I’m an avid reader of non-fiction, as evidenced by our Book Club selections. I love gaining new insights on personal growth, business, and wellness that I can apply to my life.
But sometimes I just want to check out, to rest my mind and get lost in another world. Whereas non-fiction stirs me up with ideas and plans, fiction forces me to pause, focus, and finally relax.
Raise your hand if you need to relax, too.
So when Laura Childs asked me if I wanted to check out her latest book with Terrie Farley Moran, Crepe Factor, I didn’t hesitate. I’d read a previous book in her scrapbooking mystery series before, Gilt Trip, and reviewed it for Simple Scrapper.
I knew this cozy mystery would be the perfect romp to celebrate the end of another Refresh retreat.
This morning I found myself in Starbucks after dropping my daughter off at school. I just had to finish and find out who killed Martin Lash, even though I had plenty of work to do.
The book started off with a leisurely energy, but the pace really picked up as the eager and unpredictable heroine got herself into the thick of a murder investigation. She’s the scrapbooking world’s Veronica Mars, sans private investigator license.
“Carmela’s ears were still stinging from the tongue-lashing Babcock had given her last night. Her tummy was in turmoil. Not even a new shipment of handmade paper or the promise of new wax seals could lift her out of her nervous funk.”
The peppering of craft and food details gives the book a “she’s just like me” feel. Plus, having grown up outside of Houston, I was able to read the book with New Orleans accents and understand many of the local traditions mentioned.
Crepe Factor was a casual, fun read that kept me curious until the end.
Giveaway
I’ve got two hardback copies of Crepe Factor, signed by the author, to give away. To enter, leave a comment by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11 sharing a recent fiction book you’ve enjoyed. This post will be updated with the winners, who will also be contacted directly.
The winners are #12 (Cathy) and #26 (Laura Smith).
Ooooo I have been eyeing these books since the first one came out. Hope to get my hands on obe here in South Africa.
I just read “Baby Dunjas last love” written by Alina Bronsky.
I Canada rally recommend it.
I’ve just finished ‘The Girl on the Train’. A great read with an unexpected ending.
I just bought this and can’t wait to start!
I just finished Laura Child’s book Photo Finish, also a Scrapbooking mystery book of hers. These are the perfect books to read just before bed.
I just finished Glue, Baby Gone by Joanna Campbell Slan. It is the latest in a scrapbooking mystery series that I highly recommend, I loved it! I will have to start reading Laura Child’s books soon!
I read JD Robb’s Apprentice in Death recently (futuristic crime drama series by Nora Roberts) and really enjoyed it. I’ve been reading the series from the beginning, so it’s always nice to get a new installment of characters you love. This Laura Childs book looks like a fun read – I’d love to win a copy 🙂 Thanks!
Here’s to Us by Elin Hilderbrand–family story set on Nantucket. I love the Laura Child’s scrapbooking and tea shoppe stories.
I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets to my kids. The last fiction book I read for myself was All the Light We Cannot See. I had no idea that “scrapbooking mystery” was even a genre of literature! Might have to check it out. 🙂
Sounds like a fun read. Could use something like that right now. Have been dealing with insurance company and contractors because of a water leak for over a week and expect it to be another 4 weeks before we are back to normal.
One that I recently read that I love is the Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George. I love Laura Child’s books – both her scrapbook series and her tea shop series.
Love, Love, Love Laura Child’s series!!!!
I’d love to read this book! Have just read JD Robb’s Apprentice in Death, and like all the others in this series, thoroughly enjoyed it.
Right now I’m reading A Great Reckoning by Louise Penney …the latest in a detective series that I am obsessed with!
I’d love to read this book. I just finished ‘Quilt as Desired’ by Arlene Sachitano.
I love cozy mysteries from time to time to break up heavier reading. I also enjoy a good thriller like Home by Harlan Coben.
The last book I read was Sidney Chambers and The Dangers of Temptation. It took me a little to get into, but after that I really enjoyed it.
I just read a new mystery by Julia Buckley called A Dark and Stormy Murder, It was fantastic, a bit gothic-y and not too hard to figure out! I also read the new Alan Bradley book, Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew’d. It’s the latest in the Flavia de Luce series. I adore her as a character and really felt she has grown up a lot in this one. Thanks so much for the chance to win, I love the scrapbooking series!
I read The Dishwater Tree by Angela Janacaro and really enjoyed it.
The last book I read was A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir. I loved it! I do own a few Laura Child’s Scrapbooking books. This would be a lovely addition. Thanks for the give away.
Himmler’s Cook by Franz-Olivier Giesbert.
“A Scrapbooking mystery” sounds interesting!
I would love to read this book! I have 11 yes of hers in this series and I love them! Not only that, but I’ve shared many of them with other Scrappers…it’s my lending library at home!
“The Girl on the Train” was my last fiction read. I’m not sure it was as relaxing as it was anxiety-producing! Who killed that woman and would they kill again? Twists and turns and I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to read the book before the movie came out. Mission accomplished!
I did love to read that book.. It’s intrigate me. Her name is Carmela that book must be for me….
Carmelle L.
The last book I read was ‘Saving CeeCee Honeycutt’ by Beth Hoffman. It wasn’t a nail biting, page turner, but a nice, gentle read about a young girl dealing with her mother’s mental illness (which sounds so depressing, and it’s a bit sad at times, but overall a heartwarming read). I don’t think I have ever read a Laura Child’s book…I really need to check this out! Thanks for the chance to win!
I would love to read this book. I recently read Family Pictures. It was a quick and enjoyable read.
I have always enjoyed Laura’s book series! I have recently been reading the Inspector Gamache series of mysteries. Trying to read them slowly so I don’t run out!