#NetGalley Book Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover by Susan Wittig Albert

This story shares great history with a light mystery.
The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover
by Susan Wittig Albert

File Size: 1245 KB
Print Length: 269 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0996904034
Publisher: Persevero Press (March 6, 2018)
ASIN: B077ZJFKTN
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

It is 1934. FDR is in the White House, the New Deal is in full swing, and Prohibition has finally been repealed. Bestselling author Susan Wittig Albert returns to Darling, Alabama, where the ladies of the local garden club aren’t afraid to dig a little dirt if that’s what it takes to cultivate a mystery . . .
When the Lucky Four Clovers run into a string of bad luck, it looks like the music may have ended for Darling’s favorite barbershop quartet—just when the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition is about to take place. To complicate things, there’s a serious foul-up in Darling’s telephone system—and Myra May and Violet don’t have a penny for repairs. The town’s party lines may have to go out of business, which would be bad news for the gossips.
And it doesn’t help that newspaper editor/publisher Charlie Dickens is facing a crisis of confidence in his new wife, Fannie. Or that Liz Lacy (the Dahlias’ president) has to decide whether she’s ready for a do-over in her ill-fated romance with Grady Alexander. And what’s that secret her old friend Fremon is keeping? What does he know about what happened to the unlucky Clover on that dark night on the Jericho Road?
While liquor is legal again, moonshine isn’t, and as Sheriff Buddy Norris discovers when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County’s most notorious bootlegger, it helps to have a little luck. But whatever the challenge, the Dahlias know that pie fixes everything. And you will, too, when you hear what they’re baking for Darling’s pie supper.
Once again, author Susan Wittig Albert has brought us a charming story of richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make of it.
Traditional Southern pie recipes (and a little cookery history) included!

Review:
Liz Lacy, one of the Dahlia Darlings, is the part time secretary to a lawyer. They have gotten a call from a local woman whose husband has gone missing. A day later the wrecked car and body are found. The deputy and sheriff realize quickly that what may look like an accident was something more sinister. Now they have to figure out why and who considering the deceased had several people in town unhappy with his business dealings.

While Liz talks to town folk trying to unravel the mystery from the view of her office, the author shares a wealth of details regarding the lifestyle in 1934. There are descriptions of cars, clothing, switchboard telephone system with party lines, old time newspaper with Linotype, and lots of pies including shoofly pie which is one of my favorites. There is also discussion of political issues such as the new deal, repeal of prohibition, Works Programs Administration (WPA) and more.

This is a good cozy mystery with wonderful history. The history made this as much fun to listen to as the mystery. There are also gardening details for garden buffs and yummy pies play a part of the story. After the conclusion there are several pie recipes shared from sources as early as 1837. The writing style flows well for an easy, enjoyable read. I recommend this to cozy mystery fans who would enjoy the nostalgia and history of the 1930s.

Source: NetGalley 2017. This qualifies for my 2018TBR, Alphabet and NetGalley Challenges.

Sunday Post March 4, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday March 5, 2018

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I had to work late every nights as we are taking a short cruise this week. I always like to clear my desk, if I can before I go. It was hectic and I did not get everything done but have it all organized with a little to work on while I am gone and others to dive into when I get back.
We have had some rain and the weekend dipped to the 40s. Otherwise the weather continues to be nice.

I enjoyed my reading and listening although again I didn't get as much in as I might have. I one Audible and one eBook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I only got to visit 25 blogs again this past week.
Shout Out this week to Cindy's Love of Books who has a charming header.
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post February 25, 2018/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday February 26, 2018.

• MBS 2018 Take Control of Your TBR Pile Challenge.

• A-Author- Audio Review: The Earth Bleeds Red by Jackson Baer; Mystery, Thriller; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway March 2, 2018. Open Worldwide. Ending 3/8/2018.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor; Sci Fi; my rating 4.75.

• P-LBC- Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall; Amish, Romance; my rating 4.5. Open US Only. Ending 3/17/2018.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement February 25, 2018.

Finished Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone

Golden Son
Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy
By: Pierce Brown
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
Series: Red Rising, Book 2
This really holds attention with wonderful character and world development.
Source: Audible 2017 Credit Purchase.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
by Patricia A. McKillip
This is beautiful and emotional magic.
Source: NetGalley 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone (TBR)

If I Run
by Terri Blackstock
Narrator: Nan Gurley
I am about a third into this and enjoying the building story.
I expect I will get book 2 this week.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

2. PLBC (TBR)

When the Morning Comes, Sisters of the Quilt Series #2
by Cindy Woodsmall
I am 100 pages in but do plan to finish
this 2nd book this week.
Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016 for Ladies Book Club.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible/MP3 (TBR)

Dead Ever After
A Sookie Stackhouse Novel, Book 13
By: Charlaine Harris
I decided to finish this series as part of my Take Control of TBR Pile Challenge this month.
Source: Audible 2015 Credit or Sale purchase.
Publisher's Summary
Number-one New York Times best-selling author Charlaine Harris has won numerous awards for her Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire series, which has been adapted into the hit HBO show True Blood. In this 13th and final book, a murder rocks the town of Bon Temps and Sookie is arrested for the crime. After making bail, she sets out to clear her name - but her investigation only leads to more deaths.
©2013 Charlaine Harris, Inc. (P)2013 Recorded Books

4. eBook/Kindle (NGTBR)

Fade to Black: A Doug Brock Thriller
by David Rosenfelt
I enjoy the Andy Carpenter series by Rosenfelt 
so I am interested to try another character.
Source: NetGalley; Title releases March 13, 2018.
In Fade to Black, the thrilling sequel to Blackout from David Rosenfelt, policeman Doug Brock helps a fellow victim of amnesia untangle a murder case and discovers he may not be as distant as he thinks.
After getting shot in the line of duty, New Jersey state police officer Doug Brock has been busy rebuilding his life. He’s reunited with his fiancé and started to get some of his memories back. He hopes he can continue to recover with the help of an amnesia support group and that the damage from his past isn’t permanent.
It isn’t until fellow group member Sean Conner approaches him after a meeting that Doug realizes the trouble is just beginning. Sean has discovered in his attic what can only be called a scrapbook of a murder victim, but he has no recollection of the girl’s identity or why he might have gathered this information. Doug agrees to help and convinces his captain to open what had been a cold case. When he discovers that he had a personal connection to this case, suddenly he’s questioning everything he thought he knew about the case, about Sean, and about his own past.
In the next page-turning thriller by David Rosenfelt, Doug Brock is back to delight readers and keep them guessing until the end.

March 4, 2018 - I really am enjoying following the One Year Bible plan on my new smartphone each morning! It is a great way to start my day. However we realized that it does not match the book plan so we aren't not reading the same scriptures. You can check out the audio on the companion commentary online.

I completed 2 books and posted 3 reviews. That moves me to 3 current reviews.
I am about two weeks behind linking at Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.
My NetGalley shelf is now to 20. I have two committed author titles in queue and many through InstaFreebie. I have more new author requests but haven't had time to reply.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
I didn't request or receive any review titles.
I resisted the Audible daily deal titles again, but I did pick up 5 on sale.
I resisted Kindle deals this week too.
However, as usual, I picked up (many) more free kindle titles as usual. (Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

NONE

Won

NONE

Purchased

I picked up a group of Audibles on sale on 2/25/18:

Four titles at the Price of $4.95 each:
Killing Trail
A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery, Book 1
By: Margaret Mizushima, Narrator: Nancy Wu, Inc. Blackstone Audio

American Exit Strategy
The Economic Collapse Chronicles, Volume 1

By: Mark Goodwin, Narrator: Kevin Pierce

Into the Storm
Book One of The Malcontents
By: Larry Correia, Narrator: Ray Porter, Audible Studios

The Watchmaker's Daughter
Glass and Steele, Book 1
By: C. J. Archer, Narrator: Emma Powell, C.J. Archer

One Title for $6.95
The Black Prism
By: Brent Weeks, Narrator: Simon Vance, Hachette Audio

Free

I added 54 free titles to my Kindle library this week! Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement March 4, 2018

Our Sunday School teacher shared a touching video about how one person sharing the message of Christ can impact many. I hope to share that another day.

Pastor completed his sermon series on Inhabited.
He noted that God gives each person spiritual gifts.
He gave an example of a gift he was given in high school. It is very special to him even though he does not use it as often now as he did years ago. Some gifts we use once; some are used as courtesy; some are regifted and some may even be thrown away. Some gifts are used from time to time and others are used often.

The greatest gift we've been given is the Holy Spirit. Gifts of the Holy Spirit are for every day, not just special occasions. The Holy Spirit always confirms the word of God and the relationship of love.
There are gifts for every situation. Living full of the Holy Spirit is continual.
Spiritual gifts are given by God and the Holy Spirit works in us to steward gifts. Luke 11:13.
The gifts are given to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Point: God has given each of us one or more spiritual Gifts to be used to serve one another.

You have gift to use, not just once in a while but every day.
There are a variety of gifts, but the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12-14.
We should use our gifts every day for God’s purposes.
Pastor encouraged us to read 1 Corinthians Chapters 12- 14 as a letter without verse and chapter breaks. As Chapter 12 ends Paul is saying: ‘desire the best gifts, but I will show you the best way’… This flows into Chapter 13 where we are told that the gifts without love are nothing. The best way to live is to love others.Without love it works against the goal, the message.

“Let love be your highest goal”… 1 Corinthians 14:1(a), NLT. “But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” 1 Corinthians 14: 26, NLT.

Take these five steps:
1. Learn what spiritual gifts exist.
2. Seek the giver of all spiritual gifts.
3. Surrender yourself for His purpose.
4. Discover your current spiritual gifts.
5. Be ready and available.

Your gift is waiting for you to use in service to others.

I didn't find this with lyrics in the video so you have to listen. 

I think the song fits the message today.

Verses for Today:
1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord - show me my gifts and help me use them to serve others.

Book Review and Giveaway: When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

This has good characters and an engaging story.

When the Heart Cries, Sisters of the Quilt Series #1
by Cindy Woodsmall

Amazon Link
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: WaterBrook (September 19, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400072921
Genre: Amish, Romance
My Rating: 4.5 0f 5.0

Hannah Lapp was raised in an Old Order Amish Family. Now seventeen, she is ready to get out and experience the world. She is thrilled to accept the proposal from her Mennonite boyfriend. If she were forced to live outside the community on her own, could she handle it? Will she turn to God for answers?

Review:
Hannah Lapp is a sweet, helpful young Amish woman who cares for her family and her community. Even so, she has developed a love for a young man of the Mennonite faith who works during the summers at a neighboring farm. They have been meeting secretly for the past three summers as their friendship grew. The day Paul is leaving to return to college she accepts his proposal of marriage. But as she is walking home her world is shattered. Her family chooses to minimize and hide the event and she is left to struggle with her trauma alone.

Hannah and Paul miss each other but have no way to communicate. Hannah has drawn into herself and rouses only when her brother and his hoped to be intended are severely injured in a buggy crash. Hannah devotes herself to caring for Mary at the hospital and at home she helps Mary rehabilitate making a past and future quilt for Mary's marriage. Meanwhile, Hannah’s younger sister becomes increasingly resentful and jealous of Hannah. She convinces herself she is doing the right thing to tell the Bishop of what she believes is wrongful behavior by Hannah.

Months go by and Hannah’s family relations continue to be strained and torn. Hannah suffers more tragedy with the community against her and a misunderstanding that makes her believe that Paul has abandoned her. Physically and mentally exhausted Hannah decides she must get away. She takes the train to a secret destination hoping to find help.

Can Hannah find peace away from her community? Will she look to God for healing and direction? The story continues in book two.

Ms. Woodsmall has created well developed characters and an engrossing storyline that tugs the heart strings. As much as I generally think fondly of the Amish faith, this story raises serious failings that result from the strictness, seclusion and limitations within this community. It was heart wrenching to follow Hannah’s trauma and suffering with no support, even – or especially – from her family. Just as in non-Amish communities some parents care more about their own reputations than the harm suffered by their child. The rules of law are more prevalent than the love of God.

Although our ladies’ book club did not get to discuss this fully, the feedback I got back from several who had finished it was very favorable. They were ready to follow Hannah’s journey in book two so I was glad I had that on hand to pass out. One member even asked me for book three after finishing the first two in two days!

I am a third of the way in book two and still fully engaged. I recommend this emotional and engaging story to readers who like Amish situations and personal growth.

Source: Chirstianabook.com 2016; purchased on sale for Ladies Book Club. This qualifies for 2018TBR and Alphabet Challenge. .

GIVEAWAY:

TWO WINNERS!

Paperback Book (US Only)

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review

or

(b) comment on the author's website

* This contest is open to US only for the paperback book.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) March 17, 2018.
Winners are asked to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Audible Book Review: For We Are Many by Dennis E. Taylor

I enjoyed this fun listen.
For We Are Many
Bobiverse, Book 2
By: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by: Ray Porter
Series: Bobiverse, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 58 mins
Unabridged
Release date: 04-18-17
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Sci FI
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
The highly anticipated sequel to Audible's Best of 2016 - Science Fiction winner, We Are Legion (We Are Bob); a book listeners are calling "so much fun", "what science fiction was meant to be", and what would happen if "Andy Weir and Ernest Cline had a lovechild".
Bob Johansson didn't believe in an afterlife, so waking up after being killed in a car accident was a shock. To add to the surprise, he is now a sentient computer and the controlling intelligence for a Von Neumann probe.
Bob and his copies have been spreading out from Earth for 40 years now, looking for habitable planets. But that's the only part of the plan that's still in one piece. A system-wide war has killed off 99.9 percent of the human race; nuclear winter is slowly making the Earth uninhabitable; a radical group wants to finish the job on the remnants of humanity; the Brazilian space probes are still out there, still trying to blow up the competition; and the Bobs have discovered a spacefaring species that sees all other life as food.
Bob left Earth anticipating a life of exploration and blissful solitude. Instead he's become a sky god to a primitive native species, the only hope for getting humanity to a new home, and possibly the only thing that can prevent every living thing in the local sphere from ending up as dinner.
Listener favorite Ray Porter returns to narrate Bob - and his many incarnations - in all of their geeky glory.
©2017 Dennis E. Taylor (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
This continues the fun difficulties, joys and growth of the “Bobs”, the sentient computer AIs that are extensions of the brain of Bob Johansson. Bob is/was a brilliant scientist, engineer, computer geek… His AI replicants are each a unique and interesting variety on the original Bob, with different genetic, emotional or moral elements taking precedence. Once replicated, each AI picks his own name.

This book follows several of the many Bobs. Bill, the first computer Bob’s first replicant, is the central computer wizard, always upgrading the technical and communication aspects to give the Bobs the best connection and the best carriers and defenses. The original AI Bob has made the first alien contact and has adopted a young boy in a primitive tribe. The interventions of Bob and his ‘son’ Marvin, are changing the tribe, not always with the approval of the natives.

Riker is one of the earlier replicants who returned to the devastated earth. He and several AI ‘brothers’ or ‘sons’ are trying to evacuate the humans to safe planet colonies that are being discovered by other Bobs. While coping with the competitive arguing of the remaining human groups, Riker and companions are also trying to ferret out the terrorists who are sabotaging food, defenses and other survival resources.

Other “Bobs” have traveled in various directions in space seeking new planets for terraforming and colonization. Some of these “Bobs” have now come across a deadly alien force who destroys entire cities and species. They are racing against time trying to find a way to stop this powerful menace before it wipes out another planet of sentient beings.

I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional elements, intrigues and action in this sequel. The varieties in the personalities are fascinating and it was interesting to see different emotions in the AIs. There are some sad and tense moments and even a bit of romance. Woven throughout is the continuing ironic humor. It is more light entertainment than heavy space opera, but that is fine with me.I will be getting  book 3 to find out how the Bobs fair against The Others. I recommend this to sci fi fans who enjoy a lighter work with humor.

Audio Notes: Ray Porter does a spot-on job with the narration. He captures the various personalities with unique and suitable voices. The audio enhanced the reading enjoyment for me.

Source: Audible 2017 sale purchase. This qualifies for 2018 TBR, 2018 Audible and 2018 Alphabet Challenges.

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) Bobiverse Book 1, Review, Rating 5.0