Book Review and Giveaway - Eat, Drink, and Get Buried (A Coffeehouse Mystery) by Cleo Coyle

My Review

Clare Cosi is hosting a special party at her coffeehouse, Village Blend, in NYC.  It's a birthday party for Ava Welsh's boyfriend Ryan.  Ava grew up with Clare's daughter Joy and is like one of the family.  Ryan is planning to propose to Ava at the party, so it looks like a joyous occasion ... until a mysterious woman is thrown off the balcony by someone who looks like Ryan.  Ryan takes off running and Clare works to solve the mystery and clear his name.

I wanted to read Eat, Drink, and Get Buried because I enjoy cozy mysteries and love this series.  The Village Blend setting feels like a visit with old friends.

This is such a strong mystery!  It has so many elements I enjoy in cozies.  The mystery is set up very early on when Ryan is almost the victim of a hit and run accident before the party.  The chapters are short but full of drama and developments, so the book has a lively pace.   With Ryan on the run (and with Ava and Joy in danger) the stakes are very high.

I have suggested this series several times to friends and enthusiastically recommend Eat, Drink and Get Buried.  It is such an enjoyable, fast paced read - sure to please anyone who enjoys NYC or restaurant settings.

Book Synopsis

When the Village Blend caters a glittering rooftop party, their creative coffee concoctions are eclipsed by a shocking murder in this thrilling new Coffeehouse Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

Years ago, when master roaster Clare Cosi was a newly divorced mom raising her daughter, Joy, Ava Welsh became Joy’s best friend. Now the painfully shy girl next door has grown into a successful New York businesswoman, and Clare is delighted to be catering Ava’s coffee-themed party, especially when her boyfriend, Ryan, confides his plan to propose that very night.

Then a scream shatters the celebration. A woman is thrown off the balcony to her death, and Ryan–who abruptly flees the party–is accused of murder. Clare vows to help Ava clear his name.

Her digging uncovers suspicious connections to a deadly event from which a teenaged Joy and Ava barely escaped with their lives. The stakes rise ever higher as a ruthless killer attempts to keep the ugly truth buried–even if it means sending Clare and her caffeinated crew six feet under.

Author Bio

CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating more than 20 years in print, and the national bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. With more than one million books sold, their works have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech; received multiple Best of Year selection honors from reviewers; and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, wrangle their rescue cats, drink a lot of java, and cook like crazy. Connect with Cleo at CoffeehouseMystery.com

Author Links

Webpage: https://www.coffeehousemystery.com/

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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cleo-coyle

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51488.Cleo_Coyle

Purchase Links:

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Giveaway

Thanks to Berkeley Publishing Group, Netgalley, and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy of this book.

Book Review - The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work by Jake Weidmann

My Review

The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work is a book that helps creative people and entrepreneurs think in terms of making a living incorporating their personal passions.

I wanted to read this book because I was a Creative Writing major (and I still write daily).  I also have a small vintage business online.  The Heart of the Maker appealed to me in terms of both these personal passions.

There is a strong faith component to the book, as Jake Weidmann discusses how to balance personal faith and pursuing creative endeavors.  I found this approach unique and thought provoking. 

This is a beautiful book. Jake Weidmann is a Master Penman and the design of the book is very eye catching.  The book is divided into 16 chapters, with descriptive titles like The Sketch: Start Small and Flow:  Finding Your Productive Rhythm.  

I found the author's approach to creativity inspiring:  "Be as serious as you'd like about your business, but make work your play" (p. 119).  

He also offers practical suggestions, like:  "If you struggle from distractions, then I encourage you to either stay up late or get up early if the nature of your work allows that kind of thing. ... Find the hours of the day when your creativity peaks and lean into them" (p. 121).

This is a thoughtful, reflective book and I look forward to spending more time with it, perhaps journaling as I think about some of the ideas that spark my interest.

I recommend The Heart of the Maker: How to Put Your Passion to Work for creative people or entrepreneurs who want to live a balanced life as they pursue their passions.

Book Synopsis

Unlock the transformation of your passion with the keys of purpose-driven work in The Heart of the Maker. Whether you’re an artist or entrepreneur, writer, weekend warrior or looking for a way to activate your calling, this book serves as a blueprint for turning creativity into meaningful action.

With hard-won lessons and a deep connection to the spiritual roots of creativity, this maker’s guide equips you with the tools to face uncertainty and emerge confidently into your creative calling.

Jake Weidmann, renowned self-taught artist and the youngest Master Penman in the world, wants to show you how to:

• balance the sacred and the sellable in the business of soulful creation;
• embrace your gift in less-than-ideal times and spaces for your making;
• grow your skill while balancing the books, working with your spouse, dealing with stress, and fighting burnout;
• discover the importance of faith, family, and relationships as the foundation for great art and a meaningful life;
• grow closer to God by connecting with the spiritual roots of creativity;
• see your challenges as a way to stretch your ingenuity; and
• overcome self-doubt by trusting in God’s plan and stepping boldly into your unique creative purpose.

But this is more than a guide—it’s a call to action for anyone ready to leave behind the ordinary and make a lasting impact in their work and their life. With The Heart of the Maker, readers will learn how to view their creativity not just as a skill but as a gift, meant to be cultivated and shared to glorify God and bless others.

Author Bio

Jake Weidmann – Jake is a professional artist and certified as one of nine Master Penmen in the world. Jake was certified through IAMPETH (International Association of Master Penmen, Engrossers, and Teachers of Handwriting) in July 2011. He holds the title as the youngest Master Penman by three decades and the youngest to ever attain the title. His journey into calligraphy has been the “special sauce” for everything he now creates, incorporating the traditional calligraphic flourishing into his fine art. Jake is self-taught in each of his disciplines (calligraphy, painting, drawing, woodworking, and engraving). While he typically works with private clients, Jake has worked with Apple, Inc., Crossway Books, and Biola University, and has spoken from countless stages including TEDx and Q, and was featured on the PBS series, A Craftsman’s Legacy.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson and TLC Book Tours for a copy of this book.