Cobblered to Death

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ROSS, ROSEMARIE
COBBLERED TO DEATH

Out of the frying pan, into the fire...

Courtney Archer is known for hosting the show Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter...despite the fact that she's actually a pediatrician's daughter. Now she's signed on for a role on The American Baking Battle. On this reality show, she can start developing a more authentic image for herself -- and as a bonus, the usual backstabbing and manufactured drama isn't part of the Baking Battle script. But genuine drama is heating up behind the scenes...

During a film shoot in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Courtney has to juggle career commitments like pots on a six-burner stove. Adding to the stress is Mick, a contestant who finds out about her fake farm-girl story. Determined to suceed at her new gig, she whips up a cherry cobbler in a cast-iron fry pan one evening and leaves it out to cool. But the next morning, it's Mick's body that's cooling -- right next to Courtney's pan, now classified as a murder weapon...

My Review:

Woohoo -- a debut cozy mystery series with some unique twists.

First off -- love the baking show backdrop. I've been binge watching The Great British Bake Off and just discovered the Irish version online -- eeeeppp!!! So it was really fun to witness the behind the scenes shenanigans of a similar fictional reality show in this novel. And Ross's comedy show quips are funnier than any I've seen in the real productions. In fact, this author knows how to turn a catchy phrase -- "came up as empty as a dieter's hand in a cookie jar." Lots of fun foodie references which really enhanced the ambiance.

Courtney's caught in a secret that is at odds with her friendly, open personality. The inner turmoil it brings is heightened when a contestant who discovers her secret is murdered hours later. With her cast iron frying pan. Suddenly keeping secrets is the least of her worries because Courtney ends up as a person of interest in the ensuing investigation. So, of course, what's a practical cooking show host to do but turn her hand at sleuthing so she isn't the one led off in handcuffs. :-)

A great cast of intriguing (and sometimes volatile) secondary characters provided lots of scope for this armchair sleuth's active imagination. I love the way Courtney slowly got into her detecting groove and the final showdown was epic! 

While the mystery is solved, the author has left some sub-plots open-ended -- such as the dreaded beginnings of a love triangle -- nooooooooooo!!! A cozy staple, I fear. But she's also done a great job of setting the stage for more deliciously deadly destruction in future books. Can't wait to see what's in store for Courtney next.

I listened to the audible version of this book and enjoyed Callie Beaulieu's narration. Great pacing, distinctive character voices and a whole lot of charm.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  Cobblered to Death, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday January 11 2020 . Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Dakota Love

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ZEDIKER, ROSE ROSS
DAKOTA LOVE

Modern South Dakota individuals use quilting to bring them joy and comfort, but suddenly quilting is leading them to romances they didn’t even know they wanted. Caroline and Rodney have each been loaded with many worries, but a tattered quilt could bring them together to share their burdens. Sarah and Mark embrace their independence until a quilting class throws them together and reveals their need for companionship. Lil is outgoing where Walt is private, but as they use quilting for physical therapy, an old secret could be revealed that will expose just how different they really are.

 

My Review:

 

 Dakota Love is the compilation of three novels originally published under the Heartsong Presents line. Bound by a central quilting theme they also share the commonality of 'mature' love stories. The heroines are all over forty and Zediker does a marvelous job of showing that romance isn't only for the young.

The strength in this author's writing is in the realism that infiltrates every scene. She delivers emotionally charged stories about real people facing real challenges. Nothing is sugar coated but each story is laced with hope.

Bound together by a quilting theme, Zediker explores the courage and resiliency of men and women willing to embrace the season they are living in. Tender and heartwarming, these stories celebrate God's presence in every aspect of our lives..
 

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Dakota Love please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday January 25 2015. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!

The Widow's Suitor

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ZEDIKER, ROSE ROSS
THE WIDOW'S SUITOR

CORA ANDERSON ISN'T LOOKING FOR LOVE 

The young widow is just trying to make a life on the prairie for herself and her newborn son. When handsome newcomer Luke Dow shows up at her cabin door, she soon relies on the man's help with her homestead…and dares to dream of the future.

Luke came to the small South Dakota town to build a hotel and make his fortune. But he never expected to care for anyone, let alone the beautiful Cora and her baby boy. When Cora's land claim is challenged by a neighbor, Luke will do all he can to protect her and her home—and claim her heart.

My Review:

A wonderful pioneer love story. Zediker captivated me with her words right from the gripping first scene -- and oh my what a hero/heroine first meet! It kind of felt like Laura Ingalls Wilder all grown up. I loved the Little House books as a child and The Widow's Suitor has the same feel for historical detail. What an exciting -- and desperate -- time to be alive. Cora faces an uncertain future with grit and determination but a vulnerability that pulls at Luke's heartstrings. And the author has created a truly vile villain to up the angst factor just in case trying to eke out a living as a widow with a newborn babe isn't enough. :-) A powerful inspirational thread completes the plot and made this a great read from beginning to end.

Giveaway Opportunity:

 If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Widow's Suitor please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca.  If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you email me, please be sure to put the title in the subject line so it is easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday March 9 2014. Offer open to international readers. Good luck.

Wedding on the Rocks

GIVEAWAY

ZEDIKER, ROSE ROSS
WEDDING ON THE ROCKS

Jennifer Edwards is back home again…

When she traded small-town life for the bright lights of Chicago, Jennifer Edwards yearned to discover a world beyond Faith, South Dakota. So when her father's illness calls her home to run their cattle ranch, she tells herself it's temporary. Then why is she even thinking about a future with archaeology professor Brett Lange—the boy she left behind—whose life's work is digging up the past?  Twelve years ago, Brett had a crush on Jennifer the size of the T. rex that put his hometown on the map. Now she's a citified magazine editor who prefers designer duds to dungarees. Except that's not the real Jennifer. Brett needs to make her see how a little faith can go a long way in uniting two perfectly in-sync hearts.

My Review:

First off -- clever title. It suggests one thing but is actually tied to the hero's profession. Love that twist and the surprise of delving into a story that wasn't what I thought it was. :-)

Zediker has a real gift for delivering a tight, emotionally packed story. I'm in awe of these authors who write such depth in such a short word count. That's real talent!

I really connected with Jennifer's journey. She's making good choices in her life but finds herself at a a crossroads as she begins to realize good choices aren't always God choices. That's something I have to relearn over and over and over again. 

Brett is a complicated mix of laid back confidence and endearing vulnerability. Jennifer has no idea of the power she holds over him and he is reluctant to reveal the depth of his feelings for her. Unrequited love is pretty potent stuff -- especially when it is from the hero's perspective.

A solid plot and captivating romance with plenty of emotional thrills kept me satisfied to the very end.

Giveway Opportunity:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of Wedding on the Rocks, please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday May 12 2013. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!