I had some fun a few months ago interviewing a few wonderful people that I've had the privilege of befriending through the shared love of reading. I'd like to share one with you now.  

Please enjoy my interview with bibliophile 

April Schilling!

LKBR: Hi April! It’s great having you here!

AS: Hi Lisa!  I’m thrilled to be here!

LKBR: What was the first cozy mystery you read?

AS:  I think my first cozy was The Cornbread Killer by Lou Jane Temple

LKBR: How did you learn about cozy mysteries?

AS:   My husband actually bought that first book cause the cover made him snicker and he thought I’d like it.  He was right!

LKBR: How long have you been reading cozies?

AS:  About 15 yrs or so.

LKBR: What does reading cozies mean to you? How do they make you feel?

AS:  I like reading them.  They are ususally about small towns and involve a small group of friends or a family group.  It’s nice to read about people working together to protect each other or solve the mystery.  I have a wonderful husband and a best friend that I’m practically joined at the hip to.  Reading about other groups in the cozies makes me think about us and smile.

LKBR: Cozy mysteries often feature pets. Do you have any pets of your own? If yes, what are they?

AS:  I’m afraid I don’t have any pets.  I love animals but, we have a small apartment that doesn’t really allow animals.

LKBR: Do you leave reviews? If yes, for all the books you read or just the ones you liked?

AS: I do leave reviews which is a new thing for me.  I am part of Joyce and Jim Lavene’s review crew and that started me on doing reviews.  After that, I started leaving them for almost all of the books that I read.

LKBR: What has your experience in the Facebook cozy community been like for you?

AS:  It has been so nice to make new friends!  I’ve really enjoyed getting to know other cozy readers and sharing my likes and interests with them.  I’ve not had a bad experience so far and don’t expect to.

LKBR: What other genres do you enjoy reading?

AS:  I also read sci-fi, horror and fantasy.  Some paranormal as well. 

LKBR: Bookstores, on-line shopping, or libraries . . . which is your favorite way to acquire your books?

AS:  I honestly enjoy all three.  I get some of my older books online but, I have a cute independent bookstore here in Taunton that I love getting newer books from.  They all know me there and get worried if I haven’t come in for a while hehe!  I go to the library to try out new series or books I can’t find otherwise.  I also get a lot of my audio books from there.  The librarians are great!

LKBR: Print or eBook. Which do you prefer?

AS:  I prefer print books.  I do own a Kindle and it’s wonderful for when I travel.  It’s nice not to have a take a backpack full of paperbacks on vacation.

LKBR: Do you enter in giveaways for books? If yes, have you ever won anything?

AS:  I do.  My first was from the Cozy Chicks quite a while ago.  I won a lovely bag full of books and other goodies. 

LKBR: If you could say anything to your favorite author (you don’t have to name her/him), what would you say?

AS:  Picking a favorite author is way too hard hehe!  I am friends with most of the authors that I enjoy and I was able to have lunch with Joyce and Jim Lavene recently which was so much fun! (Lisa's Note:This interview was done several months before the sudden passing of author Joyce Lavene)  

LKBR: What do you do when you’re not reading?

AS:  I crochet and knit, play some online video games with my gaming family or watch movies with my hubby.  My best friend and I have epic Girl Days sometimes which is always fun hehe!  I also try to update my Etsy store.  I don’t have a lot in there but, it’s something to try to help keep the amount of blankets and scarves in the house to a minimum.  I’m going to make the things whether or not anything sells and I’ve given something to practically everyone I know J

LKBR: What are three things people would find interesting and/or fun about you?

AS:  I wasn’t sure on this one so, I asked my husband.  He said I’m in a category all on my own so I can’t really be categorized.  I’m always thinking outside of the box and I have a wonderful imagination. My best friend says that I am what she thinks of when someone mentions the Mother Goddess hehe!  

My nickname is Casey after a character in the movie The Return of the Living Dead.  When the movie came out, I was 13 yrs old and we had to have my friend’s brother take us.  I was really into the whole punk/new wave scene and my friends thought I looked like Casey.  The name stuck J

LKBR: Thank you, April. I loved learning more about you. Happy reading!

AS:  Thanks for having me, this was a lot of fun!  Happy reading!

Keep checking back for more 

bibliophile interviews!

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Author 

Catherine Bruns  

has a new book out and wants to celebrate with a

GIVEAWAY! 

Catherine is giving away one copy of her book  

KILLER TRANSACTION

Book 1 in the Cindy York Mystery series

From #1 bestselling cozy mystery author Catherine Bruns comes a brand new series... 

Real estate deals can be murder. All struggling real estate agent Cindy York wants is the home listing that was promised to her. But her deceitful co-worker, Tiffany Roberts, has other ideas, and she always manages to get what she wants. Tired of being manipulated, Cindy tells her to back off—or else! But when Cindy stumbles upon Tiffany’s lifeless body, she suddenly finds herself front and center in a deadly investigation. Now everyone from her kids' classmates to her monstrous mother-in-law is sold on the idea that Cindy's guilty. Determined to find out who's trying to frame her, Cindy enlists the help of her best buddy, Jacques, to negotiate a slew of suspects, a host of clues, and an office full of cutthroat agents...before the next contract is out on her! 

"Lock up your house before you begin Killer Transaction. You'll want no interruptions once you start this fast-paced tale of murder, family issues, and competitive real estate sales. A quick, enjoyable read!" —Nancy J. Cohen, bestselling author of the Bad Hair Day Mysteries

"Killer Transaction is killer fun! With a heroine I couldn't help routing for and a plot that kept me guessing until the end, Catherine Bruns has penned another winner!" —Gemma Halliday, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

 "Catherine Bruns closes the deal with this fantastic cozy. I loved everything about this story from the characters to the plot, the setting and the pace. I cannot wait to see what adventures Cindy gets up to next. If you enjoy your cozy with strong heroines and interesting circumstances this is a must read." —Night Owl Reviews, Top Pick! 

!!!GIVEAWAY!!!

Giveaway is open to both US and CANADA

US winner - choice of print or Kindle copy

Canadian winner - Kindle copy only

Use the Rafflecopter form at the end of post to enter

EXCERPT 

Cindy York’s your typical married mom of three. She makes dinner every night, cleans up after the dog, and attempts to sell houses to disinterested clients. She also finds dead bodies. More specifically, the body of co-worker Tiffany Roberts, who Cindy threatened earlier in the day when the woman stole her house listing.

The following is an excerpt from Cindy visiting her twins’ school on Career Day.

I reached into my briefcase and brought out the packages of candy with my real estate card attached. I began to hand them out to the children.

Tyler observed his package with care. "My mom and dad aren't buying another house, Mrs. York."

This kid was priceless. "Yes, I'm aware of that. Why don't you tell them to hang on to the card, okay? They might know someone who wants to buy a house later on."

"Well, there was only Aunt Leslie, and I don't think she likes real estate agents anymore."

I chose to ignore his last comment and kept distributing the packages while glancing at the classroom clock. It's almost over, hang in there.

"I can't take this." A little girl with solemn, brown eyes and matching braids that hung over her shoulders waved her hand at me.

I raised my eyebrows. "Is there something wrong with the candy?"

"No, it's not that. My mother doesn't allow me to take candy from strangers—or killers."

"Elizabeth!" Mrs. White gasped. "You apologize to Mrs. York right now."

Elizabeth wore a pained expression on her face. "I'm really sorry you're a killer, Mrs. York."

Mrs. White groaned. "That isn't what I meant."

Lisa frowned at her package. "How come there's no good candy in here? I don't like the cheap stuff."

Mrs. White watched me with hesitation. I nodded to let her know I was okay. I could handle anything now or so I thought.

