Book Review Tuesday: Ghostly Interference @JanSikes3, Perfectly Imperfect @JacqBiggar, Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries @sgc58, P.S., I Love You More Than Tuna @SarahChauncey

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Warm and cozy window seat with cushions and a opened book, light through vintage shutters, rustic style home decor. Small cat on window seat, along with coffee cup by pillow, Words Book Review Tuesday superimposed over image

Hello! Wherever you are today, I hope the weather is warm(er) and pleasant. We can all use a break from winter weather, especially our friends in Texas. In my portion of Pennsylvania, we had a day and a half of snow which amounted to my office (on the day job), closing one full day and delaying until noon on the second. I squeezed in a lot of reading last week, although the reviews I’m sharing today are of books I read earlier in the month. I’m still playing catch up with my reviews, so let’s get started!
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Ghostly Interference
by Jan Sikes

Book cover for Ghostly Interference shows ghost image of kneeling GI in background, motorcycle and road in foreground

If you like your romantic reads with multiple layers, you’re sure to enjoy Ghostly Interference. Jan Sikes delivers the story of Jag and Rena who at first glance are polar opposites. He comes from a comfortable background and works in the computer industry, while Rena has been through a rough-and-tumble existence that included foster care. They say opposites attract, and in this case, the adage rings true. Both Rena and Jag have multiple hurdles to navigate on their road to a happily-ever-after. Sikes goes well beyond the trope of boy-meets-girl, delivering a plot that involves the spirit of Rena’s deceased brother, a magical rune, complex family dynamics, and the chance for her characters to embrace missed opportunities.

I particularly enjoyed the story line that took Jag from computer geek to musician and the inclusion of Damien. There’s a strong musical influence in this book. Not surprising given the author’s passion for, and inside knowledge of, the music industry. I also loved Rena finding Riley and her initial reaction to Jag digging into her past. The love of these two characters really shines through, especially during the closing climatic chapters.

Sikes delivers a polished read with excellent writing, characters who resonate with heart, and a plot that will leave you satisfied and happy.

5 STARS
AMAZON LINK
Genre: Romance > Ghost Fiction > Fantasy Romance

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Perfectly Imperfect
by Jacquie Biggar

If you enjoy breezy romantic reads, you’ll fall in love with this novella worthy of the Hallmark Channel. Georgina life’s dream revolves around her small start-up company, but financial setbacks force her to partner with CLO for backing. Little does she know CLO’s representative, Rhys Turner, arrives with the intent of selling her company out from under her at the insistence of his father.

From Georgina’s and Rhys first disastrous meeting—she spills coffee over his expensive suit—sparks fly between these two. This is a boy-meets-girl romance with all the squabbling and tug-of-wars you’d expect before the HEA at the end, but as always, what sets Biggar’s books apart is her gift for witty banter, clever POV, deft writing, and spot-on characterizations. Toss in an adorable puppy and some son/father issues between Rhys and his dad, and you’ve got a feel-good story guaranteed to leave you with a smile. A pleasure to read by an author who is a master at her craft!

5 STARS
AMAZON LINK
Genre: Romance > Romantic Comedy

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Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet
by Sally Cronin

This is an entertaining collection of short stories with several poems scattered throughout. The book is grouped into topics such as Technology, Animal Magic, and Connections (to name a few) with stories and poems related to their header topics appearing underneath. It’s cleverly presented and cleverly written. All of the stories are winners but there were some that really stood out for me, including The Weekly Shopping, The Nanny, The Scratch Card, and The Night Shift.

In The Weekly Shopping we get a taste of what ordering groceries might be like with when we come to rely too much on technology. It’s both hilariously funny and worrisome at the same time. I loved the argument related to the cat!

In The Nanny, a young couple discover who is watching over their baby at night. The Scratch Card left me with a lump in my throat at the generosity of others, and The Night Shift made me appreciate the special love pets have for their owners and the kindness of those who appreciate that bond.

These stories are heartwarming and touching, with scattered poetry further enriching the sections. A lovely collection and a quick read, the stories will lodge in your heart and linger.

5 STARS
AMAZON LINK
Genre: Two-Hour Short Reads > Short Stories and Poetry

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close up illustration of black cat, being held , paw around person's shoulder

P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna
by Sarah Chauncey

Beautifully illustrated and written, this short picture book will touch the heart of any cat lover, but it is geared toward those grieving the loss of a feline companion. I’ve lost several over the years, and thus felt compelled to pick this up even though my current rescue kitty is healthy and well.

P.S., I Love You More Than Tuna clearly depicts how kittens and cats enrich our lives, cover our hearts with paw prints, and never let go. It portrays all the joy, whimsy, and beautiful moments of sharing life with our special companions. I was in tears by the time I reached the final pages.

I am so glad I purchased this book, and can’t recommend it highly enough. I know I will go through the pages over and over again. It makes me cherish my cat, Raven, even more. For anyone who has ever loved and lost a cat, this book is a must!

Note: I bought the hardback copy. The illustrations are a treasure, and I was worried how they’d show on a Kindle. Considering the hardcopy isn’t even a dollar more, the decision was a no-brainer. 🙂

5 STARS
AMAZON LINK
Genre: Pet Loss Grief

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Thanks for joining me for another round of Tuesday Book Reviews. Just another week or two of playing catch-up with my reviews, and I can actually start sharing them as I finish the books.

I hope something today has caught your eye and is a candidate for your TBR. Thanks to all of these excellent authors for keeping me entertained. As always, I wish everyone happy reading!

