Tag: Book Review

Fiction, Women's Fiction

Unleashed Melody by Julie Carobini

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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

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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

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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

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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!


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!