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!

Fiction, Romance

Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks

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Title: Counting Miracles
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Main Characters: Tanner, Kaitlyn, Jasper
Other Characters: Mitch, Casey
Location: Ashboro, North Carolina
Pets: Jasper’s dog Arlo
Rating: 5

I have read everyone of Nicholas Sparks’ books and this one does not disappoint. This story really touched my heart which seems to happen with all of My Spark’s books.

Tanner, a military brat, was raised by his grandparents abroad for the majority of his life. His mother passed away right after giving birth to him. He chooses to become an Army Ranger in order to carry on his grandfather’s legacy. When his grandmother passes away in Pensacola, FL, Tanner flies home. He has plans to head right back to his post until his grandmother’s last words to him are about his biologial father that he never knew. The only information she gave him was “Go where you belong” his dad’s name and where he might possibly find him. Tanner decides his post can wait and he heads to Ashboro, NC, where his grandmother said, he might locate his father. Little did he know that a car accident in the parking lot of a local bar could change his life.

The other story in this book, is about Jasper, An elderly man who lost his entire family due to a fire at their home. He struggles to carry on without them. He was severly burned by the fire so he stays to himself and rarely wonders out of the area where he lives. Jasper also is having some trouble with pouchers and can’t get law enforcement to help him so he takes things into his own hands which could get him killed.

Mr Sparks always has a way of making the reader feel like they are part of the story. The characters are very well developed and i could feel every emotion that they were going through. I am also a dog lover so Arlo, an elderly golden retriever, stole my heart.

If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks other books, you will love this one. This is a great story of finding faith, family, heartbreak, a rare magical white deer and love in unexpected places.

“Romans 11:36.” (Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything for his glory.)

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

The Kidnapping of Lacy Peters by Marie Wilkins

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Title: The Kidnapping of Lacy Peters
Authur: Marie Wilkins
Series: A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series #75
Main Characters: Heather, William, Lacy, Blakely
Supporting Characters: Grace, Officer Russell
Stars: 4

I adore a well-crafted mystery with unexpected turns, and this one fulfills all my requirements. This author’s books have always been enjoyable to read, and this one did not dissapoint.

Heather & William took Lacy in as a foster child and later adopted her. Following the death of Blakely’s mother, they took her in and raised her as their own daughter. Lacy is just 7 years old when she goes missing along with her 16 year old cousin, Blakely. All evidence points to it being a kidnapping. The incompetent police force continues pursuing the incorrect path in an attempt to resolve this case. Heather and William, are certain they know who kidnapped the girls, but the police won’t listen and believe they know better. They are completely off course. It takes Heather and her best friend, Grace, who happens to be an ex New York police officer, to follow the trail that leads them to the kidnapper. As they get closer to the identity of the kidnapper, it leads them to secrets they didn’t see coming.

This book is intense and definitly a page turner. Since both of the girls are gone, their anxiety is unbearable, and their resentment of the incompetent police force is making things worse.

My only issue was with the grammar. Yes, the editing could have been better. There were numerous typos and poor grammar usage. While I did overlook it, I’m calling it out for anyone who might be interested in reading this book. The grammar is the reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5.

Happy Reading!

Mystery, Thriller

The Verdicts Secret by Freya Atwood

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Title: The Verdicts Secret
Author: Freya Atwood
Series: Charles Lawson Legal Thriller #1
Takes Place: Harborwood
Main Character: Charles Lawson
Other Characters: Ava, Michael, Eleanore, Lydia, Alex, Sam, Officer Peters
Stars: 5

I had a great time reading this book by a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Attorney Charles Lawson is a bit estranged from his family and hasn’t been back home in years. His mother has asked him to defend her best friend because she has been accused of killing her husband. Charles decides to take on the case despite his genuine reluctance, even though all the evidence points to her doing it. Charles fears that if he stays in town, people will find out about some secrets he really doesn’t want to share. He’s struggling with a few things from his past,

I love a good legal thriller, and this one is excellent in every way. The three-dimensional characters are easily likable and engaging. There are twists to help identify the killer in this well-written, fast-paced storyline. Everything suggests that the wife did it, but is she concealing anything from Charles, or will he be able to get her off?

