Book Review: Tomes Scones and Crones by Colleen Gleason

Author: Colleen Gleason

Title: Tomes Scones and Crones

Series: Three Tomes Bookshop #1

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: paperback

Pages: 298

Published: October 12, 2021

Where I got It: Borrowed friend's copy

Summary: 

At forty-eight, Jacqueline Finch has a nice, easy life with few responsibilities: she’s been a librarian in Chicago for twenty-five years, she doesn’t have a husband, children, or pets, and she’s just coasting along, enjoying her books and a small flower garden now that she’s over the hill.

That is, until the Universe (helped by three old crones) has other ideas.

All at once, Jacqueline’s staid (and boring) life is upended, and the next thing she knows, she’s heading off to Button Cove to start a new life as the owner of Three Tomes Bookshop.

The bookstore is a darling place, and Jacqueline is almost ready to be excited about this new opportunity…until Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers show up. Somehow, the literary characters of Sherlock Holmes’s landlady and Rebecca deWinter’s creepy and sardonic housekeeper are living persons who work at the bookshop (when they aren’t bickering with each other). Not only does Jacqueline have to contend with them—and the idea that people regularly eat pastries while reading books in her store!—but the morning after she arrives, the body of a dead man is found on her property.

Things start to get even more strange after that: Jacqueline is befriended by three old women who bear a startling resemblance to the Witches Three from Macbeth, an actual witch shows up at her bookshop and accuses Jacqueline of killing her brother, and the two women who own businesses across the street seem determined to befriend Jacqueline.

And then there’s the police detective with the very definite hot-Viking vibe who shows up to investigate the dead body…

The next thing Jacqueline knows, her staid and simple life is no longer quiet and unassuming, and she’s got crones, curses, and crocodiles to deal with.

And when a new literary character appears on the scene…things start to get even more hairy and Jacqueline is suddenly faced with a horrible life and death situation that will totally push her out of her comfort zone…if she’s brave enough to let it.

After all, isn’t forty-eight too late for an old dog to learn new tricks?

Review:

My friend picked this book up at my local bookstore. She enjoyed it and it is set in Michigan....so I knew I had to borrow it from her!

Here we follow Jacqueline. She has settled all her life, but when forces beyond her control pretty much pushes her to accept a bookstore she inherited from a family member she never knew. Things are not what they seem and there is a lot more behind this little bookstore. She will find herself surronded by things and people that are not explainable. The morning after her arrival there is a body found and she will have to turn to her new friends and the local detective to find out what happened and to save her new bookstore from a rival family member. 

This was EVERYWHERE at once. There is so much going on, but I think the author did an excellent job of keeping the reader in the know and not being overwhelmed. Between a rival witch, three old women, characters from books appearing if a book falls from the shelf, magic, a hot detective, scones, and so on there was a lot going on but I was never overwhelmed or confused. 

Oooo Jacqueline has her hands full. She handled everything well....a little better than I thought. It was a little unrealistic how well she coped in such a short time span, but who knows? Maybe a part of her always believed in magic and etc? Possible. 

I'm curious to see what happens to our crew in the next book. There seems like there will be more upon the horizon. I want to understand more about this world and this library. 

Do I want a romance? Maybe. I need to learn more about this detective fella. He seems nice. Poor guy doesn't know what he's getting into LOL.

This was a fun and refreshing read even though it feels like it will be the same ol', same ol'. Lady gets bookstore, cats, and a dead body. There was so much more going on and it felt nice and I enjoyed myself. 

All-in-all, this was a nice read. Some funny moments. Fun characters, crazy mystery, and a wild cast of characters. I'll give this 4 stars. 

- Favorite Character(s): Jacqueline, Suzette, Nadine

- Least Favorite Character(s): Elga 

 

Challenge(s):

- Cloak & Dagger #3

Book Review: Countdown to a Kiss

Author: Colleen Gleason, Holli Bertram, Mara Jacobs, Liz Kelly

Title: Countdown To A Kiss

(Heroes of Henderson #0.5)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Anthology, Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 300

Published: November 24th 2012

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

Four stories by four authors…one fateful New Year’s Eve

Four kisses at midnight…

Three different sisters…

Two old flames…

One bet that drives it all!

The Devine sisters return to their hometown for New Year’s Eve each year to attend the annual ball. Part of the tradition is their decade-old bet: whoever has no date at midnight has to kiss their nerdy neighbor Lewis Kampmueller.

Tess—burned by love, the glamorous Broadway star isn’t interested in a repeat performance…until she encounters an old flame.

Annabelle—when the local etiquette expert gets caught breaking the law, her heart might have to pay the price.

Grace—the tough FBI agent has an easy time being one of guys, but is she woman enough to keep a man?

Lewis—the shy nerd has made millions over the years…but is he smart enough to catch the woman of his dreams?

Who will lose the bet but win out in love? Four charming stories written by four different authors about one fateful New Year’s Eve.

The champagne is poured. The clock is ticking. Join the countdown!

Review:

Been saving this for the last book of the year!! How could you not? 

We have four different stories for four different people but they are all connected and the same location....The Devine Ball. 

Story 1 - What are You Doing New Year's Eve

First, we follow Tess who is a Broadway star. She has been burned by love so many times that she has lost count. She is part of the tradition between her and her sisters. Whoever has no date at midnight has to kiss their school friend and neighbor Lewis Kempmueller. Sadly, it looks like Tess may not have a date this year, which goes against her plans to have Lewis and her sister, Grace, kiss. Luckily...or unluckily an old flame shows up.

I did not like Tess at all. 

Honestly? I am not 100% liking the other sisters either. I think they are mean to Lewis. Sure he's agreed to this decades-old bet. But still....he doesn't deserve to be a "punishment". Sighs. 

Anyway...Tess bumps into her old flame. Which, of course, she'll end up with him. Second chances and all that. I hope it works out. I kinda liked Johnny and I personally think he deserves better, but hopefully, this works out for them.

Ya - this wasn't my favorite. It was hard to look past my dislike of Tess though. 2 stars

Story 2 - The Keeper of the Debutantes

Now, we follow Annabelle. She is the perfect doll and perfect southern belle. She is even the local etiquette expert, but she got caught breaking the law. She doesn't have time to be dealing with this ticket. She has to get to the party early and she has to get a date before midnight. 

I liked Annabelle much more than Tess. Thank goodness. I still think it is mean to treat Lewis like that. :/ 

Can I just say I'm jealous that she got pulled over by Duncan?? ;) BUT they are perfect for each other!! They are so sweet and so funny. Their quips were amusing. 

The ending was fun. This is my 3rd favorite one. 3 stars from me. 

Story 3 - Kiss of a Lifetime

Best sister saved for last!! Grace!! She works for the FBI and is coming home with a date so she doesn't have to kiss Lewis this year. Maybe this is the year she breaks it...especially when Leo, her partner, shows up too. Two dates! One of them has to kiss her at midnight! Right? 

Loved Grace. I even was happy when she admitted she didn't really mind kissing Lewis. So that added a few points to her. 

There was so strong chemistry between Leo and Grace. I loved them as a couple!! Took a long time for Leo to get over his dumb rules. No long-term relationships and no dating co-workers. Booo! But he does get over it....of course...took a minute though. 

Loved them and I loved this story the most. 5 stars. 

Story 4 - The Perfect Kiss

Last, but not least, is Lewis' story! He is one of the biggest nerds in town. So much of a nerd that he capitalized on that and created his own company. He has been in love with Grace for years and this is the year - when he kisses her again - that he will tell her his feelings! Until he gets stuck with taking care of Darcy who is his bestie's little sister. Maybe it won't be that bad...she is now fully grown and they have a lot of similarities. 

Yayy nerdy Lewis! Loved him from the others and I was hoping he would get a HEA. He certainly does deserve it after being used for years and trying to hide his feelings for Grace. Bless his little heart. 

I liked Darcy and it broke my heart she has been in love with Lewis since she was like 4. Poor thing. He never noticed her, but this year he for sure does! Yayy. They are perfect for each other. 

Def my 2nd favorite. 

This was a good way to end the anthology! 4 stars. 

Overall - 

Overall, this was a good anthology. I struggled with book 1. I really could not get myself to like Tess. Maybe if I had a longer book? IDK. It was nice seeing Lewis, who was the butt of the bet, actually get a HEA. That was a nice touch and it wrapped up their stories perfectly! 

After doing complicated mathage, I'll stamp this with an overall........3 stars. 

Joint Book Review: The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Author: Colleen Gleason
Title: The Rest Falls Away (The Gardella Vampire Hunters #1) 
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Historical Fiction, and action/adventure
Pages: ebook
First Published: 2014
Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon/Freebie)

Beneath the glitter of dazzling nineteenth century London Society lurks a bloodthirsty evil…

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long ago taken control of the world.

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous moonlit streets, Victoria’s heart is torn between London’s most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her dark, dangerous duty.

And when she comes face-to-face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make a choice between duty and love.

Another joint review with Blodeuedd! :D This month we are giving 'The Rest Falls Away' a chance. :)

B: We will start with a simple one, how did you like Victoria?

C: At first I did not like her, I’ll be honest. I was worried she was going to be a “perfect” character, but as the story went along I liked her more and more. I think she’ll be even better in the next book. She seems like a badass in the making.

B: I can’t say I am overly fond of her. She was ok, a woman growing into becoming a vampire hunter. But I did feel she had a few TSTL moments, and I did not like how everyone just seemed to secretly lust after her.

