Podcast Review: All Things Cozy

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Fun discussions of cozy topics

Cons: I’m too cozy to think up any cons

The Bottom Line:

A cozy podcast

Covering range of topics

And it’s always fun

Cozy Thoughts That Always Make Me Smile

Being an innovator who is always on the cutting edge of new technology, I finally started listening to podcasts this year.  (Yes, you can laugh at me now.)  (I'm talking entertainment type podcasts, not sermons recorded and released as podcasts when I say this.)  I only have a couple I am listening to at the moment, and I’m sure there are many out there I’d enjoy.  When I jumped full force into Instagram earlier this year (yes, you can laugh at me over this as well), I discovered the podcast All Things Cozy.  Not only have I been listening to the current episodes as they air, but I’ve done a deep dive into their past episodes.  And I’m loving every minute of it.

All Things Cozy is a bi-weekly podcast, releasing episodes on Sundays.  I’d tell you what it is about, but it is pretty much summed up in the title.  Each week, Matt and Gillian, our hosts, talk about a topic of the week, sometimes by themselves and sometimes with a guest.  As you might suspect (this is me recommending the podcast after all), they talk a lot about cozy mysteries.  I’ve enjoyed author interviews as they discuss the latest books by these authors.  Some are authors I’ve been familiar with, others are authors I haven’t read yet, but I’ve added them to my ever growing to be read pile.  (Honestly, it’s going to topple over any day now.)

But cozy mystery books aren’t the only things they discuss.  Every year, they have an episode devoted to Halloween.  They recently did an episode on making candles.  They’ve done one on comfort food.  Diving into the archives, they’ve discussed Hallmark mystery movies; Murder, She Wrote; and various non-mystery movies.  Plus, there’s the annual end of year cozy awards.

In addition to the main topic, each episode also features a segment on what is making Matt and Gillian (and any guests) feel cozy.  These are often shows or places.  Since our hosts live in Los Angeles, some of what they talk about is local to me, not that I’ve actually taken advantage of any of their suggestions.  Yet.  I fully intend to do so.  But don’t worry, not all of these suggestions are location specific, and their guests are from all over the country.  They end each episode by reviewing a candle they’ve been burning as they record that episode.  Due to my allergies, I don’t regularly buy or burn any candles, but I often have to remind myself of this as I listen to that part of the show.  I want to give in and sample some of these myself.

The show started in 2017.  Since they only release shows every other week, the backlog into overwhelming right now.  I’m enjoying going back and listening to the beginnings of the show and seeing how it has evolved over time.  And most of the topics are still interesting today.

The average episode is 50 or so minutes, some longer, some shorter.  Matt and Gillian have the occasional side trip, but they do a very good job of staying on topic without wandering too much off track.  And, their asides are usually quite a bit of fun as well.

I absolutely enjoy this podcast.  I can’t help but smile as I listen to the episodes.  The first thing I do when I wake up on a release Sunday is see if the newest podcast is uploaded yet so I can find out what they will be discussing.  Or, I should say we, so I am often talking back to them as I listen, trying to add to the discussion.

If you are looking for a fun podcast, I highly recommend All Things Cozy, which is available wherever you listen to podcasts.  You can jump in with any episode, or search through the archives to find topics and authors that interest you.  I bet you are soon as addicted as I am and just listening to all of them.

Oh, and be sure to join the official All Things Cozy Facebook group.

November 9th's Weekly TV Thoughts

Batwoman – That was sad and disturbing.  I suspected it would be, but the reality was more than I was expecting.  I know the show and character are dark, but that’s a bit more than I was expecting.  And can we discuss how stupid Beth was for not running out the door and trying to make a phone call instead?

Supergirl – So, is Rojas bad or not?  Or just being manipulated.  I was beginning to think she was innocent until that final scene. I definitely didn’t expect the friend to be the guy with the arms.  I’m hooked on this storyline.  Lena and J’ohnn’s brother can just disappear as far as I am concerned – their scenes added nothing to the episode for me.

God Friended Me – It was kind of nice that they spent so much time figuring out what the problem was.  It was a break on the formula.  Having said that, I’m wondering if Kara’s stories being called formulaic is a warning they are about to radically change the show.  Now, I know I’m single, but I still feel I can offer some relationship advice.  If you want to prove to someone you can do a job without it bothering your relationship, don’t take the job without telling them.  I’m with Trish on this one for sure.

