The Cider Shop Rules by Julie Anne Lindsey

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Cider Shop Rules” by Julie Anne Lindsey the 3rd instalment in the Cider Shop Mystery series.  Julie Anne Lindsey is not just one of my favorite cozy authors she is also a wonderful person. 

Autumn in Blossom Valley means pumpkin patches are ripe and Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe’s cider shop is flourishing. But with this season comes . . .
 
A FATAL HARVEST
 
The Fall Festival is in full swing. Civil War reenactors from three counties are partaking in Blossom Valley’s tribute to John Brown. Blue Ridge Mountain foliage is in full bloom. And best of all is Jacob Potter’s pumpkin farm where his hay rides, piglet races, pumpkin picking and corn maze are time-honored draws for locals and tourists alike. That’s why it’s such a shock when Mr. Potter is found dead, hidden under a tarp in the back of Winnie’s pickup truck. This certainly betrays Potter’s reputation as one of the town’s most popular citizens. Fortunately, when it comes to solving a murder, no one has a patch on Winnie. Now, all eyes are on her to do it. Unfortunately, that includes those of the killer who’ll do anything to keep an orchard full of secrets buried.
 

This book was so good I read it in one day, I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed visiting Blossom Valley, Virginia and the Smythe Orchards again. 

Winnie Montgomery is smart and very likeable and I like how she lives by her grandmother (Granny Smythe) on the Smythe Orchard. I love Granny, Dot her bff , and who can resist a couple of orange rescue kittens, a fainting goat and now a goose! (I’m secretly hoping a pig joins the zoo soon) 

There was plenty of suspense and intrigue in this story, which kept me guessing till the very end.  We find out some more about Colton this go around too! Now I am anxiously waiting for book 4 to come out!

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy mystery loving friends!

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books, the Author 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.

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Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Murder in a Teacup” by Vicki Delany the 2nd instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. This was a great follow up to the first book and firmly placed it in my favourites.  Vicki Delany has become one of my favourite cozy mystery authors, I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of her books.

National bestselling author Vicki Delany's delightful Tea by the Sea mystery series continues, as Cape Cod tearoom proprietress and part-time sleuth, Lily Roberts, stirs up trouble when she unwittingly serves one of her grandmother's B&B guests a deadly cup of tea...

Lily has her work cut out for her when a visit from her grandmother Rose's dear friend, Sandra McHenry, turns into an unexpected--and unpleasant--McHenry family reunion. The squabbling boils over and soon Tea by the Sea's serene afternoon service resembles the proverbial tempest in a teapot. Somehow, Lily and her tearoom survive the storm, and Sandra's bickering brethren finally retreat to Rose's B & B. But later that evening, a member of their party--harmless Ed French--dies from an apparent poisoning and suddenly Tea by the Sea is both scene and suspect in a murder investigation!

Mercifully, none of the other guests fall ill. They all ate the same food, but Ed insisted on bringing his own special blend of herbal teas. So it seems, amid the whining and dining, someone snuck up to one of Lily's cherished teapots and fatally spiked Ed's bespoke brew, but who? Was it Ed's long-estranged sister-in-law? Did teenage troublemaker Tyler take a prank too far? Or perhaps the family's feuds have been steeping for longer than anyone realizes? It's up to Lily, Rose, and their friends to get to the bottom of the poisoned pot and bag the real culprit behind the kettle murder plot.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end.  I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie.  Bernie still has trouble focusing on one thing when comes to her novel, but I think she is just easily distracted and wants to do it all.

I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does an amazing job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you.   Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving 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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A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Time to Swill by Sherry Harris the 2nd instalment in the "Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery" series. What can I say other than I loved it even more than the first book!   I read it in one day, couldn’t put it down.

Saloon owner Chloe Jackson is after a murderer with skeletons in the closet--and one on a boat.

BAD TO THE BONE

Chloe loves her new life pouring beers and mixing cocktails at the Sea Glass Saloon in the Florida Panhandle town of Emerald Cove. But on the job, the only exercise she gets is walking from one end of the bar to the other, so in the mornings she loves to run on the beach. On this morning's foggy run, she spots a sailboat washed up on a sandbar. Hearing a cry, she climbs aboard the beached vessel to investigate and finds not only a mewling kitten--but a human skeleton in the cabin.

