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Heather Day Gilbert

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Mystery Reviews: The Cover Story and A Sticky Inheritance

As I mentioned in my last email, I’ve been reading several mysteries lately–some for fun, some for review purposes for publishers. Today, I wanted to share my (albeit brief!) reviews on a couple I’ve read recently. Oddly enough, both books are actually second-in-series books. I haven’t read the first in the Branigan Powers series, but I had read the first (novella) in the Maple Syrup Mysteries series.

The Cover Story by Deb Richardson-Moore:

I was given a copy of this mystery by Kregel Publishing for review, so I took it along on my vacation. While I didn’t manage to finish reading it there (it does require some focus; not a super-light read), I did complete it once I got home. Here’s my Goodreads review:

This was an interesting mystery and one with some unique twists. I was glad for the inclusion of the homeless as part of the storyline. For some reason, I found myself wishing I could get into Branigan’s head a bit more and I always felt a bit distanced from her as the lead sleuth and in her interactions with others, so for that reason, I did knock off a star. Thanks to Kregel/Lion Hudson for providing me with a copy of this book for review.

So to sum it up, I did have some trouble relating to the main character, and for me, character is so important. I did enjoy the southern details, though!

A Sticky Inheritance by Emily James:

I’d read the first (prequel) book in this series, Sapped, because I got it free when I signed up for the author’s newsletter. I liked the tone of the story (clean), as well as the main character, Nikki. Here’s my review of  the second book (Book 1 of the Maple Syrup Mysteries, set in small-town Michigan):

4.5 stars, simply because there were several times Nikki’s inability to put two and two together (for a lawyer) seemed to be stretching it, although let’s be honest, nearly every mystery out there will require at least one or two moments of suspended disbelief. But I am firmly hooked on this series, and I really enjoy the maple syrup and small-town aspects of it. Will be buying other books in the series, for sure, to see which adventures Nikki stumbles into next.

So I really enjoy this series because I do like the main character–I like the glimpses we get as to what makes her tick (it’s like she’s finding out more about herself, even as we do). I’m planning to read this whole series.

If you’re interested in reading more of my reviews, feel free to follow me on Goodreads here!

 

 

 

 

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book review// Cozy Mysteries// mystery

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Hi, I’m Heather…

I write contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Born and brought up in the mountains of West Virginia, I enjoy writing about small towns, family relationships, and women who aren't afraid to protect those they love. Read More…

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Things that made me happy this week: my willow tre Things that made me happy this week: my willow tree, steadily growing bigger every year; bought myself a copy of Sunrise on the Reaping (but am I really feeling dystopian enough to read it? Not yet); my first irises of spring; and finally an Etsy decal I’m thinking about getting for my car since I’m such a #tombraider fan and still playing through #TombRaiderRemastered. What made you happy this week? #authorsofig #authorlife #writerofinstagram #westvirginiawriter #wvmountainmomma #wvauthor #southernwv #gamergirls #gamermom  #springflowers #appalachianspring
If you know me or have read any of my #WestVirgini If you know me or have read any of my #WestVirginia-set books, you’ll know I’ve been taken with #TheGreenbrierResort from the moment I first visited it. It’s only an hour from me in #greenbriercountywv. Every year, I love walking around the grounds to see the #tulips—my favorite flower—and this year we caught them at just the right time. If you want to read about it in my books (I do on-the-spot research), check out Undercut and Deadlocked in my #hemlockcreeksuspense series or Fair Trade in my #BarksandBeansCafe #cozymystery series, among others. Setting books in the lovely town of #LewisburgWV is so fun—plenty of great shops and restaurants there, and if you’re ever in town, be sure to drop by The Greenbrier! #authorsofinsta #authorlife  #westvirginia #wildandwonderfulwv #wvauthor #appalachianspring #tulips #tulipsofinstagram #tuliplover🌷 #silversisters #marriedloveofmylife❤️ #heatherdaygilbertbooks #mysterylover
I’m making two separate things that made me happ I’m making two separate things that made me happy posts this week—the second will be pics of a quick trip to #TheGreenbrierResort to look at the #tulips. But here are some of my own tulips pics and other things I enjoyed this week: 1) got to get #coffee @otterandoakwv cafe with my daughter—always enjoy looking at artwork and the relaxing atmosphere. 2) if you’re from #WestVirginia, you can guess what these are—I cooked some up with fried potatoes this week. Anyone have a favorite ramp recipe to share? 3) my Rembrandt tulips that have candy cane colors, 4) my loud yet loving #flametipsiamese #cat Westley, 5) my grandson’s onesie that cracked me up, 6) more Rembrandt tulips from my #flowerbed. More to come with a tulip/Greenbrier photo dump soon! #authorsofig #authorlife #flowerstagram #wildandwonderfulwv #appalachianspring #catsofinstagram #cafe #wvauthor #wvrampseason
It’s been a long week with continuing sickness ( It’s been a long week with continuing sickness (colds), but I still got to enjoy some delights of the #Appalachianspring that is trying to make its way across these mountains. Things that have made me happy this week were an amazing sunset, my #tulips I had to bring in before a frost, coffee ☕️, my Mary Higgins Clark book from the library, and my favorite mountain as the spring green starts moving across it 💚🌳 What things have made you happy this week? #authorofinstagram #authorpreneur #authorlife #wvauthor #westvirginia #wildandwonderfulwv #wvwriter #southernwv #flowerstagram #maryhigginsclarkbooks
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