4.5 Stars Out Of 5
4.5 out of 5
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Value:
4.6 out Of 5
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Meets Expectations:
4.5 out Of 5
(4.5 out of 5)
96%
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  1. ibjoy1953
    Virginia
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Awesome Debut Thriller
    June 15, 2012
    ibjoy1953
    Virginia
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Cooking the Books.
    MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

    Sloane Templeton didn't ask for all that was happening to her, but she had no choice but the accept it! Taking over Beckham's Books and Brew after her moms death brought on some strange people in Sloane's life. The store manager and the Granny Oakleys Book Club group was enough to deal with without having to eat Aunt Verline's cooking, if that's what you can call what she presented as food!

    In the first part of "Cooking the Books we also get to meet Sloane's ex-boyfriend Trey, and there are reasons he is an ex. Also her new friend and attraction, the Greek boy Andreas Comino, which Trey is not happy about at all. And throughout the book we get to meet even more interesting and colorful character that were so well created by the author.

    Even though this is a debut novel, you will think Bonnie Calhoun has been writing books for a long time. Along with her wonderful and fun loving characters, well most of them, there is so much happening in this story and there are so many twists and turns you never know what is coming next.

    What makes this book so enjoyable for me is the way Bonnie inter-twines; the taking over a new business, grieving over a mom, inheriting quirky characters, a jerk ex-husband and an even bigger jerk ex-boyfriend, someone trying to kill you, and adds in a little romance, mystery, a feisty FiFi and, an aunt that can't cook, and writes a story that will make you laugh, sometimes cry, and fall in love with Sloane as if she is your own daughter. It takes a good writer to have so much going on in a book and pull it all together and make it enjoyable.

    I highly recommend this book for you to read and enjoy. Run out and grab a copy, get a cup of Java and sit down for a nice, enjoyable, relaxing read with Sloane Templeton and "Cooking the Books"

    I want to thank Abingdon Press and Bonnie Calhoun for providing me a copy of this book. I have heard that Bonnie's dream is to be an author, and I am so happy that she has fulfilled that dream. I look forward to many more books from Bonnie in the future. As much as Bonnie does with Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, Christian Fiction Online Magazine and all of the other things she does for the authors, readers and world of Christian fiction, it is an honor to be one of the reviewers for her debut novel.
  2. Jo Huddleston
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Highly enjoyable cozy mystery
    November 27, 2012
    Jo Huddleston
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Cooking the Books.
    Bonnie Calhoun writes a delightful novel filled with real people and real life. Sloane Templeton has inherited a book store with a zany manager. Calhoun's characters are a hoot! An example: the group of wacky senior citizens that meets in her bookstore but they don't read the books. When Sloane receives life-threatening messages on her computer the police become involved and Sloane tries to keep the incident a secret, which is impossible. With each page you wonder what will happen next to complicate Sloane's life. Calhoun writes thick tension but breaks it up with her lovable characters and their zany ways. The reader knows the criminal threat is dangerous, but enough laugh out loud moments keep the story from dragging. There is no sagging middle to this story. Highly recommended.
  3. Cheri Cowell
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Fun Read
    November 26, 2012
    Cheri Cowell
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Cooking the Books.
    Fun book to read as it infuses humor while weaving a tale of mystery and self-discovery. The author uses interesting character self-talk to provide insight to the main character's, Sloane, mindset at tense moments in the book. While some might view these self-talk segments as somewhat snarky, I found them to be an amusing take on what and how most people surely think to themselves on a daily basis. The references to red velvet cake also had me laughing as I completely identified with indulging in the wonderful treat and always finding ways or occasions to do so!

    Just when you think you've figured out who is behind all the threats in Sloane's life, the author throws in another twist or comment from a supporting character that has you guessing again until the end.

    Overall a good book written with self-discovery, faith, suspense and the importance of love and support of family and friends.
  4. Cara Putman
    Indiana
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Fun first-person detective story
    June 3, 2012
    Cara Putman
    Indiana
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    This review was written for Cooking the Books.
    Sloane Templeton's life was chaos. Her mom's died, she's running a business she doesn't want, and she longs to get back to computer forensics. Instead, she's trying to avoid a bad, old boyfriend while maintaining a relationship with the Greek doctor down the street. She's got her aunt's cooking to avoid, her colleague's group of shooting old timers, and thugs all around.

    Bonnie Calhoun's debut novel sings with personality. Sloane's voice is strong and sassy with an edge of sarcasm. She's trying to find herself in her new reality while staying alive. There are moments of poignancy laced with sheer lunacy. This book is perfect for people who enjoy first-person detective novels where the mystery involves a non-professional. Sloane has the skills she needs to solve the murder, but doesn't realize it. The book is a romp with a thread of serious undertones. The faith element is woven in carefully, adding to the story without distracting from the action.
  5. MaureenT
    Syracuse NY
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Great Christian Mystery
    April 18, 2012
    MaureenT
    Syracuse NY
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This review was written for Cooking the Books.
    Once I picked up this captivating book, I could not put it down! It grabs you and compels you to keep reading.

    Sloane Templeton has lost her Mom, and now has taken over running her Bookstore, along with Fifi her Mom's partner [another Colorful Character]. She has also begun a new relationship with a Greek Doctor..Andreas, having left a bad relationship with Trey [who doesn't seem to understand it is over!]

    This story has it all, death threats and threatening messages, along with in person threats by people wanting her Mom's property. Also we meet delightful Aunt Verlene...the local Chef...who can't cook, and has regular visits from the fire department! There are also the Senior Group...at the gun range no less.

    Add a very valuable antique book, and a couple of archaeological desperately wanting it!

    I so enjoyed the subtle humor and the catchy phrases like "Fifi Andretti" or "Play Deputy Dawg", and "Red Velvet Hips".....are great and give you some chuckles. Also the nail biting end will keep you riveted! Enjoy!!

    I received this book from Netgalley and the Publisher Abingdon Press. and was not required to give a positive review.
Displaying items 1-5 of 27
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