73 thoughts on “Book Review Tuesday: Ghostly Interference @JanSikes3, Perfectly Imperfect @JacqBiggar, Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries @sgc58, P.S., I Love You More Than Tuna @SarahChauncey”

  4. Hi,
    Having read Ghostly Interference, I can testify that it is a wonderful, refreshing love read. I haven’t read the others but each one of them has landed on my TBR list. Especially the one by Sarah Chauncey that I am anxious to read. I love cats and I have had two cats that meant the world to me.
    Abbey, whom I had for thirteen years, and then after Abbey, Clay came and I had him for twenty-two years. He was my heart or better said, he thought I belong to him. After putting him to sleep in 2008, I hurt. He was the best cat ever.

    After reading your reviews I am quite sure I am going to enjoy each of these books.
    Have a great day.
    Shalom aleichem

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Hi, Pat. I, too, really enjoyed Ghostly Interference. Jan told an excellent tale, and I’m so glad to hear the others are already on your TBR list.

      As one cat lover to another (I had three rescue kitties at various stages of my life before Raven), I KNOW that P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna, is going to wrap itself around your heart and make you think of Abbey and Clay. I highly recommend it. And wow–Clay lived a really long life. I still mourn those I lost, too. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

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  5. When I saw the title of Sally’s book, I thought of Erma Bombeck. I’m going to have to check that one out. And you know I’m a cat lover, so… I have Jan’s book on my TBR and of course, a little Hallmark-like romance is good medicine for stressful times. Great reviews!

    Liked by 4 people

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  6. I couldn’t read the cat book. I’d be in tears before I opened the cover. And I don’t have cats! But I’d transfer the feeling to my three dogs, and I just couldn’t stand it. But that’s a testament to the quality of the book, isn’t it?

    Great reviews, all around. I enjoyed Jan’s book, too. And the others are on my list. My shamefully long list. Sigh.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 3 people

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    • Tuna is a bittersweet book. It inspires such beautiful, beautiful memories and smiles. But then there is also the heart-wrenching part of it. I think the fact that the illustrations are so whimsical helps offset the sadness. It’s not a story, just a picture book. I’ve already flipped through it 3-4 times since I bought it.

      And I hear you about shamefully long TBRs. I so want to catch up with mine, or at least make a dent in it!!

      Liked by 2 people

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  8. I’ve seen wonderful reviews for Jan’s, Jacquie’s, and Sally’s books – congrats to all of them! The title of the last book brought back memories of one of my furry friends. He looovvved tuna and whenever I opened a can he’d go into what I called tuna frenzy, lol.

    Liked by 4 people

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  9. Four great reviews for four very different books, Mae! I have Jan and Sally’s on my Kindle already and will be bumping them up. And of course, I’ll add the other two to my TBR, as well. Now if I could just get caught up on my reviews! YOU are my inspiration, and I’ve allotted time to start working on them to my new, improved Weekly Work Schedule.

    I like that you’re sharing your reviews on your blog, and I think I’m going to start doing that, as well. Might even give them their own page, so folks can check them out any time. We’ll see. But rest assured, if I ever come close to getting caught up on mine, it will be because you’ve inspired me with these Book Review Tuesday posts! Now I’m off to bump up Jan and Sally’s books, and add Jacquie’s and Sarah Chauncey’s. Great job! 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

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  12. Great reviews, Mae. Thank you for sharing them. I’ve read two of the four and like you, greatly enjoyed them. The other two remain waiting on my kindle. Your nudge has pushed them forward. 😊

    Liked by 3 people

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  13. What a great variety! I love You More than Tuna grabbed my heart immediately and I love the cover and title of Perfectly Imperfect. All the books sound like fantastic reads. Wonderful reviews, Mae!

    Liked by 4 people

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    • Thanks, Tessa. The cover for Perfectly Imperfect is perfect (aren’t I clever?) for the book. It’s a fun, flirty, breezy romance with plenty of comedic touches and snappy dialogue.
      Tuna sucked me in the moment I saw it. I’m so glad I grabbed a copy.

      Liked by 2 people

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    • Jina, I highly recommend P.S. I Love You More Than Tuna if you miss your cat. It fills a hole in such a touching, heart-felt way.
      Jacquie’s book was a lot of fun and I think the cover is the perfect match for the story. I enjoyed all of these. Thanks for dropping by to check out the reviews!

      Liked by 1 person

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  15. Thank you, Mae, for your wonderful review of Ghostly Interference! I am thrilled to be in the company of such awesome authors that I admire greatly! I have read Jacquie’s book and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sally’s book is waiting in a queue and I look forward to diving into it. I am allergic to cats. And yet, I had a cat, Amanda, for eighteen years. She was amazing (and I took allergy shots). I know I would enjoy I Love You More Than Tuna.

    Liked by 3 people

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  17. Excellent reviews, Mae. Having loved and lost four kitties in my time, I’m sure P.S I Love You More Than Tuna would grab my heart. I have read Sally’s book, and Jan’s is in the wings. Jacquie’s books are always a treat. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 2 people

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  21. Mae, thank you for including me in this list of wonderful reads, and for the AMazing review! I know I’m going to bawl but I’m still heading over to buy P.S.: I l Love You More than Tuna (I already have the others on my TBR). Congrats to Jan, Sally, and Sarah on the awesome reviews!

    Liked by 2 people

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    • It’s my pleasure to feature all of you here today, Jacquie. A huge thanks to you, Jan, and Sally for keeping me entertained. And yeah, I bawled too, but i highly recommend P. S. I Love You More than Tuna. I’m so glad you’re going to grab a copy (and that the other books are already on your TBR). I can’t wait to see what you think of “Tuna.” 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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