HEALTHY65 Challenge_Nov. 30-Feb. 2

http://hithisiseli.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=c0189b28fa4b4c1e64ab77372&id=bbda72bdc1&e=5e5e09d0aa Join in the Heathy65 Challenge.choose a gal to maximize physical or mental health. Twitter hash tag #healthy65. My goal: To reduce personal stress, Deep breathing + conscious thought + ACT not React.

Review: The Case of the Defunct Adjunct

The Case of the Defunct Adjunct by Frankie Bow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: THE CASE OF THE DEFUNCT ADJUNCT by Frankie Bow

A really intriguing and engrossing cozy mystery starring Molly Bardo ( first of a new series), an as-yet-untenured instructor in the College of Commerce at Hawaii's isolated Mahini State University. They say academia can be murder--sometimes literally. When an ego-inflated professor collapses at a faculty "retreat," later dying, Molly's friend's brother is accused, due to his whistle blowing about the deceased's department. So who better to leap in to the investigation than clever (and curious) Molly?

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Review: Lowcountry Bordello

Lowcountry Bordello by Susan M. Boyer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REVIEW: LOW COUNTRY BORDELLO by Susan M. Boyer [A Liz Talbot Mystery #4]

Old Charleston society in its new contemporary guise (resembling Belle Epoque Paris, and Marie Antoinette' s preference for style over substance) sparkles vividly in the 4th of the Liz Talbot Mystery series. It's Christmastime in Charleston, and also wedding bell time for Liz and partner-fiance Nate. For Liz's good friend Olivia, it's time for unburying secrets, confessing years of being blackmailed and part-ownership of a very high class establishment, and possibly, suffering hallucinations as well as drama. If you love witnessing how stately upper-class society in the genteel Atlantic Coast South lives, with a generous heaping of ghosts, come right in: the more the merrier. The Liz Talbot series provides delightful cozy mysteries in a lovely geographic setting with lots of history, a ghostly "Guardian Spirit," and a gently ironic bite.

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Review: Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore

Haunt Couture and Ghosts Galore by Rose Pressey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Review: HAUNT COUTOURE AND GHOSTS GALORE by Rose Pressey

A good cozy mystery series requires an exciting premise and adorable enduring characters.  Rose Pressey's A HAUNTED VINTAGE MYSTERY series possesses just that. Vintage aficionado "Cookie" Chanel owns a vintage shop, knows all there is to know about vintage fashions, and is a ghost magnet besides. Toss in great tips and vintage fashions, a hunky local detective, and pesky and persistent ghost Charlotte, plus a long-haired feline with a predilection for tarot and ouija boards, and what stirs up is delightful,delectable, and intriguing.

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Review: The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead

The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead by Douglas Green
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REVIEW: THE TEACHINGS OF SHIRELLE by Douglas Green

I, literally, read every dog book I can. Among these I have certain personal favorites. THE TEACHINGS OF SHIRELLE has become one. Not only do adorable dogs [I know, redundancy] populate this wonderful memoir plus spiritual legacy, but author Douglas Green clearly resonates as I do with the canine species. No dog lover or human-owned-by-dog should miss out on the wonderful THE TEACHINGS OF SHIRELLE.

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Review: Kid's Books: Family Fun Series: Volume 1

Kid's Books: Family Fun Series: Volume 1 by Mae Segeti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: KIDS BOOKS: FAMILY FUN SERIES: Volume 1 by Mae Segeti and Nic Monty

This volume contains 3 books:
LET'S GO TO THE FAIR
LET'S MAKE CREPES
LET'S GO TO THE PARK

The first tells of a fun outing for the three siblings--Ben, Zach, and little Chelsea--with Grandma. The second describes learning to cook with Mom (and Dad). In the third, the family visits the park (and meet a mischievous puppy). All three promote family harmony and close interaction, teaching respect for others, and responsibility. These are good for parents or grandparents to read to younger children, while elementary -age readers will be happy to tackle the stories on their own.


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2016 ALPHABET SOUP READING CHALLENGE_COZY

So far, I've signed up for 4 challenges: 2 for cozies, 1 for animals, and this one. I'm making this a little more difficult: I'll read an Alphabet of Cozy!!

