Saturday Book Club Moving!

Announcement! I have made some changes to my book blogs. My book club moved to Saturday on Blogger with my food blog. Check out At Home with Lisa Jung.

Why ? Reader request ! And a tribute to Mom.

Mom and I shared a love of good coffee, books , and food. And was our tradition to share our favorite around the kitchen table. You are Welcome to my Home and table. Lisa

How it will work ?

First Saturday Book reveal

2 and 3rd Saturday: library book spotlight.

Last Saturday: Book reviews, thoughts about the book.

I will also be linking coffee and breakfast recipes from my kitchen table. Lisa Jung

Book Review: Saving Savannah (Tante Lulu Adventure series)

When Tante Lulu decides to matchmake, matches are made. But this time, her meddling Cajun charm will be put to the test…

For five years Savannah Jones thought Special Forces Captain Matthew Carrington died in Afghanistan. For five years he thought she’d rejected him—thanks to his mother’s interception of the letter she wrote to him as he left on his tour of duty. Now she’s struggling to re-build a life for herself and their daughter, Katie, despite the devastation Katrina wrought on New Orleans. Thanks to Tante Lulu and her police-officer great-nephew, Tee-John, Savannah and Matthew are about to be reunited. Will Tante Lulu’s bayou wisdom and sassy attitude be able to turn their broken relationship into a loving gumbo?

Sandra Hill is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty romantic humor novels. Whether they be historicals, contemporaries, time travels, or Christmas novellas, whether they be about Vikings, Cajuns, Navy SEALs or sexy Santas, the common element in all her books is humor. It’s been said that love makes the world go ’round, but in Sandra’s world, love with a dash of laughter, makes it spin.

Library loan book review:

 love a great book to cozy up with& going on the adventures with each character..with Tante Lulu being my fav..Full of romance with hot flirty/sexy men who stand behind their just as spunky flirty/sexy woman and all their humor they provide. You could even get lost in feeling like part of the family or a neighbor from time to time as you read them..”there are three ways a person kin become a Cajun. By birth. By marriage. And by the back door.”…according to Tante Lulu…

Book Review: Cajun Kiss of Death: A Cajun Country Mystery

The next shot from Cupid’s bow may be fatal in USA Today bestselling, Agatha Award-winning author Ellen Byron’s hearty and delightful seventh Cajun Country mystery.

In Pelican, Louisiana, Valentine’s Day has a way of warming the heart, despite the February chill. But the air at Crozat Plantation B&B turns decidedly frigid when celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson checks in. And when the arrogant Phillippe–in town to open his newest Cajun-themed restaurant–perishes in a fiery boat crash, Maggie Crozat’s dear friend JJ lands in very cold water.

Did JJ, proprietor of Junie’s Oyster Bar and Dance Hall, murder Phillippe because he feared the competition? Might Maggie’s mother, Ninette, have bumped off the chef for stealing one of her cherished recipes? Or was the culprit a local seafood vendor, miffed because Phillippe was somehow able to sell oysters for a remarkably reasonable price, despite an oyster shortage?

Maggie had planned to devote her February to art lessons in New Orleans, a present from her sweetheart, Bo. But now she has to focus on helping her friend and her mother cross a murder charge off the menu. Meanwhile, Maggie receives a series of anonymous gifts that begin as charming but grow increasingly disturbing. Does Maggie have an admirer–or a stalker? And are these mysterious gifts somehow related to Phillippe’s murder?

Blood may be thicker than water, but this case is thicker than gumbo. And solving it will determine whether Maggie gets hearts and roses–or hearse and lilies–this Valentine’s Day.

Library Book Review:

Cajun Kiss of Death is, it appears, is the last in the Cajun CountryI Mystery series. I am very disappointed; I have liked Maggie and the Crozat family, their friends and neighbors since reading Plantation Shudders, the first in the series.
Each book is a stand-alone, however reading them in order will give the reader additional insights and past events are occasionally referenced.
In Cajun Kiss of Death, a renowned chef opens a new Cajun restaurant, hurting Maggie’s friend JJ’s and another local restaurant. The restauranteur dies in a suspicious boating accident, and there are many suspects. I don’t want to give anymore away.
Ellen Bryon wrapped up the series very nicely, although it made me cry. I will miss Maggie and Bo, Grand-mere Charlotte, Maggie’s parents, even Rufus and Vanessa. I highly recommend Cajun Kiss of Death and all of the books in this warm and well written series.

