Aloha to Jenn McKinlay, Library Lover's Mystery series, and BETTER LATE THAN NEVER - Book Review

In the latest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Likely Story, a decades overdue book puts library director Lindsey Norris hot on the trail of a cold case...

When the Briar Creek Public Library holds its first overdue book amnesty day—no fines for late returns—the volume of incoming materials is more than Lindsey and her staff can handle. In a bind, Lindsey drafts the crafternoon ladies to help check in and sort the stacks of books.

But one tardy tome catches her attention—a copy of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, twenty years past due. When Lindsey looks up the borrower, she’s shocked to discover it was a murdered school teacher named Candice Whitley, whose killer was never found.

Candice checked out the novel on the day she was murdered. Now Lindsey wonders if it could provide a clue to the decades-old cold case. No one noticed who brought the book back in, but could it be Candice’s killer? Lindsey is determined to catch the culprit one way or another, because justice for Candice Whitley is long overdue ... 

Patience outside the NYC Library

Courage, my friends; 'tis not too late to build a better world. 
- Tommy Douglas

Lindsay Norris is building a better world as library director in Briar Creek, a New England coastal town. She transitioned as an academic librarian to public servant, bringing fresh ideas to a traditional institution. Lindsay implemented "Amnesty Day" to encourage patrons to return late and/or damaged books, thus welcoming back the "prodigal" readers.  As her staff struggle with the overwhelming number of returned books, one title stands out - a twenty year old copy of CATCHER IN THE RYE.  After digging up old library records, the staff discover the reader was a beloved high school teacher who was murdered the day she checked out the book. And her murder remains unsolved.

Lindsay can't help but initiate her own investigation to satisfy her curious nature. In fact, her friends have already taken friendly bets on how long it takes Lindsay to solve the mystery. Yet Lindsay's inquiries open old wounds for those who loved the teacher and became suspects in her murder. The plot follows the predictable pattern of cozy mysteries - an amateur detective, multiple suspects with personal secrets, a few red herrings, and the climatic unveiling of the murderer.  Still BETTER LATE THAN NEVER is an enjoyable escape into a small coastal town. 

The subplots offers depth to this novel and the series - Lindsay has an on/off/on relationship with Navy Vet-turned-Sea Captain Sully. The children's librarian, Beth, adds comic relief with her literary antics. Lindsay's friends in the book club/craft group cook up tasty treats (and gossip) to counterbalance the underlying concern of a murder still prowling the town. McKinlay makes it easy to assimilate with the quirky characters who populate Briar Creek.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER is Book 7 in McKinlay's Library Lover's Mystery Series.  While this title can be read as a stand alone novel, I recommend reading the series in order. McKinlay is also the author of Cupcake Bakery Mysteries (set in Scottsdale, Arizona) and Hat Shop Mysteries (set in London, England) - I am a fan of all three series.

Natually, I checked out BETTER LATE THAN NEVER from my local library.

Learn more about Jenn and her books at jennmckinlay.com.

Fortitude outside the NYC library

For the month of April, I am giving away a box of books from authors attending RT. To enter the giveaway,

1. What's your favorite library?

2. Comments are open through Sunday, April 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I will be offline from Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7.

4. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Weekly Winners

We have winners at SOS Aloha ...

RWA in San Diego: A Future Duchess Lands on Navy Base Coronado
- Charlene wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Siera Londons' CATCHING REBECCA

- Gretchen wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Hannah Dennison's A KILLER BALL AT HONEYCHURCH HALL

- Catslady wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Washington Loves Readers Luncheon - Spotlight on Kerri Carpenter

- Kim H wins a book choice from my convention stash.

KC Bateman's TO STEAL A HEART

- BN100 wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Jenn McKinlay's COPY CAP MURDER

- Karen T. wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Katie Ruggle's FAN THE FLAMES

- Glenda wins a book choice from my convention stash.

From my travel blog, Jane wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Winners, please claim your prize by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and COPY CAP MURDER (Hat Shop Mystery No. 4) - Book Review

Reminder: I have a special giveaway for Military Appreciation Month at this link.

For Scarlett Parker, part of the fun of living in London is celebrating the British holidays, and she’s excited to share her first Bonfire Night with her cousin Vivian Tremont. Invited to a posh party by their friend Harrison Wentworth, Scarlett and Viv decide to promote their hat shop, Mim’s Whims, by donning a few of their more outrageous creations. The hats prove to be quite the conversation starters as the girls mix and mingle with the guests—never suspecting that one of them is a killer. 

It’s a cold, clear night, perfect for the British tradition of tossing a straw stuffed effigy of Guy Fawkes, traitor to the crown, onto the bonfire. But instead of a straw man, they realize in the heat of the moment that the would-be Guy Fawkes is actually Harrison’s office rival and he’s been murdered. Before the smoke has cleared, Harrison is the Metropolitan police’s prime suspect, and Scarlett and Vivian must find the real homicidal hothead before their dear friend’s life goes up in flames.

Public Domain (link)

Remember, remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and plot;
I see of no reason why Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.
- Traditional English rhyme

As autumn descends upon London, American expat Scarlet Parker prepares to celebrate Guy Fawkes instead of Thanksgiving. She relocated to the Notting Hill neighborhood to join her British cousin Vivian Tremont in the family business, Mim's Whim - a hat shop they both inherited from their grandmother. Vivian is the creative force behind the hat designs; Scarlet focuses on customer service, updates social media, and finds dead bodies along the way - this time, at the Guy Fawkes party. 

The gang is back to help Scarlet track down the killer - Fiona (hat shop assistant), Nick (neighbor, dentist, and partner of Andre), Andre (neighbor, photographer, and partner of Nick), and, of course, Harrison, the shop's financial advisor who is now the murder suspect. COPY CAP MURDER follows the predictable path of cozy mysteries - red herrings, family secrets, and a dramatic unveiling of the real killer.  What sets this book (and series) apart is the location - the cozy neighborhood of Notting Hill. What's not to love about the cobblestone streets, eclectic shops, and international food in the middle of London's hubbub?  Likewise, McKinlay offers quirky characters (akin to Hugh Grant's Notting Hill) who deliver humorous quips throughout the story. Indeed, COPY CAT MURDER is a comfort read for those who enjoy British culture.

I purchased COPY CAP MURDER since I enjoyed the first three books in the series.

Children prepare for Guy Fawkes Night at Chirk

Creative Commons (link)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1. In the story, Scarlett dreads missing Thanksgiving while living in London. Do you have a special Thanksgiving dish?  I make corn pudding from my mother-in-law's recipe.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, May 21, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, May 22.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

Learn more about Jenn and her books at jennmckinlay.com.

Weekly Winners

We have winners at SOS Aloha!

RWA in San Diego - The Army Comes Flying Along to North Island- Girlygirlhoosier wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Viva Las Vegas for the Arm Chair Traveler

- Ladbookfan wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Spotlight on Alison Aimes - Washington Loves Readers Luncheon

- Denise wins a book choice from my convention stash.

State of Romance with Sylvia Day, Victoria Aveyard, and Laura Trentham

- Booklady wins a book choice from my convention stash.

The Best Cheer - Shout Out in Books

- Di wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and VANILLA BEANED

- Natasha wins a book choice from my convention stash.

Winners, please claim your prize by sending your mailing address to sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and VANILLA BEANED - Book Review

In the eighth in the New York Times bestselling series, the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew goes double or nothing in Vegas...

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are taking a gamble by opening their first franchise of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes Bakery, so where better to hit the jackpot than in Vegas? Business manager Tate Harper has lined up a meeting with Holly Hartzmark, a former showgirl who’s looking to bring Mel and Angie’s sweet treats to Sin City, but Mel isn’t so sure she’s ready to hand her recipes over to a complete stranger—especially one as brash as Holly.

But after the potential bakery location gets blown up, Mel begins seeing another side to Holly—one that reminds her very much of herself. Determined to help a kindred spirit, Mel sets out to discover who is trying to keep the bakery from cashing in. But with a murderous mischief maker on the loose, the odds are stacking up against a happy ending for Mel and her friends.

Lady luck please let the dice stay hot - Elvis Presley, Viva Las Vegas

Melanie Cooper gave up a lucrative career in Corporate America to open her own cupcake bakery in her hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. She shares her dream with two school friends - Angie DeLaura and Tate Harper. In the previous seven books, they created sweet treats while solving murder mysteries. The status quo changes when Tate proposes marriage to Angie and expansion to Melanie. Neither proposition sits well with Melanie. She is happy for her friends' couplehood, but wonder how the wedding and franchising will impact the cupcake business that feeds her current contentment.

When the trio travel to Las Vegas, mayhem follows them during their meeting with a prospective franchise licencee. VANILLA BEANED follows the typical cozy mystery path - a few red herrings, laugh out loud comedy, and predictable climatic action where the killer is unveiled. VANILLA BEANED stands out with its Vegas setting. McKinlay checks off every cliche of Sin City. Mel, Angie, and Tate check into the fictional Blue Hawaiian in the middle of an Elvis convention. While Angie and Tate are absorbed in Vegas' distractions, Melanie and Holly forge an unexpected friendship, tackle the ongoing mystery and bond over vanilla cupcakes. VANILLA BEANED leans towards character development of series regular Melanie and new addition Holly at the expense of the cozy mystery. I learned more about Melanie's unspoken fears about her future and Holly's desire for a "regular" life, making the characters more likable through their emotional conflicts.

VANILLA BEANED offers elements of Lucy & Ethel, Stephanie & Lulu, and Gracie Hart & Sam Fuller - slapstick comedy of two girlfriends as they bumble through the investigation. VANILLA BEANED kept my attention even though the murder mystery was weaker than previous books. 

VANILLA BEANED will tease fans of the series with a long standing unresolved issue (no spoilers here).  As such, I recommend readers new to the series to start with Book 1, SPRINKLE WITH MURDER, to appreciate the plot twists in VANILLA BEANED.

As a fan of the series, I was satisfied with VANILLA BEANED as an comfort read with familiar characters. McKinlay also includes recipes of cupcakes featured in the story. What's not to love about cupcakes?!?!

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash. To enter the giveaway,

1. What employment would you seek in Vegas - showgirl? dealer? waitress?

I'd probably be the tour guide to Hoover Dam.

2. Comments are open through Saturday, April 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Hoover Dam

Public Domain (link)

Viva Las Vegas for the Arm Chair Traveler

lasvegas.com

I have enjoyed the posts on Facebook and for the RT Booklovers Convention (#RT16) in Las Vegas.  I could not attend this year ... but social media brought Las Vegas to me.

Las Vegas just happened to play a part in my weekend:

- I stopped by a yard sale in my neighborhood and found a Las Vegas Hurricane Glass from the Hard Rock Cafe for a quarter.  Hubby and I collect the HRC glasses (hurricanes, pilsner, and shot) from our travels around the world.  We may already have one from Las Vegas ... but the price was right!

hardrock.com

- I received an Amazon box with cozy mysteries, including Jenn McKinlay's VANILLA BEANED:

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura are taking a gamble by opening their first franchise of the Fairy Tale Cupcakes Bakery, so where better to hit the jackpot than in Vegas? Business manager Tate Harper has lined up a meeting with Holly Hartzmark, a former showgirl who’s looking to bring Mel and Angie’s sweet treats to Sin City, but Mel isn’t so sure she’s ready to hand her recipes over to a complete stranger—especially one as brash as Holly.