C: I totally agree. It is annoying when every male wants her. However, I don’t think Max is that much in love...yet. I imagine he sees her as more as an annoying little sister. The ending...I think there was a shift. I think he is starting to lust over her now….which meh.

B: I agree, after that ending he will suddenly lust after her. And what do we have then? A nice little triangle, I am so over them!!!

C: Ugh me too. However, I think it worked okay-ish...because she really only had eyes for Phillip for the majority of time...

B: Haha, ok there it was, yes majority of time. When she did lust after the other guy ;)

C: WHICH I thought Sebastian was a total creep! I do wonder if we’ll learn more about him….I am curious more so, because I didn’t like him.

B: You didn’t? I did ;) But then he was a bad boy so there’s that. I like them. he was a creep but I liked him. Philip was so dull, Max was so in your face I am awesome at hunting vamps and you can only dance at balls.

C: HAHA agreed. Honestly...I wouldn’t have picked any of them if I were Victoria. Maybe she’ll get a new love interest in the next book. *fingers crossed*

B: Gods, I hope not! But ok away with ye men. Let’s talk about how I felt it was YA? Was it yA? I do not know!

C: Technically it wasn’t a “ya”, but I can totally see it falling into that category. I think the only reason it isn’t is because of the naughty scenes. 

B: Yeah, that is what made me think ok this can’t be YA. But it so did not help with the whole love triangle, ok more than love triangle thing. And everything else felt sort of..nice too. More blood and gore please.

C: Agreed. When I have some vamp/paranormal action I want gore and blood everywhere! I think the author was trying to add a little spice of 19th century-ness too it, ya kno? 

B: I did like the whole 19th aspect. I liked how she danced at balls, was courted, etc etc and then went out and fought vamps..as a woman! And she wore pants a couple of time!” Ohhhhhhh

C: PANTS! haha, but yeah. I thought it was a fun concept! It’s like...19th century Buffy the Vampire Slayer. WHICH I wanted to talk about the plot. I totally see the lack of information presented by the author. I wish she gave more about the “family tree”, what I assuming is that they have a few kids and one is chosen to be the hunter.

B: I did feel that was plot hole land as I told you. Cos ok sure one chooses to hunt, one doesn’t. BUT Vic is told she can NEVER take a lover or marry..right. isn’t she the last Gardella? I did feel that it did not work. There should have never been any kids at all. And what if they have 10 kids and everyone wants to fight? Cos we are told they all can, if they wanna…

C: Hmmmm. Good point. However, there is the human element like Vic’s mom...she fell in love. GASP! Which is silly that she can’t do both. Well, she could but it prolly would end badly…*cough*

B: *coughs* I do think they could have both. Just marry another Venator. Stay at home while you are preggers and then fight again. Women can do BOTH! ;)

C: Yes, however, I think the gang is worried that the spouse will try and prevent or try and help (which could lead to death or worse) which will compromise the mission. I totally get it...but c’mon. Just make it a rule you can only marry a fellow hunter or something. OR the spouse HAS to be trained. Something, because if you don’t reproduce then you will not have a future generation to fight! (I almost rambled about the fall of Sparta...haha)

B: Sparta stays!

But yes that would make sense! And considering she is the LAST Gardella, then she must have kids or kill EVERY vampire on earth….

C: Which that would be a headache and a long, long list. So...ending? What did you think?

B: Ok so without SPOILERS, I liked the ending, it was..evil. BUT I did NOT like how TSTL it made her. I was very very very very VERY angry at her. ALL CAPS ANGRY.

C: It is SO hard not give away spoilers for this one...because I liked the ending. It was indeed evil….and I really didn’t expect it. I was expecting………….something else. YES! GAH! I was angry at her too. 

B: Your last thoughts then? I felt that it was good, ok at times, but I do not want to read more. I felt like one was enough for me this time. Even if the rest might actually be better.

C: I wouldn’t mind one more, but only if it is a freebie or I borrow it from the library ;) I would love to see the main baddie have a fight with Vic’s auntie. That would be fun! But overall, it was okay and a fun ride.

B: Let’s hope the last book in the series is a freebie one day and then we will read it and see ;)

C: Agreed! Good job! I am out of cookies since i am on major diet ATM, so here are some carrots in celebration *hands plate of carrots*.

B: Mmm rabbit food ;)

Go us :)

C: WOOT WOOT!

B: pP in April then :) Looking forward to it

**In conclusion, this was a fun ride. A very interesting concept and some interesting characters. I would not mind checking out the next in the series...but like I said earlier...I would want it to be free. haha. There were spots where I wish the plot had more description and further explanation. I totally recommend this to those that like some vamp mixed with historical fiction! Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars.

Favorite Character(s): Victoria's Aunt & Victoria's maid

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Sebastian, Phillip, & the baddie (a good baddie, but annoying)