I loved Cat Got Your Secrets. This series by Julie Chase quickly found a place in my heart with the first book in series Cat Got Your Diamonds late last year. I was even more enchanted with Cat Got Your Cash when I got to read it in February and was anxiously awaiting Cat Got Your Secrets! I was so delighted when I was approved to read and review it on Netgalley. This one is out September 12th and I am so excited for you to read it. Like all great trilogies the third book is even better than the first two!
Main character, Lacy is a costume designer for animals, baker and shop owner in New Orleans, from a fell known and wealthy family and yet so down to earth. She has a wonderful employee who happens to have been her Nanny, a devoted best friend who would do anything for her and a love sick younger man who is at her service, if only in the friend zone. Lacy has a great head on her shoulders, naturally curious, smart and connected to the local police detective who she can match with her wit and charm and devotion. On top of all of this Lacy has a quirky family, community obligations and expectations, a mild coffee addiction and the most wonderful costume wearing cat who rides the self powered vacuum cleaner as if it was a parade float at Mardi Gras! There is so much to love about this series and I am delighted I got to read and review it! Now that all three books are going to be out, I think it would make a great holiday gift for the cozy mystery lover in your life and for yourself. Perhaps picking them up for Buy A Friend A Book Day on August 31st! For you friend or yourself! I won't tell! Crooked Lane Books has a winner in this Kitty Couture Mystery series and Julie Chase has everything you need in Lacy's store, even a tiara for your turtle...
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery review I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
What a crazy week that has just passed. I continue to recover from pneumonia and though I am on the mend I am not 100%, I spent Thursday back in hospital with Pleurisy, which is a posh word for inflammation of the lungs and had it been the early 1900's possibly fatal. Thankfully the makers of Advil are my savior this week and I am hoping that I am on the mend. As I write this I am feeling ever so slightly better. The raging forest fires this summer have added to the slowness of recovery with the air quality not being the best for recovering. I try not to complain about it as many people have been displaced and their lives ruined due to these fires and I have only been inconvenienced.
Upon arriving home Thursday a delivery from Berkley arrived, with these two books for September and I am beside myself with excitement at the chance to read and review them. Julia Buckley has become one of my most favorite authors and who doesn't love a great magical cat mystery?
I was blessed to receive to care packages in the mail this week from my friends Lin and Sheryl! Feeling the love this week!
Earlier this week my youngest son and I made carrot soup from all the rainbow carrots he grew over the summer. This carrot and rosemary soup was extra special knowing that he was so proud to harvest his own veggies this summer.
We have been so lucky to have moved to a home with an established orchard of Figs, we have been amazed at the bounty we have received and how much we can share with our friends and neighbors. Our landlords have been kind enough to allow us to harvest and process the figs... I have the most amazing friend who shared her recipe for Fig and Balsamic Jam! It is almost gone and such a treat to have with crackers and cheese, or a turkey sandwich!
Carole shared her D.I.Y book with the recipe in it and we all made the jam. This was the first day I had visitors in two weeks and Squirrel would not leave my side, guarding me and caring for me these past two weeks. On my table and in my cup was the English Breakfast tea my dad picked up in London, the Westminster Abby Blend. Last remaining Walkers Shortbread on the table too. I had lovely visits with Carole, my friend Banafshe and her daughter Rana, who baked me a lovely chocolate cake, Hey-Jung, A-hin, Hoon who joined me for tea and fig jam, cheese and crackers.
My friend Daniela who kindly visited twice with macarons and treats to lift my spirits. My sister, nieces, dad and in laws and puppy niece too! I felt lots of love this week.
There have been books too! I read loved and pre ordered my own copy of Monica Crosson's book The Magickal Family, it comes out in October and this lovely resource guide, self help and pagan life guide was such a wonderful read I can not wait to have it in my hands to refer to often.
VIctoria Laurie, wow 15th book in the series which is out now and a great read, lucky I am to have been able to read this book and its entire series, one of the first I ever bought and still love.
Chime and Punishment by Julianne Holmes I reviewed on Sunday, this was a surprisingly great read and a series I hope will continue.
Jean Flower's book Addressed to Kill the third book in the series was wonderful also. I can relate so much to the main character and love the idea of working at the post office. As a lifelong lover of mail and admirer of those who carry the mail this is a series I just love!
I will have the review of Cat Got Your Secrets by Julie Chase tomorrow. This is a series that earned a place in my heart and favorites list late last year, book three was the best and I am thrilled to have had the chance to read it before it comes out this September.
