Category: Fiction

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

So This is Christmas by Kay Bratt

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Title: So This is Christmas
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #11
Main Character: Taylor Gray
Other Characters: Shane, Anna, Lucy, Cate, Jane, Willis, Seth, Erin, Raya, Ronnie, Missy Ann, Cecil, Ellis, Cotton
Pets: Taylor & Sam’s dog Diesel
Rating:5

So This Is Christmas by Kay Bratt is the eleventh installment in the Hart’s Ridge series, which is one of my  favorite  series.  Ms. Bratt has a remarkable talent for crafting stories that captivates readers, making it “cannot put down” book.

In this episode, Deputy Taylor Gray is spending a quieter holiday at home, recovering from illness and caring for her newborn daughter. However, the peace is disrupted on Christmas Eve when four bodies are found, leaving two children orphaned. Taylor is deeply conflicted between her wish to please her husband, Sam, who insists she stay out of the investigation, and her strong desire to be involved in solving this horrific crime. She must find a way to assist with the investigation without breaking her promise to Sam.

Amidst all the other events, the Gray family is also dealing with some sisterly drama.

The Hart’s Ridge series is set in the enchanting town of Hart’s Ridge. The characters are richly developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers guessing.

Be sure to read the end where the author shares the true-life story that was the inspiration for this book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Murder in the Cul-De-Sac by Penny Brooke

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Title: Murder in the Cul-de-sac
Author: Penny Brooke
Series: Green Oaks Bookbinding Cozy Mystery #4
Location: Green Oaks
Main Character: Charlotte Young
Other Characters: Isla, Brandon, Bruce, Greta, Max, Gillian, Zara, Elise, Nat
Pets: Charlotte’s cats Archimedes and Roma; Elise’s dog Rocky
Rating: 5

I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read with an interesting plot that will keep the reader guessing until the very end. 

In this episode of the Green Oaks Bookbinding series, Charlotte once again finds herself entangled in a murder investigation. When a local resident, who is disliked by many, is murdered, it sets off a chain of events that keeps both Charlotte and the reader on their toes.

The quest to uncover the truth is captivating, filled with enough red herrings and surprises to make it an enjoyable read, and a enough suspects to keep readers guessing. One of the book’s strengths lies in its character development and enough twists to keep the story interesting. Each resident of the cul-de-sac harbors their own secrets and motives, adding significant depth to the story. But who could have disliked the victim so much to commit murder? 

Overall, “Murder in the Cul-de-sac” is a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre. The author has crafted a story that is both entertaining and heartwarming, making it a perfect read for a cozy afternoon.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Map of Murder by Penny Brooke

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Title: A Map of Murder
Author: Penny Brooke
Series: Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery series #6
Location: Somerset Harbor
Main Character: Rue
Other Characters: Eloise, Greta, Andy, Dennis, Melanie
Pets: Rue’s dog Gatsby and her cats Ollie & Beasley.
Rating: 4

A Map of Murder is a great addition to the Seabreeze Bookshop series. Set in the quaint town of Somerset Harbor, the story revolves around Rue Collier, who partners with the local library to organize a literary scavenger hunt during the Merchants Guild Spring Fling. However, the event takes an unexpeted turn when a body is discovered at the antique shop, and Rue finds herself entangled in a murder investigation.

I really enjoyed the small-town atmosphere of this book and the characters are well developed and interesting. with a plot that keeps you guessing. Rue is a great protaganist and is deteremined to discover the truth behind her friend’s murder. The mystery has enough twists to keep the reader engaged.

Some readers might find the pacing a bit slow in the beginning, and a few secondary characters could have been more developed. Despite these small issues, A Map of Murder is a thoroughly enjoyable read and will appeal to cozy mystery fans.

Overall, this book has an engaging plot with a charming setting, and well-crafted mystery. If you’re looking for a cozy read with a touch of intrigue, this book is definitely worth picking up,

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

A Very Berry Christmas by Rachael Bloome

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Title: A Very Berry Christmas ( A Poppy Creek Novela)
Author: Rachael Bloome
Main Character: Frank Barrie
Other Characters: Beverly, Nate, Juliet, Cassie, Luke, Vick
Rating: 5

Rachael Bloome has done it again with A Very Barrie Christmas! We return to the charming town of Poppy Creek and the unforgettable Frank Barrie. If you recall Frank from the earlier books in the Poppy Creek series, you’ll remember his eccentric nature and his Scrooge-like attitude towards Christmas. However, he has come a long way since we first met him in book one.

In this episode, the Barries welcome guests, making their Christmas feel complete with the warmth of family. This story is heartwarming and filled with the magic of the holiday season, making it the perfect read to get into the Christmas spirit. The plot is engaging and well-paced, with just the right amount of romance, humor, and holiday cheer. The descriptions of the festive decorations, cozy settings, and delicious holiday treats made me feel like I was right there in Poppy Creek, experiencing the joy and warmth of the season.