Dancing with the Stars – I’m sorry to see Kate leave.  I’ve really enjoyed watching her and how much fun she is clearly having.  And the first 10s and first perfect scores of the season!  Amazing dances.  Can we just award Shawn the trophy now and avoid the rest of the competition?

The Flash – Barry and Iris got a light week to help them get ready for the crossover.  It’s always obvious when they do that.  I just can’t believe they killed off Gypsy.  They are being brutal to characters this season on all these shows.  Now, what is Wells up to with saving Barry?

Arrow – As much as I’ve hated on the future storyline, I love having the kids in the present.  Watching them interact has been great.  Now, we need to find out that the future has changed because otherwise, it is all still very depressing.  I’m sure that Laurel won’t wind up betraying Oliver, but she is going to be mighty tempted.

This is Us – That was all kinds of awkward.  Both storylines.  I expected the good endings.  This is This is Us, after all.  But man, that was hard to watch for most of it.

Survivor – For the record, the reason people are thinking about a women’s alliance is because it is talked about almost every season on the show.  It’s not sexist.  It’s just how the women think.  Kellee’s move was absolutely amazing.  I can’t believe she pulled it off.  But how long until someone confesses what happened?

American Horror Story: 1984 – I’m really now sure how they are going to wrap this all up.  I’m ready for it to be over, however.  If this were going to drag out longer, I don’t think I would have stuck with it.  I’m hearing others who are fans of the series aren’t impressed with this season.  I know I won’t be back to the franchise.

The Good Place – Talk about your cliffhanger.  And we have just under half to season to go.  I wonder where they will go with the rest of the season.  I hope we don’t see as much of the new characters because I found them mostly annoying.  Tonight was an exception, however.  They were actually pretty funny.  That last scene was great.  It’s going to be a long week until we find out what happens next.

Carol’s Second Act – The show is getting better every week.  Still not a classic, but amusing.  It was nice to see a patient walk away from Carol’s advice to break the formula a bit.  And I’ve got to say, I hope that romance continues.  I’m really liking it.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series – Confession time – I am a huge fan of the original movies.  I’ve got reviews of the movies and the soundtracks in the blog if you dig back far enough.  So I’d been curious about this take on the franchise.  It was…interesting.  I have a feeling I could get hooked on it if it were on network TV.  But since it is going to be on Disney+, which I still haven’t signed up for, I’ll give it a pass.

November 8th's Book Beginnings and Friday 56

It's Friday!  Must be time for Book Beginnings and Friday 56.

This week, I'm taking a break from cozy mysteries and featuring a middle grade fantasy book.  Specifically, The Last Dragon, the second book in James Riley's The Revenge of Magic series.

                                                        

We jump right in with this:

"President Forsythe Fitzgerald," Fort's father said, pointing at the spots where each word would go above the giant statue of a seated Abraham Lincoln.

This should have been a happy moment, seeing his dad again, but knowing what was coming, all Fort could feel was horror.

I mentioned this was the second book in the series, right?  Even though it's been six months since I read the first, I still remembered the opening enough to know this opening scene was going to pack a punch.  And it did.

Jumping ahead to page 56:

Sierra narrowed her eyes.  "Why are you avoiding my question?  You can't fool a telepath, Fort.  Why don't you want them along?"
He growled to himself, then sat up and glared at her.  "Because Cyrus told me if I brought anyone else with me, I'd lose one of them forever.  Okay?"

I've read the book, and I still think these are both good teasers.  What do you think?

Current goal for this review is November 17th.  Hope you'll come back and check it out.

Book Review: City of Scoundrels by Victoria Thompson (Counterfeit Lady #3)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Fun trip back in time

Cons: None worth dwelling on

The Bottom Line:

Cheated war widow

Starts latest historic con

Travel back in time

Saving a War Widow from Scoundrels

We are only three books into Victoria Thompson’s Counterfeit Lady series, and I’ve already come to look forward to these trips back in time.  They are something a bit different for my reading diet.  Yes, they are still cozy, but they are capers featuring some conmen and a reformed conwoman who wind up using their skills to help those in need.  City of Scoundrels is plenty of fun, but tackles some serious topics along the way.

It’s the fall of 1918, and World War I is showing no signs of coming to an end.  That is upsetting Elizabeth Miles since her fiance, Gideon Bates, has been drafted due to the increased age of the draft.  Before he ships out, Gideon is focusing his efforts at his law firm at drafting wills for soldiers.  Most of these wills are simple since the soldiers don’t have much.  One of the exceptions is Tom Preston, part owner of Preston Shoes, which has made a fortune providing shoes to the soldiers.  Tom wants a new will leaving his share of the family business to his new wife and their unborn child – a wife the rest of his family knows nothing about.

Tom hasn’t been gone long before the unthinkable happens, and word comes back that he has died.  Then his new will goes missing and Tom’s family doesn’t want to acknowledge his widow at all.  Elizabeth is quick to jump in, getting her family, all conmen, to come up with a scheme to get this war widow the money she should have inherited.  But what complications might there be along the way?

Yes, there are complications.  Lots of complications.  The book could have gotten to them a bit sooner, but that’s a minor complaint since I was enjoying the trip back in time from the first page.  Once we get into the con and the complications, this book really picks up and I had a hard time putting it down.  I was satisfied with how things turned out, and I will leave my discussion of the plot there so I don’t spoil anything for you.

This book puts us in the middle of history.  No, we don’t leave the greater New York area, but the impact of the war and other events of the era really hit home for the characters and, as a result, us.  I loved this aspect of the book.  It does make the ending a bit elongated, but it works and I couldn’t put the book down until I reached the very last page.  It helps that the book pulled me so into the past I felt I was part of the action.

It also helps that the characters are so real.  Elizabeth, Gideon, and the rest leap off the page and pull us right into the story.  A few of the series regulars didn’t get quite as much page time as they have in previous books, but all of our favorites are there, and the new characters are just as strong.

If you aren’t taking these trips back in time, you need to do so today.  I’m not trying to con you, these books really are that good.  Only a scoundrel wouldn’t love City of Scoundrels.

Enjoy more trips back in time with the rest of the Counterfeit Lady novels.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, I have one copy of this book to give away.  Because it is a physical book, the contest is limited to residence of the US.

Just leave me a comment with your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you win.  I will pick the winner Thursday, November 14th, so please leave your comment before midnight Pacific Time on 11/14.  You will have until midnight on 11/19 to get back to me, or I will choose a new winner on 11/20.

Movie Review: Oz the Great and Powerful

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Amazing visuals, climax, fun

Cons: Michelle Willimas’s acting choices, some effects, predictable

The Bottom Line:

Oz prequel story

Does great job with backstory

Light, fun fantasy

“It’s a Good Thing Green is My Favorite Color.”

I have never been a super fan of Oz, and I’m not completely sure why.  I read some of the books as a kid, and I enjoyed them.  I like the story of The Wizard of Oz.  But I don’t line up for Oz related items.  Which explains why I am just now getting around to watching Oz the Great and Powerful.  I’m glad I finally got the movie watched because I enjoyed it.

The movie opens in Kansas in the 1900’s as Oscar Diggs, nicknamed Oz (James Franco), is about to go on stage for his magic show at a traveling circus.  When he must make a hasty exit, he escapes into a hot air balloon.  Unfortunately for him, a tornado is coming, and he is caught in the storm.

When his balloon lands, he is in a land he never would have dreamed possible filled with magical creatures.  Even more surprising, he learns some people think he’s the fulfillment of a prophecy.  As he travels the land, he finds himself caught up in the battle for the future of Oz.  Whose side should he be on?  And can a simple magician help in war at all?

If you are at all familiar with Oz, it’s hard to say there are too many surprises in this movie.  It is a prequel, set before Dorothy arrived in Oz, so we know how things have to end.  They still set things up well so that a couple of the reveals are well done, and there is still so much happening that it keeps your attention.  And I liked their explanations for a few of the things we know about Oz.

Likewise, the character arcs are pretty predictable.  Oz is not a good man at the beginning of the movie, but we slowly watch him change as he encounters new characters.  Again, since we know how the movie has to end, other character arcs aren’t surprises, but they are still fun to watch.

Borrowing from the conceit of the famous Wizard of Oz movie, the film starts out in full frame black and white before turning to wide screen and full color when Oz lands in his new home.  Once he does, the visuals are stunning with vibrant color that pops off the screen.  The film is heavy on the effects, and sometimes that shows, but for the most part I bought what I saw on the screen.

