The Sister's Curse - Nicola Solvinic - Blog Tour!

 

The cover of Nicola Salvinia's new novel, The Sister's Curse caught my eye. What is swirling in the water? And what about the curse? On sale today!!

The story: There’s something in the water in Bayern County…

Lieutenant Anna Koray thought she’d finally found solid ground and escaped her past as the daughter of a notorious serial killer. But when she rescues a boy from drowning—his body marked by strange symbols—she's pulled into an investigation unlike any she's ever seen. More bodies soon surface, all linked to the Kings of Warsaw Creek, the town’s wealthiest and most powerful men—and all bearing the same eerie signs.

As a string of ritualistic drownings rocks her small town, Lieutenant Anna Koray must unravel a case tangled in myth, murder, and long-buried vengeance—all while haunted by her own legacy as the daughter of a convicted serial killer.  Dark forces may be at work in Bayern County, and Anna must separate legend from truth before she becomes the next to vanish.

From the author of The Hunter’s Daughter—an acclaimed debut named “the best thriller” on the TODAY show and a Best of the Year pick by Amazon—comes a chilling supernatural mystery steeped in Slavic folklore. THE SISTER’S CURSE is an atmospheric blend of psychological suspense and slow-burn horror, perfect for fans of The Marsh King’s Daughter, Simone St. James, and A Flicker in the Dark.

Nicola Solvinic holds a master’s degree in criminology and has worked in and around the criminal justice system for over a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives."

On my teetering list to read... 

Serial Killer - Kate Posey - Spotlight

It's time to start creating your summer reading list! Here's one that sounds intriguing...  Serial Killer by Kate Posey  Just released!

What's it about? From Berkely Books:

"What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally?

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold perfectly: strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves.

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer.

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all.

Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . .

A morbidly funny and emotionally resonant novel about the ways life—and love—can sneak up on us (no matter how much pepper spray we carry)."

Author Bio: Kate Posey is an up-and-coming voice in contemporary suspense and romance, known for her ability to balance tension and humor in delightfully twisted ways. Her background in film writing and a love for darkly funny characters has shaped her unique storytelling style.

The Beautiful and the Wild - Peggy Townsend

The Beautiful and the Wild is Peggy Townsend's newly released novel. 

This descriptor caught my eye - "The dangers of Alaska aren't limited to storms, starvation, and grizzly bears. Sometimes the most dangerous thing is the person you love." 

My preconceived idea of what path Townsend's plotting would take was oh so wrong. Which I was quite happy with! It's refreshing to come across a narrative I hadn't expected.

Our lead character is Liv. She's likeable and readers will immediately be behind her. That first chapter is a doozy! There's a supporting cast in the 'now' chapters that will have you shaking your head. But the premise is not so far from reality. 

Liv's tale is told from a now and then narrative. And again, my perspective on Liv changed with each 'then' revelation. There's more to Liv than you'd think. What impact will that past have on the present? Townsend does a great job of ramping up the tension and danger with every chapter in the present. 

It was easy to imagine the setting with Townsend's detailed descriptions. 

Bottom line? I really enjoyed The Beautiful and the Wild. The past and present storytelling style is one of my favorites and Townsend did a great job of keeping my curiosity piqued in both narratives. I couldn't put the book down! And I thought the ending was perfect. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Beautiful and the Wild. 

Release week for Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

I always check out the cover of a new book before turning the first page of a new book. That sheep is more than a little eerie... 

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison has just released. What's it about? From the publisher, Berkley:

"A cynical twentysomething must confront her unconventional family’s dark secrets in this fiery, irreverent horror novel from the author of Such Sharp Teeth and Cackle.

 

Nobody has a “normal” family, but Vesper Wright’s is truly…something else. Vesper left home at eighteen and never looked back—mostly because she was told that leaving the staunchly religious community she grew up in meant she couldn’t return. But then an envelope arrives on her doorstep. 

 

Inside is an invitation to the wedding of Vesper’s beloved cousin Rosie. It’s to be hosted at the family farm. Have they made an exception to the rule? It wouldn’t be the first time Vesper’s been given special treatment. Is the invite a sweet gesture? An olive branch? A trap? Doesn’t matter. Something inside her insists she go to the wedding. Even if it means returning to the toxic environment she escaped. Even if it means reuniting with her mother, Constance, a former horror film star and forever ice queen.

 

When Vesper’s homecoming exhumes a terrifying secret, she’s forced to reckon with her family’s beliefs and her own crisis of faith in this deliciously sinister novel that explores the way family ties can bind us as we struggle to find our place in the world. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Black Sheep.

Photo: © Nic Harris

"Rachel Harrison is the national bestselling author of Such Sharp Teeth, Cackle, and The Return, which was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel. Her short fiction has appeared in Guernica, in Electric Literature’s Recommended Reading, as an Audible Original, and in her debut collection, Bad Dolls. She lives in western New York with her husband and their cat/overlord." 

You can connect with Rachel on her website, also on Instagram, as well as X(Twitter).

Beneath Dark Waters - Karen Rose - Release Day!

Karen Rose's new novel, Beneath Dark Waters, releases today! It's the second book in her New Orleans series.

What's it about? From Berkley Books:

"Deadly secrets lie beneath the murky waters of the Louisiana bayou in this pulse-pounding new romantic suspense novel from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Rose.

There’s no safe place for a child to hide when danger comes from every direction.

Public prosecutor J.P. “Kaj” Cardozo has only lived in New Orleans for six months, and he’s already working on a high-profile celebrity sexual assault case that’s made headlines all over the country. But when his son becomes the target of a kidnapping attempt as a threat to Kaj, he is desperate to keep him safe and turns to a private investigative firm famous for their protection services.

A veteran Marine, Val Sorensen is glad to have found a new career with Broussard Investigations. Her latest assignment as the bodyguard to ten-year-old Elijah Cardozo reminds her why—Val is a kick ass guardian with a tender heart.  Through her duties, Val grows fond of the boy—and his handsome father.

But when the high-stakes investigation reveals an explosive network of crime through a revived drug gang, lingering deep-seated corruption in the NOPD, and a group of murderers-for-hire targeting Kaj, Elijah, and his star client, they’re all left scrambling for safety…"  Sound good? See for yourself - read an excerpt of Beneath Dark Waters.

Karen Rose is the award-winning, #1 international bestselling author of some twenty novels, including the bestselling Baltimore and Cincinnati series. She has been translated into twenty-three languages and her books have placed on the New York Times, the Sunday Times (UK), and Germany’s der Spiegel bestseller lists.

You can connect with Karen Rose on Twitter as well as on Facebook.

The Lost Ticket - Freya Sampson

I love my mystery and thriller reads, but the books that stick with me a bit longer are those that tug at my heart strings.

That's very much the case with Freya Sampson's latest novel, The Lost Ticket.

Libby is a newcomer to London, and arrived carrying some emotional baggage, along with her suitcase. An elderly passenger strikes up a conversation with her while they both ride the 88 bus. Sixty years ago, while riding the bus, he met a girl. A girl who he thought could be 'the' one for him. She gave him her phone number.....but he lost it. And so, every day, for sixty years, he's ridden the same route, hoping to find her. There's another rider that day as well that will become part of the search for Frank's lost girl.

Uh huh, all the right elements are in place for a 'tug at your heartstrings' read. Love lost, love found, loneliness, friendship, purpose, meaning and connections. What we all need - people, not things.

I adored the three main players in The Lost Ticket. Working together, they find what they were missing when they were alone. The supporting cast is just as endearing.

I loved the premise as well. The big question is of course, do they find the girl on the bus? I'm going to leave you to find out for yourself. The ending was, for this reader, satisfying. (But have a tissue handy.) An easy feel-good five stars!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Lost Ticket. Sampson's writing is a delight.

And be sure to check out Sampson's debut novel, The Last Chance Library. It's just as heartwarming! My review.

The Book of Cold Cases - Simone St. James

Oh, I have been eagerly awaiting Simone St. James' newest novel - The Book of Cold Cases! I ended up devouring it in a day - her books are page turners that you just can't put down. 

St. James again weaves a mixture of mystery, murder and … an otherworldly element. Seriously, does anyone else literally get goosebumps reading St. James?! (If you've read it already you'll get this - I will never look at an open kitchen cupboard door the same again...)

