Book of Secrets

{Cozy Mystery} Review: BROWNIES AND BROOMSTICKS by Bailey Cates

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:02:00 +0000

Tired of her unfulfilling job in Ohio, Katie Lightfoot packs up her possessions and heads south to Savannah. The opportunity to work with her aunt and uncle in their new bakery is too good to pass up. Just days before their grand opening, a woman is murdered just outside the bakery – a woman that Katie’s dear Uncle Ben had just argued with. When a witness says a man fitting Ben’s description was at the scene of the crime, the police make him the prime suspect.

Knowing that her kindhearted uncle could never harm anyone, Katie starts her own investigation of the murder. With the help of Aunt Lucy and the members of her unusual book club, as well as a sexy newspaper reporter named Steve and a hunky fireman named Declan, Katie uncovers several possible suspects that all wanted the deceased out of the way. But the most shocking thing Katie learns is that Aunt Lucy is a witch, and magical abilities run in the family.

BROWNIES AND BROOMSTICKS is an enchanting start to a new cozy mystery series. There was much I liked about this story: unique characters, a bakery full of tempting treats, an intriguing mystery, and the perfect location for all of this – Savannah, Georgia. There’s even the start of a complicated love triangle! Steve and Declan have bad blood between them, but they both take a strong liking to new-girl-in-town Katie. I enjoyed the magical aspects of the story, including information on the craft and spell casting. This is a light and fun paranormal cozy, and I will definitely go forward with the series.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

Review: THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:18:00 +0000

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
By Alan Bradley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eleven-year old Flavia de Luce is an inquisitive girl and wise beyond her years. She is obsessed with chemistry and poisons, and delights in aggravating her two older sisters to no end. The most fascinating thing to ever happen to Flavia was watching a man’s life expire in her family’s cucumber patch. When her father Colonel de Luce is arrested for killing the man, Flavia sets out on her bicycle to uncover the truth. Her clues: a dead black bird on the front stoop, an odd orange postage stamp, and the final mysterious word the murder victim uttered.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and when I found it at the library, I snatched it up. Some parts of the book worked for me and others didn’t. I thought the story was well-written and researched, and it gives the reader a glimpse of English small town life just after WWII. Of course, the highlight of the book was Miss Flavia. She is quite a unique protagonist in the mystery genre. This clever and precocious girl used her smarts to deduce who done it well before the police detectives. It took several chapters to get used to the prose, and much of the chemistry talk was lost on me. I also thought that the pacing of the story was slow, just too wordy and overly descriptive in spots.

THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE was definitely worth reading. It’s similar to the cozy mysteries I love – quaint setting, no graphic scenes, and a clever amateur sleuth. I’ll probably give the next Flavia book a try, though I may stick to the library with this series.

View all my Goodreads reviews.

(I'm trying the "Blog This Review" option from Goodreads with some minor tweaking. I like it! Actually, I gave this book 3.5 stars, but there are no "halfsies" on GR.)

WoW: THE SHADOWY HORSES by Susanna Kearsley #waitingonwednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:20:00 +0000

Sourcebooks; Oct 2012

Verity Grey has never been a woman who recoils from a challenge. But when she is invited to a windy coastal town in Scotland to work on an archaeological dig, she wonders if she has stepped over the line.

It's not the ancient Roman history that intimidates Verity--even when that history takes the ghostly form of a slain Roman sentinel--it's her co-worker David Fortune, who frustrates her with his remoteness.

As the group of archaeologists strives to uncover the truth of the mysterious Roman campsite, science must contend with the paranormal. The ghost's appearances become more urgent and more chilling until Verity can no longer deny its message--someone is in great danger. Could the deadly warning be for her or for David? Somehow they'll have to communicate with each other, which is proving to be the biggest hurdle they face at the dig site...

The wild Scottish landscape is a perfect backdrop for intrigue, as Verity learns that outside the scientists laboratory the shadowy horses of history carry messages from the past.

Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Top Off Tuesday: LONGFELLOW SEDUCED

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

What better way to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover! Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading, and Felicia from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog want to see the covers that made you swoon!

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Last week I did not have a chance to visit all of the "Top Off" posts, and I'm bummed about that!! I barely read one book last week as well. I guess I was just burdened with busyness.

My cover this week...a kilt, a guitar, and long dark hair. You're welcome. ;-)

Magnus Crowe - previously enslaved by his sire, the Vampire Contessa Allessandra - does not trust beautiful women. So when he discovers someone is embezzling from his club, he resents being forced to call in a woman to fix it.

Prudence Longfellow, a forensic accountant, comes from an ancient line of powerful Longfellow women. She agrees to track the club’s missing money with one condition - Magnus must stay out of her way. That’s a promise easier made than kept. Magnus can’t deny his strong attraction to this enthralling woman and Prudence, despite her best efforts, gives in to Magnus’ seduction. Repeatedly. They can’t keep their hands to themselves whenever they’re together and soon they have to face up to the possibility that they might be intoxicated by something more than intense desire for each other.

But Allessandra is back, and she wants to claim the man she created - only he doesn’t belong to her anymore. Prudence has staked her claim, and she’s not giving him up without a fight.

Monday Memes: Mailbox and More

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:36:00 +0000

Bookish highlights from last week!

Here's a look at the goodies that were in my mailbox (and other places):

For Review:

Savage Bond by Anne Marsh

Corpse in the Crystal Ball by Kari Lee Townsend

The Azalea Assault by Alyse Carlson

Hot Button by Kylie Logan

From the Library:

Divine Evil by Nora Roberts

Won:

The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas (Tina's Book Reviews)

I also received this gorgeous pressed-flower bookmark from author Elizabeth Loupas:

From NetGalley:

The Siren by Tiffany Reisz

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This week's musing asks...

"Do you tend to read to the end of a chapter or can you stop anywhere?"

It depends on how tired I am! I prefer to stop at the end of a chapter, but sometimes my eyes won't stay open that long. :-)

Book Beginnings: THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

My book beginning comes from THE SWEETNESS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PIE by Alan Bradley:

"It was as black in the closet as old blood. They had shoved me in and locked the door. I breathed heavily through my nose, fighting desperately to remain calm."

Fantastic opening! (And wait until you find out who shoved this poor person in the closet!) I've wanted to read this book for a long time. I saw that our library had it on the shelf, and I was compelled to check it out. :-)

Have a great weekend!

Top Off Tuesday: HIGHLAND PAWN

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

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Do you like the "Top Off" badge I made? I've had a blast playing around with the new photo editor @ Photobucket. Now, on to the book cover...

Oh, my. WHAT the heck is going on here?!? *blushes*

Maggie Fraser is willing to do whatever it takes to save her family’s estate, even gaining the cooperation of the ruthless Duke of Westingham. She possesses what he desires most—a maidenhead ripe for the plucking.

Her journey takes her to a dangerous part of the Highlands, a voyeur’s paradise known as Bare Brook. When she finds herself in a bind, the devilishly sexy Alexander MacKay comes to her rescue. The kilted warrior is not only the duke’s biggest adversary, but also her greatest weakness.

Alex is on a mission to destroy the Duke of Westingham when he’s forced to play Maggie’s protector. To say the alluring Miss Fraser is a distraction is the understatement of the century. She wants him to teach her how to seduce and please a man, and the fire between them burns out of control. When he learns she’s saving herself for the duke, he’s more determined than ever to kill the man. But his actions could destroy her family and drive a permanent wedge between them.

Available May 16th from Ellora's Cave!

Monday Memes: Mailbox and More

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:25:00 +0000

Bookish highlights from last week!

Here are the books that I added to my bookshelf...

