From Amazon: The third instalment of the cozy Baker’s Rise series is here, with Flora and Reggie facing some ghosts from the past! Fresh from her latest investigation, Lady of the Manor Flora is looking forward to a quiet Autumn, writing her children’s stories, serving customers in the tearoom, and learning how to make and decorate a traditional Christmas cake in time for the festive season.
What she doesn’t anticipate is the arrival of her ex-husband, declaring his undying love for her! Is he as lovesick as he declares, or does he have another reason for seeking Flora out? Of course, in true Baker’s Rise style, things get rather more complicated rather quickly, and Flora finds herself in the eye of a whole new storm. Packed with humour and suspense, colourful characters and a sprinkle of romance, this next Baker’s Rise Mystery will certainly leave you hungry for more! (Includes a Christmas Cake recipe!) Note from the author: Since the same quirky cast of characters feature in each installment of the Baker’s Rise Mysteries, the books are best enjoyed when read in order!

My Review: I found this mystery to be cozy and loving, along with a few never do well type of people to add drama into the mix. Romance is light yet ever present, and the mystery of certain events leaving the reader waiting to know how things would turn out.

Such was the carnage of The Great War that it was thought it would put an end to war for good. The war affected the lives of millions of men, including Tolkien and Milne. It gave birth to some rather unusual WWI alphabet primers. WWI also triggered medical advances such as plastic surgery and blood […]

The 1914 Christmas Truce — Nicholas C. Rossis

From Amazon: ‘Had me longing for snowflakes in the air… I read the book too quickly and need a new Sue Moorcroft already’ NetGalley review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Snuggle up with a mince pie, a cup of cocoa and the most heartwarming book this Christmas from the bestselling Sue Moorcroft. Christmas. A time for family, friends – and rekindling old flames… When Laurel returns to the village of Middledip, she’s looking for a quiet life. Adjusting to her recent divorce, she’s ready to spend some time getting back on her feet amidst the glorious snow-dusted countryside. Yet, life in Middledip is far from straightforward. Coming to the aid of her sister, Rea, as she navigates her own troubles, Laurel barely has a moment to think about where her own life is going. However, time stands still when she sees her old flame, Grady Cassidy – and it’s soon as if they’ve never been apart. But through her happiness, Laurel remembers why she left the village all those years ago, as she recalls a dark night and Grady’s once-wayward brother, Mac… Can Laurel learn to forgive and forget? Or will her chances of Christmas under the mistletoe with Grady remain a dream? An enchanting, festive read, perfect for fans of Sarah Morgan and Carole Matthews.

My Review: This has been a truly lovely romantic Christmas read that I finished up on Christmas Day! Fitting for this story. Love abounds and some social issues add angst and reality to a small village where everyone knows each other and are willing to help anyone without a second thought. Five stars.

Recipe for Sugar Free, Low Carb, Low Fat cookies and you can make most any flavor you like.

Preheat oven 350.

In bowl add one cup of Bisquick, one package sugar free pudding of your choice, 1/4 cup Splenda or your choice, and 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, if desired. Blend well.

Make a well in mixture and add 1/4 cup Canola oil, one egg, one teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 cup sugar free flavoring of choice (I used Dark Cherry).

Mix well, I just use a fork. Then spoon onto ungreased baking pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let set in pan for 30 minutes, then transfer to cookie plate, or whatever you want to place them in.

This makes one pan of cookies. Sugar free and low carb. I just baked Lemon with Dark Cherry and some unsweetened Coconut.

From Amazon: Sometimes you have to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be yourself. Bea Stevens and Ryan O’Marley are in danger of falling through the cracks of their own lives; the only difference between them is that Bea doesn’t know it yet. When her world is shaken like a snow-globe, Bea has to do what she does best; adapt. Homeless man Ryan is the key to unlocking the mystery of her friend Declan’s disappearance but can she and Ryan trust one another enough to work together? As the pieces of her life settle in new and unexpected places, like the first fall of snow, Bea must make a choice: does she try to salvage who she was or embrace who she might become? Just Bea takes the reader on a heartwarming journey from the glamour of a West End store to the harsh reality of life on the streets and reminds us all that home really is where the heart is.

My Review: Tackles the hard to write stories. This is a book that mixes genres. Certainly, contemporary and there is romance, yet other issues are taken on in a rather informative manner, such as homelessness, and has been researched well. Not only touching, but angst is inserted in among various scenarios and it’s worth noting that the issues brought out in this novel will reach and all readers. Five stars.

From Amazon: Desdemona, a pianist in the Austin life-music scene, is channel-surfing when she stumbles upon the program Marriage Exposure. The trashy television show gets people to spill all the secrets of their sex lives, and Desdemona’s ex-boyfriend just happens to be a guest. To her shock and horror, Desdemona’s ex announces on national television that he dumped her because she never got the big O. “She faked…,” he says. Every single time. Her life is wrecked! If her friends, family and colleagues haven’t seen the interview yet, they will. How do you survive a scandal like this? How did he know she faked? And why is it that in the bedroom, Desdemona never, ever gets lucky? The lovable, creative and quirky heroine tackles these challenges. As Desdemona tries to run damage control on her reputation, she begins to explore her sexuality. Along the way, she will get a second chance at genuine love. Q. D. Purdu’s Finding Lucky won first place in the romance category of the Texas Writers’ League. Desdemona’s quest for the Big O is full of hilarious moments, handsome men, and heartfelt memories.

My Review: This novel is sexy yet touching, romantic yet painful, and all things associated with human feelings and laugh out loud moments. Be prepared for some sex scenes between uncertainties, misunderstandings galore, intimacies, embezzlement, music, laughter, and lots of twists and turns. Five stars.