A Trace of Poison by Colleen Cambridge

 

 A Trace of Poison (a Phyllida Bright Mystery) by Colleen Cambridge. Kensington Books, 2022. Adult mystery.

Perhaps you know Murder at Mallowan Hall, Colleen Cambridge's first book about Agatha Christie's fictional housekeeperand friend, sleuth Phyllida Bright? This second title is just as enticing!

Several famous mystery writers come together to host a Murder Fete to benefit the local orphanage and raise money for a new roof. There is a contest for wanna-be mystery writers. Of course, there is a murder! Famous or not, all the participants become suspects. Phyllida again has to put the clues together and solve the murder before anyone else is harmed. 

How to Stitch an American Dream by Jenny Doan

  How to Stitch an American Dream: A Story of Family, Faith & the Power of Giving by Jenny Doan with Mark Dagostino. Harper Horizon, 2022. Adult memoir.

Have you been looking for an inspiring, true story lately? Then, this is the book for you! Quilters around the world know Jenny Doan as the mom of the family who have all transformed sleepy little Hamilton, Missouri into the Disneyland of fabric. But, her story is an unexpected one. This is NOT how to make a quilt. It is an account of the Doan family, its ups and downs all included. Impulsive youthful decisions, finding love, staying true to a faith, raising kids and working with adults and community members in a highly successful business: all here and told with humor. Pick it up and read it through...you will not be disappointed even if you know nothing about quilting, Missouri, or the Doans! 

Three Things About Elsie: A Novel by Jo Anna Cannon.

 

Three Things About Elsie: A Novel by Jo Anna Cannon. Scribner, 2018. 370 pages, 49 chapters.

   Life at the Cherry Tree Home for the Elderly is not as simple as one might imagine. Florence Claybourne, 84, has fallen and relives her past as she waits to be rescued. So many things Florence can't remember clearly, but when Ronnie Butler has shown up recently, Florence recognizes him at once. But, Ronnie Butler drowned in 1953.

   Florence does well with three things at a time. Like Elsie is her best friend. And, Elsie knows what to say to make Florence feel better. And, the third thing, well, that's complicated.

   The book moves slowly, but surely...sort of like Florence's mind. The changing of the season, the unexpected kindnesses of others, even a trip to an ocean front holiday town, provide clues to Florence's life. A music store remembered, an ammonite fossil found, and new friends made all contribute to an extraordinary life indeed. 

The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose.

 

 The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose. Ballantine Books, an imprint orf Random House, 2022. Adult fiction. Mystery. 

Told by first person Molly Gray, this tale of her life is quirky and full of life. Until she finds Mr. Black dead in his hotel room, that is! Molly has always been a bit different, but her newly deceased Gran has taught her cleanliness, organization, and excellent manners. It's just that Molly is not great at people skills and evaluating friends. Working at the posh Regency Grand Hotel, she just wants to have a beau, make friends, and to represent the hotel hive as an efficient worker bee. But, who can Molly trust with information that may just lead to a killer?

The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick.

 

 The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick. Park Row Books, 2022. Adult fiction.

   Olivia Green, married mother of two teenagers, works three jobs as a cleaner. Her deceased father was an English professor and Liv loves to read. When famous (and her favorite!) author Essie Starling offered her a cleaning job three years ago, Liv jumped at the chance to know Essie better and learn from her. But, Essie is private and prickly. When Essie checks into a hospital and dies, only Liv and Essie's lawyer are to know about her death and are charged to keep that secret for six months. Essie also wrote instructions for Liv to complete Essie's 20th novel featuring Georgia Rory, a heroine worthy of Romancing the Stone. 

    Can Liv do it? Who knows Georgia better? But, Liv will find out things about Essie's life and learn new things about her own self before this adventure is done! 

The Florence Legacy: A Novel by Lauraine Snelling

 

 The Florence Legacy: A Novel by Lauraine Snelling. Faith Words, 2022. Adult fiction. Christian fiction. 

Bree and her friends have talked for years about their dreams of going to Italy. When Jade dies and leaves them each a gift that will enable them to travel and make those dreams come true, it seems just too good to be true. Bree's adult daughter has had problems and her son's family is expecting a new baby. Even Bree's romantic interest, Pierre Rene, is opening up a new coffee shop. But Bree seizes the day and leaves for Italy. The chapters in Italy read like a travelogue, but even there, things are not totally smooth. But, with God's help, love, friendships, and family come together for a memorable trip and life. 

Flying Solo: A Novel

 

 Flying Solo: A Novel by Linda Holmes. Ballantine Books (an imprint of Random House), 2022.  Adult Fiction. 

Linda Holmes revisits the small town of Calcasset, Maine in this tale about journalist Laurie Sassalyn who returns to her hometown to clean out the house of now deceased Great Aunt Dot. Laurie's best friend, June, and her former boyfriend, Nick, provide instant familiarity with the town again. Laurie grew up there, but moved to Seattle to escape complications of life. She has just called off her own wedding in Seattle and is facing being forty and alone. Laurie finds a hand carved wood duck and thus ensues a quest to learn if it's valuable, who made it, and why it is partially hidden at Dot's house. As town librarian, Nick is helpful in finding information, but readers can tell that it's Laurie he is interested in! A fun follow-up to Evvie Drake Starts Over, this book does stand alone.