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

Family Secrets by Shawn Mcguire

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • 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,

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Seaside Bonds by Meredith Summers

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Seaside bonds
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • SerieTs: Lobster bay #5
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place:  Lobster Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Liz, Jane, Andie
  • Other Characters: Maxie, Claire, Shane, Rob, James
  • Pets: a Golden Retriever named Cooper, 2 cats named Rembrandt & Picasso
  • Stars: 5

This is the fifth book in the Lobster Bay series and I really loved this one. In this book, we meet Liz who came to town to clean out her dad’s house. Her dad had been living in an assisted living for a few years and has recently passed away. Since he has been in the assisted living, his house had really gone downhill. It was cluttered and needed a lot of repair. It was like walking into the 1970s when Liz walked into the house.

Liz hadn’t had the best relationship with her dad, so she was really nervous about going into the home after so many years. As she begins cleaning out the home, maybe there are some happy memories instead of just bad ones. She starts to see everything in a different light. She is staying at Tides while cleaning out the house and begins to develop a friendship with Jane and Andie, which just may change her life.

This is a sweet story of friendships and family. This just may be my favorite in the series so far. I love all the characters and how they all come together for each other. The author’s vivid description makes you think you are right there. I highly recommend this book. You could read it as a standalone, but I think it is best if you read the first 4 books in the series first so you can get to know each character.

Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Shifting Sands by Meredith Summers

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  • Title: Shifting Sands
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series:Lobster Bay #4
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place: Lobster Bay, Maine
  • Main Character: Andie, Emily, Mary, Jules, Shane
  • Other Characters: Jane, Claire, Maxi, Damien
  • Stars: 4

I am really enjoying this series. This book is the 4th in the Lobster Bay Series.

Andie returned to Lobster Bay because their mom was going into a memory care facility. She has also been helping her sister get their family inn back in shape so she can begin making money. Andie took a leave of absence from her job in New York to help her sister and now she is wondering if she even wants to return to New York or stay in Lobster Bay. She bought an antique store that includes an apartment above it, but still, she feels like something is still missing. She still needs to have a purpose and project to keep her happy. Then an opportunity falls in her lap. She takes on the project of helping to renovate one of the oldest homes in Lobster Bay. That is if the ruthless Inspector doesn’t get in her way. To add to the drama, an old flame just happens to be one of the people helping to renovate the home, so some sparks are sure to fly.

This wasn’t my favorite from the series, but I did enjoy reading it. It is a great book to read while at the beach lounging. You can read it as a standalone, but I recommend reading the books in order so you can really learn about each character. If you like a sweet story about friendship in a small town with a little romance thrown in, then you will love this book. This author knows how to spend a story so you feel like you are there.

Happy Reading.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Making Waves by Meredith Summers

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Making Waves
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #3
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place:  Lobster Bay Maine
  • Main Character: Maxi, Andi, Jane, Claire,
  • Other Characters: James, Mike, Rob
  • Pets: 2 cats – Rembrandt & Picasso
  • Stars: 5

If you have read the first two books, then you already know that this series takes place in the coastal town of Lobster Bay and is about 3 best friends and their friendship and challenges. I really am loving this series and all the characters. They seem so real that I start to think of them as friends. Lobster Bay is a place I would like to visit.

This book can be read as a stand alone but it is best if you read them in order. That way you can get to know all the characters. This book’s focus is on Maxi. Maxi and her husband have been married for years and have recently become empty nesters. Everyone thinks that Maxie& James have the perfect marriage but do they? Maxi starts to wonder as her suspicions rise. Maxi’s dream has always been to become an artist so when she meets a guy who is opening an art gallery in Lobster Bay, could this dream finally come true?

Over at Tides, the Bed & Breakfast owned by Jane, is planning their first event, a wedding with a Bridezilla and mom who is even worse. This wedding could be what they need to save Tides, so it is very important that it goes off with a hitch. But does it?

Jane’s sister, Andi, is trying to make some tough decisions. Does she go back to her Job, Does she take the job her old boss offered her in New York or does she stay in Lobster Bay? You will need to read the book to find out.

I recommend this series. I can’t wait for book #4.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Mystery

Amused to Death by Ashley Albi

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Amused to Death
  • Author: Ashley Albi
  • Series: Scarlett James Cozy Mystery #2
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Spirit Lake, Iowa
  • Main Character:
  • Other Characters: Gabe, Justin, Ellie, Bree, Zoey, Della, Lucas, Nathaniel, Sydney, Bert, Jack
  • Stars: 5

The second book in the Scarlett James Cozy Mystery series was just as good as the first. Scarlet once again finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery, so of course, she has to play amateur sleuth.

Gabe, the Chief of Police and Detective Sydney are investigating the suspicious death of a young girl thought to be a runaway. In addition to Scarlet’s amateur detective skills, her gal pals must put their sleuthing skills to use.. As the plot unfolds, a twist reveals who the murderer is and the motive for committing such a heinous crime. This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning to the very end.

This is definitely a ‘can’t put down’ read. I read most of it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I recommend reading the first book in the series, Death is Better at the Lake, before reading this one, because there is another mystery in the book that is ongoing.

