Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Book Review and Contest: Pumpkin Roll by Josi S. Kilpack

During my recent two-month signing gig at Costco, I was often asked the following questions:

1. "Are you Josi Kilpack?"

2. "Do you know Josi Kilpack?"

3. "Are your books like Josi Kilpack's?"

4. "Have you read Josi Kilpack's books?"

The answers are:

1. No. (But you already knew that.)

2. Yes, I've known Josi for years and we've done book signings and conferences and all kinds of other way fun stuff together.

3. Yes, actually, my books are somewhat like Josi's, and it's funny how that came about - she was writing Lemon Tart at the exact same time I was writing Secret Sisters, and we hadn't mentioned our projects to each other. Maybe older lady detectives were in the air or something. But my books are shorter, a little more off-the-wall, and are geared toward the LDS market, while her books are longer, a little more grounded in reality, and are geared toward the national market, while still very appropriate for LDS readers.

4. Of course I've read Josi Kilpack's books!

And that brings us to the real point of this blog - the latest Josi Kilpack novel I read, her latest release, Pumpkin Roll.

I might start out by saying that I'm a little bit predisposed to like the book because I really like pumpkin roll (my sister Leigh makes an awesome one). I don't know if that contributed to my feelings or not, but this is my favorite out of the Sadie Hoffmiller series to date.

When Pete Cunningham, Sadie's love interest (boyfriend just seems so juvenile to her) is asked to come babysit his grandchildren for a week, Sadie goes along with to lend that grandmotherly touch. Nothing official has been decided between the two of them yet, but the children accept Sadie as being part of the family, and indeed, it seems she belongs there. She busies herself with baking and housework, happy to spend a week doing what she does best - making people feel at home - and of course, happy to spend a week with Pete.

Strange things start happening, though - a crazy neighbor lady, thought to be a witch, seems to put a spell on the house, doors slam shut even though there's no wind, the electricity goes out, Sadie hears voices - and they realize something very strange is going on. The book is set in the Halloween season and the whole premise is spooky, making the timing of this novel's release very wise - we're already in a Halloween mood and the book ties in perfectly.

As Sadie starts investigating, she learns that Pete might not be all he's cracked up to be, and she regretfully begins to investigate him as well. She follows every lead, she leaves no stone unturned ... but at the very end, she's surprised (and so was I) by the solution to the case.

Pumpkin Roll is filled with recipes, as are the other books in the series, and it's also filled with Sadie's wry humor and unique perspective on the world, which is why we love her.

And now, I have something fun to announce ...

In conjunction with the release of this novel, the author, Josi S. Kilpack, and the publisher, Shadow Mountain, are sponsoring a contest for a new iPad2. To enter, leave a comment in the comment section of this blog before November 1, 2011. Winners will be announced and notified November 3, 2011.

For additional ways to win, go to www.josiskilpack.com

FTC: I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way. No one even brought me a plate of pumpkin roll, which is just as well, because if they had, I wouldn't have been able to eat it anyway. Not that I don't want to, but because my doctor would skin me alive.

66 comments:

Jeri said...

you mean you're NOT Josi Kilpack???? I'm removing you from by blog list.

Just kidding. sure hope I win that ipad2, that would be even more awesome than a yummy pumpkin roll, which I think I will have to bake to eat while I read this book!

Amie said...

Are you serious?! Dude! Sign me up!! I have in the past hated all things pumpkin related, but in order to get over my distaste, and find out what the hubbub was all about, I asked several of my friends for their favorite pumpkin recipes. One of them that came to me was the Pumpkin Roll. I made it, the family rejoiced, and we ended up making probably a half dozen more for friends and neighbors over the Thanksgiving season. I even allowed myself a little bite...with the cream cheese filling it was wonderful.

I'm sure the book is too! :)

Lolawid said...

Just finished reading Pumpkin Roll and loved it!! That Sadie and her adventures are just going to be the death of me. This has got to be my favorite one of the series also.