I absolutely adore all the characters. Rachael Bloome has a talent for creating characters that feel like old friends, and this book is no exception. These characters bring warmth and holiday cheer to the story, making it a delightful read. If you enjoy heartwarming holiday stories with great characters who make you feel at home, then A Very Barrie Christmas is a must-read.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Holiday, Romance, Women's Fiction

Christmas on Waverly Lane by Rachel Hanna

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Author: Christmas on Waverly Lane
Series: Waverly Lane #2
Main Character: Shelby
Other Characters: Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, Willadeene, Reed
Rating: 5

Rachel has once again delivered with “Christmas on Waverly Lane.” As the second installment in the Waverly Lane series, it continues to captivate. While it’s uncertain if more books will follow, I sincerely hope they do. I’m completely hooked on this community and their friendships, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the heartwarming stories of Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, and Willadeene. Rachel  has a way of weaving together the lives of these characters, making the reader feel as if you are  part of their close-knit community. Shelby and Reed’s Christmas wedding is beautifully depicted, even though it didn’t quite go as planned, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Cami’s journey of starting over is both inspiring and relatable. Lacy’s exciting news and Joan’s preparations for her first family Christmas in years add layers of joy and anticipation to the story. And of course, Willadeene, who has an unexpected and unwanted guest, is always a delight who adds a touch of humor. These women are willing to do anything for each other. Their friendship is one that will endure through the ages.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and holiday cheer. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and community.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Trouble in the Theater by Kathi Dailey

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Book Title: Trouble in the Theater
Author: Kathy Dailey
Series: The Inn at Holiday Bay #29
Location: Holiday Bay, Maine
Main Character: Abby Sullivan
Other Characters: Georgia, Lacy, Baily, Haven, Colt, Alex, Hollin, Lonnie
Pets: Dogs Molly & Ramos along with Cat Rufus
Stars: 5

Trouble in the Theater by Kathi Daley is the 29th installment in the heartwarming Inn at Holiday Bay series. This series follows author Abby Sullivan, who, after a personal tragedy, moves across the country from San Francisco to Holiday Bay, Maine. She buys a large seaside mansion, sight unseen, and transforms it into a successful inn, finding a new community she fell in love with. Besides managing the inn, she also assists Colt, her detective boyfriend, in solving crimes within the community.

In this episode, Abby finds herself a bit overwhelmed as she helps her friend Lacy with a Halloween pageant, along with assisting her best friend Georgia with wedding plans, and ensuring Bailey has everything she needs for her upcoming baby. To top it all off, the discovery of a dead body in the local theater adds to the drama. This mystery will lead the reader through several twists, turns, and surprises to uncover the killer.

Kathy Daley’s writing is engaging, as she creates a charming setting with well-developed, interesting & compassionate characters. The story is filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of suspense, making it a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries. This story makes me wish I could pack up and move to Holiday Bay.

If you enjoy heartwarming stories with a mix of mystery and community spirit, you will love this series.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Lesson Plan for Murder by Lori Robbins

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Author: Lori Robbins
Title: Lesson Plan for Murder
Series: Master Class #1
Location: Valerian Hills
Main Character: Liz Hopewell 
Other Characters: Marcia Deaver. Mr. Pescarelli, Mrs. Donnatella, George, Caroline, Timmy, Bill, Emily, Susan, Detective Brown, Detective Harriman, Ashlee, Rebecca
Starts: 4

Lori Roberts’ Lesson Plan for Murder is a cozy mystery that combines high school drama with the resolve of an amateur detective determined to solve a murder.

The protagonist, English teach Liz Hopewell, finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when she discovers one of her colleagues dead under mysterious circumstances. With her love of solving puzzles, she dives right into the investigation juggling her teaching responsibilities and her sleuthing skills. when two more colleagues are poisoned. Will the deceased woman’s lesson plans point Liz toward the murderer, putting her own safety at risk?

Liz is a likable and relatable character, with just enough imperfections to makes her  appear genuine. Liz’s knack for literary references and sharp humor make her a relatable and entertaining lead. I found it harder to relate to the supporting cast, making it difficult for me to connect with them. Some characters felt more like caricatures than fully developed individuals, which detracted slightly from the story’s emotional depth. The pacing feels uneven at times, with a slow start that picks up midway but occasionally gets bogged down by unnecessary side plots.

Despite these minor flaws, Lesson Plan for Murder is an enjoyable choice for cozy mystery fans who appreciate a clever, snarky heroine and a well-crafted, albeit somewhat predictable, mystery.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A New Place, Another Murder by Christa Nardi

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Title: Another Place, Another Murder
Author: Christa Nardi
Series: A Sheridan Hendley Mystery #1
Main Charaters: Sheridan, Brett, Maddie
Other Characters: Kim, Alex, Chief Peabody, Luke, Caleb
Pets: Charlie & Bella
Ratings: 4

This is the first book in the Sheridan Hendley Mystery series and my first book by this author. It wasn’t until I was halfway through that I realized it was actually a spin-off of another series called Cold Creek College. I would have read that one first if I had known this before I began it.

