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Tall Pines Mystery #2
Essentially Yours
Marcella's first love has been MIA for eighteen years. Callie, her best friend and Sky's sister, flips out when a mysterious package from Sky arrives on her doorstep. Inside his old backpack are bottles of precious essential oils, a memory stick, and a bag of emeralds. Are these his final effects? Or is Sky alive? When Marcella's husband Quinn hears about it, his jealousy spikes. He and Marcella have been married for seven years, and he's not about to let some punk from the past mess that up. Drug company goons want the data on the memory stick, because it links a newly discovered essential oil with a leukemia cure. They kidnap Callie, hoping to lure Sky into the open. Marcella and Quinn track her to the wilderness of the Adirondack Mountains, where against all odds they fight to save Callie and preserve the proof that could change the world.
- GenresMystery
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
About the author
Aaron Paul Lazar
42 books188 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Aaron Paul Lazar writes to soothe his soul. Author of 28 books, including three addictive mystery series, writing books, a romantic suspense series, and a new love story series, Aaron enjoys the Genesee Valley countryside in upstate New York, where his characters embrace life, play with their dogs and grandkids, grow sumptuous gardens, and chase bad guys. Visit his website at http://www.lazarbooks.com. Aaron has won 21 book awards for his novels and finds writing to be his form of "cheap therapy." Feel free to network with him on Facebook or his website; he loves to connect with readers!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
Visit his website at www.lazarbooks.com.
more about the author:
Aaron Paul Lazar wasn’t always a mystery writer. It wasn’t until eight members of his family and friends died within five years that the urge to write became overwhelming. “When my father died, I lost it. I needed an outlet, and writing provided the kind of solace I couldn’t find elsewhere.”
Lazar created the Gus LeGarde mystery series, with the founding novel, DOUBLE FORTÉ (2004), a chilling winter mystery set in the Genesee Valley of upstate New York. Like Lazar’s father, protagonist Gus LeGarde is a classical music professor. Gus, a grandfather, gardener, chef, and nature lover, plays Chopin etudes to feed his soul and thinks of himself as a “Renaissance man caught in the 21st century.”
The creation of the series lent Lazar the comfort he sought, yet in the process, a new passion was unleashed. Obsessed with his parallel universe, he now lives, breathes, and dreams about his characters, and has written eleven LeGarde mysteries.
One day while rototilling his gardens, Lazar unearthed a green cat’s eye marble, which prompted the new paranormal mystery series featuring Sam Moore, retired country doctor and zealous gardener. The green marble, a powerful talisman, connects all three of the books in the series, whisking Sam back in time to uncover his brother’s dreadful fate fifty years earlier. (THE DISAPPEARANCE OF BILLY MOORE; TERROR COMES KNOCKING, and FOR KEEPS) Lazar intends to continue both series, in addition to three contemporary new series including Tall Pines Mysteries, set in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, Paines Creek love stories series, set on Cape Cod, and Bittersweet Hollow romantic suspense series, set in Vermont.
Lazar’s books feature breathless chase scenes, nasty villains, and taut suspense, but are also intensely human stories, replete with kids, dogs, horses, food, romance, and humor. The author calls them, “country mysteries,” although reviewers have dubbed them “literary mysteries.”
“It seems as though every image ever impressed upon my brain finds its way into my work. Whether it’s the light dancing through stained-glass windows in a Parisian chapel, curly slate-green lichen covering a boulder at the edge of a pond in Maine, or hoarfrost dangling from a cherry tree branch in mid-winter, these images burrow into my memory cells. In time they bubble back, persistently itching, until they are poured out on the page.”
Lazar lives on a ridge overlooking the Genesee Valley in upstate New York with his wife, mother-in-law, beloved Cavi-poo, Balto, Cavi-bichon, Amber, and four cats. He and his wife, Dale, now have seven grandchildren to spoil and they enjoy every second of it!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 24, 2019
Lovely Wicked Villains
This was my first book by Aaron Paul Lazar, but it won’t be the last. As an English, writing, and drama teacher, I tend to be more critical than most readers, so I rarely leave reviews unless I truly enjoy a book. Aaron Paul Lazar’s writing lured me into his story quickly and held me to the end. Having not read book one in the series, I expected to have some unanswered questions, but Essentially Yours whirled me into an intriguing mystery with believable, flawed, and richly drawn characters, a unique plot, and lyrical writing style.
A big fan of essential oils and a love for books with a touch of paranormal, I enjoyed how Lazar drew both elements into the fray, creating an interesting, educational, and plausible storyline. Using first person through the eyes of Marcella, his heroine, added an intimate component as well and kept the point of view consistent and alluring. I loved how Marcie’s thoughts and dreams still connected her to Sky [her first sweetheart] but never doused the passion she had for Quint, her husband.
With twists and turns, this mystery enthralled me and kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend Essentially Yours to any fan of mystery, thrillers, or suspense. Lovely wicked villains, creative internal and external conflicts, an intense plot, and a terrific setting will wow you.
This was my first book by Aaron Paul Lazar, but it won’t be the last. As an English, writing, and drama teacher, I tend to be more critical than most readers, so I rarely leave reviews unless I truly enjoy a book. Aaron Paul Lazar’s writing lured me into his story quickly and held me to the end. Having not read book one in the series, I expected to have some unanswered questions, but Essentially Yours whirled me into an intriguing mystery with believable, flawed, and richly drawn characters, a unique plot, and lyrical writing style.
A big fan of essential oils and a love for books with a touch of paranormal, I enjoyed how Lazar drew both elements into the fray, creating an interesting, educational, and plausible storyline. Using first person through the eyes of Marcella, his heroine, added an intimate component as well and kept the point of view consistent and alluring. I loved how Marcie’s thoughts and dreams still connected her to Sky [her first sweetheart] but never doused the passion she had for Quint, her husband.
With twists and turns, this mystery enthralled me and kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend Essentially Yours to any fan of mystery, thrillers, or suspense. Lovely wicked villains, creative internal and external conflicts, an intense plot, and a terrific setting will wow you.
June 5, 2013
When I first started this book, I didn't think I was going to like it, but I was wrong. After about page 10, I was hooked. It is literally a page turner.
I was entranced by the characters, Callie, Marcella, Quinn, and Sky. I loved the way we were taken back in time, at different times during the book, to explain what was going on in the book.
I thought it was going to be a love story, but it was not only a love story, but a very good thriller all the way to the end. I can only hope that his vision comes true for future cancer patients.
There are a few typos, but this is a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I would surely recommend this book to everyone that enjoys love, action and a thriller all in one.
I was entranced by the characters, Callie, Marcella, Quinn, and Sky. I loved the way we were taken back in time, at different times during the book, to explain what was going on in the book.
I thought it was going to be a love story, but it was not only a love story, but a very good thriller all the way to the end. I can only hope that his vision comes true for future cancer patients.
There are a few typos, but this is a very good book. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I would surely recommend this book to everyone that enjoys love, action and a thriller all in one.
May 25, 2013
Marcella's best friend, Callie, goes missing and it all has something to do with the package Callie received from from her brother -- Marcella's long-lost first love. People are dying, powerful forces have an interest in keeping this all quiet, and in the midst of it all Marcella must deal with long-buried feelings.
Told in the first person from Marcella's point of view, and read by a talented voice actress with an ageless quality to her voice, this story was instantly captivating. I read a lot of books with young heroes and heroines, so for me it was refreshing to read about a middle-aged woman and her husband, especially since they acted their ages. They've both lived a lot of life and have the history to back it up. I also found the perspective to be charmingly honest. Marcella is unquestioningly in love with her husband, Quinn, but that doesn't mean she isn't affected by the return of her first lover after nearly two decades of his being MIA. She has to deal with those feelings, and with other secrets that come out over the course of the book.
There's a mystic quality to this book. I almost hesitate to call it paranormal because it's all tied in with natural medicine and Native American spirituality, although psychic links and astral projection do qualify as paranormal. It was subtle, written into the fabric of the world in a way that suspends disbelief.
Disclaimer: I read 95% of my books on audio, although I rarely read commercial audiobooks because I have access to the national library for the blind (which usually uses volunteer readers). I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My standards for audiobooks are high. Because I usually read non-commercial audiobooks that aren't available to the general public, I don't normally comment on that aspect of the books I review. But I'm aware of it. The reader for this book was very good. She did mispronounce the word copse consistently (using a long o instead of a short o), but that's my only complaint. In all other ways she portrayed Marcella very well, reading with good tone/inflections.