Okay, so what's this latest about you ask? The lead character is Shea Collins, who works a mundane day job in an office. But, her true passion is blogging about true crime. Her site is The Book of Cold Cases. The 1977 case of the  Lady Killer Murders in Shea's hometown of Claire Lake has never been solved. The lead suspect at that time still lives in Claire Lake in 2017. When Shea approaches Beth for an interview, she is surprised when she agrees. But something is off with Beth Greer - and her (creepy) house. But Shea can't help herself, she wants to know more... 

Shea was a great lead character. She's suffered a childhood trauma that has affected her thoughts, actions and more. I was whole heartedly behind her. St. James fleshes out her personal life well. he supporting is a large part of that and they too were well drawn.

Oh my gosh. Creep factor of ten. That otherworldly feeling is insidious and will awaken your primal brain. The mystery of the murders is slowly unfolded through past and present chapters and the narrative changes from Shea to Beth. But the doubt is always there - what is the truth? Beth rarely gives Shea clear cut answers instead providing enigmatic clues or suggestions. The path to the final pages is winding and treacherous. And addicting!

St. James knows how to tell a story - hook the reader from the opening pages, keep the questions coming and the reader on the edge of their seat. Five stars for a fantastic read. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Book of Cold Cases.

The Perfect Guests - Emma Rous

I adore twisty, turny plots that surprise me. Emma Rous's new book, The Perfect Guests releases today - and it is most definitely a twisty tale!

Rous starts us off in the past where fourteen year old Beth visits "Raven Hall, a rambling manor in the isolated East Anglian fens" with her aunt. (Bonus points for setting!) Beth becomes friends with the daughter, Nina. But her parents aren't quite the people they present.

Fast forward to present day and meet struggling actress Sadie. When she's booked for a murder mystery weekend, it sounds like easy money. Guess where the event is being held? Uh huh at Raven Hall. And the game isn't quite what she had expected....

Oh, Rous does a fantastic job of keeping the reader on their toes! The book flips between past and present at Raven Hall. I thought I had figured out the connection between the two time frames - but was happily wrong! Rous has penned an inventive plot line that makes for addictive reading. The Perfect Guests is reminiscent of closed room murder novels - a favorite of mine. Eight players...which one could it be?

The final answers are a bit of a stretch, but the run up to the final pages is a wonderful escapist read. Perfect for a snowy day inside. See for yourself - here's an excerpt of The Perfect Guests. 

Layover - David Bell

I was intrigued by the premise of David Bell's latest novel Layover.

Frequent flyer Joshua is killing time before his next flight when he meets a woman named Morgan. She is attractive and enigmatic and Joshua finds himself attracted to her. Even more so when she kisses him. She leaves to catch her flight.....and Joshua sees her face pop up on the television news - she's a missing person. Joshua decides to find her. But his imaginings of what might be aren't quite what he finds.

I was also curious as to why she was missing and why she was running. But here's the first thing that stood in the way of me loving this book. I had a very hard time believing that Joshua would abandon his job, miss his flight and go chasing after a woman he had few drinks with and one kiss. Believing the earth shattering attraction he feels towards Morgan was a bit of stretch for me. His immediate infatuation just said stalker to me. And even as we learn more about Morgan and her reasons, she just never coalesced into a character I cared about - or even liked for that matter. The why's - once I learned them - left me a bit flat as well. The only character I liked was the police detective. Although her sharing of information with Joshua seemed unprofessional and not likely to happen in a police investigation.

The chapters are short and this makes for a quick read. One that would kill time on a flight. Here's an excerpt of Layover.

Our House - Louise Candlish

I loved the premise of Louise Candlish's new novel Our House.

Our home is our sanctuary, a place you've made your own. What would you do if you came home to find a moving van? Not moving your stuff out - but moving another family in. A family that has what looks to be legitimate papers proving they've bought your house. That's what happens to Fiona Lawson and her estranged husband Bram.

Oh, there are so many possibilities as to where this scenario could go!  Candlish unfolds her story in an epistolary format, with Fiona's plight being recounted on a victims of crime podcast. I enjoyed the addition of comments from viewers. Bram's narrative is revealed through a word document he is writing. With the two stories running parallel, the reader is privy to what is happening and has happened to both Fiona Bram.

