Review: Hope Rides Again

Hope Rides Again by Andrew Shaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These books are a fun little journey with Joe and Barack. You never know what mess they will get into next. This book is a fun way to spend a day at the pool or a long train ride. It is a fun journey and is a quick mystery that will be solved by the end of the day.

I do love that while this a complete work of fiction, some of the statements made by Joe and Barack could actually be something they would say (or so I think since I have never met either man I can't be positive).

I do enjoy the fact that Joe wrestles with himself in these books to figure out if he is going to run. He tries to figure out how he can keep serving his country, figure out who killed that guy and how he will get home to Jill for dinner.

Funtimes!

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Review: Confections and Confessions

Confections and Confessions by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Being a massive fan of Harper's work I knew this one would be amazing. Dan and Amelia continue to be just adorable. John is still a jerk! This book had a serial killer and a second cupcake truck (because can you ever have enough cupcakes?). Don't forget the recipes at the end. If you have not, please read all 9, this series is so fun. Great beach or one day reads.

I am a proud member of the Review crew and super grateful to Harper for her time and talents.

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Review: Granny on Board

Granny on Board by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I always love a good Harper Lin novel and this one is set on one of my favorite things to do....on a cruise ship!! You know going into the book there will be a murder, what you don't know is who will be murdered and how. Ok, the how blew me away but I can tell you nothing because you need to read this for yourself and determine how it all works on your own.

What you need to know going into this is that Octavian and Barbara are adorable together and I love that they took a cruise together. The other thing you need to know is just when you think you have it figured out....you don't!!!

Enjoy!

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Review: Granny Gets Fancy

Granny Gets Fancy by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

And I would love to give it to you. Granny has a boyfriend, Octavian. They decide to get all dressed up and head to the country club where, as you would expect, a murder will take place. Granny/Barbara has to interview all the fancy folks of Cheerville to see exactly who committed the crime.

I do think you can read this as a stand-alone book, but I don't know why you would want to do so. Just read them all. They are all great for a vacation where you want some time by yourself, but you probably can't carve out too much time.

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Review: Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice

Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free ARC in exchange for my honest review and I am more than happy to give it to you. I thought this was a lot of fun. This time we will leave town and head to a resort a few hours away. We will meet characters that we want to slap across the face and some we want to give a hug to and of course there is a murder. Fran is going to give it her best to be romantic with Matt while trying to solve the murder.

You could read this as a stand-alone but why would you want to? Go back and read the other 8 books in this series, you will love them. As always this one is a quick relaxing read. Perfect for a few hours alone, or a chair on the beach...don't forget your glass of wine and macaron.

***Bonus*** macaron recipe in the back!!!!!

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Review: Sugar and Scandals

Sugar and Scandals by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It is no secret that I am a HUGE Harper Lin fan. I have read all of her books and love each and every one for different reasons.

This one is full of old classmates, cougars (the women kind), strange acting ex-husbands, sweet boyfriends, 2 teenage kids and of course cupcake recipes (have you tried the recipes? Well, you should).

This book could easily have been read in 1 or 2 nights but I was reading another book while reading this one so and with the New Year holiday, I got a tad distracted with life.

Things I love:
Lila and Amelia's friendship
Amelia and Dan together
recipes

Things I love to hate:
The ex-John
The new Mrs. -Jennifer

I think you could read this as a standalone and still have a good time, but why would you not want to read all the others in this series?


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Review: Granny Goes Hollywood

Granny Goes Hollywood by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love these books.

What would you do if you could meet and then work with your favorite movie star? Yeah, that would be fun unless someone is trying to murder your favorite movie star. That is what happens to Granny this time. Barbara, as usual, is on the case. I really think you could read this as a stand alone as Harper sets things up nicely, but I really think you would have more fun if you read the whole Granny series.

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest (that I am glad to give) review.

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Review: Pop-Up Truck and Peril

Pop-Up Truck and Peril by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Harper Lin's books...they are fast, engaging and funny. In Pop up Truck and Peril, Amelia's best friend Christine asks her to move the truck to her work for a few days because a co worker has been murdered and the police do have a suspect....only Christine can't believe the suspect would do it. Amelia is on the job selling her treats and solving crime and getting herself into trouble...with the police and the real murderer.

In Amelia's personal life, her ex is getting married and causing drama with their kids. Amelia has to learn how to handle this without making her ex look bad to his kids and keep her sanity.

This is a perfect series to download and take on vacation with you. I don't think you have to read the previous 5 to get the story, but why would you do that? They are all so fun.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Review: Double Shots, Donuts, and Dead Dudes

Double Shots, Donuts, and Dead Dudes by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Matt and Fran are so adorable!! While the Pink Cupcake series (if you haven't read it, you should), is my favorite of all.....this one is still superb. Fall break is coming up for many of you so download the series and sit on the beach and read. They are quick, enjoyable reads, books you can read while watching the kids frolic on the playground.

This one went in a slightly different direction, which I love about Harper; there may be a death in every book but she keeps it fresh with the hows and whys. I can't tell you too much or I will give away the plot, but I will tell you that I was hungry from the first restaurant burrito to the donut recipe at the end of the book.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.



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Review: A Deadly Bridal Shower

A Deadly Bridal Shower by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once again, I'm thoroughly entertained by Harper Lin. I can always count on an afternoon well spent. The books are short, but full of action.

Sometimes I want to murder a character myself. This book had two such characters for me.....but I love that! Suspects are found around every corner, but will you figure it out?

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Review: Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves

Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harper's books never fail to entertain me. This one was right up my alley...an Americano and an art show. Fran and Matt have developed the cutest little relationship, mischief happens and Fran is right there in the middle of it all. As usual, there are extra characters you like, you don't like and some you hate and just when you think you know where the story is going....there's a twist!



Ms. Lin's characters have really grown over the course of this series and I really like all of them. If you haven't read this series, pick up book one and get started! It would be a wonderful day to spend a rainy afternoon, a day at the beach or commute time.

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Review: Cold Case and Cupcakes

Cold Case and Cupcakes by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This Cupcake Mystery series keeps getting better. I am really growing fond of Amelia. I feel like I know her much better too and I love that. She made me angry a couple of times in this book, so that means I am getting invested. :) I think this series is so fun. It's a quick read where you can try to figure out the whodunit or you can just sit back and enjoy.

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Review: Granny's Got a Gun

Granny's Got a Gun by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am giving this book 5 stars! It is a quick weekend or beach read. You don't have to do a lot of thinking, just enjoy. I think you may even laugh out loud in some parts. This was fun that an ex CIA agent that just happens to be a grandma can still kick some butt in the crime dept.

Barbara is retired and missing her exciting life as a CIA agent. She lives in a sleepy little town, goes to her book club meetings and hangs with her friends...it's just not enough...until...one of the book club members dies right in front of the gang. Barbara will need a little assistance to solve this crime, maybe even help from her grandson.

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Review: Granny Undercover

Granny Undercover by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For one thing, let me thank Harper for giving me an ARC to enjoy. My honest review is what you get. I have read every one of Harper's books. This series is my favorite....it's about a butt kicking ex CIA granny, Barbara Gold, only no knows she ex cia. Barbara is looking for ways to bond with her son and his family (esp her teenaged grandson), she's exploring new hobbies and local clubs in her new hometown. In this novella she discovers gardening. The hedge clippers that gardeners use will play a big part in the death of a local man, and the death will at first be ruled a suicide. Here is where it gets spicy, Barbara stumbles upon this death and her training leads her to realize it wasn't a suicide. From here Barbara gets into all kinds of trouble and will need some of that CIA training to save the day.

This is a quick read, a funny read (I chuckled out loud a couple of times) and very entertaining. I recommend any of Harper's books, but this series is by far my fave (followed by the Pink Cupcake).

Thank you Harper!!!

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Review: Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks

Cremas, Christmas Cookies, and Crooks by Harper Lin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a teacher at the local high school is murdered, there is only one person that comes to mind to solve the mystery. FRAN! (I am so glad she is back)

There are plenty of suspects, including a favorite teacher. Everyone who knows Mrs. Crowsdale, knows she is innocent....problem is she can't prove it and this is where Fran enters the drama.

I do believe this is may favorite book in the series. I say this every time, but I am very interested in the characters and Fran's coffee shop business. If you have not picked up a Harper Lin book....you should remedy that now. The books are quick reads perfect for a vacation or weekend read.

I received a copy of this book in advance in trade for my honest opinion of the book.

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Review: The Prisoner in the Castle

The Prisoner in the Castle by Susan Elia MacNeal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW!!! WoW! WOW!!

Ok, I just finished this and I am a big ball of "I can't believe it". This book was outstanding. This series has gotten better and better with every book. Now, there is a lot of murder in each one, it is wartime and Maggie works for the government, lots of deaths.

In this one, the tables have turned and she knows too much government secrets so she is locked away in a castle off the coast of Scotland with many other agents.

You don't get much into the reading of the book before people start dying off. Who is doing the killing? Well, that will lead you through a maze of double crossers, and radio transmissions, a missing German U-boat and finally you will see how it was all done, and you will say, "wow, that ride was worth it".

Enjoy!

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Review: Granny Strikes Back

Granny Strikes Back by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara Gold is just perfect! She is a former CIA agent that is trying hard to live a nice calm life in retirement. She has met a man she is a bit attracted to and goes on a date with him. From there things get kind of adventuresome for the duo. Once it got to this point, I could not stop until I was finished. I won't spoil it for you, but I will tell you it will be fun, unexpected and a tad outrageous. Wonderful fun!

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Review: Desserts and Death

Desserts and Death by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all of Harper's books. This is one of my favorite series that she writes. You can read any of the books as a standalone, but you will have lots of fun if you start from book 1 and read all the way to this one (#6). Amelia owns the cutest and very popular cupcake food truck....her ex is a louse that tries to take their kids away (she has primary custody but he and his new wife want them). She has a budding romance with a policeman and she tends to get into a lot of trouble. This one starts when LuAnn hires her to bake 100 plus cupcakes for a funeral. It is just as crazy as you think it could get! A fun "read at the beach" or on a plane book. I personally like these books whenever I just want to escape for a few hours.

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Review: Espressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes

Espressos, Eggnogs, and Evil Exes by Harper Lin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think the Cape Bay Cafe series is so fun. I love a good coffee shop. This is a part of a series, but you could read it as a stand alone, but why would you want to?

Fran's best friend and co worker is stalked by her boyfriend's ex...then the ex ends up dead. Who do think is the suspect? Sammy the best friend. Jump right in for some fun, some craziness and a nice way to spend a weekend. Bonus....there is a "killer" eggnog recipe in the back of the book.

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Review: Hope Never Dies

Hope Never Dies by Andrew Shaffer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I picked this book up solely to have the bromance continued (I have missed those memes). This book won't win any prizes in literature and the diaglogue is kind of unbelievable, but the ride is fun. I laughed and wrote memes in my head. T
he best part of the book is that Joe Biden is the crime solver (I adore Joe Biden)...all in all, it was a fun little cozy and a good way to spend an afternoon.

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