Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking by Raquel V. Reyes

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I've been enjoying cozy mystery series this fall and I was excited to continue the Caribbean Kitchen Mystery Series. I am here for the mouthwatering food and the drama.

One of the things I like about this series is how it highlights how Caribbean culture is so interconnected through food. Whether the island speaks Spanish, English, or Kreyol they have so many staple vegetables that are the same throughout. Miriam being a food anthropologist is fascinated by the similar dishes and is quick to share the origins of some of them. Some recipes are included at the end but there are a few dishes I looked up to try and recreate as well.

I really enjoyed the girl squad she had surrounding herself that consisted of cousins, friends, and her sister-in-law. Especially now that's she's settled in since the move. Her son is in daycare, her relationship with Robert is stable again and her cooking series have really taken off. Her mother-in-law is still a pain especially when she puts her in charge of the woman's group gala. But she also has other family members around to keep her grounded. And I liked her Tia and the Santeria rituals as well as Miriam exploring other religions outside of Christianity. 

There were some parts where we got a little too much explanation on issues within the community such as colorism and anti-Blackness.

The mystery felt a little more complicated with so many power players involved. I definitely did not figure out everything. And I was a little scared for Miriam since the Russian mafia was entangled in this. She was moving extra reckless at some points. But this book did something different in that the inciting incident isn't out outright murder but an attempted murder.

While I would usually say you can read a cozy mystery series out of order this is one of the few times I insist you read book 1 first as it references events from that book including who the murderer was and their are parts that tie in.

Overall it was a good read. I cheered for Miriam standing her ground when it came to her awful mother-in-law, chastised her when she made stupid moves, but still rooted for the gala to go well.

Frizzy by Claribel Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Welcome Back, Booklovers! So Frizzy was put on my radar by Kiara Valdez over at First Second who edited this graphic novel.(In case you missed it I previously did an interview with her. Which you can check out here.)  I've been trying to read more graphic novels and comics because one of my favorite childhood series is a comic. And there's so many unique stories you can tell through this medium. So thanks to First Second/Macmillan for this finished copy.

Frizzy is the story of Marlene, a young Dominican girl with big curly hair. Her mother drags her to the salon every Sunday to "tame" her curls by blowing them out. But Marlene secrets hates the salon days and she hates how her family always compares her to her perfect cousin. She dreams of the day she can let her curls be free and forms and plan to copy a hairstyle from Youtube.

The artwork truly does the heavy lifting here. It immediately sets the tone. Having grown up in a very Catholic Caribbean household the pictures of Jesus on the walls in the house reminded me so much of my mother's house growing up. I especially got a laugh out of Judging Jesus.

A lot of us have gone through this experience. I remember my mother insisting my hair needed relaxers because I didn't know how to take care of it. It was supposed to make it easier to manage. I remember Dominicans girls from the cosmetology class offering to give me a blow out. The days I fried it with the flat iron only to try and make curls with the curling iron to give my flat lifeless curls some body. That cousin with the "good" hair who made you feel bad about yours.

I liked that the text pointed out that the anti-Blackness and push for straight hair as acceptable was something passed through generations. And I loved the full circle moment at the end which reminded me so much of my own natural hair journey. I only wish I had an auntie as cool as Tia Ruby to help me through the trial and error of finding products that work.

Interview with Author S.K. Ali

Welcome Back, Booklovers! I am back with another author interview! Today's interview is with the lovely S.K. Ali who's new book Love From Mecca to Medina releases October 18th, 2022.

What inspired you to start writing? And what is your favorite part of the process?

Falling in love with stories at an early age inspired me to try my hand at writing my own when I was in my tweens. My favorite part of the writing process is when all the pieces I envision for a story click into place. That’s when the craft of writing turns into the art of storytelling.   

In Love from Mecca to Medina we follow established characters Adam and Zayneb. Do you like getting to revisit characters and continue their love story? 

Yes, definitely! They are so distinct from each other that writing them allows me to feel like I’m writing two stories (which is something exciting for a writer who is always ready to move on to a fresh new project, even in the midst of finishing a book). And with Adam and Zayneb, I wanted to make sure that readers got closure on their love story. The first book, Love from A to Z, didn’t elaborate on this part and this was an opportunity for me to write the ever-after. 

Were you inspired by your own pilgrimage story?

Choosing to set this story in Mecca and Medina meant revisiting my own memories of visits to these cities, and the emotional experiences of my pilgrimages when I was young. It also meant researching, via YouTube and TikTok, what it’s like for young Muslims today to do the pilgrimage. And I found that the awe hasn’t changed. Like arriving in Mecca, and the feeling of first sighting the Kaaba, the site two billion of us around the globe turn toward when we pray, is mystical and feels otherworldly, and I tried my best to capture that through my words. 

Do you get nervous about the perception when writing a book so interconnected with your faith and culture?

It’s easy to feel self-conscious about this due to prevalent Islamophobia, which casts suspicion on someone writing positively about being Muslim, when the norm is to write the opposite. But I don’t succumb to this feeling because I recall reading so many books where faith, mainly the Christian one, was intrinsic to a character’s journey, whether it’s Little Women or Anne of Green Gables (and these stories are, to this day, adapted again and again for screen) and so many more, and no one bats an eyelash. And I love these books and others where characters got to be free with sharing their religious identities. Why should I get worried about perceptions when I’m doing the same thing these beloved authors did to be authentic to their characters? 

What genre do you love reading the most vs genre you love writing the most?