Sheridan is newly married to Brett, and they have moved into their new home in a new town for Sheridan. While Sheridan is settling in and adjusting to her new house, her new stepdaughter informs her that her friend Alex has been charged with stealing money from the school office. Maddie is convinced he is innocent. The plot gets more complicated when it is discovered that Maddie also has money envelopes that she is unable to explain. Then when someone is murdered, Alex is the first that is suspected.

Sheridan is determined to Madie & Alex. . This book explores the accusations of drug usage, theft, and cover-up against middle school students.

This book was enjoyable. Perhaps as a result of not having read Cold Creek College, I did feel somewhat disconnected from the characters. Before I finish this series, I might go read the prequel. I felt like I needed a playbook to keep all the characters straight because there were so many of them. I didn’t think the finale was very shocking, despite the fact that it was a decent story about parents dealing with their daughter and her friend’s criminal accusations. I was hoping for a bigger twist. Aside from this, I enjoyed reading it, and after I finish the prequel, I plan to continue with the series.

If you have read this series or you do read it, please let me know what you think in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Wine Red Wrath by Emily Oberton

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Title: Wine Red Wrath
Author: Emily Oberton
Series: Hadley Home Design Cozy Mystery #5
Main Characters: Hadley, Detective Dennis Appley
Other Characters: Madame Balleroy, Zelia Belleroy, Seth, Jarod, Camille, Mitzy, Hal, Natasha, Erin, Chloe, Kraig, Eileen. Aunt Deb, Roy, Michael
Location: Darlington HIlls
Pets: Hadley’s Cat Razzy
Stars: 5

This was another great book in the Hadley Home Design series. Hadley is the story’s main character. She is a wonderful friend and very likeable. She is not, however, a cook. She has everyone over for Thanksgiving dinner but, Salmonella is something she didn’t anticipate serving for the Thanksgiving feast. Yep, you guessed it, everyone got sick after Thanksgiving dinner.

Because of Hadley’s lack of culinary skills, Aunt Deb enrolls in cooking school. Even though Hadley isn’t excited about cooking school, she still agrees to go. However, she wasn’t prepared for the curriculum to include a dead corpse. The investigation of this mystery involves a number of suspects with many twists. The plot gets more complicated when someone else ends up dead.

The detective in charge of this case has a mystery of his own. Due to another case he is working on, he has received threatening letters. Since his young niece will be staying with him for a bit, he decides he needs to move out of his house temporarily. Hadley extends an invitation to him and his niece to stay at Ladyvale Manor, which she inherited following the murder of its owner.

There are some side stories in addition to two murders. Who wrote the threatening letter to Detective Appley? Is the former owner still haunting Ladyvale Manor? Could there be a romance in Hadley’s future? This book has several components, including a stalker, a haunted mansion, two murders, and a developing relationship.

This series is a lot of fun. Every character is compelling and well-developed. I’m eager to see more of the series to witness Hadley’s romantic developments and the other crimes she will be solving.

If you enjoy fantastic cozy mysteries with unexpected twists, slow-burning romances, and endearing characters, you will love this series. Even though you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order so you can really get to know the characters.

I received this book as part of the ARC team and this review is my honest opinion.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction

The Unbound Bookshop by Rachael Bloome

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Title: The Unbound Bookshop
Author: Rachael Bllome
Series: Blessings Bay #3
Setting: Blessings Bay
Main Characters: Abby, Logan, Sage, Flynn
Other Characters: Max, Piper, Tyler, Edwin, Nadia, Verna
Stars: 5

“The Unbound Bookshop: Where Stories Set Sail”

Once again, Ms. Bloome has created a fantastic ‘can’t put down’ book with the third installment of the Blessings Bay Series. I always look forward to spending time at the Blessings Bay Inn with Abby and Logan. In this episode, Abby and Logan are content as ever, but as they prepare for their happily ever after, an unexpected guest at the inn has the potential to seriously interfere with their plans. This is a twist the reader won’t see coming.

As Abby and Logan are dealing with their unexpected Guest, Sage & Fynn are dealing with their own drama. Once in a relationship which ended badly years ago, they are thrown together and forced to stay on a sailboat for three days. Flynn’s twin brother died years ago & Flynn blames himself, so he has found it his mission to complete his brother’s bucket list. Sage is now unable to tolerate being in the same room as Flynn, much less spending three days in a space as small as a sailboat.

Every time I read one of Ms Bloome’s books, I say this may be my favorite. Actually, I don’t know which one is my favorite because they are all so good. I guess which one I am currently reading is my favorite. The author just has a way of bringing the reader into her story so they can feel every emotion that the character is going through. You don’t just read one of her books, you feel it.

Any novel written by Rachael Bloome will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with intriguing characters, surprising turns, and gripping resolutions. I’ve read every book she’s written, and I plan to keep reading anything she writes. Although you can read this series out of order, I strongly advise starting from the beginning to fully get to know the characters. Every character in these stories is so endearing that it’s impossible not to fall in love.

“You don’t throw dirt on a diamond”

Happy Reading!