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Bad Day #5
A Bad Day for Romance
That’s no cupid, it’s a bridesmaid with a crossbow. Stella Hardesty is a seamstress with a sideline job in vigilante justice in this entertaining ebook in the Edgar-nominated and award-winning Bad Day series.Two days before her best friend gets married, Stella Hardesty has nothing more pressing on her mind than fitting into her fluffy pink bridesmaid gown, mixing her next cocktail, and enjoying a romantic weekend with her sometimes beau, BJ Brodersen. Just as she’s headed to the bridal shower, word comes that BJ and smokin’ hot sheriff Goat Jones have gotten into a dustup over Stella’s affections.
Before Stella can recover from this startling development, more bad news comes along. The minister’s niece, the hard-to-love pageant princess Divinity Flycock, has been arrested for the murder of her fiancé. The bride begs Stella to clear Divinity’s name so that her minister will be able to perform the nuptials. When Stella starts digging into the case, however, she uncovers a world of jealous nightclub singers, firearms dealers, and the ugly underbelly of reality TV. Hot on the trail of the truth, she’s distracted by the arrival of the sheriff, who finally seems ready to make a claim for her affections.
Before Stella can recover from this startling development, more bad news comes along. The minister’s niece, the hard-to-love pageant princess Divinity Flycock, has been arrested for the murder of her fiancé. The bride begs Stella to clear Divinity’s name so that her minister will be able to perform the nuptials. When Stella starts digging into the case, however, she uncovers a world of jealous nightclub singers, firearms dealers, and the ugly underbelly of reality TV. Hot on the trail of the truth, she’s distracted by the arrival of the sheriff, who finally seems ready to make a claim for her affections.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
17 people are currently reading
343 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Littlefield
37 books801 followersCalled a “writing machine” by the New York Times and a “master storyteller” by the Midwest Book Review, Sophie Littlefield has written dozens of novels for adults and teens. She has won Anthony and RT Book Awards and been shortlisted for Edgar, Barry, Crimespree, Macavity, and Goodreads Choice Awards.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
Sophie also writes under the pen name Sofia Grant.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 5, 2017
3.5 stars
The book description tells the basic story. What it leaves out is that this is an over 50 divorcee, a seamstress who had a 30 year marriage that ended badly. Then Stella created a secret sideline profession: men who abuse will get a taste of their own medicine...or worse. Stella admits killing her ex. But that issue is not explained in this mystery.
And her two "boyfriends" can't seem to 1.) see their sexual attraction through or 2.) hang around after making hot overtures.
The book description tells the basic story. What it leaves out is that this is an over 50 divorcee, a seamstress who had a 30 year marriage that ended badly. Then Stella created a secret sideline profession: men who abuse will get a taste of their own medicine...or worse. Stella admits killing her ex. But that issue is not explained in this mystery.
And her two "boyfriends" can't seem to 1.) see their sexual attraction through or 2.) hang around after making hot overtures.
August 10, 2013
A Bad Day for Romance by Sophie Littlefield is the fifth installment in the award winning "Bad Day" series. This is a Pocket Books publications a division of Simon and Schuster. This book will release in September of 2013.
When Dotty and Kam decide to get married, it's a rushed affair, but not because it's a shotgun wedding. They just want to get married- now!
But, a big wrench gets thrown into their plans when the minister's niece, Divinity, is accused of murdering her boyfriend and promoter.
In order to keep from having the wedding postponed, Stella Hardesty agrees to help clear things up so Dotty's family can attend the wedding.
When Divinity, a child beauty pageant winner,( beautiful on the outside- not so much on the inside), and aspiring singer, gets a chance to be on a reality show, it looks like she might get the exposure she badly needs to launch her career. But, when her promoter continues to give out the choice spots to other women, he winds up dead.
Divinity isn't the only suspect Stella and her trusty assistant, Chrissy uncovers.
The world of "Reality TV" is not what it seems. The competition is deadly.
Stella doesn't ordinarily work this type of investigation. Stella has an underground enterprise that helps battered women. But, her skills as a gun toting vigilante comes in handy as she and Chrissy come across some rather shady characters.
In the meantime, Stella is struggling with the lukewarm relationship she has with her sometime boyfriend BJ. To make matters even more confusing, Stella learns that super hot sheriff- Goat Jones has openly admitted he has feelings for Stella.
This book was terrific. Stella is a "mature" woman in her early fifties living in Missouri. She is a seamstress by trade, a survivor of domestic violence, and has a huge heart. She also has not one, but two men interested in her. Because of her past, sometimes Stella questions whether or not she wants to be with any man. She has a business, she helps people in need, and she has close friends and family. But, deep down Stella knows she really wants a good solid relationship with a good solid man. But, is that man BJ or is it the sheriff- Goat?
A behind the scenes look at reality TV and the little bit of soul selling people will do to have a shot at fame and fortune. I have no doubt that author's take on that world was pretty accurate.
This book has everything you could ask for in a novel- laugh out loud screwball comedy, mystery and suspense, sweet and sexy romance, and a little sobering reality.
Stella was great. I wish there were more characters like her out there. She is a real inspiration. Live life to the fullest , no matter what your age. It's never too late for anything.
The mystery was a real mystery. You will never guess who the murderer was. So, the ending was a little bittersweet, but for Stella the ending was just perfect.
This book would appeal to lovers of mystery, chick-lit and contemporary romance. Highly recommend. A good solid A. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the DRC of this book.
When Dotty and Kam decide to get married, it's a rushed affair, but not because it's a shotgun wedding. They just want to get married- now!
But, a big wrench gets thrown into their plans when the minister's niece, Divinity, is accused of murdering her boyfriend and promoter.
In order to keep from having the wedding postponed, Stella Hardesty agrees to help clear things up so Dotty's family can attend the wedding.
When Divinity, a child beauty pageant winner,( beautiful on the outside- not so much on the inside), and aspiring singer, gets a chance to be on a reality show, it looks like she might get the exposure she badly needs to launch her career. But, when her promoter continues to give out the choice spots to other women, he winds up dead.
Divinity isn't the only suspect Stella and her trusty assistant, Chrissy uncovers.
The world of "Reality TV" is not what it seems. The competition is deadly.
Stella doesn't ordinarily work this type of investigation. Stella has an underground enterprise that helps battered women. But, her skills as a gun toting vigilante comes in handy as she and Chrissy come across some rather shady characters.
In the meantime, Stella is struggling with the lukewarm relationship she has with her sometime boyfriend BJ. To make matters even more confusing, Stella learns that super hot sheriff- Goat Jones has openly admitted he has feelings for Stella.
This book was terrific. Stella is a "mature" woman in her early fifties living in Missouri. She is a seamstress by trade, a survivor of domestic violence, and has a huge heart. She also has not one, but two men interested in her. Because of her past, sometimes Stella questions whether or not she wants to be with any man. She has a business, she helps people in need, and she has close friends and family. But, deep down Stella knows she really wants a good solid relationship with a good solid man. But, is that man BJ or is it the sheriff- Goat?
A behind the scenes look at reality TV and the little bit of soul selling people will do to have a shot at fame and fortune. I have no doubt that author's take on that world was pretty accurate.
This book has everything you could ask for in a novel- laugh out loud screwball comedy, mystery and suspense, sweet and sexy romance, and a little sobering reality.
Stella was great. I wish there were more characters like her out there. She is a real inspiration. Live life to the fullest , no matter what your age. It's never too late for anything.
The mystery was a real mystery. You will never guess who the murderer was. So, the ending was a little bittersweet, but for Stella the ending was just perfect.
This book would appeal to lovers of mystery, chick-lit and contemporary romance. Highly recommend. A good solid A. Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the DRC of this book.
May 2, 2016
4.50 stars. Glad that Stella and Goat finally got their romance worked out and in such a sweet way. I could just eat Goat up he was so sweet. I hope that this isn't the last book in the series though.
July 29, 2015
Stella is doing one last favor to ensure that her best friend's wedding is well attended by the bride's family. The problem is that with a niece in jail on suspected murder, that will take some investigating.
Why I started this book: I was bouncing from book to book for a while and remembered that I liked this series.
Why I finished it: It's been a while since I read the last book, and I spent more time scratching my head trying to remember everyone.
Why I started this book: I was bouncing from book to book for a while and remembered that I liked this series.
Why I finished it: It's been a while since I read the last book, and I spent more time scratching my head trying to remember everyone.
July 12, 2013
Stella is getting her life together and about to attend Divinity's wedding. She and the sheriff have had some interesting encounters. A murder throws a wrench into everyone's plans. A nice series
March 1, 2017
The last couple of Stella Harding books were a little off somehow, but this one is back (delightfully) to the Stella I know and love. Stella is a 50+ woman who owns the local sewing machine/quilting shop in Prosper, Missouri. At age 47 she picked up a frying pan and killed the abusive husband who'd been beating the tar out of her for 30 years. She was not charged with his death, as some people just need killin’.
After liberating herself, Stella took up a second job. If your boyfriend or husband beats on you or in any other way makes you sorry you were born, Stella will have a…discussion…with him. She is a lot fitter than she looks, thanks to baji quan and training she borrowed from the Marine Corp, and she owns a great many useful “tools” purchased from the local hardware and gun shops, as well as from a variety of online shops. If one visit from Stella doesn’t convince the “parolee” to act right, well, there are more permanent ways to discourage or dispose of men who just don’t know how to behave.
This time Stella and her assistant (and former client) Chrissy are trying to find out who killed a talent agent. More accurately, they are trying to prove that Divinity did NOT do it. Because although Divinity is a huge pain in the ass, and everyone dislikes her, Divinity needs to be able to attend a family wedding, or the bride is going to call things off. And Stella is devoted to Dotty, Divinity’s cousin and the nervous bride.
Stella and Chrissy are kicking ass and taking names. And running from the cops, using their feminine wiles on the cops and whatever groomsmen happen to be around, and basically doing whatever it takes to get Divinity to that wedding.
Here is a small discussion between Stella and Chrissy, when one has rescued the other from an attack during the rehearsal dinner:
Chrissy was standing next to the stalls with her arms up in the air, her wrists tied around the pole leading from the stall to the ceiling. She looked unharmed; the worst damage she has suffered was a mussed hairdo and a broken dress strap that trailed off her shoulder.
“What on earth!”
“You got your multitool with you?”
“Do I ever not?” Stella demanded, getting the lightweight little Leatherman Skeletool she carried for more formal events out of her evening bag. She used the carbon fiber blade to make quick work of the knots. “Shitty rope,” she added, testing the gauge of the nylon cord. “I wouldn’t tie up a dog with this. You would have got yourself out in no time. Where’d you call me from, anyway?”
“He dropped the rope out there. When he went to get it, he made a point of waving his gun around.”
“He had a gun?”
“Yeah, just some cheap-ass Diamondback .22. I don’t know if he even knew how to use it – he was wearing gloves, like gardening gloves? I don’t think he could have got off an accurate shot, but I called you instead of finding out. I don’t think it was exactly a brain surgeon who dragged me out of there.”
….
“Yeah, let’s think that through a minute, okay?” Stella said, tossing the rope into the trash. Even if she had the resources to investigate, the rope’s fibers probably wouldn’t reveal much other than it was made in bulk in some developing country. Besides, Stella’s investigative techniques had never been the sort to rely on technical details. “My friend’s cousin’s child’s fiancé gets killed. We have never even met the man face-to-face, but we go hunting down the killer so Dotty can get married.”
“Pretty thin motivation, you ask me,” Chrissy grumbled.
“Yeah, well, it ain’t our motivation we’re trying to figure out there. Now the murderer stands to lose if we find him, obviously”
“Yeah, I’ll be mighty pissed off at him for wasting my time AND making me miss the chocolate fountain.”
Start the series from the beginning to enjoy all of Stella's adventures.
After liberating herself, Stella took up a second job. If your boyfriend or husband beats on you or in any other way makes you sorry you were born, Stella will have a…discussion…with him. She is a lot fitter than she looks, thanks to baji quan and training she borrowed from the Marine Corp, and she owns a great many useful “tools” purchased from the local hardware and gun shops, as well as from a variety of online shops. If one visit from Stella doesn’t convince the “parolee” to act right, well, there are more permanent ways to discourage or dispose of men who just don’t know how to behave.
This time Stella and her assistant (and former client) Chrissy are trying to find out who killed a talent agent. More accurately, they are trying to prove that Divinity did NOT do it. Because although Divinity is a huge pain in the ass, and everyone dislikes her, Divinity needs to be able to attend a family wedding, or the bride is going to call things off. And Stella is devoted to Dotty, Divinity’s cousin and the nervous bride.
Stella and Chrissy are kicking ass and taking names. And running from the cops, using their feminine wiles on the cops and whatever groomsmen happen to be around, and basically doing whatever it takes to get Divinity to that wedding.
Here is a small discussion between Stella and Chrissy, when one has rescued the other from an attack during the rehearsal dinner:
Chrissy was standing next to the stalls with her arms up in the air, her wrists tied around the pole leading from the stall to the ceiling. She looked unharmed; the worst damage she has suffered was a mussed hairdo and a broken dress strap that trailed off her shoulder.
“What on earth!”
“You got your multitool with you?”
“Do I ever not?” Stella demanded, getting the lightweight little Leatherman Skeletool she carried for more formal events out of her evening bag. She used the carbon fiber blade to make quick work of the knots. “Shitty rope,” she added, testing the gauge of the nylon cord. “I wouldn’t tie up a dog with this. You would have got yourself out in no time. Where’d you call me from, anyway?”
“He dropped the rope out there. When he went to get it, he made a point of waving his gun around.”
“He had a gun?”
“Yeah, just some cheap-ass Diamondback .22. I don’t know if he even knew how to use it – he was wearing gloves, like gardening gloves? I don’t think he could have got off an accurate shot, but I called you instead of finding out. I don’t think it was exactly a brain surgeon who dragged me out of there.”
….
“Yeah, let’s think that through a minute, okay?” Stella said, tossing the rope into the trash. Even if she had the resources to investigate, the rope’s fibers probably wouldn’t reveal much other than it was made in bulk in some developing country. Besides, Stella’s investigative techniques had never been the sort to rely on technical details. “My friend’s cousin’s child’s fiancé gets killed. We have never even met the man face-to-face, but we go hunting down the killer so Dotty can get married.”
“Pretty thin motivation, you ask me,” Chrissy grumbled.
“Yeah, well, it ain’t our motivation we’re trying to figure out there. Now the murderer stands to lose if we find him, obviously”
“Yeah, I’ll be mighty pissed off at him for wasting my time AND making me miss the chocolate fountain.”
Start the series from the beginning to enjoy all of Stella's adventures.
December 29, 2019
a nice clean bow on a fun series. it's too bad that it had to end. that said, i'm not sure I would have gone beyond the 2nd star. the reason for the 2 stars vs the 3 stars I gave the other stories? one huge, possibly petty, criticism! all of a sudden there were multiple mentions of FOX News. Why? I realize the book was published in 2013 so it wasn't as divisive a thing as it is now but it was still very much right a wing channel. I felt like the author was saying, "now that you are done with my series, you should know that Stella is a Republican!" she took an otherwise Apolitical character that didn't mention news or politics at all other than the legal system not doing enough for abused women and then Bang! Stella's a republican! why bother! it was unnecessary and cheapened the story for me. I imagine repubs would feel the same if a main character suddenly, after 4books, repeatedly talked about watching CNN. WHY!
August 16, 2019
I enjoyed this series, but admit I liked the earlier ones better than this one.
February 14, 2021
Not as good as some, but easy reading, good humor
December 21, 2023
I really like this series. The characters are written well and the plot keeps you reading. I am sorry this is the last book!
December 12, 2024
Dnf shouldn’t have started at the end of the series but it was free if I remember right and it really didnt engage me or make me want to get the first one.
September 16, 2013
With a new era and genre of television shows like “Duck Dynasty” ,“Sister Wives” and “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” I knew it would be just a matter of time before the ‘good ole boys’ southern style made it into our books. And with this series it has…with a bang.
This is the fifth novel in this series and if I was a first time reader (and I am one), I sure wouldn’t start here. It was initially confusing because the author does not spend a huge amount of time with back-story. This is good for longtime readers and fans, since the books are under 300 pages and the new story might suffer from the repetition.
This book is so overly filled with the main story, a secondary story and several tertiary stories, that it might drive you to distraction trying to keep things straight. We have a wedding going on, which is a story all its own, a murder with the wedding singer being implicated, Stella has men problems and so does her assistant. Now throw in some long standing jealously, envy and hatred amongst the secondary characters and you really have a stew cooking up. It was just too much for me to try to keep straight.