I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it in audiobook format or in more traditional formats to mystery readers, especially those who like a little mysticism in their stories and who like a strong central character.
Told in the first person from Marcella's point of view, and read by a talented voice actress with an ageless quality to her voice, this story was instantly captivating. I read a lot of books with young heroes and heroines, so for me it was refreshing to read about a middle-aged woman and her husband, especially since they acted their ages. They've both lived a lot of life and have the history to back it up. I also found the perspective to be charmingly honest. Marcella is unquestioningly in love with her husband, Quinn, but that doesn't mean she isn't affected by the return of her first lover after nearly two decades of his being MIA. She has to deal with those feelings, and with other secrets that come out over the course of the book.
There's a mystic quality to this book. I almost hesitate to call it paranormal because it's all tied in with natural medicine and Native American spirituality, although psychic links and astral projection do qualify as paranormal. It was subtle, written into the fabric of the world in a way that suspends disbelief.
Disclaimer: I read 95% of my books on audio, although I rarely read commercial audiobooks because I have access to the national library for the blind (which usually uses volunteer readers). I received a copy of this audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My standards for audiobooks are high. Because I usually read non-commercial audiobooks that aren't available to the general public, I don't normally comment on that aspect of the books I review. But I'm aware of it. The reader for this book was very good. She did mispronounce the word copse consistently (using a long o instead of a short o), but that's my only complaint. In all other ways she portrayed Marcella very well, reading with good tone/inflections.
I enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend it in audiobook format or in more traditional formats to mystery readers, especially those who like a little mysticism in their stories and who like a strong central character.
June 29, 2012
Author Aaron Paul Lazar has the knack of creating believable characters, putting them in beautifully rendered landscapes, and making their subsequent trials and tribulations seem believable too. His Tall Pines Mysteries are no exception, and Essentially Yours is the second in the series.
The title brings to mind the essential oils that form a backdrop to this tale. While Marcie’s down-to-earth attitudes give her a natural reluctance to use oils instead of medication for her headache, her honest love for her husband makes her open to try, just as in the earlier novel, For the Birds, she had to accept the inexplicable to save her mother. This willingness to look further pervades the novel, allowing the reader to see beyond the road ahead into the beautiful scenery of isolation, beyond the mechanics of big business to the humanity of people in need, and beyond archetypical assumptions to a place where innocent victims can ask for and welcome help.
Marcie’s former boyfriend Sky disappeared a long time ago. His sister Callie has become a recluse, and Marcie has married half-Indian Quinn. When a message arrives out of the blue from Sky, with bottles of essential oils, Marcie’s beautiful relationship with Quinn just might be threatened by memories of the past. But their love is as strong as their faith and as real as the Adirondack mountains where they seek for Callie. With mystical help from Callie’s dog, hope from crystals and healing from oils, Marcie and Quinn embark on a rescue mission that’s filled with danger, excitement and intrigue.
Essentially Yours is a fast-flowing mystery with great scenery, exciting action, thoughtful intrigue, and wistful hope. The Tall Pines cast of characters is growing, and there’s a heartfelt welcome to the tale that makes the reader almost feel like another assistant in the wings. A fun, easy-reading series with gentle touches of food for thought… and essential oils.
Disclosure: I met the author online and was delighted to receive a free signed copy of this novel from him.
The title brings to mind the essential oils that form a backdrop to this tale. While Marcie’s down-to-earth attitudes give her a natural reluctance to use oils instead of medication for her headache, her honest love for her husband makes her open to try, just as in the earlier novel, For the Birds, she had to accept the inexplicable to save her mother. This willingness to look further pervades the novel, allowing the reader to see beyond the road ahead into the beautiful scenery of isolation, beyond the mechanics of big business to the humanity of people in need, and beyond archetypical assumptions to a place where innocent victims can ask for and welcome help.
Marcie’s former boyfriend Sky disappeared a long time ago. His sister Callie has become a recluse, and Marcie has married half-Indian Quinn. When a message arrives out of the blue from Sky, with bottles of essential oils, Marcie’s beautiful relationship with Quinn just might be threatened by memories of the past. But their love is as strong as their faith and as real as the Adirondack mountains where they seek for Callie. With mystical help from Callie’s dog, hope from crystals and healing from oils, Marcie and Quinn embark on a rescue mission that’s filled with danger, excitement and intrigue.
Essentially Yours is a fast-flowing mystery with great scenery, exciting action, thoughtful intrigue, and wistful hope. The Tall Pines cast of characters is growing, and there’s a heartfelt welcome to the tale that makes the reader almost feel like another assistant in the wings. A fun, easy-reading series with gentle touches of food for thought… and essential oils.
Disclosure: I met the author online and was delighted to receive a free signed copy of this novel from him.
March 20, 2013
As I read through the first chapter of "Essentially yours" I found myself drawn in and I simply could not put it down! Marcella and Quinn are happily running their antique shop in upstate New York. Life is seemingly ambling along nicely, until one morning following Marcella's swim her agoraphobic best-friend Callie arrives unexpectedly. I don't like spoilers and don't want to give too much away. But what transpires is a delicious mystery that will grab hold of you and will not let you go! Callie has received a box from her brother who went missing years previous, believing all this time he must be dead Callie is now questioning her brothers disappearance? If he is alive, where is he and what is going on? Lazar's brilliant writing and his ability to create characters in such a way that you can get inside their heads is nothing short of brilliant. I will certainly be reading more from this author who in my honest opinion is at the top of his game. A highly recommended read.
August 22, 2012
This is a fast paced mystery set in the beautiful bucolic Adirondack woods. The imagery is vivid and the author paints a great picture of the setting of this book. I enjoyed the characters and got to know them enough whereas at the end of the book I felt I knew them:)
What brought me into this book in the first place is the connection the author and I share with the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. Aaron actually centers the plot of his story around the oils. Young Living is an amazing company that has set the standard for the everyday use of essential oils in the world. I love using them and I love sharing the health benefits with others.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a good pace and kept my interest.
What brought me into this book in the first place is the connection the author and I share with the use of therapeutic grade essential oils. Aaron actually centers the plot of his story around the oils. Young Living is an amazing company that has set the standard for the everyday use of essential oils in the world. I love using them and I love sharing the health benefits with others.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it had a good pace and kept my interest.
December 12, 2014
Essentially Yours by Aaron Paul Lazar is a terrific book. The premise is using essential oils and crystals to treat ailments is genius. And presented as to be completely believable. I love the addition of the new characters and appreciated the interactions with the characters that I have previously come to love. Lazar comes at the Tall Pines Mysteries from a different point of view, and he does a terrific job. They are written from the first person heroine POV so it is a very different look at the events in the story line. All of the characters are strong and lovable, and the details just pull you right in. The magic is that Lazar does not leave anything hanging. By adding an extra chapter or two, he closes up all the details, leaving a very well rounded book.
October 16, 2014
ESSENTIALLY YOURS AARON PAUL LAZAR
There is the aroma of mystery in the air as Quinn and Marcella try to find a kidnapped friend and discover that Marcella’s first love is still alive and trying to keep ahead of some very bad people;
Essentially yours is the second installment of the TALL PINES MYSTERY SERIES. We get to know the characters better and reach into Marcie’s past. Love is also in the air with Marcella and Quinn’s relationship but Quinn is apprehensive where Sky is concerned.
There is an equal measure of romance and suspense when the couple does battle with the bad guys and I commend the author for great story telling.
There is the aroma of mystery in the air as Quinn and Marcella try to find a kidnapped friend and discover that Marcella’s first love is still alive and trying to keep ahead of some very bad people;
Essentially yours is the second installment of the TALL PINES MYSTERY SERIES. We get to know the characters better and reach into Marcie’s past. Love is also in the air with Marcella and Quinn’s relationship but Quinn is apprehensive where Sky is concerned.
There is an equal measure of romance and suspense when the couple does battle with the bad guys and I commend the author for great story telling.
March 16, 2014
Marcella Hollister has moved on with her life since her first love – Sky has disappeared eighteen years ago during a mission in Iraq. Her best friend since childhood, Callie... Read the full audiobook review of Essentially Yours here.
November 29, 2014
Oh man.. this one actually gripped me even more then the first. So much more mystery.. love.. and the characters made me fall for them even more. I am in love with this series now :)
January 3, 2016
An easy read. Fun characters. Love the Adirondack setting. I will read more books by this author.
January 28, 2019
Aaron never fails to please...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews