#NetGalley: Deadly Vows by Jody Holford

I really enjoyed this clean, cozy mystery.
Deadly Vows
by Jody Holford

File Size: 2248 KB
Print Length: 220 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (April 9, 2019)
ASIN: B07FLP2PKJ
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Former Army brat Molly Owens is happily settling into her new life in the seaside town of Britton Bay—and into new her job as editor-in-chief of the local paper. But as tourists discover the desirable spot, the tide along the Oregon Coast is turning . . .
Britton Bay is buzzing with preparations for a wedding at the bed and breakfast where Molly rents a small carriage home. Molly is even helping out and plans to interview the rising star caterer—until the woman is found dead. And then the bride-to-be goes missing. To make matters worse, the venue is owned by Molly’s new boyfriend’s mother—and Molly was among the last people to see the victim alive. All of which makes solving the crime her top priority . . .
With the nuptials indefinitely on hold, Molly will have to sift through a sticky mix of suspects, including a rival caterer with a short fuse, a groom with an illicit secret, and a wedding party riddled with personal drama. And if she doesn’t discover the truth soon, Molly might be her own front-page news . . .

Review:
Molly Owens has been settling into her new life in Britton Bay. She is editor-in-chief of the local paper and has gotten a bit of a rep as an amateur sleuth after recently helping to solve a murder (book one Deadly News). During the first investigation Molly found a cute dog abandoned in an alley. Now she travels through the day, to work and about, with Tigger either at her feet or getting sitting and walking help from her new boyfriend, Sam.

Molly lives at a carriage house on the grounds of the local B&B which happens to be owned by Sam’s mother. Things are buzzing as the B&B prepares for an upcoming wedding. The wedding set up comes with tension as the Mother of the Bride, who is at odds with the groom, is dictating and controlling all aspects of the wedding, including hiring a celebrity chef rather than using local catering.

Molly and her news team are doing interviews of the wedding members and Molly manages to set up an interview with the rather solitary chef. When Molly arrives in the morning for the interview, she finds a crime scene set up around the dead body of the chef. It just so happens that Molly observed some bickering involving the lady and also overheard her in a heated argument the night before. Molly doesn’t really set out to investigate the crime but she walks a fine line seeking news and uncovering clues. The sheriff investigator gets pretty frustrated as Molly finds people keep talking to her and she comes up with clues which she gets around to sharing with him when she can/chooses.

I like how Ms. Holford has provided plenty of suspects with a variety of motives. The method of death is interesting too…a good choice rather than a usual weapon. The pacing makes for an easy and quick read.

Molly’s relationship with Sam is a strong element developing along with the sleuthing. They have a lovely friendship of respect and caring that is warming up in a nice way. This adds a fun romantic element to the mystery. I like Tigger too even if he isn’t a big part of solving the crime. I want to read more in this series and I recommend this to readers who enjoy a clean romance with a good cozy mystery.

Source: 2019 NetGalley. This qualifies for 2019NetGalley goal.

Audio Book Review: Still Life by Dani Pettrey

This is a strong, engaging Christian romantic suspense..

Still Life
by Dani Pettrey
Narrated by Therese Plummer

Runtime 8.75 Hrs. - Unabridged
Publisher christianaudio
Gerne: Christian, Religious Romance, Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

Romantic Suspense's Rising Star Continues to Win Fans
Blacklisted in the photography business over a controversial shot, Avery Tate answered an ad for a crime scene photographer. She expected to be laughed at, but crime scene analyst Parker Mitchell hired her outright--and changed her life. But six months ago, when her feelings for Parker became too strong, she left his employ to sort out her heart.
Now, for the first time, Avery is facing the world that rejected her to attend the gallery opening of a photography exhibit and support her best friend, who modeled for the show. But the only image of her friend is a chilling photo of her posing as if dead--and the photographer insists he didn't take the shot. Worse, her friend can't be found. She immediately calls Parker for help. As Avery, Parker, and his friends in law enforcement dig into the mystery, they find themselves face-to-face with a relentless and deadly threat.

Review:
Avery was blacklisted from her former photography business which had her accepting work as a crime scene photographer. She found she had a good working relationship with crime scene analyst, Parker Mitchell. But she stepped away when she realized that she was losing her heart and he was still tied up with his deceased wife.

Six months later Avery is returning to the art world to attend a gallery to support a childhood friend, Skylar, who modeled for the show. Instead of finding Skylar she finds a chilling image which has been substituted into the show to the great anger of the featured photographer. Avery goes to her old neighborhood to locate Skylar but finds her missing and is bowled over by someone racing out of Skylar’s trailer. Avery quickly seeks the help of the best crime analyst she knows, Parker.

Parker is thrilled to be working with Avery again even though he continues to struggle with his feelings that his interest in Avery betrays his first wife. But Parker is ready to help and is glad to find that his law enforcement friends are present to help investigate the sabotaged art show and the missing friend. They also get caught up in investigating death of crew on a ship that apparently smuggled in illegal immigrants.

The return to her home community is difficult since Avery had a rough time growing up with situations she has kept secret from those around her. It is good to watch how Avery and Parker work through their feelings even as they race to locate Skylar. Parker provides forensic clues and Avery provides informed photography expertise that is effective helping in both cases.

I was pulled right into this when I started listening. I really enjoyed the characters with their strong faith foundations. They are not perfect and in fact have to work through very normal emotions of doubt and self-recrimination. The emotional conflict did seem to be drawn out just a little bit more than necessary.

The plot involves two good mysteries that kept my interest especially with forensic details. There are mentions of characters who were lost or missing from the first book, but I was able to read this book fine as a standalone. I would be interested in picking up the other books in the series and by this author. I recommend this to readers who enjoy Christian based romantic suspense.

Audio Notes: Therese Plummer is an excellent narrator. She provides good voices for each of the characters and I will admit that Parker’s Irish accent is rather yummy. The pacing and presentation through audio enhanced my enjoyment of this book.

Source: ChristianAudio Sale July 2017. This qualifies for 2019TBR and 2019Audiobook goals.

Sunday Post May 12, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 13, 2019

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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

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.

Work continues. Our new employee seems to be doing well considering how much we have 'thrown at her' this week.
I contacted the architect's office repeatedly but, in spite of one reply, there is no progress. I'll be back on the phone this week.

This orchid was a Mother's day gift two years ago from our son. I am glad it is still blooming.

Tiger Lily (our cat) struggled early in the week but seems to have gotten over the nerve episode this week. Still, she isn't eating enough.
Our weather continues to warm up even though we have had several rain storms.
We're watching episode 5 of Game of Thrones tonight.

I hope all the mothers, real, surrogate, and substitute, enjoyed their day. :-)

I had another good reading/listening week. I finished 3 books: 2 ebooks and 1 audiobook. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited 21 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to The Bent Bookworm. Liz is "a girl with a book obsession, a caffeine problem, and an adrenaline addiction."
Thank you to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 5, 2019/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 6, 2019.

• MBS April 2019 Reading List Wrap Up.

• ebTBR- Book Review: April's Desires (Larry Macklin Mysteries Book 6) by A. E. Howe; Detective Mystery, Traditional Mystery; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell; Children, Fantasy, Middle Grade (ages 8-10); My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 10, 2019. Open Worldwide. Ending 5/16/2019.

• Aeb2018- Book Review: Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan; Action, Mystery, Thriller; My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 12, 2019.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (Author TBR)

Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan
This is a great high action thriller.
Review linked above. 
Source: Author review request December 2018.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone (ATBR)

Still Life
by Dani Pettrey
8.75 Hrs.
This is a strong Christian romantic suspense.
Source: ChristianAudio Sale July 2017.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (NG2019)

Deadly Vows
by Jody Holford
I really enjoyed this clean, cozy mystery.
Source: 2019 NetGalley.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently Reading:
1. Audible/Smartphone (A2019)

Storm Cursed
Mercy Thompson Novel Series, Book 11
By: Patricia Briggs
Narrated by: Lorelei King
Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
Release date: 05-07-19
I'm already enjoying this addition to a great series.
Source: March 2019 Audible credit (pre-order).
Publisher's Summary
In this powerful entry in the number-one New York Times best-selling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves....
My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.
And a coyote shape-shifter.
And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.
Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn’t stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who live in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and interact with the fae.
The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming, and her name is Death.
But we are pack, and we have given our word.
We will die to keep it.
©2019 Patricia Briggs (P)2019 Penguin Audio

2. eBook/Kindle (eb-LBC)

The Breaking Point
by Karen Ball
This is moving quickly with emotional conflicts. 
This is my LBC book to be discussed next Saturday.
Source: 2016 Print purchase. 4/28/19 Kindle version.
Click on book title for full description.

3. eBook/Kindle (eBookTBR)

Read on Arrival
A Bookmobile Mystery
by Nora Page
Release date May 7, 2019.
This looked like a nice cozy.
Source: NetGalley 2018 This is the last of my 2018 NetGalley picks.
Death, deadly omens, and a decades-overdue book put senior librarian Cleo Watkins on a collision course with a killer in the second Bookmobile mystery.
Septuagenarian librarian Cleo Watkins believes in gracious manners, sweet tea, and justice―library justice. For over forty years, Cleo has tried every trick in the book to get delinquent patron Dixie Huddleston to return the most overdue volume in Catalpa Springs, Georgia. When Dixie says she’ll finally relinquish the book, Cleo is shocked. She’s even more startled by the reason: superstitious Dixie says she’s seen the signs: she’s about to die and is setting her affairs in order.
Cleo dismisses Dixie’s ominous omens…until she and her gentleman friend, Henry Lafayette, arrive at Dixie’s home to find her dead. Cleo suspects murder. The police agree but promptly list Cleo among the likely culprits. To clear her good name and deliver justice, Cleo uses her librarian skills to investigate, with Henry and her trusty bookmobile cat, Rhett Butler, at her side.
However, the killer has opened a new chapter of terror. Death threats appear around town, and residents start seeing bad luck everywhere, including in Cleo and her beloved bookmobile Words on Wheels. With her bookmobile and legacy on the line, Cleo accelerates her sleuthing. Suspects and clues stack up, but so does the danger. Another death is coming due, and Cleo fears the killer may be about to turn the final page on someone she loves most.

I am sure to pick up another audio this week but I haven't decided which yet.


May 12, 2019 - I got a half day behind and had to catch up this week. I am still enjoying the devotions and readings with the One Year Bible plan through You Version App. I'll plan to pick another study this week. [You can check out audio of the One Year Bible Plan on the companion commentary online.]

I completed three books and posted four reviews. I continue to be current for review posts.
I have been adding newer reviews to NetGalley, Goodreads, Amazon and Audible.  (Eventually I will add older reviews.)
My NetGalley shelf is now at 15 unread (2 added, 1 on the read list). I am working on the now 5 April titles. [I have 4 5 old titles (2012-13!) that I might get read this year too.]
I still have four author ebook titles in queue.
Still many through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

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 received two requested titles from NetGalley .
I have six new Audios: two Audible credits plus five sale pick ups.
I downloaded week 3 titles from SYNC.
I picked up only 3 free kindle titles. (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

Two requested titles from NetGalley:
(Another 'spring' title.)

Spring Skies Over Bluebell Castle:(Bluebell Castle, Book 1)
by Sarah Bennett
"She wasn’t looking for love…
...But it’s only a matter of time before Lucie’s past catches up with her and by then it’s too late, she’s falling for him…"

I like fairy tale retellings.
The Girl in Red
by Christina Henry
"Red doesn't like to think of herself as a killer, but she isn't about to let herself get eaten up just because she is a woman alone in the woods...."

Won

NONE

Purchased

5/12/19 Audible April Two Credits:
(Hard to pick but I chose one in a series to continue and one new series title.
Machine World
Undying Mercenaries, Book 4
By: B. V. Larson
Narrated by: Mark Boyett
Length: 13 hrs and 18 mins
Release date: 05-12-15
I am ready to continue this military sci fi series.

Chosen
The Warrior Chronicles, Book 1
By: K. F. Breene
Narrated by: Caitlin Davies
Length: 10 hrs and 51 mins
Release date: 02-02-16
This looks like a strong female protagonist series.

5/12/2019 Audible Sale - 4 titles for $21.06. I'm often reluctant to use a credit for a book under $18.00 so I'm glad if I can pick them up on sale.
$7.49
The Hammer Commission
By: John Van Stry
Narrated by: Doug Tisdale Jr.
Length: 5 hrs and 16 mins
Release date: 03-02-17
I've been wanting to pick up this series for a while.

$5.24
The Tale of Despereaux
Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread
By: Kate DiCamillo
Narrated by: Graeme Malcolm
Length: 3 hrs and 30 mins
Release date: 02-05-04
I have wanted this cute story for a while.

$5.24
Justice Redeemed
By: Scott Pratt
Narrated by: Nick Podehl
Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
Release date: 11-17-15
I wanted to try this legal thriller-- I like this narrator and it is a "J" title.

$3.09
Letters from Father Christmas
By: J.R.R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 10-04-05
Hard to resist Tolkien.



SYNC Audio 2019 Week 3.
THE EPIC CRUSH OF GENIE LO by F.C. Yee, narrated by Nancy Wu (Recorded Books)
SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa, narrated by Joy Osmanski, Brian Nishii, Emily Woo Zeller (HarperAudio)

I added only 3 free titles to my Kindle library. 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 May 12, 2019 Happy Mother's Day!

Our Sunday School teacher summarized 1 Corinthians and the lessons he has shared these past many weeks. Service was nicely full of families ready to celebrate with Mothers.

Pastor’s message was the first in a new series he has titled “Life Skills”. He noted that Moms teach many things to children; many skills to help become a successful person in life. These lessons and skills include things like respect, manners, perseverance, planning, communication, listening, having fun, laughing a lot, relationships, kindness, and much more. A lot of the best things we learn by the age of 5.

Godly mothers hopefully teach that God comes first; family is important but not as important as God. Showing honor is a skill that will never fail you. It is more than respect or good manners. One of the commandments tells us: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12. Ephesians 6:1 reiterates this noting that it is the first commandment with a promise. That chapter also admonishes fathers not to provoke their children but it does say that children are to be brought up with training and instruction of the Lord.

Point: Honor is a reflection of the character of God in our attitude and actions.

A mature person sees beyond his or her immediate feelings such as hurt, anger, disappointment, etc. God loves us, we didn't have to earn it.

Ephesians 6:5-8 goes on to direct slaves to submit to “your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart… 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,…”

We need to give respect and honor even to those we disagree with. The message is “honor everyone”, love the family of believers, and respect the king. There are different levels (respect, honor, love) but the bottom line is the same: give deference to others.
We should be seeking to outdo each other in showing honor; love each other, take delight...Romans 12:9-18.

Our world does the opposite of what God wants. They belittle and name call. They exhibit selfishness saying “I want it my way, now”.
What does honor look like?
John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
There is a proper order and priority. “ Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” Proverbs 21:21.

Pursue what God wants first.
Honor in this life does not equate to honor in God's world, in eternity. We are directed to honor God and others. All men are created in His image and therefore worthy of love.

We sang this song this morning and I loved it.

Verses for Today
Romans 12:10-18
10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Lord, I pray that you help me to always honor others as You direct us to do.

Book Review: Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan

This is a high action and I love Cody, the former war dog.
Vigilante Assassin: An Action Thriller
(Jake Wolfe Book 2)
by Mark Nolan

File Size: 2775 KB
Print Length: 362 pages
Publication Date: October 27, 2017
ASIN: B075665WN5
Genre: Action, Mystery, Thriller
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Every marriage has a secret, and this one is deadly. Lauren Stephens wakes up to find her husband, Gene, has vanished during the night. His phone is dead. Desperate, she hires Jake Wolfe and his war dog, Cody. They search the house and discover something so disturbing that Jake won’t allow Lauren near it. “No, if you see this, there is no unseeing it.”
Lauren thought she had it all: a loving partner, two great kids, a successful business, and a beautiful home in the San Francisco hills. But all of that is about to come crashing down, due to a missing husband, a hidden past, and a frightening secret that will shock a trusting wife to the core. Gene has enemies, and now they want something from Lauren.
Jake Wolfe is a flawed man who has a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He wants to leave his secret, violent past behind him, but when Lauren and her children are threatened, his protective instinct takes command. Jake soon finds himself involved in a dangerous conspiracy, targeted for death, and engaged in battle with a powerful, unseen group who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Jake’s going to have to think fast and fight hard to protect Cody, Lauren and her kids.

Review:
Jake is contemplating peace and quiet as he relaxes on his friend’s boat with his new girlfriend, Sarah. He wakes early and his retired war dog, Cody, warns him of danger in the water. The sun hasn’t even risen as Jake faces the first attack of the day.

As soon as Jake docks, the head of an executive security company appears to ask for his help to protect Lauren Stephens, a wealthy woman whose husband has just gone missing. Soon Jake locates a body in a secret room and discovers dangerous, scandalous secrets. Jake dodges weaponized drones as he begins to hunt for a motive and a killer.

Jake can’t even get to breakfast before he is stopped by a cop who resents Jake. Jake ends up with a head lump and wakes up in jail facing a sexual predator. Jake calls in a government agency to help him get out of jail quickly. The government people will be glad for this extra leverage to get Jake to sign on to their special project(s).

The excitement continues with multiple kidnappings, another beating and Jake facing death threats by a powerful, mysterious enemy. In addition to finding Mr. Stephens’ killer, Jake and his long-time detective friend, Terrell, are tracking drug and arms dealers. While rushing from one danger to another Jake is intent on protecting Lauren and her kids, as well as protecting Sarah and Cody. Jake is even willing to risk teaming up with the mob in order to get quick, on the street help.

Wow! This is packed with high octane action! It reminded me of the TV show 24 with all the things that go in such a short time. Jake and Cody are at the center of all the action and Cody shines with his brilliant nose work. Cody’s skills and complex character are almost on level with Jake’s. The story reads very quickly as the mysteries and danger twists and turns.

This is the second in the series and I do recommend reading the first book, Dead Lawyer’s Don’t Lie. That book introduces the primary characters and explains their backgrounds. I am very glad that I have book three to read soon. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy fast paced action with an extra smart dog as a great partner.

Source: Author review request December 2018. This qualifies for 2019TBR and Author goals.