A Wedding to Die For: A Yellow Rose Mystery

Book Description

From the author of Pick Your Poison comes a crazy case of matrimonial murder and a broken-hearted bride-to-be when a family guest gets hit over the head with a gift. The bad reception only gets deadlier for Houston PI Abby Rose, enlisted to resolve the wedding fiasco.

Customer Reviews:

Abby Rose blooms via the written word.......2007-04-10

Thirty-year-old Texas heiress, Abby Rose, never pictured herself as a sleuth growing up. The pampered princess who grew up as part of a privileged family - along with her twin sister, and resident clinical psychologist, Kate - always saw herself married to a handsome man, and residing in a house - okay, perhaps a mansion - complete with a white picket fence. But everything changed the minute her alcoholic ex-husband tried to murder her, and her father revealed that he is...not her biological father; but, rather, her adoptive parent. Since then, Abby has begun progressing through a series of changes, and realized that her life truly needed a makeover. Now, with her ex-husband dead, and her adoptive father out of the picture, along with a new guy in her life, Abby has decided to start up a new business venture. Leaving her tech-smart life behind, Abby sets herself up to be a Private Investigator, specializing in adoption cases. Which is how, after a few successful jobs, Abby finds herself mixed up with the Beadford family. Wealthy, aristocratic, and hiding a handful of secrets, bride-to-be Megan Beadford's adoptive parents are dead-set against her contacting her birth mother. But, unable to resist the allure of discovering the truth about her past, and having her birth mother by her side as she walks down the aisle, Megan hires Abby to do a little investigating. Unfortunately, after quite a bit of digging, Abby comes up empty-handed. But that doesn't knock her out. While attending Megan's wedding reception, Megan's adoptive father is murdered - the victim of being hit upside the head with a crystal vase. Upset about doing Megan wrong and being unable to locate her birth mother, Abby steps into the role of amateur sleuth, and begins investigating the recent death. However, not everyone is overjoyed with Abby's foray into the world of murder investigations. Case in point, police chief, Quinn Fielder. Quinn used to date Abby's Big Red-addicted boyfriend, Houston homicide detective, Jeff Kline, and will do anything in her power to keep Abby from sticking her nose into her so-called investigation. Unfortunately for her, Abby isn't easily deterred, and won't halt her hunt for the killer until he or she is behind bars. Unless, of course, the so-called murderer catches her first.

In a world of amateur sleuths who spend their days slaving over hot stoves, and tending to teething toddlers, Leann Sweeney's young, rambunctious Abby Rose brings a new set of rules to the table. Specializing in adoption cases, Abby's motives for helping others like herself bring a unique appeal to her character; while her Paris Hilton-esque bank account make her comings and goings as easy as 1-2-3. While Abby's interactions with the people surrounding her, from relatives to clients, and friends to foes, are professional; her easygoing, laid-back mannerisms make her appealing from start to finish. Sweeney manages to mix it up by flavoring A WEDDING TO DIE FOR with tasty characters, from the handsome homicide detective, Jeff; to newcomer, and oft-times viciously jealous, Quinn; all the way to my absolute favorite, Kate. As a psychology major, I find Kate's presence throughout the tale to be both enjoyable and educational at the same time. Kate's ability to comprehend the mindset of just about anyone within a five-mile radius of her body is remarkable; while her intellect regarding the study of psychology is refreshing, and certainly adds a creative aspect to the tale. Readers who enjoyed Sweeney's debut PICK YOUR POISON will adore the introduction of Abby's client, Megan, as well as some of the new friends she meets while visiting Jamaica. I can only hope that these characters will make appearances in Sweeney's upcoming installments. Abby Rose blooms via the written word.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Nicely Done.......2006-08-08

Because of events in her past, Texas heiress Abby Rose has decided to become an adoption PI. Bride to be Megan Beadford hired Abby to find her biological mother because Megan wanted her at her wedding. Abby was not able to find Megan's mother in time for the wedding, but vows to continue to look until she finds Megan's biological mother. When Megan's adoptive father is murdered at the wedding reception, Megan wants Abby to find his killer. Abby agrees and soon finds out her two cases have a lot in common.

"A Wedding to Die For" is a good mystery by a talented author. Abby is a very human heroine, filled with anger about her past, yet very loving and caring. Author Leann Sweeney brings all the characters to life, even the minor ones, by giving all of them character traits that stick out, like Abby's boyfriend Jeff's habit of chewing Big Red chewing gum. One of my favorite characters in fact, is a minor one, Sister Nell - what a hoot she was! Sweeney has a way with words and I love her use of expressions such as "the man was so skinny he might need worming". The mystery itself was okay, although it was pretty obvious from the beginning who Megan's biological mother was. But the book is worth reading for the characters and Sweeney's way with words. Finally, this is the first mystery I've read that had me smiling at the end.

Well done!

Easy, fun read........2006-01-30

The second book in the series continues on the same lines as the first. An easy and fun read which I enjoyed as much as the first book in the series.

I liked it........2005-09-22

Although I had a hard time following the characters some. I think that may be because I have not read the first book in the series. I liked the main character and all of the secondary ones. The story was good, and the ending wrapped up everything nicely. I think the following books will probably get even better.

Daddy Always Said.......2005-08-15

A good, fast read. The "daddy always said" sayings are at times tedious but I found myself caught up in the story in spite of them. I do look foward to reading more of this author.

Book Description

Candace Robb returns with the eighth novel in this highly acclaimed series of medieval mysteries featuring the one-eyed spy OwenArcher. October 1371. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and just deposed Lord Chancellor of England, rides to York with his men on King's Highway. He has just shamefully lost his position and is scheming to get back into the good graces of the king. But he's having enough trouble just staying alive. While passing a church under reconstruction, his men are barely able to pull him out of the way of a near-fatal 'accident.' Is his feud with the Duke of Lancaster, who swore that Wykeham would not regain his position, responsible for the attempt on his life? Only OwenArcher can find out.

Customer Reviews:

The Cross-legged knight by Candace Robb.......2007-03-31

Excellent addition to her medieval series which is very evocative of the era and place, to me. Fine storytellng and character continuity from book to book about Owen Archer and the mix of political situations and villany that is sorted out on several levels throughout the book.

The Series may be doomed.......2006-06-01

Having read and enjoyed the other Owen Archer books, I want to concur with the previous reviewer who found this book disappointing. I found it extremely disappointing. With the exception of the wonderful character of Magda the Riverwoman, all the main characters are too old, too sick, too depressed, or too self doubting to be credible in their problem solving ability. Lucy's whining in particular becomes very tedious. The plot is also weaker than usual. Its seems to serve mostly as backgrund for expoloring the angst of the chracters, and the ending leaves a major puzzle piece unanswered. Perhaps it's time to retire the series unless the younger characters like Jasper and Alisoun can be developed to pick up the slack and without such religious and emotional baggage.

Well Researched, Well Written.......2004-11-10

As I only live 20 miles from York where most of these books are set, I can perhaps visualise better than most the area of England the books take place in. Many of the streets of York mentioned in the books are still there and of the course so is the Minster.
Owen Archer the lead character in the book is a Welsh longbow man who works for a high church dignitary and spends some of his spare time helping in his wife's apothecary shop. He is called upon by William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester, to help him with a serious problem. I myself am interested in this period of English history and the author's authenticity cannot be questioned and her excellent story telling is spellbinding. I cannot recommend her books too highly.

Enjoyable Medieval Mystery.......2004-05-16

Owen Archer is called on by William of Wykeham, bishop of Winchester, to keep him safe. To appease the family of a man killed while being held prisoner in France, Wykeham returns the knight's heart. But a fire in Wykeham's house, a servant severly burned and a body of a dead woman, has Archer fearing for his own family's safety. While Lucie Wilton battles her own demons. Robb writes intricate plotted mysteries set in 14th century England by reading one you will become hooked.

Good Owen Archer, not as good as previous novels.......2003-11-27

I love the Owen Archer series. However, I was a bit disappointed in the latest book after having read and loved the last one in which he travels to Wales.
The Cross-Legged Knight was very dark and depressing. Owen is unhappy and unfulfilled, Thoresby is old and depressed, Lucie is sad and depressed. Jasper's character was utterly unused as were Bess & Tom Merchet & Brother Michaelo (OK he spied a little).
I usually finish one of Robb's Owen Archer novels on a thrilling high, smacking the book shut with utter satisfaction. This time it was not to be. I can't help wonder if the author was distracted away from Owen's tales by her new baby, the scottish medieval series.

What I disliked most about this one aside from the dark and depressed atmosphere was the dangling unresolved question of how did the murderer and victim know each other. I felt betrayed by the author, who's never left me the reader like that before.

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Cross-legged Knight, The
Candace Robb
Manufacturer: William Heinemann Ltd,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0434009377

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Cross-legged Knight
Candace Robb
Manufacturer: Arrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGR34G

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The Cross-legged Knight - An Owen Archer Mystery
Candace Robb
Manufacturer: Mysterious Press/Warner Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RTI9VQ

Book Description

When a half-eaten body is found inside a locked jaguar cage, eighteen-year-old Ben Jepson knows it's no prank - someone is trying to make trouble for the Los Coyotes Big Cat Preserve and its manager, Ben's father. An outspoken conservationist, Dr. Jepson has made some powerful enemies. Ben's parents are on a tiger conservation mission deep in the jungle. Now Ben is the only one who can keep Los Coyotes running. But when his beloved tiger Dmitri, nicknamed "Lord of the Kill," is kidnapped, Ben must decide whether to wait for the authorities or to strike out on his own.

The Lords of the Savannah - Leopards & Cheetas (Art of Being...)

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The Lords of the Savannah - Leopards & Cheetas (Art of Being...)
Christine Denis-Huot , and Michel Denis-Huot
Manufacturer: White Star
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Nature & Wildlife | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 8854400890
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Book Description

Leopards and cheetahs embody the wild beauty of Africa. In this spectacular photographic study, the husband-and-wife team of distinguished naturalists Christine and Michel Denis-Hout provides readers with a rare glimpse into the everyday lives of these compelling creatures. Their exceptional photography vividly brings to life the excitement of a young cheetah's first hunt, the languid relaxation of a leopard's midday nap, and the sheer strength and beauty of these glorious big cats in their natural habitat. The cheetah's legendary speed is documented in a series of exceptional photographs, while the leopard's notorious stealth can be felt in depictions of it's sinuous descent from a perch high in a tree. Everyday activities such as courting, grooming, and caring for their young are captured in unprecedented close-ups. The gleaming fangs of a yawning leopard, the intensity of a pouncing cheetah, and the golden grasses of the savannah trampled by a herd of retreating zebra are just some of the evocative sights conveyed in Lords of the Savannah. The lively text provides the latest findings on the habits and habitats of leopards and cheetahs, and expresses the authors' admiration and affection for these animals.

Average customer rating:

This is wonderful
Great!
Leopard Lord
Fantastic!!!!
Good despite minor flaws

Leopard Lord
Alanna Moreland , and Alanna Morland
Manufacturer: Ace
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 044100606X

Customer Reviews:

This is wonderful.......2003-02-05

Alanna write this story as if she were breathing life into the characters with each word. It is an entralling page turner that I couldn't put down until completed.

I HIGHLY Recommend this book to anyone that gets a kick out of a good fantasy novel.

Great!.......2002-06-23

I went to the library looking for these Fantasy books that the library ended up not having. I did not count on looking for books in the fantasy area, but since the books I wanted were not there I ended up not having a choice at all. This book caught my eye immidately! I started reading it that night and did not get into it right away so I went to bed pretty dissapointed but decided to finish it any way. I am so happy I did. It ended up going more at a new pace that I enjoyed. This book was a book that when you finish you say 'Ahh, that was fun!' Read it, it is great!

Leopard Lord.......2002-02-04

This was great. Kept my interest and couldn't put it down until I had finished it. Would like more of this story in a sequel. That is one leopard I'd like for a pet. I was glad the heroine had a good role and didn't simper and cry but stood up for herself and I believe played a major part in the story. Great reading from Alanna Morland, put her in a category with Anne Logston.

Fantastic!!!!.......2001-09-22

I got this book because it fell off the shelf at the used book store. I thank the forces of gravity! This book is wonderful! The plot was original, the characters alive. I read fantasy all the time and this is most certainly on my recomended list.

Good despite minor flaws.......2001-08-06

I enjoyed this book. I rarely finish a book if I find it slow moving and since I finished this one that says something. I enjoyed the plot line and found it quite original. The main character, Varian, was pledged to serve this evil god by his father and finds himself in a terrible fix. Since he is a were-leopard, the evil god takes control of Varian's were-body once in a while and forces him to do some not-very-nice things. I could tell that the author had the eventualy outcome in mind when she wrote the story but I got the feeling that she just wasn't sure how to make it work. I found it hard to feel sympathetic towards Varian (even though he was definetely a nice guy) I just didn't buy the excuse of having to sacrifice the woman he loved to save "his people" (don't worry I'm not giving anything away it is all on the back of the book). But I still found the book enjoyable. The author included some nice subtleties that at the time seemed insignificant to the plot but turned out to be important. Unfortunately the meaning wasn't reveiled as expertly as the execution was. But I still say "bravo" so Alanna Morland for the book. I enjoyed the original storyline and descriptions. It seemed to me to be writen like a movie. You could imagine all of this happening on a movie screen and the plot seemed to flow like that of a movie. This is a good read and I will look forward to more books by this author and watch her progress.

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Lord of the Forest
Caroline Pitcher
Manufacturer: Frances Lincoln
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1845070585

Book Description

Everything in the forest is new and exciting for little Tiger - grass growing long after rain, snakes slithering, Monkey whooping to his tribe. But every time Tiger tells his mother what he hears, she says, "When you don't hear them, then, my son, be ready. The Lord of the Forest is here!" Tiger is puzzled, and can't help wondering: who can the Lord of the Forest be? Children will enjoy this book again and again with Caroline Pitcher's lyrical storytelling and Jackie Morris's superlative portrayal of the forest and its inhabitants in all their magnificence.

Exchanging a Leopard Cat for a Prince: Famous Trials by Lord Bao

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Exchanging a Leopard Cat for a Prince: Famous Trials by Lord Bao
Ben Hu
Manufacturer: Foreign Languages Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Chinese | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Chinese | Classics | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 7119018965

Book Description

Lord Bao has been a legendary hero in China for almost a thousand years. The fairness and wisdom he displayed in the numerous judicial cases he dealt with as well as his honesty and incorruptibility have made him a household name. Stories about Lord Bao were largely based on the life of Bao Zhen (999-1062), a native of Hefei in Luzhou Prefecture (present day Anhui Province) in the Northern Song Dynasty. After passing the civil service examination he held a series of government posts, including county magistrate, edict attendent of Shengtianzhang Pavilion, auxiliary academician of Longhu Pavilion, prefect of Luzhou, prefect of Kaifeng and deputy director of the Ministry of Rites.

The eight stories included in this book are characterized by tightly-knit plots often leading to an unexpected final solution. The readers will be deeply impressed by Lord Bao's ingenuity in cracking complicated cases as well as his honesty and determination in upholding the law on behalf of the common people.