I also finished From Ice To Ashes by fellow Sisters In Crime- Canada West Member Jessica Simon, I had 4 hours to read it mostly uninterrupted at the hospital on Thursday. Every time a nurse came to get me for a test or to take blood my nose was buried deep in this adventure mystery. I will have this review for you on Tuesday.
Thank you all who reached out this week and over the last few weeks, I am touched by your concern, generosity and friendship. Thank you all who continue to support me by visiting my blog here and the sponsors on the page.
I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
Greetings from my table here on the West Coast. This morning I have Blogging is Murder on my table this weekend by Gillian Baker. It is an interesting read having a series about someone who blogs.
I was so excited to get messages from my friend and fellow nominee Lisa K along with my friend Karen as I was nominated as one of A Cozy Experience's Top Ten Cozy Mystery Blogs, you can view this post and check out some amazing blogs I feel very honored to be considered among these wonderful writers. Click here to read the article.
I was thrilled to read Cat Got You Cash by Julie Chase this week. I so enjoyed this series and I know you will too, this is an April release you wont want to miss.
A visit with Sid this week was just what I needed. I love this series by Leigh Perry and if you have not checked it out, trust me you will grow to love him too.
An adventure bite sized cozy read Poison in the Heart a pot of tea and a quick read this is a great lunch or tea time read. I am looking forward to the next one!
Reading a Vancouver BC based cozy was also a highlight to share this week. I love the idea that where I live is highlighted in such a way.
In my cup this week I have had my regular Murchie's Vanilla blend but also tried the Harney & Son's Valentine tea, which is a lovely chocolate rose tea as well as having Jasmine tea this week almost every day.
I got this beautiful card in the mail this week with the surprise delivery of the tea and lovely tea cup and saucer. I may have to frame this I love it so much.
Thank you for taking time to join me this week for a cup of tea and a cozy mystery week in review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
I did not want to put this one down! Cat Got your Cash by Julie Chase is a second in series that was every bit as good as the first. I loved it. This Kitty Couture mystery was wonderful. It has the right formula for cozy lovers and just a hint of romance mixed in with a whole lot of crazy mystery. This one is set in New Orleans and makes it seem just like you are there. Easy to picture, fun to think about and a great story. I love the main character Lacy, her friends, pets and family. The woman bakes and creates for animals, not truly going out of her way to be a super sleuth but she is "nosy" for sure. I enjoy this series and book two was great. I can not wait for you to read it. Out April 11th, this is a must read.
I have not been enjoying the book I was reading and was planning on reviewing today so instead of giving a poor review of the book I have decided to share three mid week calming gift ideas for yourself or someone you love. When I read a book I don't like I don't rush to share my reviews or publish a bad review because I feel like as a reader I put a lot of effort into reading what I could and the writer put in all that they had and for what ever reason it was just not the right book for me at the time. So today I share three Etsy favorites with you instead.
First one I came across that caught my eye was this blend by Brew Mama Herbalism. The packaging caught my eye and the 100% Organic Ingredients-Chamomile, Lavender, Passion flower, Skullcap, Red Clover, Catnip, Dried Orange Slices appealed to me as well. Click here to learn more about this shop and listing.
I am very excited to start reading Cat Got Your Cash by Julie Chase! This one is out in April and is the second in the series. I loved the first one so I am thrilled to get an advanced reading copy!
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a mid week moment of calm. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
Today is the release day of Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase, a book I read and loved last week!
Today Author Julie Chase joins us to share a bit about the writing process.
Welcome Julie!
KMOT: When you are writing what sustains you? Tea, Coffee, or other?
JC: Coffee. I run on very little sleep, and I go a little crazy with the coffee while trying to pry my eyes open.
KMOT: When you wrote Cat Got Your Diamonds, how long was the writing process?
JC: "Cat Got Your Diamonds was a story that had been developing in my head, behind other immediate deadlines, for a couple of years. I'd started and stopped it a number of times because it just didn't feel right. I'd played with different versions of Lacy in my head. In one version she was a germaphobe. In another, she lived in a little country town. The story finally came together for me during a trip to New Orleans. I knew the moment my feet hit Magazine Street that this was exactly where she belong, and that those were my heroine's people. From that point forward, the actual writing process took about four months. Each of the two sequels have taken roughly three."
KMOT: I truly enjoyed your characters and how main character Lacy seems to float between her parents southern society and trying to lead a working class life, where did that motivation come from?
