My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I'll bet that my regular "readers" of my reviews grow very tired of starting a review this way, but I believe in always sharing my experience with you. As far as I am concerned, I prefer reading reviews that tell me what the reader was thinking and feeling throughout the book rather than a rehashing of the actual story. So here goes.
For the first one third to one half of the book, I struggled to get into this book. I love mysteries, and I often judge them right alongside the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie. I was hoping that Sadie would be a Miss Marple type, and when she wasn't, I was somewhat disenchanted. And I struggled to truly drum up any interest for the other characters or even the story. The mystery did not seem "mysterious," but it had two things going for it. I had agreed to review it, and it was clean.
As I pushed onward through the book, I suddenly noticed the subtle twist the author had introduced. Maybe I had misjudged the book. Perhaps it needed a higher rating than 4 or 4.5. As I continued to read, I wanted to do nothing buy finish the book. I have to admit that action of the last third of the book sold me on this book. Sadie was not Miss Marple, but she was one smart cookie. And I seriously doubt that most would see the ending coming the way it did.
Since this book is part of a series, I am sure that one of the problems I encountered in the beginning was the fact that this is the first and only book from the series that I have read to date. I certainly want to read the others after reading this one. Though not impossible to connect with the characters if you have not read the other books, I think I can attest to the fact that reading the series chronologically works better.
If you like love and romance, I feel that you will enjoy this book, too--especially the ending. I will admit that this got a little sappy for me and I could have used a bucket (just kidding), but it was pleasantly brief. I can also recommend this book for its clean content. No profanity and no sex. Also, no gratuitous violence.
As a side note, I loved the recipes that were scattered throughout the chapters. Some of them sound really good, and I may have to go back and pull some out to try pretty soon!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
For the first one third to one half of the book, I struggled to get into this book. I love mysteries, and I often judge them right alongside the Queen of Mystery, Agatha Christie. I was hoping that Sadie would be a Miss Marple type, and when she wasn't, I was somewhat disenchanted. And I struggled to truly drum up any interest for the other characters or even the story. The mystery did not seem "mysterious," but it had two things going for it. I had agreed to review it, and it was clean.
As I pushed onward through the book, I suddenly noticed the subtle twist the author had introduced. Maybe I had misjudged the book. Perhaps it needed a higher rating than 4 or 4.5. As I continued to read, I wanted to do nothing buy finish the book. I have to admit that action of the last third of the book sold me on this book. Sadie was not Miss Marple, but she was one smart cookie. And I seriously doubt that most would see the ending coming the way it did.
Since this book is part of a series, I am sure that one of the problems I encountered in the beginning was the fact that this is the first and only book from the series that I have read to date. I certainly want to read the others after reading this one. Though not impossible to connect with the characters if you have not read the other books, I think I can attest to the fact that reading the series chronologically works better.
If you like love and romance, I feel that you will enjoy this book, too--especially the ending. I will admit that this got a little sappy for me and I could have used a bucket (just kidding), but it was pleasantly brief. I can also recommend this book for its clean content. No profanity and no sex. Also, no gratuitous violence.
As a side note, I loved the recipes that were scattered throughout the chapters. Some of them sound really good, and I may have to go back and pull some out to try pretty soon!
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I love that you feature clean books, I'd have to hunt down the first book to start with.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a good book! I will have to check this one out! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good vacation book. I need to pick a few up for my next trip.
ReplyDeleteI love that there are still clean books available so it sounds like an option for me to read.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds interesting to me and I love reading on vacation and at night! Unfortunately I don't usually read book with love or romance because of the content. Most are usually too graphic or too close to the edge and I've got a 14 year old in my home. There are plenty enough influences daily to battle in the real world already, I don't need to have him coming across things inappropriate for his age at home! I'll have to grab this book, finally a clean one that I can feel okay with having in my home! I'll start with the first book in the series though :)
ReplyDeleteI love clean romance and mystery books! I'd definitely want to read the entire series. This sounds like a fun series to get into.
ReplyDeleteI am not usually a mystery fan but this looks intriguing!
ReplyDeleteThis book looks really interesting. I want to read it!
ReplyDeleteI love book reviews that share your experience while reading the book. It's so much more personal. Thanks for such a great review!
ReplyDeleteTHese recipe mystery books are my favorite. I can't wait to check out this author!
ReplyDeletethis sounds like a really good read! thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDelete