Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer ~ Reviewed

Out of the Frying Pan

Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer

Paperback: 276

Publisher: Bling!

Language: English

USBN-10: 1938499131

When the chef of Sunset Paradise Retirement Village ends up dead, life for sisters Fern and Zula Hopkins is whipped into a froth. Their zany attempts to track down the killer land them in hot water with Detective Jared Flynn. Should he be concerned about their safety or the criminal's?

But there are deadly ingredients none of them expect. Drugs. Extortion. International cartels. And worst of all...broken hearts--especially when the Hopkins sisters' niece KC arrives on the scene.

Before the snooping pair gain any headway with the case, it becomes crystal clear that the sisters uncover a mysterious secret that takes life from the frying pan and into the line of fire.

Review:

For whenever you need a literal laugh-out-loud moment …

Out of the Frying Pan by Michelle Griep and Kelly Klepfer is a delightful cozy mystery with a bit of a sweet romance. The characters presented, from zany Zula and her roommate, Focused Fern to the handsome cop and niece caught between them, provide a perfect balance of humor and pragmatism, blending for an intriguing plot line that keeps one guessing on numerous levels.

Zula, the dumpster diving, flower saving sister-in-law/aunt is the Lucy Ricardo of the 21st century. Oh, the messes she gets herself in, from sneaking “stolen,” discarded plastic foliage into rusted old cars to stumbling upon a dead body. It’s no wonder her sister-in-law Fern lives in a perpetual state of exasperation. Zula was by far my favorite character, though Fern made her all the more delightful.

This is a fun story that will make you laugh on even your most melancholy of days, and the mystery was so skillfully presented, it will keep even the most skilled sleuths guessing.

Highly recommended.   

Reviewed by: Jennifer Slattery

Bonus Thoughts from Amazon Reviewers:

"A laugh out loud mystery with quirky, lovable characters who find themselves in all sorts of trouble. The storyline is believable and comes with descriptions of mouth-watering food, which makes for a delicious plot! A cohesive and fast-moving novel." 4-Stars! RT Book Reviews

“Out of the Frying Pan is a delicious cozy mystery! I loved the humor, the villain surprised me, and the main characters, Fern and Zula, are so richly drawn, they step off the pages and lead you on a merry chase. Masterfully written, it has all the elements of a great read: romance, murder, a dog, and humor. Did I mention the humor?” Ane Mulligan

“I loved this book. The authors, Michelle and Kelly, each writings from one of the two main character's viewpoint, developed a story line that was laugh out loud funny and entertaining. There are many minor characters, and together with the two main characters, they keep the pace moving quite fast while being believable. Scenes are well thought out and the setting, in a senior citizens neighborhood, gives a lot of twists and turns. There's murder, intrigue, romance, love, family relationships -- all written in a fun style. I can't wait for the next book in this series.” John Vonhof

“Who knew life in a seniors community could be so wild, suspenseful, and hilarious? Sisters-in-law Fern and Zula Hopkins are opposite in every way except age. How they keep from killing one another is a mystery, but that's not the mystery of this book. Their zany antics to solve the murder of the cook keeps detective Jared Flynn on his toes. Cozy mysteries are my favorite, and this one is good, with a twist ending that caught me by surprise (the best kind).”  Debra Butterfield

“Absolutely loved every word of Out of the Frying Pan! Having read other of Michelle Griep's work, I knew I was in store for a great story and Out of the Frying Pan did not disappoint. Quirky characters, high adventure. Can't ask for much more. I highly recommend this cozy little romance with a side of murder!” Deanne Davis

Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Quieting ~ Reviewed

The Quieting
Suzanne Woods Fisher

• Series: The Bishop's Family (Book 2)
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Revell (May 3, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080072321X

Description: 

Bestselling Author Delivers the Intrigue and Romance Fans Crave

The Stoltzfus family faces serious problems, both in the church and at home. Everyone in the community expects minister David Stoltzfus to fix things--fast. But David doesn't work fast. He prefers to wait for God to work in individual hearts. However, even he is left wondering if the solution to their most pressing problem might be a Quieting.

When David's mother arrives, uninvited, more upheaval is in store. She has matchmaking plans for everyone in the family, including David and her eligible granddaughters--and especially for David's niece Abigail. When Abigail stumbles onto a curious connection during her genealogical research, it could help David solve one problem--but will it create another?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher takes fans back to Stoney Ridge, delivering the twists, turns, and romance they adore.


Review: 

The Quieting is book two in the series, “The Bishop's Family.” This book picks up where book number one leaves off. It has come out that the Bishop has been dishonest, but he refuses to acknowledge his sin, so David is at odds with how to handle the situation, as he is not a confrontational person. In the meantime, his overbearing mother decides to come help him get his life and family together. David's niece, Abigail, and her sister, Laura, also come to help. Abigail's main reason for being there is to help her father with some genealogical records of a prominent family in the district. She ends up getting help from one of the family members, Dane, and in the process, begins to have feelings for him as well. But her no nonsense logic threatens to seclude from everyone she cares about and is beginning to care about.

I was SO excited to get this book to see what happens next. I like how it picks up immediately where the other book left off, and while we began to follow some different characters, we also got to learn more about the characters from the last book and how their lives are progressing. Abigail's character was intriguing to me. She saw everything as black and white and was brutally honest in what she said, but had no tact. As the story progressed, I think she began to see that she needed to learn to think a bit before she said what she was really thinking. Can't wait to read the next one.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Tamera Alexander's To Win Her Favor ~ Reviewed

To Win Her Favor
Tamera Alexander
Series: A Belle Meade Plantation Novel
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 12, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310291070

Description:

A gifted rider in a world where ladies never race, Maggie Linden is determined that her horse will become a champion. But the one man who could help her has vowed to stay away from thoroughbred racing forever.
 
An Irishman far from home, Cullen McGrath left a once prosperous life in England because of a horse racing scandal that nearly ruined him. He's come to Nashville for a fresh start, hoping to buy land and begin farming, all while determined to stay as far away from thoroughbred racing as possible. But starting over proves harder than he'd wagered, especially when Maggie Linden's father makes him an offer he shouldn't accept yet cannot possibly refuse.

Maggie is certain that her mare, Bourbon Belle, can take the top purse in the inaugural Peyton Stakes, the richest race ever run in America. Maggie only needs the chance to prove it. To give her that chance--and to save Linden Downs from being sold to the highest bidder--Maggie's father, aging, yet wily as ever, makes a barter. His agreement includes one tiny, troublesome detail--Maggie must marry a man she's never met. A man she never would have chosen for herself.

Review: 

To Win Her Favor takes place in the South right after the Civil War. We learn about Maggie Linden, who lives with her father on their plantation. They are close to losing the plantation, but Maggie thinks she can make everything okay by racing her horse, Bourbon Belle, at the annual Peyton Stakes at Nashville's racetrack. Cullen McGrath has moved from Ireland, looking for a fresh start, and hoping to buy a place for himself. When he happens upon the Linden' plantation, he meets Maggie's father. They agree on Cullen buying the plantation, as long as he also agrees to marry Maggie and take care of her. It is not an ideal situation for either of them. The story then follows their relationship, as they try to hide things from their past from each other, and fight growing attraction they are feeling.

I love stories written in this era. I admired both characters, and understood why they kept their secrets from each other, but at the same time, I kept wanting to tell them to just be honest with each other and communicate! The story was well written and I really enjoyed it. 


Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

Susan May Warren's You're the One that I Want ~ Reviewed

YOU'RE THE ONE THAT I WANT 
Susan May Warren

• Series: Christiansen Family
• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (February 1, 2016)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1414378467

Description: 

Owen Christiansen has been in a downward spiral since an injury ended his NHL career. But a job on an Alaskan crabbing boat offers a fresh start . . . maybe even a shot at romance with Elise “Scotty” McFlynn, the captain’s daughter.

Used to being one of the guys, to never relying on anyone, Scotty doesn’t believe in happily ever after―especially with someone like Owen. Her instinct is confirmed when Casper Christiansen arrives to drag his prodigal brother home, bringing with him a truckload of family drama―and even worse, the news that Casper is wanted for questioning in connection to a crime back in Minnesota.

