The Séance Garden: A Novel by Juliet Blackwell

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

New book alert! I just started reading this paranormal mystery for Summerween and must say, I am intrigued. I am really enjoying getting to know Harper and the town of Monterey. I can't wait to find out what happens next! 

Anyhow, I just wanted to alert you to this great new novel by Juliet Blackwell and provide a bit of information about it so that you will be enticed to grab a copy of your own. Here goes:

"After a cheesy ghost tour in one of California’s oldest towns stumbles upon an actual haunting, a skeptical historian of the occult becomes entangled in solving a murder case.

When Professor Harper Grae loses a bet with a friend, she finds herself on a local nighttime tour of “haunted” locations in Monterey. Harper’s a lifelong non-believer in the occult, though her academic career is devoted to the historical and societal significance of witchcraft, ghosts, and medicinal poisons of all sorts. But her skepticism immediately gets tested when the tour stumbles on the body of local artist Delilah Mason—who’s found murdered on the grounds of a nearly two-hundred-year-old mansion, once home to the infamous Perles family.

On the night Mason’s body is found, Harper catches sight of something in the house that she can’t shake, something that’s impossible to explain, at least not rationally. Soon the murder investigation reveals that this is the second time a woman has been found murdered beneath a sprawling cypress tree in the gardens of the Perles Mansion. And when Harper’s closest friend is questioned by the police, Harper fears the authorities will fail to uncover the real killer.

As Harper asks questions around town and digs deeper into the supernatural speculation and rumors surrounding the murders—two women killed in similar circumstances, separated by nearly two centuries —she sees evidence she can’t ignore that the notorious mansion truly is haunted by the ghost of Isabel Perles. 

What will it cost Harper to rethink everything she’s always believed to admit that the veil between the living and the dead might actually be crossed?"

How exciting does that sound? I always love these sleuthing mysteries - they make for such a fun time. Anyhow, I'm off to continue reading more - I'm still feeling under the weather, so reading all day sounds perfect. 

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

Monday Musings...

Oh my throat. I'm sick. A summer cold. My sister got it first and now I have it. Ugh. 

I have been reading. The first book was Shari Lapena's latest novel, Getting Away With Murder. 

I was looking forward to this one, but it wound up falling short for me. I didn't like the ending and just found myself rolling my eyes the majority of the time. Plus, the characters were all despicable, with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Ugh.

So, of course, I read another Shari Lapena book. And thankfully, this one was way better. I gobbled it up in one sitting and absolutely loved chatting about it with my family. It was just too crazy and unbelievable not to chat about. A little girl goes missing in her small town and everyone is suspect. And, that is all I'll share. You have to check it out!

 

Up next, I'll be reading the new Lang Leav novel. I always enjoy Leav's poetry and her novels, so I'm excited for this one. 

Aside from reading, I watched the first episode of The Real Housewives of London - I love Juliet from Ladies of London and she's on this show. Unfortunately, she won't be on this show until episode 5. Oh well, it's still a fun watch. And, I started to watch Countdown with Jensen Ackles - it was canceled, but I'm a fan, so I'm excited to see this show. 

And that's all I have to share for now. I'm hoping to feel much better soon, so I can get back on track and catch up on everything. 

Wishing you all a lovely week. Happy reading!

My Friday Five...

1. Going away for a few days was just the ticket. I needed a break from the everyday chaos and my sister invited me and our mom for a mini-break in Orlando. She was there for work and we were there for rest and relaxation. I loved the hotel - felt like we were in a treehouse. Plus, it's always a great time when the three of us get to just hang out.

2. New Christmas movies on Hallmark are just not hitting the mark lately. I feel like the older movies were so much better. Oh well, they are still fun to watch.

3. The heat. It is HOT in FL and it feels stifling. UGH.

4.  I'm middle-aged and still getting guilt-tripped by my mom - how is that even possible? LOL!

5.  Iced coffees. I finally get the hype. I was never a fan and now I can't seem to stop craving them. 

Wishing you all a lovely weekend. Happy reading!

Up Next is The Dahlia Suite: A Novel by Carinn Jade

(Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Up next on the docket is Carinn Jade's new novel, The Dahlia Suite. I love the cover and title. Plus, I think it looks like the perfect summertime read - makes me want to grab a fruity cocktail and sit by a pool, reading the day away. I'm definitely excited to dive right in and get lost in Jade's new book.

So, what's the story about? Well according to the blurb it's described as...

"In a riveting new novel from the acclaimed author of The Astrology House, three women come together to investigate a string of haunting disappearances in a tropical paradise.

When Paige arrives at Sueños, the Caribbean’s most exclusive resort on Beck Island, she’s eager to use the time away from her young son to shake off the writer’s block that has stifled her new career as an author.

Hollywood starlet Lindsay Law is on a mission of her own at Sueños: spiraling from a recent Oscar loss, she’s determined to find out why the winner in her category gave thanks to Mara Morgan, the legendary actress who owned Beck Island before her tragic death.

While Paige and Lindsay are drawn together by creative inspiration, Gabby, the resort’s concierge, is torn apart by the loss of a coworker and the mysterious appearance of a man from her past. Gabby still has the power to grant her guests’ most over-the-top requests, but she’s helpless against her own grief and confusion.

As the sun-soaked days of bliss morph into sinister connections, Paige, Lindsay, and Gabby are united by a shocking twist, and must race to untangle the knot of Beck Island’s mysteries before another woman vanishes."

How thrilling and suspenseful does that sound? A beautiful isolated resort screams TROUBLE, especially, when there have been disappearances. Hmm...and strangers drawn together always seem to lead to secrets and lies. Sounds like The Dahlia Suite is going to be one captivating and mysterious read - I can't wait to start reading!

Let me know if you've picked up this exciting new book and what your thoughts are on it. Happy reading!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

My Friday Five...

1. I'm reading and reading and reading. It feels great. It feels like home. 

2. Rain, rain, go away! Ugh. It's either blazing hot or pouring rain. I'm ready for fall weather. 

3. Halloween is already showing up everywhere, which I think I had noticed only slightly a month ago. Now, it is in the stores, books, and movies. Makes me think that October is nigh, when in reality it's still a ways away. LOL!

4. I've been watching Hallmark Christmas films and rewatching Modern Family. I haven't watched Bravo TV in ages. I don't miss all that crazy toxic drama that is supposed to be for our viewing pleasure. Although, I did hear that Real Housewives of London will finally be available on Peacock later this month, so I might finally put on Bravo TV. Hmm...

5. I've been listening to 90s music like crazy lately. I just put on my headphones and have Sarah, Natalie, Tracy, and Tori belting tunes as I write, art journal, and plan life. Its such a sweet nostalgic treat. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy reading!