Best 20 of 2021

 

One of the best and hardest things I do is my best of picks every year. I hope you enjoy this year's picks in no order of importance. Note this is a mix of  print and audio editions.

Sophia Rose Reviews Miss Moriarity I Presume by Sherry Thomas

For those who celebrate Christmas I hope yours was merry and what better way to start the Monday after Christmas than with a historical mystery reviewed by Sophia Rose. 
Enjoy!

Miss Moriarity I Presume by Sherry Thomas

#6 Lady Sherlock

Historical Mystery

Publisher:  Berkley

Published:  11.2.21

ASIN:  B08ZHTDKHP

Pages:  365

Rating:  5

Format: eARC

Source:  Net Galley

Sellers:  Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

ADD TO: GoodReads  

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Charlotte Holmes comes face to face with her enemy when Moriarty turns to her in his hour of need, in the USA Today bestselling series set in Victorian England.

A most unexpected client shows up at Charlotte Holmes's doorstep: Moriarty himself. Moriarty fears that tragedy has befallen his daughter and wants Charlotte to find out the truth.

Charlotte and Mrs. Watson travel to a remote community of occult practitioners where Moriarty's daughter was last seen, a place full of lies and liars. Meanwhile, Charlotte's sister Livia tries to make sense of a mysterious message from her beau Mr. Marbleton. And Charlotte's longtime friend and ally Lord Ingram at last turns his seductive prowess on Charlotte--or is it the other way around?

But the more secrets Charlotte unravels about Miss Moriarty's disappearance, the more she wonders why Moriarty has entrusted this delicate matter to her of all people. Is it merely to test Charlotte's skills as an investigator, or has the man of shadows trapped her in a nest of vipers?

 

Merry Christmas from my home to yours

At this very special time of year there are many traditions that make Christmas magic and one of those is always reciting this poem every Christmas Eve. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and may all your Christmas dreams come true.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;

And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,

Gave a lustre of midday to objects below,

When what to my wondering eyes did appear,

But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny rein-deer,

With a little old driver so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop the coursers they flew

With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too—

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath;

He had a broad face and a little round belly

That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight—

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Macmillan Audio Review - Best In Snow by David Rosenfelt Andy Carpenter #24

I first learned of this series last year when I reviewed Silent Bite for Mystery Scene Magazine so when Macmillan Audio offered it up for review I said Yes Please. And was I glad I did.
Enjoy!

ASIN: B08TZGD461
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: 10-19-2021
Length: 6hours/52minutes
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Audible

ADD TO: Goodreads

Overview:

In this Christmas mystery, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, are on the beat after a body turns up in the snow and a journalist is the prime suspect.

Christmas has come early to the town of Paterson, New Jersey, in the form of a snowstorm that dumps two feet of snow on the ground. Lawyer Andy Carpenter likes snow – white Christmas and all that – but it can cause problems for the walks he takes his dogs on every day.

When Andy’s golden retriever, Tara, goes to play in the snow and instead discovers a body, Andy ends up on the phone with the local newspaper editor. The murder victim is Mayor Alex Oliva, who had an infamous relationship with the newspaper. Last year a young reporter published an expose, and Oliva had him fired for libel. Now, the young reporter – and prime suspect – is in need of a lawyer.

Andy agrees to take the case, though it’s not looking good this holiday season. The evidence is piling up faster than the snow in Best in Snow, the next Christmas mystery in the best-selling Andy Carpenter series from David Rosenfelt.

Sophia Rose Reviews-‘Tis the Season by Susan Adriani, Jan Ashton, Julie Cooper, Amy D’Orazio, Jenetta James, Karalynne Mackrory, Lucy Marin, Elizabeth Rasche, and Mary Smythe

Today Sophia Rose is back to review a historical holiday anthology, 'Tis the Season
Merry Christmas!

‘Tis the Season by Susan Adriani, Jan Ashton, Julie Cooper, Amy D’Orazio, Jenetta James, Karalynne Mackrory, Lucy Marin, Elizabeth Rasche, and Mary Smythe

Historical Romance, Holiday Romance

Publisher:  Quills & Quartos

Published: 10.21.21

ISBN-10:  ‎ 1956613099

Pages:  667

Rating: 4.5

Format: Print

Source:  Quills & Quartos

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads  

GoodReads Blurb:

'Tis the Season is a collection of stories inspired by the beloved characters of Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice.

HEART ENOUGH by Amy D’Orazio

WHEN ELIZABETH BENNET REASSURES Lady Catherine de Bourgh that she is not trying to ensnare her nephew, Darcy loses all hope of romance with her, and proposes to his cousin. Two years later, they meet again, both unmarried and both still cherishing tender feelings for one another, but will they have heart enough to love this time?

A YULETIDE DREAM by Julie Cooper

FOLLOWING THE UNTIMELY DEATH of his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Fitzwilliam Darcy decides that his interests in Rosings Park should be inducement enough to marry his cousin Anne. However, his resolution is challenged by a series of Yuletide apparitions who will open his eyes and change his determination to undoing his past wrongs with a certain lady in Hertfordshire.

IN THE SPIRIT INTENDED by Jan Ashton

A YEAR AFTER THEY LAST MET, Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are reunited for Christmas at the Bingleys’ London home. In that year, he has travelled, while she has refused another offer of marriage, but as they gather with family, including two unexpected visitors, they will celebrate the holiday and unwrap old wounds.

STRANDED AT PEMBERLEY by Jenetta James

AFTER A DEVASTING CARRIAGE ACCIDENT IN DERBYSHIRE, at in Christmas 1810, Elizabeth Bennet and the Gardiners are stranded at Pemberley while Mrs Gardiner recovers. She soon finds that the halls of the great house are filled with secret and sorrows but Christmas cheer will prevail, and perhaps romance along with it.

CHRISTMAS AT BLACKTHORN MANOR by Lucy Marin

ELIZABETH AND MR DARCY FIND THEMSELVES brought together at a house party at Blackthorn Manor following a sixteen month separation. Will they learn the truth about what has kept them apart before the festive celebrations end, or will they go their separate ways once again?

CALL IT HOPE by Susan Adriani

CHRISTMAS APPROACHES AND DARCY is doomed to spend it under lock and key at Rosings Park. Will his relations and their antics drive him to Bedlam, or will he be rewarded with the one gift he always hoped to receive, but doubted he would ever attain?

WELCOME HOME by Mary Smythe

DARCY IS AMAZED when he discovers Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley, living contentedly as his wife and mistress of the house. He will be forced to consider what is real and what is not, and what this Christmas miracle means for his life thereafter.

THE PINK DAFFODIL by Elizabeth Rasche

CHRISTMAS MIGHT MEAN FESTIVITY AND FUN for some, but for Mary Bennet it is just another occasion for displaying her piety and promoting her new charity, the Meryton Widows and Orphans Society. Then she finds herself drawn to a new gentleman who has arrived to stay at Netherfield Park, and soon finds his attractions threaten to mar more than just her Christmas charity.

MISGIVINGS & MISTLETOE by KaraLynne Mackrory

FORCED TOGETHER BY SNOW and the well intentions of their friends and family, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet must hide agonizing lost hopes. Even with mistletoe abounding around them, the two must find their way through misgivings and snow storms to rediscover love.

Sophia Rose Reviews A Christmas Legacy by Anne Perry

 Today I welcome back Sophia Rose to the blog and she's got a very special treat today, she's reviewing Anne Perry's latest annual historical Christmas tale, A Christmas Legacy.
Merry Christmas!

A Christmas Legacy by Anne Perry

#19 Christmas Mysteries

Historical Mystery, Holiday Fiction

Publisher:  Ballantine Books

Published:  11.9.21

ASIN:  ‎ B08VSKGJG3

Pages:  192

Rating: 5

Format: eARC

Source:  Net Galley

Sellers: Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads 

 

GoodReads Blurb:

Thomas and Charlotte Pitt's former maid takes a new job as Christmas approaches--but not everyone in the household may survive the holidays in this tension-filled novel from bestselling author Anne Perry.

