Fiction, Romance

Christmas by the Bay by Kay Correll

  • Title: Christmas by the Bay
  • Author: Kay Corell
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #7
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place: Moonbeam, Florida
  • Main Character: Violet, Danny
  • Other Characters: Allison, Rose, Rob, Evelyn, Rose, Blake, Emily, George, Walker, Tara, Willow
  • Stars: 5

This is the 7th installment of the Blue Heron Cottages series. I really love this series. It has great 3-dimentional characters who have their own unique personalities and blend in well with each other.

Violet is preparing to celebrate her first Christmas as the owner of Blue Heron Cottages. If you have read the previous books then you know that Violet is the owner of Blue Heron Cottages in the quaint town of Moonbeam, FL. She totally restored the old cottages and gave them quite the facelift. They are charming with their different colored cabins.

Danny is struggling with his teenage daughter, Allison, who has gotten in with the wrong crowd at school and has found herself in a bit of trouble. He decided the best medicine is to get away and take his unruly daughter to Moonbeam for Christmas. Even though she is so stubborn and doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t have much of a choice. This may be just the medicine they need to rekindle their father / daughter relationship.

Rose is still grieving over her husband who past away months before as she prepares for her first Christmas without him. She decides to revisit Blue Heron Cottages for the holidays and reconnect with her friends including Violet.

Aspen is worried that Walker is losing interest in her. He seems to be keeping a secret. To make matters worse, her sister cancelled her plans to come to Moonbeam to spend the holidays with Aspen.

It’s going to be a magical Christmas in Moonbeam!

This is a sweet book about Community, relationships, friendships, family, surprises and second chances. I really enjoyed it just like I have the other books in the series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Death by Dish – Claire Harlow

  • Title: Death by Dish
  • Author: Claire Harlow
  • Series: A Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Sparrow Haven
  • Main Character: Olivia Harper, Milly
  • Other Characters: Millie, Ethan, Detective Fred O’Malley, Victoria Thorne, Milly’s Mother Mary & Dad Charles, Nancy, Antonio, Edith, Mr Thorne, Ben Fields & his wife Marsha, Cathy Simmons, Monica, Seth Silverton
  • Pets: Olivia’s Golden Retriever Barkley
  • Stars: 3

This is the 3rd installment in the Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery series. I have enjoyed all of this author’s books so far. The only reason I am giving this one a 3 is because it talks about a snake. Any book that mentions the ‘s’ word gets no more than a 3 rating because that is something I just can’t read about. In fact, normally it would keep me from finishing a book . I have a huge fear and it will give me nightmares. It was even hard for me to type the word. I skipped several pages of the book because this was talked about. Then for the rest of the book, I would scan each page to make sure there was no mention before reading it. It took away a bit of my enjoyment but since I really like this author, I wanted to finish the book so I plowed on through.

This book is not as good as the other books I have read by this author. This could be due to the fact that I had to skip a few pages. I enjoyed most of the book, except for the passages mentioned above. This took away some of my enjoyment. I’m glad I finished this book because the ending is good but not a big surprise. I’ll definitely read more from this author.

I received this book free from Booksiren as part of the ARC team. The review is my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder on the links – Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder on the Links
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • BookMain Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Detectiv Sterling, Mayor Tom Linden, Tammy, Noah, Jason, Aaron, Jenny, Everette, Scarlett
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

The author has a remarkable ability to craft a narrative that will captivate the reader until the unexpected conclusion. This is the third installment of the Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery Series, and ito may be my favorite so far.

Claudia is once again thrust into the midst of a homicide investigation when Jason, the Mayoral Candidate, is tragically killed at his own fundraising event. To further complicate matters, Claudia is observed having an altercation with him shortly prior to his death, thus making her the prime suspect in the investigation. If you read the first book in the series, “Murder in the Library”, then you know that Jason is the ex Stalker boyfriend of Layla’s and a suspect in her murder. In this book, Jason is running for mayor in a race against Tom Linden, the incumbent mayor.

Jason’s reputation for ruthlessness and being a womanizer is well-known, and no one likes him, so there are numerous suspects who could have wanted him dead. This book takes the reader on a bit of roller coaster ride through the whole book. I found myself devouring the entire book in a single sitting, unable to put it down, simply because I had to discover the identity of the perpetrator. I suspected who the murderer was, but there were still surprises and twists along the way. The only thing I would have expected was that Claudia would have learned her lesson from the first two homicides in which she was involved, not to confront the suspect due to the potential danger.