The skeleton is tied back to Chloe's friend Ralph, whose wife disappeared on a sailboat with three other people twelve years ago. Believing his wife was lost at sea, Ralph remarried. Now he finds himself a murder suspect. Chloe is determined to find out who's been up to some skulduggery, but her sleuthing will lead her into some rough waters and some bone-chilling revelations...

I found myself engrossed in the story and I loved the setting of Emerald Cove, Florida panhandle.  The way the author described it really makes me want to visit Florida, I could picture myself on the beach deck outside the Seaglass with a drink and good book.

The protagonist Chloe is a very likeable, and I like that she has insecurities like most of us woman of certain size or build, but at the same time she’s confident except when she likes someone. The characters are well-developed and we are starting to see new layers to them.

The mystery had just enough suspects, red herrings, and twists and turns to keep you guessing till the end. I found it to be a fun fast read. I am looking forward to seeing what is next for her, especially in her relationships with Vivi and Rhett aka Rip.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving 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

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Two Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Two Wicked Desserts" the 2nd instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. 

Releases July 27, 2021

Mia Malone conjures up delicacies while casting about for clues in New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon's Two Wicked Desserts, continuing her Kitchen Witch Mystery series...

Magic Springs, Idaho, may be a small town, but Mia Malone is living an enchanted life running her own catering business and cooking school. And while she's teaching the locals culinary craft, her grandmother is teaching her witchcraft for the day she inherits the family magical spells that have been passed down for generations. Unfortunately, all that knowledge is not helping Mia or her grandmother in removing the spirit of warlock Dorian Alexander from Mia's cat Mr. Darcy.

But even though Dorian hasn't yet left this earthly plane, his spells have already been transferred to his daughter Cindy's grimoire. An actress looking for her big Hollywood break, Cindy is hoping there's something in her father's bag of tricks to make her a star. But playing with magic has only resulted in a trip to Idaho where Cindy finds herself the number one suspect in the murder of a hitman whose body was found in the garden of Mia's Morsels. Now it's up to Mia to conjure up a killer before everything she's worked so hard for vanishes with a poof!

I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans and Christina! I found myself engrossed in the story and seeing how Mia and Trent and Christina and James relationships are progressing.  I’m a huge fan girl of Lynn’s and always fall in love with the characters, town and become invested in what’s happening. 

I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, and I can’t wait to learn more about Mias ancestors. It was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end.  I cant wait to see what happens next for Mia and her friends in book 3. 

I highly recommend this new series to all my cozy loving 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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An Endless Cornish Summer by Phillipa Ashley

Hello my friends,

The first in a gorgeous new series “A Perfect Cornish Summer” by Phillipa Ashley. I am glad I decided to try a Women's Fiction for a change as it was a very entertaining, fun filled read.

Escape to the seaside with this gorgeous new series from the Sunday Times bestselling author – perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Heidi Swain.

Rose Vernon is headed to a quiet Cornish village – to find the man who saved her life. 
 
For Rose, every day is a gift. She narrowly survived a life-threatening illness and owes everything to her anonymous donor. Determined to thank him, Rose follows a trail of clues that lead her to the little Cornish fishing village of Falford. 
 
But things become complicated when Rose is drawn into local life, becoming involved in the legendary Falford Regatta and meeting the handsome Morvah brothers – one of whom might just be the man she’s looking for. But which one? 
 
Can Rose find the answer she’s searching for, or will she lose her heart before the summer is over?

I visited Cornwall 4 years ago the way this is written I was transported back and could picture it in full colour. The author was good at describing the every day life in a Cornish harbour town. Learning about boat building and Cornish myths and legends was fascinating as well.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were lots of twists and turns and multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. I will definitely read other books by this author.

My Rating

I requested and received an advanced readers copy Courtesy of NetGalley and Avon publishing. All 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.

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Outdoors, Oars, & Oath By Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Outdoors, Oars & Oath” the 18th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.  I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies.

Wow Tonya has surprised me again! As always I know if I want to have some laughs, solve a murder and escape for awhile picking up one of Tonya Kappes books is just what the doctor ordered.

I found myself engrossed in the mystery and worrying about people’s relationships as if they were my own. I enjoyed taking a road trip to New York with the Laundry Club Ladies, and having a glimpse into Maes life after Perrysburg.

I did wonder about the bad guy and was correct but it did not take away from the story. But that ending I was like WHAT not again...  I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 19 which can’t come fast enough for me as I want to know what’s in store for Mae next!

If your looking for a fun, southern mystery then this is your book!  I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from 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,

A Hex for Danger by Esme Addison

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “A Hex for Danger” by Esme Addison the 2nd instalment in the "An Enchanted Bay Mystery".  What a great follow up to the last book, I just love the whole mermaid, magical theme in this series.

The annual Mermaid Festival is the setting for Esme Addison's sunny-yet-sinister second Enchanted Bay mystery, perfect for fans of Heather Blake and Bailey Cates.

The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn't used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other...except, of course, for the mermaids.

Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary, while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she's still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage, plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who's in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay's history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.

When the police investigation nets Celeste, Alex decides to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friend's name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye...and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over 2 days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  The setting of Bellamy Bay was nice and I am a sucker for a cozy set in North Carolina.  This series is becoming a favourite and not just cause it centres around mermaids.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.  

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. I am looking forward to book 3!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane 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 Pumpkin Spice Killing by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Pumpkin Spice Killing" a novella in the Farm to Fork Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.  I have really grown to love this series!

Angie Turner's Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, owes its success not only to its farm-fresh fair, but also to its devoted and passionate staff. But a team-building retreat turns into much more than they bargained for . . .

Angie and her County Seat staff are all prepared for some much-needed R&R. Hope's been hinting at an arts-and-crafts themed retreat. Instead, they end up at a military veteran's home, where it's their job to get it spic and span for summer. In between weeding the garden and painting the rooms, Angie starts up a conversation with an older vet who wants to make amends with his son before it's too late. Unfortunately, he has no idea of his son's whereabouts. It's the perfect side job for the County Seat team, but someone keeps blocking their efforts. And the more they try to find out why, the more they're certain someone's life might be in danger . . .

I really enjoyed this story, and I love Angies County Seat Crew/family and Dom the Saint Bernard.  Angie has surrounded herself with a good group of people, who believe in charity and hard work, this go around the team building event is helping out at a VA home for elderly veterans.  Dom plays a big role in the story which I liked, as I believe dogs can sense when something is not right. 

The mystery is interesting and well plotted. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.  I can’t wait for book 6 and find out what’s in store with Angie and her friends.

I 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,

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Murder at the Lakeside by Holly Danver

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder at the Lakeside" by Holly Danver the first book in the A Lakeside Library Mystery series. What a great start to a new cozy mystery series,  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmont must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life.

Rain Wilmont has just returned to her family's waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain's corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain's mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premise.

The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thorton. The town even thought they were having an affair.

While theories swirl about the Thorton's death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn't careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at Lakeside Library the first in Holly Danvers' new Lakeside Library mysteries.

I grew up in a small lake community in the Okanogan Valley and totally connected to the nostalgic theme of the story as well as the characters.  Compared to my childhood the Lakesides are over crowded as McMansions and Condominium communities have taken over. 

I like the Protagonist Rain,  she’s working through grief and other life issues so escapes to the lake where she connects with her bestie Julia again.  The characters I can see becoming more developed in book 2 but they are very likeable, and who doesn't love a dog named "Rexy”

I read the book in one day it was that good. There are plenty of red herrings, twists, turns to keep me wanting to find out what will happen next. 

I cant wait for the second instalment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane 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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A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “A Glimmer of a Clue” by Daryl Wood Gerber  the 2nd instalment in “A Fairy Garden Mystery" series.  What a great follow up to book one, I love all the whimsical characters and learning about fairy gardens. Plus I love all the recipes at the back of the book! 

From Agatha Award-winning author Daryl Wood Gerber, the second in an enchantingly whimsical series featuring Courtney Kelly, the owner of a fairy-gardening and tea shop in Carmel, California. It's a special place brimming with good vibes, lush greenery, miniature fairy accessories, and soothing fountains; the perfect venue for book club teas and home to a cat named Pixie. But in Carmel-by-the-Sea, things aren't all sweetness and fairy lights...

When Courtney's friend Wanda gets into a ponytail-pulling wrestling match in public with a nasty local art critic, Courtney stops the fight with the help of a garden hose. But Lana Lamar has a talent for escalating things and creating tension, which she succeeds in doing by threatening a lawsuit, getting into yet another scuffle--in the midst of an elegant fundraiser, no less--and lobbing insults around like pickleballs.  

Next thing Courtney knows, Lana is on the floor, stabbed with a decorative letter opener from one of Courtney's fairy gardens, and Wanda is standing by asking "What have I done?" But the answer may not be as obvious as it seems, since Wanda is prone to sleepwalking and appears to be in a daze. Could she have risen from her nap and committed murder while unconscious? Or is the guilty party someone else Lana's ticked off, like her long-suffering husband? To find out, Courtney will have to dig up some dirt...

I found the story to be very entertaining as well as full of twists to keep you guessing till the very end. 

I like the protagonist Courtney and her fairy Fiona, plus we are learning more about the side characters which helps bring everything to life.  Could there be a romance in bloom between Courtney and Brady …

I’m anxiously awaiting for the next instalment as I want to know if Fiona gets her wings as well as learn more about the other fairies.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving 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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Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing Summer in the Scottish Highlands by Donna Ashcroft.   What can I say other than it was a feel-good , light-hearted summer read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Reminded me of a Hallmark romance movie.

Escape to the gorgeous little village of Lockton in the Scottish Highlands, where you’ll discover sunshine, secrets and an unforgettable romance. It’s the perfect place to be this summer…

Thirty-year-old Paige Dougall’s life is a mess. Only a year ago she was smashing all of her life goals: handsome husband, high-flying job, cute kid. But in just under twelve months everything has gone wrong. Nursing a broken heart, single mother Paige returns to her childhood home in a picture-perfect Scottish village to try and get her life together.

Paige is too wrapped up in her worries to embrace the beautiful rolling hills and lavender-scented air of the highlands. That is until Johnny Becker, the infuriatingly cheerful chef, with his twinkling eyes and dimpled smile, steps onto the scene and provides Paige with some much-needed distraction…

Johnny challenges Paige to step outside her comfort zone and focus on the things that really matter. From food tasting, to puppy training, to mountain climbing, in every moment she spends with Johnny, Paige finds herself remembering how to live again… will she be able to love again too?

Across long sunshine-filled days, Paige and Johnny grow closer and she’s tempted to open her heart to him. But is happy-go-lucky Johnny hiding secrets of his own?

And can Paige learn to let go of her past and find happiness in the highlands?

The setting of a tiny village called Lockton in the Scottish Highlands, sounded breathtaking! It was heartwarming and made me laugh, the perfect read on a rainy summer day. 

 I literally didn't want to put it down once I'd started it and I finished it in one sitting.  The characters are likeable and you get thoroughly caught up in the story as it unfolds. 

This is a wonderful beach read and I'll definitely be reading more by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book 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.

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A Fatal Footnote by Margaret Loudon

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing "A Fatal Footnote” the 2nd instalment in the "An Open Book Mystery" series by Margaret Loudon. I think this series will be on my must read list, I really enjoy the setting and I really like the main characters.

Writer-in-residence Penelope Parish will need to use every trick in her quaint British bookshop to unravel a murderous plot that threatens to ruin a ducal wedding.

The wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Upper Chumley-on Stoke has all the makings of a fairy tale, complete with a glowing bride and horse-drawn carriage. But it wouldn't be much of a story without a villain, and as American Gothic novelist Penelope Parish is coming to learn, happy-ever-afters are as fraught in this charming British town as they are in her books.

When the Duke's former girlfriend is found murdered at the reception it's up to Penelope and her newfound family at the Open Book bookshop to catch the killer before they strike again.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over a couple of days.  I love the characters of Penelope and Figgy and Mrs. Danvers the cat.

Overall the mystery was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  I didnt guess the killer before Pen this time!

I can’t wait to read the next book and see how things are at the Open Book Bookstore and Upper Chumley-on Stoke. 

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

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Berkeley Publishing 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.

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