Book Review: A Valentine’s Proposal

Their engagement is pretend
Cupid has other plans…

Wedding planner Mariah Van Delton has a plan to save the charming small town of Carter’s Crossing—by turning it into a romance destination! All Mariah needs is a very public Valentine’s Day proposal. And her only option? A fake one between her and the handsome town veterinarian and wedding hater, Nelson Carter. But a little charade between adversaries might just be the start of something undeniably real…

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

Cupid’s Crossing
Book 1: A Valentine’s Proposal
Book 2: A Fourth of July Proposal

Harlequin Friday review :

Small town contemporary romance fans will find themselves falling in love with Kim Findlay’s charming new tale that makes for perfect reading during the most romantic month of the year: A Valentine’s Proposal.

As a small town Vet and Wedding planner start a fake relationship that turns into love just in time for Valentine.

I’ve never read Kim Findlay’s contemporary romances before, but after reading A Valentine’s Proposal, I’ve certainly added her name to my auto-buy list. Kim Findlay writes with great humor and charm and in A Valentine’s Proposal has written a touching, witty and emotional page-turner featuring a heroine I adored and a gorgeous hero who will steal readers’ hearts.

Book Review: Be My Texas Valentine

In Texas, Valentine’s Day is for restless hearts, brave second chances, and passions rekindled. New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas, Linda Broday, Phyliss Miranda, and DeWanna Pace tempt you with four delicious treats. . .

Out on these rugged plains, love never comes easy. And four daring ladies will do whatever it takes to capture the hearts of four irresistibly sweet-talking Texans. . . When a quiet foreman comes to the aid of a mystery lady, they’ll find that this perfect starlit night is made for courtin’. . .. A determined heiress gambles high to reclaim the rancher she’s never stopped wanting. . .. When a spirited lady and a go-getter mayor compete for their town’s future, it’s two dreams for a lifetime. . .. And to attract a lonely doctor’s attention, a shy young woman needs courage–and two unlikely matchmakers. . .

“A sweet, sunny anthology perfect for rainy-day reading.” —Publishers Weekly on Give Me a Texas Outlaw

Book Review:

All the authors know about Texans’ character and are able to convey the warmth that underlies the tough exterior. I find reading their work very enjoyable.

The Valentine’s Day Disaster: A Twilight, Texas Novella

A Twilight, Texas Novella

Valentine’s Day can be a real disaster … even in a town like Twilight, Texas!

These days, event planner Sesty Snow is no fan of hearts, flowers, or goo-goo eyes over dinner. She’s learned to be in control of her life and her emotions. Still, running Twilight’s annual Valentine’s Day bachelor auction is right up her alley—until her high school sweetheart zooms back into town. He’s still heart-stoppingly handsome, but it’s clear he hasn’t changed the daredevil ways that put the brakes on their first love.

Injured NASCAR driver Josh Langtree isn’t up for being anyone’s sweetheart these days either. He’s just looking for a place to lick his wounds … until a misunderstanding lands him doing community service in Sesty’s auction. Soon he finds himself standing in front of hundreds of screaming women—wearing a tux and a smile. And then there’s Sesty—looking as tempting as ever.

He says he’s changed, and the sparks between them are flying fast and furious, but can Sesty trust Josh to take the wheel and drive her into the future she never dreamed possible?

Book Review:

A Bachelor auction was just what the town of Twilight needed on Valentine’s Day, what could go wrong for event planner Sesty Snow. Well how about at the last minute one of the Bachelors can’t make it and she must find another one pronto, and who should step into the spot but, but sexy Josh Langtree, the bad boy of NASCAR. These two had a past and it was coming back to rear it’s head, when these two anti Valentine’s Day people wanted to just get through the day not falling in love…
Wonderful read, just what Valentine’s day needed…

Her Secret Valentine (The Brides of Holly Springs Book 5)

Once upon a time, Cal and Ashley Hartwere blissful newlyweds. But all of thatchanged when Ashley moved to Hawaiifor three years, leaving her oh-so-sexyhusband alone in Holly Springs. Theytold themselves it was for the good oftheir careers. And of course, there werethe weekends—fiercely hot, passionatemoments that left them both achingfor more….

Now Ashley has returned to Holly Springs—temporarily—to try to salvage their marriage. They still can’t keep their hands off each other, but Cal and Ashley are both hiding secrets that promise to affect their tenuous union .Can this Valentine’s Day bring two Harts together—forever?

Library Loan : Harlequin Friday

A very typical Harlequin romance with characters finding love again after being apart and falling love again.A great Valentine holiday romance…

Book Review : Be My Valentine: An Anthology

pub 2006 , Contempered romance, Throwback Thursday

My Funny Valentine Dianne Williams needs a man. But only for a night. The night of the community center Valentine dinner, to be precise. Exasperated by her children’s relentless efforts to get her a date, Dianne finds herself approaching a handsome stranger named Steve and making him an outrageous offer. An offer he doesn’t refuse. An offer that might lead to more than just one night.

My Hero Bailey York needs a man. But only on paper. She’s writing a romance novel and she’s having difficulty creating a hero. So she needs a real-life model for her story. Parker Davidson is perfect, everything a hero should be. But he wants to become the hero in her life, not just her book. And not just on Valentine’s Day, either!

From the Library :

This book touches many lives as it is about a woman who’s husband left her and she had no idea how to continue her life. She has 2 children who want her to date and she poo poos this idea. Then the town is having a Valentines day dance and she needs to attend…she does and with the help of her Mother finds the man of her dreams although she does not believe it…

This as well as all of Debbie Macomber’s books is an easy read and always romantic. Check more book at your local library!!! Lisa

Book Review : Oolong Dead (A Tea Shop Mystery)

he latest Tea Shop mystery from the author of The Silver Needle Murder

While hosting a lavish luncheon to benefit the Charleston Opera, Theodosia Browning finds her arch nemesis, Abby Davis, dead. What’s more, the victim’s brother is Theodosia’s old flame. Who’d have guessed they’d be reunited through cold-blooded murder?

book review

This is the 10th book in the Tea Shop cozy mystery series. Theo comes across the body of her former boyfriend’s sister while horseback riding. When Jory returns to town, he asks Theo to look into her murder to see if she can help solve the case. This one has some interesting twists and turns with some misdirection and it took me a while to come up with my primary suspect. I liked the inclusion of the Gullah people, a charm, and the old family legend of the missing bride which added some nice atmosphere to the story. This story had less involvement with her fellow tea shop members, Drayton and Haley, but Theo’s romantic life takes a more prominent position with both Jory and Parker around. As always, I loved the descriptions of the teas and food and I liked the inclusion of recipes at the back of the book.

This week on Lisa Everyday Life : I am celebrating Chinese New Year ! I will be shring family recipes, crafts and more during the week…. Lisa

Book Review: Star Valley Winter

Outlaw Hartes 

Originally published as The Valentine Two-Step in 2002, New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne—and her trademark warmth and charm—returns to the town of Salt River!

Single father Matt Harte learned the hard way not to trust women. His wife left him because she couldn’t deal with ranch life—so the last thing he wants to do is plan the annual Valentine’s Day dance. His daughter, Lucy, has plans for her father; she’s determined to get him to fall for beautiful vet and recent Salt River transplant Ellie Webster.

Ellie knows that Matt doesn’t want her in his town, let alone on the too-small dance committee of two. It’s not as if she wants to spend all that one-on-one time with the rugged rancher, imagining what it would be like to be his partner—for real…

Harlequin Friday Book review:

STAR VALLEY WINTER is a standalone read with a HEA. Dylan has recently moved to the small town where her mother has opened a vet practice. She is best friends with Lucy who’s family owns one of the largest ranches in the area. Lucy’s dad inherited the ranch and his two siblings when he was 22 and their parents were killed in an accident. He has worked hard all his life. Lucy is his only child and he has raised her without a mother since she was 3 months old. His first marriage was a disaster from the beginning. When his ex-wife ran off with his sister’s fiancee, he divorced her and never looked back. However, the scars from being betrayed and hurt have lingered.

This story is VERY good. I couldn’t put it down once I started. There is a bit of drama at the very end, a little mystery but otherwise it is a love story between two very strong characters. I loved the cowboy. He is a dream. A little hard on himself but otherwise a wonderful hero. It is a bit sexy in a couple of places if that is an issue for you. I loved the story and found it very entertaining. I definitely recommend it. An easy read.