Tearoom for Two by Susan Page Davis - Review & Giveaway

Tearoom for Two by Susan Page Davis from Guidepost Books

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Susan Page Davis kicks off the Guidepost Books' Tearoom mystery collection. 

From the Guideposts' website: In Guideposts Books' new series, Tearoom Mysteries, you'll explore a quaint Maine village near picturesque Lake Chickadee and join in the fun of solving mysteries alongside a pair of cousins who frequently find themselves in situations that require perseverance and faith. The series begins with Tearoom for Two and continues with Tea Rose. 

Various authors continue the story of two fifty-something ladies who set up a tea shop in their home town. 

This is a lovely hardcover book. Guideposts always does their books up so beautifully!  Susan Page Davis is an established author and fan favorite. She pens a sweet but also sinister story set in Maine, where she was raised! I always love it when an author really knows the setting for a book and Susan knows Maine!  I could almost smell the cookies and muffins baking in the shop! This book will make you hungry!

I purchased my book through Guideposts, which is where others can obtain a copy. (click here.)

Giveaway: Very gently used copy of this lovely hardcover book. Leave a comment about your favorite mystery series and why you want to read Susan's story!

Shelley Gray's Whispers in the Reading Room Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Phenomenal Audiobook!

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Chicago World’s Fair has ended and Reading Room librarian, Lydia Bancroft, is drawn to an attractive bibliophile who regularly visits yet doesn't speak with her. He often leaves an unfinished book behind on a table and Lydia saves it for his next visit.  Meanwhile, Sebastian Marks, a wealthy club owner from an impoverished and low background, has become interested in Lydia--not enough to chat with her, though, until she's hurt at the hotel where he lives. 

Everyone seems to know Sebastian and either fear or respect him. Lydia has retreated into a world dominated by her stories and the library where she works.  After her father's death, she and her mother have been left in reduced circumstances.  When Sebastian saves Lydia from her fiance, their relationship is broken.  Ms. Gray indicates at the beginning of the audiobook that this is a story about friendship. Lydia and Sebastian certainly need to learn how to be friends, including with each other.

When Lydia makes some poor decisions and she is later entangled in a murder investigation, the plot truly thickens! Can Sebastian overcome his childhood traumas?  Can Lydia begin to engage in real life, including real life relationships and all that entails? Their budding friendship and fledgling romance is beautiful and the Christian spiritual arc for Sebastian was woven well into the story.

A secondary romance between two of Sebastian's employee's is simply stunning and very moving!!!

Highly recommend.  I loved listening to this book! This is on my Best Audiobooks of 2015 list!! Upcoming soon!

Noela reviews CALICO SPY by Margaret Brownley

Calico Spy

Calico Spy
by Margaret Brownley
Shiloh Run Press

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

A stellar spy mystery replete with laughs, love, and law-breakers!

Beneath the russet sky in Calico, Kansas, where tornadoes touch down, stockyard smells permeate the air, and all manner of people scurry back and forth to the trains—an undercover agent for Pinkerton is about to create her own whirlwind in the lives of the locals in this dusty and bustling town.

Two waitresses from the Harvey House Restaurant have tragically been murdered and it is Pinkerton agent Katie Madison’s mission to find this deranged killer before he can strike again. Foiling crime and hunting dangerous criminals, Katie can handle. Serving customers and learning cup codes as a Harvey Girl waitress when one is all thumbs, is another matter entirely! Flame-haired Katie has plenty of pluck and determination and won’t be intimidated by any of the staff, especially the Sheriff who has only contempt for the Pinkerton’s.

Harvey House Restaurant near train tracks

Branch Whitman, the sheriff of Calico, reluctantly collaborates with the Pink agent Katie although to do so is like a burr in his saddle. But what is he to do when he’s no closer to catching the killer either? The pretty investigator with the rebellious, dazzling red hair and cute, freckle-covered nose drives him crazy as she continues to put herself at risk. When a tornado and secrets from his past put Branch’s 8-yr-old son in grave jeopardy, he realizes he needs to work with Katie and God to not only catch the Harvey Girl killer but to try and save his son. Will Branch lose everything he loves, or is the Calico spy able to liberate both Branch and the town from the looming threats?

I’d probably make a lousy villain for I was held captive by this engaging and baffling mystery from the onset—and you couldn’t have paid me to escape! The author has masterfully combined this mystery with an electrifying romance, characters brimming with personality and chemistry, and frequent pops of genuine laugh-out-really-loud humor. Especially thought-provoking is the dilemma the hero faces when his faith is tested to the limits. I couldn’t help but wonder how I would fare in the same situation. Highly recommended!!

Disclosure: I was provided a copy of Calico Spy from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.

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You can find this book for purchase at these and other places: Amazon; CBD; B&N; BAM

GIVEAWAY: Margaret Brownley is generously donating a copy of CALICO SPY - in your choice of format - to one person who leaves a comment below! Leave your e-mail to be eligible and as always, use (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.

Noela reviews THE LOST HEIRESS by Roseanna M. White

The Lost Heiress

The Lost Heiress (Ladies of the Manor, Book #1)

by Roseanna M. White

Bethany House Publishers (September 8, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 A thrilling turn of the century tale of mystery and romance!

How have I not read anything by this author yet?!! I was utterly swept away by this entrancing Edwardian-period tale that unfurls into one of the most intriguing mysteries I’ve ever read! Merged with an enchanting albeit heart-wrenching love story, ‘The Lost Heiress’ enthralls from the beginning to the satisfying end!

The beautiful and carefree Brook Eden is stunned to learn through her long-standing friend Justin Wildon that she is a long-lost Baroness. And so we follow Brook’s journey from the bright and warm Mediterranean atmosphere where she was raised in the palace of Monaco, to the purple-sprigged countryside and dreary weather of England. How will this impulsive and spirited personality fit into her new role as the Earl of Whitby’s daughter and missing heiress? Will she be accepted by her father and his staff when so many before have tried to pass themselves off as the Earl’s long lost daughter? The anxious Brook leans on Justin, her anchor in this new land, and who has traveled to his home country along with Brook to be her mainstay. Numerous questions lay yet unanswered as to why Brook was separated from her family in the first place. When mysteries deepen and danger escalates, Brook needs answers but longs for peace.

Justin, a future Duke himself, has come to realize that his deep affection for Brook goes beyond friendship and longs to court her but cannot while she is only just discovering her true identity. But even so, Brook seemingly only thinks of him as an adored brother. As Brook struggles to adjust to her new life, Justin’s own pressing responsibilities grow. With too much time apart, trouble brewing, and intense emotions surfacing between them, Justin and Brook’s charming, easy-banter relationship becomes tempestuous and unpredictable, whilst simmering in unspoken feelings. This thrilling novel is rife with clandestine meetings, ominous threats, grave deception, and murder. Our two heroes will learn that God moves even in the darkness to accomplish His will.

The varied and vibrant characters all left their mark on me, as did the exquisite and irresistible romance, making this a story one longs to return to. Roseanna M. White has eloquently crafted a tantalizing and riveting novel, and it is my pleasure to highly recommend it to all!

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You can find this beautiful story at these places and others: Amazon, CBD, B&N, BAM

GIVEAWAY: Roseanna is generously donating a copy of The Lost Heiress to one blessed commenter! To be eligible, please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers. 

Noela Nancarrow reviews PETTICOAT DETECTIVE by Margaret Brownley

Petticoat Detective

Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies - Book One)
by Margaret Brownley
Shiloh Run Press; Gld edition (December 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Undercover and Overexposed – The job just became a whole lot more challenging!

Can Amy Gardner aka Jennifer Layne be any more of a contradiction? A Bible-believing, petticoat-wearing Pinkerton detective working as a woman in a bordello? Amy is struggling to hold these mismatched elements of her present life together. Set in the year 1883 in Goodman, Kansas, this intriguing and entertaining whodunit holds you hostage with loads of laughs, love, and secrets until the unforeseen conclusion.

On an undercover mission to track the infamous Gunnysack Bandit, Amy is sent by Mr. Pinkerton to Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Fine Boots to chase a lead. When Amy finds herself working covertly as one of the girls, it proves to be the toughest and most humiliating assignment she has ever worked on. Seeing behind the painted faces of the girls to their fractured souls, and encountering the harsh judgments of society, is not something Amy ever thought she’d experience.

Tom Colton, former Texas Ranger, arrives in Goodman determined to clear his brother’s name. His only clue leads him to one of the girls working for Miss Lillian. As he tries to unearth the truth, he enlists Amy to work undercover for him. What an amusing and interesting mishmash of circumstances and conversations this leads to! There is something that pulls Tom to this beautiful enigma of a girl, but her profession leaves too bad a taste. Can they get past their disapproval and distrust of each other? And will Tom and Amy prove his brother innocent?

For all the laughs and smiles that tremendously witty author Margaret Brownley prompts, there are just as many poignant and inspiring moments within this story. The colorful secondary characters, including the penny-pinching, Jack-of-all-trades Miss Lillian, add extra depth and significance to this story, while covering issues of denial, fragmented families and judgment of others. And there is also the indispensable message of seeing past the exterior to the person who you were meant to be.

Wow, I honestly could read Margaret Brownley novels back to back endlessly! ‘The Petticoat Detective’ shoots with a heartrending reality that’s peppered with humor, complimenting a creative plot that keeps you guessing until the very end! As a bonus, you’re treated to fascinating nuggets of information on Pinkerton Agency operations threaded throughout. Highly recommended!!

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You can find this book at these places: Amazon; CBD; BAM; Barnes & Noble; Book Depository

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GIVEAWAY: Margaret Brownley will be giving away a copy of 'Petticoat Detective' in your choice of format to someone who leaves a comment!

*As a bonus GIVEAWAY to celebrate Christmas, OWG will also be giving away a Kindle copy of Margaret's Christmas novella 'The Nutcracker Bride' to a second winner (who leaves a comment)! Click on the title of this book to read about it on Amazon!

Noela Nancarrow reviews BUTTERFLY PALACE by Colleen Coble

Butterfly Palace

Butterfly Palace
by Colleen Coble
Published by Thomas Nelson (January 21, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Colleen Coble’s intriguing ‘Butterfly Palace’ darts along the shadowy paths of an invigorating mystery whodunit, comprising of killers, assassination plots, and hidden passage-ways. This gripping turn of the century novel set around 1900, encompasses the privileged and the poor with a passionate romance that pushes to take flight. Mysterious, exciting, and romantic…. What more could you want?!

Lily Donaldson tragically lost her father in an unexplained fire that also took the life of her fiancé Andy’s, father. Abandoned by Andy after the tragedy, and later fully orphaned by the recent passing of her mother, Lily Donaldson must make her own way and so takes a position at the grand Butterfly Palace in Austin, Texas, as a kitchen maid. Lily is soon shocked to discover the man who had stolen her heart, and more, at the party hosted by her employers. But why was Andy now strangely calling himself Drew and why didn't he want anyone to know that they were former acquaintances? Convinced he knows the identity of the perpetrator of the fire, Drew is consumed with finding the evidence required to bring him to justice. Before Lily knew what was happening, she was caught up in a web of secrecy, subterfuge, conspiracies, and murder!

The opulent four-story Butterfly Palace contains an extensive, exotic collection of butterflies which feature in the story, and with the ominous tone that author Colleen Coble brings to this novel, they cleverly add to the overall eerie atmosphere. Forever keeping you guessing are the twists and turns in this intriguing tale - almost as many as there were secret passageways in the labyrinth that was hidden within the walls of the mansion! The uniqueness of the various characters contributed much to the quality of this story as did the heart-pounding surprise ending. An encouraging message infused in ‘Butterfly Palace’ leaves you remembering that God is always refining us and that struggles and adversity can help you to grow into a stronger person! 

