RHS Tiger Band number 1!!! All that hard work paid off!! Way to go kids!!!
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The Forgotten Room by Karen White, Beatriz Williams and Lauren Willig
Overview
New York Times bestselling authors Karen White, Beatriz Williams, and Lauren Willig present a masterful collaboration—a rich, multigenerational novel of love and loss that spans half a century….
1945: When the critically wounded Captain Cooper Ravenal is brought to a private hospital on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, young Dr. Kate Schuyler is drawn into a complex mystery that connects three generations of women in her family to a single extraordinary room in a Gilded Age mansion.
Who is the woman in Captain Ravenel’s portrait miniature who looks so much like Kate? And why is she wearing the ruby pendant handed down to Kate by her mother? In their pursuit of answers, they find themselves drawn into the turbulent stories of Gilded Age Olive Van Alen, driven from riches to rags, who hired out as a servant in the very house her father designed, and Jazz Age Lucy Young, who came from Brooklyn to Manhattan in pursuit of the father she had never known. But are Kate and Cooper ready for the secrets that will be revealed in the Forgotten Room?
The Forgotten Room, set in alternating time periods, is a sumptuous feast of a novel brought to vivid life by three brilliant storytellers.
Review
This is an ill-fated love story that spans three generations. A ruby pendant, an oval portrait, and an old mansion, take the reader through the late 1800’s, the depression and WWII.
I was expecting something totally different. What I got, was a wonderful novel that kept me enthralled from start to finish.
There is something about this tale that consumes you. I was so caught up in the mystery of the necklace, house and art. The characters in each decade were so well done and intriguing. I had a hard time letting go of this book. Even when the story was finished, the characters and their unfortunate history stayed with me.
I have read Karen White and Beatriz Edwards. They are two of my favorite authors. I have not read Lauren Willig. I actually have one of her books and have moved it up the never ending TBR list, so stay tuned.
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
Purchase Here
Christmas in October
I was looking for some Christmas paper to do something totally different than this. I ended up ordering a pack of paper all the same style. This paper is by Bo Bunny. I could not wait to play with it. 
I added silver stickles and embossed in silver “a Christmas to remember” (does not show up as shiny as the card looks in real life).
This is the inside of the card. And of course, you cannot tell how shiny and pretty it is.
Thanks for stopping by
Tails From the Booth by Lynn Terry #XOXperts
Overview
Furry friends meet photo booths in this quirky photography book that captures all the cute canine action when the leashes come off and the dogs are the star of the show.
If dogs could take selfies, it might look something like Tails from the Booth. For this adorable collection of photographs, Lynn Terry draws on more than twenty years of professional photography experience to capture the most endearing moments between canine companions: A couple of pitbulls grinning widely at the camera. Two saggy-faced bulldogs bumping jowls. A Pomeranian, an English bulldog, and a Boston terrier dog-piling (of course) on top of each other. These pictures show the countless ways dogs will ham it up in front of a camera, and that more dogs in a photo booth = even more fun!
With all the charm of Underwater Dogs and Shake, Tails from the Booth will make you laugh out loud at all the awkward and endearing ways dogs make friends with each other.
Review
I am a huge animal lover, especially dogs. (I have 5…4 in the house….don’t judge!!). This book is a joy. I catch myself looking at it off an on throughout the week. It never fails to make me smile. I think I find a new picture of a funny dog every time I pick it up.
If you need a smile put on your face. This is the book. Absolutely adorable!!!
I received this novel from Simon and Schuster as part of #XOXperts
Purchase here
The Visitant A Venetian Ghost Story by Megan Chance
Overview
After she nearly ruins her family with a terrible misstep, Elena Spira is sent to Venice to escape disgrace and to atone by caring for the ailing Samuel Farber. But the crumbling and decaying Ca’ Basilio palazzo, where Samuel is ensconced, holds tragic secrets, and little does Elena know how profoundly they will impact her. Soon she begins to sense that she is being watched by something. And when Samuel begins to have hallucinations that make him violent and unpredictable, she can’t deny she’s in mortal danger.
Then impoverished nobleman Nero Basilio, Samuel’s closest friend and the owner of the palazzo, arrives. Elena finds herself entangled with both men in a world where the past seeps into the present and nothing is as it seems. As Elena struggles to discover the haunting truth before it destroys her, a dark force seems to hold Samuel and the Basilio in thrall—is it madness, or something more sinister?
Review
Elena is struggling to overcome a mistake. Her parents send her to Venice to take care of a patient in hopes of redemption to their name. Her patient, Samuel, is a mystery and she is determined to find out the truth.
This novel has a little bit of everything. There are ghosts, a little exorcism, love, hate, disappearances and a good bit of excitement, along with a twist at the end.