Review: SNAKES: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature (Amazing Animal Kingdom Series) #1

SNAKES: Fun Facts and Amazing Photos of Animals in Nature (Amazing Animal Kingdom Series) #1 by Emma Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REVIEW: SNAKES by Emma Child (Amazing Animal Kingdom #1)

I love snakes and I have grandkids, so I am happy to read and review SNAKES. I know the Amazing Animal Kingdom series by Emma Child us always reliable for readily understood animal education, and engaging photographs. Let your young readers read these books for themselves. For those still in the "read to" stage, read a chapter at a time while they enjoy listening and seeing the photos. Everybody will learn!

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Review: The Face in the Mountain

The Face in the Mountain by Magnifying Children's Horizons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A extraordinary and delightful tale for young to middle grade, THE FACE IN THE MOUNTAIN captivates through text and lovely illustrations while teaching about Nature, respect, and responsibility to self and others. The book includes thoughtful questions to be shared with children, to encourage critical [analytical] thinking, and creative imagination in exploring possibilities.

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Review: A Christmas Escape: A Novel

A Christmas Escape: A Novel by Anne Perry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: A CHRISTMAS ESCAPE by Anne Perry

I have loved the novels of Anne Perry for many years, her Christmas novellas stand in a separate wonderful category all their old, touching the ice cold heart of even the most weary Scrooge. In A CHRISTMAS ESCAPE, a middle-aged Englishman, emotionally wrung out and world weary, spends Christmastide on a volcanic island near Sicily. Human nature what it is, there'll be trouble, joy, danger, and friendships. A CHRISTMAS ESCAPE ably demonstrates that "no man is an island."

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Review: The Silence of the Chihuahuas

The Silence of the Chihuahuas by Waverly Curtis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REVIEW SILENCE OF THE CHIHUAHUAS by Waverly Curtis

An inexpressibly delightful cozy animal mystery, SILENCE OF THE CHIHUAHUAS is also heart-touching. Our two protagonists, private investigator Geri, and her intuitive Chihuahua Pepe, are a perfect balance. Pepe can talk, and Geri knows it; but her insistence is getting her in the doghouse with people who can tamper with her life: her boss, and her therapist. Pepe wants Geri to develop self-confidence and faith in herself--so he stops talking, hoping she'll pick up the investigative slack. Meanwhile, Pepe writes a blog. But Geri needs all her intuition, instincts, and Pepe' s aid: her persistently missing sister may be captive in a psychiatric unit, and best friend Brad is unaccountably AWOL.

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Review: Cover Shot

Cover Shot by LynDee Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: COVER SHOT by LynDee Walker

COVER SHOT, the fifth in the HEADLINES IN HIGH HEELS series, features a feisty and determined protagonist in Richmond crime reporter Nichelle Clarke. An obsessive curiosity, competitive nature, and a burning intention to keep her editor from early retirement combine to propel Nichelle into spots where most angels would fear to tread. When a physician is apparently murdered, less than a year after his neighbor's wealthy husband died unexpectedly, Nichelle's nosy instincts are full tilt. The doctor's inexplicable Internet absence, and rumours of a private clinical trial he conducted after retirement from practicing and teaching oncology, turn up her investigative flame, and heat up readers' intrigue.

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Review: Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery

Empty Nest: A Birds of a Feather Mystery by Marty Wingate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review:  EMPTY NEST by Marty Wingate (A Birds of a Feather Mystery)

EMPTY NEST is riveting! So much so, I recommend setting aside a block of time to read it start to finish--you won't want to stop before the end. I certainly didn't. As a cozy, you're not going to get gore nor gritty, but you certainly will find plenty of mystery, plenty of genuine recognizable human emotions, plenty of twists, and a surprising and precarious denouement (precarious for the protagonist). Accomplished author Marty Wingate provides a self-aware narrator who is not afraid to analyze her own character and to examine her own emotions, and due to this, the first person narrative is lively and fitting.

Julia Lanchester, daughter of celebrity bird watching expert Rupert Lanchester, is employed as director of the Tourist Information Center in a small Sussex village. Temporarily housed at the manor till mold in her antique cottage is eradicated, Julia becomes  part of the scene, although neither quite family or staff. But the return of the heir precipitates a death, Julia is keen to uncover facts, while simultaneously coping with a distance relationship and her own fear of commitment.