From NetGalley:

Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster

Something Red by Douglas Nicholas

Little Night by Luanne Rice

Purchased (Kindle):

Bared to You by Sylvia Day

Kindle Freebies:

Twixt by Diane J. Reed

True Colours by Vanessa Fox

Gallagher's Pride by MK McClintock

From the Library:

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

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Books Read Last Week:

Barefoot in the Sand by Roxanne St. Claire
Tool Belt Defender by Carla Cassidy

Reading Now:

Re/Bound by Michele Zurlo

Upcoming Events to Note:

The Erotic Romance Madness Hop starts Thursday, May 10th! It's hosted by The Romance Reviews. The Forbidden Bookshelf will be a participating blog!

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This week’s musing asks...

If you were going to write a book, what would you write about?

Would it be fiction, or nonfiction?

I'm definitely not a writer, but if I did write a book, it would be a cozy mystery/romance hybrid. I'd add a supernatural element, like a ghost, and the female protagonist would need a special ability. A witch? Empath? Clairvoyant? She'd have to be crafty too, like making her own soaps or boho skirts.

Now, if only I could write. ;-)

Review: TOOL BELT DEFENDER by Carla Cassidy

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Harlequin Romantic Suspense #1687

Book Blurb:

"It's party time."

That's the "invitation" shoved under her door. It's got Brittany Grayson fearing for her life…and her sanity. She's sure the monster who once held her captive for months is dead, so why his chilling words in the note? His menacing face in the window? And why won't anyone —even her lawmen brothers—believe that somehow he's after her again?

Brittany just wants a normal, independent life in Black Rock. Romance is out of the question…although she's okay as friends-with-benefits with Alex Crawford, her hunky, marriage-phobic contractor. Alex, a single dad, has his own good reasons not to fall for Brittany. But none of them matter when the race is on to find the killer who's kidnapped her!

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TOOL BELT DEFENDER is the fifth book in the Lawmen of Black Rock series. The first four books featured one of the Grayson brothers of Black Rock, Kansas: Tom, Caleb, Benjamin and Jacob. This latest book is about their younger sister Brittany and the new boy in town she falls in love with.

Brittany's back story from book four is that she was held captive by a serial killer for four months, but luckily she was saved by her brothers. Now she's living in her own home again, trying to recover from the horrific ordeal. Alex Crawford is the man she hires to build her dream deck on her house. He's a widower trying to make a fresh start in a new town for himself and his young daughter. The conflict of the story comes in when another nutcase sets his sights on kidnapping and killing Brittany. That girl can't get a break!

This book was a so-so read for me. I think my main issue was the lack of suspense. It wasn't difficult to figure out the new kidnapper; I had him pegged when he was first introduced. There also wasn't much build up to the tense moments in the plot.

I liked the main characters pretty well. Brittany was obviously a very strong person to survive being kidnapped and held in a small cell for four months. And, my heart went out to Alex, having to raise his little girl on his own. While there certainly was chemistry between Alex and Brittany, a lot of the story was spent with them finding reasons they shouldn't be together. Frustrating!

This was actually the first book from the Lawmen series I've read, and it works fine as a stand-alone story. I suppose it does contain spoilers for book four, so you might want to keep that in mind before you read out of order.

Enjoyment Level: 2.75

Heat Level: A few spicy moments

Find details about the entire Lawmen of Black Rock series on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/series/69721-lawmen-of-black-rock

Book Beginnings: TOOL BELT DEFENDER

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Fri, 04 May 2012 16:31:00 +0000

This is my first time participating in this meme, and I was so happy to find out about it! I'm crazy about a great opening line. My book beginning comes from TOOL BELT DEFENDER by Carla Cassidy:

"He was a hot hunk in a tight T-shirt, a pair of worn jeans and a tool belt riding low on his lean hips. He was nothing like what Brittany Grayson had expected."

Hmm...that caught my attention. *g* This is a book I requested from NetGalley, which expires tomorrow - LOL! I'm determined to finish it on time...

Review: BAREFOOT IN THE SAND by Roxanne St. Claire

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Fri, 04 May 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Forever; May 2012

Book Blurb:

When all you hold dear is taken away . . .