A little back-story --- Stella is a widow in her fifties, who has killed her long-time husband with a wrench. Because I have not read the first novel, I have no clue how she got away with this. Now she and her pal run a little side business of dishing out punishments to abusive husbands. Nothing like a little vigilante justice to make it easy on us to suspend our disbelief! I snorted in disbelief and rolled my eyes when Stella stole the possible murder weapon right from the police department.
It was just too many stories into a too small package. I also disliked feeling so out of the loop, what with me being a Northerner and not a ‘good ole gal’- I didn’t understand a lot of the idioms and back-country Southern used. The clichés (like the name Goat and Novella) eventually got on my nerves too.
However, it is a good mystery with well-drawn characters and the author has an impeccable sense of timing. I also loved the fact that this was written for a different generation of women, yet didn’t paint them with the paint brush of us being unsexy at this age!
November 10, 2013
This installment was leaning towards 4 stars until it brought on the tears. Must be hormones or something but twice it got me reaching for the tissues. And I'm not telling which parts in the story but it as something that just hit close to my heart, both times. Littlefield has such a talent with writing hilarious scenes, colorful characters, witty and original dialog and now, heart-touching scenes that felt real to me. Littlefield has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I can't wait to read more of her books.
If I get chance to hear this on audio, I'm sure the stars will shoot up to 6.
If I get chance to hear this on audio, I'm sure the stars will shoot up to 6.
May 14, 2013
I'm a huge fan of this quirky series by Sophie Littlefield. I've been a huge fan of Stella Hardesty since the first book in the series, A Bad Day for Sorry (which was so awesome!).
All those who inhabit Stella's world are back and they still don't have a lick of sense! It's always a rollicking adventure with a dash of mystery thrown in. A great enjoyable light read to while away the hours. It is released on September 2nd but only as an ebook.
All those who inhabit Stella's world are back and they still don't have a lick of sense! It's always a rollicking adventure with a dash of mystery thrown in. A great enjoyable light read to while away the hours. It is released on September 2nd but only as an ebook.
March 13, 2014
I just love Me some Stella. She is kickass heroine who don't take crap off no one. She do not like a wife beater and has a method of dealing with them that will have them crying to their mothers. Also we get to see the result of the 3 way relationship she has going. If you never read the series I suggest you start at the beginning. It will be worth your while. Can wait for next book, to see what trouble Stella and Christie get into.
February 1, 2014
This book is terrific. The characters are well written. You'll want to read the books in order...it's just more fun that way. Stella and her crew of misfit helpers (said in a loving way) always try to do the right thing, but sometimes the methods are questionable! But, that's what makes these an interesting read. Would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE more of this series.
September 14, 2014
Yes, I had to do it. When I saw another Bad Day book about Stella Hardesty's adventures and misadventures, I had to read it, and was rewarded as usual, with an entertaining romp on the wild side. She dips into a level of violence that's beyond my comfort zone, but I love her character and that of her companions, and that little romance that she's been skirting, well...
February 2, 2019
(Fair warning, I know Ms. Littlefield.)
It's great fun to see Stella's secret world collide with her everyday world. The world of suburban Missouri is colorful, and Sophie Littlefield's mastery of quirky characters and delightful dialog is second to none.
It's great fun to see Stella's secret world collide with her everyday world. The world of suburban Missouri is colorful, and Sophie Littlefield's mastery of quirky characters and delightful dialog is second to none.
September 6, 2013
Released today!!
September 5, 2013
I love all of the Stella Hardesty books. I've eagerly waited this book's release and was not disappointed. I am especially happy over the HEA.
May 21, 2014
As always Sophie makes reading fun!
October 15, 2014
Not my normal style of read. Fluffy and enjoyable, well worth the purchase price. Too much South for me, probably will not read another from this author.
November 7, 2015
Good conclusion to the series, with a nice plot and appropriate tough gal language and action. NOT a cozy, but still fun brain candy.
October 4, 2015
What a great book! I laughed so hard in parts that I had to cover my mouth so I didn't wake up my husband. I can't wait to read the other books.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews