5 Star Reads
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Five Star Reads: Monthly Favorites (February 2025)

I am continuing to use reading as my escape from the messy world. The news is hard to read and everything just feels like a lot. I am so thankful for books and the wonderful escapes that they are. This month I read 30 books, 9 of them on audio. I mostly read cozy mysteries,… Continue reading
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BOOK REVIEW: Thick As Thieves (Kenni Lowry Mystery Series, Book 11) by Tonya Kappes

I’m happy to share a review of Thick As Thieves, book 11 in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. “Perfect for fans of southern cozies with sharp humor, clever twists, and just the right amount of romance, Thick as Thieves will keep you guessing (and laughing) until the last page.” 253 pages, Kindle… Continue reading
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Way Back Cozy Wednesday: February 2025 Edition

On the third Wednesday of each month, I’ll feature a cozy mystery I read long ago. Backlist titles make my heart sing and hopefully you’ll find some new to you reads for your cozy TBR. Today’s Way Back Cozy Wednesday title is Eggsecutive Orders (A White House Chef Mystery, Book 3) by Julie Hyzy 341… Continue reading
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Virtual Book Tour & Book Review & #Giveaway: Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory

Welcome to my stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for Soft Serve Sleighing (Coffee & Cream Café Mysteries) by Lena Gregory! Today we are featuring a review of book five in this delicious cozy mystery series. Stop by each blog on the tour for interviews, guest posts, spotlights, reviews, and more! There is… Continue reading
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Five Star Reads: Monthly Favorites (January 2025)

Here are some of my favorite books read during January 2025! I use books as my escape and I really needed all the escapes…still do! Under the Cocoon Moon by Kathleen Bailey Olivia Penn Mysteries #3. This is the perfect series for grown-up Nancy Drew fans. While this entry is set around Christmas time, it’s… Continue reading
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Time Travel Thursday: What Was I Reading Last Year At This Time (January 2025 Edition)

Time Travel Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Budget Tales Book Blog where readers take a look back at what they were reading this time last year (or the year before or the year before that…) Last year, towards the end of January 2024, I had just finished How to Solve Your Own Murder… Continue reading
book blog, Book Review, book-reviews, books, Budget Tales Book Blog, castle knoll files, fiction, five star reads, How to Seal Your Own Fate, How To Solve Your Own Murder, Kristen Perrin, Mystery, mystery series, Penguin Group Dutton, reading, Time Travel Thursday, weekly reads, What I Was Reading Last Year -
BOOK REVIEW: Steamed Secrets (Killer Coffee Mysteries Book 16) by Tonya Kappes

I’m so happy to feature a review of Steamed Secrets by Tonya Kappes – southern hospitality with a smidgen of homicide! This is book 16 in the Killer Coffee Mysteries, but don’t worry if you’re just joining in. This entry works wonderfully as a standalone read. 209 pages, Kindle Edition Publication Date: January 26, 2025… Continue reading
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Book Blogger Hop: January 24th-30th – New Year, Inspiring Books

Question:What books do you look to for inspiration at the start of the year or to motivate you to make positive changes in your life? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer) Answer: I love the New Year. I’m usually asleep way before midnight on New Year’s Eve and up early on New Year’s Day.… Continue reading
A practical guide to resilient parenting, Andre Solo, becky kennedy, book blog, Book Blogger Hop, Book Review, books, connection over correction, ethan kross, good inside, how to keep house while drowning, Jenn Granneman, KC Davis, New Year, Nonfiction, reading, Sensitive The Hidden Power of the Highly Sensitive Person in a Loud Fast Too Much World, the voice in our head why it matters and how to harness it -
Virtual Book Tour & Book Review with Rachel’s Random Resources: Family Ties on Beamer Street by Sheila Riley

Welcome to my stop on Rachel’s Random Resources Book Tour for Family Ties on Beamer Street by Sheila Riley– a BRAND NEW instalment in the emotional Beamer Street series, set in Liverpool 1926, against the backdrop of The General Strike January 3, 2025 by Boldwood Books About the Book: Peggy and Dar Tenant’s dream for… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I started my career as a children’s librarian, later becoming a public library director and now I’m a stay at home mom. While my career might have changed, my love of reading has been a constant since I was in 4th grade, and I read over 200 books a year. I love talking about books and connecting readers of all ages with just the right book. Thanks for reading!
Recent Posts
- 👰🏻Virtual Book Tour & Book Review & #Giveaway: Terror in Taffeta (Destination Wedding Mysteries) by Marla Cooper
- Picture Book Friday on a Thursday! Spring & March Favorites
- Way Back Cozy Wednesday: March 2026 Edition
- ☘️Happy St. Patrick’s Day – Books With Green Covers☘️
- Middle Grade Monday: March 2026 Edition