But after the potential bakery location gets blown up, Mel begins seeing another side to Holly—one that reminds her very much of herself. Determined to help a kindred spirit, Mel sets out to discover who is trying to keep the bakery from cashing in. But with a murderous mischief maker on the loose, the odds are stacking up against a happy ending for Mel and her friends...

- I am writing this week's blog today with the TV playing in the background.  John Taffler and the crew from Bar Rescue are visiting Las Vegas ... 

spike.com

Do you believe in coincidences? What are you reading this weekend? What are you watching on TV? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, April 23, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Vegas also boasts the Hawaiian Marketplace on the Strip

with its own statue of King Kamehameha.

The picture above is mine from Waikiki.

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and DEATH OF A MAD HATTER - Book Review

One In A Milliner 

Scarlett Parker and her British cousin, Vivian Tremont, are hard at work at Mim’s Whims—their ladies’ hat shop on London’s chic Portobello Road—to create hats for an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea, a fund-raiser for a local children’s hospital. It seems like a wonderfully whimsical way to pass the hat, and Scarlett and Viv are delighted to outfit the Grisby family, the hosts who are hoping to raise enough money to name a new hospital wing after their patriarch.

Unfortunately, the Grisby heir will not live to see it—he’s been poisoned. When traces of the poison are found on the hat Scarlett and Viv made for him, the police become curiouser and curiouser about their involvement. Now the ladies need to don their thinking caps and find the tea party crasher who’s mad enough to kill at the drop of a hat…

The Mad Hatter 

Public Domain (link)

DEATH OF A MAD HATTER is Book 2 in the London Hat Shop Mystery Series.  Check out my review of Book 1, CLOCHE AND DAGGER, at this link. 

Scarlett is settling into her new job as the customer relations director of Mim's Whims - a beloved hat shop established by her grandmother in Notting Hill.  She works alongside her cousin, Vivian, the talented heart of the milliner business.  They accept a commission to create hats for an "Alice in Wonderland" tea party. While Vivian dives into the task, Scarlett continues to fight her feelings for their business manager, Harrison.

During the tea party, Scarlett discovers the family heir has been poisoned.  She sets out to uncover the killer to protect the other family members with whom she has befriended.  DEATH OF A MAD HATTER follows the typical cozy mystery pattern - McKinlay sets it apart with the characters and location. Scarlett is a red (headed) herring as an American bumbling through Notting Hill. She pals around with her neighbors, a photographer and dentist, who join Vivian and Harrison in teasing Scarlett for her flat delivery of puns.


(The puns reminded me of the running gag in McKinlay's Cupcake Mystery series - those characters quote movies throughout the plot).

Recommended read for fans of cozy mysteries, British culture, and designer hats.

The Mad Hatter
Public Domain (link)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about a Mad Hatter Tea Party - what hat would you wear?  I'd go for something that makes me look like the Cheshire Cat!

2.  Commenets are open through Saturday, February 20, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 21.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Book 1 in the series ...

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay and the Cupbake Bakery Mystery Series - More Reviews

During my recent trip to Tampa, I found more books in Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mystery series.  The books were easy to read, especially in the scraps of time I had between meetings with the contractors who are renovating our condo.   I previously reviewed SPRINKLE WITH MURDER (Book 1) and RED VELVET REVENGE (Book 4) at this link.

BUTTERCREAM BUMP OFF, Book 2

Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura's Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery is gearing up for Valentine's Day. Unfortunately someone has iced Baxter Malloy on his first date with Mel's mother. Now Mom's a suspect, and Mel and Angie need to find time around frosting to dig into the man's shady past and discover who served him his just desserts.

If you're afraid of butter, use cream. - Julia Child

Melanie shows no fear in giving up her high paying marketing job to pursue a culinary career.  She recruits childhood friends Angie to join her in the kichen and Tate to invest in the business.  As they sample flavors, they also trade movie quotes.  The trio make a formidable team in creating delicious treats and growing their business ... but stumble when they continue acting as amateur sleuths.  But that's where the fun begins as they investigate the inconvenient murder of a slick entrepreneur during his date with Mel's mother.   Likewise, the trio's bond is tested when Angie is distracted by the victim's son, a rock star.

McKinlay continues to develop these likable characters while sharing secrets of baking cupcapes. She even offers recipes at the end of the book.   

SUGAR AND ICED, Book 6

Sugar and spice and murderous vice.  That’s what pageants are made of…

Normally Melanie Cooper and Angie DeLaura wouldn’t be caught dead at a beauty pageant, but when Mel’s mom asks them to provide cupcakes for the seventy-fifth annual Sweet Tiara contest as a favor for her best friend, they can’t say no. Plus, between cooking up a daily display for the three-day event and sponsoring a cupcake creation challenge for the participants, Fairy Tale Cupcakes will get great publicity.

But the world of pageants is even hotter than Mel’s kitchen. A high-strung judge and a pushy stage mom target Lupe, a young friend of Mel and Angie’s, at the competition and aim to take her out—by any means necessary. When the same judge shows up dead underneath Mel and Angie’s cupcake display, Lupe is crowned the lead suspect. Now Mel and Angie will have to find the real killer quickly or Lupe may be strutting the catwalk in prison pinstripes…

Eric Matthews: Listen to me, you old fruitcake!
Victor Melling: How dare you, you cupcake!

- Miss Congeniality

The mayhem continues when Mel and company are invited to serve cupcakes at the Sweet Tiara beauty pageant.  Not only it is a business boon, the daily deliveries give Mel, Angie, and Tate the "excuse" to support a skateboarding teen, Lupe, as she enters the pageant for the scholarship money.   McKinlay allows secondary characters to shine, including Mel's mom as Lupe's mentor.    

SUGAR AND ICED is a welcome addition to the series.  It pokes fun at beauty queens, stage moms, and Italian brothers while delivering the trademark movie quotes throughout the plot.   McKinlay takes an unexpected twist with Mel's love life, adding an emotional dimension to Mel's character development and the overall series progression.   Just like sugar, McKinlay left me satisfied but still craving for more.

DARK CHOCOLATE DEMISE, Book 7

Scottsdale, Arizona, may not be the liveliest place on earth, but it’s never been as dead as this. Hundreds of fans have gathered together for the first annual Old Town Zombie Walk, and Mel, Angie, and the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew are donning their best undead attire to sell some horror-themed desserts to the hungry hordes.

But the fun turns to fright when Mel finds a real dead body in a prop casket outside of the bakery’s truck—and the corpse looks alarmingly like a zombie of their own. Knowing that Joe, Angie’s brother and Mel’s former flame, has been working on a dangerous mob case, Mel worries that the murder is a hit gone wrong and that someone near and dear was the real target. To keep any of her friends from winding up six feet under, Mel will do whatever it takes to find a killer—no matter how scary things get...

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt. - Charles M. Schulz

Mel finds solace in chocolate when her life turns upside down at the Old Town Zombie Fest - she discovers a dead body in the coffin used to attract attention to her cupcake van.   Mel suspects it was a hit gone wrong - the murder itself is disturbing; the publicity is bad for business; but the possibility of who was the intended target gives her chills.  As she nurses a broken heart and bristles from being restricted to the bakery for her own safety, Mel finds the strength from within to take control of her life and find the murderer.

McKinlay breaks from the "cozy mystery" boilerplate to venture into Stephanie Plum territory.  The secondary characters add comic relief even as Mel's life implodes.   McKinlay pays tribute to Zombies in pop culture while delivering mouth watering sweet treats.   The creme de la creme is the movie quotes between the three childhood friends - Mel, Angie, and Tate.  I am looking forward to the gang taking the action to Vegas in Book 8, aptly named VANILLA BEANED.

