Top Ten Tuesday -- Top Ten Favorite Books of 2017

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list that one of our bloggers here at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a fun way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

My list features books that I not only gave a high rating, but would also reread again in a heartbeat!

1. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
2. The Roanoke Girls by Amy Engel
3. The Second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
4. Kentucky on the Rocks by Gwendolyn Grace
5. Bone Deep by Bonnie Dee (Read this book twice this year!!)
6. Imperfect Chemistry by Mary Frame
7. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
8. The Vegetarian by Han Kang
9. Juliet Takes A Breath by Gabby Rivera
10. Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks

Which books were your favorites in 2017??

Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy

Cozy Mystery Novella

I enjoy reading cozy mystery novels, so I decided to read Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy, which is a novella approximately 162 pages in length.

Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy is the first novella in the 'Mom and Christy's Cozy Mysteries' series.

I was able to download Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy.

I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery novella featuring a mother daughter duo who are caterers and also amateur sleuths! I did think it was a bit odd that the mom, Jo, did seem to know things with so much certainty that it was a tad over the top... Or how Jo was able to get the murderer to confess to murder in front of a police detective was also a bit over the top as well... However, Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy did make for an entertaining read, so I will give it that.

The following is a plot summary for Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy from Amazon:

What do you get when you combine mango cake, murder, and Mom?

An unlikely recipe for a better life!

When Mom convinces Christy to ditch her "lousy" job and help with the catering business, their fledgling partnership suffers a few setbacks. One of them can't cook, they're short a catering van, and the guest of honor at their first party is murdered.That would be bad enough, but then, Christy's cousin, Celia, becomes the prime suspect.

Solving a murder is no easy task, but when drunken death threats, a dashing detective, and terrifying taxidermy are added into the mix, the case becomes almost impossible to crack. Who knew a small town like Fletcher Canyon could be filled with so much craziness?

Will the disaster-prone duo find the real killer before Celia's reputation is destroyed, or will Celia end up in prison for murder? Find out in this quick comedy cozy!

This novella is the first book in the Mom and Christy's Cozy Mysteries series, and is a complete mystery that you can read in an hour or two. It does NOT contain strong language or graphic violence. But it does contain a cute cat!

I am giving Mango Cake and Murder by Christy Murphy a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my nest post, happy reading!

Bookcrossing Goodies + New Book!

As usual, I am feeling blessed to be part of the Bookcrossing community! 

Over the weekend, I received a small package of goodies from another Bookcrosser in Pennsylvania, who sent me a bunch of Bookcrossing supplies and also the novel from my reading wishlist titled, The True Story of Hansel and Gretel: A Novel of War and Survival by Louise Murphy. How cool is that!?

Mistletoe and Fire Glow by Nicole R. Locker

Christmas Themed Short Story

It's the count down to Christmas, so I couldn't resist reading some holiday themed short stories!

I read Mistletoe and Fire Glow by Nicole R. Locker, which is a short story approximately 25 pages in length that I was able to download for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Mistletoe and Fire Glow by Nicole R. Locker.

This is a cute Christmas themed short story, which features two people that meet through a blind date and start a romance... But of course a misunderstanding happens along the way! The writing is good... The characters are fun. I liked this short story quite a bit. This short story features a lot of Christmas songs and there is even a playlist on Spotify for this short story, which I found to be unique.

The following is a plot summary for Mistletoe and Fire Glow by Nicole R. Locker from Amazon:

A jilted blind date turns into an unexpected chance meeting for Cordi, but when she runs into the same, handsome stranger at her friend's Christmas party, all bets are off.

A sweet, holiday romance full of hope, wonder, and holiday cheer. Follow Cordi as she learns to believe in Christmas miracles when a chance meeting turns into something more.

I am giving Mistletoe and Fire Glow by Nicole R. Locker a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson

Christmas Themed Short Story

More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson is a holiday themed short story approximately 34 pages in length, which I was able to download for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson.

I really liked reading More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson! The two main characters, Evelyn & Foster, are fun! I liked Renee Ericson's writing and the witty, engaging dialogue between the characters themselves, especially the two main characters. The storyline and plot kept me engaged from the very start of this holiday themed short story.

The following is a plot summary for More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson from Amazon:

A night with five of their closest friends was all that Evelyn and Foster had planned for when they decided to take part in a holiday progressive dinner party. However, when an unexpected guest makes an appearance and throws Evelyn off her game, it’s up to Foster to bring her back to her senses. His plan involves a little more than kisses.

A More Than Water short story complete with sexy times and a hair fetish, told from the dual POV of Evelyn and Foster.

I am giving More Than Kisses by Renee Ericson a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta

Christmas Themed Short Story

It's the count down to Christmas, so I couldn't resist reading some holiday themed short stories!

I read Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta, which is a Christmas themed short story approximately 26 pages in length that I was able to download for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta.

Alright, so I am sucker for holiday themed reads!! I also couldn't resist a short story set in Hawaii... I mean really, who wouldn't want to be somewhere warm and tropical this time of year? 

As far as, Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta goes, I thought it was okay. A bit more sophomoric than I would have liked, but a nice way to escape during the holiday season.

Below is the plot summary for Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta from Amazon:

Kalea has been warned repeatedly about the temporary nature and heartbreaking consequences of falling for a handsome tourist passing through her little slice of Hawaiian paradise.
Will the fear of being hurt keep her from experiencing all of the delightful surprises that life has to offer?

Or will the trifecta of gorgeous Russ, a freak storm, and an unforgettable Christmas allow her to open her heart to the possibility of finding her happily-ever-after ending?

This sweet and romantic short story is part of The Escape Series, which includes the Kindle Scout winning book, Getting Lei'd, as well as its prequel novella, Aloha, Baby!, and the follow-up novel, Cruising for Love. You can read and enjoy these books in any order!

I am giving Coconutty Christmas Holiday In Hawaii by Ann Omasta a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Fruitcake by Caren Rich

It's the count down to Christmas, so I couldn't resist reading some holiday themed short stories!

I read The Fruitcake by Caren Rich, which is a short story approximately 12 pages in length that I was able to download for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Fruitcake by Caren Rich.

I liked this funny holiday themed reading with a twist for an ending. The writing and storyline are fun.

The following is the plot summary for The Fruitcake by Caren Rich from Amazon:

A humorous short story about the dreaded holiday classic. Retirement's not what Robert expected. His wife feeds him twigs and is afraid of mailbox bombs. If that's not enough a fruitcake shows up on his doorstep. Fruitcakes may be a Southern tradition, but it's one Robert can do without. Find out how he deals with the holiday classic.

I am giving The Fruitcake by Caren Rich a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Revenge by Emily Josephine

Short Story

Revenge by Emily Josephine is a short story approximately 17 pages in length that I was able to download to my Kindle for FREE from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of Revenge by Emily Josephine.

This was an easy, breezy light read to pass the time. Although, I enjoyed reading Revenge by Emily Josephine overall, it was predictable. 

The following is a plot summary for Revenge by Emily Josephine from Amazon:

I am not a country-clubbing kind of woman. In fact, I’d rather get a root canal than mingle with the kind of women that socialize at country clubs. I don’t fit in with them. I am what you might call unconventional when it comes to the mainstream ideas of beauty and fashion. But when my best friend – and cousin’s wife – Marilyn invites me to her pool party with her country club friends, I kind of have to accept.

First, my children and I have been staying with her and my cousin for the past month while my husband has been away. So we’re already at her house. It would be kind of awkward not to show up in her backyard. Besides, the kids love to swim.
Second, my husband is coming home today, and I have nothing else to do while I’m waiting for him.
As I predicted, one of Marilyn’s country club buddies immediately begins to find fault with me. Then another comes to join her in her subtle insults. At least the third who shows up is actually nice, and begins to stick up for me.

But, whatever. Let the snooty, perfectly manicured, new-hairstyle-every-week women look down on me. Because my husband will be here soon, and when he shows up, I will get sweet revenge…and they will get the shock of their lives.

I am giving Revenge by Emily Josephine a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx

eBook Short Story

The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx is a short story approximately 22 pages in length that I was about to download fro FREE to my Kindle from Amazon.

Below is my honest, unbiased review of The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx.

The Outlaw Women is the first thing I can ever recall reading by author, Amber Foxx. The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx is an introductory short story to the Mae Martin Psychic Mystery Series, which I'd never heard of until now. 

Although, I can't say that I fell in love with The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx, I am curious enough now to want to read Mae Martin Psychic Mystery Series.

The following is a plot summary for The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx from Amazon:

Folk healer and seer Rhoda-Sue Outlaw Jackson knows her time on earth is running out when she hears the voice of her late husband telling her she has only but so many heartbeats left. She’s had a troubled relationship with her daughter, and has little hope of passing on her extraordinary gifts, either to this difficult daughter or to her granddaughter. With the final hour around the corner, she brings her family together for one more try. Can she leave the world at peace with them, as well as with her legacy?

This short story prequel to the Mae Martin Psychic Mystery Series introduces Mae at age ten, as seen through the eyes of her grandmother

I am giving The Outlaw Women by Amber Foxx a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!

Two Flash Fiction Reads by Annaliese Lemmon

Every so often I enjoy reading flash fiction, especially when I don't have a lot of time to read because I am commuting, waiting around, etc.

I recently read two flash fiction reads by Annaliese Lemmon. I read Disability, Death, Or Other Circumstances and The Gift Of Tongues. 

I read the digital version of each of these flash fiction reads and was able to download them for FREE to my Kindle from Amazon. Below is my honest, unbiased read for each short read.

A 400 word work of flash fiction.

Too fast of a read for me.

I liked the premise of this story,

but would have loved to see it flushed

out a bit more.

Below is a blurb about Disability, Death,

Or Other Circumstance from Amazon:

Count your blessings, they say. Overcome trials with humor, they say. This Mormon housewife is trying, but having her husband transformed Kafka-esque into a giant rabbit is still hard to deal with.

This is a 600 word work of flash fiction.

Too fast of a read for me.

I liked the premise of this story,

but would have loved to see it flushed

out a bit more.

Below is a blurb about The Gift Of Tongues

from Amazon:

Sister Morgan has a gift of tongues, but it is not helping her to learn Spanish on her mission. Then a bird flies to her window, offering to exchange her ability to speak with animals for a gift of her choosing, including the ability to know Spanish. Sister Morgan doesn’t believe that exchange is worth it, but what would be?

I am giving Disability, Death, Or Other Circumstances by Annaliese Lemmon a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars. I am also giving The Gift Of Tongues by Annaliese Lemmon a rating of 2 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!