Shopping on Amazon for FREE

Do you have patience? Can you wait 35 days if you know you are going to get a check in the mail? Rebate Key. Used in conjunction with Amazon, sellers who are eager to move their merchandize and could use some ratings will give you a discount  to buy now and hopefully review later. Start by setting up your account on Rebate Key just like you would set one up on Amazon with basic information. You aren't going to be purchasing through Rebate Key, just using it as a shopping portal that will finish up on Amazon. The only other catch to this most excellent shopping experience is that there are amount limits and time limits. Each item will have a certain number for sale per day and when the limit is reached that is it. There is the option to be "notified" when the item's time slot comes up and it is available. Items change often so be sure that if you see something you like to set up the notification and maybe even a separate alarm on your phone or calendar as to not miss the great deal. You can search for a wide variety of categories like "pets" or by % , highest rebate, newest or even ending.  

Do you like getting bargains? Do you have a gift closet where you store potential presents that you've collected over the year when you see a great price or that special something? Then you need to take a look at

Once you find your something special you'll need to complete the following steps:

1. Buy the product at FULL price - Do NOT use discount codes. Click on "buy product" and you will be redirected to Amazon where you will select the same item at full price. If you get it discounted you will not receive your Rebate Key rebate.

2. Complete the purchase and confirm your "Rebate Key" within ONE hour. After making the purchase look at the order and copy and paste the Order ID number on Rebate Key this is how the purchase is confirmed with the seller.

3. When the Rebate Key is provided the rebate is automatically pre-approved and on hold for 30 days. You will receive your order within the time frame you selected when ordering. After 35 days you will receive a check in the mail for the amount of the rebate.

YES it is that easy and YES it works! We have already started gearing up for the holiday gift giving season as well as replacing old worn out garden hoses. I even bought a new self inflating air mattress in case we have hurricane or ice storm evacuees. 

Cozy Tales of Foodies

Muffin but Trouble
By Victoria Hamilton
Published by Beyond the Page

Merry Grace Wynter is an amazing lady. Her tenacity and level head inspires me to breathe deeply and count slowly when I would want to do otherwise. This was a very interesting story with a unique cast of characters. The best part, in my opinion, is the recipes at the end of the story that I cannot wait to test out in my kitchen.  Without giving too much of the plot away, I will say that it was developed at a nice even pace and I did not completely figure it out. So many possible suspects. I was also intrigued by the idea that this scenario could quite possibly take place in this day and age in or around any small town. Some authors use their books to make a statement about social injustices or their personal beliefs regarding politics or religion. When those ideals are very strong it can take away from the light-hearted aspect of a cozy mystery. I do not think that is the case with Muffin but Trouble. Much like a good recipe, the blending of the topics, the characters, and the plot created a wonderful final product. I look forward to reading more Merry Muffin Mysteries and trying out more Merry Muffin recipes in my new silicone muffin pans.

The Hidden Corpse (Food Blogger Mystery #2)
by Debra Sennefelder
Published by Kensington Books

Full time blogger and part-time cook, Hope Early finds herself embroiled in another murder mystery. A house fire that leads to the death of a neighbor and the finding of a missing body was not on Hope's "to-do" list. She doesn't set out to stir up trouble but what is a blogger to do when her best friend is an investigative reporter egging her on to help him get the scoop first. Then there is her sister who wants Hope to host a proper English tea to help Claire's mayoral campaign by way of supporting a new potential member of the planning and zoning board. In the midst of all things that are not food blog or food photo related, Before too long Hope gets not one but two warnings, to cool it. In Hope's defense, it does help to  know the Chief of police, especially when he is easy on the eyes and makes Hope's heart feel all mixed up. Highly entertaining and the recipes are AWESOME!

Murder with Collard Greens and Hot Sauce (Mahalia Watkins Mystery)
by A.I. Herbert
Published by Kensington Books

Soul Food and Soul Sisters mix murder with Suave Styling and Hair by Monique. Halia ( to her friends), owner of Sweet Tea southern comfort food at its best has a nose for a good mystery a side-kick cousin Wavonne, who is as sassy and saucy as the house-blend hot sauce. There is quite a variety of suspects each with unique personalities not unlike Ms. Monique Dupree, out beauty mogul victim. Local law enforcement does not take kindly to the caterer with a nose for clues and a great ability to create culinary diversions while eliciting tidbits of information. Too many secrets and they all seem so very scandalous, not unlike Wavonne's wardrobe. The story took a little while for me to get into it but once the groundwork was well laid I started to truly enjoy each every character from the stylist such n such Maurice to Halia's Momma who makes the best sweet treats. Of course, Halia is new type of cozy character for me and I truly enjoy hearing the thoughts in her head especially when she is thinking about what Wavonne is going on and on about.

Strangled Eggs and Ham (A Country Store Mystery #6)
By Maddie Day
Published by Kensington Books

The grass is always greener, especially when it's a parcel of land that a developer wants to replace with a high-end resort. Robbie's Aunt Adele is the leader of the resistance group wanting to save the town of South Lick from urbanization. A visiting eco lawyer and bike enthusiast is more than happy to wade in and fight, at least until he is found dead on the property in question. The developer is your typical city slicker, Fiona Closs, polished and all about the progress. Aunt Adele is your typical down to earth matron who doesn't back down to anyone or anything, which has Robbie worried about Adele's safety as the protesting starts. I'm not sure how Robbie manages to run a successful restaurant with delectable dishes (recipes included YUM), B&B, country store, and find time for a steady guy plus a little side sleuthing.  Although, it would seem that local law enforcement does help to keep the bottom line healthy since Officer Buck is pretty much a fixture when it comes to meal times offering both tidbits of info and tidbits of comedy and local flavor. The story was as engaging as its predecessors and I look forward to the next installment.

Guilty as Charred
By Devon Delaney
Published by Kensington Publishing

The only thing better than a cozy with great characters and yummy recipes is a cozy with creative characters, great recipes, and cooking tips! Sherry Oliveri (love her name) professional cooking contest winner/participant, Ruggery retail worker, Community Garden board member, tennis player, and part time sleuth. After cooking the winning entry in a multi-state competition, Sherry returns home to the news that the Garden coordinator/owner has been murdered and worse yet is under character assasination. Sherry not only mixes up wonderful recipes and helpful hints, she also has quite a knack for putting clues together like a new recipe. A nice variety of suspects from sibling rivalry to not so neighborly complaints and even political malfeasance. I must say that this is the first time I have read a cozy where it seemed like every other character encouraged the main one to actively pursue the murder investigation. Everyone except for local law enforcement of course. Looking forward to trying the artichoke hummus recipe and so happy that they are at the end of the story.

Risky Biscuits
By Mary Lee Ashford
Published by Lyrical Press

Sugar and Spice Publishing is made up of two dynamite ladies with most excellent names. Rosetta Sugarbaker Calloway aka Sugar and Dixie Spicer aka Spice or Spicy (but most people just call her Dixie) have my dream job, putting together cookbooks and testing the recipes. Speaking of recipes, you will find 3 must try breakfast recipes at the end of the book. Before you get those yummy recipes you will be tantalized by the descriptions of Dixie's cooking which must be good because Disco their retail neighbor seems to make an almost daily appearance. Everyone is quite neighborly as would be expected in a small town where everyone knows your name and if you skipped your usual muffin at breakfast they will be talking about before brunch rolls around. Small town but big secrets. Talking about rumors, the mill is churning when the prodigal Marchant boy comes home driving his fancy jag and fighting with his twin. In addition to being the designated taste tester, Sugar is also a designated driver for a group of lively seniors who take care of their own and fully expect Sugar to get to detecting when Alma becomes the victim of a hit and run.....with her own car...Needless to say, local law enforcement does not agree with Ms. Greer and her gang. You have got to love a story with lively seniors, they add a great touch of zest and small town seniors are the best! Great story line excellent characters!

Pet Cozies

Honest reviews are given in exchange for access to new stories via NetGalley and various publishers.

Homicide by Horseshow
By Arlene Kay
Published by Lyrical Press

Perri Morgan is back and this time she will need to do more than create exquisite riding harnesses for horses. Babette, Perri's socialite BFF wanted to help a horse farm but what she got was murder. Babette's personal assistant winds up dead, in her unmentionables, in Babette's bed and there is no way that Perri is going to let Babette take the fall for this. Of course, Perri isn't alone on her fact-finding mission as Wing Pruett, her hunky paramour and D.C.'s most eligible bachelor is hunting for his story. There are some viable suspects, some valuable horses, and some very funny goings on in this latest installment. I did feel that Peri should have been more confident in her relationship with Pruett after the first book. It seems as though the relationship progress that was made in the first book is gone and Peri is back to second guessing herself and Pruett's feelings for her. As always, I do love the care and effort that is made with regards to Peri's dogs and hope to one day see a Belgian Malinois as they sound quite regal.

Cat Got Your Crown
Written by Julie Chase
Published by Crooked Lane Books

Debutante turned Furry Godmother seamstress to pets and successful pupcake/tuna tart bakery owner. Lacy Crocker is a fun character who does her best to not embarrass her socialite Mother who would love nothing more than to have Lacy married to a socially responsible and eligible former volleyball star and practicing attorney bachelor named Chase Hawthorne. Chase is a childhood friend who always has her back but he isn't the one who raises her pulse. That would be handsome and financially well off Detective Jack Oliver, who would really like it if Lacy could keep herself out of his investigation and danger, just once. What is a Furry Godmother to do when the pageant MC falls down dead on the buffet table and before the body is even cold, Lacy manages to get herself threatened. Too many suspects thanks to the disreputable character

Death by Dog Show
Written by Arlene Kay
Published by Lyrical Press

Persephone "Perri" Morgan is a former Army K-9 unit officer and currently a leather smith crafting various useful and attractive dog and horse items that are all the rage. Her latest selling spot is a Massachusetts dog show venue. Accompanying her BFF the very posh Babette and her favorite little person, Ella, the daughter of Wing Pruett, DC's sexiest man, investigative reporter, and keeper of Perri's heart. Perri didn't expect to be involved in a murder investigation but when she stumbles upon a body shortly after Pruett she knows that she will do anything it takes to keep him off the suspect list. Perri and her ex-military Malinois boys Keats and Poe are on the trail of a killer who is no stranger to the dog show world. The victims have their fair share of enemies unlike Perri who is as down to earth and as likable as can be with a heart of gold and a mind like a steel trap. Great set of characters and I can't wait to read the next adventure Homicide by Horse Show available on October 15, 2019.

Left Fur Dead (Jules and Bun Mystery #1)
by J.M. Griffin
Published by Kensington Books

This was a new one for me, a bunny rescuing/yarn selling sleuth with a telepathic bunny side-kick. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was able to guess part of the who done it but not the complete story or the why.  There did seem to be some back story that was missing or would be helpful to know so I am hoping that the next book dives into that a little bit more. The small-town feel and the character development between Jules and the Sheriff was a nice one, almost like a father/daughter feel to it. Jules is a fiercely independent gal and Bun is too cute for words. Just imagine a bulldog attitude and a wiggly bunny nose, absolutely precious in my mind. This story definitely gives a nod to therapy animals without explicitly getting into it but I could see how one aloof Andrew Stone could become a  regular if he doesn't wander off.

Tayogo Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Microphone Bluetooth

My first experience with the Tayogo company was a waterproof MP3 player that I absolutely adored. It comes with a memory stick that you download your tunes to and then slip back into the headphones, which wrap around your head and the buds are on a short wire so they can reach your ears. 

This set is even better and not just because I don't make it to the pool all that often anymore but because I can hear my tunes or Audible selections while I walk or (attempt to) run but also because I can hear the world around me.  Before my new headphones, I would use the typical wired earbuds and leave one out for safety reasons. I like to be able to hear the traffic especially downtown Raleigh. 

The other aspect of these headphones besides just for listening is that I can take a call and thanks to my Fitbit Charge 2, I can glance at my wrist to see who is calling without having to take my phone out of pocket and with a simple tap to my head I can take the call. Which also makes this a safe choice for when driving so that I am not messing with my phone while in traffic. 

These come with a standard charging cable with the same end as is found with most accessory electronics such as a Kindle and I often charge them while at work thanks to the USB cable aspect. Since I have about 50 of the same type of cord, I have placed one at my desk, in my car, in my husband's car and in the house. I even have one for the suitcase just in case I want to use them when we go on vacation or travel.