After leaving her position with Charlotte and Thomas Pitt to get married, Gracie thought her days as a maid were behind her. But when her good friend's daughter, Millie, turns up on her doorstep just before the holidays, frantic because things are going missing from the kitchen in the household she serves, Gracie knows she has to find out what is happening. Millie, whose mother died years before, can't risk being accused of theft and getting thrown out on the street, with no character references for a new position.

So Gracie takes on Millie's job herself, claiming Millie is sick and needs a few days to recuperate. At first, it seems that all is normal in the household, even if the couple's elderly granny keeps entirely to her bedroom upstairs. But Gracie begins to realize that Granny is suffering from neglect--and rather than helping her, the husband and wife have decided she isn't dying fast enough.

Sophia Rose reviews A Cowboy Christmas Legend by Linda Broday

Today I welcome back Sophia Rose who is reviewing a Christmas Cowboy novel.
Enjoy!

A Cowboy Christmas Legend by Linda Broday

#2 Lone Star Legend

Historical Romance, Western Romance, Holiday Romance

Publisher:  Sourcebooks Casablanca

Published: 9.28.21

ASIN:  B08QX6M337

Pages:  336

Rating: 5

Format: eARC

Source:  Net Galley

Sellers:  Amazon

ADD TO: GoodReads

GoodReads Blurb:

This stunning, emotional, and redemptive historical Western romance by bestselling author Linda Broday will leave you cozy and warm this Christmas season, with:

• A cowboy learning how to start over
• A fiery young woman with the heart to save him
• A past neither can escape, and
• A future worthy of any Christmas miracle.

Devastated by the loss of his young wife—and the life he'd always thought would be his—Sam Legend II has done everything he can to make a fresh start. As a bladesmith, all he needs is a bed, a hot fire, and enough distance from his famous family to finally indulge in a little peace and quiet. So what if it's almost Christmas? This year, he's happy just keeping to himself.

But then fiery Cheyenne Ronan comes blasting into his home, and any notion of peace goes flying out the door.

Cheyenne's like no one Sam has ever met—and from the moment he first catches her eye, his quiet life is anything but. Now he's hunting wanted men with the Texas Rangers, decking every hall, and sharing passionate embraces with the woman who's set his world alight. For the first time in what feels like forever, Sam's facing Christmas feeling like his life is full of meaning again—and that with Cheyenne by his side, love can be the stuff of Legend.

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Merry Christmas and thank you!

 

Well once again we've reached the end of the holiday blog bash, be sure to get your #Giveaway entry in by midnight tonight!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Showcase HQN holiday novels

 

Welcome to the next to the last day of my holiday blog bash, today I'm showcasing yet more wonderful heartwarming holiday novels by the publisher that makes the world go round, Harlequin. Don't forget to enter the #Giveaway at the end.
Merry Christmas!

Giveaway is a $25.00 digital
Amazon Gift Card US & Canada ONLY
Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Showcase HQN holiday novels

 

Welcome to week three of my holiday blog bash today I'm showcasing three more fantastic Harlequin holiday novels, don't forget to enter the #giveaway it and my bash ends on the 15th so don't delay!
Merry Christmas!

Giveaway is for a $25.00 digital

Amazon Gift Card US & Canada ONLY

Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter

Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Showcase HQN Christmas novels

Well we've come to the end of week two of my Holiday Blog Bash and there's still a few more days to go. Today I'm showcasing three more Harlequin holiday novels. I hope you enjoy the post and don't forget to enter the #Giveaway at the end!
Merry Christmas!

Giveaway is a $25.00 digital
Amazon Gift Card
US & Canada ONLY
Please use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!

 

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza review Christmas at the Chateau by Rochelle Alers

 

Today I'm reviewing fave Special Edition author Rochelle Alers holiday tale, Christmas at the Chateau, for my ho ho ho bash. Read what I thought then don't forget to enter the contest!
Merry Christmas

ISBN-13: 978-1335408259
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 11-30-2021
Length: 288pp
Source: Netgalley/Publisher for review
Buy It: Publisher/ Amazon/ B&N/ IndieBound

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

The halls are decked for holiday romance in nationally bestselling author Rochelle Alers's latest book in the Bainbridge House series!

Christmas dinner’s on the table

Served with a side of romance

Executive chef Viola Williamson has to have the kitchen up and running by the time the Bainbridge House restoration is complete. Working closely with Dom Shaw, Viola is struck by her hotter-than-mulled-cider attraction to her family estate’s handsome caretaker. It’s obvious that he feels it, too—yet Dom keeps his distance. Can Viola convince him that with all this cooking going on, he’s the only one stirring her heart?

#Giveaway is for a $25.00
digital Amazon Gift Card
US & Canada Only
Please use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Showcase HQN Holiday Novels

Welcome back to my 9th annual #hohohoharlequinholidayextravaganza! Today I'm showcasing 4 holiday holiday novels from authors I adore. The first two are reissued Christmas novels from two classic HQN series. Don't forget to enter the #Giveaway!
Merry Christmas!

Giveaway is a $25.00

Amazon digital Gift Card

US & Canada only

Please use Rafflecopter form to enter

Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Showcase HQN Christmas Novels

 

Today I'm showcasing 4 wonderful Harlequin Holiday tales three are from my beloved Special Edition series and one is from my first HQN love the Presents series line. Plus don't forget to enter the #Giveaway!
Merry Christmas

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Review-Mistletoe Season by Michelle Major

 

Today to start off week two of my holiday blog bash I'm reviewing favorite romance author Michelle Major's holiday tale Mistletoe Season. See what I thought and be sure and enter the #Giveaway.
Merry Christmas

ISBN-13: 9781335477026
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 10-26-2021
Length: 352pp
Carolina Girls #1
Source: Netgalley/Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin/Amazon/ B&N/ IndieBound

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

Spend the holidays in Magnolia, North Carolina, where two lonely hearts find exactly what they need for Christmas.

Angi Guilardi needs a man for Christmas—at least, according to her mother. What she really needs is to grow her fledgling catering business. Partnering with Magnolia’s Wildflower Inn holds promise, but when her mother falls ill, Angi’s pulled back to the responsibility of the family restaurant. While she balances work and her eight-year-old son, romance is the last thing on her mind…until Angi runs into Gabriel Carlyle.

Back in town to help his grandmother at her flower shop, Gabriel has no plans to stick around Magnolia, especially after he bumps into one of his childhood bullies. Sure, Angi's all grown up and gorgeous now, and when they find themselves under the mistletoe, their chemistry is undeniable. But it’ll take more than a Christmas miracle for Angi to break through the defenses of Gabriel’s well-guarded heart and find a love built to last.

Giveaway is for $25.00
Amazon digital Gift Card
US and Canada only
Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza Review- Sleigh Bells Ring by RaeAnne Thayne

 

Today on day 3 of my #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza I'm reviewing Raeanne Thayne's latest Christmas novel, Sleigh Bells Ring, a holiday tale that's got all the warm fuzzies you need this season.
Merry Christmas!

#Giveaway is for a $25.00

Amazon digital Gift Card US & Canada only

Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter

Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY - 9th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Showcase HQN Christmas novels

Welcome to day 2 of my 9th annual holiday blog blast today I'm showcasing 4 Harlequin Holiday novels, three from my beloved Special Edition series and one from another beloved HQN author.  Read all about them and don't forget to enter the #Giveaway.
Merry Christmas!

The Giveaway is a $25.00 Amazon 

Digital Gift Card US & Canada only

Please Use the Rafflecopter Form to enter

Good Luck!

#GIVEAWAY 9th annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza- Review The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

 

Welcome to day 1 of my holiday blog blast sponsored by the publisher that makes the world go round, Harlequin. Today I'm featuring my favorite genre romance author, Sarah Morgan who I started reviewing Waaay Back when she wrote for the Harlequin Presents line. Enjoy my review of her latest Christmas novel, The Christmas Escape it was amazing. Stop by and see what I thought and don't forget to enter the #Giveaway open for the entire bash.
Merry Christmas!

#Giveaway is for a

$25.00 Amazon digital

Gift Card US & Canada Only

Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter

Good luck!