If you love a well-written legal thriller with compelling characters and an intriguing mystery this book is for you.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Romance, RomCom, Women's Fiction

The Baking Games by Rachel Hanna

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Title: The Baking Games
Author: Rachel Hanna
Genre: RomCom, Romance, Women’s Fiction
Main Character: Savannah, Rhett
Other Characters: Sadie, Connor, Maggie, Laney, Leo, Zara, Sophia, Nate, Hank, Bianca, Tanya, Dan, Chef Alain, Tessa, Marco
Stars: 4

This book is a bit different than what I am used to from Rachel Hanna. This is like a slow burn Hallmark type RomCom mixed with a reality show. I have read all of Rachel’s books and I love everything she has written but I must admit, this is my least of hers.

Savannah Struggles to make ends meet. She was raised by a drug addicted mom, and She practically raised herself along with her younger sister. Her mom died when her sister was 12 years old so Savannah took on the job of mom. She adores her younger sister and there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her. She works at a bakery in a grocery store and even though she loves baking, she doesn’t like her job. It doesn’t give her the creative control she craves. She dreams of someday owning her own bakery and earning enough money to finally send her sister to college. She starts to think it is hopeless until her sister convinces her to apply to be on a reality TV show called The Baking Game. When her application is accepted, she is surprised to find an ex-rival along with her ex-boyfriend are also contestants. This causes a lot of friction along the way. This is a baking version of Big Brother ao there is a lot drama and at times sparks do fly.

Even though this was a cute book, it isn’t what I am used to by Ms. Hanna. It was a little confusing that the story was told from two different points of view which was a bit different for me. Luckily it was told whose point of view it was so I didn’t get too confused. It started out good, Savannah is funny, and I immediately liked her and her devotion to her younger sister. I like slow burns to some degree, but this one seemed just way too slow. I didn’t really find myself pulling for them like I normally do in a romance novel. I just couldn’t see the chemistry.

The reality show’s actual baking portion became a little boring with all the recipe explanations and baking techniques. it just seemed to drag on too long. The characters are well developed, and I liked Savannah. She is funny, sweet, loving & loyal to those she loves. Even though she has had a tough life, she is a very positive person and looks at the glass as half full. I didn’t like Rhett at first, but he did grow on me. He has a bit of an unhappy relationship with his parents and a secret he is hiding. I didn’t like Connor at all but we really aren’t supposed to. The other contestants aren’t very memorable, but I did like Maggie.

If you enjoy a slow burn RomCom with a baking themed reality show, then you will probably enjoy this book. Be sure to download the bonus at the end of the book. it gives character descriptions and recipes that were used in the baking competition.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

A Case for the Winemaker by Candace Havens

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Title: A Case for the Winemaker
Author:Candace Havens
Series: Ainsley McGregor #1
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Location: Sweet River, Texas
Main Character: Ainsley McGregor
Other Characters: Greg, Shannon, Michael, Jake, Danny, Mrs Whedon, Rick, Kane, Helen, Irma
Pets: Ainsley’s Great Dane George (Clooney)
Stars: 5

This is the first book I have read by this author. but it won’t be the last.

As a proganist, Ainsley is someone I could be friends with. She is kind, devoted, humorous, and independent. George Clooney, her dog, is a fantastic supporting character in this book.
Ainsley McGregor left Chicago to get away from a bad situation that happened. She Needed a fresh start so, she moved to Sweet River, TX where her brother is the sheriff. She is getting ready to open her new business, Bless Your Art, an art shop where independent vendors set up booths to sell their wares. It’s opening day and everyone is so excited and working hard to get their booths ready. Everything is going great, that is until Ainsley takes her dog for a walk and he stumbles upon a dead body in the park. It just so happens that her best friend’s fiancé was seen arguing with the deceased earlier, so he becomes the prime suspect. Ainsley is convinced he couldn’t have committed such a heinous crime, and she is determined to prove it. Could this investigation put Ainsley in jeapardy?

This was a fun and enjoyable read. The characters are interesting and quirky. The author did a fantastic job of confusing the reader by including a number of suspects in the mix in order to hide the true murderer. Together with George the Great Dane, Ainsley and the other eccentric characters will inevitably win your heart. Wine and dogs make the ideal pairing for a captivating mystery. I am already so invested in the characters that I will continue to read the series to see what is next in Sweet River.

Happy Reading!