Boughs of Folly by Sandra Orchard is this week’s Reader Friday~ here’s the first line: Jillian couldn’t wait to revive Belle Haven’s Christmas décor to its former glory. I loved this cozy mystery set in South Georgia. And stay tuned, I’m giving away a digital copy of one of Sandra’s books! (Oh, and by the way, the digital version of Deadly Devotion is free right now.) But first the Scripture verse.
This is one of my all time favorite verses. And I thought the photo fit perfectly!
Now for Sandra Orchard’s Boughs of Folly. I loved this cozy mystery–it wasn’t “cutesy” and more like a mystery. I loved following the clues and red herrings and there are plenty! ~ This is an Annie book, meaning you have to subscribe to the series, but Sandra is giving away 10 copies at her Rafflecopter! Just click on the link and it will take you straight to the drawing: rafflecopter giveaway for 10 copies of Boughs of Folly
Boughs of Folly releases June 25th as part of a three-book bundle entitled Jingle Bells Mysteries and is sold only through Annie’s Fiction
Jillian Green’s holiday cheer nosedives when her great aunt’s friend, Herbert, is killed while helping them decorate for a fundraiser. But the case is more tangled than a strand of twinkle lights, and if Jillian can’t uncover the killer, Herbert’s night might not be the only one silenced this Christmas.
Boughs of Folly releases June 25th as part of a three-book bundle entitled Jingle Bells Mysteries and is sold only through Annie’s Fiction.
My take:
This is a great mystery. As you can tell it’s a Christmas story with a murder, then it links to a murder years ago.
I really liked Jillian. She is determined to solve the crime, especially after the sheriff hints that her Aunt Cornelia might be involved. It doesn’t help that Cornelia thinks her dead husband talks to her. And Jillian’s maybe-boyfriend Hunter, the local undertaker is dreamy! Except Jillian has sworn off relationships. (We’ll see about that!) her grandmother Bertie, keeps finding reasons for them to be together. Hunter helps her with the mystery and they grow closer.
This is a great cozy with quirky but not off-the-chart quirky, and almost a straight-out mystery. Be sure to sign up on the rafflecopter for a chance at a copy! The books are really nice, hardback with quality paper. You also might win a few other things! The contest ends Father’s Day, so don’t delay!
Leave a comment telling me if you like to read Christmas stories year round? And what’s the first line of the book you’re reading?
Boughs of Holly by Sandra Orchard is this week's Mystery Friday. Check out my review of this great cozy mystery. Click To Tweet
Comments 33
Boughs of Folly sounds like a blast. Sure, I like Christmas stories year round. I just think they’re extra fun in December. The first line of the book I’m reading: “The trio of friends stood staring at the painting.” -Hope Callaghan, Double Date Disaster
Author
I like Hope’s books, Priscilla! And I like Christmas stories any time.
I can do the spirit of Christmas year round! I’ve got several books I’m toggling between reading right now. Here is the first line of Laurel Blount’s A Rancher to Trust. “As Dan Whitlock pulled his pickup to a stop in the middle of the quiet Oklahoma cemetery, his cell phone buzzed against his chest for the third time.
Author
Oh, that’s an intriguing first line, Sally Jo!
I hardly ever do this but I’m juggling 2 books right now, Autopsy by Patricia Cornwell and Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz – “Alas, she was not a tidewater bride, but she had been given charge of them.”
Author
I like that first line, Delores!
Thanks for reviewing Boughs of Folly, Pat. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed it. This Annie’s release is unique, in that the three-book bundle is sold straight out as a set, no subscription!!! They have other Christmas bundles sold that way, as well, (I recently discovered) as large bundles, or partial bundles, of several of their 24-book series.
I started Remember by Lisa Genove last night–non-fiction. The first line is: “Picture a penny in your mind’s eye.”
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I didn’t realize you could buy Boughs of Folly as a bundle, Sandra. And I really did enjoy it!
I occasionally read Christmas books when they come to my attention, any time of year. This one sounds great.
My first line this week comes from The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen:
Carter Douglas hated running out of makeup.
Author
That is a very intriguing first line, Paula!
I read Christmas books anytime. I have already entered the gift away for Boughs of Folly. I grew up in South Georgia so this appeals to me. My first line is from A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert. (another cozy mystery)
The only thing constant in life is change.
Author
Gloria, that first line is great and so true. lol
I can sure relate to that verse, Pat. When God pulls us out of the deep waters of life…He rescues us in every way what grace is is?
Yes! I enjoy reading Christmas books year round and especially in .December!
“It finally happened.” This is the first line in Of Literature & Lattes, by Katherine Reay. This is my first time to read any of Katherine’s books. The back blurb mentions coffee shops, a small town and FBI, so I’m curious to find out what finally happened!
Your great review got me all excited to read a Christmas book, but when I checked my TBR stash, I couldn’t find one. Lol
Author
Barbara, you are in for a treat with Katherine’s books! And I can read a Christmas book anytime!
Spectacular photo, and much needed Scripture to go with it. Such a comfort.
I’m OK with Christmas stories anytime. Just don’t expect to see me watching Hallmark’s Christmas in July reruns. 🙂
It turns out I’m doing what Delores is, and also rare for me: juggling two books at the same time.
“Ranger wasn’t here to get into trouble, but wow, she was pretty.” is the first line (prologue) of Sunburst from Susan May Warren’s Sky King Ranch series released this week. From there on out there is serious excitement including a rescue in Nigeria.
“‘What’s wrong with that man?’ J. J. ‘Eos’ Puller growled to himself as he neared the parking lot on Alabama Avenue.” is the first line from “Laser Trap” by Frank DiBancia; his just released premier novel.
Author
I have got to get Laser Trap, Tim. And I’m putting your book in the mail before I leave for my trip!
I tend to read Christmas stories from about late October to early January, mostly novellas. I have so little time to read with the busy holiday season & family stuff that those fit more into my reading timeline.
Oh thanks for the heads up on the giveaway contest! I’ll be entering more for my husband (though my son may enjoy these too) because he like the cozy mysteries!
First line of the book I just got done reading. Actually it’s a re-read, which is a rare for me to do. It’s the beginning of the Baxter family series by Karen Kingsbury and I read it because I recently read the Prequel novel she just put out. It got me interested in how the series started out again. It has been years since I read them, and I’m enjoying them as much now as I did then. First two lines of “Redemption”:
“From the front seat of his beat-up Chevy truck, Dirk Bennett stared at his girl’s third-story apartment. He watched the shadowy figures of two people come together and stay that way.”
Author
I remember the Baxter Family, Trixi! I really enjoyed those books.
I love Christmas and I read Christmas books any time of the year. This book sounds and looks like a great read! (not entering this giveaway as I don’t read ebooks at all, but Thank you). Have a Great weekend and stay safe.
Author
Hi Alicia! I love Christmas stories year-round, too.
Boughs of Folly sounds like a fun book. I like to read Christmas books during the season. The picture fits the verse so well. A very comforting verse. I’m reading Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli. I stand rigid, arms pinned to my sides as my mother pins me in a loose hug in Gram’s foyer.
Author
Hi Erika! What an interesting first line!
Whoops! Hit enter too soon. I’m really enjoying it so far. Hope you have a great weekend.
Love the scripture and photo. I love Christmas books anytime.
Author
Thanks, Lucy. I’m with you!
I love Christmas stories year round and not currently reading a book. just finished Lisa Harris’s book Last Taste of Freedom
Author
I haven’t read Lisa’s book yet. How did you like it? And I love Christmas year round.
Love the picture. That’s a great verse for it.
I read and reviewed six or seven of Sandra’s books a few years ago. I am sure this one is equally as good. I hope I get a chance to read it.
I am proofreading a new book, so I can’t share from it. However, i just started reading Ed Stetzer’s book, Christians in the Age of Outrage. The first few lines are: “You’re a liar.”
“No, you are.”
Billy is a jerk. Billy and I grew up on the same street in Levittown, New York, and I remember this thought flying through my head just before he and I got into another one of our countless fights.
Author
Hi Edward! It sounds like Stetzer’s book is a YA. Did you enjoy it?
Pat, Stetzer’s book is identified on the back as Religion/Social Issues. The sub-title is “How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst.” I have been thinking about what to say in my review of it, although I am less than halfway through it. I think all true Christ-followers should read this book before posting another word on social media. He doesn’t try to convince everyone to hold the same political views that he does. He is simply seeking to get us to think about what we are saying from a biblical worldview. The rest of the world is watching.
Author
I’d like to read the book, Edward and will look for it. Long ago I decided I wouldn’t post anything on social media unless it was up lifting. And I blocked a lot of the posts that were the opposite and now I never see them. 🙂
O like reading Cheistmas stories and will usually read them year round, depending on my mood. This one sounds really good.
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It really is a good book, Megan. Be sure to enter the rafflecopter–you might win one of them!