This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Loveda Brown Sings the Blues by Jolie Tunnell is the third book in the Idyllwild Mystery series. The charming André Bernardi arrives in Idyllwild with an air of mystery about him. The opera singer has experienced a bout of bad luck with weird accidents seeming to befall him which leads to the only logical conclusion – someone is trying to kill him. Loveda takes it upon herself to help him and prevent this would-be killer from being successful. Her hotel continues to draw in a mysterious assortment of guests which this time includes an artist that seems to have his eyes on her and a paleontologist harboring a secret. As if that wasn't enough, a mysterious baby left in her care at the hotel leads to a shocking discovery and a deeper mystery regarding the baby's origins.
An intriguing opening pegs the interesting contemplation about the differences between the kisses of men and women which sets up a dynamic that is further explored in the story. Loveda is a great leading character with a curious mindset, sharp wit, sleuthing nature, and behavior that isn't anything like a proper lady of the time should exhibit. Set in 1912, this historical backdrop weaves in real elements from the period with references to the equality between men and women, and poignant dialogue that's still relevant. Jolie Tunnell uses the context of the period while also adding a lighthearted tone, humor, and murder mystery to create an addictive series. Tunnell connects the guests to the overall mystery with threads that all tie together by the end. Sybil is the baby at the root of a mystery that involves murder, unknown parents, and possibly the discovery of gold. Her presence also creates the perfect opportunity for mirth as Loveda has no idea what to do with babies. Another great installment in the series, Loveda Brown Sings the Blues has it all – humor, charm, strong-willed women, a lovely historical setting, a murder mystery, and an adorable baby.