My name is Suzanne and I have lived in Tennessee my entire life. I am marred with 3 kids and 3 grandchildren. My family is my! I love to read so I decided to support the authors I love by writing reviews. I also post my reviews to Goodreads and Amazon.
Besides reading, I love to spend time with my family, travel, Corvette road trips & working out. I hope you enjoy my blogs.
Title: Ticket to Ride Author: Kay Bratt Series: Hart’s Ridge #15 Location: Hart’s Ridge, GA Main Character: Taylor Other Characters: Sam, Shane Tula, Waylon, Alice, Pets: Diesel Rating: 5
I loved this book just as much as the others in the series. I’ve been hooked on this series since the first book.
What an intense and suspenseful book! I couldn’t put it down. Whenever I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about it. I stayed up far too late just to see how it would end. I have loved all the books written by Kay Bratt, and this one is no exception.
In this installment, a young woman has gone missing on her way to rehab. As Taylor investigates this mystery, another young girl, who is close to the family, also vanishes. Taylor and Sam are frantically searching for both missing girls. As they investigate further, they reveal unsettling patterns, hidden motives, and a network of individuals who are not what they appear to be.
Meanwhile, a sister and brother are on the run, as the sister tries to protect her brother from being sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Ticket to Ride has it all: a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, heart, and a strong family bond that will do anything to protect those they love. It will keep you turning pages long after you should be sleeping.
If you have read this series, share your thoughts in the comments.
Title: Sins of the Father Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Rose Gardner Mystery Novela Epilogue Location: Henryetta, Arkansas Main Character: Rose Gardner Other Characters: Neely Kate, Joe, Skeeter, Mason Pets: Muffy Rating: 5
I read this book in one sitting. It explores the aftermath of the events from the previous book, showing how each character copes with what transpired. It serves as the perfect conclusion to an endearing series.
Sins of the Father serves as the perfect emotional epilogue that longtime fans of the Rose Gardner series didn’t even know they needed. Denise Grover Swank skillfully ties up lingering threads while offering readers one final, heartfelt glimpse into the lives of characters we’ve come to love.
In the aftermath of J.R. Simmons’ death, Rose and her loved ones are working to rebuild their lives. Emotions remain intense, relationships are evolving, and everyone is grappling with their new reality. When a seemingly minor situation brings Rose and Neely Kate together for a new mission, they uncover deeper truths about themselves and the possibilities that lie ahead.
What makes this novella shine is its depth. Despite its shorter length, it delivers a powerful emotional impact. Watching Rose navigate the aftermath of her experiences feels raw and real, while the shifting perspectives—especially from Neely Kate and Joe—add layers that enrich the story even further. There’s heartbreak, healing, and just enough humor and warmth to remind readers why this series is so beloved.
The quieter, more reflective tone is ideal for this story. Rather than relying on high-stakes drama, it emphasizes growth, closure, and the connections between characters. Reading it feels like sharing a final moment with old friends—comforting, meaningful, and tinged with bittersweet emotions.
If you’ve followed the series, this novella is absolutely essential. It provides closure while also gently setting the stage for what’s next, leaving you satisfied but still not quite ready to say goodbye.
I am excited to start reading the series Rose Gardner Investigations to satisfy my Rose Gardner addiction.
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Title: Thirty Six and a Half Motives Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Rosy Gardner Mysteries #9 Location: Henryetta, Arkansas Main Character: Rose Gardner Other Characters: Neely Kate, Joe, Mason, J.R Simmons, Skeeter, Jed, Kate, Hilary Pets: Muffy Rating: 5
I could not put this book down! It is an explosive and unforgettable finale to the Rose Gardner Mystery series. From the very first page, the story grips you with nonstop tension, emotional depth, and shocking twists that keep you thoroughly engaged. The author skillfully weaves together long-standing storylines, offering answers while keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
In this installment of the Rose Gardner Mystery series, Rose should finally be able to relax after capturing her greatest enemy. However, trouble is far from over. As new threats arise and old secrets resurface, Rose discovers that the danger surrounding her is deeper than she ever imagined. With time running out and everything she holds dear at stake, she must rely on her strength, allies, and instincts to uncover the truth and defeat a powerful enemy once and for all.
