Short & Sweet Sundays: Death of a Neighborhood Witch by Laura Levine

On September 30, 2013September 30, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies1 Comment

Sundays are a day of rest. So in honor of this one day of the week when I can legitimately loaf around in my Garfield jammies in front of the DVR, I bring you this new feature that I like to call “Short and Sweet Sundays.” This is a fun way for me to write up a quick and dirty book blog without getting too overambitious.

The gist (from the publisher): When Jaine Austen’s beloved cat Prozac unwittingly scares to death a parakeet belonging to the neighborhood’s resident curmudgeon, Jaine finds herself knee-deep in toil and trouble. The cantankerous Hollywood has-been once played Cryptessa Muldoon, television’s fourth most famous monster mom. Now she spends her days making enemies with everyone on the block. So when the ornery D-lister is murdered with her own Do Not Trespass sign on Halloween night, the neighborhood fills with relief–and possible culprits.

With a killer on the loose, Jaine hardly has time to fall under the spell of her yummy new neighbor, Peter. As the prime suspect, she summons her sleuthing skills to clear her name and soon discovers that everyone has a few skeletons in their closets. . .

The pros: If you’re having a bad day, week – or in my case – month, this book will turn that frown upside down! It’s a fun, fluffy, fast read filled with zany hijinks, quirky characters and slapstick humor. There’s a smidge of a mystery somewhere in between Jaine’s clumsy shenanigans, but really it’s all about the comedy. Toward the end, I was preparing myself for disappointment, but the author managed to surprise me with an unexpected plot twist. All in all, not too shabby!

The cons: I was hoping this would be an atmospheric Halloween mystery, but not so much. Don’t let the cute witchy kitty and jack-o-lantern on the cover fool you. Aside from an ill-fated costume party and couple trips to the store for fun-sized Halloween candy, this book is not Halloweenie at all.

I should also add that I was really annoyed by the wonky subplot involving sporadic email messages from Jaine’s kooky parents. Their kooky antics were a little too over the top, and I just flat-out didn’t care about their silly neighborhood drama. I’m sure loyal fans of this book series find this kind of thing to be cute and endearing, but I thought it was lame and distracting.

Thoughts on character development: Jaine Austen really is the star of the show. She’s cute, spunky and riddled with all sorts of bad habits. Unlike a lot of main characters in chick lit books, she’s fashionably challenged and a little on the pudgy side. She wears her elastic-waist jeans with pride and has a weakness for all things sugary and deep fried. How can you not love a girl like that? We could totally hang out! Although, she can leave her freinemie at home. Her next-door neighbor, Lance, is a real tool. I was really hoping he was the killer just so he’d get pushed off a cliff or locked up in prison for life.

Why I chose this book: The cover was too hard to resist! I’m a sucker for jack-o-lanterns and cute kitties.

This book is best paired with: A furry, four-legged lap-monger and a handful of “homemade” brownies.

Would I read another book by this author? Oh sure. Next time I need a little pick-me-up, I’ll grab another book in this series.

Audiobook Pick of the Month: Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

On September 22, 2013September 22, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies2 Comments

From the publisher: Teddi Overman found her life’s passion for furniture in a broken-down chair left on the side of the road in rural Kentucky. She learns to turn other people’s castoffs into beautifully restored antiques, and eventually finds a way to open her own shop in Charleston. There, Teddi builds a life for herself as unexpected and quirky as the customers who visit her shop. Though Teddi is surrounded by remarkable friends and finds love in the most surprising way, nothing can alleviate the haunting uncertainty she’s felt in the years since her brother Josh’s mysterious disappearance. When signs emerge that Josh might still be alive, Teddi is drawn home to Kentucky. It’s a journey that could help her come to terms with her shattered family—and to find herself at last. But first she must decide what to let go of and what to keep.

Why I liked it: This book is the reason why I LOVE Southern fiction. With a storyteller’s easy grace, Beth Hoffman whisked me away on Teddi’s emotional journey from a small town farmer’s daughter to a successful antique shop owner. Filled with messages of hope, kindness and tolerance, the story cuts to the very core of what is meant by “paying it forward.”

I especially love how Teddi’s journey of self-discovery revolves around antiques. There’s something very beautiful about breathing new life into an old, unwanted item. One of the reasons why I adore Teddi is that she sees the beauty in everything and refuses to give up hope. With each chapter, I rooted for her as she struggled to connect with her emotionally-detached mother, and when she relentlessly searched for her missing brother. But what I love most about Teddi is that she’s kind to others without expecting anything in return.

One of my most favorite moments happened toward the end of the book when Teddi took pity on an old, destitute man who appeared at her store with a truck load of old antiques to sell. She didn’t particularly want to purchase unsolicited goods, but she didn’t have the heart to turn him away. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I will say that her good deeds paid off big time in the end!

Favorite secondary character: Of all the wonderful characters in this book, it’s hard to choose a favorite. As Teddi begins to find her place in the world, she befriends an unforgettable cast of characters, including Tula Jane Poteet, an old, eccentric kleptomaniac ; Olivia, Teddi’s romantically-challenged best friend; and Albert, a gifted antiques restorer with a sour disposition and a heart of gold.

I guess if I had to choose, my favorite would be Mr. Palmer, the owner of a Charleston antiques store who gave Teddi her first big break into the business. He was the first to recognize her artistic talent and gave her the encouragement to pursue her passion. We should all be so lucky to have a Mr. Palmer in our lives.

The narrator: If there was an academy award for audiobooks, this narrator should win best actress! Jenna Lamia does a stellar job capturing each of the characters’ unique voices. With her authentic Southern accent and effortless storytelling skills, she delivers a top-notch performance for a truly great book. She also narrates Hoffman’s debut novel, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt, which by the way is one of my all-time most favorite books. You can read all about it here!

Summed up in three words: Heartwarming, poignant, memorable.

I’ve Been Nominated for a Liebster Award!

On September 8, 2013September 9, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies2 Comments

Hooray for blog awards! Thanks to the Book Girl from South Carolina, I am now the proud recipient of the Liebster Award, which means that I get to partake in a fun little Q&A about blogging, books and celebrity crushes!

Here’s how it works: Once a blogger is presented with the award, they must pay it forward to 10 bloggers, then they nominate 10 more, and so on. It’s like chain e-mail, but without the threat of a year of bad luck if you don’t play the game. It’s a fun way to connect with other bloggers, make new friends and attract more followers.

Without further ado, here are my bookish ramblings:

What made you want to start blogging?

I tear through so many books, and it’s hard to remember them all. So it made sense to keep track of all my reads in a blog. Plus, I do a lot of science writing in my day job and there’s only so much room for creativity. So this is a fun way to hone my creative writing skills without having to deal with a committee of editors. Not only do I get to be my own boss, I’m also making quality friendships with authors and fellow book bloggers. Starting up Chick Lit Café was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I’m so happy to be a part of such a wonderful book blogging community!

What book has influenced your life more than any other?

The most treasured book on my shelf is The Secret Garden. I read it back in second grade when my teacher praised my reading skills and urged me to read a book above my grade level. I doubt she even realized how those few words of encouragement inspired my passion for reading.

What author would you want to meet if you could choose anyone?

Oh that’s an easy one. Stephen King!

When you’re reading, what is your craziest bookish habit?

Well let’s see here…I have a lot of OCD reading habits. I guess if I had to pick one, I’d say that before I fall asleep at night, I roll over in bed with my Nook and read at least 10 pages.

How many hours a week do you typically spend blogging?

Ballpark, I’d say a couple hours. I wish I had more time, but I’ve got a LOT going on in my life!

What is your favorite literary series of all time?

This is tough. I’m the most faithful to Carolyn Haines’ Bones Mysteries. I love the zany characters, the atmospheric Mississippi setting, and the puzzling whodunits. Plus there’s ghosts and fuzzy, four-legged sidekicks!

What is your favorite book to movie adaptation – now or coming soon?

Well it’s not a movie per say, but I’m going to have to go with the Dexter series on Showtime. Of course, the books are better, but I’m thoroughly entertained by the complex characters, the cliffhanger endings, and the bizarre serial killers. Oh and I’m also a big fan of a shirtless Michael C. Hall!

What is your absolute favorite song right now?

Currently I’m in love with Kate Voegele’s version of Hallelujah. It’s breathtaking.

Who is your #1 Book Boyfriend and someone you would totally date in real life if you could?

Definitely Eric Northman in the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries.

What is the most frustrating thing about being a newer blogger and trying to get your site up and running?

Aside from getting people to post comments, the most frustrating thing about blogging is not having enough time to read review copies from up-and-coming authors. I hate to say no, but I can’t please everyone – and reading should never become a chore.

Now it’s my turn to spread the love! Here are my 10 nominations:

Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog

A Prairie Girl Reads

The Book Bag

Delilah Anne’s Book Blog

Here are my 10 questions they must answer:

1. What do you love most about blogging?

2. If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one book, which one would it be?

3. What is your favorite genre and why?

4. If you could be any literary character, which one would it be?

5. Do you prefer e-books over print books?

6. Do you have a favorite reading spot?

7. Be honest, do you sometimes buy a book based on its cover?

8. Which book would you like to see turned into a big blockbuster movie?

9. Do you have a favorite book series?

10. Do you like to listen to music when you read?

Extra, Extra! Get Your Copy of ‘Love Saves the Day’ and Donote to Blind Cat Rescue

On August 29, 2013August 29, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies3 Comments

Attention all cat lovers! Between now and 10/27, Gwen Cooper will be donating 100 percent of her royalties on all pre-orders and sales of the paperback edition of her new novel, Love Saves the Day to Blind Cat Rescue in honor of her recently departed Homer.

If you aren’t familiar with Homer, you can read all about him in Homer’s Odyssey! I didn’t have the honor of meeting Homer, but I did get to visit with Gwen at an Austin Pets Alive fundraiser event. You can read all about it right here!

Speaking of incredibly adorable felines, my book blogger pal, at Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and More, has just welcomed new family member/co-blogger named Truffles. Stop by her blog to welcome this adorable tortie kitty into the blogosphere. Melissa (who I swear is my doppelganger!) is an animal

Isn't Truffles a doll! — Isn’t Truffles a doll!

rescue advocate and a cozy mystery maven! I always go to her blog whenever I’m shopping around for an atmospheric whodunit.

Melissa’s beloved Tara recently crossed the rainbow bridge, and I hope more than anything that she’s chasing butterflies and rolling around in the sun with Homer and that famous little library cat named Dewey.

At that I will leave you with this poignant quote from Homer’s Odyssey,

“A friend once asked me why it was that stories about animals and their heroism…are so compelling. …we love them because they’re the closest thing we have to material evidence of an objective moral order–or, to put it another way, they’re the closest thing we have to proof of the existence of God. They seem to prove that the things that matter to and move us the most–things like love, courage, loyalty, altruism–aren’t just ideas we made up from nothing. To see them demonstrated in other animals proves they’re real things, that they exist in the world independently of what humans invent and tell each other in the form of myth or fable.” ― Gwen Cooper

Musing Mondays: Audiobook Narrators

On August 26, 2013August 26, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies4 Comments

Musing Mondays, is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading that asks book bloggers to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it then!

My Musing:

Let’s see here…I think I’m going to opt for the bookish rant option. The narrator for Nora Roberts’ Black Hills was AWFUL! Considering that the story was excruciatingly long and tedious, it’s a wonder how I managed to power through the entire thing. But hey, audiobooks are expensive and I hate wasting a monthly Audible credit.

Here’s the thing: Dudes should not narrate sappy romance books, mainly because they sound like drunken drag queens with their nasally high-pitched “female voices.” I just couldn’t take the main character seriously because he made her sound RIDICULOUS!

I’m not saying that I don’t like male narrators. In fact, they’re excellent for any genre other than romance. Have you ever heard a book narrated by Neil Gaimen? Incredible! Oh and I also adore Jim Frangione, the narrator for Spencer Quinn’s Chet and Bernie Mysteries. He does an excellent job capturing Chet’s happy-go-lucky dog voice!

So there’s my bookish rant. Sorry to sound like a crusty curmudgeon. Next time I promise to choose a much more chipper topic!

Short & Sweet Sundays: Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey

On August 18, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies3 Comments

Sundays are a day of rest. So in honor of this one day of the week when I can legitimately loaf around in my Garfield jammies in front of the DVR, I bring you “Short and Sweet Sundays.” This is a fun way for me to write up a quick and dirty book blog without getting too wordy.

Summary (from the publisher) Halloween Laveau is descended from a long line of witches. Yes, her name is Halloween. The cosmic universe is definitely playing some kind of sick joke on her. She’s the ultimate witch cliché, complete with a black cat and spooky house. Thank heavens she’s missing the warts and flying broom.

When Halloween inherits her great-aunt’s manor, she decides to put the house to good use as a bed-and-breakfast. Her first guest is the sinfully good-looking Nicolas Marco, but he’s not here for the continental breakfast. Halloween discovers a ratty old book in the attic. It’s written in an unfamiliar language, and unknown to her, the tome is cursed.

Halloween soon learns there’s a link between the book and her newfound talent as a necromancer. But her new skills come with a catch: the reanimated dead aren’t as cupcake-sweet as they were when they were alive. When a rival witch comes after the book, Halloween doesn’t know who to trust–the sexy vampire who says he wants to save the day, or the warlock who says he can destroy the book once and for all.

Halloween had better learn fast. Because when the dead start rising, only a powerful witch can put them back under

What I liked: The premise is the book’s biggest selling point. The author was really on to something when she created a series about a witch named Halloween running a mystical B&B in a charming little town. Sprinkle in a love triangle with a couple of mysterious bad boys and I’m sold.

Favorite character: Sorry to be an asshole, but I have to be honest. All of the characters fell flat for me. I could see that the author was trying to paint Halloween as a lovable, quirky fledgling witch, but it just didn’t work out. I needed more of a backstory about her struggle as an outsider – something that could have resonated with my own plight as a nerdy social outcast back in high school. I’m not saying that she’s unlikeable, she just needed more depth. Plus the witty banter between Halloween and her best friend seemed forced. I got the sense that she didn’t really have a good handle on her characters, resulting in wonky dynamics and stilted dialogue.

The cover: Speaking of shallow, I admit that I bought this book because of the cover. While I was shopping around on my Nook, I immediately honed in on the fearless, fashionable blonde standing before a creepy haunted manor amidst the backdrop of a starry midnight sky. I love a good Halloween story filled with spooky atmosphere and magic! Moral of the story: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.

Overall assessment: If you like fluffy, uncomplicated paranormal romances, perhaps you’ll enjoy this book. And hey, sometimes it’s nice to read a little fluff every now and then. When my brain needs a break, there’s nothing I’d rather do than veg out in front of one of those paint-by-the-numbers Hallmark movies. But if you’re looking for a witchcraft series with a little more depth and suspense, I recommend picking up a book by Juliet Blackwell or Debbie Viguie.

Waiting on Wednesday: Dark Witch by Nora Roberts

On August 14, 2013August 14, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies7 Comments

“Waiting On Wednesday” is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. This week I’m waiting on the first installment of Nora Roberts’ paranormal triology: Dark Witch (Oct. 29, 2013). Just in time for Halloween, it’s full of witchcraft, Irish legends and saucy love scenes with a swashbuckling wild tribal horseman! Yes, her books are rather predictable and formulaic, but I’d be lying if I said that her paranormal trilogies aren’t entertaining.

From the publisher: With indifferent parents, Iona Sheehan grew up craving devotion and acceptance. From her maternal grandmother, she learned where to find both: a land of lush forests, dazzling lakes, and centuries-old legends. Ireland. County Mayo, to be exact. Where her ancestors’ blood and magic have flowed through generations—and where her destiny awaits. Iona arrives in Ireland with nothing but her Nan’s directions, an unfailingly optimistic attitude, and an innate talent with horses. Not far from the luxurious castle where she is spending a week, she finds her cousins, Branna and Connor O’Dwyer. And since family is family, they invite her into their home and their lives. When Iona lands a job at the local stables, she meets the owner, Boyle McGrath. Cowboy, pirate, wild tribal horsemen, he’s three of her biggest fantasy weaknesses all in one big, bold package. Iona realizes that here she can make a home for herself—and live her life as she wants, even if that means falling head over heels for Boyle. But nothing is as it seems. An ancient evil has wound its way around Iona’s family tree and must be defeated. Family and friends will fight with each other and for each other to keep the promise of hope—and love—alive…

The Friday Five: Veiled Revenge by Ellen Byerrum

On August 10, 2013August 10, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn CoziesLeave a comment

In honor of my favorite day of the week, I bring you The Friday Five. Every Friday I will ask the same five questions to myself, or any other willing participant! All my fellow book lovers are welcome to join in on the fun.

From the publisher: Washington, D.C., fashion reporter Lacey Smithsonian has always believed clothes can be magical, but she’s never thought they can be cursed. Until now. Lacey’s best friend, Stella, is finally getting married, and at her bachelorette party, fellow bridesmaid—and fortune-teller—Marie Largesse arrives with a stunning Russian shawl. A shawl, Marie warns, that can either bless or curse the wearer. When a party crasher who mocks the shawl is found dead the next day, the other guests fear the curse has been unleashed. But Lacey has her doubts, and she must employ all her Extra-Fashionary Perception to capture a villain who has vowed that nobody at this wedding will live happily ever after…

Why did you choose this book? I recently watched a re-run of Killer Hair on the Lifetime channel and felt the urge to delve into another Lacey Smithsonian adventure. And really, how could I turn away from a mystery revolving around a cursed shawl? Plus Stella’s getting hitched, which means lots and lots of outrageous fashions and melodrama galore!

Where did the author go right? Or if it’s a turkey, what went wrong? Like going to my favorite hamburger joint in a city full of restaurants, I know without a doubt that any book by Ellen Byerrum is a surefire winner. It’s like she studied me and figured out how to blend all of my most favorite elements into a book series: Quirky gal pals, vintage fashions, a headstrong reporter sleuth, and just a dash of romance. As a journalist, I tend to be a little biased toward my fellow newshounds, which must be why I’m rather fond of Lacey. But there are many other reasons why she stands out among the many amateur sleuths on my bookshelves. She’s fiercely devoted to her friends, and she’s got this mysterious connection to her aunt Mimi. Although Mimi is long gone, she still gives comfort to Lacey through the treasure trove of vintage fashions she left behind in her trunk. Wouldn’t it be fun if the author wrote a spinoff about the enigmatic Aunt Mimi? Perhaps she was a fashionable amateur sleuth back in the 1940s!

Did anything bug you about the book? Ugh, yes! Stella’s sanctimonious new-agey mother totally bugged me. I almost threw my book against the wall when she threatened to torch Stella’s pretty princess wedding gown in a “cleansing ritual.” Oh and while I’m at it, I’m also really annoyed that the Lifetime channel didn’t continue on with the series. Go here to read more about my thoughts on the books vs. TV series.

Dear Lifetime Channel, please reinstate the Crimes of Fashion series. I miss these ladies!

Would you read another book by this author? Absolutely! I’ve been reading this series out of order, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

How would you sum up the book in three words? Hilarious, witty, suspenseful.

Sundays in Bed with…Romantic Times Book Reviews (No. 4)

On August 4, 2013August 4, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies6 Comments

Welcome to my Sundays in Bed with, a weekly meme hosted by Midnight Book Girl! This is a fun opportunity to spotlight the book I’m reading on the glorious day of the week.

This morning I’m reading: Romantic Times Book Reviews

Gizzy and I partied pretty hard last night on my birthday, so today we’re spending the day enjoying our presents (he got loads of crinkle paper!) and reading the latest issue of Romantic Times magazine. I love, love, love reading author interviews and reviews of brand-spanking new books. The advertisements of book covers with shirtless Highlander men are an added bonus! The only problem is that I end up adding at least half a dozen new books to my to-read pile. But then again, you can never have too much of a good thing, right?

While I’m at it, check out my birthday loot! Are you sensing a theme here?

Happy Sunday reading everyone! Feel free to post a comment about your current read!

W…W…W… Wednesdays (No. 3)

On July 31, 2013 By Bubble Bubble Books and TroubleIn Cozies10 Comments

Happy hump day everybody! WWW Wednesdays is a bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three questions:

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

Currently reading: Veiled Revenge: A Crime of Fashion Mystery by Ellen Byerrum

Whenever summertime rolls around, I pick up a Crime of Fashion mystery because there’s nothing I’d rather read by the pool with a tropical drinky drink than a fun and frothy mystery filled with fashion, friends and sexy detectives! As expected, I’m completely enraptured by the mystery of the cursed Russian shawl. Ellen Byerrum sure knows how to spin a darn good yarn – pun intended!

Just finished reading: Texas Cooking by Lisa Wingate

I love Texas and I love good food…maybe a little too much. Plus the cowgirl boots on the pretty pink cover was screaming my name, so I just couldn’t resist hitting the download button. Yes, the up-tight city girl thrust into a small town is somewhat of a cliché. And yes, the plot is a little on the thin side. But you know what – this fun little feel-good story was just what I needed during a hectic month. Although the book is the literary equivalent of a Hallmark channel movie of the week, the author has some serious writing chops! I loved getting swept away by her whimsical descriptions of small town Texas life. How I wish I could just ditch Austin and move to San Saline and hang out with Mrs. Hawthorne and the peacocks at the B&B!

Next up: Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey

Let’s see here…a haunted B&B, a witch named Halloween, and two paranormal hotties? It’s like the author wrote this book just for me! And just look at the cover! Seriously, how could I go wrong? Hopefully the story will live up to the enticing premise. I’ll be sure to let you know.