How About A Soothing Cup Of...

Happy Friday All,

I'll get back to RWA Nationals and I'll give you all info on how I weathered Hurricane Harvey (we're fine and the Averie house didn't get flooded), but for now, I've been meaning to get this review up for a while and now I finally am able to do that.

Theodosia, Haley, Drayton, and co, are back in the Tea Shop brewing up cozy cups and sweet treats, as well as murder.

Well, not them specifically however...

During an event that Theo and Drayton attend one of their hosts drops dead in a rather dramatic fashion. But who could've killed Doreen Briggs' husband?

As the mystery evolves, and Theo gets sucked into yet another investigation (this time at Drayton and Doreen's behest) it's clear there's more to the business and family than what meets the eye.

But who could've been the rat? Was it one of the servers of the Tea Theo and Drayton were at, or was it Doreen? Perhaps an employee?

Unraveling this will take Theo's quick wits and thorough investigating or else she or someone she cares about could be next to imbibe a cup of poison.

You can pick up your copy of author Laura Childs' newest Tea Shop Mystery, Pekoe Most Poison at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Have A Fabulously Fun Friday!

You've Gone And Scorched The Eggs...

Happy Wednesday Everyone,

I thought I only had two special blog posts this week, but it turns out I was wrong! Another one has been added.


In the spirit of Christmas surprises, I give you a book review of author Laura Childs' newest release:

Things are bubbling and boiling merrily at the Cackleberry Club Diner, that is, until Suzanne (one of the proprietors) finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery. And all she wanted to do was get her hair done!

However, hair will have to wait when the salon and the neighboring buildings go up in flames. But who started the fire that killed Hannah Venable?

Sheriff Doogie callsn an arson-investigator to have a look at the evidence to uncover the who-done-it.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects includes fellow Cackleberry Club employee, Kit's fiance. But did Ricky do it? Or was it hot-headed Marty Wolfson? Perhaps the victim's two-timing husband was the culprit?

While Suzanne juggles plates and Petra's yummy offerings at the Cackleberry Club Diner, she also keeps an eye on the ongoing investigation determined to uncover the guilty party.

However, when she becomes a target, will she even live to point the finger at the responsible party or will she join Hannah Venable in pushing up daisies?

Only one way to find out...pick up your very own copy of Laura Childs' newest Cackleberry Club Mystery novel, Scorched Eggs today.

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Have A Wonderful Wednesday!

Ghouls, Mystery, & Scrapbooking...

Happy Thursday All,

I'm a bit late posting this blog post--make that about 2 days late. I meant to post this on the release day or the day before, but I've been so swamped lately that the days "got away from me" so to speak.

On October 7th author Laura Childs released a new novel, so today I thought I'd give you all a peek into it...

Carmela and Ava are snooping out a brand-new mystery in Laura Childs' newest Scrapbooking mystery.

Ghouls, vampires, and zombies are on the loose as New Orleans gears up for Halloween and Carmela's October holiday calendar is jam packed with invitations featuring all things haunting. But the fun of the season takes a somber turn when her business neighbor, Marcus Joubert, falls out of a cabinet and into Carmela's frightened arms. The worst part is the owner of Oddities is dead.

Murder and thievery hang in the air as Carmela and her best bud, Ava, try to track

down the killer and the stolen mysterious death mask. But, who is innocent and who is guilty? And will Carmela and Ava even live to see justice served, or will the creeptastic threats and warnings thrown their direction signal this as their last All Hallow's Eve?

Find out in Gossamer Ghost, now available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Have A Thrillingly Tantalizing Thursday!

Wine, Tea, & Mystery...

Happy Thursday All,

When I wrote yesterday's post I didn't realize I would finish the novel I was reading in time to do a review this week, however, it appears I underestimated myself.  So today, I have a special treat, an official blog book review.

I've been doing official blog book reviews for Laura Childs for sometime now. I've enjoyed reading her novels and telling you

all about them. This time, she sent me the published version of the novel and not the ARC (which is okay) so the novel I'm about to tell you about is already available.

Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop is back in the newest Tea Shop Mystery...

While attending a wine tasting with her friend and shop colleague, Theodosia, Drayton, and the rest of the guests at the Knighthall Winery event, are treated to an unfortunate event. The moment Jordan, the owner of Knighthall Winery, goes to open the barrel of the newest wine, everyone is aghast when Jordan's son, Drew's body pours out of it along with the wine.

What should have been a fun evening turns into an investigation of murder.

Drayton, who is friends with Jordan, joins Knighthall Winery's owner in begging Theodosia to put her sleuthing skills to work to solve the mystery.

However, where does she start? The stepmother, Pandora, who has her eye on a new deal with a Japanese distributor? The manager of

Knighthall who is ready to jump ship? Or the girlfriend, Tanya, a model who didn't have a good relationship with the stepmother?

Aside from those closest to Drew, there's a myriad of other people. There's a number of businesses who have had their eye on the Knighthall Winery property, as well.

The plot thickens the further Theodosia gets involved. The question is, is it possible to solve the mystery or will it become a cold case?

The wine is flowing, the tea is being poured, and everyone has an opinion about everyone else.

The whole thing seems Steeped In Evil.

Fans of Laura Childs will welcome this new addition and enjoy not just mystery, but mouthwatering descriptions of tea, amazing concoctions made by Theodosia's cook/baker, Hailey, town gossip, and more.



Look for Steeped In Evil at Amazon and Barnes & Noble today; or click here for information on availability of the novel in other formats.

Have A Thrillingly Tempting Thursday!

Who's The Gilty One?

Happy Tuesday Everybody,

As promised, today is a special treat...an official blog book review and it's a brand-new release:

Laura Childs strikes again with her newest Scrapbooking Mystery, Gilt Trip.

When Carmela Bertrand and her best pal, Ava Gruiex attend a high society shindig celebrating the release of Jerry Earl Leland from jail (only because Carmela designed the invitations and Margo—Jerry Earl’s wife—decided Carmela must be at the party), the last thing on their minds is murder.

However, when searching for something to dab a stain on Ava’s blouse, Carmela runs across a murder victim stuffed in the dryer. And not just any victim. Jerry Earl himself. 

With her boyfriend/detective, Edgar Babock, out of town, his no-nonsense assistant Bobby Gallant is on the case. And he has no interest in Carmela sticking her nose in the investigation. In fact, Carmela has no interest in doing that either—even going so far as to promise Babock she won’t.

However, when the distraught widow begs (okay, let's be honest, leaves no room to say no) Carmela finds herself in the middle of a messy situation filled with business enemies, and prison gangs (one that references “the end of the world”) and a host of other things she hadn't planned on being a part of.

The whole thing gets worse when Jerry Earl’s assistant is next on the murderer’s hit list.

Can Carmela figure it all out so the right person goes to jail—or will she be too late?

You can purchase your copy of Gilt Trip today,  October 1, 2013, from the following...

Barnes & Noble and Amazon 

Hope everyone has a Tip-Top Tuesday!

She Wants Sweet Revenge

Happy Monday/Tuesday All,

I am SO embarrassed. In all the busyness that followed my friend's death, I forgot I had an official blog review. Fortunately I remembered in time for the release date (which is Tuesday, March 5, 2013--depending on when you're reading this is either today or tomorrow).

Mystery author extraordinaire, Laura Childs is at it again, this time with a brand-new addition to her Tea Shop Mystery series...

If Theodosia Browning owner of the Indigo Tea Shop didn't have her hands full before, she does, now. As boutique owner, Delaine Dish's, maid-of-honor, she's responsible for anything and everything Delaine will come up with. Including keeping the bride-to-be calm.

However, as a storm of epic proportions brews in Charleston, and the power goes out, it looks like this wedding day will have more showers than sunshine....

Especially since nobody can find the groom.

Theodosia, being the dutiful maid of honor, goes down the hall to knock on Dougan Granville's door.

When Granville doesn't answer, she walks in to tell him it's show time...only to find the groom dead.

The discovery throws Theodosia into a tailspin of shock, whodunit, and investigating contraband.

Between all this, and Delaine declaring she wants "Sweet revenge" Theodosia has her hands full.

It's all tempest in a pot of tea, with Theodosia jugging her amateur detective status, tracking down the contraband, and helping Delaine with the grieving process, while running her cozy tea shop...will Theodosia be able to do it all before things slosh over the sides and get messy?

Pick up a copy of Sweet Tea Revenge and find out! :-)

Have A Tasteful Tuesday!

Plan For The Lone Star State October 2013!

Happy Tuesday All,

It's voting day here in the US of A, so all of those who are eligible have a civic duty to exercise our right to vote. Which, is something I will (or depending on when you, my readers read this post and when I get to my designated voting area) or have done.

Today Laura Childs' Stake & Eggs is released, which I reviewed yesterday.

This past NWHRWA meeting I've learned some pretty awesome things about next year's Lone Star Conference. We are fortunate to be able to have Donald Maass of the Donald Maass Literary Agency come and be our keynote speaker. We're also going to have an agent from Larsen Pomada Literary Agents, and Marisal Lyon Literary Agency and who knows what other awesome things will be in store by the time the date of the conference rolls around. The date of the conference is on October 5, 2013--so you can start planning now.

It's apple cider season (Fall)! I've been enjoying the tasty treat. I'll be glad when it gets cooler/colder down here. I love colder weather--just not snow. I agree it's pretty at first, but then after awhile it fades. But I do like colder weather. I like warm, cozy blankets, hot tea, warm clothes, and pants. Plus the Fall Holidays are awesome.

What's your favorite thing about Fall?

Have A Thrill-Filled Tuesday!

More Than Eggs At Stake

Happy Monday All,

Oh my goodness! It's been so long since I updated, and I hope you all will accept my apologies. There is much to discuss, and I hope to pour it out this week and in the coming weeks.

But first and foremost, I have a special treat for you all...an official blog review.

Today's morsel is from mystery author, Laura Childs' newest Cackleberry Club Mystery...

Eggs aren't the only things being whipped up in the Midwest.

While Suzanne, Petra, and Toni busily prepare for a meeting with the a banker in their little town of Kindred, murder is being cooked up in the snowy banks behind the Cackleberry Club Diner.

One minute the three women hear snowmobiles, the next minute the wintry evening is still and silent. Feeling curious, Suzanne duns warm gear to head out only to find said banker decapitated from a wire stretched out across the very path his snowmobile was traveling.

Sure, said banker wasn't the most liked member of the town, but murder? Who would be driven to such lengths?

Despite the tragedy, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni soldier on with their many plans--including hosting a tea and fashion show, attending the Fire and Ice celebrations, and the unplanned part of their winter, learning all kinds of crazy gossip.

Then a runaway appears in the diner...someone who knows more than he's letting on. But it's going to take more than yummy cooking to find out just what Colby knows. But will he open up in time to be helpful? And, will Suzanne and the sheriff solve the mystery before someone else lands in a cold grave?

Find out on November 6, 2012 when the new Cackleberry Club Mystery, Stake & Eggs is released!

Have A Mysteriously Marvelous Monday!

The Mail Is A Bit Unusual

Happy Monday All,

This week is special because there are TWO official book reviews.

Here's today's treat:

Mardis Gras season in the Big Easy is a time of fun and revelry. At least, it is until television reporter, Kimber Breeze ends up hanging from the Hotel Tremaine's balcony where she had been interviewing local business owners.

Carmela Bertrand, owner of Memory Mine is the first to find Kimber. Calling her detective boyfriend, Carmela tries to help with crowd control, but with folks tripping over each other to escape the scene, it's near impossible.

Carmela thinks Raleigh, Kimber's camera man might have caught something on tape, however, when she gets the DVD all it reveals is someone dressed as the clown character in an opera.

To make things even more confusing, Carmela begins receiving strange post cards signed by the dead Kimber Breeze.

Who's behind the murder and the post cards? Is it Kimber's boyfriend, the business man? Is it the weird new shop owner who sells creepy oddities? Or could it be Kimber's ambitious assistant who has been waiting for her chance in the limelight? Or could it be, by chance, Kimber's financially strapped brother?

Either way, Carmela wants to know and soon...especially after things turn personal when someone puts on a hit on Carmela's house!

You'll find out who is behind it all and much more on October 2, 2012 when Laura Childs' newest Scrapbooking Mystery, Postcards From The Dead is released.

Happy sleuthing :-)

Have A Marvelous Monday!

September, New & Upcoming Releases...

Happy Tuesday All,

Today we remember and pray for those involved in the tragedy of 9/11, and we also remember all the brave men and women who defend the USA. May God bless them and be with them.

This year September is bringing weather to the South of the promise of Fall. It's not as cool as I'd prefer, yet, but it's cooler. One of the little trees in my backyard has already got some red leaves on it (pretty!) and another one is showing signs of Fall. Fall and Winter are my favorite seasons. What's yours?

Before I forget...

There's releases coming right around the corner:

Sophie Jordan's 3rd book in her YA series, Hidden, is out TODAY!

Kerrelyn Sparks has the re-release of her Historical under the title The Forbidden Lady (out on September 25, 2012). Also, her next Love At Stake book, Wild About You will be out on November 27, 2012.

C.C. Hunter's newest installment in her Shadowfalls series, Whispers At Moonrise will release on October 2nd.

Laura Childs' next Scrapbooking Mystery, entitled: Postcards From The Dead will also be out on October 2nd.

What books are you looking forward to that are coming out this Fall?

Have A Thoughtful Tuesday!

A Murder Most Fishy

Happy Monday All,

A busy week gave way to a busy weekend. My family from out-of-town made it safely home, and I approached the weekend a bit overwhelmed. However, other than the fact that Sunday afternoon offspring threw up, it was a nice weekend (prayers for offspring to get better would be wonderful and much appreciated!)

Since Offspring was sick Sunday afternoon, I'm not sure how often I will be able to check in during Monday, however, I will do my best. Please be patient--all comments are moderated by me before they are published in the comment section of this blog (for some reason this has solved some of the commenting difficulties people were experiencing when trying to post a comment on here).

Now, onto something happier and much more fun...an official blog review!

Some of you have seen some of my official blog reviews I've done for Mystery author, Laura Childs, and for those of you who have not, hope you enjoy my review of Agony Of The Leaves...

What’s better than a cup of tea and a scone? How about solving a murder? What about solving your ex-boyfriend’s murder?


That’s what Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston’s Indigo Tea Shop finds herself doing when she discovers the dead body of her ex-boyfriend, Parker Scully floating in a tank at the Neptune Aquarium during a private party the tea shop is helping to cater.


While the police department first deems it an accident, things don’t add up for Theo. There’s no way Parker would’ve drowned in that tank. Plus there’s the marks on his hands…aren’t they defense wounds?


Theodosia makes up her mind that no matter what the Police Department thinks, or what Detective Tidwell says, she’s going to investigate.


But when she becomes the target of a black truck trying to run her off the road, and her dear Aunt Libby the target of a bee attack (which considering the circumstances of the bees’ attack, looks intentional), will Theodosia manage the solve the mystery of who-done-it in time to save her own life…or is she next?

Once again, Mystery author, Laura Childs mixes the comfort of a hot cup of tea, the sweetness of a pastry with mystery, crime, and a hint of suspense that’ll keep you guessing until the end.

Oh and here's a first:  Laura actually has a book trailer for this one! You can check it out here.

You can pick up a copy of Agony Of The Leaves, the newest Tea Shop Mystery, on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at Amazon and also available at Barnes & Noble.
 
Have A Marvelous Monday!

How Mysterious!

Happy Monday Everybody,

Wow, it's been a long time since I've had an official blog review to do on a novel, but when I'm asked specifically by an author (or I beg them--Okay I ask very politely and they generously agree) I generally get an ARC (Advanced Readers' Copy) of their novel so that I can read it and review it before it comes out. And TA-DA! That happened, so you, my darling readers, get to hear about it before this even hits the sale shelves...

The newest addition to Laura Childs' Scrapbooking Mystery series is just about to hit stores and you better be ready for one wild ride. (And when doesn't Carmela and Ava NOT take you on a wild ride? After all, they do live and work in New Orleans, dahling!)

In Skeleton Letters we find Carmela and Ava witnesses of their friend, Byrle's death.

While taking care of some volunteer business of Ava's at St. Tristan's Church, Carmela and Ava have the horrifying experience of witnessing a murder. Unfortunately, they didn't exactly see how everything went down, and nor did they get a good look at the murderer. After all, what can you see when a person is swathed in a brown cloak?

A quick call to Carmela's boyfriend (and definite hero material) Dectective Babock sets Carmela smack into the middle of a murder investigation.

Worse still, Baby, Carmela's friend and regular customer at Carmela's scrapbooking shop, Memory Mine, begs Carmela to "look into things". Which, is expressly against Babcock's edict that Carmela keep herself out of the investigation, period the end.

Does she listen? Of course not! How can she when Baby specifically asked her and Byrle was her friend? So, with the help of another friend, and fellow witness, the very exuberant Ava, Carmela launches her own investigations...

Only to be nearly pushed off the road by a car following her...


and come across another dead body...

and stalked by some psycho leaving her a message in blood!


Who could be behind these heinous acts and why can't Carmela and the police pinpoint a good suspect?

The only way, you, my readers can find out and solve the case with Carmela and Ava is to run off and pick up a copy of Skeleton Letters available tomorrow (October 4, 2011) at Amazon and Barnes & Noble also available on Amazon Kindle and available on Barnes & Noble Nook.

P.S. Please look on my Twitter feed on how to support author Christie Craig--I'll have details through Twitter and my Facebook page. THANKS :-)

Have A Merry Monday!