When a hurricane roars through Lacey Armstrong's home on the coast of Barefoot Bay, she decides all that remains in the rubble is opportunity. A new hotel is just what Mimosa Key needs, and Lacey and her teenage daughter are due for a fresh start. And nothing, especially not a hot, younger, is going to distract Lacey from finally making her dreams a reality.

A second chance is the only thing you have left.

Love has already cost Clay Walker everything. And if he's going to have any chance of picking up the pieces of his life, he needs the job as Lacey Armstrong's architect. What's not in the plans is falling for the headstrong beauty. Her vision of the future is more appealing than anything he could have ever drafted for himself. Will Clay's designs on Lacey's heart be more than she can handle, or will she trust him to build something that will last forever?

My Review:

The title makes this book sound like a light beach read, but actually BAREFOOT IN THE SAND packed more of an emotional punch than I expected! The story was about love, forgiveness, and finding the strength to start over.

Lacey and her teenage daughter Ashley lost everything when a hurricane tore across Mimosa Key, a barrier island near Fort Myers, Florida. Surviving the disaster inspired Lacey to pursue a longtime dream – building an inn of Barefoot Bay. First, she wants to hire her dream architect for the job, but instead ends up with Clay Walker, the wayward son of her dream architect.Though there’s an immediate spark between them, winning Lacey over will not be easy for Clay. She’s hesitant to trust a hot younger man with her resort project or her heart.

Things get more complicated when Ashley’s absentee father suddenly reappears in their lives. It doesn’t help matters that Ashley wants Clay to disappear so her parents can get back together. On top of everything else, there are a couple of cantankerous locals hell bent on stopping Lacey’s dream project!

I could really empathize with Lacey’s struggle as she rebuilt her life. And, her arrogant ex-boyfriend, David! Ugh. I don’t think I’ve been so angry or annoyed with a character in a long time. The nerve of him pushing his way back into their lives after a 13 year absence. I wanted to whack him on the head with the tart pan he bought for Lacey.

This is the first book by Roxanne St. Claire I’ve read, and I enjoyed it. BAREFOOT IN THE SAND is a contemporary romance, but I will say that I thought the romance part took a back seat at times to other parts of the story. The book had a chick lit feel as well, because Lacey’s group of girlfriends played a big part in the book too. I really liked Clay. He was exactly what Lacey needed to help her get her life back on track, and to break down the protective walls she’d built around her heart. And, oh my, the chemistry between them was sizzling hot! A gorgeous setting and engaging characters make this book the perfect summer read. I’m looking forward to seeing where Ms. St. Claire takes the series in the next book.

Enjoyment Level: 4

WoW: LAST WOOL AND TESTAMENT (A Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery) #waitingonwednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Expected Release Date: Sept 2012

No official blurb yet for this one, but the author's website offers a few details about the story. The amateur sleuth is Kath Rutledge, a "textile preservation specialist" who inherits her grandmother's yarn shop. And the best part is there's a ghost involved. I love paranormal cozy mysteries!!

http://www.mollymacrae.com/

Hosted By: Breaking the Spine

Review: THE REASON IS YOU by Sharla Lovelace

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 02 May 2012 00:27:00 +0000

Berkley; April 2012

Book Blurb:

In the small river town of Bethany, Dani Shane never fit in. Being different pushed her to the fringes of society, and even leaving town for two decades didn't stop the talk. Now, with her sixteen year-old daughter Riley in tow, Dani is back in Bethany looking for a fresh start. Too bad her plans for staying under the radar are about to be thrown out the window.

Mischievous and sexy, Dani's old friend Alex still has the power to rock her world, but there's a big obstacle standing in their way--Alex has been dead for forty years. With a ghost popping up at inopportune moments and sparking conversations with her teenage daughter, Dani scrambles to find solid ground and get a grip--both on her sanity and her heart.

My Review:

I have to start by saying that Sharla Lovelace is going on my auto-buy list. Wow! I loved this book. THE REASON IS YOU is an impressive debut novel about love and loss, family bonds and family secrets, redemption and starting over. Oh, yeah, and also ghosts!

The last place Dani Shane wanted to end up was back in her hometown of Bethany. But that’s exactly what happened when she lost her job at a Dallas design firm. She and her teenage daughter, Riley, had little choice but to move to the sleepy river town where Dani takes a job at the local bait shop.

Growing up in Bethany, Dani was treated like an outcast, and twenty years later, nothing has changed. Dani has the ability to see and talk to ghosts, and only a small handful of people know her secret. Most of the town considers her a “freak” who talked to people who weren’t there.

Dani becomes very concerned with she sees Riley talking to Alex, her best friend from her teenage years, and also a ghost. This is the first time that Dani noticed Riley shared her special “gift,” and she is scared for her daughter. Dani only wants Riley to have a normal life, something she never had. Dani’s situation gets more complicated when she falls for her new boss, Jason, a man whose emotional baggage rivals her own. And, Dani finds out that dead-for-40-years Alex’s connection to her goes so much deeper than what she thought.

Ms. Lovelace has an amazing voice, and I loved her writing style. I was completely absorbed in this story, and I felt like I was wrapped up in the lives of the characters too. At times this was a heartbreaking story, and it definitely stirred up my emotions. (I shouldn’t have read the last few chapters in public! *tears*) Though, it wasn’t all sadness; it was also funny and uplifting, with witty dialogue, like when Jason and Dani would playfully argue about who had the biggest sob story from their pasts. I also loved Dani’s sassy friend Miss Olivia. She had me grinning many times. The characters were intriguing (both living and dead), and the dynamics between them were beautifully written. I think the book wrapped up with the perfect, bittersweet ending. I would highly recommend THE REASON IS YOU to fans of romantic women’s fiction.

Enjoyment Level: 5

Books and Things on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:12:00 +0000

Bookish highlights and other stuff that happened last week...

Books I added to my collection:

For Review: Tawny Weber sent me a paperback copy of BLAZING BEDTIME STORIES, Volume VII. I'm lovin' the cover.

Purchased from The Book Depository: THE UNSEEN by Katherine Webb.

Kindle Freebie: SLEEPING LOVE by Sara Curran-Ross. I got 8 Kindle freebies last week, but I'm most intrigued by this one. Here's the blurb:

Historian Sabrina Michaels lost her memory ten years ago after waking up in a London hospital badly beaten. When she travels to a French chateau owned by handsome wealthy businessman Raoul Valoire to research his famous ancestor, he lays claim to her as his wife.

Afraid of confronting her past, Sabrina attempts to leave the chateau but finds that her husband is more than determined to have his wife back in his arms and in his bed. He is prepared to hold her prisoner until she uncovers her true identity and remembers her love for him.

Sabrina embarks on a journey into her own past in the hopes of uncovering what caused her to disappear from the chateau without a trace the night of her birthday party and the man who was responsible for her attack. She only hopes it is not the husband she is falling in love with all over again.

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Books I read last week:

My Lady Enslaved by Shirl Anders

Dark Side Night by Maryn Sinclair

Dom For Sale by Christine d'Abo

The Kingdom by Amanda Stevens

Currently reading: BAREFOOT IN THE SAND by Roxanne St. Claire (Just getting started, but so far, very good!)

Hot Reads: April

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Do you ever read books that get you a little hot and steamy? If you do, join in Hot Reads and share some of your favorite sexy reads and find some new ones!

Hot Reads is a Monthly Meme, hosted by Book Savvy Babe and Alive on the Shelves, where we get to share our hottest read of the month! Your choice can be any book, it doesn’t matter the genre, the length, whether it’s new or old. If you read it during the month, and it raised your temperature, it qualifies to be a HOT READ! To make things as simple as possible, Hot Reads will take place the 28th day of the month. So every month, be ready to share your HOT READ pick!

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What a fun meme!!! My "Hot Reads" for April is SNATCH ME by Nara Malone. I reviewed this book @ The Forbidden Bookshelf HERE. What makes it unique is that most of the "kinky" scenes take place in the virtual world of an online role-playing game. Here's the blurb:

From the moment Jolie discovers the Quarterz, a virtual post-apocalyptic world for capture role-players, she can’t resist the challenge. She’s chosen a hard game, where sexual submission to a captor is expected, demanded, no quarter given. She uses the challenge to escape real life and feels a sense of kinship to a world like the Quarterz, a society too broken to fix.

Mack created the Quarterz and took a gamble when he secretly lured Jolie there. He suspects he and Jolie share sexual interests that neither can admit in person. Now he has to hope that time in the Quarterz can help Jolie cope as she struggles to rebuild her life. He has to stand back and allow her to find her way in a game where he is not always the captor. But when the game is over, he’s determined to be the one who wins Jolie for real.

What was your hottest read for April?

Top Off Tuesday: HIGHLAND ROGUE

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:54:00 +0000

What better way than to top off a good book than with a GREAT Cover! Amanda from On a Book Bender, Christi from Smitten with Reading, and Felicia from Geeky Blogger's Book Blog want to see the covers that made you swoon! Badge by Missie.

I've missed participating in Top Off Tuesday, so this week, I'm playing along!

HIGHLAND ROGUE by Tess Mallory

On her dream vacation in the Scottish Highlands, aspiring archaeologist Maggie Graham discovers a tri-spiral carving in the floor of an ancient cairn, and unwittingly sets its dormant magic in motion. Sent tumbling back in time 300 years, Maggie uncovers the most amazing find of all - a Scottish hero straight out of her wildest fantasies. There are just two tiny problems with this grand adventure: She’s trapped in 18th-century Scotland, and the man she’s fallen for is an outlaw, a thief, and a daring Highland Rogue.

Kilt, tattoo, big sword, muscles? Perfect. :-)

Review: THE KINGDOM by Amanda Stevens

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 02:02:00 +0000

Mira; March 2012

Book Blurb:

Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town...

My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.

Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.

My Review:

Last year THE RESTORER was one of my favorite books, and I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for the sequel to be released. I couldn’t wait to find out where Amanda Stevens would take her Graveyard Queen next. After finishing THE KINGDOM, my initial thought is WOW! I may have liked the second book a smidge more that the first. Where THE RESTORER was more paranormal mystery/romantic suspense, THE KINGDOM is the perfect blend of mystery and eerie Southern Gothic fiction.

If you’re not familiar with the series, I’ll briefly tell you about Amelia Gray. She’s known as “The Graveyard Queen” because her life’s passion is restoring old, dilapidated cemeteries. But what really makes her unique is her ability to see ghosts. Her adoptive father also has this gift (or curse, as the case may be), and he gave her strict rules for dealing with restless spirits. His most important rule was to IGNORE them, a rule Amelia broke in the first book, and it got her in a heap of trouble.

In THE KINGDOM, Amelia is hired to restore a cemetery in the remote town of Asher Falls, hidden in the mountains of South Carolina. Immediately upon her arrival, Amelia knows there is something peculiar about Asher Falls. Much of the town has been deserted, and there’s something “off” about the ones who remained. Amelia can sense an evil presence there, yet something compels her to stay in this majestic yet wicked place. Somehow she’s connected to Asher Falls, and she’s determined to find out how. The secrets and mysteries in this town run deep, and there are certain residents that want Amelia silenced before she discovers the truth.

I would love to talk more about the plot and supporting cast, but I don’t want to spoil this fantastic story for anyone! I highly recommend that you read the series in order, because you’ll definitely want to know Amelia’s history with John Devlin. Though he doesn’t make an appearance in THE KINGDOM, Amelia mentions him a lot. Hopefully we’ll get more of John in the third book.

THE KINGDOM is the type of story that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The plot was fast-paced with many surprising twists and turns along the way. Amanda Stevens has a talent for making the reader a part of her story. I loved the vivid imagery of the mountains surrounding Asher Falls. I could hear the ghostly chimes over Bell Lake myself. Chilling! Fans of creepy ghost stories and Southern Gothics shouldn’t miss this series.

Enjoyment Level: 5

Meet Me On Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:50:00 +0000

Hosted By: Never Growing Old

This week's questions:

1. I keep putting off _________.

I keep putting off reading books from my own TBR pile. I love, love, love receiving books for review, but sometimes I need to read a book I bought just for fun, like A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (the heroine's name is Diana!).

2. What is your current weather?

It's a cool, sunny 47 degrees. It's supposed to reach 68 later today. Perfect springtime weather!

3. What is the nicest room in your house?

My library room! It's were I do most of my reading and keep my nicer paper books. I try to keep kid toys out of this room. Ha! This is a photo of my favorite reading spot:

(Please ignore that big piece of fuzz under the couch. LOL.)

4. What jewelry do you never take off?

The only jewelry I never take off is my pair of teeny tiny diamond stud earrings. I bought them at Kohl's.

5. Do you eat a snack before bed?

Sometimes I'll have a bowl of cereal, but usually I skip the bedtime snack.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mailbox Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:05:00 +0000

April's Host: Cindy's Love of Books

Happy Earth Day! :-) I did my small part for Earth Day by buying several used books this week:

(Sir Scorch and Goatee with my haul!)

A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff

The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen

A Place of Secrets by Rachel Hore

The Girl With No Shadow by Joanne Harris

The Butterfly Cabinet by Bernie McGill

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

I received a few cozy mysteries for review:

A Killer Read by Erika Chase

Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates

The Big Kitty by Claire Donally

A Deadly Grind by Victoria Hamilton

I also got a couple of interesting freebies for my Kindle:

Claire-Obscure by Billie Hinton

Primal Heat by Donna Grant

Have a fantastic week!

Weekly Wrap-Up: April 1 - 7

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Bookish things that happened last week!

Paper books added to my shelves:

The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot (Won)

The Truth of All Things by Kieran Shields (Review)

The Next Always by Nora Roberts (Bought Used)

Out of Mind by Stella Cameron (Free)

The Angel by Carla Neggers (Free)

Cypress Nights by Stella Cameron (Bought Used)

New Releases from Harlequin (Bought)

Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay (Review)

A Killer Read by Erika Chase (Review)

Let Them Eat Stake by Sarah Zettel (Review)

50% Off Murder by Josie Belle (Review)

The Long Stitch Good Night by Amanda Lee (Review)

Murder Buys a T-shirt by Christy Fifield (Review)

Digital books added to my eReaders:

The Witch Thief by Lori Devoti (Bought)

Auraria: A Novel by Tim Westover (Review)

oOoOoOo

Books read:

Secrets and Spells by Jessica Jarman (4 stars)

The Reason is You by Sharla Lovelace (5 stars)

The Book of Lost Fragrances by M.J. Rose (3½ stars)
The Last Girl by Kitty Thomas (4 stars)

Reading now:

Murder Buys a T-shirt

By Christy Fifield

First book in a new series! (I love those.) Glory's talking parrot, Bluebeard, is hilarious.

Zoe Winters’ Easter Egg Hunt! BIG PRIZES!

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 03:07:00 +0000

"Hop" on over to Zoe Winters' blog and check out the details on the Easter Egg Hunt she's hosting! Zoe's grand prize is a Kindle Fire...just click HERE to find out the rules and how to play along!

The books included in the Egg Hunt are:

Cat Fight (short story):

Cat Fight @ Amazon 99 cent sale!

Cat Fight @ Smashwords (coupon code: UF39H Coupon good through April 8th)
Cat Fight @ Barnes and Noble 99 cent sale!

***

Dark Mercy (novella):

Dark Mercy @Amazon 99 cent sale!
Dark Mercy @ Smashwords (coupon code: EH27Y Coupon good through April 8th)
Dark Mercy @ Barnes and Noble 99 cent sale!

***

Blood Lust (collection of three novellas):

Blood Lust @ Amazon 99 cent sale!
Blood Lust @ Smashwords (coupon code: MF44F Coupon good through April 8th)
Blood Lust @ Barnes and Noble 99 cent sale!

***

Save My Soul (novel):

Save My Soul @ Amazon 99 cent sale!
Save My Soul @ Smashwords (coupon code: LS76S Coupon good through April 8th)
Save My Soul @ Barnes and Noble 99 cent sale!

***

DEADLINE REMINDERS:

1. Deadline for acquiring the hunt books on sale: Midnight April 8th.

2. Deadline for turning in Easter Eggs: Midnight April 15th.

3. Winners announced on: April 18th.

Remember to visit Zoe's website HERE to find out what type of "Easter Eggs" she wants you to find and how to enter the giveaway!

Wish List Wednesday: WITCH BALL by Kathleen Coddington

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Ellora's Cave (Blush); Aug 2007

Their love was eternal. Until forbidden magic threatened to tear them apart forever.

When Nathaniel Swann and his daughter move to the small town of Lady's Cove, Maine, the last thing he expects is the beautiful woman who appears in his kitchen after he accidentally breaks a witch ball, a housewarming gift from his neighbor. A hardheaded scientist, he refuses to believe the woman's fantastic tale of magical spells, eternal love and reincarnation.

Released after being imprisoned for three hundred years in the witch ball, Miranda Hawthorne is reunited with the man she is destined to be with throughout time. Her joy is short-lived when she discovers that Nathaniel no longer remembers her or their love. How can she convince him to help her to break the witch ball's lingering spell before the bond between them is severed for all eternity?

And in the house next door the priestess responsible for the witch ball's spell plots to prevent them from discovering the secret that will set Miranda completely free.

oOoOoOo

Diana

INTO HIS PRIVATE DOMAIN by Janice Maynard {Reviewette}

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Harlequin Desire #2135

Book Blurb:

Alone in his fortress, Gareth Wolff hides from the world. Until Gracie Darlington scales his mountain and lands at his doorstep—with cuts, bruises...and amnesia. But the reclusive billionaire knows her type. She wants something from him. Something he's spent a lifetime trying to forget...

Gareth won't let the sexy interloper leave. Not until he learns her angle and sates his desire in her arms. Gareth always gets what he wants...but this time, once Gracie regains her memory, it may be too late. Because not only has she invaded his lair...she's invaded his heart.

oOoOoOo

A brooding reclusive billionaire and a damsel in distress...with amnesia? I couldn't resist. This was the kind of story where the whole "thing" could've been avoided if he'd just called 911 to begin with (she was a trespasser with a head injury!), but then what fun would that be?

A character with amnesia for 90% of the book, like Gracie, is tough, because I have to wonder if we're really seeing the "real" her. It seemed to work for this book. It was clear that Gareth was in a lot of pain, and Gracie had what it took to rescue him from his fortress of solitude. I know I've said it before - I *lurve* those emotionally vulnerable, tortured alpha males, and Gareth is a prime example. Did I mention that he's an artist too? *swoon*

Though some of the story was far-fetched, INTO HIS PRIVATE DOMAIN was an enjoyable and very sexy read, and a solid start to The Men of Wolff Mountain series.

Enjoyment Level: 4
Heat Level: Spicy

Related Websites:

http://wolffmountain.com/

http://janicemaynard.com/

At Novel Reflections: Forever's Paranormal Blog Tour #BookGiveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:06:00 +0000

We're hosting FOREVER'S PARANORMAL BLOG TOUR at Novel Reflections! We're giving away a copy of DARKNESS BOUND by Stella Cameron and KISS OF THE VAMPIRE by Cynthia Garner to one lucky commenter! Open to US residents; ends 3/10/2012. Click HERE to go to the giveaway post!

On Hiatus

noreply@blogger.com (Diana Leigh) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:28:00 +0000

Hi, all! Just a quick note to say that Book of Secrets is going on hiatus for a while. I'll try to get some blog hopping in when I can. Happy Reading. :-)