Rambling Reader Reviews 2020, Part One

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Patricia Kiyono

It’s a new year, and time for a new Goodreads Challenge! I’ve managed to read 50 books per year for the last five years or so, and I decided to continue with that number. I figured one book a week is manageable. Unfortunately, I fought a cold and dealt with a few other issues, so I’m a bit short this month. I’m optimistic that I’ll catch up soon, so I’ll keep the goal. In the meantime, here’s what I’ve read so far: 

41jqw1q3bblChristmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
It has been a long time since I’d read a Hannah Swenson cozy mystery, so several things in the story puzzled me, such as Hannah living with her mother rather than in her own condo, her repeated reflections on her heartbreak in college, and her lack of a job. Since the book is labeled as #24 in the series, it took some time to figure out that this was a prequel to book #1. The story itself is cute, though the writing doesn’t seem to be as polished as I’m used to seeing from this author. There’s a bit of a mystery, but it’s quickly resolved. And there’s a murder, as the title suggests, but it happens later in the book and doesn’t have much of an impact on the plot. Fun, light holiday reading.

51wie4u9q5lSwamp Team 3 by Jana DeLeon
Miss Fortune Mystery, Book 4

Fortune Redding and her band of geriatric sidekicks continue to entertain in a big way. Fortune has found a friend in Ally, a waitress at Fortune’s favorite restaurant, and when it appears an arsonist is responsible for the fire at Ally’s home, Fortune offers to let Ally stay with her. But the strange and ominous events keep happening: a stalker, suspicious strangers, and a murder. As usual, Fortune, Ida Mae, and Gertie are on the job, leaving the local police frustrated. I can’t wait to dig into the next adventure!

61tajkgcpilMountain View Lodge by Lucie Ulrich
A Tillie Spencer Novella, Book 2

I read the first Tillie Spencer book when it was released, but somehow missed reading the second book until now. Tillie is one mysterious lady – part angel, part fairy godmother, part sage. She always shows up at just the right moment, saying just the right thing to the right person, making sure that the hero and heroine end up together. This was a cute sweet romance, and I liked Coll, especially since he’s a musician and he’s Scottish, like my own sweetie. I had a little trouble liking the heroine, though. At times Autumn seemed too mopey. But the romance is sweet, and the location wedding is one I’d love to see. I’m looking forward to seeing where Tillie shows up next.

 

 

About Patricia Kiyono

During her first career, Patricia Kiyono taught elementary music, computer classes, elementary classrooms, and junior high social studies. She now teaches music education at the university level. She lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from her five children, nine grandchildren (so far), and great-granddaughters. Current interests, aside from writing, include sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, and music. A love of travel and an interest in faraway people inspires her to create stories about different cultures. Check out her sweet historical contemporary romances at her Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Kiyono/e/B0067PSM5C/
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11 Responses to Rambling Reader Reviews 2020, Part One

  1. Jeff Salter says:
    January 27, 2020 at 8:31 am

    I think I’d definitely enjoy reading Swamp Team 3.
    The author’s name looks familiar but I can’t place it. Perhaps she’s appeared in one of your previous columns.

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    • Patricia Kiyono says:
      January 27, 2020 at 9:58 am

      Ha! My last three review columns have included books by Jana DeLeon, and each time you’ve pointed out her book as one that interests you. There was Louisiana Longshot, then Lethal Bayou Beauty, Swamp Sniper, and now Swamp Team 3. Next month, hopefully, I’ll review Book 5: Gator Bait!

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  2. Tonette Joyce says:
    January 27, 2020 at 12:25 pm

    I have The Swamp Team on my list from your last recommendations. (Yes, Jeff; I remember them, but Patty gives us so very many great reviews!)
    Joanne Fluke puts out a pretty good mystery and at times has had me misdirected.
    I’m glad that you are feeling better. Good luck with your challenge.

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    • Patricia Kiyono says:
      January 27, 2020 at 12:43 pm

      Thanks, Tonette. I’m normally not sick very long, but I try to cut back if I can so that I can heal faster. And then I get frustrated because I wasn’t able to get things done. Anyway, I’m eager to get going on my reading list again!

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  3. lucie Ulrich says:
    January 27, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks so much for your review of Mountain View Lodge. I appreciate your honest take. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  4. lucie Ulrich says:
    January 27, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    Thanks for asking me. 🙂

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  5. Angela Schroeder says:
    January 27, 2020 at 10:07 pm

    Sorry to hear you were under the weather this past month. I loved Mountain View Lodge! I’m really looking forward to the next book.
    I have Christmas Cake Murder but haven’t gotten around to reading it just yet. Swamp Team 3 sounds interesting.

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  6. Elaine Cantrell says:
    January 28, 2020 at 9:37 pm

    You’re amazing. As busy as you are I don’t see how you have the time.

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