Category: Fiction

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

To Catch a Murderer by Daisy Belle

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Title: To Catch a Murderer
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Aiden, Rosie, Officer Daniel, Dani, Dana, Raye
Pets: A Yellow Lab named Peanut
Rating: 4

To Catch a Murderer is the first book in the Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery Series and also the first work I have read by this author.

Chloe has moved back to town to run the local small town bookstore. When the most despised man in town is found murdered, there is no shortage of suspects. However, when Chloe’s old crush becomes the prime suspect, she feels compelled to get involved in the investigation. Accompanied by her trusty dog, Peanut, Chloe begins to dig deeper. As she starts receiving threatening notes and Peanut faces danger, she realizes she’s getting closer to uncovering the truth. Despite warnings to back off, Chloe remains resolute in her mission to find the killer. Will Chloe’s determination to solve this crime put either her or her loyal yellow lab, Peanut, in danger?

I found this book entertaining, featuring a well-paced plot filled with twists that keep the reader guessing. The characters are well-developed and engaging. I particularly enjoy the small-town atmosphere and Chloe’s interactions with the other residents. Chloe is a strong protagonist, and I look forward to her next adventure.

If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a twist, especially one featuring a feisty yellow lab, you’ll love this book

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

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Title:A New Leash on Life
Author: Patricia Sands
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Libby
Other Characters: Don, Matthew, Amy, Marge, Rosie, Matilda, Dorothy, Leslie, Ethan, Matilda, Emily
Pets: Labrador Retriever named Chance
Rating: 5

This is the ninth and final book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, and I must say, I will miss all the characters and dogs from Dragonfly Cove. Each book in this series is beautifully written and heartwarming. Although each book is penned by a different author, they fit together so seamlessly that you would think they were the work of a single writer.

This episode focuses on Libby, a retired librarian. Her husband has dementia, leading her to place him in a care home, while her only son and his family have temporarily moved to Australia. Before their departure, Libby’s son and daughter-in-law reserved a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder, to be picked up upon their return. When they learn that their stay in Australia will be longer than initially planned, they ask Libby to take care of the puppy until they come back. Reluctantly, Libby agrees. Little did she know, this decision would turn out to be the best one she ever made.

Libby’s journey of navigating the challenges of caring for her husband with dementia while temporarily looking after a new puppy is both touching and inspiring. The author skillfully captures the emotional depth of the characters, making them relatable and endearing. The playful puppy brings a delightful charm to the story, illustrating the healing power of canine companionship. The plot is engaging and well-paced, keeping readers captivated from beginning to end.

As a big fan of Labrador Retrievers, the inclusion of Labs in the stories sealed the deal for me. If you’re a fan of heartwarming stories featuring dogs (especially Labradors), you’ll love this series.

Make sure to explore all the books in this heartwarming series.

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson

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Title: Teacher’s Pet
Author: David Johnson
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #8
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Dorothy
Other Characters: Craig, Harliss, Hope, Drew, Nelda, Officer Fischer, Allie, Dr Livingstone, Louise
Pets: a Labrador Retriever named Sadie
Rating: 5

Teacher’s Pet, the eighth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park Series, certainly lives up to expectations.

Dorothy, a retired teacher from Nashville, has moved to Dragonfly Cove, where she lives alone in a 55-and-over community. A dog lover at heart, she recently adopted a puppy named Sadie from a local breeder, Leslie. Sadie is smart, adorable, and loyal.

Dorothy was hurt by a lost love, making it difficult for her to open her heart to others. However, with the help of her adorable puppy, will she finally learn to trust and love again?

This heartwarming story beautifully portrays the bond between Dorothy and Sadie. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys of self-discovery, healing, and embracing new beginnings are both touching and inspiring.

If you love stories that celebrate the unique bond between humans and their canine companions, “Teacher’s Pet” is a must-read. It’s highly recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting and feel-good experience!

I also can’t resist a story that includes Labrador Retrievers, so that’s definitely a plus.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday by Marcy Blesy

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Title:|Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday
Author: Marcy Blesy
Series: Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery series #1
Location: Northern Michigan
Characters: Rishard, April, Vicki, Roberta, Yoly, Pamela, Gladys, Junior, Noah, Wally
Pets: a cat named Angela
Rating: 5

Murder Movie Club (Murder on a Monday)” is the first book in the Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery series. Having enjoyed another series by this author, I decided to give her new series a try, and I’m really glad I did

The Movie Murder Club is a group of enthusiasts who gather monthly at the Northwoods Movie Theater to watch a murder mystery. They pause the movie halfway through to discuss the plot and each member attempts to solve the mystery. Afterward, they watch the rest of the film to see who guessed correctly. However, this month takes an unexpected turn when a real murder occurs at the theater. The concept of a group of movie buffs solving actual crimes brings a refreshing twist to the genre. The characters are charmingly eccentric, each contributing their unique skills to the mix.

This was an incredibly enjoyable read, which might sound odd given there’s a murder involved, but the characters and their unique traits are simply irresistible.

If you are a fan of cozy mystery, you’ll appreciate this fresh take on the genre. The plot is well-paced, filled with numerous twists and turns to keep you guessing. While the mystery is captivating, it’s the character interactions and relationships that I truly enjoyed.

I received this book from the author as part of her ARC team. This review is my honest opinion.

This book will be released February 21, 2025. Be sure to check it out.

If you like this book, check out the other books in the series:

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Loyal and True by Ev Bishop

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Title: Loyal and True
Author: Ev Bishop
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #5
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Leo
Other Characters: Zane, Nora, Libby, Leslie, Marsha
Pets: Loyal & True (Leo’s adorable Yellow Labs)
Rating: 4

“People rush to get rid of grief because they see it as hanging onto loss. But grief is really hanging onto love, which is why you always feel it.”

The fifth book in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series was written by Ev Bishop and it’s the first work of hers that I’ve read. I found her writing style enjoyable, as she effectively captures the healing power of companionship, whether through dogs or friendships.

In this installment, we follows Leo as she navigates life after the loss of her sister while taking on the responsibility of running their beachfront bookstore, Beach Reads which they opened together as part of their shared dream. The sudden loss of her sister  altered that dream significantly. However, the arrival of two adorable Labrador puppies brings a glimmer of hope into Leo’s life, aiding her  healing process and helping her to embrace new beginnings.

The Author’s writing is both touching and relatable, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The interactions between Leo and the new people she meets in the community feel genuine and heartwarming, adding depth to the narrative.

Although the plot is somewhat predictable, the bond she forms with her puppies is both healing and heartwarming. I felt the book lingered a bit too long on Leo’s grief, which became almost depressing. However, as she developed friendships that aided her healing, I truly enjoyed the direction the story took.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Unleashed Melody
Author: Julie Carobini
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #7
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Melody
Other Characters: Ethan, Maria, Lola, Hank
Pets: Willow
Rating: 5

Unleashed Melody is a wonderful addition to the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series. Like the previous books, it tells a heartwarming story of friendship, starting over, self-discovery, finding love in unexpected places, and the healing power of canine companionship.

Melody is working to recover from a difficult relationship, so she takes a job managing an inn in Dragonfly Cove, FL. While she loves her job, she often clashes with her new boss as she attempts to implement changes at the inn. However, a spirited puppy named Willow, whom Melody adopted from a local breeder, might be just what she needs to mend her broken heart.

If you are a fan of women’s fiction and love books that feature a dog, you will enjoy this series and fall in love with all the characters.

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Coming Home to Heel
Author: Jodi Allen Brice
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #6
Location: Dragonfly, FL
Main Character: Nora
Other Characters: Hannah, Lance, Kuno, Emily, Leo, Carolina
Pets: Charlie
Rating: 5

This 6th book in the Dragon Fly Cove Dog Park Series does not disappoint.

Get your tissues ready for this heartwarming story of loss and new beginnings.  And how a puppy can be just what you need when things seem to be falling apart.

Nora’s mother has just passed away, leaving her the beach house in Dragonfly Cove. When her friend takes her to pick out a puppy, Nora discovers that this was her mother’s wish. Her mother had already paid for a puppy from Leslie, the local dog breeder. Initially skeptical about getting a puppy, Nora soon realizes that this might be exactly what she needs.

When her estranged son reenters her life, things become more complicated. Will her new puppy, Charlie, and her handsome neighbor help her heal and move forward?

This is a great book that kept my interest from the very first page. If you love stories about new beginnings and moving forward when everything seems to be crashing down and of course add in a puppy, you will love this heartwarming story.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Author: Barbara Hinske
Title: Back in the Pack
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #4
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Drew, Allie
Other Characters: Marsha, Cathy, Jill
Pets: Earl & Lilly
Rating: 5

This fourth installment in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, written by Barbara Hinske, is a true delight. I fell in love with Drew and Allie when they were first introduced in Book 3, Heart’s Unleashed. While Heart’s Unleashed is told from Marsha’s perspective, this book offers Drew’s point of view.

Drew and his daughter Allie are both coping with the loss of Allie’s mother. Before her passing, they had signed up with a breeder to adopt a puppy. Drew expected it to take another six months, but when he received a call that a puppy was available immediately, he decided that a puppy might be just what Allie needed to help her heal.

The author beautifully captures Drew’s journey as he navigates life as a single father, helping Allie cope with the loss of her mother. Adding a puppy to their lives not only aids in Allie’s healing but also helps Drew learn to navigate their new normal. The story is both touching and inspiring.

This story will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling hopeful and uplifted.

If you love dogs and enjoy a well-written tale of hope and new beginnings, you are going to love Drew and Allie’s story.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L . Grace

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Title: Heart’s Unleashed
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #3
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Marsha
Other Characters: Craig, Drew, Allie
Pets: 2 adorable Yellow Lab siblings name Earl & Lilly
Rating: 5

This is the third book in the Dragonfly Dog Park Series and is written by Tammi L. Grace.

I have read other books by this author and really enjoy her writing style, and this one does not disappoint. Although the beginning is a bit slow, I found myself eager to keep reading and I am so glad I did.  If you read any of other books by this author, you will recognize another character who makes an appearance in Dragonfly Cove.

The author’s ability to create relatable and endearing characters is truly remarkable. Each character’s journey is thoughtfully explored, and their interactions feel genuine and touching. The story is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, making it an uplifting read. The plot is beautifully crafted, filled with moments of love, loss, and personal growth that resonate deeply.

The main canine characters, Earl and Lilly, are loveable and have a significant role in the story. I appreciate how the author presents a good portion of the narrative from Earl’s point of view offering a unique perspective.

This third installment in the series once again tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and is looking for a heartwarming and beautifully written story!

Happy ReadingL

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Collar me Crazy by Kay Bratt

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title:| Collar my Crazy
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Dragonfly Cove Dog Park #2
Location: Dragonfly Cove, FL
Main Character: Emily
Other Characters: Kuno, Mari, Leslie
Pets: Daisy & Valor
Rating: 5

If you’re a fan of heartwarming tales and adore dogs, this book is a
must-read. Collar Me Crazy is the second installment in the Dragonfly Cove Dog Park series, and I’m absolutely loving the characters and their delightful canine companions.

Emily is navigating the challenges of being a first-time dog mom, uncertain if dog ownership is truly for her. With the assistance of a local policeman, Emily begins investigating a nearby pet store, uncovering unexpected discoveries beyond her wildest imagination and rescuing dogs from uncertain fates. You’ll adore Daisy, Emily’s mischievous Labrador, and you’ll definitely fall in love with Valor, a German Shepherd they saved from a dire situation.

The author’s ability to capture the essence of the human-dog bond is truly remarkable. Emily’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth, intertwined with the antics of her furry companion, Daisy, makes for a delightful and uplifting read. Whether you’re a dog lover or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, Collar My Crazy is a must-read that will leave you smiling and wanting more. Just take a look at the puppy’s face on the cover—who could possibly resist that? As a dog lover, this book truly tugged at my heartstrings.

‘Love is not running away or giving up, it’s staying and fighting”

Happy Reading

Be sure to check out the rest of the books in this series. This is a Novel Sequence which means that a different author writes each installment of the series.

Book 1: Pick of the Litter
Book 2: Collar Me Crazy by Kay Bratt
Book 3: Hearts Unleashed by Tammy L. Grace
Book 4: Back in the Pack by Barbara Hinske
Book 5: Loyal & True by Ev Bishop
Book 6: Coming Home to Heel by Jodi Allen Brice
Book 7: Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini
Book 8: Teacher’s Pet by David Johnson
Book 9: A New Leash on Life by Patricia Sands

Happy Reading!