From when I was young, I’ve always loved reading (and watching!) mysteries and thrillers but I’ve yet to try to write one. I don’t know why it comes easier for me to write romance when I hardly read any. (I do watch rom-coms from time to time, though!)

Is there any type of author panel you’d love to be invited to speak on?

A panel on writing or other “authory” stuff! The sad truth is that marginalized authors rarely get to speak about the writing process or the craft of story building or anything else that communicates we’re professionals in this industry. We’re often asked to speak about our pain or identity issues or why we’re “grateful to be published”. And, to this I say, just let me be a plain ol’ author sometimes? And also believe that I didn’t “just” get published because of “diversity”? (I think I also know a thing or two about storytelling.)

What’s the best thing you’ve heard a reader say about any of your books?

This is a hard one to answer because I feel like they’re all the best things I’ve heard. I’m often moved to tears when I read notes from young people grateful to see themselves in stories. I cry because it’s such a simple act — to be witnessed to be human too — that they’re grateful for, and I wish there were more instances of such affirmations for all who feel othered. Yesterday, a high school sophomore shared with me that every time they need a bit of comfort in their day, they pick up Love from A to Z, and they immediately find it in the pages. Of course I teared up on hearing that. 

What advice would you give to upcoming writers?

Continuously learn the different writing processes of published authors (they’re captured in interviews all over the internet) and try different ones out; you’ll never know what works best for you until you try. And then, when you find a great one, don’t be afraid to try yet another one. Each will add to your repertoire of skills as a writer. 

Are there any upcoming writing projects you’re able to talk about?

I’m changing gears and working on a speculative fiction project next. That and an adult rom-com! 

You can follow S.K. Ali on Twitter @SajidahWrites, Instagram @skalibooks, Tik Tok @skalibooks. 

National Farmer's Day Recommendation List

Welcome Back, Booklovers! It's National Farmer's Day and I thought it would be good to highlight some of books with farming and gardening mentioned. Even though I'm not an outdoor girlie I love to visit orchards during the summer and fall seasons. And there's nothing like a good farm to table meal. And you can often find me at the farmer's market. I'll also say I wasn't quite sure what the difference is between a farm and a ranch but after some research I'm going with the definition that says: A ranch refers to a specific type of farm that focuses on raising and herding hoven animals, typically cattle or sheep.

Amara's Farm

Amara is hosting a potluck for friends on her farm, and she needs help finding her pumpkins to serve a tasty dish. What do we know about pumpkins? They're large, round, and orange—and, wait a minute, is that a pumpkin? No, that's an apple. Where, oh, where could those pumpkins be? Can you help Amara find them in time for her potluck?

Uncle John's City Garden

Visiting the city  from her home in the suburbs, an African American girl sees how a few packets of seeds, some helping hands, and hard work transform an empty lot in a housing project into a magical place where vegetables grow and family gathers. It’s the magic of nature in the heart of the city!

Something About You

Kentucky farm girl Kyla Coleman grew up believing in the power of healthy living choices to enrich and transform lives. Pursuing her PhD while working at her cousin’s bed-and-breakfast and organic farm leaves little time for a personal life. Until Kyla meets a very handsome and incredibly astute out-of-towner, Miles Parker. There’s something about the baseball legend turned food industry entrepreneur that instantly captivates her despite their wildly opposing views.

His quest to end world hunger has long been Miles’s passion. And Kyla’s the first woman who shares his special altruistic dream. But she’s strictly hands-on, and soon Miles is finding it hard to be hands-off around the enchanting, whip-smart country girl. As mutual desire leads to a scorching affair, a business opportunity drives a wedge between them. Can Miles persuade Kyla that he’s worthy of her trust in order to create a meeting of minds and hearts?

The Cowboy's Claim 

Chloe Daniels is determined to land the role of a lifetime. Even if she’s terrified to get on a horse! And the last thing her reluctant teacher, Tristan Tillbridge, wants is to entertain a pampered actress. But the enigmatic cowboy soon discovers that Chloe is as genuine as she is gorgeous, and he’s determined to make her his. Will this unlikely pair discover that the sparks between them are anything but an act?

His Until Midnight

When Tessa Noble takes the stage at a charity auction after a sexy makeover, her best friend Ryan Bateman must place the winning bid. It’s definitely not because he’s jealous. Their weekend getaway is a ploy for positive press… or so the rancher tells himself. But soon things take an unexpected turn from platonic to passionate, catapulting the couple from friends to lovers…

Christmas Data Breach by K.D. Richards

Welcome Back, Booklovers! Whenever I'm in the mood for something fast-paced and action packed with a touch of romance, I run to romantic suspense. I'm playing catch up on the West Investigation series. 

Mya is a cancer researcher who may have discovered a breakthrough treatment. But once word gets out Mya is targeted and her lab is set ablaze. After thwarting a kidnapping attempt, Mya goes to her ex husband Gideon for assistance. Gideon works for a major security firm and is determined to protect her at all costs. 

Of the first three books in the series, this is my second favorite one. I'm a big fan of action and mystery. Here you have Mya's teammates getting killed and someone hunting her down to make her the next victim. Plus we all know big pharma is all about the money and there's plenty of motive for someone to steal Mya's work and get rich. Mya and Gideon have great chemistry together and second chance romance is a favorite of mine because I love reading about people reconnecting. 

Despite the title don't expect any Christmas besides a brief mention of Christmas lights. This book could've been set during any time of the year. I would've actually liked to see Mya and Gideon spend Christmas together. But despite that we still get many great moments between the two.