When I am reading a book, I tend to find it easier to relax and enjoy the content without the need for a playbill. This series is an ideal fit for this type of reader, as it is full of complex and engaging characters that make the book enjoyable without the need for playbills to keep track of who is who. Additionally, the suspense of the book keeps the reader interested and entertained.

I highly recommend this series and each book just keeps getting better. They are full of suspense, intrigue, a bit of romance and a cat who is always into something. Jasper the cat is one of the main characters in the book. Claudia takes him everywhere and he can be a bit mischievous and fun. He tends to add a bit of humor to the books. I do recommend you read the first two books in the series before this one since several of the minor characters in the other books are in this one along with the protagonist, her eccentric aunt and sometimes naughty cat.

I highly recommended this series and each book keeps getting better. They are full of suspense, intrigue, a bit of romance, and a cat that is always into something. Jasper the cat can be a bit mischievous and humorous. I recommend that readers should read the preceding two books of the series prior to this one, as several minor characters from the preceding books are included in this one, as well as the protagonist, her eccentric aunt, and the occasionally naughty cat.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the Study by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder in the Study
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • BookMain Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Detectiv Sterling, Arthur Hattan, Venus, Arya, Tammy, Rubin
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is the second installment of the A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop series, and it does not disappoint. Claudia, the Protagonist of this series, continues to find herself embroiled in a murder situation through no fault of her own.

Claudia is having financial difficulties in this episode, following the murder of her friend, Layla. Due to the investigation of the murder, she was required to remain in Greenwood for an extended period of time, thus not earning any income from her book mobile. She is in a state of panic until she comes across a first-edition of a classic book with an inscription on the back. Despite the fact that she is unable to afford the purchase, she is confident that she will be able to recoup her investment and more. While researching the book, an ex-colleague provides her with the opportunity to interact with an antique specialist who is knowledgeable about rare books. Claudia, aunt Daisy Mae, and her cat, Jasper, travel to the home of a man named Arthur, located in the suburb of Greenwood, an area she is not particularly fond of due to the fact that her friend was killed there.

The plot thickens when she discovers Arthur murdered in his study and her book is missing, Claudia is compelled to remain in Greenwood until the case is resolved. Even more so, Detective Sterling requests her assistance in the investigation, which she initially declines due to her strained relationship with him. Subsequently, she reluctantly agrees to assist in the investigation. As the investigation progresses, secrets are uncovered and it is revealed that there are multiple suspects who may have had a hand in Arthur’s murder. During Claudia’s investigation She finds secrets concerning Arthur’s past which could get her killed.

If you enjoy a captivating mystery with plot twists and a protagonist you can’t help but fall in love with, you are going to love this series. It’s a really well-written, enjoyable book that’s full of mystery and suspense that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. You can read it as a standalone but I suggest reading it in order so you can familiarize yourself with the characters. I am excited about reading book three in the series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the Library by Penny Brooke

  • Title: Murder in the Library
  • Author: Penny Brooke
  • Series: A Word Travels Mobile Bookshop Cozy Mystery #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Greenwood, Vermont
  • Main Character: Claudia, Aunt Daisy Mae
  • Other Characters: Layla, Melody, Noah, Ellie, Jason, Detective Sterling
  • Pets: a cat named Jasper
  • Stars: 5

This is my first book by this author and it won’t be the last. This one is bit different in that it involves a bookmobile. Claudia has always wanted to own her own bookshop but unfortunately that takes money she doesn’t have so she bought a van and turned it into a mobile bookshop. Now she and her eccentric Aunt Daisy Mae along with Claudia’s perky cat Jasper travel the country selling books from the van turned bookshop.

This is a fun story, well except for the murder part. Claudia has a friend who runs a local library in Greenwood, Vermont. She puts books aside to sell to Claudia at a good price. Claudia is on her way to the library to get these books but it is strange that her friend, Layla, isn’t anwering her texts or calls. Layla always answers her texts, so this gives Claudia a bit of an uneasy feeling. When they arrive at the library, the door is locked and no one is answering the door. When Layla’s assistant shows up and unlocks the door, the enter. When they discover an overturned bookcase with a body underneath it, it is very apparant that Layla is dead. The local police are called in an Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae become immediate suspects and are told not to leave town. Since Claudia has to stay in town and the police department seems to be inept, she decides to do her own investigation. There are a lot of red herrings as Claudia makes it her mission to find out who killed her friend. Evidently Layla had some secrets she hadn’t shared with Claudia. Could the motive be jealousy, revenge, money or something entirely different. There are several potential suspects along the way. As Claudia closes in could she be putting her own life in danger and become a victim herself.

