Illusion Town

This new novel, Illusion Town, is one of Jayne Castle's futuristic romance series, set on the planet of Harmony. Her books are readable as all the rest and wonderfully addictive. It can pull you right in with no effort at all.
In this paranormal romance, the characters, Hannah and Elias are powerful, both of them used to getting their way. Elias is the son of a very rich magical family, and Hannah an orphan with two loving, eccentric aunts. The two talked online for about two months prior to their date and marriage, but they are practically strangers tied together in very stressful circumstances.
You will get to experience underground catacombs, mysterious villains, true love, and a dust bunny combined to make this book a reading candy. *JK*

Murder in Maine

Hope and Maggie are friends who are testing the waters for future travel plans. They decide to take a week-long cooking class at the quaint Oquossoc Mountain Inn in Maine. Coincidentally, Buster, Hope’s distant son is working in town as a deputy sheriff. Things become interesting very quickly with the arrival of the Antippas clan---family to one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Alex Antippas manages to upset everyone and get Cherry, the front desk clerk, fired. When he turns up dead in a suspicious fire, Cherry is the number one suspect. Hope and Maggie decide to do some sleuthing one their own to prove her innocence. If you like twists, turns, and an array of querky characters Death  At Breakfast by Beth Gutcheon is for you! DB

Not Just Jars!

Whether you can garden goodies or not, you are probably very familiar with Mason jars. They originated in Europe over 200 years ago. They were patented in the United States in 1858. The best part about them is the many ways they can be used. Mason Jar Nation: the jars that changed America and 50 clever ways to use them today  by Joann Moser tells all about the history and collection of jars and includes 50 creative projects. Crafts include storage, kitchen and lighting ideas. Very savvy! DB

Healthy and Happy

Danny Seo is a regular contributor to Today Show, and founder of Naturally, Danny Seo, a magazine. He advocates for a green and healthy lifestyle and his new cookbook, Naturally,Delicious, 100 Recipes For Healthy Eats That Make You Happy is another product espousing those values. In the introduction, Mr Seo talks about the healthy pantry, what one needs to keep on hand. Did you know organic milk is sterilized at a higher temperature than regular milk so it lasts longer? He talks about the "greenest" products, like using unbleached parchment paper vs. regular.
Lots of lovely pictures grace these pages with many healthy recipes. For breakfast, how about smoked salmon toast with kale dill yogurt? Or buckwheat pancakes with sauteed apples? Meat is not neglected, hence, braised grass fed beef ragu with creamy polenta. And, of course many innovative vegetable and grain recipes. I liked the chapter that featured teas, juices, and smoothies, a bit unusual. Something for everyone, and healthy too! ML

Don't Tempt Me

Don't Tempt Me is the first book of the series by Lori Foster. It's a contemporary romance set in a small town and the story features two couples in a single book. Don't Tempt Me can definitely get you hooked from the very first page. You will immediately fall in love with Honor Brown and Lexie Perkins. As best friends, they certainly get along, but they also couldn't be more different to one another. While Honor is a little more reserved and independent, Lexie is seen as more of the party girl.

Don't Tempt Me is sweet, sexy and funny. It has all the things you will look for in a contemporary romance. *JK*

More Pate and Wine?

 Our favorite French policeman, Bruno, is back.  Fatal Pursuit is Martin Walker's  ninth in the series, and as usual, Bruno is in the middle of the action. The village is staging a classic car rally, and when a woman finds her husband dead, Bruno suspects it may be more than a heart attack. There is also all the aspects we read the story for, wonderful meals concocted by Bruno, his cast of friends, and oh yeah, the love interest. A lovely series with just enough edge. ML

The Dark Truth

Allison used to be Esme. She used to live in a crooked house in a remote town on the English coast. Then everything changed. She moved away, changed her name and tried to become anonymous. Things were just fine until her boyfriend Paul invites her to go to a wedding in her old hometown. She decides to go but is not prepared for the haunting nightmares that resurface. After 13 years the time has come for Allison to confront her past. The Crooked House by Cristobel Kent is a dark thriller about deep secrets and Allison’s search for the truth. You can run but you can’t hide. DB