Books that I loved!

Let’s celebrate books written by authors who have also become friends. I am delighted when an author I enjoy and follow publishes a new book. And this week, I have three new releases by favorite authors to share with you.

Looking for more books to read? Please visit my Book Promotions page and explore all the latest releases. Extracts, blurbs, reviews, author info, books links- all waiting for you!

Whacked by Witches: Witch Itch Cozy Mystery – Book 3 by CeCe Osgood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Is magick real? It must be because Author CeCe Osgood certainly has the potion for creating potent spells, I mean books! I was bewitched by the delightful heroine Abby Little in the first book of the series, Doomed by Desserts. I eagerly followed her adventures in the second book, and now we have the fun of the third book in the series.

Abby learned she was a witch, or specifically a beginner Enchanter in the first book. She, and her teenage daughter Jill, left their small bakery and moved to Moon Water, Oregon in the second book. Moon Water is not the typical mountain town because some of the friendly town folk are also Enchanters.

What’s it like being a novice Enchanter? Well, Abby has her own familiar, Busby. He first revealed himself to Abby as a book, but now he appears as a cat. He can talk, he has a pushy personality and he tries to help Abby learn the ropes so she can advance through the Enchanter levels. Abby also is learning to drive her own broomstick, and she enjoys zooming through the night sky under the stars.

Then one day, out for an early morning bird walk, Abby and her neighbor find a body. Abby meets with the handsome sheriff and decides the death was accidental. But was it? Abby learns that several people in town could be suspects. Then things get even worse when the magickal world gets involved. Is Dim Fever spreading through Moon Water? Who are the Dark Flyers? Will Abby find the right hex, potion, or solution?

The cozy mystery will be resolved to our satisfaction, but the best part of the book is reading about Abby and her attempts to deal with the world of magick. There’s another best part to the book, too- when we learn about the sheriff’s surprise. (and there’s a cute bird, too!)

I know you will enjoy this entertaining mystery with its fun characters, charming bits of magick and Author Osgood’s humor.

Thanks to the author for a review copy. This is my honest review.

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Cats, Chaos, and Condo Board Wars by Nikki LeClair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Fairway Towers is smack dab in the middle of downtown, in one of the trendiest neighborhoods”. And it’s where my new favorite character Hilary Brandt lives with her friend Luna. Hilary’s Grandpa left his condo to her after he died.

Hilary is an accomplished event planner and according to her own report, she is also “A huge workaholic. A big pushover. I make stupid decisions based on my emotions. I don’t date. I’m a terrible kisser. I can’t be mean.” If you are a fan of Nikki LeClair, you know that this author creates awesome characters that are so much fun to read about. And she’s done it again with Hilary.

In addition to Hilary, this book has more entertaining characters than a condo board has regulations. From the other condo owners, to Hilary’s co-workers and clients, there is always plenty to smile about.

Hilary’s main problem is Glover. The condo President knows every rule and makes up new ones on the spot. Hilary is not allowed to have her cat, she can’t eat take-out Indian food in her condo, and she can’t have her own in-unit washer and dryer. When she and Luna learn that other owners feel frustrated, too, the gloves are off against Mrs. Glover. “I’m going to knock that dictator of her throne.”

Will Hilary run for the Board Presidency and will she win? Maybe, but she has many other issues to deal with. Her boss wants her to land a special account. Warren, an event client seems to be very interested in her. Her co-workers Eli, Jasmine and Marco are always into something. And then there’s the disappearing, intriguing guy, Neil. Plus, an unexpected kiss. And don’t forget about Board President Glover and all her tricky schemes.

Every page of this well-written and creative book is filled with delightful plot twists and many surprises. Hilary is lovable and her fun spirit shines through the book. Extra stars for crafting a darling, amusing and engaging book about a condo board war! Highly recommend.

Many thanks to The Letterers Collective for an ARC. This is my honest review.

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Grasping For Grace: Never Grow Up by D. Pichardo-Johansson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being an eternal child is wonderful.

Grasping for Grace is the fourth book in the highly readable and fascinating Sunshine State series. This is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to the latest book! I love how the titles refer to the story, as well as positive life traits.

I enjoyed this book and there were so many parts of it that I highlighted as I read. I know most readers, and especially fans of this dynamite author will rave about this book, but…

These weren’t my favorite characters. I found them odd and disquieting. Which is just my take. For sure, book characters should be out of the ordinary. Who wants to read about regular people just emptying the dishwasher? Allison and Jay are certainly not average or boring. And you may well be delighted with their mercurial lives.

So, what’s the book about? If you’ve kept up with the series, you know that it focuses on a group of women friends, and each book showcases one of their stories. What I like about the series, is not only do you get an entertaining contemporary romance, but you also learn some positive life lessons. (FYI- Each book works well as a standalone read!)

This time, we get to know Allison, the man-hating psychologist. And we meet Jay. Jay is beyond handsome, an athlete with a great body who created his own successful fitness business. He oozes charisma, has a child-like love of life and many secrets. Could they ever be a couple?

The best part of the book was when Allison became the first woman to experience Jay’s famous two-week mega-intensive Legendary Heroes Boot Camp. His approach to fitness is unique- and well-done to Author Pichardo-Johansson for creating this idea. The lessons on body-image, fitness and health were well- conceived and present thoughtfully and positively. (The second-best part was the hot romantic scenes!)

I wasn’t as comfortable with other parts of the plot. Jay and Allison’s relationship careened from one catastrophe to another as they both attempted to sort out their past lives. I realize it’s just fiction and I found it an exciting read, but some of their decisions were …insane?

I do encourage you to read this book- it truly is engaging and exciting. Just not my favorite. But I’ll be interested to see what other readers think! (By the way, my favorite book in the series is Faith is Fearless. Must read!!)

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

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