Despite being the 'victim', I wasn't firmly in Fiona's corner. I thought she made some questionable decisions. And her 'house proud' attitude rubbed me the wrong way. But hey, it's those choices and developments that drew me deeper into the story and ramped up the tension. Bram? Well, I didn't even have a smidgen of sympathy for him at all - until the last quarter of the book. I had pretty much decided how things were going to end - and then Candlish threw in a last twist and turn in the final pages. A really good one that there was no way of predicting.

Our House was a great read for me and I look forward to Candlish's next book. Here's an excerpt of Our House. You can connect with Louise Candlish on her website.

The French Girl - Lexie Elliott

The French Girl is Lexie Elliott's debut novel.

Six Oxford students spent a summer vacation together in France ten years ago. They were friends - and friends with benefits.. Their getaway doesn't go quite as planned - a beautiful French girl named Severine who lived next to the villa changes the dynamic of the group. And now she's changing the future. Ten years on, the police have found Severine's body in a well on the vacation property. The group is now part of a murder investigation by the French police.

Kate Channing is one of those six and she is our narrator.  Elliott slowly ekes out the details of what happened that summer week. Something happened that irrevocably changed each of the six. Kate herself sees Severine as a presence and although she does not speak, Kate gives her emotions.

"Severine glances at him with disdain, and suddenly I wonder: if Severine is a creation of my mind, are her reactions my own deeply hidden feelings?"

The friends are still in contact with each other. Our sense of who they are is coloured by Kate's views. I found them to all be flawed and not overly likable. But could one of them be a murderer? It is the relationships between them that takes center stage in the book. Elliott's depiction of those bonds, memories, interactions and current sparring is excellent. She is a gifted writer.

The publisher has described The French Girl as "exhilarating psychological suspense". I enjoyed The French Girl, but found it to be a bit of a slow burn rather than a fast paced suspense read. But, that slow burn absolutely works for exploring the relationships. For this reader, that was more of a draw that the actual whodunit.

"One of...RealSimple.com's and Cosmopolitan's Best Books of the Month."Read an excerpt of The French Girl.

Let Me Lie - Clare Mackintosh

Let Me Lie is the third book from Clare Mackintosh. I devoured the suspense and twists in her first two books and was eager to dig into this latest.

Anna's parents both committed suicide within a year. On the one year anniversary of her mother's death, someone drops a card through her mail slot. Inside is a cryptic message ... "Suicide? Think again."

Anna always questioned their deaths. The bodies were never found and she can't believe her beloved mother would leave her. She decides to check in with the local constabulary on the case. Retired detective Murray Mackenzie is on the desk, now working in a civilian capacity. But old instincts die hard and he decides to look into the case further - on his own.

Murrary ended up being my favourite character. His personal story (his wife is mentally ill) was very well depicted and drew this reader in. Their relationship and how Murray copes were some of my favourite bits of the book. He's kind and intelligent as well as being a clever investigator. Anna's emotions and mental health are also explored. However, I wasn't as drawn to Anna, despite her being the lead character. I questioned some of her actions and decisions plot wise. But on the flip side, without some of those decisions, we wouldn't have as many  questions and avenues to explore. Mackintosh does give us lots of characters that may or may not have suspicious motives, keeping us guessing.

Interspersed are italicized chapters from, well, someone. These are deliberately vague and let the reader decide who it might be. In the beginning, these missives had me thinking things were going to unfold in a certain way (one I wasn't interested in). (Sorry, being deliberately obtuse. )As these entries continue, more and more detail is added, so that their identity becomes evident and the direction changes. Clues to the past are found in these narratives.

Let Me Lie was not as fast paced as the first two novels. I found the first part of the book to be a bit of a slow burn. Things do pick up in the last few chapters and one last final twist was a real 'gotcha'!Read an excerpt of Let Me Lie. I'll be watching for Mackintosh's next book.

The Bookshop at Water's End - Patti Callahan Henry - Review AND Giveaway

Books and the beach. Two of my favourite things! And you'll find them both in Patti Callahan Henry's new novel, The Bookshop at Water's End. An absolutely perfect summer read! And I have a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader.

Bonny and Lainey were known as the Summer Sisters when they were younger and spent summers in Watersend, SC. But those idyllic days ended when Lainey's mother disappeared one night. Now in their fifties, they are still friends, but have never gone back to Watersend. Bonny is a doctor, but a tragic mistake may cost her her career. Her marriage is also on the rocks and suddenly Watersend is the place she wants to be. She packs up her daughter Piper and Lainey decides to join her with her children as well. Being back revives old memories, hurts, first loves and lots of questions..... The one constant from now and then? Mimi and her bookshop.

Henry's description of time and place had me wishing to be in Watersend, sitting on a porch or browsing the bookstore shelves for a new read.

The Bookshop at Water's End is a character driven novel. The lives, hopes, wishes, dreams and mistakes of the women are very real and believable. The interactions and dialogue between the two friends, their spouses and children rings true. Each of the main characters (including nineteen year old Piper) is searching - for their purpose, for the place they belong, for forgiveness and for answers. Such a summer read would not be complete without some romance. Bonny's past with Owen - and possible future?- will have readers wondering about their own first love. And the mystery from all those years ago - whatever happened to Lainey's mother?

Henry's writing is languid and detailed, suiting the Lowcountry setting. And perfect for summer reading. Read an excerpt of The Bookshop at Water's End.

Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times bestselling author of Losing the Moon; Where the River Runs; When Light Breaks; Between the Tides; The Art of Keeping Secrets; Driftwood Summer; The Perfect Love Song: A Holiday Story; Coming up for Air; And Then I Found You; The Stories We Tell; The Idea of Love. The mother of three children, she now lives in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband. You can connect with Patti on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

I have a copy of The Bookshop at Water's End to giveaway - enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, no PO boxes please. Ends August 26/17.

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Gone Without a Trace - Mary Torjussen

More psychological suspense for my summer reading bag - Gone Without a Trace by Mary Torjussen. Yes, I love a good twisty read!

Hannah Monroe comes home from work one day to find that her live-in boyfriend Matt is gone. Not simply not there, but gone. Every piece of furniture, picture, glass and more that he moved in with is no longer there. The house looks exactly the same as when Hannah lived there alone. But wait, there's more - his phone is disconnected and any interaction they had on social media has disappeared as well. How can that be? Why? Has Matt chosen to disappear or is foul play involved?

Her best friend Katie and her boyfriend James don't seem as worried about the missing Matt as they are about Hannah. She insists that someone is coming into the house when she's not there. Is it Matt?

Hannah was a difficult character for me. I sympathized with her at the beginning, then took a step away as her worry turned to all consuming obsession. Some of her comments and interactions started raising red flags. The relationship between Hannah and Katie raised some flags as well - they seem to have a history of playing a game of one upmanship.

Great premise - there were lots of questions and situations that only kept me turning pages trying to figure out where Torjussen was going to take her tale. And honestly, she broadsided me with only a few chapters left. I did not see the twist coming at all! My suspicions had been nicely manipulated by Torjussen along the way. Well done! And that last line is a really good one. Good summer escapist reading!  Read an excerpt of Gone Without a Trace.

I Let You Go - Clare Mackintosh

I Let You Go is Clare Mackintosh's debut novel......and oh boy is it good!

I'm always on the lookout for my next 'psychological thriller' read. Taglines such as...."The next blockbuster thriller for those who loved The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl... “a finely crafted novel with a killer twist.” (Paula Hawkins, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train)".....definitely catch my eye. The comparison has been used on quite a few books since last year - sometimes living up to the promise and sometimes not. I Let You Go absolutely hits the mark!

The starting point of the novel is the hit and run killing of a five year old boy. DI Ray Stevens and his team, including newcomer Kate, are given the case. The mother is heartbroken, the public is outraged - and the team is struggling to find anything leading to the identity of the driver.

Jenna Gray provides another POV. Devastated over the accident, she retreats to a small Welsh village and an isolated cottage. " I never thought I would run away. I never thought I would need to." What secrets is Jenna holding on to?

Mackintosh had me hooked from the first pages. But it was the ending of Part One, that had me shouting out loud - What!? Mackintosh had completely bamboozled me! And I loved it! I ended up going back and rereading a few chapters, just to see when and where the wool was pulled over my eyes.

With the amount of mysteries and suspense novels that I read, I find I can almost predict how some novels are going to progress. Not so with I Let You Go. And so finding out the rest of the story kept me up 'til the wee hours. That first 'gotcha' is not the last - there's more than one twist to this tale.

I do have to mention the antagonist of the story as well - he is a piece of work. His chapters just made my skin crawl. I'm being deliberately obtuse in this review - I simply don't want to give anything away - the unexpected turns need to be - well - unexpected. But, if you want to - here's an excerpt.

Mackintosh spent 'twelve years in the police force, including time on CID and as a public order commander'. Her descriptions of the investigation and the team have the ring of authenticity. I also enjoyed the secondary plot line involving Kate and Ray. The title? Almost every character can use the line "I Let You Go" in their lives.

You can connect with Clare Mackintosh on her website, find her on Facebook and connect with her on Twitter. Mackintosh's next book is I See You, due out in July.  Can't wait!

Giveaway - The Cake Therapist AND Bake Happy - Judith Fertig

Oh, don't those cakes look sooooo yummy!? I've got an absolutely delicious giveaway for you today! One lucky reader is going to win a copy of each of Judith Fertig's books! And yes, they're both about cake - but one is fiction and one is a cookbook!

Let's start with the fiction title - The Cake Therapist.

From the publisher, Berkley Books:

"A fiction debut that will leave you wanting seconds, from an award-winning cookbook author.

Claire “Neely” O’Neil is a pastry chef of extraordinary talent. Every great chef can taste shimmering, elusive flavors that most of us miss, but Neely can “taste” feelings—cinnamon makes you remember; plum is pleased with itself; orange is a wake-up call. When flavor and feeling give Neely a glimpse of someone’s inner self, she can customize her creations to help that person celebrate love, overcome fear, even mourn a devastating loss.

Maybe that’s why she feels the need to go home to Millcreek Valley at a time when her life seems about to fall apart. The bakery she opens in her hometown is perfect, intimate, just what she’s always dreamed of—and yet, as she meets her new customers, Neely has a sense of secrets, some dark, some perhaps with tempting possibilities. A recurring flavor of alarming intensity signals to her perfect palate a long-ago story that must be told.

Neely has always been able to help everyone else. Getting to the end of this story may be just what she needs to help herself." Read an excerpt of The Cake Therapist.

And that story is going to make you want to bake! Choose a recipe from Bake Happy:100 Playful Desserts with Rainbow Layers, Hidden Fillings, Billowy Frostings, and more.

From the publisher, Running Press:

"Colorful, flavorful home-baked treats just say “happy,” and Bake Happy is all about adding a bit of joy back into your kitchen. A sweet baking book that will bring a smile to the dessert table, Bake Happy includes 100 recipes for cheerful cupcakes and cookies, bars and brownies, tarts and turnovers, and delicious cakes that are speckled, marbled, and striped. This cookbook can be used year-round and will satisfy your sweet tooth and your soul. Whether you’re in the mood for creamy chocolate, colorful cake layers, tasty cake batter, or special occasion desserts, you’ll find recipes for Citrus Glazed Sunset Cake, Rustic Cherry Pudding, Secret Filling Devil’s Food Cupcakes, and more. There are also various options for color and flavor combinations, and 30+ full-color photos throughout."


"Cookbook author Judith Fertig grew up in the Midwest, went to La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris and The Iowa Writers' Workshop, and now lives in Kansas City. Described by Saveur Magazine as a "heartland cookbook icon," Fertig writes cookbooks that reflect her love of bread, baking, barbecue, and the fabulous foods of the Heartland.

Fertig's food and lifestyle writing has appeared in more than a dozen publications, including Bon Appetit, Saveur and The New York Times. You can read some of her cookbooks like novels--the fabulously photographed Heartland, the award-winning and James Beard Awards-nominated Prairie Home Cooking (a "tour de force," says Saveur), the encyclopedic All-American Desserts, and Prairie Home Breads. Her IACP Cookbook Award-winning The Back in the Swing Cookbook (with Barbara C. Unell) takes you on a delicious daily journey to get you back in the swing after breast cancer.

