22 Feb

Charli Reads and Reviews: SUNNY SIDE UP by Maureen K. Howard

Jena Henry Blog, Charli Reads & Reviews 5 0

I scroll through thousands of tweets to find books that pique my interest. Then I click, read and review my book finds so I can share my curated list with you.

What books pique my interest and beckon to me?

A cover that is creative, lovely and inviting.
An author with an interesting bio on Twitter who is an engaging poster.
A book blurb that sounds fresh, intriguing or lyrical.
I have no special formula– just “aha! I can’t wait to read this book.”

I do not solicit manuscripts. I curate these on my own. Because…I am a writer who loves to read, learn and encourage!

This week I read:

Sunny Side Up: Lake Erie Mysteries Book 1

by Maureen K. Howard

“All right, Aphrodite, cool your toga!”

I chose this book because the author (actually a mother-daughter team which is fun) writes about an area that is one of my favorite playgrounds. You may think that the Lake Erie Islands are quaint summer vacation places, where folks putter on their boats and jet skis, sun bathe and enjoy happy hour libations, and you would be correct, unless you are the characters of Sunny Side Up.

Friends, Francie and June, meet up on Memorial Day weekend at Beacon Pointe and mystery and mayhem ensues. Francie is married to a patient and loving guy, Hammond Egge. Right away, when you hear that name, you know you are going to love this book. The three of them boat over to Kellys Island to relax, shop and eat. These tame activities are soon interrupted by fire, murder, robbery, and abduction. The two high-spirited (in more ways than one!) amateur detectives drink wine, ricochet from problem and disaster to another, and do their best to save their friends.

This is a light-hearted, humorous, yet captivating read. The various Lake Erie locales are vividly described and add to the zest of the story. Bonus points for a well-designed cover, I loved the sunny-side-up sun. I looked forward to reading their second book in the series, Deviled!: Lake Erie Mysteries Book 2

Maureen K. Howard is the pen name of mother and daughter Maureen Kovach and Brigette Howard. Visit them at their website.