"Why do they call jail cells a slammer?" Elizabeth wanted to know. "Is that because people get slammed around a lot? Do they beat you up in there?"

"I'm not sure. I've never been in prison."

"Not yet," Elizabeth reminded me.

I wiped at my perspiring forehead and glanced hopefully at the clock—again. It was 11:15. Thank goodness—time to go.

Another hand shot through the air, and the chubby blonde met my gaze. "Mrs. York, you should watch out. My mom said people can catch all kinds of diseases from those jail cells."

I had never been so relieved to leave the twins' classroom before. I'd finally been paroled but nonetheless, managed a wide grin for the children. "Time for me to go now, kids. I have an appointment to show someone a few houses this afternoon."

"If they won't buy, will you threaten them with a gun?" Tyler nearly bounced out of his seat with excitement.

"That will be quite enough." Mrs. White mopped at her forehead with a handkerchief. She'd probably have to go on stress leave for a week after my visit.

Elizabeth raised her hand but didn't wait for either Mrs. White or me to acknowledge her. "Why do people still want you to show them houses? I mean, aren't you going to be locked up soon?"

"My mom's not going to prison," Seth insisted. "She never hurt anyone."

Stevie nodded. "Yeah. And even if she does go to jail, the guards will let her come home at night to make dinner for us."

My headache was back. I picked up my purse and briefcase and started for the door. "Well, guys, thanks. This was, um, interesting."

Mrs. White smiled, obviously relieved to be rid of me. "Let's all say thank you to Mrs. York for coming in today."

I received a chorus of "thank you" and "I want to go to your house" as I nodded good-bye to Stevie and Seth, who both gave me thumbs up.

"Good luck in prison," Elizabeth said. "Maybe we can come visit you."

I sighed. "I'm not going to prison, Elizabeth."

"Will you get your picture on TV and in the paper?" Lisa asked.

"Maybe they'll put you in one of those reality shows," the chubby blonde volunteered.

 "Miss Roberts wasn't a nice lady," Tyler said thoughtfully, "but my dad told me she was smoking. Does that mean she liked cigarettes?"

"If you say one more word, you're going down to see the principal," Mrs. White threatened.

MY REVIEW

I’m new to the writing of Catherine Bruns, this being the second book I’ve read by the author, but I already find her to be an excellent writer and look forward to reading more books from her.

KILLER TRANSTION follows Cindy York, real estate agent, wife, and mother. She’s very much a meet-her-in-the-world-everyday sort of character. Meaning, the readers will find they ether know someone like her or that they are just like her themselves…..but without finding dead bodies. ;-)

This was a fast paced read that I read in one setting. The story has a great flow, moving from scene to scene and chapter to chapter without many “wasted words” (you know what I mean- things like drawn out descriptions). And with every twist and question that came up, Ms. Bruns kept me guessing until the surprising, action filled reveal!

If you’re looking for a fun whodunit, give KILLER TRANSACTION a try!

You can purchase KILLER TRANSACTION

through Amazon

Paperback

Kindle

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Catherine of Facebook

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let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by 

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GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I've finally reviewed two of my favorite books. 

For some reason they kept getting set aside. 

I just know you'll love these as much as I do.

Welcome to Torte-a friendly, small-town family bake shop where the treats are so good that, sometimes, it's criminal...

After graduating from culinary school, Juliet Capshaw returns to her quaint hometown of Ashland, Oregon, to heal a broken heart and help her mom at the family bakery. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is bringing in lots of tourists looking for some crumpets to go with their heroic couplets. But when one of Torte's customers turns up dead, there's much ado about murder...

The victim is Nancy Hudson, the festival's newest board member. A modern-day Lady Macbeth, Nancy has given more than a few actors and artists enough reasons to kill her...but still. The silver lining? Jules's high school sweetheart, Thomas, is the investigator on the case. His flirtations are as delicious as ever, and Jules can't help but want to have her cake and eat it too. But will she have her just desserts? Murder might be bad for business, but love is the sweetest treat of all...

MY REVIEW

MEET YOUR BAKER is a sweet slice of mystery!

From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to learn more about it. After reading the blurb on the back I was sold. I’m thrilled to say, MEET YOUR BAKER was not only everything I hoped it would be, it surpassed my expectations!

Author Ellie Alexander is an incredible writer who literally had me hooked on page one. The easy flow of Ms. Alexander’s prose was hypnotic to me. That may sound over the top to you, but it’s honestly how I felt.

The setting of Ashland, Oregon with the quaint streets and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival made me feel like I had found me home. And walking into to Torte, protagonist Juliet “Jules” Capshaw’s family bakery, I was enveloped in a sense of belonging. With every new character introduced, it was like being in the company of family and friends.

The mystery in this story was very well done. Lots of questions leading to more intriguing questions. And the ending was such an exciting, action filled reveal. Author Alexander really has a way of making the reader feel part of her story.

MEET YOUR BAKER was one I truly didn’t want to end. One of those books that made me feel there was no way the next book I picked up could be half as good. Ms. Alexander, you have a true fan in me and I look forward to your next tasty treat!

This book is not to be missed. I have no doubt after you read it, each new book in the series will be at the top of your wish list!

Make sure to check out the back of the book for amazing recipes and an excerpt from book two in the Bakeshop mysteries, A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the coffee is hot, the muffins are fresh, and the cakes are definitely to die for...

It's autumn in Ashland, Oregon-'tis the season for a spiced hot apple cider with a serving (or two) of Torte's famous peach cobbler. It's also the perfect time for Jules Capshaw to promote her family's beloved bake shop by competing in The Pastry Channel's reality show, Take the Cake. The prize is $25,000. But as Jules quickly learns, some people would kill for that kind of dough. Literally.

Then, just as Jules dusts off her Bavarian Chocolate Cake recipe and cinches up her apron, the corpse of a fellow contestant is discovered-death by buttercream. What began as a fun, tasteful televised adventure has morphed into something of a true-crime detective show for Jules and everybody else on set. Who could have killed Chef Marco, and why? Can Jules sift out the killer before someone else gets burned?

MY REVIEW

5 eggs, 5 cups of sugar, 5 cups of flour, but 10 stars for A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. It was one I was most looking forward to this year. It was worth the wait! I loved every minute of it! I gushed, and raved about the first book in this series, MEET YOUR BAKER, so I won’t get all gushy this time…but I will rave! A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH is one of my top three favorite book of 2015!

There is not one thing I don’t like about author Ellie Alexander’s writing. Her words transport me into her story. I can hear every sound, and smell every smell. I honestly feel as though I have walked the streets of Ashland, Oregan. Just like I have sat at a table in Torte and shared pastry and coffee with Jules and her mother. I ached to get into the kitchen with them and help them bake their amazing confections! Okay, I started gushing, didn’t I? ;-)

A BATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH focused on a reality cooking show. My sister and I watch them all, so it was fun to feel part of one and see how they may run behind the scenes. But you know, without murder on the set. But murder this book did have. For lead character Jules, finding a dead body may not have been fun, but the way the body was found was delightfully sweet for mystery fans such as myself.

A truly wonderful whodunit, the one thing this story had more of than delicious food…suspects. Seriously, I simply couldn’t even narrow it down, but author Alexander leads us through the investigation like the pro she is and total caught me off guard with the killer.

Make sure to check out the Bakeshop Mystery series! You’re going to love it!

Wonderful recipes and an excerpt from book three, ON THIN ICING, can be found at the back of the book! 

Both books are available now!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Coming December 29, 2015

Book 3 in the Bakeshop Mystery series 

Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.

It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.

As always, please leave a comment and 

let me know what you think!

Follow my blog by 

clicking on the link in the 

upper right hand corner of this page.