Sifting Through Clues

Sifting Through Clues by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Crystal Cove is getting ready for the Book Club Bonanza and Spring Fling events, but the one event Jenna Hart is looking forward to is the Mystery Mavens book club progressive dinner. A delightful evening of visiting members’ homes to enjoy food and a fun discussion of the book club’s cozy mystery book selection. Everything was going smoothly until the last stop where a book club member is found dead.

Now one of Jenna’s friends is the prime suspect in the murder and needs Jenna’s help to prove she is innocent. As much as Jenna wants to help her friend, she is determine to stay off the police radar (and try to remain friends with the police chief). Despite Jenna’s best intentions, clues appear and engage her curiosity. Soon Jenna is involved in discovering who the real killer is.

I had a great time reading this book and enjoyed the twists and turns of the plot. The characters are warm and engaging. I look forward to reading more from this series. Highly recommended.

I received a copy of Sifting Through Clues in exchange for my honest review.

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In Peppermint Peril

In Peppermint Peril by Joy Avon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

During the winter wonderland of the holiday season, wealthy Dorothea Finster has requested a lovely cake for a special tea party at her historical home to present her new will to her invited guests. Callie Aspen arrived home in time to assist her Great Aunt Iphy in the preparation and serving of the cake and tea to the distinguish guests. Unfortunately, the tea party goes awry with a dead body and a missing heirloom.

In Peppermint Peril is a fun and exciting cozy mystery with a Christmas theme, and it was the perfect book to read during the holidays. As the first book in the series, it introduces many new characters. I look forward to how these characters develop in the future. Highly recommended.

I received a copy through SERC in exchange for my honest review.

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Mardi Gras Murder

Mardi Gras Murder by Ellen Byron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The charming town of Pelican Louisiana is preparing for the Mardi Gras celebration which will not allow the recent flood damage or dead body to interfere. It’s a celebration with a cook-off, beauty pageant, parade, and merrymakers.

The local beauty pageant needs a replacement judge, and Maggie Crozat reluctantly volunteers and discovers more history regarding her town: orphan trains, historical house, prominent families, and the historical society. Plus, there is more than one mystery to be solved, and a treasure hunt. On a romantic level, the question is what will happen to Maggie’s relationship with Bo? (I was cheering for them.)

The author crafted a fun and exciting tale with clues scattered throughout, and I enjoyed every minute of it! After finishing the book, I really wanted to experience Mari Gras for it sounds like a great time. As the Cajun French saying goes “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!” (“Let the good times roll”).

I received a copy of Mardi Gras Murder through SERC in exchange for my honest review.

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August Krafty Peeks....Day ONE!!! Haunted House PLUS NEW Hybrid Ink Trio!!

Welcome, welcome, welcome!

Today we are kickin' off our AUGUST Krafty Peeks at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps! 
We've got a new background stamp set to share with you today!

This super creepy set is from artist Emilie Goulet and it's our new
HAUNTED HOUSE!

This fabulous image was included in our Halloween Krafty Kit along with THREE BRAND NEW Krafty Kolours Hybrid Inks!!! The set features one large main image that is almost 4"x4" in size! It can be used as the focal point of your creation or in combination with lots of other spooktacular stamps!

The gorgeous new Krafty Kolours Hybrid Inks we are introducing this month are Mossy Meadow, Pumpkin Patch and Purple Petunia!! You can get them in large ink pads, mini cubes and also refills!! They go perfectly with this release!!



Here is the card I created for the blog hop:

I used Kraftin Kimmie's Wicked Black Ink pad to stamp my 
image (which is an amazing ink) and Copic markers to color it. 
I also used C.C. Designs Make A Card #1 Cutter die set to 
cut out the image (I think the die set is sold out and discontinued).

Check out this haunting set and new INKS in action as you hop around the Krafty blogs today! You'll see the list of Krafty design team members PLUS special Krafty Guests below and be sure to leave some love at each stop because one lucky commenter is going to WIN a gift voucher to the krafty shop! Plus we're doing a GIVEAWAY of the ENTIRE release on the Krafty Friends facebook page! 

We have a total of FIVE brand new clear sets PLUS TWO rubber rereleases AND THREE new Hybrid Inks being launched this week! You'll get to see all the incredible creations for August as we share them each day this week! Be sure to join us at the LIVE Online Release Party on Saturday afternoon at 1pm EST! We'll be checking out all FOUR new clear stamp sets, sharing fabulous creations, giving away prizes and having tons of krafty fun!