The acting is mostly good as well.  The only character I had an issue with was Glinda.  As portrayed by Michelle Williams, she just felt stiff and a little odd.  I have a feeling that was a directorial and acting choice based on how the character has been portrayed in the past, but it just didn’t work with the rest of the acting or the film overall.

The climax of the film is absolutely wonderful.  It wasn’t super surprising, but it was tons of fun, and wrapped things up perfectly.  I loved it!

Oz the Great and Powerful has some flaws, but none of them are serious.  On the whole, this is a film that will entertain fans of the Oz tales or anyone looking for some light fantasy.

Book Review: The Chocolate Shark Shenanigans by JoAnna Carl (Chocoholic Mysteries #17)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Strong, fast moving mystery you can’t put down

Cons: The usual minor cons for the series, but I truly don’t mind

The Bottom Line:

Lee and co. are back!

In another fast-paced book

Over all too soon

Lee Must Solve a Flipping Murder

It’s been a couple of years since we last got a chance to visit Lee Woodyard in the Chocoholic Mysteries, so I was quite glad when I saw The Chocolate Shark Shenanigans pop up for pre-order.  As a long time series fan, I wasn’t disappointed at all.

Much to Lee’s dismay, her husband, Joe, and her uncle, Hogan, have bought the house next to Lee and Joe.  They intended to flip it, but Lee doesn’t like the idea of having to borrow money until the house is renovated and sold.  Still, she’s going along with it, even meeting with Digger, the local plumber, for an estimate on the work that will need to be done.  While looking down in the basement, Digger makes a shocking discovery, a gun wrapped in rags

But it’s not as shocking as the one that Lee and Hogan make the next day.  You see, Hogan is the local sheriff, and he’s asked Lee to walk him through what happened when Digger found the gun.  Only the duo make an even more shocking discovery while doing that – a dead body in a cabinet.  The victim was known as Spuds, a nickname he got as a teenager 20 years ago when he was part of a gang that called themselves the Sharks.  Spuds had also wanted to buy the house, but Lee can’t help but wonder what got him killed.  Will she uncover the truth?

Since we are seventeen books into the series, fans will already know what to expect, and they won’t be disappointed here.  These books are focused on the plot, and it is always moving forward.  Occasionally, we get some needless teases, but it is hard to complain when we have a new clue or red herring to distract us from the information we almost got but didn’t yet.  The ending does rush a bit to tie everything up, but it isn’t too bad.  I was hooked and along for the ride the entire way, not wanting to put the book down once I’d picked it up.

These books are a tad shorter than the majority of cozies published, and the result is a book focused on the twists and turns of the plot.  It doesn’t add any sub-plots, and this leaner storytelling approach really works for the series.  In fact, I find myself extremely impatient early on to figure out what is really happening, which drives me to keep reading.

The other things that suffers are the supporting characters.  There is a core cast, and we get to see them in action again, but Lee’s friends are usually reduced to cameos in favor of the new characters and story.  Again, this is nothing new.  Would I love to see more of the supporting players?  Yes.  But I am used to it by now.

And this isn’t a slight on the characters.  I love Lee and Joe.  The new characters are strong as well, helping keep us engaged as we work our way through the book.

We get the usual chocolate trivia as we work our way through the book, and the book ends with a delicious sounding recipe, something we don’t always get in this series.

Something we do always get are delicious descriptions of chocolate.  Lee eats many pieces of chocolate along the way, and my mouth waters each time she goes to describe it.

I’ve been a fan of the Chocoholic Mysteries since the first book game out, so getting to revisit the characters was a treat almost as tasty as the chocolate Lee eats along the way.  The Chocolate Shark Shenanigans will satisfy series fans and leave new fans anxious to track down the rest of Lee’s adventures.

Looking for more tasty adventures?  Here are the rest of the Chocoholic Mysteries.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book.

Giveaway!

Thanks to the publisher, I have one copy of this book to give away.  Because it is a physical book, the contest is limited to residence of the US.

Just leave me a comment with your e-mail address so I can get in touch with you if you win.  I will pick the winner Tuesday, November 12th, so please leave your comment before midnight Pacific Time on 11/12.  You will have until midnight on 11/17 to get back to me, or I will choose a new winner on 11/18.

