Acts of Violets by Kate Collins
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Kate Collins is my favorite mystery author.
I would recommend this book to everybody who likes flowers, humor and a little romance with
their mysteries.
I like everything about this book.
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Single mother Violet is a real estate agent and keeps stirring up strange clients and even some unforeseen guests.  She must rely on friends to help her seek information of unusual nature.  There seems to be some surprises in store for Violet as she becomes more curious concerning peculiar happenings at the Mudder Brothers Funeral Home.  Violet's children and an old geezer keep this story lively.
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Unwrapping His Convenient Fianc&eacute;e by Melanie Milburne
Melanie Milburne writes fantastic books, you will not want to put it down and every now and then I find something in one that hits me and it is like she wrote those lines about me.
Violet Drummond had some bad experience back in college and since then she doesnt date and she is has this invitation with a plus one for this holiday season.
Cameron McKinnon has known the Drummond family for a long time. He is friends with one other Violets brothers. Now Cameron never till this past Easter looked at Violet as anything other than his friends sister.
Cameron agrees to Violet asking to go to that party if she will agree to meet one of his clients since the clients wife has roaming eyes on him.
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I am absolutely in love with this book. It is a must read. Author Violet Vaughn does such an amazing job.
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I really enjoyed the book, An Appetite for Violets. It kept my interest throughout, and I thought all the characters were well developed.
The resolution was especially good, almost all loose ends were tied up. The recipes were very interesting.
Biddy was consistently a character that I could admire. I did email Martine Bailey, and she told me to write this review. The book
was one of the best that I have read lately.
Mary Sue Kriner
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Katie Roiphes book THE VIOLET HOUR: GREAT WRITERS AT THE END is not like any other I have read.  She has chosen six famous writers, all very different from each other, and written about their final days,  intertwining their experiences and philosophies with her own. The title of the book comes from T. S. Eliots The Waste Land. She writes about Susan Sontag, Sigmund Freud, John Updike, Dylan Thomas, Maurice Sendak and James Salter, each unique and fascinating.

 The survivor of two serious bouts with cancer already, Sontag told herself and everyone around her that she was not dying. Although Freud had over thirty surgeries on his mouth because of cancer probably caused from smoking, he continued to smoke, and may have had a  physician-assisted suicide at the end.  Updike, diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, stopping the debilitating chemo after one around but continued writing poetry about dying as long as he was able.  Surely Dylan Thomas drank himself to death although his friends made efforts to convince the world that he didnt. (Im not sure exactly why.) Just days before his death, he slipped out of bed and went drinking, downing either eight or eighteen whiskeys, although the exact number probably isn't important.  The owner of Keats death mask, Sendak was obsessed with death his entire life as his books bear witness. (On a most ironic note, a dear friend in Missouri sent me a copy of Sendaks MY BROTHERS BOOK that Ms. Roiphe features in her chapter on him in honor of my own recently deceased only brother about the time I started this book.) And James Salter is the only writer whom she interviewed for the book. Although he appeared robust and in good health when Ms. Roiphe met him, he died in a heart attack, just having celebrated his ninetieth birthday, before she could get a copy of this book to him.

Ms. Roiphe has written a Prologue in  beautiful and as transparent-as-water prose (as is all her prose for that matter) as well as Notes and Resources where she informs us of the exhaustive research she has done on each of the writers she includes in this  book. One of my favorite passages of many from the Prologue: I don't believe that you can learn how to die, or gain wisdom, or prepare, and the work I have done on this book has, if anything, confirmed that suspicion, but I do think you can look at a death and be less afraid. She further muses that Secretly of course, reading through these deaths, what one wants to learn is how to avoid dying altogether. She know of course that that is not going to happen. Yes, each of us has an appointment in Samarra.
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When I saw the cover and read the blurb, I wanted so much to read Haunting Violet. The book itself more than lived up to the cover. I love historical fiction, mysteries, and a good love story, and Haunting Violet has all these things plus characters that draw you in.

The book opens with, "I was nine years old when my mother decided it was time I took part in the family business. I was pretty enough no, she said, that I might be of use. I'd grown into my ears and my long neck and might be clever enough to be handle myself. Besides which, she claimed, she had no other option."

As Violet tries to reconcile her mother's dodgy profession with her conscience, she is very aware of her place in the class structure and of her precarious position. The snubs, bullying, and the kindnesses all give us a better understanding of her strong character, her sense of fairness and integrity. Violet is a good friend - to Colin, to the highborn Elizabeth, and even to bullying Tabitha Wentworth. The mystery of Rebecca's death is carefully revealed. If you are partial to historical fiction, mysteries or love stories, you're sure to find Haunting Violet an engrossing and satisfying read!

