Author: CozyRomBooksandCoffee

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.
Fiction, Mystery

Was it Murder by Pamela Frost Dennis

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Was It Murder
  • Author: Pamela Frost Dennis
  • Series: Murder Blog Mysteries #4
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Main Character: Katy
  • Other Characters: Grandma Ruby, Bill, Diane
  • Stars: 5

This is another great book in the Murder Blog Mystery series. I love the way that author can weave some humor in the otherwise dramatic story.

This book takes Grandma Ruby and Katy to England where Ruby’s sister, Edith, passed away suddenly. While taking her dog for a walk. Edith evidently slipped on some ice on her steps and died. Ruby is beside herself with grief and needs to go to England immediately to take care of Edith’s home and finances. Katy wasn’t about to let Ruby go by herself so she goes to help.

It took them a little longer to travel to England than they had anticipated because their flight kept getting delayed. The author nevertheless managed to inject humor into the plot despite all the stress brought on by the delays.

Even from across the ocean, Katy often finds herself in life-threatening situations. It is almost immediately apparent that someone in the community does not want them there. Ruby and Katy begin to suspect there is a problem in the small English community as a result of the deaths of several citizens and the vandalism of Edith’s cottage. Some of the citizens of this community are not as they seem.

Who doesn’t want them there and is trying to scare them into leaving? Who could be vandalizing their property? Why did several people die? Was Edith’s accident really an accident? These are questions that will be answered when you read this book.

I genuinely believed I had the mystery figured out. I did manage to figure out a portion of it, but it was much more complex. This author has a way of weaving a story with a lot of twists and turns so the ending is always a surprise. I just love all the characters in this series. There are so many facets to Katy and Ruby, and just when you think you understand them, something unexpected happens.

If you love a good mystery with lots of twists & turns, and surprises and don’t mind a few curse words scattered about, you are going to love this mystery series.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Better Dead than Wed by Pamela Dennis

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  • Title:  Better Dead than Wed
  • Author: Pamela Frost Dennis
  • Series: Murder Blog Mysteries #2
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Main: Character: Katy
  • Other: Characters:  Grandma Ruby, Samantha, Heather, Chad, Lisa, Josh, Emily
  • Pets:  Labrador Retriever  named Daisy & a Tabby cat named Tabitha
  • Stars:  5

This book was equally as fantastic as the first. The characters have a lot of depth. The way this author describes everything makes you feel as though you know the characters.

Once again Katy finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery.  As Katy is working on her graphic design business and trying to make enough money to p ay her bills, her estranged half-sister shows up,  and she has a secret. What secret could Katy’s mom be keeping? Katy’s best friend Samantha talks Katie into joining a book club with her and there is a quirky cast of characters who also have their share of secrets.  Of course, Katy has to blog about all of it.

This book has lots of twists and turns &  a lot of secrets with a surprise ending.

Katy has a stalker who just happens to be her ex-husband Chad who she likes to call Chad the Cad. He is really a deadbeat with a pregnant wife and a girlfriend. There are lots of drama, secrets and surprises and somebody gets shot.

I could not put this book down. I was engrossed with it from the very first word till the last. I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I love all the characters, especially Katy and Grandma Ruby. Some of the lines they say are priceless.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Coins & Cadavers by Pamela Frost Dennis

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  • Title:  Coins & Cadavers
  • Author: Pamela Frost Dennis
  • Series: Murder Blog Mysteries #3
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Main: Character: Katy
  • Other: Characters:  Grandma Ruby, Samantha, Heather, Josh,
  • Pets:  Labrador Retriever  named Daisy & a Tabby cat named Tabitha
  • Stars:  5

As we follow Katy and her blog through another adventure, this author provides yet another excellent read. Katy has a habit of getting herself into situations from which it seems hard to escape, and they always seem to involve murder.

This book follows Katy as she attempts to get rid of pests in her attic and, in the process, discovers a wooden chest concealed behind the attic wall. She is adamant locating the actual owner of the chest, but because it appears to have been in her home for decades, the owner is probably no longer alive. The chest is hers, everyone reassures her. Katy always tries to do the right thing, so she makes the decision to look into who owns this chest and the circumstances behind its concealment in her attic.

In the meantime, The ‘Viking’, Katy’s hot PI neighbor, is on a stakeout to nab a cheating husband. Grandma Ruby arranges for Katy to tag along. Could things get hot and steamy?

Grandma Ruby, one of my favorite characters, is not without her own secrets. She wants Katy to help her by trying to find out what happened to her bigamist, great-great-grandfather. In the course of her investigation, Katy discovers a long-lost relative she didn’t know existed. Could Katy end up in an unsafe scenario as a result of her discovery?