What truly stands out is Rose’s growth throughout the series. Watching her transform from a naïve girl into a strong, determined, and independent woman is deeply satisfying, and this book beautifully highlights that development. Rose is no longer the same girl we met in the first book.
The stakes are higher than ever, the danger more intense, and the emotional moments are powerful. The pacing is fast, the writing captivating, and the payoff impactful. Each character plays a vital role, and their relationships enhance the narrative, lending it depth and significance. This is a book that stays with you long after you turn the last page. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. The author has a way of tying everything together at the end without leaving loose ends.
This ending was satisfying. It offers suspense, heart, and unforgettable moments, providing a truly incredible ending to a beloved series.
If you love a captivating mystery with heart, a lovable protagonist, and a series that ends with a bang, this is a must-read.
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March was a great month for reading. It started out cold but now Spring is in the air with warmer days, road trips, and coffee (or wine) with friends.
I mostly read mysteries this month, but Rachel Hanna came out with her newest book, The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield, so I had to take a break from my mysteries to visit the small town of Copper Creek. I always enjoy visiting the small towns in Rachel’s books.
March Reading List:
I am still reading the Rose Gardner Mystery Series by Denise Grover Swank, so I read four of these books in March.
Ripple of Secrets by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery Series)
One of the things I truly enjoyed about this book is how the story unfolds from several different points of view. Chapters from Rose, Mason, Joe, and Hillary add significant depth to the story. I don’t like Hillary, so I particularly appreciated seeing things from her perspective; it helped me understand her character much better. This insight reveals the reasons behind her behavior, adding an intriguing layer to the overall story
2. Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments by Denise Grover Swank(Rose Gardner Mystery Series)
I loved this one!! This book kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with strong characters, a touch of humor, and plenty of suspense, this is a must-read! I highly recommend it!
3. Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies by Denise Grover Swank(Rose Gardner Mystery Series)
This book is a fast-paced and entertaining addition to the Rose Gardner Mysteries series. Denise Grover Swank masterfully crafts a compelling mystery brimming with danger, intrigue, and drama in the small town of Fenton County.
4. The Unpolished Life of Eleanor Whitfield by Rachel Hann
Rachel Hanna has done it again. She has written a book that makes me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. This book was a definite five-star read for me—one of those stories that not only entertains but also gently settles into your heart.
I always envision myself living in the fictional small towns from Rachel’s books. She has a unique ability to draw you into her stories, making you feel like a part of them.
5. Thirty-Six and a Half Motives by Denise Grover Swank(Rose Gardner Mystery Series)
What I loved most was how the author skillfully balanced the tension of a thrilling investigation with well-developed characters and emotional depth. You become invested in the characters while being completely captivated by the unfolding mystery.
March Reading Thoughts
This month’s theme was mysteries with a Small-Town Romance thrown in.
Rachel Hanna had a new book release this month and when she releases a book, I am always going to read it as quickly as possible
The month started out cold, but now we are starting to see the beginnings of Spring with a bit warmer weather. Still a great time to read.
I am ready for warmer weather so I can read around the pool, take road trips, and travel.
What about you?
How many books did you read this month? Did you focus on a specific genre? I’d love to hear about your favorites! If you have recommendations for what I should pick up next, please share them in the comments.
You can find all the books I have listed on Amazon. Simply click on the book below to be taken to my Link in Bio. These books will be listed at the top under the category ‘Recently Featured’.
Title: The Unpoished Life of Eleanor Whitfield Author: Rachel Hanna Location: Copper Creek, GA Main Character: Eleanore Whitfield Other Characters: Wyat, Dolly, Meredith, Rating: 5
Rachel Hanna has done it again. She has written a book that makes me smile, laugh, and cry all at the same time. This book was a definite five-star read for me—one of those stories that not only entertains but also gently settles into your heart.
A polished etiquette expert inherits a rundown small-town bar in the small town of Copper Creek. There is a catch: she is required to stay for 6 months and live in the apartment over the bar. What follows is a cozy, emotional journey of starting over, finding community, and discovering what truly matters.
This book resonated with me on a personal level. The idea of leaving everything behind and starting anew somewhere fresh is a dream of mine, and this story made it feel attainable.