The setting of this story is amazing and the author did a fabulous job. I felt like I was in Venice with all the smells, architecture, and canals.
What I did not enjoy was the interaction between her characters. The dialogue is stilted and contrived. Elena changes her persona several times in the book. One minute she is mousy and the next she is strong-willed.
However, it is still a good read. The story keeps the reader very interested with all the strange energy running throughout the tale. And is the cover not fabulous!!!
I received this novel from Netgalley for an honest review.
Purchase here
For you!
I love this card. I use this format a lot. It uses a lot of scraps and looks great. Would be a great Christmas gift card if change the colors….hmmmmm! May try that next!!!
Thanks for stopping by!!!!
MacRieve and Dark Skye by Kresley Cole-Book Spotlight #XOXperts
Overview
In this pulse-pounding Immortals After Dark tale, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole delves into the darkest mysteries and deepest passions of Clan MacRieve. . .
A Beast In Torment
Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.
A Beauty In Chains
Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.
A Full Moon On The Rise
With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?
Overview
In this highly anticipated fifteenth novel in the Immortals After Dark series, #1 New York Times bestselling author Kresley Cole spins a sultry tale of a mighty warrior scarred inside and out and the beguiling sorceress with the power to heal him—or vanquish him forever.
ETERNAL OBSESSION
As a boy, Thronos, prince of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body—and left an even deeper impression on his soul.
ENDLESS YEARNING
Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.
CAN THE HEAT OF DESIRE BURN BRIGHTER THAN VENGEANCE?
With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?
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The Cypress Trap by JC Gatlin
The Cypress Trap
By JC Gatlin
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Release Date: August 16, 2015
A good vacation delivers you home alive.
This is not a good vacation.
When Rayanne commandeers her husband’s weekend fishing trip, she knows it’ll take work to adjust Owen’s attitude. She has no choice. Since the tragedy, they lost so much. They need to reconnect.
Without her knowledge, Owen texts his best buddy, Daryl, to join the getaway. The three of them aren’t alone in the backwoods of Georgia, though.
Owen took something that didn’t belong to him. Something that changed their lives. And now the owner wants it back. By any means — including a posse led by a killer dog.
At first, Rayanne is clueless about the item and its value. One thing becomes crystal clear: If it’s not returned, they might not make it home alive.
Review
Rayanne makes a decision, not necessarily a good one, but one she feels she must make for her marriage. She hijacks her husband’s fishing trip. Instead of what she expects, they all end up in a race for their lives.
An edge of your seat read! Honestly, I almost read this in one sitting. I did have to pause in places to catch my breath, this book leaves you breathless.
Author Bio
Coming from a large family with five brothers, JC Gatlin grew up in Grapevine, Texas, a small town outside of Dallas. In 1999 he moved to Tampa, Florida, where he now resides. JC’s fishing trips help him breathe authenticity into his stories, which feature the rich landscapes of Texas and Florida as backdrops.
He has written a monthly column in New Tampa Style magazine and penned several mystery-suspense stories. His first, The Designated Survivor, was published in 2013. JC invites you to visit his mystery writing blog at jcgatlin.com.
Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/JC-Gatlin/e/B00ENPSDU2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJcGatlin
Shelfari at: http://www.shelfari.com/jcgatlin
GoodReads at: http://www.goodreads.com/JC_Gatlin
Book Trailer at: https://youtu.be/mCKFIdWlZUE
Nuts by Alice Clayton #XOXperts
Overview
After losing almost all of her clients in one fell swoop following an accident involving whipped cream, private chef to Hollywood’s elite Roxie Callahan gets a call from her flighty mother, saying she’s needed home in upstate New York to run the family diner. Once she’s back in the Hudson Valley, local organic farmer Leo delivers Roxie a lovely bunch of walnuts, and soon sparks—and clothing—begin to fly. Leo believes that everything worth doing is worth doing slowly…and how! But will Roxie stay upstate, or will the lure of West Coast redemption tempt her back to Tinseltown?
Review
Roxie is a struggling, private chef in Hollywood. After a mishap, her name is mud, or rather curdled cream. Tinseltown can be very unforgiving. So, when her mom calls for help, Roxie reluctantly heads home. This trip home leads Roxie into the arms of a hot farmer named Leo.
This hot story takes you on a wild ride of romance, quirky innuendos and the joys of baking…yes, I said baking. Read this with a cake nearby!
If you want to get lost in a book….this is THE book to get lost in. No one writes chemistry and characters better than Alice Clayton. Her characters are so real…with real people thoughts! And let me tell you, this mix will keep you reading and laughing till late into the night, or early morning.