Another item buried in Katy’s attic is discovered by Katy and her dad. Could it be another treasure? Or something else? You will have to read to find out.

As with all the books in this series, there Is a lot going on and katy Is sure to blog about it. I am addicted to this series and can’t wait to read the next installment.  Even though there is always a murder in these books, the author has a way of adding humor to the situation. Katy always has the best intentions but she always finds herself in sticky situations. She is funny and has the biggest heart. I could see her as my best friend and everyone should have a grandma like Ruby.

If you love a good mystery, with lots of twists and turns, surprises, quirky characters, a hot PI neighbor and a dose of humor thrown in you, will love this series.

I love to learn new words and I learned a new one in this book:
Numismatics – The study or collection of coins, paper currency and medals.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Dead Girls Don’t Blog by Pamela Frost Dennis

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  • Title: Dead Girls Don’t Blog
  • Author: Pamela Frost Dennis
  • Series: Murder Blog Mysteries #1
  • Genre: Mystery, Suspense
  • Main Character: Katy McKenna
  • Other Characters: Phillip Hobart, Granma Ruby, Samantha, Marybeth
  • Pets: a dog named Daisy and a cat named Tabitha
  • Stars: 5

I must start out by saying I loved this book. This is the first book I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. It is suspenseful, funny, dramatic and everything in between.

A young girl, Lindsay, was gang raped, kidnapped and killed 15 years ago and now the killer is eligible for parole. Because Katy is so outraged that they could release a murderer from prison after only 15 years, she starts a petition asking the parole board to reject his release.

I really enjoy how the story brings us back to the crime’s scene in 1996 so we can see exactly what happened before returning to the present. That aids in the reader’s comprehension of both what transpired and Katy’s current state of mind. Could her interference get her killed?

Katy is a fantastic protagonist. She is a three-dimensional character who is humorous, ambitious, and often gets herself into trouble. She gives off a genuine impression of being a great friend. Then there is the guy next door who always seems to show up when she needs him.

Grandma Ruby may be my favorite character. Everyone wishes they had a grandmother like her. She is eccentric, humorous, and adores her granddaughter. In addition, she is always trying to play matchmaker which frustrates Katy. Of course, there are pets. Daisy, Katy’s labrador, captured my heart immediately and then there is the cat she adopted.

Compared to other books I’ve read, this one is a little more graphic, but it wasn’t horrible at all. You better believe I wouldn’t have finished it if it were horrible. It also has a few swear words, but nothing offensive. It seems to make the situation seem more realistic by fitting the facts. None of this changed the plot in the slightest. I simply bring it up so you won’t be shocked when you read it.

If you love a good suspense novel with lots of twists and turns, a protagonist you adore, along with additional quirky characters & pets, you are going to love this book. I highly recommend it!

Quote for the day: s

“A foolish man tells a woman to stop talking, but a wise man tells her that her mouth is extremely beautiful when her lips are closed.”

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Lilacs by the Sea by Kay Correll

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  • Title: Lilacs by the sea
  • Author: Kay Correll
  • Series: Blue Heron Cottages #5
  • Genre: Romance, Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place:  Moonbeam, FL
  • Main Character: Frankie, Will, Katie, Stacey
  • Other Characters: Melody, Ethan, Daisy, Violet, rose
  • Stars: 5

The fifth book in the Blue Heron Cottages series is one that I truly enjoyed. I have continued to fall in love with the characters from this series, as well as some new characters in this new story.

Will and Frankie are empty nesters who haven’t told their grown daughters that their marriage appears to be disintegrating. Unbeknownst to them, their daughters have organized a family vacation and a surprise celebration for their 40th wedding anniversary at the same location they spent their honeymoon. Even if the cottages have undergone a name change and updates since then, they nevertheless evoke many pleasant memories. How will they get through this week, and will a miscommunication lead to the breakdown of their marriage?

This is a wonderful tale of rekindled love, understanding, and family. It makes me want to travel to Blue Heron Cottages because I adore this series. There are some excellent characters, and the author is skilled at crafting a compelling narrative that keeps you turning the pages. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Clue in the Carriage House by Kathy Daley

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Clue in the Carriage House
  • Author: Kathi Daley
  • Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay #23
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Holiday Bay, Maine,
  • Main Character: Abby, Georgia, Jeremy, Mylie, Nikki, Colt
  • Other Characters: Alex, Gabby
  • Pets: a big cat named Rufus and 2 dogs named Molly, Ramos, Alex’s Emotional Support Dog Cooper.
  • Stars: 4

This is the 23rd book of The Inn at Holiday Bay series. We once again visit Holiday Bay, Maine at the beginning of Summer. Colt is looking forward to his niece and nephew coming to stay with him for the summer. In the meantime, Colt has hired a new Dispatcher and another deputy so with all he has going on, there hasn’t been able to spend enough time with Abby, which has caused some concern.

