Nap or read?
It was the main decision I had to make while visiting my parents in Colorado. Poor me, right? Well, reading won out!
Fortunately, my ipad was (is) crammed with books, and I had a pile to choose from. I’m happy to kick off a couple of reviews of fellow bloggers’ books.
A Thousand Rooms
by Helen Jones
My review:
Keep a box of tissues at your elbow for this one! A Thousand Rooms had me red-eyed and snuffling. This is a character-driven book with a simple plot: Katie, newly dead and unfortunately overlooked in her transition from life, goes on a quest to find “her heaven” and travels through a series of manifestations (rooms) before she finds her own.
Jones draws on a variety of mystical traditions and beliefs to design the experience of being dead and the concepts of heaven, soul mates, and reincarnation. These were interesting, but what I loved, loved, loved about his book was the incredibly touching and heartfelt expressions of human emotions, particularly grief and sorrow and, ultimately, of pure love.
Jones writes beautifully. Descriptions are rich, and the characters, even those on the periphery, are wonderfully developed. As the main character, Katie is thoroughly relatable with a wide range of emotions including some delightful sarcasm. I found her personal evolution compelling as her earthly concerns slip away and she discovers the essence of who she is and the point of her journey. Katie’s realization of what it means to live a blessed life is uplifting and full of hope. Highly recommended for readers who love character-driven books and want to feel inspired.
Death by Pumpkin
My review:
Death by Pumpkin was my second read in Granger’s Rhe Brewster series and a pure joy ride. Rhe is a single mom, ER nurse, and police department consultant in the small Maine town of Pequod. She, once again, takes an active role in a police department investigation when the pumpkin-drop at a local festival reveals a murder. She rapidly goes from investigator to target as an old nemesis is determined to make her and those she cares for suffer.
The book is fast-paced and well-researched. The scene in the small plane was particularly riveting and highlighted Granger’s attention to detail. Other than the villain, the characters are all beautifully three-dimensional and full of quirky personality. I thoroughly enjoyed the interplay in the authentic relationships. In addition to the murder investigation, romantic and political subplots add interest and tension. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries with plenty of thrills.
More to come!
Myths of the Mirror 
Read or nap is my weekend struggle. 🙂 I am definitely putting A Thousand Rooms on my TBR list.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Barb. It’s a great book. Just make sure you have the tissue box at your elbow. 🙂 Happy Reading!
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I’d love it if you’d check out my blog https://tanyatale.wordpress.com/2017/07/07/bridge-of-eternal-love/
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I will. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you ! A Thousand Rooms sounds right up my alley!
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Definitely have those tissues ready, Claire. There are parts that are real tear-jerkers. I hope you enjoy it. 😀
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I have A Thousand Rooms on my list and I’ve been meaning to read one of Noelle’s books forever. Thanks for the encouragement.
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Both were fun reads, Olga. I’m picky about books and will read both of these talented authors again. I hope you enjoy the stories!
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Diana, you are a “peach” for reading and reviewing my book! I’m so glad you liked it – I accomplished my main goal, giving my readers a good time! I am still in Europe (hence the late reply) but will be home tomorrow late, and will definitely give a shout out to this post! How could I not?
Will absolutely read A Thousand Rooms!
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I figured you were off and about, Noelle. Your book was a really fun read and I’m happy to rave about it. Hopefully, you’ve found a few new fans. Hope you had a great time and safe travels home. 😀
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Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
Two great book recommendations: I absolutely adore Noelle Grainger’s cosy mysteries and have just downloaded Helen’s book.
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Thanks so much for sharing! You gave me my first giant smile of the morning!
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I’m glad I had that effect. Thanks for sharing those reviews!
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I absolutely adored Noelle Grainger’s cosy mystery, so much I read all of her work. I highly recommend her books and have just downloaded Helen’s book. Thanks for the recommendations!
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I agree, Christoph. Noelle’s books are great fun. I hope you enjoy Helen’s story as much as I did. Happy Reading!
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Love the review of both the books,Diana. I will definitely add both the book on my list.
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Thanks Bibhuti. They were both fun reads, and I loved having the time to indulge. Have a great week, my friend. 🙂
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Great reviews, Diana. I’ve been intrigued by Noelle’s book… just haven’t found time to read. Who could resist that title? 😀 Hugs.
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Thanks for stopping by, Teagan. They’re both fun reads and quick. I polished them off in a couple days, which is rare for me. I hope your visit means that Crystal is doing well. Hugs, my friend. ❤
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She’s doing remarkably well, Diana. Thank you. Still waiting for the biopsy results though. But she’s hugely improved, just getting the growth removed. Hugs.
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Great news!
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Uh oh. I’ve got to add these to my TBR list. The pumpkin one sounds like a great cozy. Thank you so much for posting your reviews (like my TBR list needs any more help getting ever longer 😀 ).
Reading over nap? Really? 😀
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Ha ha. That “uh oh” cracked me up. I feel that way all the time! Sort of like “Squirrel!” You’ll enjoy the books when you get to them, Julie. Have a great week. 😀
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Thanks for sharing these wonderful reviews by two talented authors. I have both books and look forward to getting to them ‘eventually’. 🙂
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“Eventually” seems to be true for many of us, Debby. I got Noelle’s book a while ago and had such fun finally getting to it. Denting the pile can be a challenge, but at least its a fun one. Thanks for the visit and happy reading 😀
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Thanks Diana. True words. It seems that vacations are the time we actually get to catch up, lol. 🙂
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Lovely reviews, I’m doing exactly the same on holiday – got a ton of bloggers books to read 😀 I’m off Tuesday 😀 Helen is an amazing writer, Noelle too – both of whom I’ve now had the pleasure of meeting too 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, Sacha. It is wonderful to sit down and just read without any other pressure to get things done. Enjoy your time off and don’t spend too much time on the computer! ❤
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Such crisp and wonderful reviews! Thank you. Both books will be added to my TBR.
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I’m glad you enjoyed them. 🙂 They were in my TBR list for a while and I finally got to them. It was worth it. Thanks for the visit. Happy Reading. 😀
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I’ve finally started reading again, yay! With my new venture the only way I can turn my brain off and sleep is to read for about 1/2 hour or hour before I turn out the lights. I’m finally back you your books, too! I thoroughly enjoyed Death by Pumpkin, Noelle is indeed a talented writer.
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After your busy days, I can imagine that you fall asleep pretty quickly, Kathryn. I read at bedtime too and 1/2 an hour is about all I get before I’m out. Noelle’s books are really fun. I’m glad you enjoy them. Have a great Sunday in the sun!
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It’s supposed to be in the mid to upper 90s here today, yikes! We don’t get that hot here that often. Hope you stay cool in your neck of the woods!
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It is so good that you had reading time, Diana! I rarely have time to read, and I miss it terribly. If I read, I won’t have time to write, it is such a vicious cycle. So I only get to squeeze in maybe one or two books a whole year when I used to read two or so a week. These two both sound fantastic, and the premise for a Thousand Rooms also sounds intriguing. Great reviews and I will certainly keep them in mind if I have downtime 😀
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I know that choice, Lana. Read or write? Ergh! I’m taking a couple months off from writing this summer and reading is one of the luxuries I get to indulge in as a result. Come September, I’ll be back to around 6 books a year. But the muse will be back!
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Two wonderful reviews of two very different books. A Thousand Rooms entices me completely. I’m off to put it on my Kindle. Such a different concept and with your great review, I know I’ll get a lot out of it. I follow Noelle on her blog and have been wanting to get her pumpkin book for a while now – you’ve just given me the nudge I need.
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Both books are worth it, Pam. I downloaded Noelle’s book just after it came out and it finally made it to the top of the pile. Yay. Helen’s book is really unique – I think you’ll like it. Happy Reading!
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I’m interested with the Death by Pumpkin book. Lol, she has so much going on – I feel lazy next to her…😂 Looking forward to your other book reviews!
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Good reviews, Diana. Congratulations to the authors, Helen Jones and N.A. Granger. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thanks Suzanne. Both were 5-star reads from awesome authors. 😀
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Yeah!! I’m on the look-out for books for this summer and these sound perfect! The premise of ‘A Thousand Rooms’ has me hooked and I’m a fan of unresolved after-life books…can’t wait to be inspired! The faster pace in Noelle’s book sounds exciting and riveting; I’ll just make sure not to read it whilst on the plane! 😀😃Many thanks for these excellent reviews and recommendations! PS. I had to smile at your ipad was (is) full of books…I don’t there’ll ever be a day when I have read all the books on my Kindle!😀
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Thanks for the visit, Annika. Yes, don’t read Noelle’s book on a plane, especially if someone is trying to knock you off! Ha ha. A Thousand Rooms is plane-safe reading, and I think you’ll love it. I buy two ebooks for every one I read. *Sigh* Happy Weekend!
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Thank you for the recommendations Diana! I book-marked both books and look forward to reading them.
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They’re quick reads, too. I’m a slow reader and I polished them off in two days. That’s saying something. 😀
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Fabulous picks. I have all of Noelle’s books (and have given them as gifts – I’m on the “good” list with my mother-in-law now). 😉 I’ve had Helen’s book on my kindle FOREVER. My TBR pile (even the electronic one) is literally going to kill me. I’m trying to read three books right now and it’s not going well. Helen’s is one of the next ones I’m reading. This summer for sure. 🙂
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I actually love my TBR pile, Sarah, even though it’s so high it’s teetering. And I keep buying books! Ha ha. Noelle’s books are a delight and I think you’ll like Helen’s too. *Sigh* So much to read and so little time. 😀 Have a great weekend!
