Taken by Storm by Jan Fields

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Taken by Storm by Jan Fields” the 6th instalment in A Gift Shop Mystery series set in Port Huron, Michigan.  Each book is written by a different author and this time it is a new to me author.

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Taken By Storm is the sixth book in Guideposts’ Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series.

When Sarah Morgan and her aunt Nessie attend a lecture about unsolved mysteries in Port Huron, they are fascinated by the tale of a historical kidnapping. The lecturer, Beth Mansfield, is a descendant of Catherine, the woman who escaped her captors. The next day, Sarah is surprised when Beth shows up at Heavenly Presents to continue the story. The dying Catherine entrusted her daughter with a necklace to be given to someone named Rose, but neither Catherine’s daughter nor any of her descendants have been able to find the mysterious recipient. Can Sarah finally solve this long-standing mystery?

Meanwhile, Sarah is committed to serving her community and asks to have an Abundant Blessings Cupboard placed outside her shop. It isn’t long until the small food pantry is vandalized. Why would anyone target something that helps others? Sarah is determined to find the person responsible for this unconscionable crime.

If you’re looking for a mystery series that’s equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, Gift Shop Mysteries is your perfect next read. Set in a charming lakeside town with a faith-filled shop owner as your guide, each book offers: 

• Captivating mysteries that keep you guessing—but never keep you up at night 
• A cast of relatable, endearing characters who feel like old friends 
• A cozy, small-town atmosphere you’ll want to escape to again and again 
• Faith-filled encouragement and hope, gently woven through every story 
• Themes of redemption, reconnection, and second chances—with God, family, and community 

Plus, each book includes delightful extras: 

• A recipe inspired by the story 
• A personal letter from the author 
• “Behind the Counter” insights into the real-life history or inspiration 
• Book club-ready discussion questions 

Whether you’re drawn to uplifting mysteries, enjoy uncovering meaningful secrets, or simply want a soul-soothing read with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense—this series was made for you. 

Taken by Storm by Jan Fields is a charming cozy mystery with a pleasant, steady pace. Unlike many cozies, there’s no murder here. Instead, it weaves together a historical mystery with a modern-day one.

The plot revolves around an a historical kidnapping and a deathbed request to give a necklace to Rose but who is Rose…  inspired by what she learns Sarah decides she wants an Abundant Blessings Cupboard placed outside her shop. With this comes its own challenges which Darah must figure out .

I also like where things are heading with Sarah and Flint. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, full of twists and turns.  I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

The Poison Pen Murders by Dee MacDonald

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Poison Pen Murders” the 5th instalment in An Ally McKinley Mystery series by Dee MacDonald set in the in the quaint village of Loccharran.  

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Anonymous letters, a years-old mystery and… a dead body? Ally McKinley is on the case!

Ally McKinley might be the owner of the cosiest little guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands, but she also has a reputation as an amateur detective! So when a threatening note drops through her elderly neighbour Juliet Munro’s door, Ally is called in to investigate. But what first seems like a nasty prank soon proves lethal, when the very next day, Juliet is found murdered…

Her faithful dog Flora by her side, Ally soon learns that more than one woman in Locharran has received a poison pen letter. And though locals’ lips are sealed over coffee and cake, Ally skilfully unlocks the old Locharran mystery that connects the recipients: they were all rumoured to be involved in the death of a young woman called Marie McKay. Is someone trying to stamp out Marie’s killer? And if so, who in Locharran is not who they seem? 

A faded photo of a little blond boy with pale eyes has Ally on the right track, but when a woman’s scream shatters the village’s gentle calm, can Ally sort through the secrets before the post delivers another murder?

Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Clare Chase will love this totally addictive and cozy mystery set in the beautiful Scottish Highlands from bestselling author Dee MacDonald.

In this instalment, when a threatening note drops through her elderly neighbour Juliet Munro’s door, Ally is called in to investigate. But what first seems like a nasty prank soon proves lethal, when the very next day, Juliet is found murdered…

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Annie did..  

Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in this series and excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters.

I'm eagerly anticipating the next instalment to see how the series evolves. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, Scottish settings, or amateur sleuths, this book is a great choice.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

The Liars' Book Club by Ellery Adams

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Liars' Book Club by Ellery Adams” the 9th instalment in the "The Secret, Book & Scone Society" Mystery series by Ellery Adams. This book can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend you read in order to get the full background.

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In the latest installment of Ellery Adams’ USA Today bestselling series, as clouds gather over the Great Smoky Mountains, an absent groom, a stolen historical document, and a book club coming apart at the seams stir up a different sort of storm in this engaging mystery. How far will one book lover go to keep a secret?

As the townsfolk of Miracle Springs, North Carolina, know all too well, water can be healing—or devastating. With a big storm coming, residents are stocking up on essentials. Hoping to beat the storm, Nora is sitting in the Unitarian Church with her fellow wedding guests, all of whom belong to Sheldon’s Blind Date Book Club. As rain hammers the stained-glass windows, the bride, Jess, waits in the back of the church—but where is the groom? When a branch crashes through a stained-glass window, Jess finally tells the guests to go home.

With the help of her friend Sheldon, Nora escorts Jess to the Lodge. It’s now become clear that Jess’s fiancé Ravi is missing. But there’s no searching for him now, as the Miracle River has flooded and they’re stuck on this side of town. By morning, they awaken to widespread devastation and a call from Sheriff McCabe. A body has been pulled out of the river, dressed in a tux.

On top of this tragic turn of events, Jess returns home to find her house has been spared from the raging water, but ransacked, with an extremely valuable folio from an illuminated manuscript now missing. As Miracle Books becomes the community hub for information, shelter, and hope, Nora and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society put their heads together to solve the murder and the theft.

But then a second body is pulled from the river . . .

As usual I was utterly drawn in by the story, making it impossible to put down. I devoured it in one day, curled up with a hot cup of tea and snuggling Lindi - completely absorbed! Clouds gather over the Great Smoky Mountains, an absent groom, a stolen historical document, and a book club coming apart at the seams stir up a different sort of storm. How far will one book lover go to keep a secret?

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed in the story till the end.  This series never fails to evoke strong emotions and leaves me feeling fulfilled. 

I'm eagerly awaiting book 10!  If you're a fellow mystery lover, do yourself a favor and dive into this series - I highly recommend it!"

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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