Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson -- Blog tour/giveaway

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Not Always Happenstance by Rachael Anderson

Lani has lived in Hana, Hawaii for five years. She’s learned to surf, fish, dive, and manage her grandmother’s bed and breakfast. She’s also learned to take one day at a time the way it should be taken—relaxed and unrushed, savoring every moment.

But, like a large wave on the brink of breaking, her life is about to crash out of control. A proposal of marriage, a conniving grandmother, a cryptic Asian woman, and a handsome guest, and suddenly everything calm begins to churn, everything clear becomes confused, and all that was normal segues into peculiar.

As Lani struggles against the current to hold her ground, she realizes that she can either continue to fight and eventually lose, or take a take a leap of faith, hold her breath, and ride the wave wherever it takes her.

***This book is part of the Power of the Matchmaker series that features one recurring character—the match maker—but it is a STAND-ALONE novel.***

My Review

NOT ALWAYS HAPPENSTANCE is another wonderful book in the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER series.  Rachael is one of my favorite authors and can always be counted on to read a clean, enjoyable romance.  Pearl, once again, stood out to me and I love, so far, how each author portrays her.   She is always an unforgettable character.  I loved how much she was in this book and her important role along with her priceless advice.  Rachael always does an incredible job with her characters.  Lani and Easton were fabulous, and I also really loved Puna.  I enjoyed how Puna saw Easton.  I loved getting to experience Hawaii through Lani's eyes and I appreciated her love for what was important to her.  Easton always put a smile on my face, he was very intriguing. His persistence was enduring.  I was glad that Lani made certain decisions, instead of holding on to what she didn't want.  I appreciated that their relationship took work, it helped me love and value these characters even more.

4 out of 5 stars.
I received an book copy from I AM A READER in exchange for an honest review.

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website

Veils and Vengeance by Rachelle J. Christensen

Veils and Vengeance (A Wedding Planner Mystery #2)

Author: Rachelle J. Christensen

Publisher: Peachwood Press

Published: July 7th, 2015

ISBN13: 9780692462331

Paperback: 347 pages

FTC FYI: Received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When wedding planner, Adrielle Pyper, goes to Hawaii to orchestrate a destination wedding, she isn't prepared for what she finds.

After the trauma of her previous event, the beautiful isle of Kauai is the perfect place for Adri to unwind and do what she does best – plan. She even lets herself indulge in the attention of the groom’s handsome brother. But just when everything seems to be perfect, an afternoon snorkeling trip turns to murder when Adri discovers the body of a young woman.

Shaken, but unable to let it go, Adri’s sleuthing leads her into more danger than she could imagine. When a number of “accidents” threaten her own life, it soon becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep Adri from interfering with their vengeance.

For great craft tips, visit Adri's website,www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com.

My Review

I love a great mystery that keeps my interest and keeps the pages turning.  This book does all that very well.  I really enjoyed the first book in the Wedding Planner Mysteries: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things, so I knew I was going to jump right back into another story for Adri.  I loved the Hawaiian setting, that was a character on its own.  Adri is a fabulous character.  Her attention to detail and how she organized she is is entertaining to read.  I enjoyed how Adri had attention from two men.  Both were great for her, but one I liked a little bit better.  As the story progressed, I enjoyed where the author went with the mystery, doing a perfect job of planting the right amount of seeds to try to throw me off the trail of who the killer was.

4 out of 5 stars.  I hope Rachelle will do more books in this series!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook  / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

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!