Jeremy and Mylie’s wedding is quickly approaching, so Lonnie is preparing their cottage so they can move in. It’s upsetting that they’re thinking about moving the wedding date to accommodate Annabelle’s mother’s schedule. They discover some ancient trunks while tearing down a wall in the cottage, which leads to a mystery that several inn guests are determined to solve.

A dead body is discovered by the crew tearing down what is left of Velma’s diner, which heightens the tension.

A lot is going in the 23rd book in this series. I really do like this series and I love all the characters but 23 is enough. There comes a time when we know there has been enough done to this story. It has gotten to where I am not looking forward to another one. I am not sure there will be another one but, in my opinion, this should be the last. I know there is a spinoff coming out called Bookstore at Holiday Bay. The first book is coming out at the end of June 2023 with number two not far behind, in October 2023.

If you have read this series, let me know what you think.

Happy Reading,

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Virgin River by Robyn Carr

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Virgin River
  • Author: Robyn Carr
  • Series: Virgin River #1
  • Genre: Romance
  • Takes Place:  Virgin River
  • Main Characters: Melinda, Jack, Doc, Preacher
  • Stars:  5

This is the first book I have read by this author but I watch the TV series and love it so decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. Reading it I was able to put faces with the characters and dive deeper into them so I really felt like I knew them.

Melinda Monroe recently lost her husband. Everywhere she goes reminds her of him She is tired of everyone asking how she is doing and looking at her with pity. She works at a busy ER where she met him. She needs to get away to somewhere where no one knows her.

She reads a want ad for a Midwife/Nurse Practioner in a remote country town of Virgin River, population 600. Rent-free cabin included. She applies for the job and is hired so she packs up to move to Virgin River, sight unseen.

When she gets there it isn’t what she expected. The cabin is a shambles and isn’t even safe to live in. The Doc is very unpleasant and says he doesn’t need any help. She doesn’t know what to do.

Hope, a town resident, thinks Doc does need help so she is the one who placed the ad. Melinda (Mel) feels like she has been misled and this wasn’t the right decision for her /she decides she is going to decline the job and move to Colorado to be near her sister.

Finding a baby abandoned on Doc’s doorstep May change her plans. And of course, she meets the local bar/restaurant owner Jack Sheridan who may have something to do with her decision whether or not to stay.

This is a great story. If you have watched the TV series you will love this book. Even if you haven’t watched the TV series, you will love this book. It is a story of loss, starting over, finding love again and moving on. You will fall in love with Jack and Mel and you will even grow to love Ornery Doc. I loved all the characters In this book and I fell In love with Virgin River.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Instant Karma by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Instant Karma
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge, GA
  • Genre: Small town mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Faire, Brian, Taylor, Jo, Corbin, Della Ray
  • Other Characters: Cate, Anna, Eldon
  • Pets: Dog named Diesel and a bird named Baby
  • Stars: 5

This is the 5th book in the Hart’s Ridge Series and it does not disappoint. I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me engaged and I just had to know how it all turned out.

Faire, a widow in the community, decides to take in a boarder because she is having financial difficulties. Brian, her new border, at first seemed like a really nice guy. Do things really look as they do? How is Faire going to handle this border? What mysteries does he possess? Will Faire lose her home?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Jo’s story. Struggling to be a single mom, Jo just wants what is best for her son. Kyle has some behavior issues, so Jo signs him up for theater. He is not thrilled, to say the least. He ends up doing the best he can and wows everyone, especially Jo. A couple of guys from Jo’s past show up in her life, so she has some decisions to make

Taylor’s family has established an animal rescue, under Cate’s leadership. Even though Taylor is less involved than the others because she is a local police deputy, the entire family is involved.

Taylor stopped seeing Sam until she could deal with some demons from her past that she is battling.

This is a story of family, love, forgiveness, community, and supporting others. It is heartwarming and there is a mystery to solve. I think you will love this book as much as I did.

