Book Review - Toby's Trouble by Carole Brown + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Toby Gibson is well loved by everyone in his community. He is an active member in the community and owns a thriving antique store. However, Toby thinks his store, Undiscovered Treasure, has a ghost.  When a few disturbances occur, he believes it could be an intruder. His childhood friend, Amy Sanderson, is drawn into the search for the culprit when her store, Bloomin' Life, was broken into. Amy and Toby must work together to solve the mystery but, Amy is deeply in love with Toby. However, Toby only sees Amy as a friend and a little sister.

The cozy novel is a fun read for those who like the genre. The mystery is easy to solve but, the reason behind the crime is revealed towards the end. Toby was a bit of a character that he keeps thinking of Amy as a sister and friend but, gets jealous when she does things he doesn't like. It was fun to read the first few times but, it got a bit repetitive after awhile. This is the fourth novel in the series and while it could be read alone, it would be more helpful to read the series in order for more background on the characters.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Book Title: Toby’s Troubles
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Romantic Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Release date: July 1, 2018

Everyone loves Toby Gibson. A co-owner of Undiscovered Treasures, a unique shop of antiques, collectables and junk, Toby is friendly, generous to a fault, the director of the local plays in Appleton and supports his church’s youth functions. But the minute his sister, Caroline and her new husband, take off for their honeymoon, a “ghost” begins to haunt the shop—or maybe it’s just an intruder. If so, Toby has no idea for what he is looking. To add to his troubles, he suspects Amy, not only is bidding for the property he’s wanted forever, but is in love with him. And he’s not interested.

Amy Sanderson who owns the only flower shop in Appleton—Bloomin’ Life—is drawn into capturing Toby’s “ghost” when her own business is damaged by a destructive intruder. Having loved Toby from childhood, she’s more than willing to join forces with him. But she has no interest in being his best friend or like a sister to him. And if she has to resort to schemes of outbidding him at his frequent auction attendences to get his attention, then so be it. She can be just as stubborn as the man who’s determined to ignore her love.

In between the break-ins, destruction of property, thefts and personal competitions against each other, Amy and Toby work together to find the thief who seems so determined to find a valuable item, he’ll stop at nothing.

About the Author

 

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize that includes winner’s choice of one of the two attached mugs, winner’s choice of a print or kindle copy of Toby’s Troubles and a tote bag!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d1c2/toby-s-troubles-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review - A Flute in the Willows by Carole Brown

Photo Credit - Amazon

Jerry Patterson has a mission to protect his country regardless of what he has to do. When task to infiltrate a high ranking German household by wooing the sister, it seemed like a piece of cake. Normally, that wouldn't be a problem for Jerry but being that he's married and madly in love with his wife, it poses a few guilt fueled problems for him. However, after completing his mission he is injured and fears that his wife deserves someone who isn't "broken". While trying to acclimate to being back home,  he notices someone from his mission who has a malicious grudge against him following his family. Why is this person after Jerry? Will Jerry be able to work on his marriage with Josie?

I enjoyed the first half of the novel but towards the middle of the novel, I felt that the story dragged on. I wasn't sure why someone who is plotting revenge against someone was taking so long to do so, especially since his hatred seemed so deep seeded. There were a few parts of the story that felt convoluted and out of place. For example, one character was told a secret in front of two characters who wanted to hurt the first character but it didn't make sense why they would do it that way since it seemed very childish and gimmicky. It was an interesting story line which was a bit slow moving but I would read future works by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Book Title: A Flute in the Willows
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Historical, Romantic Suspense
Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love…and keep the German enemy at bay.
She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?
Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life…especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.
These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize of a canvas flowered/musical tote, a pink “All Things are Possible journal, and a copy of A Flute in the Willows (winners choice of print or ebook)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e2