JC: " Gilmore Girls, probably! I was a dedicated fan of the show when it was on the air, and one of my favorite aspects was the conflict Lorelai put herself in. She wanted no part of her parents' money or status. None. It was a constant struggle for her, denying her roots, and a bit perplexing to me, but fascinating, none the less. I see that in my books, and I've wondered if the Gilmores helped shape my story. Some days I feel I'm shaped by everything. My heroine, Lacy isn't quite as stubborn as Lorelai. She doesn't have a separate life somewhere else. She makes a place for herself, while being herself, in her mother's society. "
KMOT: The theme of this cozy, a gourmet pet bakery/fashion designs for pets really got me excited, do you sew or bake for your own pets?
JC: " I've never learned to sew, but I'm fascinated by those who can, which is probably how Lacy got to be so good at it. I ask my best friend about her sewing all the time. She's a fantastic seamstress, though she won't admit it. I do enjoy baking, but I never feel I have the time to indulge in new recipes, so I dream about that also. Probably another reason Lacy is who she is. I live vicariously through her as I sit at my desk. Though, I do have plans to bake pet treats at Christmas and deliver them to my neighbor's pets along with cookies for their people. My kids are pretty excited about that."
KMOT: Please let my readers know anything about yourself, pets, series and writing you would like us to know. JC: "Well, I'm a stay at home mother of three. I started writing about 7 years ago when my children were small and constantly under my heels. Today they're 13, 10 & 8. I write while they're at school thriving and being happy, then I drive them to sports and extra things all evening. It's a busy life, but it's a full one. I love that quote: "You think my hands are full? You should see my heart." It fits me perfectly. My office floor is covered in poster boards and markers as I type this. I have to make signs for a the concession stand at today's swim meet as soon as I finish this answer. Then, I get to sell hot dogs and pizza to hungry swimmers and their parents until dinner. Busyness aside, I love being a mother and an author. I'd planned all my life to be the former, but the latter sneaked up on me. I'd never given writing a single thought until I was 33 and looking for an escape from the chaos that was my life then. I read a book and voila! For a few minutes at a time, I went somewhere else. I was someone else. When I finished the book, I decided I wanted to do that too. I wanted to give some other person the gift that the author of my book had given me, so I opened Google and typed, "How to write a book." It's been a long road from there, but I'm determined to reach people that I couldn't otherwise and make them smile. I keep trying that every day. "
Be sure to mark your calendars for the second book in the series Cat Got Your Cash out this April 2017! Thank you for joining us for a cup of tea and a release day chat with Author Julie Chase. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
Saturday morning and another week has flown by, still a tiny amount of Halloween candy left not bad in a house of three boys, I can not be held responsible for the candy left un attended. Actually we had about 78 trick or treators on Halloween, not a busy night! Currently on my table is the second book in Janice Richardson's Spencer Funeral Home Niagara Cozy Mystery, Winter's Mourning. I am very excited to have this to read. I can not wait to share my review.
I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing the November 15th release Cat Got Your Diamonds! This is a must read cozy and new series to love!
A guilty pleasure to read about someone training for a big run, while eating Halloween candy! Kate Dyer-Seeley has a fantastic 4th book coming out this month that I think you will love. I enjoy the fact that this cozy is set on the West Coast and look forward to reading this Oregon based series.
Deck The Hallways by Kate Carlisle gave me all the wonderful holiday feels you expect a Hallmark movie channel to do on a snowy December night. Don't miss this one!
In my cup this week, I was lucky enough to have a friend who knows how to fill up my bucket! She brought me the new Davids Tea Holiday tin and their Coffee Cake Tea which I simply adore! This has happily filled my cup since Thursday and these lovely little spoons came from a swap I did on Elfster that made my day! Though my almost 2 year old niece Phoebe grabbed them and stuck them in her purse, carting them around for the last two days everywhere we went. They are so darling and a great addition to my tea table.
Thank you for joining me for a cup of tea and a week in review. I would love to hear from you so please leave me a comment here or email me at karenmowen@gmail.com
I finished a brilliant cozy last night! Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase which was such a great read I could not put it down, read the entire thing, laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying this new cozy. This book read so well, reminding me of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, I loved the relationship between the main character Lacy and detective Jack Oliver. I don't want to give too much of the story away however the writing reminds me of why I love cozies in the first place. The book reminded me of how I felt the first time I fell in love with The Book Town Mystery series by one of my most favorite authors Lorraine Bartlett, the way Julie Chase wrote Cat Got Your Diamonds has that same magical chemistry that made me want to read word after word and not wanting it to end. Julie Chase has a great first in series and this one is on track to become one of my most favorite series.
I loved the idea of this series, great concept, fun characters, fantastic back story and did I mention how much I love the cover? The Kitty Couture Mystery Series is one you will need to put on your TBR pile for sure, make sure you move it close to the top, you wont be disappointed.
