Dedication to Murder is the latest in Lauren Elliott’s, A Beyond the Page Bookstore, series. This title is the ninth entry; the first was Murder by the Book.
Long time readers of the series may be delighted to find that Addie is planning to get married. However, issues from the past and death that is likely not natural cause some obstacles.
Readers will be hooked from the very first chapter. Something happens here that will definitely throw the prospective bride and groom.
I loved that part of the story referenced The Velveteen Rabbit. What is its significance to Addie? What is she going to learn abut herself? Will things get sorted out so that life’s good events can go on? Readers will enjoy finding out in this enjoyable cozy/traditional mystery. The pages definitely turn.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
New beginnings don’t always mean painful endings . . .
A fabulous, timeless story of friendship set in Devon from bestselling author Jennifer Bohnet.
As time ebbs and flows over the summer both Katie Teague and her godmother Mattie Cranford discover their lives are at a crossroads
Mattie shackled to the family wool shop for over 50 years, feels life has passed her by. She dreams of seeing the world and shaking off a lifetime of regrets.
When Katie is made redundant, Mattie seizes the moment and asks Katie to move back to her home town of Dartmouth and breathe new life into the rundown wool shop and to her surprise Katie agrees.
As Katie settles back into the rhythm of Devon life and renovating the shop, Mattie sets off on a luxury cruise.
But the arrival of Katie’s ex-boyfriend with an unexpected dream job offer threatens to unsettle the calm waters.
Will she sacrifice the shop and Mattie’s happiness – or her own career?
Jennifer Bohnet is the bestselling author of over 12 women’s fiction titles, including Villa of Sun and Secrets and A Riviera Retreat. She is originally from the West Country but now lives in the wilds of rural Brittany, France.
Those who are looking for a relaxing summer read may very well enjoy this title. It is an easy read with good settings and characters, just the thing for a lazy afternoon. Readers meet Mattie and Katie. Mattie is of a certain age and looking to expand her world from Dartmouth, where she has lived her whole life. Katie is looking for a change after losing a job and no longer having faith in her boyfriend. Each will shake their life up with what readers will hope are good results. Mattie has run her family’s yarn shop for years but has had enough. She offers Katie the opportunity to make of it what she can, while Mattie plans her first trip away. Mattie goes on a luxury cruise where she meets Henri and has the beginnings of a romance. Katie, meanwhile, faces challenges in getting the store up and running; who is sabotaging her? Good thing that Leo is around to offer support. I liked the descriptions of the settings in this book. I especially enjoyed visiting the small island that Mattie and Henri went to (where they heard the chanting). In some ways, this story is predictable but, then again, predictable sometimes is just what I want. Recommended for when a reader wants a nice story.
Many thanks to Rachel, Boldwood Books and NetGalley. It was a pleasure to be part of the blog tour for this enjoyable title.
I, like many, enjoy baking shows but, in no way, consider myself a baker. This book will definitely help me to become one.
I like many things about this title. There are many photos to guide the baker and the directions are clear. The organization of this book is unique and helpful. Chapters have headings like:
The Measure & Mix Method
The Creaming Method
The Whisking Egg Whites Method
The Kneading Method (and so on)
Recipes follow each of these methods so that bakers can learn them.
Begin by reading the Before You Bake section. It is helpful. Then make anything from Pound Cake to Chocolate Macadamia & Orange Tart and much more.
Highly recommended for those who are learning and other bakers who may enjoy these recipes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 