Things go well for Tish who is a real estate manager for the wealthy. She also takes care of her mentally challenged brother while trying not to fall off the wagon. All is well until she receives a ;large box and opens it only to find her mother's body who she thought just left them when they were young. She now begins to investigate and eventually finds all the answers she seeks.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review*** ( )

A special thank you to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eileen Goudge is back, stronger than ever with BONES AND ROSES, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series. Filled with lovable characters, razor sharp humor, and tons of drama for a page-turner mystery charmer!

In Northern California and the seaside town of Cypress Bay, readers meet the vacation rental queen, Leticia “Tish” Ballard, the former real estate broker, and recovering alcoholic, presently the owner of her own company, Rest Easy Property Management. She gave up the suits, and hectic life of real estate sales for flip flops and a more laid back lifestyle, where she takes care of the owner’s homes and prepares them for the guest arrival.

Currently, Tish is dating Daniel (comfortable, not sizzling), enjoys spending time with her BFF Ivy, and taking care of her very high IQ troubled adult brother, Arthur (he is a riot). However, her head begins spinning when she is left with a storage unit with a mysterious trunk filled with skeletal remains and opens up a past, and a crime (s), never solved.

Of course, while she puts herself front and center of the investigation, she has to come face to face with her old high school sweetheart, and lead detective, Spence, plus a number of other eccentric characters as she races to find the real killer as her life is on the line—keeping you guessing until the end with a nice twist.

As usual, Goudge is a master at character development, and storytelling, with obstacles coming in every direction for an engaging and satisfying read. I was blown away by the inspiration for the book and the events taking place in the author’s own life at the time of writing.

Wow, what can I say, I fell in love with author, Eileen Goudge years ago, and have been a faithful follower since. I will never forgot the day I purchased the Woman in Red, in Florida, which was my first book by Eileen. Something about the front cover was so intriguing—it pulled me in and was hooked. Immediately afterward, started Garden of Liesand worked my way up the list. After reading eighteen of her books, you could say I am a fan, and was delighted to receive an ARC of Bones and Roses. I loved it!

In addition to being a talented writer, Eileen is genuine, and speaks from the heart. She uses her tragedies and turns them into something wonderful. If you have ever communicated with Eileen via email, or Goodreads, via her blog, or read her postings, you will come to know a special and unique person. I speak for all the fans and readers out there – Thank you for being you! You are an inspiration and your words come alive on the page, with stories to warm hearts, and characters to remember, long after the book ends.

I loved Tish, Bradley and Arthur, and especially the vacation rental real estate storyline, as I have managed real estate, vacation rentals, cottages, hotels, and B&B inns for years, and there is always something exciting going on, and life is never dull!

Cannot wait to read the second book in the Cypress Bay Series: SWIMSUIT BODY, (3/1/15) and after reading Goudge’s blog, she describes her outspoken heroine, Tish Ballard, (yeah) will be once embroiled in solving a murder, this one of a world-famous movie star whom she found “tanning” posthumously by the swimming pool at one of the homes she maintains as owner of Rest Easy Property Management, in Cypress Bay, California. Maybe she will put out her sign for her second business, a PI. Yummy!

If you are new to Eileen Goudge books, you are in for a treat! I would highly recommend all her books, and visiting her website to learn more about this extraordinary author.

http://www.judithdcollinsconsulting.com/#!Bones-and-Roses/cmoa/E64FF249-3D10-40B...

http://judithdcollins.booklikes.com/post/946818/bones-and-roses

http://www.judithdcollins.com/#!august-2014-/cqt4
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The first of the Cypress Bay series, Bones and Roses delivers in classic Eileen Goudge style. It's witty and well-paced, fueled by a compelling plot.

The heroine, Tish Ballard, is a feisty recovering alcoholic investigating her mother's death. When she gets a lead, she's like a bulldog with a bone, and she's not afraid to snarl. She's a winning character, and Goudge surrounds her with a varied and cleverly-drawn cast. Set in coastal California (my old stomping ground), you'll feel the mist and hear the roar from the crashing sea as Tish pursues one lead after another. The author's descriptions are that good.

When you reach the end, you'll give thanks Bones and Roses is the first in a series and you won't have to say goodbye to Tish Ballard for too long. ( )

Cypress Bay, a seaside town in California - Tish Ballard had lost her career as a realtor because of her drinking. She is now the proprietor and sole employee of Rest Easy Property Management. She looks after vacation homes, doing upkeep and repairs.

The story picks up pace early on when skeletal remains are discovered in a trunk of a storage unit. This was a murder that took place decades ago with no witnesses, no timeline, and no forensic evidence. Many secrets are untangled, with a myriad of obstacles to overcome as the story unfolds.

The author created incredibly good characters. Tish's best friend, Ivy, was wonderfully portrayed, and I found Arthur, the schizophrenic brother, to be quite interesting. I also enjoyed the splashes of humor spread throughout. The book had an interesting premise and a lot of potential. Unfortunately it just didn't work for me. My interest waned and I struggled to finish this book. The blurb sounded interesting, but the book just didn't deliver - it was just lukewarm. But perhaps you should read it and decide for yourself because I'm definitely in the minority. My rating is 3 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions shared are my own. ( )