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Books I have read in Q1 of 2024

What books did I read in the first quarter of 2024 and what did I think of them?

I’ve already written my review of the Book of Doors but I haven’t written much about other books I’ve read since 1/1/24. So, here is a list of some of the books I have read in the first quarter of 2024.

Fiction

Rippler – Cidney Swanson – When Samantha discovers she can become invisible, her life takes quite a turn. She doesn’t feel so alone when she finds out that she isn’t the only one who can do this. Unfortunately for Samantha and Will, this skill puts them in danger. Someone out there is trying to get rid of “ripplers” and Will’s sister is key to finding out who. She used to work with a scientist that was studying this phenomenon. When the scientist is killed, Will and his sister go into hiding, which is how they ended up in Samantha’s town. Rippler follows Will, Samantha, and Will’s sister, Mickie as they try to get to the bottom of the mystery. This was a decent YA Fantasy book. It did make me want to read the rest of the series.

The Bordeaux Book Club – Gillian Harvey – What happens when you move to another country and become an expat? The Bordeaux Book Club tells the story of 5 British expats that have moved to France and meet up as a book club. There is Leah, the bored housewife who suspects her husband of cheating. Then we have Grace, a prickly divorcee who seems to know everyone and dislike them all. Monica, the new mom who is parenting her child alone while her husband travels for work. House builder, George, a non-reader who joins the club, it seems, to meet Grace. Lastly, there is young Alfie who is 2 decades younger than the rest of the group and spends most of his time at school or taking care of his ill mother. This ragtag group somehow become a family and a support system through good times and bad. I love a good group story about readers. This was an enjoyable light read.

Better Left Unsent- Lia Louis – Do you type emails you want to but shouldn’t send and save them to your drafts? Well, I Better Left Unsent is the story about a woman who is trying to survive a breakup with a coworker and watching him get engaged to another coworker. When her draft emails “accidentally” get sent, chaos ensues. I did take a great lesson away from this book — DO NOT PUT THE EMAIL ADDRESS IN A DRAFT EMAIL BECAUSE IT WILL PROBABLY GET SENT.

Becoming Madam Secretary – Stephanie Dray – This is the fictionalized story of Frances Perkins, the first female Secretary of Labor (or any other department!!). I enjoy a well written historical fiction and Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is up there with the best I’ve read. Frances Perkins’ story is one I was not familiar with prior to reading this book. What a fascinating woman and an extraordinary life. We were lucky she lived at a time when politicians wanted to do what was best for the Country and not what lined their own pockets! I can’t recommend it enough. READ IT!!

Nightworld Academy (Terms 1 through 6) – L.J. Swallow – Kind of Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Harry Potter. When Maeve finds out that the fits she has been having are “normal” because she is a witch, her life gets turned upside down. This series has witches, vampires, shape-shifters who are mostly trying to live peacefully without being discovered by normal people. However, there are factions that done want the species to co-mingle. An ok YA Fantasy series.

Slain in the Sand (Cape Cod Cozy Mysteries – Book 2) – Angela K. Ryan – A clean, cozy murder mystery with likeable characters. I love Angela K. Ryan’s books. They will always be on my TBR list.Her murder mysteries are not gory. They have many interesting characters and I NEVER guess who done it before it is revealed in her books. Put all of her books on your radar.

Non-fiction

Facilities Management Handbook – Frank Boot – I work as a Senior Administrative Assistant at our local government Facilities Dept. Sometimes my job can get a little boring and repetitive. As someone with great curiosity, I am always looking to learn something new. I wanted to know more about what my coworkers do, so I decided to read this book. Now, when I have a question about a procedure or about a project, I have more knowledge to ask the right questions. Never stop learning.

Canva for Beginners: An Illustrative Graphic Design Guide with Photos and Professional Tips and Tricks for Marketers, Workers, or Business Owners – Edit Dickinson – I started using Canva when I worked at the library. Now I use it at work to create slides for our digital message boards. This is a good book for Canva beginners.

The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant – Jeremy Burrows – Who doesn’t want to feel like they are a game changer? Who doesn’t want to feel more confident at work? This book has gotten me through several rough patches at work. I have read it three times and it has made me a better admin. I pull this book out whenever I need a reminder that I didn’t become an Administrative Assistant for the recognition —- and it is a good thing I didn’t. LOL.

The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

My first book review of 2024 is The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown.

This is the story about a book that can take you anywhere in the world – really! Anywhere, anytime, the possibilities are endless. This is what happens to Cassie, a young bookseller, who befriends an older gentleman who is a regular at the bookstore where she works. When this gentleman passes away at the store, he leaves a note gifting The Book of Doors to her. What follows is an amazing story of magic, time travel, special books, and the ruthless characters who “collect” them.

Imagine that book in the wrong hands and you’ll know why Cassie and her friends need to protect the book. But, the Book of Doors is not the only magical book. There are others and they are being used by “collectors” to obtain the Book of Doors by any means necessary, each more gruesome than the last.

A story of friendship, trust, betrayal, ruthlessness, and redemption. It was a rollercoaster read.

Fair warning: There are some very graphic and violent descriptions of what the bad guy/gal do to people who get in their way. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

All in all, this was a good read and I have already recommended it to several people. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

The book is set to release on February 13, 2024. You can pre-order on Amazon or from your local bookstore.

Thanks for reading.

September 21, 2023 -Supernatural Legends: Sam Colt by Travis Perdue

Supernatural is a dark fantasy dramatic television show that first aired on the WB in 2005. It followed the story of Dean and Sam Winchester, two brothers who hunt demons and monsters. While I have watched several episodes, I am not an expert on the show.

Supernatural Legends: Sam Colt by Travis Perdue tells the fictional story of the historical figure, Sam Colt, the inventor of the Colt Revolver. In the book, the author cleverly takes the true background of Samuel Colt and creates a twist where he is actually a demon and monster hunter. As he is traveling to New York City, he happens upon the town of Big Bend, Connecticut. While paying for a room above the salon, he gets pulled into investigating an attack at the Gable farm outside town. A large wolf-like animal has killed a calf as well as the farm hand. What, or who, is the monster?

I am a sucker for historical fiction. Taking a person, place, or thing from the past and creating a fictional story around them and doing it well, makes for a great read. From Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter to The Girl With The Pearl Earring, the creativity needed to build a story around a real person is amazing. Supernatural Legends: Sam Colt does this very well. It pulled me and and, when I was finished, I wanted more.

If you would like to check out this book, you can find it on Amazon here:

When I found out that the Director where I work wrote a book, I purchased the Kindle version and told him that I would be reading and reviewing the book on my blog. This is my personal, honest, spoiler-free review. I hope you enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading.

May 19, 2023 – Book Review – Mango Murder by Angela K. Ryan

On May 19, 2023, Angela K. Ryan released her highly anticipated novel, Mango Murder. It is the 7th book in the Seaside Ice Cream Shop Mysteries. When Anna, the owner of Bella’s Dream ice cream parlor in Seagull Cove, decides to hold a tropical-themed ice cream party to help the community make it through the rest of the cold winter, she doesn’t anticipate murder.

After the Tropical Ice Cream Party, a local teacher is found murdered. Anna needs to find out who killed her after leaving her ice cream shop. Was it the rival teacher vying for the same vice principle job, the two teachers who are bending the rules by dating each other, the principle, or another community member with a grudge?

While trying to find out who done it, Anna is also trying to help woman, Heather, who has amnesia after a car accident. Is Heather a victim or a criminal?

Anna is also trying to help her sister, Bella, try to figure out the mystery she is involved in that has her in hiding.

The captivating story, plot, and strong relatable characters make this book a must-read. If you are looking for a clean, lighthearted mystery, then Mango Murder is the perfect choice. It is sure to keep you turning pages until the satisfying end.

You can order your copy at Amazon or from your local independent book store. Don’t forget to check the authors other books as well.

Thanks for reading.

Juicy Jersey by Lizz Lund

Full of humorous New Jersey stereotypes, Juicy Jersey is a crazy murder mystery. From the opulent home of a family of questionable means to the fun of the Jersey shore, you will enjoy following Mina Kitchen as she tries to figure out who killed the woman her dog-sitting charge found at a highway rest stop. An entertaining, light read – especially for this old Jersey girl.

Thanks for reading.

I’ve been feeling uninspired lately.

It’s been over a month since I posted anything. I’ve had ideas for reviews of both books and healthy food, I just haven’t had the motivation. I need to get back on track.

Here are some highlights from life in the past month +:

Swimming – Mike and I have started going to the pool at our local recreation center on Saturday mornings. It has been wonderful for our joints. We didn’t go last week when I had the flu. This week we went to a comic book show instead. Next week we plan to go to North Port Aquatic Center to check out their pool and lazy river. Can’t wait.
The Winners by Frederik Backman – I had the pleasure to read the upcoming third book in the Beartown series. I am a a big fan of Mr. Backman. His books are wonderful. A review of the book is in the works and will be posted closer to the expected publishing date of September 27, 2022.
Cozy mysteries – I’m on a cozy mystery reading kick. I love to go on Amazon and find the first book in a cozy mystery series to see if I want to read the whole series.
Crafts – I haven’t been crafting as much. I’ve been craft brainstorming but haven’t done much more. I’m starting to feel a little inspiration to get ready for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas crafts. Stay tuned, there may be a how-to video or two in the works.
Trying to stay cool – I’ve not been successful. It is has been pretty freakin’ hot since what feels like forever. Can’t wait for “cool” weather.

So, what have you been up to this Summer?

Thanks for reading.

Dark Roads by Chevy Stevens

I have been a fan of Chevy Stevens’ psychological thrillers ever since I read That Night. She has a way of keeping you guessing who did it right up until the end. Dark Roads has the added distinction of being based on a true and tragic mystery, The Highway of Tears. Since the 1970s, a stretch of isolated highway in British Columbia has been rife with missing and murdered women. Most of these women have been indigenous people also known as First Nations. The author chose to highlight the Highway of Tears to bring attention to these tragedies. For more information on the 725 km/467 mile stretch of Highway 16 between Prince George and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, read Highway of Tears: A True Story of Racism, Indifference, and the Pursuit of Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by Jessica McDiarmid or visit https://highwayoftears.org.

After the death of her father, 17-year-old Hailey goes to live with her Aunt and her cruel, controlling Uncle, Vaughn. While trying to process the loss of her father, Hailey also has to deal with Vaughn controlling who she sees, where she goes, and even if she can get a job. He says it is to keep her safe from the kidnappers/murderers who have been victimizing young girls/women along desolate Highway 16. When Hailey discovers information implicating her uncle in some of the nefarious happenings in town, she is in fear for her life and decides to disappear into the wilderness. With the help of her friends Johnny and Amber, she gathers supplies and prepares to flee. When she does it is assumed to be the latest victim of the Highway of Tears but Hailey is living in a cabin deep in the woods with a stray dog she calls Wolf.

When Amber is murdered in the same manner as many other women along Highway 16, her sister Beth comes to town to try and figure out what happened. Her reliance on alcohol and drugs to deal with Amber’s death puts her in danger from bad cops and predators alike.

This edge-of-your-seat conclusion is very effective and when the actual killer is revealed I was surprised.

Another great thriller by this author.

Thanks for reading.

28 Disastrous Dates by Poppy Mortimer

When I think back on those magical dating years, I either get nostalgic or horrified, depending on the dating scenario I am remembering. Luckily, my dating life was nothing like Poppy Mortimer’s. The 28 dating stories she has written about range from laugh-out-loud funny to down-right scary.

28 Disastrous Dates made me laugh and feel so happy I am not dating any longer. If you want a good laugh, read the book. Just a warning, even though the author doesn’t swear and has kept the stories rather tame, some of the situations are for mature audiences only.

Have a laugh. Reminisce about dating. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading.

The author and her publisher provided me with a copy of the book through Book Sirens in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sapphire Beach Mysteries – Angela K. Ryan

I love reading books set in fictional towns near where I live. Angela K. Ryan’s Sapphire Beach mysteries are just that. Cozy mysteries set in Southwest Florida. I have been to many of the towns and cities mentioned in the books, which makes them even more interesting. I just finished the last book in the series and I am sad that it is over. There is a “spin-off” – the Seaside Ice Cream Shop Mysteries – which continues the story of Anna, the cousin of the main character in the Sapphire Beach Cozy Mysteries.