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Ring of Silver, Lord of Time (Leopard Books)
Carol Hedges
Manufacturer: Scripture Union Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books | Action & Adventure | Children's Literature Guides | Classics by Age | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | General | Humorous | Literary Criticism & Collections | Poetry | Popular Culture | Read-Aloud | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Short Story Collections
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0862017661

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TARZAN of the Apes; Return; Beasts; Son; Jungle Tales; Untamed; Terrible; Golden Lion; Ant Men; Lord of the Jungle; Lost Empire; Earth's Core; Invincible; Triumphant; City of Gold; Lion Man; Leopard Men; Quest; Forbidden City; Magnificent; Foreign Legion
Edgar Rice (with Fritz Leiber) Burroughs
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OQ0DN4

Average customer rating:
Tarzan Book Collection of 11--#7-#18: 7-Tarzan the Untamed; 8-the Terrible; 9-and the Golden Lion; 10-and the Ant Men; 11-Lord of the Jungle; 12-and the Lost Empire; 14-the Invincible; 15-Triumphant; 16-the City of Gold; 17-the Lion Man; 18-Leopard Men
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TZC7W0

Average customer rating:

A little too simple

Chemistry Project Book Review

Adrenaline Junkies and Serotonin Seekers: Balance Your Brain Chemistry to Maximize Energy, Stamina, Mental Sharpness, and Emotional Well-Being
Matt Church
Manufacturer: Ulysses Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Healthy Living | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Serotonin

Peak-Performance Living: Easy, Drug-Free Ways to Alter Your own Brain Chemistry and Achieve Optimal Healt

Secrets of Serotonin: The Natural Hormone That Curbs Food and Alcohol Cravings, Elevates Your Mood, Reduces Pain, and Boosts Energy

Secrets of 5-HTP: Nature's Newest Super Supplement

Natural Antidepressants

ASIN: 1569754373

Book Description

This handy little book shows how easy it is to tap into the natural "drug store" in one's body - containing adrenaline, serotonin, cortisol, melatonin, and insulin - and activate internal feel-good chemistry.

Adrenaline Junkies and Serotonin Seekers details the common chemical imbalances that can make people feel depressed, anxious, or exhausted. Charts and illustrations are combined with jargon-free text to explain the science behind body chemistry so people can easily identify their personal chemical profiles.

The book offers specific programs to counter the imbalances. By applying proper sleep patterns, diet variations, exercise regimens, mental exercises, and stress controls for their specific chemical profile, readers will be able to gain control of their body and emotions and begin performing at their peak level every day.

Customer Reviews:

A little too simple.......2005-07-19

The title phrases are two of 5 hormone 'types'. The type scheme include:

Adrenaline junkies
Serotonin seekers
Cranky on cortisol
Short on melatonin (insomnia)
Sugar Sensitive (insulin issues)

To determine their 'type', the reader is invited to take a battery of tests. Do you feel groggy in the morning? Do you think loving thoughts about your kids while driving home, then snap at them upon arrival? Based on the results, a variety of diet and lifestyle options are suggested.

I wasn't convinced the author's battery of tests were particularly helpful. Biometrics (measuring insulin and cortisol levels, for example) are much more informative. Additionally, the subject hormones all work together. One can't change one without having an impact on the others. These interactions are never explored.

If you are interested in how these hormones interact, with a view towards balance, take a look at 'The Age-Free Zone' by Barry Sears.

Chemistry Project Book Review.......2005-01-19

Adrenaline Junkies and Serotonin Seekers, is about "balancing your brain chemistry to maximize energy, stamina, mental sharpness, and emotional well-being." The science behind body chemistry is thoroughly explained enabling readers to easily be able to gain control of their bodies and emotions. The illustrations are very helpful in understanding these explanations. Opposed to just text, the author, Matt Church, also includes many charts, tables, and even quizzes. He uses these to help readers correct any chemical imbalances that can make them depressed, exhausted, etc.
Unfortunately, I believe that a lot of people need to read this book. It is very informative, and can be helpful to a lot of people. It gives a lot of interesting facts about body chemistry that can improve a person's daily life.

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