Happy hoppin' and we'll see you back here tomorrow for more amazing new stamp sets!

Spook In The Stacks

The Spook in the Stacks: A Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates is an entertaining story with plenty of intrigue, and it takes place during the busy Halloween holiday at the Brodie Island Lighthouse Library. The library has been adorn in fun holiday decorations. One of the displays is a lovely model ship with a crew that mysteriously keeps moving around the ship without anyone noticing. For the community, the Lighthouse Library is hosting ghostly lectures (which is a treasure for the community and the children).

Retired wealthy executive Jay Ruddle has a collection of historical documents that he wants to donate, and the Brodie Island Lighthouse Library is being considered. Unfortunately, librarian Lucy Richardson finds Mr. Ruddle’s body in the rare book section (before he had announced his decision). Now Lucy and her friends find themselves trying to discover who had done the horrible deed.

This story kept my attention and had me turning the pages as I tried to discover the killer’s identity (and solve the mystery of the model ship’s tiny crew that can not stay still; as well as, the ghost horse which appears intermittently). There was even some romance in Lucy and Connor’s relationship. Overall, I was enthralled by this story and satisfied by the conclusion. It is well worth reading!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Kit and Clowder's Monthly Coloring Classes

Kit and Clowder's Monthly Coloring Classes (both the marker and pencil classes) feature Molly Harrison's beautiful fairies.

I completed the Electra Fae marker coloring class.

Kit and Clowder's Monthly Pencil Class features Molly Harrison's Fairy of Spring (which I haven't done, but the image is stunning!).

If you want to learn how to color these fairies, please buy the classes before June 14, 2018!

I used Water Marquee to add the text.

Death By A Whisker

Death By A Whisker by T.C. LoTempio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death By A Whisker is the second book in A Cat Rescue mystery series by T.C. LoTempio. The main character is Sydney McCall who lives in Deer Park, North Caroline with her sweet tomcat Toby. She and Kat (her sister) operate Friendly Paws Animal shelter, which is gearing up for a fundraiser featuring a popular shopping channel celebrity Ulla Townsend who is a former local of Deer Park. Of course, there is high level of excitement from the community and surrounding areas once it is announced the successful Ulla is the guest of honor. Unfortunately, Ulla’s past (and present) is not all flowers and rainbows.

This mystery is well written with likeable characters and lovable felines. Many potential perpetrators could have done the deed so it was fun to whittle down the list. I found the book to be a little slow at the beginning (this is the first book I have read so I was learning about the characters) but it quickly became exciting, and it was hard to put it down.

This is a great book for anyone who loves a fun cozy mystery with felines! I am looking forward to reading the next one (and the first book) of this series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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A Wagtail Christmas

Not a Creature Was Purring by Krista Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I became aware of Krista Davis’ newest Paws and Claws mystery series book was to be release, I was ecstatic. This book does not disappoint. “Not a Creature Was Purring” has a Christmas theme (just perfect for the holiday season) with the delightful cover art of Trixie and Twinkletoes. The town of Wagtail is cover in snow, Christmas decorations, and holiday cheer. While the rest of the homes are decorated tastefully, one house stands out from the rest (which is hilarious).

On top of the controversial house ornamentation, Holly Miller’s childhood friend (and her "not so secret" love interest that is known by most of the townspeople) Holmes arrives with his fiancée (and her family). Now Holly finds herself in a dilemma. What should she do? Tell Holmes her feelings or support him? To make matters worse, Trixie (Holly’s beloved dog) uncovers the body of an esteem person.

If you enjoy a Christmas theme cozy with great writing, pets, and characters, this book is for you. I love this series (as well as the Domestic Diva series), and I wish Wagtail, Virginia was a real place. I would move there! Highly Recommended! (I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.)

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A Deadly Éclair

A Deadly Éclair by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magnifique! A Deadly Eclair is the first book in A French Bistro Mystery series, and it is a savory read. If you enjoy a cozy foodie mystery, you will be delighted with this book. This is a scrumptious page-turner where I wanted to visit the bistro and taste the food. Furthermore, there is a murder to be unravel, which has intricate twists, and turns to keep the reader entertained before the author's reveal.

Mimi Rousseau is the protagonist with a cast of wonderful characters supporting her in business and solving a puzzle of whodunit. (Plus there is a touch of romance.) As a bonus, there are recipes included in the back of the book. Sadly, Chef C will not be available to create the delectable dishes.

I am a fan of Daryl Wood Gerber, and this book for is does not disappoint. I highly recommend it!! (I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.)

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Cat Got My Vote!

Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat Got Your Secrets is the first book I have read by Julie Chase, and I found it to be a delightful book. The main character is Lacy Crocker who owns Furry Godmother boutique (which is an awesome name for a pet store), and she is a talented designer. She creates costumes for various animals and offers tasty pet treats from her store. Lacy is delivering a special order when she comes across a police scene, which turns out to be highly suspicious. When a loved one becomes a person of interest, Lacy begins to search for clues as to the identity of the real suspect.

I found this book to be a fun cozy murder story with stimulating twists and turns, and I want to read the rest of the books in this series. The author did a great job of bring New Orleans and various characters to life for me. I highly recommend this book.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Death at an English Wedding

Death at an English Wedding by Sara Rosett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Death at an English Wedding is the latest book in the Murder On Location cozy mystery series (but the first book for me). Alex and Kate are having their wedding in an English village with a cast of quirky relatives in attendance.

I found the author to have woven a wonderful story, delightful characters, and a picturesque setting. I was turning the pages to discover who the murder was, and what shenanigans Kate's mother was doing. At the end of the story, I found I wanted to plan a trip to England and book as many tours as possible. Since that is not feasible (for various reasons), I will have to find all of the books in this series and read them.

Death at an English Wedding can be easily read out of sequence though. I highly recommend this book. I think starting from the beginning will enrich the reader's understanding of the relationship development between Alex and Kate.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

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Kit and Clowder: Peacock Feathers Lesson

This is my result from the Kit and Clowder's All About Animals classroom: Peacock Lesson.  The beautiful image is by Jade Dragonne. I used Copic Markers to color the image. Thank you for looking.

I used LunaPic to add the text.

Kit and Clowder: Dog Body Lesson 2

This is my second try from the Kit and Clowder's All About Animals classroom: All About Fur - Dog Body lesson (featuring the Yorkshire Terrier). I used Copic Markers, and the stamp is Kiki by TiddlyInks.  Thank you for looking.

I used LunaPic to add the text.

Kit and Clowder: Dog Body Lesson

I am a member of Kit and Clowder, and purchased the All About Animals classroom.  This is my result from the Dog Body lesson. I used Copic Markers, and the stamp is Kiki by TiddlyInks.

I used LunaPic to add the text.

FTH's April Stamp of the Month

I colored these lovely digi stamps from the "Time To Bloom" set for From The Heart's  April Stamp of the Month challenge.  This digi stamp set comes with six sentiments  (it can be purchase from From the Heart's Shop).   I used Copic markers to color my image, and the paper is from Colorbok's Photo Mats set.

 

 

 

 

I made my watermark using PicMonkey.

FTH's March Stamp of the Month

I colored the digging dog digi stamp for From The Heart's March Stamp of the Month challenge.  The image is called Digging Dog and comes with the sentiments  (it can be purchase from From the Heart's Shop).   I used Copic markers to color my image.  

 

 

 

 

I made my watermark using PicMonkey.

The Greeting Farm: Easter Bean

Here is my second entry for Kit and Clowders' crayon coloring contest on Facebook.

This image is from The Greeting Farm, and it is called Easter Bean.

I used Crayola Crayons to color my image.

I made my watermark using PicMonkey.

The Greeting Farm: Ballet Anya

This cute digi stamp, Ballet Anya, is by The Greeting Farm.  I entered it in Kit and Clowders' crayon coloring contest on Facebook.

I had fun, and I used Crayola Crayons.
I made my water mark using PicMonkey.

FTH's February Stamp of the Month

I colored the snowman digi stamp for From The Heart's February Stamp of the Month challenge (this is the first time I have entered in From The Heart's Stamp of the Month challenge).  The image is called Snowman and Cocoa and comes with the "Let It Snow!" sentiment  (purchase from From the Heart's Shop), and I also included the sketch #137 challenge (though I am unsure if the sketch still counts).   I used Copic markers to color my image and added some foam stickers for embellishments. 

(I had only wanted to do some shading with a blue tint for the snowman but my coloring didn't go as planned.  My poor snowman is blue...  I guess that is why he needs some cocoa to warm him up.)

Sketch #137

I used a free online water marker program called uMarkOnline. 

My Valentine's Day Contest Entry

I entered in a contest using this delightful image called "I Love You Baby" by The Paper Shelter.  I used Copic markers to color the image.  Thank you for looking.

The contest I entered is from The Paper Shelter's blog.



I used an online Watermark program to place the watermark on my image.