But Owen is more than the sum of his mistakes, a truth both he and Scotty discover when she escorts both brothers to Deep Haven as part of her new job on the Anchorage police force. Thrust into an unfamiliar world of family, faith, and fresh starts, Scotty begins to see potential for a happy ending . . . if she’s brave enough to embrace it.

Review:

You're the One That I Want is the final book in the Christiansen Family Series. This book centers around Owen, the black sheep of the family. After getting into a fight with his brother Casper, at their sister, Eden's wedding, over a girl, he fled without telling anyone where he was going. Upset with the turn of events in his life over the previous months, he just wanted to run away. The story begins with him working on an Alaskan crabbing boat. He has worked on his attitude and lifestyle, trying to turn things around, even thinking about going back home. In the meantime, he develops feelings for the captain's daughter, “Scotty” McFlynn. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Scotty, who is also a police officer, escorts Owen and his brother, Casper (who had gone looking for Owen) back home, after Casper is accused of a crime he didn't commit. While Scotty has developed feelings for Owen, she feels she is not the marrying type. However, the pull of the love of a good man as well as his family becomes hard to resist for her.

This was a great way to wrap up the series, though the last book in a series is always hard, as you feel like you are saying goodbye to your family. I loved seeing how far Owen's character has come. He was such a bitter man when last we read about him. The fact that he became aware of the dangerous path he was on and turned around was wonderful to see. It was also great seeing how everyone elses stories tied into this one and came together at the end. This was a great series and I highly recommend all of the books.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers

BONUS THOUGHTS!

Nora St. Laurent called this one of the books she adored and that moved her this year. Read her review here. 

http://www.psalm516.blogspot.com/2016/02/susan-may-warrens-wonderful-conclusion.html

Cindy Thomson's Annie's Stories ~ Reviewed

Annie's Stories (Ellis Island Novel V2)
By Cindy Thomson (Author)
Pages 402
Binding Softcover
Release Date May 1, 2014
Publisher Tyndale House Publishers
Series Ellis, Island

Description


The year is 1901, the literary sensation "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" is taking New York City by storm, and everyone wonders where the next great book will come from. But to Annie Gallagher, stories are more than entertainment--they're a sweet reminder of her storyteller father. After his death, Annie fled Ireland for the land of dreams, finding work at Hawkins House.But when a fellow boarder with something to hide is accused of misconduct and authorities threaten to shut down the boardinghouse, Annie fears she may lose her new friends, her housekeeping job . . . and her means of funding her dream: a memorial library to honor her father. Furthermore, the friendly postman shows a little too much interest in Annie--and in her father's unpublished stories. In fact, he suspects these tales may hold a grand secret.Though the postman's intentions seem pure, Annie wants to share her father's stories on her own terms. Determined to prove herself, Annie must forge her own path to aid her friend and create the future she's always envisioned . . . where dreams really do come true.

Review:

Annie’s Stories tells us about Annie Gallagher in the time when The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was beginning to take the nation by storm.  She is a recent immigrant from Ireland.  She was raised by her father, but when he died suddenly, she found herself forced into a woman’s asylum by her uncle, who did not want her.  She is rescued by a priest, who sends her to America to live with his sister in a boarding house, where Annie earns her keep working for her board.  Her belief God has long since passed due to the trials she’s endured, but she finds comfort in The Wizard of Oz, as it reminds her of her storytelling father.  She has some of her father’s stories that he used to tell her written down, and as she begins to share them, people begin to get interested.  When the stories disappear, she fears they have fallen in the wrong hands.  
          
Annie has such a hard time trusting people, and most of all, God, due to what she’s been through.  So much so that she can’t see the caring people that are right in front of her face.  She has an ideal in her head of what love and home are and can’t seem to get past that.  But it’s fun to see her start to open up.  She’s such a lovely character.  This story was a lot better than I expected it to be when I first read the synopsis.  I was pleasantly surprised.

Reviewed by: Sarah Meyers