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Hello world!

pro_reader_120reviews_200_120    auto_approvals_120 Let’s talk aboufavorited_reviews_120t books. What type of book do you like to read? Do you stick to the same authors or are you willing to take a chance on something radically different from your norm? I have a cluster of authors that I gobble up the new books they put out like a binge eater…all in one sitting. And in between waiting for said authors to put out the next book, I have a group of “fill in” authors. And then there are the ones I read because I am so very curious about everything. It has been pointed out to me that my reading list is probably linked to Homeland Security but how can you have an opinion on anything if you haven’t fully researched it?

On my bookshelf you will find every James Patterson novel, every Laurell K. Hamilton, every Stuart Woods, Harlan Coben, Catherine Coulter, Iris Johansen, Anne Rice, Laura Childs, Tom Clancy, George R.R.Martin, Kim Harrison, Kathy Reichs, Patricia Cornwell, Lisa Scottoline, Lisa Unger, Karin Slaughter, Don Winslow, Sara Blaedel along with all the classics. I don’t do romance books, no heaving bosoms or glistening abs for me.

Reading is a magical thing that can take you places you would never have access to in the living world. I love everything about books. The cover, the feel and smell of the paper, it all has to come together for me.  Books are like a good friend who stays around. My grandmother told me once “Never get rid of a book or your land.”  I paid attention to that one. Not so much on the other advice, much to the chagrin of my mother.

So here we are going to be talking about books. What we’ve read, what we are reading and what we hope to read. I find it so interesting that two people can read the same book and have totally different takes on it. But that is the fun of books and imagination. Everyone’s is different and I am intrigued by those different opinions.

Stick around for some really good, new authors I have found and feel free to make suggestions and comments!  Join us on Facebook for free books, authors looking for reviewers and new releases and giveaways! On Twitter @GaPirate  Email me at piratepatty@hotmail.com. Have your Marketing people or Publisher contact me for reviews.

What is your cover saying about your book?

The Bear and the Nightingale: A Novel (Winternight Trilogy Book 1) by [Arden, Katherine]

One of my favorite books of last year. Look at that cover.And today that is what I wanted to talk about. Cover Art. How much time do you put into your covers?

I’ve been noticing the past few years with the rise of self-published authors especially that the covers all look the same. Different title, same covers. Why would you want your cover to be like someone else’s? Did you not research it?

All the time we hear “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Well, guess what? We all do it. When I walk into a bookstore content is not grabbing me like a tracking beam to your book. I’m drawn to the one that I can take one look at and say, ” Oh, my I know what this is going to be about and I want it!”  There should always be something on your cover that gives the reader a sneak peek.  Take the above book for example. I saw it and immediately wanted it. In my head I’m hearing Russian, Fables,Winter and Magic oh yes!

So when you look at your book cover what does it say? Is it a statement of what’s to come once you open it? I finished a book last year with a simple cover that didn’t state anything about what it meant or how it related to the content. It was a tremendous book! But If I hadn’t been an early Beta reader and then the ARC copy, the cover would have never made me even pick it up at the store.

One of the reasons I do not read romance books is because the majority of them have the same man with the six-pack abs, glistening. Is there just the one model? But at least I know what is going to be in them. I don’t like it. But I know.

Final thoughts?   Make friends with artists. Put some real thought behind the cover and you may just find your sales will increase!

xx P

CYANIDE with CHRISTIE by KATHERINE BOLGER HYDE

Cyanide with Christie (Crime with the Classics Book 3) by [Bolger Hyde, Katherine]

Crime With The Classics Book 3

Emily and the gorgeous Victorian mansion, Windy Corner, which she inherited from her Great Aunt, are ready to open their doors to the first of hopefully many Writer’s Retreats.

Still on sabbatical from Reed, the literature professor and widow, is hoping to get into some of her own research and writing. With the beautiful surroundings and the holiday spirit, she may come up with some magic of her own.

The guests are all writers, some more prolific than others, but all working on the same goal of publishing books. Emily even has a new tenant in one of her smaller properties and everything is ready. Even though something about this tenant gives her pause.

As they are just getting settled one uninvited guest shows up and Emily can’t send her back out into this winter storm as much as she and the guests would like to. Cruella Crime, no of course that isn’t her real name, writes ‘true’ crime that isn’t true and is no friend to any of them.

When they find her dead of poisoning in her room, they are going to have to share space with a killer, as the weather holds them all hostage.

Emily takes a page out of Agatha Christie’s book and starts a bit of snooping on her own and what she finds out may get her killed this time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. All of the Christie references and the characters were very well done. This was my first time reading a book in this series but it won’t be the last.

Well Done!

Netgalley/  March 1st 2019 by Severn House Publishers

 

 

 

 

coffee and cake by Rick Rodgers

Coffee and Cake: Enjoy the Perfect Cup of Coffee--with Dozens of Delectable Recipes for Café Treats

Rick Rodgers is an expert at writing really good cookbooks! And this one is exactly what I was looking for. Focusing not only on the cake, but on making the perfect cup of coffee, no matter what type of machine you choose to use.

I prefer the French Press. It’s always reliable and gives me a smooth cup. He takes us through all of the different brewing methods and shares some excellent coffee drinks with us so by the time the cake portion comes around, you are ready with your cup of choice.

The cakes are the good old-fashioned kind our grandmothers made. Plus some European treats and two of my all time favorites, Sticky Toffee Pudding and Apple-Cranberry Ginger Loaf. Oh my goodness were those good. I plan on working my way through the entire book and pairing them with the appropriate coffee. Or tea. If you know me you’ll know it’s probably tea.

I can say honestly I love this little book!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Murder in an Irish Pub by Carlene O’Connor

Murder in an Irish Pub (Irish Village Mystery #4)

Irish Village Mystery #4

When competing card sharps stir up Siobhán O’Sullivan’s quiet Irish village, a poker tournament turns into a game of Hangman . . .

Kilbane is a small village in County Cork. Hardly a place one would hold an International Poker Tournament, but the people of Kilbane will take the tourists and players if it brings business to the town.

Siobhan O’Sullivan, now a Garda, and her off the record boyfriend, Macdara Flannery and their small force are going to be very busy. As are Siobhan’s brothers and sisters working the tent for their own Naomi’s Bistro.

With the tournament barely started, one of the most popular players is accused of cheating. And winning with the dead man’s hand. As things get rowdy they all are kicked out of the pub and continue their drinking and gambling at Sharkey’s. With the understanding that a decision on the cheating will be delivered in the morning.

Early the next morning finds Siobhan walking to work and noticing Sharkey’s door is ajar. What she sees through the storage room window will shock everyone. 

This is the fourth in this series and the characters are so real they could be your neighbors. All the earmarks of a great cozy series are here! Great characters, even the sketchy ones, a real mystery and a surprise ending!

Very Well Done!

Netgalley/ February 26th 2019 by Kensington


 

 

naked cakes: simply stunning cakes by Hannah Miles

Confession Time….I am obsessed with naked cakes. Whoever thought of this idea must be a relative of mine. The reason I don’t eat a lot of cake is I’m not overly fond of the thick icing. It overpowers the taste of the cake and I love the aesthetic of a naked cake.

This one is probably my favorite. I have not found a single recipe I didn’t love. Especially the Earl Grey tea cakes. Oh my goodness those are good.

This book was a gift and has been well used for the short time I have had it. Nothing is as impressive as one of these naked cakes!

Give one a try and you won’t go back to a full frost!