Thanks for taking part in this contest!

Lisa And Randy said...

I have loved Josi's books for years, and am looking forward to reading this latest one. I have also know Josi for a few years. What a terrific person. Tristi, I love your books also, and look forward to meeting you in person sometime, until then we will continue to be friends without meeting.

Queen 'Bina said...

Okay, you had me at 'pumpkin.' A book with a pumpkin roll on the cover- that's brilliant marketing right there. The only thing that could be better (aside from including a pumpkin roll with each copy) is including a recipe for it inside. Perfcect!

Laura D. Bastian said...

Sounds like a great book. I can't wait to read it. And now I'm craving pumpkin roll and pumpkin cookies.

Pam said...

I just finished Pumpkin Roll this morning. Loved it! Congratulations to Ms Kilpatrick on a winner!

Rhonda Miller said...

I love Josi's novels. I can't wait to read this one. Thanks for sharing the review.

Shari said...

Holy Giveaway, Batman! That's awesome. And I love both your books and Josi's. And at least you got to be at a book signing instead of cleaning your bathroom, or your kid's bathroom. Ew.

Pam Williams said...

I preordered Pumpkin Roll and then my husband got to it before I did so I had to wait for him to finish. I agree--this may be the best one yet, although the sneak preview of Banana Split holds a lot of promise. I'll be sorry to see the series end with that one.

James C Duckett said...

I love pumpkin.... well, anything, really. It is one of my favorite fruits!!

I took a great class from Josi (LDS Story Makers), she really is a pleasant person and an excellent writer.

Carolyn Twede Frank said...

Her books have always sounded appetizing, now I guess I'd just better pick one up and read it. Thanks for the review.

Anna said...

My sister has asked me to watch her dog and is going to pay me (she pays half of what she'd pay putting her in a kennel). So, now I get to buy Pumpkin Roll. I wasn't sure I'd be able to and now I can!

Anonymous said...

I love the recipies in her books. Especially the pumpkin roll and filling. I'd also love a iPad2.

Michelle J

Mindy Holt said...

Tristi, I love you. You really make me smile!

Annette Lyon said...

I think a lot of us would like to be Josi when we grow up.

Myne said...

The cover of the books looks very inviting, :) And I'll like to enter for the giveaway too. Thanks!

April said...

I love this book and Josi is just fabulous, I can't wait to try out these recipes!!

Unknown said...

Love the books and the contest. Thanks

Ariell Larson said...

Excited to read Pumpkin Roll. Love your books Josi!

Unknown said...

I love pumpkin and this fun series of books :) thanks for the chance to win such an amazing prize!

Stephanie said...

I really like Josi Kilpack's books and I am excited about this one!

Tamara Lyn said...

I have never eaten a pumpkin roll nor heard of Josi Kilpack, but I am now very intrigued in both respects! :D Sign me up! P.S. I'd be willing to do a book review, also!

Andrea said...

So glad I found out about you via the iPad giveaway on Josi's blog. I'm always looking for something good to read-hopefully my bookmobile carries your books.

Anyway, love Josi's culinary mysteries and can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll!

ansindt said...

This book is going on my to-read list=)

ansindt@hotmail.com

Megan said...

Love Josi's books! Can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll! And would LOVE and Ipad!

Kristin said...

I love the Sadie Hoffmiller series and am super excited to read Pumpkin Roll - I just got it the other day! I am also excited about this giveaway!!!

Tina Johnson said...

Reading Pumpkin Roll right now! Love it!

Alice said...

This book sounds so fantastic. I can't wait to read it.

jtbiker said...

I have never had a pumpkin roll but now I want to try one,lol. Anyway enjoyed your comments and hope I win an ipad2 so my daughter will leave me alone about wanting one.

Stephanie Humphreys said...

I just bought this book and added it to my "to-read" pile. I love the series.

Karlene said...

What?? You know THE Josi S. Kilpack? In real life? Awesome!!!

Seriously. Love Josi. Love Pumpkin Roll (the book and the dessert).

And love the Secret Sisters too. :)

carina said...

Love Josi's books!

Maria Hoagland said...

LOL! You're great. And yes, I agree, the two of you are a little similar--both great writers with sassy, fun characters! Great review. I can't wait to read the book.

jaclyn weist said...

Mmmmm! Pumpkin roll! I love that the titles are all food. That gets me every time!!!

Aislynn said...

I've heard some great things about Josi's books :) I'm going to have to go and hunt them down!!

Aislynn
www.stitchreadcook.com

aislynnt(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary @SweepingMe said...

I haven't read anything by Josi yet but this sure sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win!

Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

geschumann said...

Can't wait to devour this book. I know, I couldn't resist. Thanks! Gloria

geschumann at live dot com

Unknown said...

I love culinary mysteries - can't wait to read this one.

kayswederski@yahoo.com

Suzy said...

love her books. they just get better and better!

Julie said...

I loved your review of this book. I also love all things pumpkin flavored so I can't wait until Fall!

Fireflywishes said...

That's hilarious you get asked all those questions at a book signing.. seems like people would know who was doing the signing LOL

I haven't read any of Josi's books, but they look interesting. I love mysteries, even though these sound a little more.. cozyish than I usually read, my mom loves cozy mysteries!

Thanks for the chance to win!
myshelfconfessions at gmail dot com

April @ My Shelf Confessions

sherril said...

Josie is a wonderful author I have really enjoyed her books.

brendajean said...

You make me laugh! (Are you Josi?) Fun post. Josi's books are fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win. I love your books too:)

bchild5 at aol dot com

Kirsten said...

yeah, this book sounds great

Lacy said...

loved the book! she is such an amazing writer

books4me said...

I love all things pumpkin so a book named Pumpkin Roll must be good! :-)

books4me67 at ymail.com

Taffy said...

Funny questions at Costco. Wait. That sounds like a book title :)

I'm looking forward to another yummy read from Josi.

MStavros said...

Congratulations on the launch - I hope it is selling well. The cover looks divine!

Raejean said...

I can't wait to read Josi's books!

krstrpp said...

What a great giveaway! The book sounds like delicious fun. (krstrpp at hotmail dot com)

cmjeppsen said...

These are amazing books! I really enjoy reading about Sadie's adventures!

Frances said...

I enjoyed your post - it was fun to read. I need to check out your books. I just reviewed Pumpkin Roll. One day this fall I will get really brave and attempt to make the Pumpkin Roll recipe. lol

Matt Ferrell said...

Nice giveaway! Thanks to you, Josi S. Kilpack and Shadow Mountain for it!

animasou @ comcast . net

Rusthawk said...

This series sounds wonderful! I enjoyed your review.

Anonymous said...

This is a great opportunity to get people to discover a new fantastic author! I know I cant wait to start reading!

Patrick Jolley said...

This is an exciting contest to promote a good looking book!

Unknown said...

I love cozy mysteries!

DarcyO said...

Sounds like a fun cozy. Great contest, too.

dlodden at frontiernet dot net

Holly (2 Kids and Tired) said...

The day I realized I had missed this blog tour was a depressing one. Seriously. I have loved this series and reviewed all of them. Sadie is such a fantastic character. I'm still waiting to get my hands on a copy of this one. Anxiously waiting, I should say!

je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com

2 Kids and Tired Books

Anna Maria Junus said...

I would love to read this series and I hope I win the Ipad.

Queen B said...

Such a great series...I've heard SO many good reviews!

Jenn said...

I love this series! Great food-lit.

jenn (at) girlsjustreading (dot) com

Family Attic said...

I love this series and I'm looking forward to reading Pumpkin Roll. Thanks for the great stories.

Linda Garner said...

Tristi Rocks. Josi Rocks. I Pads Rock. Can't wait to read Pumpkin Roll. Love, LG

Brittney said...

I love Sadie!!!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...