#Review & #Giveaway: Nikki Loves Her Hair by Nailah Jones #picturebooks

Summary: Nikki is a young girl who loves everything about her natural hair. She loves all of the hairstyles she can do and matching with mommy and friends! Buy on Amazon

My review: This is a cute picture book about a girl who simply loves herself by loving her hair. She is able to style it in many ways which makes her happy and feel good about herself.

I thought the pictures, draw in line drawings, where simple enough to be understood without the use of words. The colors used were "girly" with mostly pastels of blues and pinks.

Since words were used, I actually would have like to have seen a bit more story telling. In the author's defense though, since the story is essentially about the characters hair, that may have been a bit hard to do too.

I liked "Nikki". She is an obviously fun loving girl who enjoys life, friends, and family.

I give the book 3 stars because I do like it, I just want to see more!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book for review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon


About the author:


Nailah Jones is a natural haired girl from Snellville, Georgia. After years of getting relaxers, she realized her natural hair better fit her identity and later decided to go back to her natural roots. She has now had locks for two years and counting. Nailah thinks that it is important to let other natural girls in her community know how beautiful their natural hair is, so they never have to wonder!

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#Review & #Giveaway : Out of the Darkness by Darcia Helle #Paranormal #CrimeBooks #MysteryBooks

Genre: Paranormal Suspense

Published by: Indie

Publication Date: February 12, 2019

Number of Pages: 300

ASIN: B07KJGZY9F

Series: Joe Cavelli, Paranormal PI Book 2

Purchase Links: Amazon |Goodreads

Summary: 

Gus wakes up in a dark void with no memory and no body. Screaming and cursing does him no good. He’s trapped, until he learns about one man who can help.

Joe Cavelli is a PI who hears ghosts, solves their murders, and sometimes fixes their personal problems. Now he finds himself pestered by an invisible, impatient, and brash amnesiac.

Solving cases for ghosts comes with a unique set of circumstances. This time, Joe can’t even claim to be investigating a murder, since Gus’s body is nowhere to be found. Together, Joe and Gus delve into Gus’s past, uncovering clues that lead to a startling conclusion.

My review:
I love a good paranormal book. This book delivers ghostly beings, murder, and mayhem wrapped up into a winner.

The author created the best ghost that I have ever seen. Gus, being no ordinary ghost, is a one-ghost wrecking crew. He is obnoxious, mouthy, and impatient. It was amazing to me that Joe, the PI, was able to get anything done or solved. What made him more interesting was the fact he really could not be classified as a "ghost". Weird, but true!

The author added just enough suspense at the right times to keep me wanting to keep on turning the pages. I was on pins and needles to find out exactly what was going on. The minor characters, if you really could call them minor, boosted the already great story line. The author is truly brilliant with development of characters.

The ending somewhat surprised me. I wish that I could reveal that but of course, I don't want to spoil it for you my dear readers.

This is one paranormal crime book that you should get for your shelves. 5 stars and a slap on the back to Joe for solving yet another crime and for the author to a well done book.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review here is 100% my own opinions and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon


Where to find the author:

Darcia Helle is a Massachusetts native, who escaped the New England winters to write in the Florida sunshine. She lives with her husband in a home full of spoiled rescue animals and an occasional stray lizard. She writes because the characters trespassing through her mind leave her no alternative.

Website & Facebook

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Darcia Helle. Michelle or Reading Authors is not responsible for this giveaway.
There will be 1 winner of one (1) Amazon.com Gift Card. The giveaway begins on March 1, 2019 and runs through April 1, 2019. Void where prohibited. 

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#Review & #Giveaway: Broken Bone China by Laura Childs #CozyMysteries

Broken Bone China (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
20th in Series
Berkley (March 5, 2019)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-10: 0451489632
ISBN-13: 978-0451489630
Digital ASIN: B07DMZPLWY

Summary: Theodosia Browning serves tea and solves crimes in Charleston, a city steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery. 

My Review:

With this book, the author is celebrating her 20th book for this series. The book is a stand alone and the first that I have read.

A tea party, a hot air balloon launch, a drone, and three people killed. The book began with the murder in just a few pages into reading. The author got right to it and took her time to develop well rounded and mysterious characters of the who-done-it. I found this to be refreshing because because many of the cozies I have read take quite awhile to get to the "murder" and then more time after that.

Her descriptions of Theodosia's tea shop, the local businesses, and other areas in Charleston were so well done that I felt like I was standing right in the middle of it. It was as if everything I could "see" was through Theodosia's eyes. I suppose that would make me either a snoop or a pretty good amateur detective as Theodosia is.

I loved the twists throughout the book. As if murder was not enough (minor spoiler alert), there was also a couple of thefts which added to the twist. Just as I thought I knew who the killer had to be...wham!...another twist. This kept me reading and wanting to get to the end.

On top of all of that, then there is the tea parties that are sprinkled throughout. The descriptions were fantastic and it was obvious that the author had done her homework on the different tea services. In fact, included in the back of the book are the different parties mentioned and how the reader can throw their own party. Also included, are the different teas, and food preparations, and her complete bibliography of where to find more information.

This is a well done book! Congratulations to Theodosia on 20 mysteries solved and to the author who helped her do it!  5 stars!

Disclosure:

I received a copy of this book from the author as part of her book tour. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle aka Naila Moon

Where to find the author:

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

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Giveaway: Michelle aka Naila Moon of Reading Authors is not responsible for this giveaway. Prize distribution is solely responsible of the author and/or the tour coordinator. Please review their rules  for entry into this giveaway.

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Book Blast & #Giveaway: Reign Drops (Book 1) & Summer Sinks (Book 2) of Blood Borne by Chris Patt #YABooks #BookBlast #Mayans #Booktours

Reign Drops (Bloodborne Series Book 1)

A simple Mayan girl. A powerful spirit. A bloodthirsty monster. All leading to a desperate quest. When the Mayan calendar ended some people scoffed while others joked and a few waited for the end of the world. After living half her life apart from her native people, Dalia no longer believes in the supernatural and monstrous things that the final cycle predicted. But unbelief is not protection. Going home draws her into a fight against mythical creatures, limitless power and a battle for humanity’s survival. Can Dalia balance an outsider’s knowledge and tribal wisdom to give the world a fighting chance? Or will she choose to stay blind and let the world collapse around her? Reign Drops is the first book in The Bloodborne Series, a saga of urban fantasy novels. If you like tenacious heroines, Mayan legends, and new twists on magical beasts, then you'll love Chris Patt's spellbinding series. Buy

Summer Sinks (Bloodborne Series Book 2)

An adept student with a powerful mentor. A diabolical witch huntress . Two friends working to avert a tragic twist of fate. Dalia and her dragon’s quest for the histories of magic and humanity, and a long lost dragon tribe, lead them to Texas. While building her magical reserves, and satiating the dragon’s need for knowledge, they stumble across a powerful hex. A curse that could cost her everything she loves. Battling an unknown enemy, Dalia wonders if she can find the answers before time runs out. Finding enemies close and new allies in unexpected places it comes down to a battle of magics. Will the more powerful witch retain the upper hand, building on her generations of training? Or will
Dalai’s faith in others be the end of her?

  Buy    

  
Download Temple Origins for FREE

Temple Origins show us how the Fate Sisters can turn a promise into curse. a curse that will lead to the Bloodborne Legacy. Follow along as we trace the path of the amulet. Death shows us the way, as only he can.

 
Chris Patt lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, three cats, two dogs and DJ the turtle. She writes as often as she can, but perhaps not as often as she should. According to the husband it is possible she reads too much.

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Murder She Meowed by Liz Mugavero #Review & #Giveaway #murdermysteries #cozymysteries

Disclosure: I received a digital copy from the author through Netgalley for review. The opinions expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Brief Summary:
"Stan" is from a small town owner of a pet bakery. She is marrying her Irish fiance who own a local Irish pub. The couple do not want a large wedding. Her meddling mother, sister, and practically the whole town, have other ideas and want to change everything right down to the dress she wears. Her sister wants to throw a bridal shower which will be a "surprise" location. It just happens to be at her bakery. That is where the story and murder really begin.

My review:
This is a 7th book in a series which I mostly enjoyed. I was glad to know that I could read it and not have any carry over characters to catch up with. It did take me longer than I thought it would to read.

The wedding story and the actual murder story could almost have been two separate stories in and of themselves. I felt the author almost ran away too much with the wedding part and not the murder part. I felt she also had troubles keeping track of her characters.  I also felt it took too long to get to the actual murderer who was only briefly mentioned nearer to the end of the book.

Having said all that though, I loved the character "Stan". She is an independent woman who I could actually relate too. She has strong opinions of what she truly wants but tries to be a people pleaser too. Her relationship with her Mother is often teen-ager like (which is mentioned) and it causes her heartache to the point she wants to run from it all. To make matters worse is her soon to be sister-in-law is also the local sheriff. I would like to have known more about her relationship with her pub-owning brother.

I found her pet bakery to be a great idea and I almost wished it had been described even more. I saw it to be cozy and place where everyone wants to hang out. Stan and her soon-to-be co-business partner are likeable and people this reader would just want to hang out with.  The back of the book included some real pet recipes which I thought was a nice touch and one of the reasons I wanted to read and review the book.

I found it funny that she was able to do so much investigating on her own. Although her sister-in-law often told her to butt out, she plain didn't. She got away with a ton in my mind but her stubborn persistence paid off for what seemed like a somewhat inept sheriff.

The twist in the book were okay including the (spoiler alert) stalker but even that was surprising and took a long time to get to for such a minor character.

I would have also liked to have know even more about the character that was murdered. He was likable and complex. Again, it took near the end of the book to really get to know him. When I did, I wished he had not been killed off. Suggestion to author: write a prequel about him, I would read it!

Again, overall, I liked the book and the recipes, but would like those minor characters to be beefed up more.  For these reasons I give the book a 3 star review.

Where to find author:
Liz Mugavero has been writing stories since she could hold a pen. Before that, she would tell them to anyone who would listen (not many at the time). After deciding early on she would write books for a living, she practiced by writing bad, angst-filled poems, short stories and even a storyline for a soap opera–all by age 15. She never wavered from her goals despite all the usual questions including, “So are you going to be an English teacher with that degree in English?” or, “That writing thing sounds nice, but how are you REALLY going to make a living?” She went on to get a master’s in writing and publishing and spent time in journalism, PR, and presently, corporate communications. And she’s confident this writing thing IS the way to make a living. Aside from writing, she loves animals (has a houseful), the beach, reading other writers’ masterpieces and Starbucks coffee.

Author Links Webpage – http://www.lizmugavero.com; Twitter – https://twitter.com/lizmugavero;  Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Liz-Mugavero/329291780446231

~Michelle aka Naila Moon GIVEAWAY: Michelle of Reading Authors is not responsible for prizee or shipment. This is sole responsibility of the author. Please read rules. a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Spotlight & #Giveaway: The Wrong Boy by Cathy Ace #Thriller

The Wrong Boy
Suspense/Thriller
Four Tails Publishing Ltd. (January 9, 2019)
Print Length: 307 pages
ASIN: B07KRNGV3R

Perched on a Welsh clifftop, the ancient, picturesque hamlet of Rhosddraig has its peaceful façade ripped apart when human remains are discovered under a pile of stones. The village pub, The Dragon’s Head, run by three generations of women, becomes the focal point for those interested in the grisly find, and it’s where layers of deceit are peeled away to expose old secrets and deep wounds. The police need to establish who died, how, and why, but DI Evan Glover knows he can’t be involved in the investigation because he’s just two days away from retirement. However, as the case develops in unexpected ways, it becomes irrevocably woven into his life, and the lives of local families, leading to disturbing revelations – and deadly consequences . . .

About the Author

Born and raised in Wales, now-Canadian Cathy Ace is the author of the Cait Morgan Mysteries, featuring her Welsh Canadian criminology professor sleuth who travels the world tripping over corpses, and The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries, featuring a quartet of female PIs, working from a Welsh stately home. Both series are traditional, entertaining, and have been well reviewed.

Author Links:    Website    Facebook  GoodReads

 Purchase Links – Amazon 

GIVEAWAY: Michelle aka Naila Moon is not responsible for prize. This is solely from the author. Giveaway can be found here:

Book Challenges 2019

I read a ton in 2018 but did not meet the challenges by far. Therefore, the new year brings my outline my new book challenges for the new year.  I look forward to the challenges every year but am not going to overwhelm myself either.

So, on to it (Most challenges will overlap)...

Goodreads Challenge: 52 books  I have not met my goals in two years. That is going to change! 

Alphabet Soup Challenge: A-Z books  (That is going to coincide with the April A-Z Challenge)

Mount TBR: I am going for "Pike's Peak" with 12 books off of TBR

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 12 books 

Reading Challenge Addict Challenge: I am going for the "Out of This World" with 16+ books 
(Note: this is a new challenge to me and for anyone who is addicted to reading challenges. LOL)

That is it. If I find a shorter challenge that intrigues me, I may add it but I think this is quite doable this year.  By the way, want a complete list of challenges for 2019? GO HERE

What challenges are you doing? Let me know in a comment.
Happy New Year!

Michelle aka Naila Moon