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Deck the Malls with Purple Peacocks
It’s Christmas in Orange County, California, and the mall is full of purple peacock decorations, large and small. Department store employee Aracely Martinez has a goofy Cuban friend, Quito (who’s awfully cute in his mall Santa suit), distracting her from her night-shift restocking job. But Aracely has a long-held secret, which her supervisor at the store, Jacob Thinnes, is about to tell to the wrong folks, knowing it will throw her life into complete upheaval. To keep him quiet, she must do everything he wants.
Which is too much.
Enter Aracely’s oldest friends: Alice Chalmers, Georgette Jones and Julie Bowers. The group’s “Venus Warrior” bond from the 2003 production of The Venus Monologues at Garden Beach Community College is still very strong, and these women are ready, willing, and able to kick some butt to help Aracely out of her difficult bind. Join Aracely’s Three Wise Women plus the ever-present Cuban trickster, Quito, in one adventure after another as they work against the odds to give Aracely the life of her dreams for a fabulous, nearly impossible Christmas gift.
Which is too much.
Enter Aracely’s oldest friends: Alice Chalmers, Georgette Jones and Julie Bowers. The group’s “Venus Warrior” bond from the 2003 production of The Venus Monologues at Garden Beach Community College is still very strong, and these women are ready, willing, and able to kick some butt to help Aracely out of her difficult bind. Join Aracely’s Three Wise Women plus the ever-present Cuban trickster, Quito, in one adventure after another as they work against the odds to give Aracely the life of her dreams for a fabulous, nearly impossible Christmas gift.
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Published November 18, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 14, 2017
Reading something by Amy Gettinger is like getting the best surprise ever in that box of Cracker Jacks!
This time out, Ms. Gettinger tackles some pretty heavy topics, then tosses Alice and her cohorts into the mix, turns on the blender of mayhem, mystery and madness and out comes the delightfully entertaining DECK THE MALLS WITH PURPLE PEACOCKS and yes, it is stuck in my head on a loop, music and all!
From a secret immigration status to unscrupulous employment blackmail to a company takeover, Alice Chalmers, Georgette Jones and Julie Bowers don their super sleuth personae and take us on a laugh-a-minute-journey as they risk life and limb to uncover, expose and right wrongs! But have they been bamboozled by someone they thought was an ally?
Will Alice become part of the Mall Christmas decorations? Alice is determined to make one hardworking young woman’s future this Christmas Merry and Bright, but she and her cohorts may have some serious “cleaning up” to do, and their investigations may “hook” them up to more trouble than they could have imagined.
Amy Gettinger's writing style is as bright and cheery as her keen fashion sense when it comes to hats!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Amy Gettinger! This is my voluntary and honest review.
Series: Alice Chronicles - Book 2
Publisher: Raucous Eucalyptus Press (November 18, 2017)
Publication Date: November 18, 2017
Genre: Cozy Mystery | Quirky Heroine
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This time out, Ms. Gettinger tackles some pretty heavy topics, then tosses Alice and her cohorts into the mix, turns on the blender of mayhem, mystery and madness and out comes the delightfully entertaining DECK THE MALLS WITH PURPLE PEACOCKS and yes, it is stuck in my head on a loop, music and all!
From a secret immigration status to unscrupulous employment blackmail to a company takeover, Alice Chalmers, Georgette Jones and Julie Bowers don their super sleuth personae and take us on a laugh-a-minute-journey as they risk life and limb to uncover, expose and right wrongs! But have they been bamboozled by someone they thought was an ally?
Will Alice become part of the Mall Christmas decorations? Alice is determined to make one hardworking young woman’s future this Christmas Merry and Bright, but she and her cohorts may have some serious “cleaning up” to do, and their investigations may “hook” them up to more trouble than they could have imagined.
Amy Gettinger's writing style is as bright and cheery as her keen fashion sense when it comes to hats!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Amy Gettinger! This is my voluntary and honest review.
Series: Alice Chronicles - Book 2
Publisher: Raucous Eucalyptus Press (November 18, 2017)
Publication Date: November 18, 2017
Genre: Cozy Mystery | Quirky Heroine
Print Length: 254 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
November 23, 2018
Pairing a weighty and complicated subject with some holiday time mayhem made for a colorful and quirky dose of chick lit by a new to me author.
Deck the Malls with Purple Peacocks is the second of the Alice Chronicles, but I had no trouble jumping in at this point to the series. I could tell that Alice and her friends had been involved in a crazy scheme a time or two in the past, but this was a standalone story.
The story starts out by introducing Arelys. She is a hardworking and dream-filled Mexican gal who has a huge dangerous secret about her legal status in the country. Everything goes bad for her when her slimy shift supervisor discovers her illegal status and uses it to blackmail her for his silence. She's at the end of her rope trying to meet his demands when a former college teacher of hers, Alice and some of Alice's friends learn of her plight and come to her rescue in crazy, over the top plots and capers.
The author didn't shy away from approaching the touchy and very complicated issue of illegal immigration and the difficulties for some to gain citizenship or the darker side of how people exploit the illegals in the country. It was definitely educational for me. But, it wasn't a completely downer book because the holiday shopping season in all its garish splendor through the eyes of a Mexican and a Cuban cracked me up. And, even better, the author took a threesome of middle aged female college professors who are outrageous and determined to help Arelys even if it means taking on the slimeballs who took advantage of her. It was zany, over the top, and very busy without more than surface level development. It got to where my head was spinning after a while. I just barely kept hold of the plot thread even while it had me laughing at the heavy dose of humor infused into the story and my enjoyment of Alice and her friends' adventures.
All in all, it was moderately engaging and a fun romp that chick lit fans who want a warm holiday comedy should give a try.
My thanks to the author and Lola's Blog Tours for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Deck the Malls with Purple Peacocks is the second of the Alice Chronicles, but I had no trouble jumping in at this point to the series. I could tell that Alice and her friends had been involved in a crazy scheme a time or two in the past, but this was a standalone story.
The story starts out by introducing Arelys. She is a hardworking and dream-filled Mexican gal who has a huge dangerous secret about her legal status in the country. Everything goes bad for her when her slimy shift supervisor discovers her illegal status and uses it to blackmail her for his silence. She's at the end of her rope trying to meet his demands when a former college teacher of hers, Alice and some of Alice's friends learn of her plight and come to her rescue in crazy, over the top plots and capers.
The author didn't shy away from approaching the touchy and very complicated issue of illegal immigration and the difficulties for some to gain citizenship or the darker side of how people exploit the illegals in the country. It was definitely educational for me. But, it wasn't a completely downer book because the holiday shopping season in all its garish splendor through the eyes of a Mexican and a Cuban cracked me up. And, even better, the author took a threesome of middle aged female college professors who are outrageous and determined to help Arelys even if it means taking on the slimeballs who took advantage of her. It was zany, over the top, and very busy without more than surface level development. It got to where my head was spinning after a while. I just barely kept hold of the plot thread even while it had me laughing at the heavy dose of humor infused into the story and my enjoyment of Alice and her friends' adventures.
All in all, it was moderately engaging and a fun romp that chick lit fans who want a warm holiday comedy should give a try.
My thanks to the author and Lola's Blog Tours for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2018
First things first. I loved it. But...
The cover didn't get me. If you are a regular reader here you know I am a huge cover junkie. Sadly I would have passed on this one if I was purchasing based on the cover. And that would have
been just plain 'ole.
Dumb
Take my advice starting right here. Right now. Don't judge a book by it's cover!
This one just didn't speak to me but . . . it was a duh moment when I downloaded the photo for this review. I read the book on my computer and so I didn't have access to the cover through out the read.
I loved everything about this book. I was a little surprised at first I didn't realize that it was really about the escapades of Alice and her friends Georgette and Julie. The three are a lively group of ladies that entertain the reader!
The story begins with Aracely who is working part time at a store in the local mall. She works an after hours schedule stocking in a large retail store.
Aracely is a hard worker from Mexico that isn't legal so she is at the mercy of anyone that decides to take advantage of her. And that is exactly what happens.
But in comes her past college professor Alice and her merry group of lady 'fixers'. I would really call the group more 'fixers' than sleauths at least in this installment. I have not had the pleasure of reading book 1. Although they do some sleuthing to get the goods on the bad guys that are threatening Aracely
Alice and her friends come to Aracely's rescue in more ways than one.
I won't give away the fast paced, fun and comical plot. But you have to read to the end to find out exactly how that cover is involved with all the mayhem!
There are a few curse words and most in Spainish so you might not even realize they are. I actually looked one up to see what it was.
One negative at least in my opinion because I have to tell all.
I really didn't get into Quito the Cuban that ends up winning
Aracely's heart. I just thought he was annoying with his un-ending dumb jokes. And he really didn't keep a job. But that's just me.
I was very pleased that I was offered to review Deck the Malls ...
I look forward to more books in the series the Alice Chronicles and other books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from Lola's Book Tours.
The cover didn't get me. If you are a regular reader here you know I am a huge cover junkie. Sadly I would have passed on this one if I was purchasing based on the cover. And that would have
been just plain 'ole.
Dumb
Take my advice starting right here. Right now. Don't judge a book by it's cover!
This one just didn't speak to me but . . . it was a duh moment when I downloaded the photo for this review. I read the book on my computer and so I didn't have access to the cover through out the read.
I loved everything about this book. I was a little surprised at first I didn't realize that it was really about the escapades of Alice and her friends Georgette and Julie. The three are a lively group of ladies that entertain the reader!
The story begins with Aracely who is working part time at a store in the local mall. She works an after hours schedule stocking in a large retail store.
Aracely is a hard worker from Mexico that isn't legal so she is at the mercy of anyone that decides to take advantage of her. And that is exactly what happens.
But in comes her past college professor Alice and her merry group of lady 'fixers'. I would really call the group more 'fixers' than sleauths at least in this installment. I have not had the pleasure of reading book 1. Although they do some sleuthing to get the goods on the bad guys that are threatening Aracely
Alice and her friends come to Aracely's rescue in more ways than one.
I won't give away the fast paced, fun and comical plot. But you have to read to the end to find out exactly how that cover is involved with all the mayhem!
There are a few curse words and most in Spainish so you might not even realize they are. I actually looked one up to see what it was.
One negative at least in my opinion because I have to tell all.
I really didn't get into Quito the Cuban that ends up winning
Aracely's heart. I just thought he was annoying with his un-ending dumb jokes. And he really didn't keep a job. But that's just me.
I was very pleased that I was offered to review Deck the Malls ...
I look forward to more books in the series the Alice Chronicles and other books by this author.
I received a complimentary copy from Lola's Book Tours.
April 28, 2018
Deck the Malls with Purple Peacocks caught my eye due to the festive and quirky title and matching cover.
The story is all about Aracely, whose illegal status has been noted and exploited by her unscrupulous boss. While there was plenty of the lightheartedness I’d hoped for by the packaging, there was a healthy dose of serious issues and an insightful look into what being an illegal immigrant might be like, particularly in today’s world.
It didn’t take me too long to know for sure that this was a sequel, but I felt this one stands alone pretty well. I enjoyed the missions and the banter between the friends in the Venus Warrior group, as well as the result of their benevolent meddling. Quito was adorable and his jokes as groan-worthy as I’m sure they were intended to be. The romance wasn’t as central to the story as I’d thought it would be, but that’s ok. This turned out to be more of a cozy mystery sort of thing with the team of Venus Warriors sleuthing and saving the day together, despite being total amateurs.
Jacob and the other cast of ne’er-do-wells were sinister and manipulative, and I had no trouble rooting against them. I thought it interesting how they could be so awful to Aracely, a good and hardworking person, while thinking of themselves as superior. Their self-righteousness paired with their awful behavior towards Aracely seemed designed to highlight a certain hypocrisy that seems all too realistic in today’s culture.
Overall, a good read. I wish I’d read the earlier book first because I think I’d have gotten more of the references and inside jokes between the characters. Anyhow, I’d recommend this to folks who like a little humor wrapped around a serious topic, middle-aged sleuths running missions to save their young friend, and a happy ending that doesn’t come easily.
I received the review copy of this book from the author via Lola’s Blog Tours. This review was written for my blog, I read too much!
The story is all about Aracely, whose illegal status has been noted and exploited by her unscrupulous boss. While there was plenty of the lightheartedness I’d hoped for by the packaging, there was a healthy dose of serious issues and an insightful look into what being an illegal immigrant might be like, particularly in today’s world.
It didn’t take me too long to know for sure that this was a sequel, but I felt this one stands alone pretty well. I enjoyed the missions and the banter between the friends in the Venus Warrior group, as well as the result of their benevolent meddling. Quito was adorable and his jokes as groan-worthy as I’m sure they were intended to be. The romance wasn’t as central to the story as I’d thought it would be, but that’s ok. This turned out to be more of a cozy mystery sort of thing with the team of Venus Warriors sleuthing and saving the day together, despite being total amateurs.
Jacob and the other cast of ne’er-do-wells were sinister and manipulative, and I had no trouble rooting against them. I thought it interesting how they could be so awful to Aracely, a good and hardworking person, while thinking of themselves as superior. Their self-righteousness paired with their awful behavior towards Aracely seemed designed to highlight a certain hypocrisy that seems all too realistic in today’s culture.
Overall, a good read. I wish I’d read the earlier book first because I think I’d have gotten more of the references and inside jokes between the characters. Anyhow, I’d recommend this to folks who like a little humor wrapped around a serious topic, middle-aged sleuths running missions to save their young friend, and a happy ending that doesn’t come easily.
I received the review copy of this book from the author via Lola’s Blog Tours. This review was written for my blog, I read too much!
December 19, 2019
It was the week before Thanksgiving, and Aracely Martinez was juggling school work and holiday jobs. Not only did she need spending money for Christmas, but she was also hoping the start up a business in Santa Ana.
You instantly feel for Aracely as she works and struggles. Like most of us, she’s doing the best that she can with what little she’s got. The girl definitely had ganas—a strong and resilient character. I liked that this story had Latino characters. It certainly made them relatable with their witty and frank dialogue. It’s a little lengthy at times and the stereotypes can be a little much, especially when they’re not that funny.
As the caption on the cover states, “I’m dreaming of a Green (Card) Christmas.” Since most of these characters are Latino, they have little funds to achieve their dreams in one lifetime, much less during the holidays. But with the help of The Three Wise Women (Aracely’s friends,) they will help our struggling character to not give up on her dream.
Overall, this was a pretty good read.
You instantly feel for Aracely as she works and struggles. Like most of us, she’s doing the best that she can with what little she’s got. The girl definitely had ganas—a strong and resilient character. I liked that this story had Latino characters. It certainly made them relatable with their witty and frank dialogue. It’s a little lengthy at times and the stereotypes can be a little much, especially when they’re not that funny.
As the caption on the cover states, “I’m dreaming of a Green (Card) Christmas.” Since most of these characters are Latino, they have little funds to achieve their dreams in one lifetime, much less during the holidays. But with the help of The Three Wise Women (Aracely’s friends,) they will help our struggling character to not give up on her dream.
Overall, this was a pretty good read.
November 23, 2017
A generous 2.5 stars rounded up.
On the surface there was a lot I wanted to like about this read, and initially when it just focused on Aracely with moments of Alice and the gang it seemed an enjoyable read. But then, I started noticing small things that were irksome. And the story just took a massive dive away from Aracely - who you're with for about most of the first half. I was so not prepared for the change.
Granted had I read the first book in the Alice Chronicles, this would most likely be a different review. But when the next book in a series spends as much time as this one does with a different character, and gives you no lead into the main character of the series, it's not a good sign for me.
I expect more from a series. It's not supposed to rely on you coming to it from the previous book. Or at least that's been my experience with series where I've often started with later books in it.
*I am a lucky fish and got given a copy of the book*
On the surface there was a lot I wanted to like about this read, and initially when it just focused on Aracely with moments of Alice and the gang it seemed an enjoyable read. But then, I started noticing small things that were irksome. And the story just took a massive dive away from Aracely - who you're with for about most of the first half. I was so not prepared for the change.
Granted had I read the first book in the Alice Chronicles, this would most likely be a different review. But when the next book in a series spends as much time as this one does with a different character, and gives you no lead into the main character of the series, it's not a good sign for me.
I expect more from a series. It's not supposed to rely on you coming to it from the previous book. Or at least that's been my experience with series where I've often started with later books in it.
*I am a lucky fish and got given a copy of the book*
December 23, 2017
This is the first book I've read by this author. It was very entertaining and parts were quite funny. It also shed light on some of the immigration laws. The chapters were short and the book moved along quickly. I highly recommend this book.
March 11, 2018
I read the first 5 chapters & quit. I just wasn’t that interested in it.
April 4, 2018
Was not my thing
I cannot get into this, the plot is just not something that was interesting to me. I really wanted to like this but I just could not get into it at all.
I cannot get into this, the plot is just not something that was interesting to me. I really wanted to like this but I just could not get into it at all.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews