Sunday, July 30, 2017

Weekly Wrap-Up 7-30-17

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Sunday Post

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

mailboxes
Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came in their mailbox during the last week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.
LAST WEEK ON THE BLOG
THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG
  • Cover Reveal - Amnesty by Cambria Hebert
  • Review - Shadow Girl by Gerry Schmidt
  • Review - Vangie Vale and the Murdered Macaron by RL Syme
  • discussion post
  • Challenge/TBR review(s)
BOOKS IN MY MAILBOX
Kindle (Freebie)
31946442

OFF THE BLOG
Well, this has definitely been an interesting week.  

Most of this week I had to share my husband's car since my van has been having problems and we hadn't been able to fix it yet.  

Someone from my dad's church was able to figure out what part we needed for the van and said if I bought the part, he'd come put it on for me.  So on Friday when we got paid, I went and got the part, and the guy came over and put it on free of charge.  I've been driving it around a little and it hasn't shut off on me since then, so I'm hoping that was the problem and it won't do that anymore.  

Well, guess what happened as soon as we fixed the van? 

My husband's car started acting up.  It was trembling, shaking, and shuddering pretty badly.  It's done that a few times but it is always a different problem each time so we weren't sure what to think.  Well, the guy that fixed my van once again told us what it might be so we went and got that part and he put it on for us as well.  I'm happy to say my husband's car is running perfectly now.  

Whew!  I'm so done with car issues for the moment.  We're set back over $100 but I know it could most definitely have been worse, so I'm grateful for that at least.  

I'm really excited that I get to go up to the college next week and start getting my books for all of my classes.  It's starting to sink in that I'm really doing this.  I'm starting to get really anxious.  I have a lot of social anxiety.  

I'm also glad to say that I think I'm finally out of my reading slump.  I've never had one last that long so I was really starting to get frustrated.  

My husband is out right now with our sons so I have the house to myself.  It's so peaceful and quiet! lol.  They are going to go watch the Guardians of the Galaxy 2 movie.  I don't have any interest in seeing it, so I decided to stay home and let them have some quality father/son time together.  I'm sure they'll have a blast.  They've been looking forward to watching it for a while now.  
WEEKLY FUNNY
Haha
I think we can all relate with this one.  Right?  ;)

Saturday, July 29, 2017

*Review* Plantation Shudders by Ellen Byron

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Synopsis:
Check in for some Southern hospitality in Plantation Shudders, the Cajun Country series debut from Ellen Byron.

It's the end of the summer and Prodigal Daughter Maggie Crozat has returned home to her family's plantation-turned-bed-and-breakfast in Louisiana. The Crozats have an inn full of guests for the local food festival--elderly honeymooners, the Cajun Cuties, a mysterious stranger from Texas, a couple of hipster lovebirds, and a trio of Georgia frat boys. But when the elderly couple keels over dead within minutes of each other--one from very unnatural causes-- Maggie and the others suddenly become suspects in a murder.

With the help of Bo Durand, the town's handsome new detective, Maggie must investigate to clear her name while holding the family business together at the same time. And the deeper she digs, the more she wonders: are all of the guests really there for a vacation or do they have ulterior motives? Decades-old secrets and stunning revelations abound in Ellen Byron's charming cozy debut, Plantation Shudders.


My Review:
4 out of 5 stars
★★★★☆

I picked this book up to read with a monthly book club discussion group. I'm so glad I decided to give this new to me author and series a try because I enjoyed this book.

Maggie and her family members are all wonderful people and I enjoyed all of their characters. The police chief and his grudge against the Crozat family became a little annoying at times. I liked that both Maggie and Lia have possible love interests and am looking forward to seeing how those relationships develop in future books in this series. Some of the French words and Louisiana-based terms in this book were a little confusing at times or were hard to understand, but I was still able to enjoy the story.

The mystery kept my attention from the beginning of the book until everything was solved at the end. There were several suspects who all had a valid motive for murder, but the killer completely surprised me since it wasn't anyone I suspected. There were a few smaller storylines going on in the background which added some extra intrigue and suspense. Everything was wrapped up/solved so you aren't left with any loose ends or questions when the book is over.

The foods described in this story all sounded amazing and left me with a strong craving for some good Louisiana meals. I will definitely try some of the recipes in the back of the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
 


Book Links:

Author Links:

Friday, July 28, 2017

*Book Tour + Review* Cat About Town by Cate Conte


Cat About Town by Cate Conte

 
Minotaur Books (August 1, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1250072061
E-Book ASIN: B01N0Z4ZDP

The first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . . Maddie James has arrived in Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business—and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat cafĂ©. But little does Maddie know that she’s in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully. Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who’s come to town? If pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren’t keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she’s the cat’s pajamas . . . and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose—and on her path?

My Review
3 out of 5 stars

Cat About Town seems to be a pretty promising start to a new series.

The pacing was a little slow for me at times, so I had to stop and keep coming back to the book later on. I enjoyed the descriptions of the town and the characters were pretty likable. I especially enjoyed the relationship between Maddie and her grandfather. All of my grandparents passed at an age where I was too young to really remember much about them, so I always enjoy reading about these relationships in books. It's so heartwarming.

The love triangle was an interesting addition into the storyline and I am looking forward to seeing how that all plays out in the future.

The mystery was well written and the killer completely took me by surprise.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.


Cate Conte is the alter ego of Liz Mugavero. Liz is the author of the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series from Kensington Books, the first of which was an Agatha nominee for Best First Novel. As you can imagine, her canine and feline rescues demand the best organic food and treats around. She is a member of Sisters in Crime National, Sisters in Crime New England, Mystery Writers of America, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She currently lives in Connecticut.

Author Links Webpage – http://www.lizmugavero.com

Purchase Links Amazon B&N


a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
July 26 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
July 26 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT
July 26 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – INTERVIEW
July 27 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
July 27 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
July 28 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW  
July 28 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
July 28 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 29 – Jane Reads – REVIEW
July 29 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
July 29 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW
July 30 – Mystery Playground – GUEST POST
July 30 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
July 30 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
July 31 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
July 31 – The Power of Words – REVIEW
August 1 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW
August 1 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 2 – Socrates’ Book Review – REVIEW
August 2 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
August 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, INTERVIEW
August 3 – Book Babble – REVIEW
August 3 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
August 4 – Jersey Girl Book Reviews – REVIEW
August 4 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
August 4 – MysteriesEtc – REVIEW

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Get to Know Me Book Blog Tag



I saw this tag on For the Love of Books and thought it would be a good idea for my readers to get to know me a little better!  :) 
Books: 
Can you stop reading at any time, or does it have to be a certain page or chapter? 
I usually try to stop at the next chapter if at all possible.  I don't like stopping in the middle of a chapter. 
Do you eat or drink anything whilst reading?
I don't usually eat anything while I'm reading because I don't want to get anything on the pages of my paperbacks or have my fingers dirty while swiping the Kindle screen.  I do drink while I'm reading though.  My favorite is iced coffee.  
Can you read listening to music or watching TV?
No.  I have to have almost complete silence while I'm reading.  I'm very easily distracted and end up reading the same few sentences or paragraph over and over if there is any noise in the background.
One book at a time, or several at once?
I have to read one book at a time.  I've tried to read multiple at once and it was just confusing to me. I couldn't keep the plot lines and characters straight.  
Reading at home or everywhere?
I read everywhere. :)  Mostly at home though.
Reading out loud or silently in your head?
Silently in my head.  I don't like reading out loud.
Do you read ahead, or skip pages?
I don't usually read ahead or skip pages unless I'm struggling with the book and am trying to skim to see if it gets any better.
Breaking the spine or keeping it new?
I try my very best not to break the spine.  If it happens, it's okay though.  
Do you write books, or just read them?
I just read them.
5 of my favorite books: 
1. Edge of Brotherhood by Molly E Lee
2. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
3. Laws of Attraction by RC Boldt
4. Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros
5. Written in the Scars by Adriana Locke
What is the last book you read?
Checkmate: This is War by Kennedy Fox 

About me: 

Name:

Jacqulene, but I go by Jackie
Name meaning:
May God Protect
Named after anyone:
My mother
Hair color:
Brown
Hair length:
To my lower back
Eye colour:
Brown
My birthday:
June 21st
Height:
5ft 5in
Place of birth:
North Carolina
Currently Living:
North Carolina
Star Sign:
I'm on the cusp of Gemini and Cancer
Best feature:
Eyes
Braces:
Never had braces
Piercings:
I used to have my ears pierced but I let them grow shut.
Tattoos:
None yet, I'd like to have one eventually though.
Right or Left Handed:
Right handed
Pets:
Chihuahua named May
Chi-Weenie named Killian
Cat named Macie, who just had 7 kittens
Siblings:
I'm an only child
Do you have kids:
Yes, I have two sons.  One is 11 years old and the other is 9 years old.
How many children do you want:
I'm happy with the two I have, but if I'm ever blessed with another one, that'd be great too.
What would you name your children:
My sons are named Chris and Logan.  If we had another boy, I'd name him Landon.  I'm not sure what we would name a girl if we had one.  Possibly Emily or Kelsey.
Marriage:
I've been married to my husband for 12 years.
What did you want to be when you grow up:
A teacher or a nurse
Career goals:
I'm starting college classes soon to get my degree in Early Childhood Education.
Hobbies:
Reading, blogging, watching my favorite TV shows, playing video games, photography.
Five random facts about me:
Both of my sons were delivered by c-section.
I am terribly, deathly afraid of spiders.  
I met Nicholas Sparks a few years ago.
I'm one of the most loyal people you will ever meet.
I'm really shy.

Favorite: 
Five favorite films:
1. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
2. Jurassic Park
3. 10 Things I Hate About You
4. Sweet Home Alabama
5. Twister
Five favorite songs:
1. Steal My Girl - One Direction
2. Country Girl - Luke Bryan
3. Piece by Piece - Kelly Clarkson
4. Overcomer - Mandisa
5. Heathens- Twenty One Pilots


TV shows:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Once Upon a Time
3. The Walking Dead
4. General Hospital
5. Friends
YouTubers:
1. Corey B
2. Jay G
3. BetweenthePagesofYA
4. Mystery Date with a Book
5. Steph's Rom Book Talk
Food:
Pizza
Lasagna
anything from the crock pot
Chicken lo-mein 
Drinks:
Pepsi
Hazelnut iced coffee
Animals:
Dogs, especially chihuahuas
Cats
Otters
Restaurants:
Papa John's 
Giovanni's 
Chick-fil-a

Shops:
Barnes & Noble
Gamestop
Bath & Body Works
Smells:
Japanese Cherry Blossom
Apple Cinnamon
Colors:
Blue
Pink
Music genre:
Rock
Pop

First: Holiday: 
Trips to the beach when I was a child
Concert:
N'Sync
Best friend: 
Linda

Currently: 

Feeling:

Okay
Eating:
Nothing at the moment
Watching:
Nothing
Wearing:
Black pants and a blouse

Do you: 
Believe in miracles:
Yes
Believe in love at first sight:
Not really.  I believe you can have a connection right away, but not necessarily love.
Believe in ghosts:
I'm not sure.  
Believe in aliens:
No.
Believe in soulmates:
Yes.
Believe in Heaven/Hell:
Yes.
Believe in kissing on the first date: 
Sure, why not?
Believe in yourself: 
I'm learning to.

What: 
If you won the lottery, what would you buy:
I would buy a nice house for us to live in.  
Your favourite/worst subject in High School:
Favorite: English and Biology/Anatomy
Worst: Math and Chemistry
Subject you were best at?
English 
Sports do you play/Have you played:
I don't play any sports
Phone – (iOS v Android):
Android
Something you wish you were talented at:
Singing and crochet.
First thing you notice about people:
Eyes, smile, and personality.
On top of your bucket list:
Travel the US
3 long term goals:
Finish school to get my degree
Get a good paying job
Finally buy a house
3 short term goals:
Lose weight
Get in better shape
Take better care of myself
What are you doing today to help you achieve those goals:
Watching what I eat
Trying to be more active
3 things you’d take with you to a desert island:
Family, books, a way to escape
Biggest accomplishment:
Having my children.

Ideal first date for you:
Dinner and a movie is fine with me.
Something you look for in a partner:
Honesty and loyalty
Something you dislike:
Liars
Special talents:
Not really
Favorite fairytale:
I don't really have one.
App you use most:
Facebook, followed closely by Twitter.
Piece of technology can you not live without:
My phone
Countries have you visited:
I haven't visited any countries yet.
Countries would you like to visit?
Italy, Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand
Most embarrassing memory:
I can't think of anything right now.

Random final questions:  
Summer or Winter: 
Winter!  I cannot stand the heat! 
Furthest you’ve ever been from home:
New Jersey
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be:
Somewhere where it is cool for most of the year.
Sweet or savoury:
Sweet
Last time you cried:
A few days ago
If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself:
I’d like to think so!
Do you use sarcasm a lot:
All the time
Scary movie or happy endings:
Happy endings
How would you describe your fashion sense:
Anything comfortable
Are you competitive:
I can be sometimes.
Describe yourself in a single sentence:
Friendly, loyal, and compassionate bookworm.
Who is your role model?:
I don't really have one.
If you could give your younger self any advice what would it be:
Stand up for yourself.

Social Media Links: 
Contact me: 
Email – jackielizn@gmail.com
Tagged and shoutout to: 
Beth at All the Bright Places
Megs at Between the Pages
Danielle at The Introverted Book Nerd
Kris at Boston Book Reader
Meghan-Alice at Not Quite Alice
 
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