#IWSG July 2019: Thoughts and Prayers

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

For those who don’t know, I’m still in recovery, so this will be a little different than my usual IWSG post.

Optional Monthly Question: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

For the first time, I’m skipping the optional question, though it is a pretty good one.

****

Today I’m sharing a book review and a spotlight.

What would you do if your hubby signed the two of you up for an extreme diet?

Life without chocolate and junk food—completely miserable. Finding someone poisoned by a cake—even worse.

Mollie thought she had enough problems to deal with when her husband threw out all of her chocolate and junk food. But when someone is poisoned during a cake baking competition, she’s thrust into another murder investigation.

While she tries to identify the killer, Coconut Cove’s annual boating festival is in full swing. In between getting ready for her first sailing race and cheating on her diet, Mollie and her cat, Mrs. Moto, uncover clues, interview suspects, and do their best to avoid rutabagas.

Can Mollie nab the murderer before someone else is poisoned?

Poisoned by the Pier is the third book in the light, humorous, and original Mollie McGhie cozy sailing mystery series. If you like kooky characters, adorable cats, and plenty of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery. Buy Poisoned by the Pier today and laugh out loud from the first page to the last.

Spoiler Alert: You’ll never look at rutabagas the same way again after you finish reading this book!

Poisoned by the Pier can be read as a standalone book, but you’ll have more fun if you start at the beginning of the series with Murder at the Marina.

Book #1—Murder at the Marina
Book #2—Bodies in the Boatyard
Book #3—Poisoned by the Pier
Book #4—Dead in the Dinghy (late 2019)

My 4-star review:
“Actual rating 4.5

This is the third book in this series, but it’s the first one I’ve read. I will definitely go back to read the first two in the series. This was such a fun and cute story, despite the murder.

I haven’t read a lot of cozy mysteries, but if they are all like this, I could definitely read more.

Even though this is the third in this series, I did not feel lost in the plot or disassociated from the characters. Plus, there are pets in this story and I adore animals. If it weren’t for my allergies I’m sure I’d be more of a cat person than I am, but even so, Mrs. Moto stole the show more than once. Just so cute.

My only concerns about this lovely read are: 1) the mystery didn’t begin until almost a quarter of the way through the book. Leading up to the mystery there was some great character development and world-building, but I was beginning to worry I was reading a contemporary and not a mystery. 2) the way the mystery was solved was clever but it seemed a little too easy. Still, it was satisfying. I mean, this is a cozy mystery, not a suspense thriller.

This was a truly fun read. I look forward to reading more from this author and in this series. Highly recommended to fans of cozy mysteries, humorous fiction, and character-driven stories.

Disclaimer: I read a digital ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review. This review is solely based on my reading experience and personal opinion.”

Get your copy of this fun read at the links below:

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google Play 

Ellen Jacobson is one of our lovely co-hosts this month. Be sure to give her a visit.

****

Now, on to the personal updates.

I have been very sick for a long time. I’m getting better every day, but it’s been a rough road. I have many things I want to do, but I have to put my health first or I won’t be around to do anything.

Posting my review for Poisoned by the Pier and putting this post together are the most writing I’ve done in a long time (plus, I have so many other reviews that need to be written). I’ve even been struggling to read, which regretfully explains why I haven’t responded to comments on this blog and am still working my way through the WEP submissions for June. I got an email letting me know I won one of the awards. I’m so thrilled and appreciative of what this writing challenge has helped me accomplish. Even though the contest is over, I will still make an effort to finish reading the submitted stories, the topic was so varied and compelling.

I’m trying to get back to full capacity at my day job because I need the money, but it too is a slow process. For that reason, I’m asking for thoughts and prayers. Not just for me, but for any of us trying to do the things we love and live our lives, while also dealing with unexpected and or challenging illnesses.

****

Thanks for stopping by. It may take some time, but I will stop by your blog too.

****

After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Erika Beebe,
Natalie Aguirre,
Jennifer Lane,
MJ Fifield,
Lisa Buie-Collard, and
Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!!

****

Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #45).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Please follow and like us: