Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress by Traci Wilton

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Mrs. Morris and the Sorceress" the 4th instalment in the Salem B&B Mystery series by Traci Wilton. 

It's Fourth of July in Salem, Massachusetts, and B&B owner Charlene Morris is about to witness the shot heard 'round the town when a stunt goes wrong during a film production in the fourth Salem B&B Mystery from cozy writing team Traci Wilton.

Madison Boswell, a beauty recently transplanted from Boston, is starring in the Independence Day play in this New England town full of colonial history--and, of course, witchcraft. Madison may not be a Wiccan, but she does seem to have certain hypnotic powers. And she's left some angry people in her wake, from a fellow actress beaten out for a role to a jealous betrayed wife. Now, as Charlene films the performance for her housemate, Jack--a handsome ghost who shares the Victorian bed-and-breakfast with her and her Persian cat--the drama queen takes a deadly bullet from what was supposed to be a prop gun.

With a long list of suspects and lots of backstage whispers, it looks like the investigation by Charlene and Detective Sam Holden could set off some fireworks...

I love visiting Salem and Charlene’s B&B with its resident ghost Jack.   The characters are becoming like old friends and I’m especially happy about the relationship Charlene is developing with young Avery almost like a surrogate daughter.  I found Jacks and Charlene’s relationship weird at times not exactly sure why but it just did, but we want to feel emotions for the characters and be invested in the outcome.  I love all the characters Charlene, Jack, Minnie, Sam and Avery and now I find myself adding Amy and Kass to my list.

The mystery is interesting, well plotted, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing till the very end. I definitely was surprised by the ending and can’t wait for book 5 “Mrs. Morris and the Vampire “ coming out August, 2021.

 I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

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,

A Brush with Death by Fiona Leitch

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Brush with Death” the 2nd instalment in The Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series by Fiona Leitch.  

Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is back!

When a body turned up at her last catering gig it certainly put people off the hor d'oeuvres. So with a reputation to salvage, Jodie’s determined that her next job for the village’s festival will go without a hitch.

But when chaos breaks out, Jodie Parker somehow always finds herself in the picture.

The body of a writer from the festival is discovered at the bottom of a cliff, and the prime suspect is the guest of honour, the esteemed painter Duncan Stovall. With her background in the Met police, Jodie has got solving cases down to a fine art and she knows things are rarely as they seem.

Can she find the killer before the village faces another brush with death?

The second book in the Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker cosy mystery series. Can be read as a standalone. A humorous cosy mystery with a British female sleuth in a small village. Includes one of Jodie's Tried and Tested Recipes! Written in British English. Mild profanity and peril.

I love visiting Cornwall and the village of Penstowan.  Once again it was a really enjoyable read, full of village life in the summer a fete no I mean gala ...  Jodie is caught up in a love triangle that becomes more complicated by artist Duncan Stovall and all the drama surrounding him.

The mystery is interesting, well plotted, and had a few twists to keep you wanting to read on.  

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Harper Collins UK.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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

Hugs,

Murder on the Menu by Fiona Leitch

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder on the Menu” the first instalment in The Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series by Fiona Leitch set in the Cornish coastal town of Penstowan. What a great start to a new series!

Still spinning from the hustle and bustle of city life, Jodie ‘Nosey’ Parker is glad to be back in the Cornish village she calls home. Having quit the Met Police in search of something less dangerous, the change of pace means she can finally start her dream catering company and raise her daughter, Daisy, somewhere safer.

But there’s nothing like having your first job back at home to be catering an ex-boyfriend’s wedding to remind you of just how small your village is. And when the bride, Cheryl, vanishes Jodie is drawn into the investigation, realising that life in the countryside might not be as quaint as she remembers…

With a missing bride on their hands, there is murder and mayhem around every corner but surely saving the day will be a piece of cake for this not-so-amateur sleuth?

The first book in the Murder on the Menu cosy mystery series. Can be read as a standalone. A humorous cosy mystery with a British female sleuth in a small village. Includes one of Jodie's Tried and Tested Recipes! Written in British English. Mild profanity and peril.

I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to read book 2 right away. I liked how it was centered around going back to your hometown, friendships, family, and most of all trust. Jodie knew her childhood friends but did she really know them, her gut was telling her yes. I love Germaine the Pomeranian who becomes part of Jodies and Daisy’s family.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters.  I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

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,

Dreaming Under An Island Skye by Lisa Hobman

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Dreaming Under An Island Skye by Lisa Hobman and it was an uplifting, feel-good read about loss, hope, love and most of all second chances! I found the story really touched my heart.

After three wonderful years of marriage, librarian Juliette Fairhurst’s heart is shattered when her husband, Laurie, is taken from her much too soon.  Devastated, Juliette decides to take a sabbatical and reconnect with her mother’s birthplace, the village of Glentorrin on the picturesque Isle of Skye.

Welcomed by most of the villagers, Juliette throws herself into an idyllic community life, taking on the role of temporary summer guardian at The Lifeboat House Museum; a role that offers her the perfect escape from the tragedy of her real life. 

During her time on the island, Juliette clashes with brooding single dad and artist, Reid Mackinnon and is befriended by his son Evin and dog Chewie. It’s clear that divorced Reid is struggling and scarred by his own painful experiences. 

Can these two lost souls find a lifeline to rescue each other?
Or will their pasts scupper their second chance at real happiness?

Lisa Hobman is a new author to me but one I will watch for in the future. I found it to be a beautiful and emotional story set on the picturesque island of Skye in Scotland.  I loved the sense of community in the small village of Glentorrin and how most of them welcomed Jules with open arms. 

The book does touch on some sensitive themes like depression and grief but in a sympathetic and realistic way. It takes you through the journey of healing, forgiveness and getting better.

I highly recommend this to my friends, I didn’t want it to be over.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood 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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Somebody to Love by Sharon Sala

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Somebody to Love”  by Sharon Sala the 11th instalment in the Blessings series.  This is the first book I have read by this author but I will definitely be reading more. 

Welcome to Blessings, Georgia! Whether you've lived here your whole life, you're returning after years of being away, or you're new in town, you're sure to find the unforgettable love you've always been looking for.

Fifteen years ago, a family member stole the money Hunt Knox had saved for college, while three of his siblings and his father hid the truth and told him to get over it. Betrayed by their lies and thievery, Hunt joined the army and wound up flying Apache helicopters in Iraq. Now, he's a chopper pilot for an oil company in Houston, Texas, his father has been dead for six years, and he's finally returning home to Blessings at his mother's dying request.

Ava Ridley, the little girl his mother used to babysit, has grown up and is a nurse at his mother's bedside when he arrives. Ava is overjoyed to see the man her childhood crush has become. And as the two spend more time together, Ava's crush grows to be even more.

Hunt never expected to fall in love, but just as it appears he and Ava are headed for a happy ever after, she becomes a victim of violence at the hospital ER in Blessings, and suffers an injury that could cost her life. Through secrets, lies, family betrayal, and difficult choices, Hunt's not sure he and Ava can ever make a home together in Blessings. Or if life will once again lead them onto different paths...?

Grab some sweet tea and sit awhile; This sweet, emotional story has family betrayal, childhood crushes, a veteran hero, and a second chance to get everything right.

I really enjoyed this story, and the setting of Blessings, Georgia sounds absolutely wonderful. It’s a story about love, family and friendship. I found myself engrossed in the story and couldn’t put it down till I finished.  I was left feeling happy and a smile on my face, always a good sign.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca 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 Dark Heart of Florence A Lady Emily Mystery by Tasha Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Dark Heart of Florence” the 15th instalment in the A Lady Emily Mysteries by Tasha Alexander.  This is the first book I have read by Tasha Alexander and won’t be my last.  

In the next Lady Emily Mystery, The Dark Heart of Florence, critically acclaimed author Tasha Alexander transports readers to the legendary city of Florence, where Lady Emily and Colin must solve a murder with clues leading back to the time of the Medici.

In 1903, tensions between Britain and Germany are starting to loom over Europe, something that has not gone unnoticed by Lady Emily and her husband, Colin Hargreaves. An agent of the Crown, Colin carries the weight of the Empire, but his focus is drawn to Italy by a series of burglaries at his daughter’s palazzo in Florence—burglaries that might have international ramifications. He and Emily travel to Tuscany where, soon after their arrival, a stranger is thrown to his death from the roof onto the marble palazzo floor.

Colin’s trusted colleague and fellow agent, Darius Benton-Stone, arrives to assist Colin, who insists their mission must remain top secret. Finding herself excluded from the investigation, Emily secretly launches her own clandestine inquiry into the murder, aided by her spirited and witty friend, Cécile. They soon discover that the palazzo may contain a hidden treasure dating back to the days of the Medici and the violent reign of the fanatic monk, Savonarola—days that resonate in the troubled early twentieth century, an uneasy time full of intrigue, duplicity, and warring ideologies.

Emily and Cécile race to untangle the cryptic clues leading them through the Renaissance city, but an unimagined danger follows closely behind. And when another violent death puts Emily directly in the path of a killer, there’s much more than treasure at st

I found it to be a quick easy read and finished in one day, I really enjoyed the dual narratives telling us the story of Mina in the late 15th century to lady Emily in the early 20th century in the idyllic setting of Florence, Italy. 

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters of Lady Emily and Cecile.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   I recommend this book to all my mystery lover friends.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Minotaur 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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Paws for Love by Mara Wells

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Paws for Love the 3rd book in the Fur Haven Dog park series by Mara Wells. 

Damaged hearts—man, woman, and dog—have a second chance for love, healing and happiness under the warm Miami Beach sun in this endearing contemporary romance...

Danielle Morrow works tirelessly for the greyhound rescue as an adoption coordinator, rehabilitating retired racing dogs and helping them find forever homes. She guards her heart as vigilantly as her two adopted greyhounds guard her home. One heartbreak per lifetime is enough for any woman, and no one she's met since her high school boyfriend dumped her to join the military has ever tempted her enough to risk love again.

Knox Donovan expected to be career military, but an injury has resulted in an honorable discharge that leaves him uncertain of his future. When his brothers ask him to come back to Miami Beach to help manage their new condo conversion, he figures he can at least advise them about security systems before declining the job. He has no intention of staying in the city that has so many bad memories for him.

Knox is reminded that not all his memories of growing up in Miami Beach are bad when he sees Danielle again at the Grand Opening of the new Fur Haven Dog Park. Fifteen years haven't softened the pain of their breakup. But Knox is different now, more hard-edged and suspicious, and when he bonds with the retired racing greyhound, Sarge, Danielle's cool reserve begins to melt. Sarge needs special care after the injuries that ended his racing career, and it's not long before Danielle realizes that Knox does too. Can Danielle trust her heart to the one man who's ever broken it?

Snuggle up with your best dog companion and get reading: This adorable romance includes a veteran who could use a four-legged best friend, a second chance with a high school sweetheart, and a determined heroine who isn't going to let the man of her dreams get away again.

I really enjoyed this story, and it has made me want to catch up on the series.  I loved the focus on how rescue dogs can help you heal, it touched me as I rescued a puppy and she really has been such a bright light in our lives. 

I found it to be a sweet, fun romance built on second chances for both humans and dogs.   I will definitely be grabbing the first 2 books in the series.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca 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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Under the Cover of Murder by Lauren Elliott

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Under the Cover of Murder” the 6th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.

Bookshop owner and maid of honor Addie Greyborne vows to catch the killer who crashed her best friend's wedding...

It promises to be Greyborne Harbor's wedding of the year. The impending nuptials of Serena Chandler and Zach Ludlow will take place aboard his family's luxurious super-yacht, currently moored in the harbor and the talk of the town. But on the day of the wedding, a man's body washes up on the beach with no ID, only a torn page from a book in his pocket. As owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios, bibliophile Addie is called in to identify the book, but she cannot.

The morning following the extravagant ceremony, a second body washes ashore and Addie has a sinking feeling that the two deaths are connected. While the guests are held on the yacht as the police investigate, at least Addie can peruse Zach's father's rare books library on board. A copy of Agatha Christie's first Hercule Poirot novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, provides a clue that the killer may still be on the ship—but narrowing down the suspects without becoming the next victim may prove a truly Herculean task...

I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the series!  I liked that we had two mysteries to solve, the murders and the forged books.  The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved all the characters from the over the top Mother in-law to Catherine and Paige.

I kept second-guessing myself on whodunnit almost to the very end but I did suspect correctly just before it was revealed.  Plus I liked the surprise ending and I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next! 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I can’t wait to read "To the Tome of Murder” book 7 on October 26, 2021!

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

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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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Picture Perfect Frame by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Picture Perfect Frame" the 12th instalment in the "Tourist Trap” Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. This is one of my favourite cozy mystery series! 

In the new Tourist Trap mystery from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a new art studio has opened in the coastal California town of South Cove—but it’s about to turn into a crime scene . . .

As the owner of Coffee, Books, and More, Jill Gardner likes to support other Main Street businesses, so she attends a paint-and-sip event where, sadly, her brushstrokes look more like blobs. It’s still fun, though—aside from some disruption by a couple doing more sipping than painting. Jill’s police-detective boyfriend is on alert, but a designated driver volunteers to take the drunken pair back to their bed and breakfast, and everything seems resolved. Until the wife’s body turns up the next morning back in the studio.

The victim, Nan, is from out of town, so it’s hard to imagine who’d have a motive aside from her spouse. Now, in between puzzling over her fortuneteller neighbor’s strange behavior, preparing for her best friend’s wedding, and pouring cups of java at the bookstore, Jill must uncover the secrets of Nan’s life and find out who wanted her out of the picture . . .

Visiting South Cove, California and Coffee, Books & More is always a pleasure.  I love the main set of characters Jill, Amy, Aunt Jackie, Greg, Toby and now we have Deek and Evie as part of the CBM family.   

As for the mystery I found it to be well plotted and it moved along at a steady pace. There were only a few suspects for the murder and but you  still find yourself second guessing on who the murderer can be. Overall I found this to be a great story and I loved the surprise ending! 

I can’t wait for the next instalment to come out.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

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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No Cone Unturned by Chelsea Thomas

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing No Cone Unturned book 12 in the ”Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery” series by Chelsea Thomas. I love spending time in Pine Grove, NY. with Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny!

Predatory loan shops ruin small towns.

But what happens when the loan shark gets murdered and everyone in town had a reason to kill?

Pine Grove is a comfy place. The kind of town where every living room has a giant, over stuffed armchair. Where there's smoke in every chimney and a pie in every oven.

But all this murder is a problem.

Miss May used to be a lawyer. She's solved lots of murders so far. But every new murder feels like she's back at square one. No information. No suspects. Killer on the loose.

Chelsea and Teeny are her plucky sidekicks. They're in it for the snacks. And the thrills. And the cherry on top.

Yes. This murder happened at the local creamery. It's a crime against ice cream. And sprinkles! And whipped cream.

But someone's hot fudge sun-dead and it's up to our girls to find out.

Will our heroines find the killer? Or will this be the first suspect to get away?

I enjoyed this latest instalment in the series, the characters are well-developed and we continue to learn a little bit more about each of them. My favourites are still Teeny, aunt May and Chelsea.  I love all the Teeny-isms she’s such a hoot!

The mystery has plenty of twists and turns that you are keep you guessing. I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series. I find them to be entertaining and the plot moves at a steady pace that keeps you engaged. 

I can’t wait for the next instalment as well as the spin off series!

I highly recommend this book/series. It can easily stand alone but I recommend you read the series from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

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

Hugs,