And one of her books IS a novel, her debut The Cake Therapist (June 2015), the story of a talented pastry chef with a very special gift who opens a bakery in her hometown, with mesmerizing results." You can connect with Judith on Twitter as well as on Facebook, on Pinterest as well as on her blog!

One lucky reader will win both books. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US only, no PO boxes please. Ends July 11/15.

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Giveaway - Sweet Nothings - Janis Thomas

I've got a sweet little giveaway for you today - Sweet Nothings by Janis Thomas.

From Berkley Books:

"Life’s sweetest moments happen when you least expect them . . .

When Ruby McMillan’s husband announces one morning that he’s dumping her for another woman, she’s unable to decide which indignity stings the most: the dissolution of their eighteen-year marriage or the deflation of her white-chocolate soufflé with raspberry Grand Marnier sauce. Without a good-bye to their two teenaged children, Walter leaves Ruby to cope with her ruined dessert, an unpaid mortgage, and her failing bakery.

With only royal icing holding her together, Ruby still manages to pick herself up and move on, subsidizing her income with an extra job as a baking instructor, getting a “my-husband’s-gone” makeover, and even flirting with her gorgeous mortgage broker, Jacob Salt. For as long as she can remember, Ruby has done what’s practical, eschewing far-fetched dreams and true love in favor of stability. But suddenly single again at the age of forty-four, she’s beginning to discover that life is most delicious when you stop following a recipe and just live." Read an excerpt of Sweet Nothings.

"Janis Thomas, author of Sweet Nothings, is a native Californian, lives in Orange County with her husband, their two children, and their dog, Ruby. Janis has written more than fifty songs and (with her dad) two children's books, and is also an avid baker. She is also the author of Something New." You can find Janis Thomas on Facebook and on Twitter.

I've got a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader. To be entered, simply leave a comment. Open to US and Canada, no po boxes please. Ends November 23/13.

The Repeat Year - Andrea Lochen

The Repeat Year is Andrea Lochen's debut novel.

Olive Watson wakes up on what she thinks is New Year's Day 2012. But it seems that somehow it's January 1 2011 - again. Olive has already lived this year - and it wasn't her finest. She made some mistakes, hurt some people, damaged some friendships and struggled at work. If it's really a repeat year, can she go back and do things the way she should have? Make sure she doesn't make the same mistakes? Will her changes affect other's lives? For the better? Or worse?

Lochen has come up with a good premise. What would you change if you could go back and redo a year? Olive's focus is her relationship with her boyfriend Phil. She made a mistake that cost her this relationship the first time around and is determined to not lose him this year. But, somehow I just never connected with Olive. All the right character attributes are there, but I found her to be selfish and self absorbed despite her avowal of setting things rights. Another 'repeater' (and I must say I found this just a tad too serendipitous) with connections to Olive's family is battling cancer. Olive promises to check in on her many times, but forgets or doesn't bother more than once.

The characters I did enjoy were Phil and Olive's mother Kathy. They seemed truly interested in other's feelings and more 'real'. Kathy seems to have moved forward after the death of her husband with grace. While I initially enjoyed the light hearted friend Kerrigan, her actions towards Olive at the end of the book seemed to be too easily accepted and explained away.

I'm quite pragmatic, so I did have a problem with everyone accepting that this repeat year was something that could actually happen. But, the Repeat Year does spark the reader's own 'what if' scenarios. So, although we can't go back in time, going forward and making reparations is an alternative.

Tuck this one in your beach bag for some light summer reading. Read an excerpt of The Repeat Year.

'Though Andrea Lochen had dreamed of being an author since the third grade, she didn’t realize creative writing was “an actual thing” until she stumbled upon the program at the University of Wisconsin. Andrea has taught writing at the University of Michigan and currently teaches at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. She lives in suburban Milwaukee with her husband and their adorably fluffy dog, Maddy. In her free time, she likes to bake cupcakes and cakes, spend time with her family, see musicals and plays, and read as much as humanly possible."
 

You can find Andrea Lochen on Facebook.