Happy Reading,

Fiction, Mystery

Family Secrets by Shawn Mcguire

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  • Title: Family Secrets
  • Author: Shawn Mcguire
  • Series: Whispering Pines
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Takes Place: Whispering Pines, WI
  • Main Character: Jayne O’Shea
  • Other Characters: Tripp, Sheriff Brighten, deputy reed, Morgan
  • Pets: Meeka, Jayne’s West Highland White Terrier
  • Stars: 3

This is the first book I have read by this author. It is the first book in the Whispering Pines Mystery Series. Since this book was also categorized as a cozy mystery, I wasn’t prepared for some of the graphic content. In terms of graphics, it wasn’t too horrible, just a little more than I had anticipated.

Jayne O’Shea was a detective who left her position as a result of a tragedy that she found difficult to overcome. She also ended her relationship with her boyfriend shortly after he proposed. He had political aspirations and she struggled to imagine herself as a politician’s wife. She really liked being a detective.

Jayne’s Grandmother recently passed away and her parents asked her to travel to Whispering Pines to take care of her grandmother’s house and prepare it for sale. There was only one issue: the house had been vandalized and her dog had discovered a dead corpse in the backyard when she arrived.

Although Jayne hadn’t intended to employ her investigative abilities when she arrived, the Sheriff’s lack of interest in finding the crime forces her to do so. The more she investigates, she continues to learn secrets, adding to the number of potential suspects.

For my taste, there was too much paranormal activity involving witches, fortune tellers, and spells. Because I’m not a big fan of the paranormal, I suppose I should have read more about the book before I started it. The majority of the people in the town appeared to be Wiccans. I didn’t even know What Wiccans were and had to look it up. In case you don’t know, the definition I read is: “Wicca, the largest of the modern Pagan, or Neo-Pagan, religions. Its followers, who are called Wiccans, typically identify as witches and draw inspiration largely from the pre-Christian religions of Europe.”

With the exception of Tripp, who I liked, it features some odd characters. If I had been in a town with all of them, I definitely would have fled. Jayne met Tripp, a man who was camping at the campground, after she discovered the body on her first day there. He and Jayne became instant friends

There just seemed to be some elements missing. For example, The vandalism of her grandparents’ home never seemed to be fully resolved, and other elements of the plot appeared to be missing. It wasn’t a huge surprise as to who killed the young girl, but it was surprising as to why. I just couldn’t figure out why this individual killed her or what their goal was. The explanation just didn’t make sense as to why her! It would have made more sense if he had killed another character in the book.

Another individual in the book was poisoned and sent to the hospital; however, we were never told if he survived or not. Because I don’t want to spoil it I won’t reveal who.

Jayne started out by giving a physical description of each person she encountered, giving the impression that she was a detective trying to remember how they looked.

Although there were a few plot gaps that distracted me, overall I really liked the book and wanted to keep reading to find out who did it and how.

If you read this book, please let me know what you think.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction

Seaside Bookclub by Meredith Summers

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  • Title: Seaside Bookclub
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #6
  • Genre: Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place: Lobster Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Bunny, Sam, Liz, Jane, Andie, Mr Smith
  • Other Characters: Claire, Maxie, Rob, James
  • Stars: 5

This is the 6th book of the Lobster Bay series. I love that each book in this series seems to bring different characters in the quaint town of Lobster Bay to the forefront. Sam is a retired detective who lost the most important part of his life when his wife passed. He has struggled to find a reason to get up in the mornings. If it wasn’t for his dog Dooley, he probably wouldn’t have founod the motivation to leave the house, that is until he met Bunny.

The friends of Lobster Bay decided to start a bookclub where they meet each month at Tides, the Inn that Jane and Andie own. The first book is a mystery and Bunny, a feisty widow, has really gotten into it. So much so, she starts to suspect that a guest at the Inn, Mr. Smith, is a killer. Sam’s detective skills come alive when he witnesses Bunny lurking around and following Mr. Smith. They decide to team up to see just what Mr. Smith is up to. Could they have a killer staying at the Inn?

Jane is getting suspicious as to why Andie and Mike were spotted at the local hardware store and then at the Inn. She knows they are hiding something, but what could that be. She has her suspicions, and it scares her a bit.

Then over at the bakery, Claire is making dog treats that she is calling Beach Bones. The thing is, that some of her customers are telling her that someone in another town is also selling dog treats by the same name. Claire has her daughter checking on trademarks as she is puzzled and wonders if someone has stolen the name from her. Will Claire be able to continue selling her Beach Bones?

This was a great book with a few mysteries. I loved it and highly recommend this sweet Women’s fiction.

Quote:

“Keeping memories is good, but don’t let them overshadow everything you’re doing now. Don’t let old memories prevent you from moving on to make new ones.”

Happy Reading,