Reading level: Young Adult
ISBN-10: 080279839X - Hardcover $16.99
Publisher: Walker Childrens; First Edition edition (June 21, 2011), 352 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.
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Vivian Schuyler has graduated from college and now has a job at the competitive Metropolitan magazine, much to the chagrin of her family who wish she would be more concerned about finding a husband, a wealthy husband by preference.  Shes bored in her new job as shes not taken as a serious writer.  All that is about to change when a package is delivered that will change her life forever.  Add to that the fact that a gorgeous hunk of a guy, Dr. Paul, and Vivian inadvertently crash into each other, beginning a tumultuous, sexy relationship as fraught with complexities as the material in the valise of that unexpected package.
Violet Schuyler Grant was a young, nave girl whom Dr. Walter Grant quickly wooed.  Violet was a brilliant scientist who got her first recognition from Walter.  Overwhelmed with gratefulness, she easily fell into his arms.  But something is wrong, at least to the perceptive reader, for Walter is a control freak and it appears that Violet is groomed to satisfy his unending sexual appetites.  It also seems it is she who is doing all the pivotal scientific work for which her husband gets credit.  Meanwhile, Violet and Walter are living in Europe, with her family having little to see and therefore little to comment upon.
Meanwhile, WWI is looming for Violet and it is 1964 for Vivian who now sets about to explore her Aunt Violets disappearance.  All that is known about the latter is the fact it was reported in the news that she killed her husband and escaped with her lover, to where no one knows.
This then is the story of Vivian whose lover makes a devils deal for money and abandons his great love for another woman.  Its also the story of spies, double agents, and killers who attempt to change the course of history at the onset of World War I.  The beginning of the novel proceeds at a slow rate but jettisons to riveting plots and counterplots as the story progresses.
The pages reveal an explicit diary documenting the insatiable appetites of one character while a young British army captain turns out to be so much more than any character in the story anticipated.  If you love mystery, intrigue, spies, murder, chaos, cheating lovers, and so much more, this is your next best springtime or summer read!  Beatriz Williams never disappoints with her deft plotting, twists and turns, and hearty, hot romance.  This is her best novel to date!!! Highly recommended!
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Venerable Violet is back again in another fashionable tale. This time, she's off to college after a deferred admission to Vassar. But even though she only wants to have a normal life now as she adjusts to college life and new outrageous but awesome friends, the fashion world is not far behind. Violet is still getting major criticism for gaining a few pounds, and she starts an internship at Teen Fashionista mainly because the magazine editor has always wanted a supermodel intern. In the midst of all this confusion about her self-image, modeling drama, and boy angst, Violet tries to find out who she really is.

I am a huge fan of Melissa Walker's first two Violet novels, and I was even more impressed with this amazing third. Violet is such a realistic character even though she's an international supermodel. She faces insecurities every day about her weight and her image, and even though she tries to overcome her wallflower tendencies, it's very difficult for her to break out of her protective shell. Violet grows so much stronger in this novel, because she begins to love herself for who she is (and not in the way Mirabella Prince's fake quote said) and stands for something that she truly believes in. Violet's story is really inspiring; it makes you appreciate all the good things in life and want to tell everyone to love themselves.

For me, the best novels are the kind that can inspire emotions through well-developed characters in a story. Violet in Private is a fantastic example of this. Violet is just so real, and I felt myself experiencing all of Violet's emotions through her story; when she was upset, I was too, and when she was depressed, I cried.

Melissa Walker's Violet series is a must-read for anyone who has insecurities. There's fun, fashion, romance, friendship, and most of all, learning to love yourself. Violet in Private is my favorite of the Violet series, but I also highly recommend the first two, Violet on the Runway and Violet by Design.
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I read Girl With a Pearl Earring last year, and it became my book of the year. It was therefor with great anticipation I bought this book, another book from Tracy Chevalier had to be another winner.
Falling Angels is from the time period the years following the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. Two families meet at a cemetery, and this meeting has great influence on both families' lives. The story is told through several voices, all the members of the families, but also people around them. All the time we follow the same story though, the life of these two families, and how they react upon changes in society.
Girl With a Pearl Earring is told through one girl only, and in the beginning I had problems with all the voices in this book. But as the story went on this became the perfect way to enlighten the points the book wanted to enlighten. The gravedigger boy had one story to tell, the girls of the two families other stories, still it is all woven into a whole, using a rich mixture of colors.
I love Chevalier's way of writing. What made me give this book a four star instead of a five was the development of the story. The firts half of the book built up a family story, quite interesting in itselves, but then when the book became more and more a book about the suffragettes it lacked connection with the first part. All in all the book has some very good points though, and as several other reviewers have pointed out, the last hundred pages has alot of surprises.
I look forward to the next book bu Tracy Chevalier.
Britt Arnhild Lindland
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Another artist I have not heard of. Some of the tunes remind me of early Sarah Maclachlan. Moving lyrics and nice arrangements. Lots of emotion in her vocals too. I am really a fan of Kate and I think this is a superb album
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Ninepins was published on 19 April 2012 and is Rosy's fifth novel, and her first to be published by Sandstone Press.

The story is set in the Cambridgeshire Fens, and the Ninepins of the title is home to single-mother Laura and her 12 year old daughter Beth. Laura and Beth have been alone since Beth's father Simon left when she was just a small baby. Laura earns a little extra income by renting out the pumphouse in her garden as student accommodation. Her latest tenant is 17 year old Willow, a care-leaver with something of a mysterious past.

Rosy Thornton is expert at creating a real sense of place with her words, the vast and desolate, yet beautiful Fens of Cambridgeshire are brought to life in this story, the reader can almost feel the chill and the damp air when reading her description of the landscape.
Descriptive scenery however, are not her only gift; her creation of three very different, yet extremely strong female characters is excellent. Laura, Beth and Willow; the adult, the teen and the child are the perfect cast of characters to play out what is often a fairly tense story. Beth's anguish as she starts secondary school and encounters the 'politics' of pre-pubescent girls is at times heart-breaking, and although it is well over 30 years since I experienced those feelings myself Rosy's writing really did bring some quite harsh memories back. Beth's internal battles with herself - whether to appear 'cool' to her new peers or to obey her mother Laura are so so real, as are Laura's feelings when she realises that her little girl is growing up and no longer is she the centre of her world.
Add Willow, with her vulnerability covered by harsh words to this mix and Rosy Thornton has served up a novel with many themes.
I enjoyed Ninepins very much, it is very different in style to The Tapestry of Love, showing the diversity of Rosy Thornton's writing ability.
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I like Kate White and haven't ready for a while.  This was a good one to get back into reading.  Looking forward to reading more.
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Ireland historical fiction with light romance and lots of action.  The story is about Darcy McBride a beautiful, headstrong, independent woman.  This novel has adventure, mysteries,  lot of twist and turns, action, passion, and love, it is a very clean novel.  Darcy got involved in smuggling Brandy into Ireland.  The men that were involved were hung.  Darcy being a women was sent to the English Colonies in America to serve as an indentured slave for seven years.  This book is Amanda Hughes Debut book.  I was hooked from page 1.  It was hard to put down.  A Great novel.
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The Violets of March was a beautiful romance novel with a touch of mystery.  This story captured my heart from beginning to end.  I really liked the love story within the love story that was the premise of this novel.  I walked away from this book with a smile... what more can you ask for!!
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I have read the Violets of March, Blackberry Winter, and the Bungalow.  So far this is my favorite book by Sarah Jio, although I have enjoyed all her books.  I love how this story comes together in such a beautiful way at the end.  Highly recommended!!
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Faith, Hope and Charity are 3 sisters who live in Busby-on-Sea. Together with their good friend Niall they spend a lot of their time on the beach, diving, exploring and just having a good time together. Faith dreams about submerged forests. She wants to find and visit them all and wants to travel the world. She even made a map including all of the places she wants to go to. When a tragic accident prevents her from living her dream the secrets start. Or have they even started before that?

Hope is the quiet one. She's always writing poems and she's looking out for everyone else. Just before tragedy happens she has her chance to maybe become a published poet, but Hope puts her own dreams aside so she can be the pillar that everybody needs.

Charity is the youngest of the three girls. She loves to dive and spend time with her sisters. Charity also has a secret crush on Niall. When he returns her feelings their young love grows. She leaves her home for studies and to find a job. Charity goes back to Busby-on-Sea when she is made redundant at work. She makes a vow that she will visit all the places on Faith's map.

 The story of the three sisters takes place many years ago. It is there where the secrets start. It is up to Willow to unravel the story. Even when maybe some secrets are better left buried. Willow is Charity's daughter. She is devastated when she loses her parents at a young age. Willow lived with her aunt Hope until she was old enough to explore the world. She is a very skilled diver and helps to secure shipwrecks. One of the most challenging dives are up ahead when she will be helping to secure the sunken ship that once belonged to her parents. Her mother's handbag is found on the ship and inside Willow finds a silver necklace with the letters C and N. When she also gets an invitation to go to the Charity exposition from Niall she has no choice but to seek the truth.

My Sister's Secret had me hooked since the very first chapter. I could picture the three sisters perfectly in my mind. They're all so different, but are full of love for one another. Also being a diver myself I loved reading about their dives and about the submerged forests. I can imagine they must be quite a sight.

Tracy Buchanan has done an amazing job in keeping the story interesting. Giving just bits and pieces throughout the story instead of giving them all at the end. Every time I thought I figured it out she threw me off balance with some new information. Many times I thought oh please don't go there because some of the secrets were so sad. It really gave me heartaches many times. The ending was stunning. I was actually a bit sad that I finished this book. I must say that I can't imagine forgetting this story anytime soon. It really was that good.