This was my second read by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Death is Better at the Lake by Ashley Albi

CozyRomBooksandCoffee
  • Title: Death is Better at the Lake
  • Author: Ashley Albi
  • Series: Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series #1
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: Spirit Lake, Iowa
  • Main Character: Scarlet James
  • Other Characters: Jasper Hall, Gabe, Justin, Julie, Ellie, Lily, Bree, Zoey, Della,
  • Stars: 5

Death is Better at the Lake is the first book in the Scarlet James Cozy Mystery Series. This is the first book I have read by this author and, I have to say, I am hooked. I love her writing and the mystery she weaves.

Scarlet is a literary agent in Chicago and she just broken it off with her boyfriend because of his betrayal. She got an urgent phone call that her grandmother, who practically raised her, has fallen, so she immediately heads home to Spring Lake, Iowa. While her grandmother is in the hospital, Scarlet stays at her house and gets together with some long time girlfriends.

She is worried about her grandmother but still able to enjoy her friendships with her girlfriends, that is until her ex shows up. She immediately puts him in his place and he leaves. Everything is going fine until her ex ends up dead and Scarlet is the prime suspect. Scarlet is determined to prove that she didn’t kill her ex.

I really loved all the characters in this story. The author has really developed the characters in such a way that I can really picture them. The protagonist is a strong independent woman who is determined to prove she is innocent.

The author will take you on lots of twists and turns until the Climax of the book. If you love a good cozy mystery with lots of twists and lovable characters, you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the next book.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Changing tides by Meredith Summers

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

8:01 PM

  • Title: Changing Tides
  • Author: Meredith Summers
  • Series: Lobster Bay #2
  • Genre: Women’s fiction
  • Takes Place: Lobster Bay, Main
  • Main Character: Jane, Andie, Mike
  • Other Characters: Claire, Maxie, Addie, Sally , Shane
  • Pets: Cooper
  • Stars:5

Once again, we visit the quaint little town of Lobster Bay, Maine in the 2nd book of the series. This time the focus is on Jane Miller and her Bed & Breakfast, Tides, which has been in her family for generations.

Since Jane had to make the tough decision to put her mom in an assisted living home, the burden of running Tides has fallen on Jane. Unfortunately Tides is losing money. Jane promised her mom she wouldn’t sell it so she has to figure out how to save Tides.

When Jane is literally knocked over by a friendly dog, things seem to change. She also gets a little help from her friends and her estranged sister shows up.

If you love books about friends, family and community you will love this story. Read to find out if Jane is able to save Tides or does she have to sell. I am really loving this series and can’t wait to read book #3.

Happy reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

The Bucket List by Rachel Hanna

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  • Title: The Bucket List
  • Author: Rachel Hanna
  • Genre: Women’s Fiction
  • Takes Place: South Carolina
  • Main Character: Jill
  • Other Characters: Monica, Levi, Annie, Lila
  • Stars: 5

Wow, Just wow. That is how this book left me feeling. Rachel never disappoints. This book had me captivated by the very first word until the very end.

Jill’s best friend, Monica , dies way too young. To Jill’s surprise, she is in Monica’s will, but there is a catch. Monica left her a bucket list that she wants Jill to complete. She has to complete each task and then blog about it. Monica’s lawyer will keep up with the blog to confirm that each task is completed.

Jill has anxiety and she is not adventurous at all. Her husband died suddenly 15 years ago and it takes everything in her just to get out of the house. Of course her best friend Monica was the complete opposite and would go on all sorts of adventures. This is Monica’s way to get Jill out of her comfort zone.

This book was very relatable. I loved all of the characters but I could really relate to Jill in so many ways.

It is hilarious, sweet, romantic and all about discovering things about yourself that you didn’t know existed. I highly recommend this book.

Quote from the book:

“Anxiety is a thief. It steals your focus. It steals your fun. It steals your peace. It steals large chunks of your life as you zero in on your symptoms and your thoughts instead of paying attention to everybody around you. For the first time in my life, I’m determined to defeat it. I’m determined to tell it to sit in the back seat while I take us on the rides. Instead of letting anxiety drive, my new goal is to put it in the trunk.”

Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Borrowed Time by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Borrowed Time
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Anna
  • Pets: Diesel who is shared by Taylor and Sam
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, we visit Taylor Gray’s dysfunctional family. This time the focus is on Anna, whose husband has left her and has secrets of his own that will begin to unfold. We see a different side of Anna who is becoming a bit more human and relatable. She is learning how to get out from underneath a controlling husband and finding out that she really didn’t know the man she was married too.

While we are visiting Anna, Taylor has a new mystery of her own. Her friend Sissy has disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened to her. I have loved Taylor since book one of this series. She is strong and independent and when she is working on a case, she is determined to solve it. This story is no different except that it involves a close friend so it hits a little to close to home. It has become personal. This story takes a few twist and turns before we reach the climax. I did find the mystery a little too predictable, I kept waiting for another solution but it didn’t happen. Other than this I found the book to be very good.

The ending might have you a bit teary eyed. It is very emotional so have your tissues ready. If you like a whodunit and a family who, through everything, are closer than ever, then you will love this book. I recommend this entire series and I can’t wait until book #5.

Happy reading,