Orcas Island, Washington, Present Day

Imagine a wedding about to take place beside Old Cape Lighthouse on scenic Orcas Island. This Pacific Northwest location, adorned with gorgeous sun-kissed flowers, rested near the water’s edge. James Stratford, a wealthy and handsome groom, and Brooke Edgars, a lovely bride-to-be, were full of expectations and the promise of a long life together. Picture Perfect. Unfortunately, death can interrupt the grandest of plans and break hearts without a thought or care. 

Kaylee Bleu, owner of The Flower Patch and the official wedding florist, was the first person to find the body. Her handsome bow-tied dachshund, Bear, arrived beside the body first, but he suddenly showed terrible symptoms. Kaylee’s past as a plant taxonomist and forensic botanist at Seattle’s University of Washington has been helpful during investigations. This time her skills were needed to help her beloved Bear. And then to discover what the murderer didn’t want anyone to learn.

This story is well written, with plenty of twists and turns. I loved trying to discover who the killer might be! The characters have depth and personality. They feel like friendly neighbors who fit in nicely with their small town, Turtle Cove. And who can win your heart, if not a dachshund named Bear? I highly recommend this series and this story which can be a stand-alone, yet why miss the fun of the rest of the adventures? Secrets, surprises, and a very satisfying ending.

Each of these stories is approximately 200 pages, so they are quick reads that deliver a full cozy murder mystery experience—lacking nothing. I love details, and depth and I’m quite satisfied with Kaylee Bleu and her Petal Pushers garden club members and the other regulars of Turtle Cove.

This is Book 2 from the VICTORIAN MANSION FLOWER SHOP MYSTERIES series published by Annie’s. I have the hardback cover version with a ribbon bookmark sewn into the binding. What a lovely gift these books can make. There is also an E-book version available. You may discover more about the publisher and their other series at AnniesFiction.com.

QUESTIONS FOR JOHNNIE:

I love to let my readers discover who the author is behind the wonderful story presented
in the review. When did you first fall in love with writing?

Though I dreamed of writing stories, and certainly made up quite a few, from the time I was a tyke, it wasn’t until I approached one of those milestone birthdays that I told myself, “It’s now or never!” Fear often nibbled at my heart, and a few more years passed before I received a contract for WHERE TREASURE HIDES, my debut novel. God’s promise, given to me during a private devotional time at a writers conference, to “set my feet in a spacious place” helped me to persevere during that time and during other low points in my journey. I trust Him with my writing path.

Do you have a favorite occupation that you secretly dream of doing, represented by one
of your characters in this story? The Flower Patch florist, the handyman, baker, police
officer . . .

I absolutely love this question because I told my sister only a few weeks ago that creating characters allows me to explore hobbies that I want to know about but not necessarily do! LOL! For example, I recently created a heroine who is a glass-blower and another who is a wildlife photographer who also judges documentaries for film festivals. Doesn’t that sound fun?! One of my favorite characters is Chaney Rose, a con artist with a conscience, who uses her grifting skills to save a racehorse from death in THE MISCHIEF THIEF (currently the first and only novel in the Rose & Thorne Series). I’m loathe to admit it (because, after all, I do believe in following the Ten Commandments), but I’d love to be on the Leverage team. (For those who may not know, Leverage is an older TV show featuring a mastermind, hacker, hitter, grifter, and thief who ran cons on the rich and powerful to get justice for those in need.)

Since Orcas Island is a real place (https://www.visitsanjuans.com/orcas-island) have you
ever had the pleasure of visiting there?

That is definitely a dream, though not one that has yet come true. I’m still on the tourist mailing list, though, so maybe someday! Since I can’t travel to all the settings that show up in my stories, I research trees, plants, sunrises and sunsets, and often add the town (if it’s not fictional) on my weather app.

What is your favorite drink while writing?

I have a Pepsi in my favorite insulated cup, decorated with many of my favorite verbs, words, and phrases on my desk right now. Here’s a sampling: wonder, try, hope, flip flops, cherish, play, running barefoot in the grass, dream, laugh, dance, staying up late, cherish, pray.

What is the title of your next book in this series, and approximately when will it be
published?

All twenty-four books in the Victorian Mansion Flower Shop Mysteries series, published by Annie’s Fiction, have been written. I wrote #2, BLOOMED TO DIE and #8, PINE AND PUNISHMENT. The entire series can be found here: https://bit.ly/VMFSMSeries I’m currently writing a historical novella set in Crooksville, Ohio for Guideposts’ new Love’s a Mystery series. Each book contains a historical and a contemporary novella (written by two different authors). After that, I’ll be writing a few more novels for Annie’s Fiction while planning more Rose & Thorne stories.

You can find the author, Johnnie Alexander at https://johnnie-alexander.com/

England 1825
 
Surprise for Petunia Bateman, Tuny to her loved ones, was waiting for her at Chelsea Palace. Prince Otto Leopold made a stunning announcement that took Tuny’s breath away, triggered tongues to wag in the ton, and set her off on an undesirable path!

I’ve read previous books in this delightful and entertaining series. I know that Sir Matthew Bateman and Lady Bateman, Tuny’s brother and sister-in-law, will take care of this spirited, intelligent lady that has just been given a duty essential to the future of Batavaria! But will her family’s love and devotion be enough? Not in the view of the Batavarian royalty. Arrangements have been made, and still, danger is afoot.

Lord Ashforde is the last person Petunia wants to see because of a past disappointment. But she is important for Lord Ashforde, or as his friends call him, Ash, to see, for he has had an apology in the making. Should you treat yourself to this book, I would love for you to comment below about how Ash’s servants’ reactions to him impressed you? And what about Fortune, the—gray cat of import—residing with Meredith Mayes, Lady Belfort, and her husband, Julian. How can one gray cat be so clever? I know because I had such a wise and observant kitty in our household for 18 wonderful years.
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And as newspapers go, The Times wasn’t exactly helpful for Tuny’s relationship to the ton! So, if you are looking for adventure, a clean story that is more than fluff, and characters you will love forever, I suggest you read NEVER LOVE A LORD, Wedding Vow Series, Book 4. Yes, I was given this novel for review, and I have given you my honest feelings and observations! I love this series by Regina Scott! I hope that you will also!

You may find Regina Scott's news blogs and books on:
 https://reginascott.com/

The cat is our girl, Zoey. She has passed on but she lives on in our hearts!

I’ve held a particular movie in my DVD collection for far too long, so I finally watched it. I’m delighted to report that THE 39 STEPS is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie—ever!

This fast-paced move offers intrigue, surprise, humor, and all the best this master film director has achieved during his life’s work—in my humble opinion! I admit that I don’t enjoy all old movies. Some drag on, and others lack zing, but the characters in THE 39 STEPS and the thrilling plot they move about in has lured me to return several times in a short period of time. I may watch it again today. 😊

Robert Donat does a wonderful job of portraying his intelligent and clever character, Richard Hanny, and Madeline Carroll is excellent as the witty and determined heroine, Pamela.
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John Buchan’s 1915 novel ’THE 39 STEPS” can still be found, and I, for one, would love to read it. Do you also enjoy comparing novels to the movies inspired by those stories?
Well, there you have it. This is my latest movie obsession, and if you are looking for a fun quality movie, I offer my suggestion to take a look!