I have read several books by the author, Dave Barry. And with each one, I went in expecting his humorous and snarky attitude. The title of this book caught my attention and I looked forward to learning more about his life and how it shaped him into the individual and comedic writer he is today. It was not my favorite book, but it did provide some background into his life. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my

I love historical fiction books and the mystery aspect of this one was a positive spin that I really enjoyed. Metting Freddie Archer, a columnist of Gotham Magazine was enlightening. Freddie’s character was based on one of the first female columnists at The New Yorker. Life as an independent and strong female in the 20s was difficult. But Freddie was up for the challenge. Experiencing this time period and the speakeasies, bootlegging, fashion designers, and glamorous lifestyl

This is the first book I have read in the Dakota Green series. But I enjoyed it so much that I will go back and read the first one and will definitely read any future books in the series. Even though starting with the second book, it did not affect my ability to connect with the characters. I love the character of Dakota Green and look forward to seeing how the future unfolds for her and her beau, Charlie, who is the sheriff. The murder mystery will keep you invested in the s

This is the second book I have read in the Welcome to Anglesey series. I have enjoyed the books enough that I have already purchased the other books and look forward to reading them. The characters are richly developed and the sense of family and community is heartfelt. The picturesque description of the town of Anglesey and the nearby cities is breathtaking. I would love to visit there and get lost in the beauty of the land and the sea. This is a story of second chances ...

While this book read like a YA one, I still enjoyed aspects of it. There are a lot of triggers that you need to be aware of before opening the cover and reading the first word. They are adultery, body shaming, homosexuality, giving a child up for adoption, eating disorders, unplanned pregnancy, infertility, and suicide. Yet these are all handled in a delicate way by the author. I was not sure I was going to enjoy this book when I first started reading it, but I was pulled int

The Domestic Diva is one of my favorite series. I love getting lost in the pages of an adventure with Sophie Watson. Between the murder mystery and the delicious food, you will not be able to put the book down until you have inhaled every word and helped solve the crime. There are delightful characters who are so supportive of each other. Lots of twists and turns and misguided clues that keep you invested in the story. The fall season was a nice touch and getting to know Aunt

This is an emotional read and when you open up the book and begin to get lost in Michael’s story, you need to be prepared for some heavy topics. From body shaming to drug and alcohol addiction to child neglect to cancer to loss of life ... they will have you shedding a few tears along the way. I enjoyed the dual timeline aspect of the story. Being able to experience Michael’s childhood during and after the horrendous accident gives a glimpse into how his past has scarred him

This is a story of relationships ... family, friends, and past loves. A heartfelt tale set in Mississippi amid the love and support of Edie’s grandmother and her closeknit group of friends, the Ten Spots. When you open the book and absorb the first word, you will be enveloped in grace, caring, support, second chances, and forgiveness. Hidden secrets, self-discovery, and healing are sprinkled throughout the book. It was touching to see the characters discover the “light” of ho

I had looked forward to reading this first book in The Women of Cannon Book series. But I could not get invested in the story. I also did not connect with or care for Mary or her husband, John. While based on a true story, spreading it out into a trilogy is not appealing. I did enjoy learning about the first women postal carriers in Oregon. Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own. For more reviews, please visit my bl

I am looking forward to more books in the National Parks Summer series. Having the opportunity to “visit” the Grand Teton National Park through the pages of this book was a wonderful adventure. The characters were well developed and I enjoyed getting to know photographer Kate, Ranger Grant Cooper, Ranger Tim Rivers, and teenagers Frankie and Maisie. I absolutely fell in love with Maisie and her perky personality. She was so much fun, knowledgeable, and energetic. This is a st

I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Survivor’s Book Club. Lynn Cahoon has become one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. The characters will begin to feel like part of your community. There is such a feeling of love and support as Rarity continues to thrive after surviving her cancer diagnosis and Shirley dealing with her husband’s dementia. There is a murder mystery to be solved and the survivor’s book club is up to the challenge once again. So many threads of clues

I had read the first three books in the Charcuterie Shop series and was excited at the opportunity to get involved in another murder mystery with Katie and the gang at The Char-Board. The characters are well developed and you will grow to care about them. This double murder mystery will set your taste buds on high alert as you experience Katie’s wild ride to solve them. And, of course, Edith, the resident ghost, and her cohort in the hereafter, Rosalind, have Katie’s sleuthin

I had actually read the second book in the Emma Langley Victorian series first. But I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to go back and read the first book. Plus this gave me the opportunity to get to know Emma and her new friend, Penny Green, as well as learn how Emma began solving crimes. Emma is such a relatable character ... young and naive, but intelligent. It was enjoyable watching her mature throughout the pages. The mystery is multifold and has you wondering if Emma’s f

I have loved the books in the Urban Tails Pet Shop series. I am so glad I discovered it and author T. C. LoTempio. The main character, Shell, is once again drawn into the murder mystery. And along with her feline companions, Purrday and Princess Fuzzypants, they will have you flipping through the pages to help solve the crime. There are plenty of suspects and lots of clues ... real or misguided ... to have you wondering who is guilty of murder. I really like that Shell is suc

This is the first book I have read in the Micklewick Bay series. And it was a perfect time to snuggle up under a warm blanket in my recliner and enjoy a cozy Christmas story. I think this worked okay as a standalone. But my reading would probably have been more enjoyable if I had grown to know the characters from the first three books in the series. I did enjoy getting to know Florrie and Ed. Their love for and excitement in running the Happy Hartes Bookshop was sweet to obse

The Nick and Nora series is one that keeps me entertained. Nora and her detective cat, Nick, will have you pulled into the story and anxious to resolve the murder mystery. The characters are well developed and some you will remember from previous books in the series. The Halloween theme with the supernatural investigation team was a plus and enjoyable addition to the book. Lots of twists and turns and misguided clues will have you flipping through the pages as you struggle al

I have enjoyed the books in the Hamptons Home & Garden series. The characters are well developed and I have grown to love Meg; her boyfriend/author, Patrick; her best friend, Elle; and Elle’s husband, Arthur, who is a police detective. The murder mystery will have you pulled into the story and there are twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. I enjoyed the 4th of July festivities. After meeting Patrick’s mother, I am anxious to see how future interactions

After reading the first book in the Welcome to Anglesey series, The Forgotten Farmhouse by the Sea, I looked forward to getting lost in the pages of this third book. The characters are well developed and you will connect with them as you are drawn into their lives. A story of friendship, heartache, love, and forgiveness ... you will fall in love with the way the community cares about and supports each other. The setting of the windmill as a home was something I wanted to thin

I loved the time I spent in the pages of this first book in the Hideaway House series. There are so many wonderful characters ... even the grumpy Major. My heart ached for Carrie, but then I found myself cheering her on as she learned to pull up her big girl panties and focus on what she wanted out of life. The supporting characters, specifically Jules and Rita, were encouragers and exactly who Carrie needed to have in her life. I loved Guy and the person he represented. Plus

I have fallen in love with books that take place in Britain. The beautiful scenery, the unique way words are used which are different for this Southern American, and the lifestyle of those in a small village has me entranced. This was a story I enjoyed. I loved getting to know Nan and her twin daughters and the rest of the people of Anglesey. Nan’s husband, Robin was a jerk extraordinaire. The way the people in this small town supported each other was uplifting and I loved wa