Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I came across this book at a book sale. Being an avid reader and cook, I couldn't pass it up.
The heroin of the story is Hannah, the owner of The Cookie Jar, a small town bakery. During an elaborate charity event that her bakery is helping cater, Hannah must deal with problems from her two current male friends, as well as pass lover, professor Bradford Ramsey, who wouldn't mind rekindling their old affair. Hannah very much regrets the affair and has no intention of being bullied or blackmailed into another one. She also doesn't like the attention Bradford is paying to her young sister Michelle. When she finds the womanizing professor dead at the talent show with one of her turnovers in his hand, Hannah knows she must find out who did it, before her past secrets become the main course of the town gossip.
The story is well written, though I did have it figured out before half-way through the book. It moved slowly at times but kept you reading. I enjoyed the characters and they way they related to one another.
The book also has recipes inter-spaced with story for the mentioned treats, and I found myself enjoying reading the recipes and looking forward to discovering the next Delicious treat. The recipes alone made the book worth getting, and I will be trying some of them out.



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This book was purchased by me for my own reading enjoyment. The author and all those affiliated with this book, have no idea who I am.

Stone of Destiny by Laura Eno

Stone of Destiny by Laura Eno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Make sure you have the time to read this. It is one you can't put down.

Gavin MacKenzie is a handsome self-assured Scottish Laird. When he knowingly takes and subsequently dismisses a Fae from his bed, he is asking for trouble. And he gets it in the form of Abbie Kyle a woman from the future, sent by the fae to stop Gavin's upcoming marriage.

Abbie suddenly finds herself in another country and 400 years in the past. To make matters worse she comes face to face with a man, who takes her breath and reason away, even if he isn't her type.

Gavin in turn finds a woman literally at his feet, and in the strangest outfit. The strangely beautiful creature then get in his face and insists that he send her back home to her time in the future.

Laura Eno has once again brought us a story that will keep us turning the pages to the end and wishing for more. Her humor and story telling will keep us coming back again and again.


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This book was a gift from the Author. She in no way asked for or influenced this review. I wrote like I read it.

And the Winner is....

And the Winner is....

   They only thought they had outgrown us. That they had left us behind with all the other superstitions. But we were there; just under the surface the whole time. Love and Hate are the two sides of the coin of life. There can never be one with out the other. But we are working to flip the coin to our side once and for all.

   We are the Gods and Goddesses of War.
 
   We have had many names, some well known, some not. Who has not heard the names Ares, Athena, Mars, and Seth, just to name a few. But our names from Babylonian, Assyrian, Mayan, and Aztec times are all but forgotten. The names of Erra, Ashur, Ah Chuy Kak, and Camaxtli are little known in today's world.

   We have worked tirelessly through out history trying many ways to come on top. But there was always someone there to remind people of the good side of man.

   The God of love has many names himself and many helpers. They are always there thwarting our attempts to rule the world of man.

   We can not win the battle face to face. That lesson has been learned well. So how do we win? There has been many a gathering dedicated to this problem until Ictinike came up with the solution...

   The way to win was to not have to face of the God of love. And how do we do that? By using the cover of love and protection to our advantage. We use the fact that the one God of love is known by many names to many people.

   We make man think he is protecting others from hate and intolerance. Because it may upset and cause anguish to the others; man will then forbid one group of the God of love's helpers from speaking out if another group is present. If no one is allowed to speak of love and acceptance, then the emotions of hate, intolerance, and evil will be able to rule. The coin will flip to our side and bury the other side at last.

   Yes, that is the way we will win the battle. We will rule the world and no one will be any the wiser.

©2011 Pamela Jo

What a View...#fridayflash

What a View...


   What a view. I can see for miles from up here. I have never really appreciated this view, never really looked at it. I was always too busy to take the time. It's only by accident that I am enjoying it now.

   I can see the deep navigation channel from here.  The water changes from the light blue of the shallows to a deep navy. Those small islands look like bright green paint spatters.

   Over there you can see the chemical storage tanks. Hey some of them do they do have floating roofs, would you look at that.

   In this direction you can see the skyline of downtown. Boy has that sure has grown since I first moved here. Just look at all that traffic. I sure am glad I don't have to drive in that.

   I always knew there were a lot of ships on these waterways, but I never realized the variety. The big cargo ships, loaded with shipping boxes that look like a child's building blocks. The flat barges with everything from machinery to piles of ore or dirt or what ever that is. Boy would my kids like to climb those hills.
 
   There goes a tour boat. Man they do they keep that thing clean, the sun reflecting off that white can blind you. I can barely make out all the people waving at me. Might as well wave back, Hi.

   And of course, all the tug boats are running around trying to heard everything in their way. Kinda like that new blue heeler puppy we got that herds everything with legs no matter what the size.

   There's the Coast guard cutters. The authority of the waves. I have a lot of respect for those men and women. They are out there everyday risking their lives and limbs to keep us safe.

   Ah, here comes the fire boat. Would you look at those water guns. Man I would love to get my hands on one of those. I could think of a couple of people I would like to soak. Looks like they got a big latter for rescues too.

   Yeah the view up here is great. But, since I had 4 cups of coffee this morning I sure hope they hurry and get me untangled from this damn crane.

©2011 Pamela Jo

A Day in Paradise... #fridayflash

                                                                    

A Day in Paradise...

   The day started as any other day in Paradise. The gentle trade winds causing the fronds on the palms to wave a welcoming greeting to those at sea. The inhabitants of the island scurried about getting their day started.

   Along the shore the pool boys at the hotels were setting out clean towels on chase lounges. Cooks were good-naturedly  haggling over price with local fisherman and farmers. Hotel guess lazily started making their way out of their rooms to greet a new day. 

   Yes, just another day in Paradise. The waves gently lapped the sands of the beach. Slowly in and out, in and out, in and out... the rhythm hypnotic and peaceful. Lulling you into a trance like state.

   Then the rhythm abruptly changed. The ocean inhales deeply followed by a jarring silence. 

   Everything stops in mid-motion. The pool boys forget the towels. The cooks, fisherman, and farmers fall silent. The people lying on the beach slowly sit up. As if turned by invisible hands, all heads turn toward the ocean. 

  

   The water rushing out as if pursued by the very devil himself, reveals the undersea cliffs and valleys of the great mountains that are Hawaii.

   The shore stretches out as far as the eye can see.  The shimmering scales of fish catch the eye as they flounder in the sand that, only moments before, was covered in water. In the distance the barnacle encrusted bones of once proud sailing ships are touched by the sunlight they have not felt in hundreds of years. The only hint that the ocean is still out there is the taste of salt on the breeze.

   Where has the ocean gone? What is happening? 

   As the island seems to hold its breath, waiting for the return of the ocean. Two waves of movement are seen on land.

   The tourist move toward the strange site in awe. Cameras attached to their faces recording it all for the tales they will weave on their return homes. Oblivious to the fact the islanders are moving in the opposite direction toward the mountain tops.

    Running  and climbing higher and higher as fast as they can. They do not slowing down to look back. The islanders know what is coming. They have heard the stories passed down from the time of the Kings. The stories of the old gods, who would take the water from the shores only to bring it back to destroy and kill.

   Suddenly the quite is split with a ear shattering siren, and one word whispered word becomes a roar … TSUNAMI.

©2010 Pamela Jo

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SILENT NIGHT...A #Fridayflash

 Yes I know it has been awhile since I posted a #fridayflash, so I figured I better get on the ball.  This is one I have been thinking about for along time.  Hope you enjoy.

SILENT NIGHT...

   9 MONTHS!!! 9 DAMN months without a peaceful night's sleep.  Well that ends tonight.  From here on out there will only be Silent nights... No phone calls at through out the night, waking me up.