I received this novel from Simon and Schuster as part of #XOXperts.
Purchase here
Welcome Back Jack by Liam Sweeny plus Excerpt
Welcome Back, Jack
By Liam Sweeny
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Book description
When Jack was six years old, his parents were brutally slain by a serial killer. The police later found drifter Clyde Colsen driving a stolen car, his clothes soaked in blood. He was tried, convicted and executed. Jack grew up knowing that they got the guy.
Now, Jack, a decorated homicide detective in New Rhodes, arrives at the third crime scene of the “South End Killer” murders and finds his name. He will soon find out something else: Thirty years ago, they got the wrong guy. And now the right guy’s come back to pay Jack and New Rhodes his bloody respects.
As Jack struggles to stay on the case, his cat-and-mouse with the killer makes him wonder if he’s the cat or the mouse. His family, and everyone in his life is fair game. As the killer escalates and threatens the entire city, Jack has a question he must answer in his desperation; can he stop the monster without becoming one?
Welcome Back, Jack – Liam Sweeny – Excerpt
The mayor had a gold-painted shovel and in the background was a backhoe, which local artists fully painted in psychedelic patterns and designs for the occasion.
The guy running it was a blue collar guy with skull tattoos on his arm. Jack tried not a laugh at that.
“So basically, the mayor is going to say some stuff, shovel a bit of dirt and then the backhoe will take out one scoop for the photo-op.”
“That’s it?”
“Yup,” Harken said. “I think they just want something good in the news for a change.”
“I think we all do, Cap.”
Mayor Erickson stepped up to face the cameras, Chief Detmer behind him. Harken and Jack were away from the cameras.
“New Rhodes has come a long way since the times when it was a small trading post on the Hudson River,” he said. “We were one of the first cities to industrialize, one of the first to have electricity, and we have been a pinnacle of success in architecture and character. But we have seen our rough spots too, including urban decline and loss of jobs. We are a reflection of the history of America. And I know, recently, we have had tragedies to endure.”
The mayor raised his shovel. “But we will get through it. We will survive, and we will revive. And this land, once a symbol of urban decay, will become the New Rhodes Collaborative Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility for the promotion of the creativity that will one day renew our city. To my left is Susan Williams, the director of the New Rhodes Cultural Arts Council. Her hard work and passionate dedication has turned this dream into a reality.” He looked over. “Susan, would you like to say a few words?”
“Thank you, Mayor Erickson,” she said. “I would just like to thank all of the volunteers who have been the true driving force behind the revival we have seen in New Rhodes. Thank you all for inspiring this collaboration between the city government and our council to create a place that will breathe new life into the arts community of New Rhodes. Thank you all so much.”
With that, the mayor took a couple of heaps of dirt from the ground to the flash of cameras. Next, Susan Williams, who would presumably become the director of the Arts Center, dug a couple of shovels full as well.
Then everybody backed away, and the cameramen repositioned their equipment to catch the backhoe as it prepared to take its turn.
Jack and Harken walked over to the chief.
“You doin’ alright, Chief?” asked Harken.
Detmer sighed. “This is the only peace I’ve had in the past week. How are you boys?”
“We’re holdin’ up,” Harken said.
“Jack, how about you?”
Jack could hear the backhoe bearing down. “Yeah, I’m just happy to be out in the open air for a—” He was interrupted by the sound of shouting and a woman screaming.
All three of them ran over to the backhoe. The crowd of media staff and the attendees were gathered tightly, obscuring the view, but the chief cleared them away to see what caused the commotion.
Inside the bucket of the backhoe, sticking up at obscene angles, were bones. Other bones were poking through the gouge in the ground. Dangling from one of the bucket’s teeth was a jawbone, surreal against its neon butterfly backdrop. Its teeth were cracked and stained from age and dirt.
The Arts Center site was now a crime scene. What was worse, and what raised the bumps in Jack’s flesh, was that they had just publically broken ground on a body dump.
Author bio
Liam Sweeny has worn many hats in his life. In addition to being a writer for ten years, he has been an artist, musician, grassroots campaign staffer and spent four years in disaster response, both in leadership and in the field.
It was in the field in New Orleans that Sweeny got his start as a writer. Hurricane Katrina, and his role in the relief effort, fueled his early writing, where he began in sci-fi/fantasy before transitioning into crime, mystery and noir.
As a crime writer, Sweeny’s work has appeared in many publications, such as Thuglit, All Due Respect, Near to the Knuckle, Shotgun Honey and others. You can find out more at http://www.liamsweeny.com
Follow the Author
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/liamsweeny
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/LiamSweeny
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1PKiaOs
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1FpWdnj
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