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We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty. ~Author Unknown

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: This week we are giving away a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card. Leave a comment for the drawing!

Teresa Mathews Reviews Organized Grime by Christy Barritt

Organized Grime by Christy Barritt

5 Stars~*****

In this book three of Christy Barritt's Squeaky Clean Mysteries we find our heroine, Gabby St. Claire, once again up to her elbows in crime scene goo, but when her best friend Sierra, animal lover, is accused of being the one who is behind the latest string of crimes, Gabby sets out to clear her name. 

After being called to clean several different crime scenes, Gabby discovers pieces of evidence that makes it seem as though Sierra could be responsible. Could it be true? Could Gabby’s best friend be an Eco-terrorist?  Will the FBI arrest her before Gabby can clear her name or will someone make sure both Gabby and Sierra are dead?

When Sierra disappears, Gabby risks her life to try to figure out what has happened to her, will she find Sierra in time? The more Gabby investigates the more she finds she is in over her head. Thank goodness for the help of her neighbor, Riley, whom she secretly adores. He has saved her from an untimely demise on more than one occasion.

As the story progresses there are a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of surprises. Gabby has worked hard to get her degree and fulfill her dream of working for the Medical Examiner’s Office. Will she have to kiss her dream goodbye or will another man from her past save the day? Will Gabby get to tell Riley how much he means to her and will they get to live happily ever after?

This is the first time I had the pleasure to read one of Christy Barritt’s Squeaky Clean Mysteries. I will tell you by the time I got to the last page I didn't want it to end. When I started reading this I wasn't sure what to expect since Gabby is a crime scene cleaner, but Christy does a good job describing the scenes without getting too gory for the faint of heart. I love a good murder/mystery so this book was right up my alley. I promise even if you are more into Christian romance than mystery, this book will not disappoint you, it has it all. This is definitely a must read. 

Christy's books can be found at Amazon, BAM and Barnes and Noble and other stores.

GIVEAWAY: Christy generously offered to give away a paperback copy of either Hazardous Duty, Suspicious Minds or Organized Grime.

QUESTION: This is a fun question today, when things go missing at my house I am the one that usually finds it. How good are you at solving mysteries?  

Teresa Mathews’ Review of Robin Caroll’s Injustice for All

Injustice For All 
Justice Seekers Series #1
by Robin Caroll

(B and H Publishing Group 2012)

Review by Teresa Mathews

5 stars~*****

In this latest book by Robin Caroll you will find all the necessary factors for a top notch thriller. Of course you have murder, along with betrayal, and lots and lots of nail-biting suspense.

Remington Wyatt is a well known psychologist, who freelances for the FBI. Remington as a child lost both mom and dad, and was raised by her dad’s law partner, Daniel Tate, now a federal judge. The night that forever changed Remington’s life was when she walked in Daniel’s house only to witness his murder. Seeing who the murderers were sent cold chills over Remington and she knew she had to forever leave her life behind and run or she would be the next one to die. That night Remington disappeared and Bella Miller was born.

Fast forward three years, FBI agent Rafe Baxter has volunteered to go to a new office in Louisiana. Not feeling very welcome he has decided he will make the best of it by trying to solve the three year old murder of a federal judge. After finding a piece of paper that was seemingly overlooked in the original investigation he asks permission from his SAC to go to Hopewell, Louisiana to find this person and see how he is involved.

Hayden Simpson, police commissioner of Hopewell, Louisiana is surprised as to why a FBI agent would want to talk to him about a federal judge’s murder. He doesn’t even know Daniel Tate and he certainly has no idea why they would think otherwise.

Bella Miller, photographer extraordinaire, has been living in Hopewell for close to three years, and has come to love this picturesque town and she especially loves her little house that backs up to the bayou. She came here looking for answers three years ago and hoping to hide from the terrible past she left behind. What she found was a wonderful friend in Hayden Simpson, whom she has come to love like a brother. When FBI Agent Rafe Baxter shows up and starts asking questions, she is sure her past has caught up with her. Will she be able to protect her identity and her heart from him? Will he be able to save her when her real enemies show up and try to silence her forever?

I had a wonderful time reading this book. It had me turning the pages late into the night; I just HAD to see what was coming next. Robin does a fine job keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you love suspense I know you will enjoy Injustice for All immensely, well done Robin!

I was given a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.


Robin's books are available for purchase through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble and other bookstores.

GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of one of Robin's books of your choice in paperback* or ebook. Enter a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. (*International readers - ebook copy only for winner.) 

Marian Baay's review of Injustice For All by Robin Caroll

Injustice For All by Robin Caroll
Justice Seekers Series #1

(B and H Publishing Group 2012)

Reviewed by Marian Baay

5 stars *****

Yes, Robin Caroll is one of my favorite authors. I enjoyed her Evil Series and her first book in this new series is just awesome!


Injustice For All is about a woman who witnessed the murder on her godfather—a federal judge. She knows who the killers are and she knows she will be next. She flees from everything she knows and starts over in another state with a new identity.


FBI agent Rafe Baxter is a great guy who sacrifices his career and promotion for his friend and colleague. He gets transferred to another FBI office, but he's not easily accepted there.


Police commissioner Hayden has a lot to deal with in this book. His sister has bipolar disorder, he finds out a secret his mother kept from him for years and his best friend is in trouble. Then FBI agent Rafe comes to his town to work on a cold case and more secrets come out.


How does all those people get together in an awesome suspense? I can't tell more without spoilers, so I suggest you read the book soon!


I read this book in a little more than a day. I really had to know how all would fit together. Robin has a lively imagination that guarantees an awesome read.


*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy. My opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.*

Robin's books are available for purchase through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble and other (online) bookstores.


GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of one of Robin's books of your choice in paperback* or ebook. Enter a comment and your email to be entered in this week's contest. Drawing will be late Saturday. (*International readers - ebook copy only for winner.) 

Review of Falling to Pieces by Vannetta Chapman

Falling to Pieces A Shipshewanna Amish Mystery Series
by Vannetta Chapman
Zondervan (2011)


Five Stars *****

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Callie is a young widow who comes to Shippshewanna after her beloved aunt dies. Auntie owned a quilt shop and several Amish women are reliant upon her to sell their quilts. One of the women has a significant need for the funds as she has a child with a rare illness.  Callie is a spunky woman from a big city in Texas suddenly in small town Indiana. A real fish out of water.  But as the story progresses one senses she was a goldfish swimming in the ocean who needed to be in a tank, required the cozy closeness that provided. Lovely job of dropping that into the story over time.  The Amish quilters are lovely women, each with distinct voices that are also unlike most other Amish stories I have heard.

Callie hasn’t gotten over the loss of her husband, in fact doesn’t even share this with her new friends until very late in the book.  She is an endearing character despite her prickly behavior, which furthers the story line, especially when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder. This is not a romance but there are a couple of romantic possibilities. By the end of the story we have a real possibility for a boyfriend in the next book, which I am looking forward to reading/listening to!

This was a great Christmas season listen because it a) has an easy tempo b) has an excellent narrator (amazingly she sounds almost exactly like the real Vannetta Chapman!) c) it’s like having a girlfriend in your room with you telling you the story d) while it is a suspense/mystery it has a cozy feel and is not knuckle whitening – I mean who needs that this time of year? It has a soothing quality to it despite the suspense and the murder mystery. It may be one of the first women’s fiction reads I’ve read in a long time, but Vannetta’s book almost defies genres.

I plan to listen to this book again sometime as I really liked it and it has the qualities of a repeat listen - great voice, characterization, and pleasing story line.

Bibliotherapy: Loneliness, estrangement, grieving, child with a rare disease, and friendships.

Formats: I listened through http://audible.com and it is available in paperback, ebook (e.g., Kindle), and audio.

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of one of Vannetta’s books this week.