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter.  To enter the giveaway, leave a comment about beauty queens, zombie fests, and/or dark chocolate!  I enjoyed Miss Congeniality, I don't watch the Walking Dead, and I've learned to appreciate dark chocolate (and even given up milk chocolate for its darker cousin).  Comments are open through Saturday, January 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Jenn McKinlay's CLOCHE AND DAGGER (Hat Shop Mystery No. 1) - Book Review

An all-new series from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay

Not only is Scarlett Parker’s love life in the loo—as her British cousin Vivian Tremont would say—it’s also gone viral with an embarrassing video. So when Viv suggests Scarlett leave Florida to lay low in London, she hops on the next plane across the pond. Viv is the proprietor of Mims’s Whims, a ladies’ hat shop on Portobello Road bequeathed to both cousins by their beloved grandmother, and she wants Scarlett to finally join her in the millinery business.

But a few surprises await Scarlett in London. First, she is met at the airport not by Viv, but by her handsome business manager, Harrison Wentworth. Second, Viv—who has some whims of her own—seems to be missing. No one is too concerned about the unpredictable Viv until one of her posh clients is found dead wearing the cloche hat Viv made for her—and nothing else. Is Scarlett’s cousin in trouble? Or is she in hiding?

Vilma Bánky in cloche hat, 1927

Public Domain (link)

How a hat makes you feel is what a hat is all about. 

- Philip Treacy, hat designer, including Princess Beatrice's fascinator worn to Prince Williams' wedding.

I recently discovered Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Mystery Series - check out my review of SPRINKLE WITH MURDER and RED VELVET REVENGE at this link.  I recently looked for more books in the Cupcake Mystery series, only to find McKinlay kicked off a another series, Hat Shop Mystery, with CLOCHE AND DAGGER.  The American born heroine, Scarlet Parker, escaped my hometown of Tampa after her love life imploded on YouTube.  She accepted an invitation from Vivian Tremont, her British cousin, to join the family millinery business in London.  Upon arrival in Notting Hill, Scarlet is met by the business manager, Harrison Wentworth, since her cousin is temporarily unavailable in parts unknown.  Harrison assures Scarlet that Vivian often takes off without notice, leaving Harrison to help Scarlet settle into the flat above the hat shop.  No sooner does Scarlet unpack that she finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery with Vivian's creation as evidence.

CLOCHE AND DAGGER caught my attention for its "across the pond" adventure.  It was fun to read how Scarlet quickly adapted to the Notting Hill neighborhood (she spent her childhood summers visiting her grandmother's shop and learning about millinery along with Vivian).  Scarlet meets another couple who reside in the neighborhood - they share Thai food, drink wine, and try to outdo the other in making puns for every situation, adding more humor to the lighthearted story line.  No doubt the neighbors and even the shop assistant will contribute to future plots.  Harrison is an enigma - he obviously shares a close relationship with Viv yet he flirts with Scarlet.  Given the recent disaster on YouTube, Scarlet has sworn of men and relationships for a year.  I suspect her commitment will be tested in future books, especially with Harrison hanging around the shop.  The murder mystery and Vivian's disappearance are solved in typical cozy mystery style with a few red herrings that tested our heroine's resolve, but made her more confident in the end. 

CLOCHE AND DAGGER kept my interest with second chance subplot, quirky secondary characters, and Notting Hill setting. I also learned about the millinery business.  Recommended read for fans of American heroines stumbling around in British culture (much like a bull in a china shop).  

I purchased a copy of CLOCHE AND DAGGER for my personal reading.

Joan Crawford in a cloche hat, 1927

Public Domain (link)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about hats - do you wear them?  If so, what type?  I have only worn ball caps to protect my face from the sun.

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, January 23, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, January 24.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Learn more about Jenn and her books at jennmckinlay.com.

More books in the series ...