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CRUISIN THROUGH THE COZIES CHALLENGE 2016

2016 CRUISIN' THROUGH THE COZIES CHALLENGE is hosted by http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/cruisin-thru-cozies-reading-challenge.html#more

WHAT AN ANIMAL IX READING CHALLENGE 2016

A wonderful challenge for animal lovers, now in its 9th year, hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews http://socratesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2015/11/what-animal-reading-challenge-ix-2016.html I'll be aiming for Level 4: 21+ Because as we all know: all I do is read:D

Review: Tom and the Colorful Dragon: Magical Bedtime Story

Tom and the Colorful Dragon: Magical Bedtime Story by Ortal Zeret
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

REVIEW: TOM AND THE COLORFUL DRAGON by Ortal Zeret, Hadas Korb, Emily Zieroth (illustrator)

A delightfully heartwarming bedtime story, TM AND THE COLORFUL DRAGON relates the tale of a lucky little boy who receives a very special birthday gift from grandparents: a toy dragon which is much more than a toy. It's a very special friend.

Highly recommended.

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Review: Giant and Tiny: a book of opposites

Giant and Tiny: a book of opposites by Ortal Zeret
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

REVIEW: TOM AND THE COLORFUL DRAGON by Ortal Zeret, Hadas Korb, Emily Zieroth (illustrator)

A delightfully heartwarming bedtime story, TM AND THE COLORFUL DRAGON relates the tale of a lucky little boy who receives a very special birthday gift from grandparents: a toy dragon which is much more than a toy. It's a very special friend.

Highly recommended.

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CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READING CHALLENGE

The 6th Annual CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READING CHALLENGE, hosted byhttp://truexmasspirit.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-6th-annual-christmas-spirit-reading.html Goal: Christmas Tree Level--5-6 Already passed it!:) An idea-child Of Michelle at Seasons of Reading, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READATHON runs Nov. 23-29. See Details, explanation, and sign up at http://seasonsreading.blogspot.com/ Completed: COVER SHOT by LynDee Walker Nov. 23         SILENCE OF THE CHIHUAHUAS by Waverly Curtis Nov. 24         THE ALMSHOUSE by Blanche King Nov. 24         THE SEARCHER by Simon Toyne Nov. 24-25 SHEPHERDS CROSS byMark White Nov. 23-25 A CHRISTMAS ESCAPE by Anne Perry Nov. 25 THE FACE IN THE MOUNTAIN by Magnifying Children's Horizons. [Children's book]Nov. 26 PUMPKIN PIED by Karen MacInerney ]=[short storycozy] Nov. 26 CHRISTMAS SHEEP by Ashley Brayden children's counting] Nov. 27 HOPE HOUSE CHRONICLES VOL. 1 THE VISITOR by Michael Bray Nov. 27 RESIDUAL by Michael Richan Nov. 27 GHOST CRYPT by Chanel Smith [THE GHOST FILES BOOK 5] THE SILENT CHILDREN by Amna K. Boheim SYNCHRONIZED SLEEPWALKING by Martin Mundt Nov. 27-28 A COLD WHITE FEAR by R. J. Harlick Nov. 28 SNAKES by Emma Child [children's] Nov. 28 THE ELEMENTS by Jonas Saul [Short story]Nov. 29 THE BURNING by Jonas Saul (short story)Nov. 28 THE DARK by V. M. Giambanco Nov. 30 THE KARMA OF KING HARALD by Richard Nov. 30 KING HARALD'S HEIST by Richard Audry Dec. 1 RISE OF THE RED QUEEN by Bourne Morris Dec, 1 YARNED AND DANGEROUS by Sadie Hartwell Dec. 2 "Mile 81" by Stephen King (short story) "Premium Harmony" by Stephen King BRAVE IN RIBBONS by Holly Maholm Dec. 3 "Pickman's Model" by H. p. Lovecraft Dec, 3 HIGH STRUNG by Janice Peacock Dec. 4 SNOWBLIND by Christopher Golden Dec. 4 "The Bone Church' by Stephen King (poem-2008) Dec. 5 

BLUE EEL by Lorne Dixon Dec. 5-6

AFTER THE FOG CLEARS by Lee Thompson Sec. 6

Children!s: OLIVER AND JUMPY, STORIES 31-33, by Werner Stejskal

RETURN OF THE SABOTEUR [ACTUATOR 2] by James WYMORE and Aiden James Dec. 5-6

FRIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: 13 TALES OF HOLIDAY HORROR by Leap Books

"The Dune" by Stephen King (short story)

THE RED HIGHWAY by Robert E, Dunn Dec. 7-8

A TALENT FOR MURDER by Teresa LaRue Dec. 7

DEAD TO THE LAST DROP by Cleo Coyle

"The Bear Trap" by Paul Doiron
MURDER FIR CHRISTMAS THE RED HIGHWAY A TALENT FOR MURDER DEAD TO THE LAST DROP JOSEY'S CHRISTMAS COOKIE THE BODY IN THE LANDSCAPE "Hypnos" by HPL 

PAINT THE TOWN DEAD 

THE HOUSE THAT GOT A LUMP OF COAL FOR CHRISTMAS

"Where The Trains Turn"

THE CASE OF THE YELLOW DIAMOND by Carl Brookins

"The Fermi Paradox Is Our Business Model" by Charlie Jane Andrews

SHERMAN'S LIBRARY by Ron Ripley

ASHLEY BELL by Dean Koontz

"The Last Boy" by David W. Moore III

WOLF LAND by Jonathan Janz

ON THE BLACK: AFRICA by Theo Cage

SAYING THANK YOU by Monica Vasa

THE OTHER INHERITANCE by Rebecca Jaycox

"A Visit to the House on Terminal Hill" by Elizabeth Knox

Children's: MR. GETAWAY AND THE CHRISTMAS ELVES by Sally Huss

THEY CALLED IT MOOSICIDE by Lisa Deckert

DIG TWO GRAVES by Kim Powers

THIRTY-EIGHT WITNESSES by A. m. Rose that

"Overtime" by Charles Stross

THE HOLIDAY KILLER by Holly Hunt

A ZOMBIE CHRISTMAS by Anthony Renfro

JURY TOWN by Stephen Frey

FULL IRISH by Susanne O'Leary and Pete Morin

A CHRISTMAS HAUNTING AT POINT NO POINT by Michael Richan

"The Man Who Forgot Ray Bradbury" by Neil Gaiman

Children's:WAIT FOR KATE by Ayala Saar

THE HAUNTING OF BLACKWOOD HOUSE by Darcy Coates

"Taming of the Christmas Tree, the Proud and Mischievous Creature," by Leena Likitalo

DEATH'S SWEET ECHO by Maynard Sims [story collection, published Dec. 3]

Dec. 20-Dec. 25: Christmas reading only!

DOGGONE CHRISTMAS by Liz Dodwell

CHRISTMAS CAROL btw Morgan Mandela

ALL I REALLY WANT:  READINGS FOR A MODERN CHRISTMAS by Quinn Caldwell (devotional)

REAL ELVES: A CHRISTMAS STORY by Helen Smith

CHRISTMAS KITTEN by Liz Dodwell

BIRD BOX by Josh Malerman [read for ADVENT challenge, a Goodreads group]

 

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READATHON: Total = 15 books + 3 short stories

An idea-child Of Michelle at Seasons of Reading, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READATHON runs Nov. 23-29. See Details, explanation, and sign up at http://seasonsreading.blogspot.com/ This week is concurrent with the 6th Annual CHRISTMAS SPIRIT READING CHALLENGE, at http://truexmasspirit.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-6th-annual-christmas-spirit-reading.html, Nov. 23-Jan. 6. My goal is 12 books in 7 days. Completed: COVER SHOT by LynDee Walker Nov. 23 SILENCE OF THE CHIHUAHUAS by Waverly Curtis Nov. 24 THE ALMSHOUSE by Blanche King Nov. 24 THE SEARCHER by Simon Toyne Nov. 24-25 SHEPHERDS CROSS byMark White Nov. 23-25 A CHRISTMAS ESCAPE by Anne Perry Nov. 25 THE FACE IN THE MOUNTAIN by Magnifying Children's Horizons. [Children's book]Nov. 26 PUMPKIN PIED by Karen MacInerney ]=[short storycozy] Nov. 26 CHRISTMAS SHEEP by Ashley Brayden children's counting] Nov. 27 HOPE HOUSE CHRONICLES VOL. 1 THE VISITOR by Michael Bray Nov. 27 RESIDUAL by Michael Richan Nov. 27 GHOST CRYPT by Chanel Smith [THE GHOST FILES BOOK 5] THE SILENT CHILDREN by Amna K. Boheim SYNCHRONIZED SLEEPWALKING by Martin Mundt Nov. 27-28 A COLD WHITE FEAR by R. J. Harlick Nov. 28 SNAKES by Emma Child Nov. 28 [children's] THE ELEMENTS by Jonas Saul [Short story] THE BURNING by Jonas Saul (short story) 15 books + 3 short stories

Review: Larry Saves the Prairie

Larry Saves the Prairie by Matt Bergles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review:: LARRY SAVES THE PRAIRIE by Matt Bergles

Larry Haverfield is not a well-known "personality," but together with his wife Bette and their five children, he almost singlehandedly saved the species of black-tailed prairie dogs in the State of Kansas, and was instrumental in the reintroduction of ferrets. So Larry was a hero to wildlife, and to wildlife conservationists. Just as Mother Teresa is an example to those who work to alleviate world poverty and hunger, so too is Larry Haverfield an example to emulate for those who wish to preserve the environment and conserve endangered and threatened wildlife species.

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Review: What the Heart Remembers

What the Heart Remembers by Bette Lee Crosby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REVIEW: WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS by Bette Lee Crosby
[The Memory House Collection #3]

Generally I don't turn to women's fiction. Author Bette Lee Crosby, however, may change that. She has a special way with writing and characters that makes a reader wish to read on and on. Since she is so prolific, a reader set on reading only her books has plenty of entertainment to last a while.

WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS is the third entry in the very special MEMORY HOUSE COLLECTION, following MEMORY HOUSE and THE LOFT. The Memory House is a fantastical place, a residence, but also a repository, and whoever is the current resident is tasked to locate misplaced memories for certain individuals. In WHAT THE HEART REMEMBERS, young Max needs to know if the memories of her Paris love Julien are true--and if Julien himself is true of heart and character.

Come fall in love--with the magical, mysterious, fabulous Memory House.

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Review: Deadly Delicious

Deadly Delicious by K.L. Kincy
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

REVIEW: DEADLY DELICIOUS by K. L. Linux

Magic--conjure and hoodoo--suffused this delectable cozy, as a young girl is caught between a fire demon and its evil female adversary . Josephine Elle DeLune is the child of a Parisian chef and a renowned soul food chef. Living in little Paris, Missouri, is far from haute cuisine, but still Josephine is a danger in the kitchen. She really must come to terms with her magic...before it overcomes her permanently.


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Craving for Cozies Challenge 2016

Cozy mysteries, also referred to simply as “cozies”, are a sub-genre of crime fiction mysteries in which sex and violence are downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community. The crime solver is an amateur sleuth, usually but not always a woman, who is thrust into the aftermath of the murder. The protagonist frequently has an occupation or hobby that brings appealing information to the reader. The challenge runs from January 1, 2016 and ends December 31, 2016 Rules 1. Choose the level you wish to participate: Levels Famished – 1 – 10 Cozy Mysteries Starving – 11 – 20 Cozy Mysteries Satisfied – 21 – 40 Cozy Mysteries Almost Full – 41 – 60 Cozy Mysteries Completely Stuffed – 61 or more 2. You can Feed Your Need To Read with print, digital or audio books. 3. You do not have to post a review but the authors would appreciate it if you did. If you need help just let me know.  4. You do not need to have a blog to participate. Just keep track any way you wish and enter a link below if available or sign up in the comment section. You can even set up a special shelf on Goodreads.com to help you keep track! Your can also participate via Facebook. You can find the Event here. 5.  If you do have a blog, take the button above, put it on your blog and post about the challenge. Then add your name to Mr. Linky below. Please use the link of your challenge post, not the link to your home page.  6. Follow Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book as there may be special announcements made about the challenge. 7. Please share with us the books you are reading all year long by leaving comments on this page or on the Event page on Facebook. 8. I haven’t decided on prizes yet for this challenge but when you complete this challenge please FILL OUT THIS FORM no later than January 15, 2017.  [see more at http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/challenges-2/craving-cozies-challenge-2016/] I didn't fall in love with Cozies until the Summer of 2015. Once I did, the obsession became unstoppable! Credit goes to the late and much-missed Joyce Lavene and her husband Jim, and thir scrumptious Cozy GIVE THEM PUMPKIN TO TALK ABOUT. I fell in love with the novel, the authors, and the genre. So for 2016, I choose: COMPLETELY STUFFED. - 61+ I routinely review an average of 5 or more through Great Escapes Book Tours, p,us I find additional Cozies on NetGalley, and pick up at Amazon. [In November 2015 for example, I have 12 stops through Great Escapes.] 60 would be 5 per month, so totally no problem, just lots of wonderful reading! https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7302570-mallory-heart?shelf=2016_craving-for-cozies