Music Review: Firm Foundation by Selah

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Great songs of encouragement

Cons: Not quite as strong as normal

The Bottom Line:

Selah offers praise

To God Who is foundation

In newest CD

Selah Builds on Their Firm Foundation

Over the past two decades, Selah has become known in Christian music circles for their encouraging music.  Since I’ve become a fan (and yes, I was late to the game), each new release has become a must buy.  So, naturally, I pre-ordered Firm Foundation.

Longtime fans will notice two things missing from this disc.  The first is well known hymns.  Their first few releases were almost all new arrangements of hymns, but they have slowly been including more original songs (or at least non-hymns) on their releases.  This isn’t that surprising because they have already covered most of the well-known hymns.  I’m sure there are some out there they have touched yet, but none are springing to mind.

The other things missing is a song partially in Kituba, the African language that group founder Todd Smith grew up speaking as a missionary kid.  I’ve enjoyed that offering over the years, so I missed that.

Now that I’ve covered what isn’t on this new release, let’s take a look at what is.

The disc opens with “Let the Saints Sing,” an upbeat song of praise.  Simple praise to God has been a repeated theme in their songs, and that is true here again in other songs such as “I Belong to Jesus (Oh Hallelujah)” and “No Sweeter Name.”  “Jesus is King” is another such song, and it is a fun song to sing along with.

The title track is the closest they get to one of their soaring anthems.  It makes sense sing these anthems have been the title tracks of their last few releases.  “Firm Foundation” at once reminds us that our hope needs to rest in God as well as celebrates what that means when the floods of life come.

The most fun you’ll have on this disc is “Always Gonna Be.”  It’s also the song most likely to get stuck in your head.  Here, the trio is singing about the fact that hard times will come into every life, but God will always be there to help us through it.  It is a very comforting reminder.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel the disc is as good overall as their last few discs.  The problem comes in the second half that features several slower songs in a row.  Granted, this is Selah, a disc known for their contemplative songs.  No, they aren’t a contemporary worship group as such.  They are one of the few holding down the inspirational sub-genre of Christian music these days.  But I find myself struggling to focus on these songs when I get to this point in the disc.

Which is a shame since there are some great lyrics here.  “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” is a song packed with theology.  While it is a modern song, it feels like a long-forgotten hymn.  However, it really takes some concentration to follow the thoughts presented.  “He Will Hold Me Fast” fits in thematically with the title track.  “Benediction (As You Go)” is nice.

I think the heart of my problem is expectations.  I have come to set some pretty high expectations when it comes to a new release from Selah.  This CD is good, but since it isn’t as great as their normal releases, it feels like more of a letdown.

While Firm Foundation isn’t quite the home run I’ve come to expect, from the group, it is still good.  Their many fans will find more songs of encouragement here, which is why we continue to love their music.

CD Length: 47:10

Tracks:

1. Let the Saints Sing

2. Jesus is King

3. Firm Foundation

4. Always Gonna Be

5. My Soul Be Satisfied

6. Yet Not I, but through Christ in Me

7. The Sound of Love

8. I Belong to Jesus

9. He Will Hold Me Fast

10. No Sweeter Name

11. Benediction (As You Go)

Book Review: Who Is the Mystery Reader? by Mo Willems

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Encourages reading; good for young readers ready for something more.

Cons: Not as creative and fun as some of Mo’s other books; different parts can be disjointed

The Bottom Line:

Encouraging reading

And meet Mystery Reader

In easy reader

Reading is a Superpower!

Last year, Mo Willems started a new series for beginning readers.  Who is The Mystery Reader? is the return to the world of Unlimited Squirrels.  Unfortunately, it has confirmed that this series doesn’t have the charm for me that some of his other books do.

These books are broken up into many parts.  The main story involves Zoom Squirrel who gets some help in reading for The Mystery Reader, a costumed superhero.  But who is the masked man?  And can Zoom enter the world of masked superheroes?

As a story designed for beginning readers, it is decent.  It encourages young readers to sound out big words to grow their vocabulary.  And, with how superhero obsessed our culture seems to be right now, making reading into a superpower adds a lot of fun.

However, this story seems to lack the charm and humor of some of Mo’s other work.  As an adult, I think that is what I am looking for.

I mentioned other parts to the book.  We get a couple of terrible (and by that, I mean delightful) puns and jokes related to reading.  There’s also a section where we see the work that goes into creating a book.  As an adult and avid reader, I already knew most of this, but it is nice to see it explained to kids.  The format works for kids who are ready for something a little extra and beyond the easy picture books, but it can make it a little harder to read to a larger audience.

I am trying to look at this book as both an adult fan and as a young reader might.  I can see them completely loving this book, but as an adult, I don’t see a need to rush out and read the Unlimited Squirrel books.  While I appreciate what Mo is doing here, I think Who is The Mystery Reader? will be my last venture into this world without a child to enjoy it with me.

November 2nd's Weekly TV Thoughts

God Friended Me – I was a step ahead of the show this week in just about every storyline.  Not that I’m complaining because I still enjoyed it.  It was nice to see Jia again.  I love her character, although this storyline of dating in secret is going to be a disaster.  But will Miles’s dad take on the job as Bishop?

Batwoman – Is that the first real villain of the week story we’ve had?  It just goes to prove how scared I am that Alice, the best part of the show, will be gone by the end of the season – most likely by the crossover.  I am loving how over the top and villains are.  They are the best part.  And at least we now know how Alice’s death was faked all those years ago.

Supergirl – I thought James was sticking around through the crossover, but obviously I was wrong.  Anyone else feel like that was a backdoor pilot?  It’s not, but it felt like it.  Lena is gone.  It’s a shame, but she is now a Luthor for sure.  Rojas is a villain?  I wasn’t expecting that.

Dancing with the Stars – It’s time for Shawn Spicer to go.  But he’s going to wind up winning.  It will be even worse than last year because of the politics involved.  Keep in mind I’m as conservative as they come, and I feel this way, but he needs to go.  And the fact that the only person who defended him being on the show this season is now gone while he is still there is ironic.

The Flash – They are playing up Barry’s impending death for all it is worth.  Mind you, I get it, and these character’s reactions are perfect.  But we know he won’t actually die.  Anyone else getting Jekyll and Hyde vibes from our villain of the season?  And I knew our new Wells was up to something (when isn’t Wells?), but I wasn’t expecting it to be related to the Crisis.

Arrow – So glad we got to see Thea again.  I’ve really missed her.  And the set up for next week is definitely interesting.  The rest of the episode?  Forgettable as ever.

This is Us – Fairly predictable episode.  And so many stories going on, it was hard to get invested in any of them.  Maybe that was also because I suspected where most of them were going.  But adult Randall as a hustler?  Definitely a new aspect to his character.

Survivor – I’m glad Aaron didn’t flip.  I thought with the way Jeff was reading the votes he hadn’t, but it was great to have that confirmed.  I can’t believe how the four who lost the vote behaved however – like they deserved to win.  Sorry, but that’s not how the game works.  It will be interesting to see how that plays out next week.  Oh, and Sandra during tribal was hilarious!  Loved her reactions to things.

American Horror Story: 1984 – It was a camp, of course it had to have a Friday the 13^th back story.  I’m not completely sure we needed it, although I’m sure that will be the key to understanding how we end things.  The hitchhiker was just there to slow things down, however.  I liked how they dealt with him, however.

The Good Place – A time jump.  It makes sense they would put one in since they need to move the story forward at some point.  Overall, it was an okay episode, but that point about being a little better every day was a very good one.  Also, I hope we don’t see Bad Janet for a bit.  I much prefer Good Janet.

November 1st's Book Beginnings and Friday 56

Welcome to November and Friday all rolled into one.  Can you believe it?  Certainly doesn't feel like it should be November already to me.

Anyway, we are here for this week's Book Beginnings and Friday 56.

This week, I'm featuring City of Scoundrels by Victoria Thompson.

                                                 

This is the third Counterfeit Lady novel and takes us to New York City in 1918.  I finished it earlier this week and really enjoyed it.
Anyway, this is how the book begins:

"I hate this stupid war!" Elizabeth cried in frustration.

And if you can't understand that sentiment on page one, you certainly will by the time you finish the book.

Meanwhile, over on page 56, we find:

Elizabeth blinked furiously, determined not to cry as she rushed up the stairs to the one room into which she knew Gideon would not follow her.

The book comes out on Tuesday, and I will be hosting a review and giveaway on Thursday, so please come back for my full review.

Until then, enjoy the first weekend of November.