The main character is Connie. Other regular characters in the series are: Grace – Aunt Concetta’s best friend and employee at Connie’s jewelry store, Stephanie – Grace’s daughter, Elyse – the local realtor, Josh – Elyse’s husband and Sapphire Beach police officer, Zach – Josh’s friend, police officer, and eventually Connie’s love interest, Gertrude – a friend of Aunt Concetta’s and great aunt to Elyse, Abby – employee at Connie’s jewelry store, Ruby – a fellow Sapphire Beach shop owner, Gallagher – the owner of the restaurant across from Connie’s store… and more.

1. Condos and Corpses – Connie must find out who killed a man in Grace’s condo

2. Surf, Sand, and Skeletons – Connie gets to the bottom of what happened to the previous owner of her shop

3. Piers, Pliers, and Problems – A student in her first jewelry class is murdered with Connie’s pliers and she must figure out who did it.

4. Candy Canes and Cadavers – During her family’s visit to Sapphire Beach, she must find out who murdered a local theater actor.

5. Snowbirds and Suspects – When her friend, Ruby’s niece is accused of murder, she asks Connie to help clear her name.

6. Bridesmaids and Bodies – When the best man of one of her jewelry clients is murdered, Connie needs to find the killer so the wedding can go on.

7. Hurricanes and Homicides – While hunkered down during a hurricane, Connie finds the body of a fellow condo owner and must find the murderer among those sheltering in place.

8. Kayaks and Killers – When a kayak floats near shore with a body in it, Connie and friends investigate.

9. Friends, Foes, and Felonies – Connie’s former boss and mentor, Sam, is visiting for two weeks. When the head of a local non-profit is murdered, Connie and Sam investigate.

10. Passion and Poison – When a former tennis pro is murdered at Connie’s friend, Gallagher’s restaurant, he turns to Connie to help solve the murder.

11. Daffodils and Death – Connie’s visit to the botanical garden with her mother and sister turns into a murder investigation.

12. Marriage and Mischief – Connie and Zack are getting ready for their wedding. As friends and family gather, the wedding officiant, Fr. Paul goes missing. Will Connie be able to solve his disappearance in time to prevent a tragedy and a ruined wedding?

Give these light and refreshing mysteries a try.

Thanks for reading.

Review: Upgrade by Blake Crouch

This was my second Blake Crouch book. I read The Pines several years ago and thought it was a very well-written book. While I enjoy Mr. Crouch’s writing, I hadn’t read any of his other books until Upgrade caught my eye. I have never been a big Sci-Fi reader. I’ve dabbled in it (The Martian, The Pines, and Project Hail Mary) but it is not a genre I seek out. If Mr. Crouch continues writing Sci-Fi that draws me in, I may have to rethink that.

Upgrade tackles the science of genetic engineering. Set in the future, shortly after a miscalculated experiment caused millions to starve, the Gene Protection Agency (GPA) is a CIA-like entity that keeps track of and regulates scientists involved in the study of genes. Logan Ramsay, son of the scientist that caused the “great starvation” is a GPA agent hunting down rogue scientists.

When Logan investigates the location of a suspected gene editing operation that a suspect provided him, his life is changed forever. An explosion of a device causes shrapnel to puncture his hazmat suit and he becomes infected with a virus dispersed by the explosive device.
Once he recovers from his injuries and the virus which caused a high fever and crazy nightmares, Logan believes he is fine, until his body begins to change. He has better concentration, night vision, memory, increased muscle mass, and higher pain tolerance. He basically becomes superhuman. Now, Logan must find out who did this to him and why.

An action-packed pursuit begins, as Logan finds out who he can and can’t trust. His superhuman abilities as well as some of the characters he encounters make for a fast-paced, action-filled, sci-fi mystery.
Make sure you read the epilogue!

The book is scheduled to be released on July 12, 2022. You can pre-order it at your local independent bookstore, like Copperfish Books, at Amazon or your favorite bookstore.

Thanks for reading!

I was provided with an advance reader copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.