   I can't believe the one time I go to a club in 2 years HE has to be there.

   The night started off great.  I got to the club before the dance contest started, and got a good seat at the rail to watch it from.  I got to visit and dance with all my old friends and students.  To top it all off the couple that won was the ones I use to coach.  It would have been a perfect night to remember, if it hadn't been for him.

   I ran into him on the way to the Ladies room at the break during contest.  I recognized him as one of the customers from the video store I manage.  He was out with some people from his work.  Just my luck they decided to try out the new club that night.

   He was surprised to see me on that side of town.  He was also surprised I could dance, drink something stronger than diet coke and didn't spend all my time working.  There is a lot about me he didn't know and never will.  But he thought he knew me. He thought just because I was polite to him, I was a push over, afraid of my own shadow.  He didn't know shit.

   That first night he called my home and asked if I knew who he was, he thought I didn't remember him just because I didn't know his name.  I knew who he was alright.  I never forget a face or a voice.

   The only thing I didn't know was how he got my phone number.  I never give out my last name at the store.  Then I found out that Jason told him my name, when he stopped into the store.  It just never occurred to Jason I might not want everyone knowing my name.  We live in a small town and I am the only M. Lane listed.  Thank goodness I don't list my address in the phone book.

   He thought he was safe.  It never occurred to him that I knew who he was when he would call at 12:30...2...3...5:30 in the morning.  That damn ringing jarring me out of a dead sleep, night after night.

   Then last Friday he comes into the store while I was there to rent some movies.  I guess he figured because of the after Thanksgiving crowd, I wouldn't notice him.   Wrong again.  I saw him when he came through the door.  There isn't much I don't notice. 

   He was so careful not to look at me, and to stand in the check out line the furthest away from mine.  But as busy as we were I kept an eye on him.  The minute he walked out the door I ran a copy of his rental receipt.   Gotcha!!!

   I wish I could have seen his face when he called at 4:30 in the morning and said “Do you know how I am...”  I said “ Of course I do...By the way how did you like the movies 'Disturbia' and 'Nuts' “  Perfect choices for that creep.

   For once he was speechless.  What no obscene words, no in depth description of body parts .... just blissed silence as he hung up quickly on me.  But he was too late.

   YOU HEAR THAT YOU CREEP.  TOO LATE.  9 MONTHS too late Mr. Stephen Crumb of 1239 Hawthorn Street.  Tonight I have one last surprise for you.

   You know it is amazing what you can learn from the movies....

Siiilent night, unhoooly night,   Alllll is calm....


©2010 Pamela Jo

Night of the Hunter's Moon...

   Welcome to a combination #fridayflash and Roh Morgon's Monster Mash blogfest post.  This is the first time I have entered a blogfest.  But I have a soft spot for monsters, especially this time of year. I mean what is October without Dracula, Frankenstein and pals.  That is like Christmas without Santa and his elves.  And I'm pretty sure that's illegal.

 

Night of the Hunter's Moon....



  The light from the Hunter's Moon bathed the old Victorian house on the dead end road at the edge of town. All the rooms downstairs were lit by the flickering of gas lights and candles.  Through the windows the women inside could be seen hurrying around getting ready for the  party.

  “Now remember when Vlad get here, DON'T mention anything to do with Hollywood this year.” Broom-Hilda said as she arranged the hors d'oeuvres .
The young ghost setting the table asked. “Why ever not?”
“Oh, that's right. You weren't around at last years party.” Frank's wife said as she gave her hair a quick glance in the mirror. “Well, someone mentioned that horrid new Underworld movie and Vlad went into a rage. He went on about how Hollywood never gets anything right.  Everyone KNOWS that he, Vladamir Dracul, was the first and most powerful vampire.”
Broom-Hilda took up the story, “He raged on and on how the monsters today.... Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and that one in the hockey mask ... Jason Voorhees where just glorified Zombies made up by men with computers. They would never stand a chance back in Transylvania. How this younger generation has no respect or manners. They don't even wait to be invited into a house.”

  “Broomy,” Ilona interrupted, “You are talking with your wand again. You have spilled half the snails and toad hoppers on the floor.”
“Oh brother. Get back here.” Broom-Hilda quickly waved her wand at the hors d'oeuvres headed to the open door.
“Well I think a lively discussion helps make an interesting party.” ghost said, as she floated back to admire her handiwork.

  Mo'r, the older of the two banshees overheard her comment and called through the kitchen doorway, “Lively...you are new. Vlad is anything but Lively. He flew into such a rage, we had to nail him into his coffin. He was determined to fly to California and turn the City of Angels into the City of the Dead. Though with some of those people, I don't think anyone would know
the difference. I can't find any more type O blood.”
Broomy yelled back, “It's in the cellar next to the eye of newt. ”

  There was a howl at the door and Lupa hurried in. “Sorry I'm late I had to send Wolfy a howl-mail to come through the western woods. The townspeople are watching the roads.” She gave Broom-Hilda a quick hug, “Missed you at bridge.”
Broomy returned the hug and explained, “I had to attend the Fairy Tale Villain's dinner. I swear if I had heard Fe Fi Foo Fum just one more time I was going to turn that blasted giant into a beanstalk and chop him down myself. I can't believe I fell for those smooth talking Brothers Grim.”

  Countess Bathory came in and place the new decanter of blood in the bar. “Broomy there is the most horrible racket coming from the brambles in the back. It sounds like Ramses.”
Broom-Hilda turned to her sister, “Helga, you did remember to turn off the no trespassing spell didn't you?”

  Helga's eyes flew open wide and she sprinted for the door yelling, “Hold on Ramses...I'm coming.”
The Countess laughed, “I take it that is a no. You better send someone out with a robe. You know how bad he got tangled up last time.”
Honora the youngest banshee grabbed up a robe threw an “I'll do it”, over her shoulder as she headed through the door, running so fast her white hair streamed behind her like a wild mustang at full gallop.
The other ladies laughed and turned their attention back to the decorated room to admire their handiwork. “Well, I guess that's it.” Lupa said as she picked up the chair Honora in her haste had knocked over.

  Glancing out the window she announced, “Here come the men.”
Broom-Hilda led the others to the hall and threw open the door to Frankenstein, The Wolf man, and Count Dracula. “Welcome, Welcome. Come right on in the party is ready to start.”
Vlad handed Broom-Hilda his cloak and informed her the invisible man and Mr. Hyde were on the road behind them. He then kissed his brides hello and followed the others into the dinning room.

  Mr. Hyde hurried up the walk talking to the air beside him. He handed over his cloak and hat, and headed toward the others.
Before the Invisible Man crossed the hall, Broom-Hilda stopped him and held up two wristbands, “Griffin. Please be so good as to wear these. The ladies want to see where your hands are.” She quickly hung up the cloaks and followed him.

  As she entered she announced to the room, “Everyone, Please, have a drink. Don't worry about anything. We have plenty of coffins and beds for everyone. ...Ah, the band has started to play in the courtyard. Feel free to grab a partner and dance. We hired the “Crypt Kicker Five.”
Lupa grabbed the Wolf man, “Come on Wolfy, let's let the fur fly!” She dragged him to the courtyard behind Frank and his wife. Griffin was dancing with Mo'r, his wristbands glowing in the moonlight.

  Ramses, in the borrowed robe, led Honora to the floor, much to her delight. Dracula was dancing with all three of his wives. Mr. Hyde threw an arm around Broom-Hilda and pulled her onto the floor. The party was off to a smashing success.
   At a break in the music Boris and Igor burst into courtyard, “Sorry we're late but we just came from seeing that new Saw movie and...” Boris's voice faded off as Dracula's eyes started to glow red.

   Frankenstein shook his head and said, “I'll get the nails.. .”

©2010 Pamela Jo