I loved Eleanor’s growth, the small-town charm, and the slow-burn romance. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you put the book down. The small-town feel and the relatable community members come together to make Eleanor feel at home. The story is filled with humor, friendship, acceptance, second chances, and the discovery of love and a home where you least expect it.
If you love cozy, emotional stories about second chances and fresh starts… this one is a must-read.
Title: Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Rose Gardner Mysteries #8 Location: Henryetta, Ark (Fenton County) Main Character: Rose Other Characters: Mason, Neely Kate, Maeve, JR, Joe, Skeeter, Jed Pets: Muffy Rating: 5
Thirty-Five and a Half Conspiracies is a fast-paced and entertaining addition to the Rose Gardner Mysteries series. Denise Grover Swank masterfully crafts a compelling mystery brimming with danger, intrigue, and drama in the small town of Fenton County.
In this installment, Rose finds herself in serious trouble after being arrested on questionable charges orchestrated by one of the most powerful and dangerous men in Fenton County. Determined to protect her loved ones, Rose teams up with her loyal friends to unravel a web of corruption and conspiracy. As time runs out, she may have to once again embrace her secret identity as the mysterious “Lady in Black” to gather the evidence needed to stop a powerful enemy. I’m eager to see how her secret identity impacts her friendships and her relationship with Mason.
The story unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged as Rose collaborates with her friends to unravel a complex conspiracy. The relationships among the characters stand out as one of the series’ greatest strengths, infusing the story with both intrigue and emotion. This was definitely one of those books that I had trouble putting down, so I ended up reading well past the time I should have been sleeping.
The book is thrilling and suspenseful. At times, I felt as though I needed a placard to keep track of the complex plot with its multiple threads unfolding simultaneously. The only downside was the cliffhanger ending, which left me eager to see how the story continues in future books. Despite this, I gave it five stars because it kept me completely engaged throughout, and I struggled to put it down, anxious to discover what would happen next. There are still mysteries to unfold as the series continues.
If you enjoy stories with complex plots and captivating mysteries featuring a strong female lead, you will love this series.
Title: Thirty-Four and a Half Predicaments Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #7 Location: Henryetta, Arkansas Main Character: Rose Gardner Other Characters: Nelly Kate, Mason, Joe, Skeeter, Jed, Maeve Pets: Muffy Rating: 5
This is the seventh book in the Rose Gardner Mystery series, and Denise Grover Swank has done it again by writing a story that I couldn’t put down. From the very first page, I was completely engaged and found it difficult to set the book aside. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, skillfully weaving together mystery, suspense, humor, and poignant moments that will keep you turning pages late into the night.
The author expertly maintains high tension while also providing readers with the familiar character moments that make this series so enjoyable. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist would occur, drawing me even deeper into the story.
One thing to know: there is a bonus chapter at the end that is definitely worth reading. Don’t skip it; it adds another layer to the story by providing other characters’ perspectives.
This book kept me engaged from beginning to end. If you enjoy small-town mysteries with strong characters, a touch of humor, and plenty of suspense, this is a must-read! I highly recommend it!
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Title: Ripple of Secrets Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Rose Gardner Mystery Series #6.5 Location: Henryetta, Arkansas Main Character: Rose Other Characters: Joe, Mason, Hillary, Neely Kate, Vanessa, Ed, Kate, J.R., Skeeter, Mick, Jonah, Bruce Wayne Pets: Muffy Rating: 5
I thoroughly enjoyed the latest installment in the Rose Gardner series. It keeps getting better as I learn more about the characters and what makes them tick. The story deepens the mystery surrounding Rose and the town, with each chapter revealing just enough to keep me guessing.
One of the things I truly enjoyed about this book is how the story unfolds from several different points of view. Chapters from Rose, Mason, Joe, and Hillary add significant depth to the story. I don’t like Hillary, so I particularly appreciated seeing things from her perspective; it helped me understand her character much better. This insight reveals the reasons behind her behavior, adding an intriguing layer to the overall story
The suspense and twists are exactly what I’ve come to expect from Denise Grover Swank. Just when I think I’ve figured something out, another revelation emerges and changes everything. The pacing is perfect, and the mystery unfolds in a way that makes it incredibly difficult to put the book down.
The ending I definitely didn’t see coming.
If you enjoy small-town mysteries with strong characters, diverse perspectives, and unexpected twists, this series is a must-read. I’m excited to see where the story goes next.
If you’ve read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.
Title: Lost in the Dark Author: Denise Grover Swank Series: Harper Adams #4 Location: Arkansas Main Character: Harper & James Rating: 5
Denise Grover Swank has done it again. Lost in the Dark captivated me from the very first page and refused to let go. The Harper Adams suspense I’ve come to expect is all here—layered mystery, constant tension, and those unexpected twists that catch you off guard when you think you’ve figured it out.
This story feels darker and more intense, and I loved every second of it. The stakes are high, the danger feels real, and the emotional weight hits hard. Harper continues to grow in ways that make her feel authentic—strong yet vulnerable, determined yet conflicted. I appreciate that she’s not perfect. She’s fierce, flawed, and fighting for what she believes is right.
I want to talk about Harper and James. I truly love their relationship. I’ve been a fan of James since the Rose Gardner series, and it’s enjoyable to see his dynamic with Harper. The tension, loyalty, and the way they challenge each other—everything just works. Their connection has real depth, and I find myself rooting for them more with each book. They’ve both faced so much, and watching them navigate trust and partnership amid chaos adds even more to the story.
Fans of the Rose Gardner series will recognize some names mentioned in the book.
The pacing is fast, the suspense is relentless, and just when I thought I knew where the story was headed… I didn’t. Classic Denise Grover Swank.
If you love romantic suspense filled with grit, unexpected twists, and a relationship you can’t help but root for, this book absolutely delivers. I’m already counting down to the next Harper Adams installment because I need to know what happens next.
**Note**
At the end of the book, there are two links: one is for a bonus chapter, and the other leads to a chapter for fans of the Rose Gardner series. Unfortunately, neither link worked for me, which was disappointing. I plan to look for these links elsewhere, and if I find them, I will blog about them. Let me know if you read this book and whether the links at the end work for you.
February was a great month for cozy reads, with snow and really cold days.I managed to read five books, all mysteries that kept me happily entertained indoors, away from the cold, curled up with my blanket and a cup of coffee.
This month, my theme has been all mysteries by Denise Grover Swank, who is quickly becoming my favorite mystery author.
My February Reading List:
1. Thirty One and a Half Regrets by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #4)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This series has it all: romance, newfound love, relationship drama, stalking, intrigue, betrayal, surprises, and suspense, culminating in an ending that will surprise you with unexpected twists along the way. Read full review
2. Thirty Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Swank Mystery #5)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional tension continued to build. I found myself flipping pages late into the night, eager to discover what would happen next. There was an unexpected twist at the end, and I can’t wait to see how it will be handled. Read full Review
3. Picking up the Pieces by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #5.5) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I feel like readers will enjoy this book and gain a deeper understanding of the characters. Don’t overlook it; this installment adds significant clarity to their development and is an important addition to the series. Read full Review
4. Thirty Three and a Half Sheanigans by Denise Grover Swank (Rose Gardner Mystery #6) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I absolutely loved this book. It’s fast-paced, witty, and filled with Denise Grover Swank’s signature humor, which never fails to make me smile and keeps me eager to find out what will happen next. Read full Review
5. Lost in the Dark by Denise Grover Swank (Harper Adams #4)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Since this book has just been released, I decided to take a break from the Rose Gardner series to read the newest installment featuring Harper Adams. I’ve loved her since the beginning of book one, so I couldn’t wait to see where she and James Malcolm are now. I am working on this review and will post it in the next day or two.
February Reading Thoughts
Mysteries were definitely my theme this month.
Denise Grover Swank has dominated my reading list, as all the books I’ve read recently are hers. I am so addicted to her writing!
Since part of my February was snowy, the best way to spend it was curled up with my blanket and some great mysteries by Denise Grover Swank.
What about you?
How many books did you read this month? Did you focus on a specific genre? I’d love to hear about your favorites! If you have recommendations for what I should pick up next, please share them in the comments.
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