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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack

You have a chance to win a copy of Banana Split.

Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2012

Paperback: 372 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Goodreads Summary: "Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she'll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her."

My Review

Sadie is having a rough time. All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it's toll. Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier. Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist. He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that. Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.

"Go outside every day.

Eat fruit every day.

Talk to Pete every day.

Do something brave every day." Page 51

When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy. Sadie finds a list of Charlie's that he left at her house. That spurs her into action.

This is another strong offering from Josi. The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone. Sadie is a different person in his book. She is hurting, mentally and physically. It's quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her. What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady. Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety. She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet. Gayle helps her see that it's okay to let someone else help her, too.

5 out of 5 stars. Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some purchase links as well.


NOW FOR A GIVEAWAY!

One lucky follower will win an autographed copy of Banana Split. All you have to do is follow this blog, and comment that you are a follower.
Easy as pie, or a banana split.
US ONLY. Ends Saturday, midnight.
Good Luck!

17 comments:

  1. Already a follower, and I'd love to read this book. Even if it didn't take place on Kaua'i--where I've already been twice this year. And the WIP I'm editing takes place. =D

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  2. Now following! Good luck to all those enter to win.

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  3. Cool blog Mindy! Gotta be a follower!

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  4. OH WOW! You have my dream job (hobby?)! Anyway, I'm a follower. BIG TIME. :)

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  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  6. Just started following tonight. I am glad to read your review as I just saw this book in the Deseret Catalog yesterday and was wondering. Thanks, Carol Lynn Rainbolt

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  7. Your blog is awesome! Your reviews are always so great! Thanks to you and your recommendations I have a ton of books to not only read but to enjoy! Thanks Mindy! :)

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  8. My girls and I will love follow your blog! Whitney :-)

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  9. I am already a follower and I would love to read this...love ya!

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  10. I am now a follower. Thanks for letting me know about your site!
    Lyndsey Fox

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  11. I'm a follower as well. And YAY! I did something this morning. ;)

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  12. I'm now officially a follower. :)

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  13. I am follower an I cannot wit to read it!

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