I recommend this book. I love Claudia and Aunt Daisy Mae. They are 3-dimensional characters with a lot of personality. Aunt Daisy Mae is free spirited and just goes with the flow. Claudia’s cat Jasper has a lot personality and just seems to show up when he is needed the most. I am looking forward to the next book to see where Claudia’s next adventure takes her.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Cider Orange Chaos by Emily Oberton

  • Title: Cider Orange Chaos
  • Author: Emily Oberton
  • Series: Hadley Home Design Mystery Series #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Darlington Hills, VA
  • Main Character: Hadley
  • Other Characters: Erin, Dennis, Michael, Reid, Aunt Deb, Detective Sanders, Akari, Harvey, Leo, Bonnie, Deedee, Jamie, Vincent, Carmella
  • Stars: 5

We’re back with Hadley again in this 4th episode of the Hadley home design mystery series. I loved getting to see her again. She’s such a 3 dimensional character with so much personality and a heart of gold. She genuinely wants to help everyone she can. This time, her help might get a bit tricky when she says yes to be Dennis Appley’s fake girlfriend. He’s actually in love with a fellow cop, but there’s a rule that you can’t date within the police department, so he needs a fake girlfriend. This may or may not go as planned.

Whisks & Whiskers Cat Cafe may have some competition. Tea-Bone Dog Cafe has opened next door. There is a bit of feud between the dog people and the cat people. Erin , owner of Whisk & Whiskers, is beside herself and doing her best to succeed next door to them. Then the plot thickens when , Harvey Rafferty, Tea-bone dog cafe’s owner, drops dead from an apparant poisoning. The cops are on the case to find Harvey’s killer. As with the author’s other books, she takes the reader through some twists and turns with plenty of suspects until the killer is revealed.

I loved this book. I loved catching up with Hadley and her love life and her sense of adventure. There may also be a romance brewing between Aunt Deb and Detective Sanders. Hadley’s cousiin, Michael might also have a romance going on.

This is a book of murder, mystery, competition, revenge, love and romance.

***Disclaimer*** I received this book as part of an ARC. This review was given freely and is my honest opinion.

The book will be released November 17, 2023. I recommend going to your favorite retailer to purchase it.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Clues and Canines by Kathi Daley

  • Title: Clues and Canines
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Bistro at Holiday Bay #5
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay Maine
  • Main Character: Shelby
  • Other Characters: Carly, Colt, Beck, Dawson, Amy
  • Stars: 3

Bistro at Holiday bay is a spin off of The Inn at Holiday Bay & this book is the 15th in the Bistro series. While I love this series, I think I prefer the inn at holiday bay. I do like Shelby who first arrived in Holiday Bay after her inheritance when she discovered she had two half sisters whom she did not know about. The sisters grew very close and Shelby chose to remain in the house inherited by the sisters and opened a bistro in the town.

It is Halloween and Shelby along with her employees are preparing the Bistro for a big Halloween party. Carly is the local dog walker and she comes in looking for Beck, who is the local private investigator and uses a booth at the Bistro to conduct his business. Carly is all flustered because she is sure she just saw the after math of a murder. Or did she? Even though she is convinced she saw a dead body, there isn’t any evidence to prove it so the local Police chief Colt and his deputy Alex are on the case with the help of Beck & Dawson (bartender/computer genius).

This book was ok. I do like catching up with the characters of Holiday bay but this book wasn’t fantastic and there weren’t a lot of twists to discover if there really was a body. It is Halloween after all. I like a mystery with a ‘wow, I didn’t see that coming’ type ending and this one just didn’t deliver. If you like a good read, you will enjoy it but if you like that ‘wow’ factor, then you might find it a bit boring.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Fatal Blooms by Claire Harlow

  • Title: Fatal Blooms
  • Author: Claire Harlow
  • Series: A Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Sparrow Haven
  • Main Character: Olivia Harper
  • Other Characters: Millie, Ethan, Detective Fred O’Malley, Isabel, Cassandra Reed, Charles Hatmore, Leonard Riley, Eleanor Montgomery, Isabel, Keith (Cricket)
  • Pets: Olivia’s Golden Retriever Barkley
  • Stars: 5

This is the second book in the Sparrow Haven Cozy Mystery series and I am really enjoying this series. The characters are relatable and 3 dimensional and the plot is interesting.

