After reading the first book in the series and learning there is a second coming out this summer, I had to catch this prequel story about how it all bAfter reading the first book in the series and learning there is a second coming out this summer, I had to catch this prequel story about how it all began. Quick and helpful, we learn how Amber became Amber, which helps provide some empathy and some concern. Good to have this story available before reading the second book in the series as it probably helps set a lot of context about who comes to visit her....more
Many thanks to NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read the first book, 'Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies,' in The Vacation MysterieMany thanks to NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read the first book, 'Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies,' in The Vacation Mysteries written by Catherine Mack, which I only learned this week is a pseudonym for suspense novelist, Catherine Mackenzie. I enjoyed two of her books and had high hopes for this one. A writer goes on tour in Europe but her publisher sends several other writers, and the inspiration for her main character, who is a ruthless man that blackmailed the author on a few things. For plots, A+... as I loved the depth and detail. I liked some of the characters and the setting, but I wasn't pulled into the book as much as was needed. Part of it is due to the style in which the book is written. Mack tells the story through scenes and various commentary which is often footnoted. The footnotes contain references to her books and past events between her and the real-life guy they were based on. It was too jarring for me as I lost pace a lot. Sometimes it worked, but sometimes I also felt it was too much. Also, do not read this as an ebook. The formatting is such that the footnotes regularly appear page later, so you are swiping left and right so much, it was a chore! Had the formatting and overall style been more to my preferences, I would have given this a 4, but it was not an easy read. Sorry!...more
Charming! I'm not a typical rom-com reader but I do enjoy a few each year. Jenn McKinlay strikes the right balance of romance, mystery, drama, and tenCharming! I'm not a typical rom-com reader but I do enjoy a few each year. Jenn McKinlay strikes the right balance of romance, mystery, drama, and tenderness. I loved the two main characters and rooted for them from their initial meeting on the boat. It was destiny... and the entire story was beautiful up until the end when 1 of the 2 behaves oddly (a bit too much of a plot device for me) and breaks the apart. But there's an HEA, so I was contended with the conclusion. Bookish hot nerd. Smart and sassy chef. Parental duties. Library shenanigans. Friends with potential illness. Lots to hook into, and I was very happy with this, my third rom-com from the author. One more to go and I'm all caught up!...more
I've been a big fan of Jenn McKinlay's mysteries for almost a decade... and when she branched (back) into romcoms, I decided to give one a chance. It I've been a big fan of Jenn McKinlay's mysteries for almost a decade... and when she branched (back) into romcoms, I decided to give one a chance. It went so well, I picked up another, hence my thoughts on Paris is Always a Good Idea. Throw together a man and a woman who instantly (dis)like each other at work, force them to deal with each other, and then drop in a game-changing event. Guaranteed comedy and romance will bloom. In this one, we travel to Ireland, Italy, and Paris, so of course it's going to be over-the-top beautiful. With each man the protagonist visits in an attempt to figure herself out, I think... 'oh, he's the one,' but it doesn't work out that way. The path to get there is fun, elaborate, and educational. Enjoyed it a lot; my only concern was the premise of her journey back to Italy was her father's sudden remarriage plans, yet the final chapter barely covers the marriage and ultimately doesn't convince me she was totally on board. Needed a few more chapters to show a bond between with the new stepmother. That said, it needed a HEA, so it got one... and I'll keep reading more from the author!...more
Sarah Penner hit my reading list with a different book earlier this year, and I enjoyed it so much that I went back to her debut. Unfortunately, for mSarah Penner hit my reading list with a different book earlier this year, and I enjoyed it so much that I went back to her debut. Unfortunately, for me, it wasn't as strong. Tons of wonderful imagery and beautiful historical context, but not as strong on the plot side. In the past, a healer protects women who need to kill someone in their life, usually an evil man. Readers follow her story every other chapter thru the eyes of an assistant. In present times, a woman fleeing from her cheating husband finds a bottle that leads her to the lost apothecary where she discovers an unsolved murder from hundreds of years earlier. Each story progresses with murder and an accident, but it felt too slow and blasé for me. I needed more depth to the characters so I could root for them. Instead, I wanted to learn the connection between the past and the present, but that's not what this story is about. That may be why it fell flat, as I had a different expectation. Good writing tho. And I'll still read more from the author....more
I've been a fan of Jenn McKinlay's since I began reading her cozy mysteries nearly a decade ago. I preferred one or two of her series over the others,I've been a fan of Jenn McKinlay's since I began reading her cozy mysteries nearly a decade ago. I preferred one or two of her series over the others, but then I noticed she was writing romance books too. I had way too many novels on my TBR, so I held out... caught up on her series and then added this one just in case I wanted to sample it. NetGalley granted my wish, and well... it hit my queue this week. All I can say is... droolworthy, in a good way. Kier is my new fantasy, and I am moving to Ireland. Okay, that can't happen but seriously, why don't things like this happen in real life? Loved the setup. Loved the characters. Cried at a death. Imagine a writer loosely based on someone with the success of the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling, and toss in some imaginary family and connections, and this pulled at every emotion I have. I will definitely go back to read her earlier romance novels now too....more
Another fun cozy in the Ravenwood Cove series where Amanda's mother-in-law takes a trip with a friend to Florida for a college reunion... and a guest Another fun cozy in the Ravenwood Cove series where Amanda's mother-in-law takes a trip with a friend to Florida for a college reunion... and a guest ends up dead. Good for the mystery, but I missed the main characters. Nice way to see into the author's writing style....more
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