to a vengeful woman who was spurned by St. Vincent before he proposed to Lady Amy.
Can they close the book on the case before the real killer gets away with murder?
4 Stars
A Study in Murder is a well written and entertaining start to the Victorian Book Club Mystery series.
Lady Amy Lovell is truly a character you can’t judge by her appearance. A lady by day and a secret mystery writer by night. Not really by night but you get my point. She is so much more than her time likes to accept from a woman. She has a passion for life and a love for reading. Her way of thinking outside the box gets her in a spot of trouble here and there. I love that she thought for herself and stood her ground. For a 1890’s woman of Bath, she’s not your typical woman of the time, she’s much more fun.
When Lady Amy ends her betrothment to Mr. Ronald St. Vincent after evidence is presented to her that he is taking part in some dealings that are rather unsavory Her biggest worry was what her father was going to say. Until two days later Mr. Saint Vincent shows up at her home unannounced and is found murdered In Lady Amy’s Home library. The investigators are naming Lady Amy as their number one suspect. Amy puts practical use to her research that she uses as a mystery writer, to uncover the mystery of who killed her ex fiancé.
Callie Hutton has a real winner with A Study in Murder. By nature I am a contemporary reader. However when I read the description for this book I was so intrigued I had to give it a shot, even with it being historical. The mystery itself Has all kinds of twists and turns and I’ll be honest I didn’t know the outcome until the end. The characters are a riot. There were some truly hysterical and laugh out loud moments that I didn’t expect to experience with a historical story. I loved the passion for reading itself within the pages of the story. As a reader that is something that I think we all enjoy seeing within characters in the books we read. I look forward to to seeing what Ms. Hutton has in store for Amy in the upcoming books in the Victorian Book Club Mystery series.
Coffee Books Life 