There is another murder in Sparrow Haven and, once again, Olive finds herself in the middle of it. This time, the victim is a prominent Rose Garden Gala sponsor, who appears to have been in good health before her untimely death. There are numerous suspects in the case, as the protagonist embarks on an emotional rollercoaster ride to discover who is to blame for the murder of this woman.

The protagonist, Olivia, is highly relatable. She is intelligent, a devoted friend, resolute, and owns a Golden Retriever. I have a fondness for canine characters in stories.

This is a series that is sure to appeal to readers who appreciate a good, clean, cozy mystery, with a cast of sympathetic characters, a canine companion, and a plot full of surprises that culminate in a satisfying conclusion. I am hoping there will be third book in the series, as I am eager to learn more about the protagonist, Olivia, and the quaint town of Sparrow Haven. I suggest reading the previous book, Mystery at the Lighthouse, first so you can get to know the characters. I think you will really enjoy this author and her way of telling a story,

***Disclaimer***
I received this book free as part of th ARC team. This review is my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Flower shop on Magnolia by Kay Correll

  • Title: Flower Shop on Magnolia
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #6
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place: Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Daisy, Jack
  • Other Characters: Rose, Violet, Melinda, Ethan
  • Stars: 5

Kay Correll delivers another captivating story in this 6th installment of the “Blue Heron Cottage” series. I enjoyed visiting the residents of Moonbeam once again.

This time, we get to know Daisy, who is relatively new in town and is the owner of the flower shop. When Jack visits the flower shop to purchase a corsage, Daisy is curious about who this man is and what is his story. Then when Daisy’s neighbor seeks a tenant for his residence, Jack simply happens to be in search of a residence to rent and becomes Daisy’s neighbor. They become instant friends but could it be more? Daisy has a secret that may keep her from getting too close to Jack.

We get to see how Melody and Ethan are doing with their relationship and of course there is Rose. I would very much like to have a Rose in my life and have the opportunity to converse with her and gain insight from her experiences, as well as receive her invaluable advice.

I enjoy the way the author spins a story to keep the reader engaged and wanting more. If feel like I know these residents and are a part of their lives. Moonbeam is a place I would love to live.

If you’re a fan of sweet stories of small town friendship and romance with great relatable characters, you’re going to love this series. You can read it as a stand-alone book, but I highly recommend reading it in order to get to know each of the characters. That way, every time you read the next installment in the series, you’ll feel like you’re catching up with old friends.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Witness in the Wedding by Kathi Daley

  • Title: Witness in the Wedding
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay #24
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Holiday Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Abby, Georgia
  • Other Characters: Shelby, Amy, Colt, Alex, Lacy, Calista, Phinneas Potter, Jeremy, Mylie, Annabelle, Jovana, Carlos, Geselle, Stephan, Efren, Aldo, Viveca, Gwenevere, Megan
  • Stars: 4

This latest Inn at Holiday Bay book is the 24th in the series and it doesn’t disappoint! The author has a way of telling an engaging story.

This installment of the series is dedicated to the upcoming wedding of Jeremy and Mylie. To commemorate the event, Jeremy’s mother, Annabelle, and her new husband, Carlos, are arriving from Spain to attend the nuptials. The presence of Jovana, Jeremy’s sister, has caused a stir in the Inn, as well as the presence of a suspicious guest. In the meantime Georgia and Amy participate in a cook-off competition where there is speculation that the food has been tampered with. Following the discovery of a deceased body behind a dumpster, Local Police Chief and Abby’s boyfriend, Colt Wilder, is on the case to find a killer. With Abby wanting to back her friends at their cook off, wedding chaos, an Inn bursting at the seams with guests, a deceased body, and now trying to solve a murder with the help of Colt’s deputy Alex, it’s all been a little bit too much. Just another day in Holiday Bay!!

I really do like this series. The characters are empathetic and relatable. I love the atmosphere of the small town and the relationships formed between the residents. If you enjoy of a good clean cozy mystery that is captivating and full of surprises, then this is the type of story for you.

Happy Reading!