I was asked to give an impartial review once I received my headphones which I was most happy to do given the quality and performance of these headphones!

Bibliophile Cozys

A Scandal in Scarlet (A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery)
By Vicki Delany
Published by Crooked Lane Books

Gemma Doyle, relocated Englishwoman, proprietress of the Sherlock Holmes bookshop located at 222 Baker Street, West London, Cape Cod area of Massachusetts and quite possibly a distant cousin of Sir Doyle is a modern day She-rlock  Holmes. Being extremely knowledgeable about all things Sherlock including the Great Detective's modus operandi, Gemma is ready to find the facts. Gemma has a great personality, very British and straight to the point. Jayne, her best friend and owner of Mrs. Hudson's Tea Shop (the scene of the strangling) makes a perfect Watson by always going along with Gemma because she would "hate to think what trouble" Gemma might get into without her. It looks like there is plenty of trouble to go around. From the mysterious fire that devastated the local Museum to the death by teacup swag followed by an additional murder and the rehashing of an unsolved murder from years before. Not to mention that regardless of how logical Gemma may be it won't stop someone from violently warning her to mind her own business, much to the chagrin of Gemma's guy, Detective Ryan Ashburton. Poor Ryan, he appreciates her wit and ability to size up a situation as well as a crime scene but he would much rather she not do things to endanger her life. While some people do not do well with Gemma's style of questioning you have to admit that she gets the job done and done well and in a very proper fashion. An excellent story with excellent characters but I do wish there were recipes for those tasty tea related treats that Gemma goes looking for at the daily partners' business meeting.

Can't Judge a Book by it's Murder
By Amy Lillard
Published by Poisoned Pen

This is the first of what I hope to be a long series. Book store/coffee shop owner Arlo Stanley must was planning on selling some extra books when a hometown hero/author returns for a multi-class high school reunion. Arlo didn't plan on him jumping out of her third story window after meeting with Chloe Carter for coffee. Chloe is Arlo's best friend and business partner as well as the mother of Jaden, the jumper's son, whom he gave up rights to before Jaden was even born 9 years prior. Wally, the bad dad and best sellers' list writer had a big ego, perhaps too big to have taken his own life and now Chloe is suspect #1 and is stuck in jail until Arlo and her book club mavens. Arlo  is a very personable character and you can't help but like the way she works so hard on behalf of her friend Chloe. The book Club mavens are a hoot, between their fully accessorized fashions to their perfectly colored and coiffed hair. It's not only Chloe's past love that comes into town, Arlo deals with the memory of her high school sweet heart whom she pushed away to protect herself from his dreams of leaving small town to head to college and a football career only to come back as the local law enforcement. The reunion brings another blast from the past as Arlo's other beau, the boy who broke her heart when he left to go to college, Sam Carter, who has decided to rent her third floor office space and stick around to care for his sick Mom. Arlo is a great character, the idea that the child of hippie parents would decide at a young age to stay put and set down roots. Her relationship with the book club ladies is a nice aspect of the story as well. I see a triangle on the horizon that should prove entertaining for many mysteries to come.

Death on the Page (A Castle Bookstore Mystery)
By Essie Lang
Published by Crooked Lane Books

Shelby Cox thought she was doing her aunt a favor by taking a leave of absence from the publishing business. She did not expect to be butting heads with  the Castle volunteer coordinator nor did she expect to find her dead in the grotto. A "haunted grotto" that legend says was a meeting place for rum runners. Shelby is sure that there is a smuggling connection and her aunt is sure that groundskeeper Matthew Kressler couldn't possibly be the culprit. The last thing Shelby wants is for her aunt to be worrying while she is recovering from surgery. So what is a girl to do but start investigating much to the chagrin of Coast Guard Special Agent Zach Griffin, handsome Special Agent Griffin that is. Shelby is an engaging character who, much like myself, has an excellent sweet tooth and knows that that books go better with chocolate. The local sweet store is a great place to get the gossip and a truffle or two. Shelby is fitting right in and I could see how this small stint as a bookshop owner could be a full time gig if she was to decide to make her old home her new home, or boat that is.

Prologue to Murder (A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery)
by Lauren Elliot
published by Kensington Books

Addie Greybourne, owner of Beyond the Page Bookstore and recent Boston transplant is once again involved in a murder and this time is might just involve pirate treasure. This time the local paper's gossip "gal" is pointing fingers and causing Addie trouble in connection to a local librarian's death. Seems that the local gossip isn't the only isn't the only trouble brewing. Police Chief Marc's manipulating ex fiancé and reporter Lacey is back in town and Addie just isn't sure what she feels or where she stands, not to mention that Serena, Marc's sister and Addie's new best friend and shop neighbor seems to have been effected by Lacey's machinations as well. However the new local Doc Simon is doing his best to keep her mind elsewhere are the two of them work together to clear Addie's good name, ascertain the real killer, and possibly locate a priceless treasure. Looking forward to see where these possible romantic strings go as the next storyline involves Addie's almost father in law which means she will have to deal with her grief and see if she has room in her heart for someone new.

Murder in the Reading Room (A Book Retreat Mystery)
by Ellery Adams
published by Kensington Books

Welcome to Storyton Hall, found in the Village of Storyton. Storyton Hall is known for it's incredible library and grasp of literary history and the end point for any bibliophile's pilgrimage. What people don't know is that it is also a repository of some the most amazing works of literature that is overseen by Jane Steward the Resort Manager and Keeper of the great works. Works that many people and even a secret society known as the Templars would like to get their hands on and are willing to kill for. Jane's twin boys were kidnapped in the previous story and now the Templars are holding Jane's lover Edwin in the famous Biltmore Estate of North Carolina. Jane and one of her Fin protectors, Lachlan, head to the grand estate full of secret passages and countless places to hide a captive. What Jane doesn't anticipate finding is her dead husband. Thought to have drowned one cold winter's night before her boys were even born, Jane must now figure out how to save the Storyton treasures, Edwin her love, and the man she once called husband. All of this while a group of WWI centennial reenactors make use of the grounds of Storyton Hall. But there is much amiss at Storyton Hall and it is will take all of Jane's will and wit to keep her family, friends, and fellow bibliophiles safe. Great story line and an interesting take on the Knights Templar. Jane is an amazing character full of life and a moral compass that is like no other.

Buried in the Stacks (A Haunted Library Mystery)
by Allison Brook
published by Crooked Lane Books

Have you ever wished that someone would just go AWAY? Maybe an annoying coworker, like Carrie Singleton's coworker Dorothy. Carrie is above that sort of thing being the quintessential Sunshine Delegate she goes and visits Dorothy in the hospital following bad fall on some ice. After recovering from the fall, Dorothy is involved in a fatal car accident. Or was it an accident? Dorothy is not short on enemies. The library's own ghost, former librarian Evelyn, and Dorothy's aunt who is only visible to Carrie, implores a little sleuthing on Carrie's part. Carrie is trying to help but is also having to deal with a few of the locals who are cold and homeless and without a place to spend their daytime hours. She finds herself on a planning board that is setting up a shelter that may or may not be the site of some nefarious dealings. Great story line and the solving of not one but two mysteries before the story is finished and who wouldn't like a story that has a library cat named Smokey Joe.

Read on Arrival (A Bookmobile Mystery)

by Nora Page

published by Crooked Lane Books

Miss Cleo, librarian with 50 years experience and the captain of the Book It bookmobile is after the one that got away. Or rather the library book entitled Luck & Lore, that is being held hostage by Dixie Huddleston for 40 years not to mention that Dixie "stole" Cleo's birthday wish. Dixie swears that it is the root of her luck as well as the stolen birthday wish. All of a sudden Dixie decides she needs to make amends as her doom looms on the horizon. Well it looks like Dixie's luck has run out when she is found locked in her own pantry, murdered, death by bee sting. It looks like Miss Cleo is the main suspect, seems like everyone thinks she is obsessed with getting the MIA book back on the library shelf. So many suspects, better suspects than Ms. Cleo who is a true delight as a prim and proper bibliophile who is not about to let Belle Beauchamp and her shiny monstrosity of a disco bookless mobile, who is also a suspect. 