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Well, your pile is nicer than mine. Mine glares at me. It’s an angry, neglected pile. That I add to, yes.
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Ha ha ha. I have a few books that give me dirty looks, but I’m pretty good at ignoring them.
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Do you prefer ebooks, physical books, or have no preference on the matter, Diana? I only ask because I’ve discovered that I don’t absorb the material I consume on an e-reader with the same depth or retention as I do on the page.
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I love print books, Sean, and agree that its a better reading experience. But I live far away from bookstores (the nearest is an hour’s drive each way), and I can buy three times as many ebooks as one print book! So, ebooks it is (most of the time).
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I was so proud of myself for clearing out three books from my TBR pile. Now I have two more. A Thousand Rooms sounds so original–how could I miss it? And Death By Pumpkin in right in my sweetspot.
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Oh good! Ha ha. Too many books is a great problem to have. 😀
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Nice reviews Diana…so clear and straightforward. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Thanks for the visit, Balroop. I’m trying to read more this summer and so far it’s been great. Have a great weekend, my friend. 🙂
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These both sound like very good books, Diana. I am definitely going to give A thousand rooms a try – it sounds most intriguing.
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I enjoyed your reviews Diana and as I am in the process of adding books on my Kindle this came very handy. A thousand rooms seem to fit right in. Holiday in three weeks so am picking up tips.
miriam
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Oooh. Enjoy your holiday, Miriam. I hope you get lots of downtime to read and rest and soak in some sunshine. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Thanks for the fabulous reviews. More books to add to my list!
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I know. It’s endless. Ha ha. A good problem to have, though! I hope you give one or both a try. 🙂
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Thank you for the fabulous review Diane. Since I love a good cry I must find A Thousand Rooms and get out my bon bons and tissue! 🙂
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It’s a tear-jerker but not in a sappy way, and there is plenty of humor too. A wonderful, heartfelt story, Holly. I hope you give it a try 😀
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Planning on it! Thanks Diane 🙂
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Thanks for sharing your reviews, Diana.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Mary. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 😀
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Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
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Great reviews Diana.
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Thanks, Bridget. It’s a lot of fun finding books from fellow bloggers that I can rave about. Have a great weekend 🙂
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Have a great weekend as well!
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Summer reading for you, and winter reading for me. I can’t wait to curl up under my duvet and read a book !!! Thanks for the great reviews, two brilliant sounding books. A Thousand Rooms sounds like a book I wont be able to put down! Looking forward to more reviews 🙂 Have a great weekend.
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Great reading for any season, Lynne. Both books were really fast reads for me (the kind where you don’t even notice that it’s midnight and you need to indulge in one more chapter). Helen’s writing is lovely. I hope you give it a try. Have a great weekend!
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Reblogged this on Journey To Ambeth and commented:
Thrilled by this lovely review of A Thousand Rooms! Thanks, Diana – so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
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Thanks for the reblog!
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You’re very welcome!
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Thanks again for the lovely review, Diana, and for sharing it here! Much appreciated xx
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My pleasure, Helen. You wrote a beautiful, inspiring, and very original book. 😀
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Thank you so much *blushing* 🙂
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Both of them sound like engaging reads, and summer is the perfect time for diving into more books. Thanks for sharing!
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Thanks for stopping by, Mae. I couldn’t agree more about the joys of summer reading. (Your book next Friday). 🙂
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Oooh! Thank you!!!
You have so many titles to choose from it was hard to decide, but I’m going to start with Sunwielder. I have 1-2 ahead of it, but it looks awesome!
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Thanks! I’m having fun with RRBC and just downloaded another one of the selections. I’m glad I joined for the books alone. 🙂
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I absolutely love the reviews. It is so good to learn reviews from bloggers because when I go to my book shop, I just don’t know what to pick up since there are so many titles that are so interesting to read. It is like as if I want to read all of them in one go at the same time. It is so exciting. Have a wonderful weekend Diana!
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Have millions of good books to choose from is a good problem to have! It’s fun to share the work of fellow bloggers and I’m always delighted when they have a book I can rave about. 😀 Happy weekend to you too, Juli!
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Both books sound great. Unfortunately I just filled up on new books this morning but I shall put these on my list for next month. So many books and so little time…😉
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I know about the expanding list, Brigid, teetering piles, and overflowing bookshelves. 😀 It was nice to polish a few off and what better use of a vacation. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
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Read, of course 🙂
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Yes! It was an easy decision, Arlene. I love to read and need to set aside more time for it. 😀
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