Abbey Glenn Wiskey Series of Cozys

Died in the Wool (A Whiskey Business Mystery)
Written by Melinda Mullet
Published by Alibi

This is number 4 of the Abby Glen Whiskey Business Mysteries and I think it is the best one yet! Abbi finds herself on the board of a women's shelter and embroiled in a suicide or is it murder? There is something not quite kosher amongst other board members making Abbi's journalistic qualities come out in full force. On top of it, the cook at the shelter turns up missing, leaving behind her young daughter. The cook is terribly devoted to her daughter and would NEVER willingly abandon her. So many questions to be answered and so many people are keeping too quiet. Which turns out to be a great distraction to the possibility of her business partner Grant's slow recovery and possible loss of career from the previous novel and her finally acknowledging heart's longing which might be too late. To think this mystery started out by Abbi trying to relieve her flock's over abundance of fleece. No good deed goes unpunished and Abbi will have to be careful as digs into things that some would rather she left well enough alone. Multiple plots and subplots and I was riding that emotional roller coaster right along with Abbi especially with regards to Grant!

Deadly Dram (A Whiskey Business Mystery)

Written by Melinda Mullet

Published by Alibi

Melinda Mullet does not disappoint! This is the 3rd installment and Abi just keeps getting better and better as she works her way into the Barley Boys club on her terms. A merry cast of characters at the annual awards night including Grant's former girlfriend, Brenna,  who makes it quite clear that she would like to pick up where things left off. Between the ex-girlfriend making Abi second guess her decision regarding Grant, the possibility of discrimination amongst the judging and last but not least murder of the judges. So many possible culprits but how are the victims connected? So hard not to spoil so just let me say that while it can stand alone as far as the story goes, you will want to read this series in order to follow the time sync for Abbey and Grant.

Death Distilled (A Whiskey Business Mystery)

Written by Melinda Mullet

Published by Alibi


Abi Logan is back in Balfour to check in at Abbey Glen and this time she is hobnobbing with a former rock star who may or may not be a murderer of his own band members. The town of Balfour is beside itself with the rock n roll hoopla and her head distiller doesn't trust the Rebel for one second. Is it distrust or jealousy? This was a great follow up to the Single Malt Murder as Abi becomes more of a local and less an outsider as she stumbles upon some old history that made history while her terrier Liam is tending a lost flock of sheep and solving a murder with ever trustworthy companion Patrick.

Single Malt Murder(A Whiskey Business Mystery)

Written by Melinda Mullet

Published by Alibi

Abigail Logan is no wee lass, she is a photo journalist who has seen the grit and grime as well as the bold and beautiful but she has not seen the inside of the whiskey barrel.  That is not until her uncle dies and leaves his distillery to her. Set in a small town, Abigail is an outsider and she knows nothing about the fine art of making whiskey. To complicate matters it turns out that her uncle has made quite a name for his distillery so it is much sought after by numerous buyers and someone will stop at nothing to sabotage the distillery, including murder. The only person Abi can trust without a doubt is her best friend and adult beverage connesuire, Patrick. This was a great read and I couldn't wait for the follow up!

Cat got your cozy

Fool's Moon (Tarot Cats Mystery)

By Diane A.S. Stuckart
Published by Midnight Ink

If you are a Midnight Louie fan then you will LOVE the Tarot Card cats! Ophelia has a special gift and it's not just her 9 lives. Boxed up with her brother and left for dead after their owner mysteriously dies in her swimming pool the two are separated and end up in two separate havens. Ophelia goes home with Ruby, a young student and tarot card reader while Brandon takes up with a pawn shop owner. The two cats are reunited with the help of a mystical Koi fish and Ruby's loving pit bull, Zuki. Now the three furry friends are on the trail of a killer as they help their human not only read the cards but to also get a read on the situation. Told from the both the furry and not furry point of view, very fun to read and looking forward to future episodes with Ruby and the furry gang.

Pawsitively Poisonous

By Melissa Erin Jackson

Published by Ringtail Press

This book was pawsitively wonderful! Such a bitter sweet tail of love, loss, and a little bit of magic. Okay more than a little and Amber only uses it for good, she is a Blackwell after all. I a tell that her working relationship with the Sheriff is going to take some time to work itself out and I sincerely hope that we see more of Reporter Declan. Great character development all the way through and I adored all of the cat-chy names for both streets and establishments. Cannot wait for the next one to learn more about Amber, the mysterious fire that claimed her parents, and Quirky Whisker.