Vistas, Vices, & Valentines by Tonya Kappes

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Vistas, Vices, & Valentines” the 24th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.  I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of the Laundry Club Ladies and Happy Trails Campground.

Welcome to Normal where nothing is normal!

Join Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies as they cha cha and twirl their way around Happy Trails Campground as they put on some sleuthing dance shoes to bring closure to this southern and fun cozy Valentine's mystery.

When I begged Hank Sharp to take dance lessons to celebrate Valentine's Day, I knew I was getting more than I had bargained for. But when a dancer's dead body shows up at the height of the competition and Hank is hired to investigate the murder, I had no idea what we were in store for when he had Dottie Swaggert and Henry Bryant go undercover as a dance competition couple to get insider information.

After a little snooping around, we discovered there were deep running feuds and passions behind those sequins and smiles that gave motive and opportunity to kill for the desires to win the most coveted dancing title.

Time is running out and we fear Dottie's life is in danger. Let's face it, she has a hard time keeping her mouth shut. And NO ONE puts Dottie in the corner.

In this instalment we have the ladies and Hank learning to dance for Valentine’s Day! 

But the best bits are the dottisms lol she cracks me up.  My favourite was “He’s as useless as a milk bucket underneath a bull”

The  mystery was good, with lots of suspects and a few red herrings.

I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 25 as I want to know more about what’s in store for Normal KY! 

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,

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Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library" by Holly Danvers the 2nd book in the A Lakeside Library Mystery series. What a great sequel to book one,  I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

An icy cold murder and a library patron collide in Holly Danver’s second Lakeside Library Mystery.

A glowing wood stove, a cozy log cabin, and shelves full of books are all Rain Wilmot needs to ride out the Wisconsin winter, now that she’s made her family’s Lofty Pines library her year-round home. But the warm-hearted librarian’s blood runs cold when local man, Wallace Benson, is found dead during the annual Ice Fishing Jamboree.

After Benson’s body is found in his ice shanty, Rain recalls that she recently saw the victim in her library, borrowing a few cookbooks to prepare for the fishing tournament’s communal “chili dump.” She later finds these same books returned to the library’s drop box, with an enigmatic note from Benson to Rain.

As Rain seeks to understand the message, the prime suspect becomes Rain’s friend Nick, who was the last person to see Wallace alive and who returned to the Jamboree with a nasty cut on his hand. The knife found in his tackle box only makes Nick’s troubles worse. But Rain keeps fishing for other suspects. Was the killer Danny, who lost his arm to a logging accident involving Wallace? Or Danny’s bitter father, whose dreams of retirement were dashed by his son’s accident?

With the help of her friends Julia and Jace, Rain sets out to hook the real culprit and clear Nick’s name. But can her sleuthing skills protect her from a killer who’d like to take her out of circulation?

I really like the Protagonist Rain, and her bff Julia they are relatable, fun and full of shenanigans. I was happy that Margie and Rexy the dog were in the story again too.  Now could Rain’s love life start to blossom in book three with two possible suitors …

There were plenty of red herrings, twists, and turns to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next. 

I cant wait for the 3rd 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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The Garden by the Sea by Amanda James

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing The Garden by the Sea by Amanda James.   What can I say other than it was a feel-good , light-hearted read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! 

A heartwarming novel of new beginnings, community and finding your tribe when you need them the most…

A precious heirloom passed down from mother to daughter…

Lowena Rowe’s beloved mum always claimed her family seed box was special. Said to contain soil from Tintagel, the mysterious seat of the legendary King Arthur, whomever made a wish upon the box would have ‘a beautiful garden, bountiful crops and love of their fellow man’. Lowena isn’t inclined to believe the myth but can’t part with the box, knowing how much it meant to her mum.

Starting over with a new home and a new job in the Cornish village of St Merryn, Lowena can’t help feeling lost and alone… but she isn’t the only one. Now, as a community of misfits finds solace and friendship in the shade of her growing garden, she realises there might have been truth to the mythical box after all, and she may just be growing the life and love she’s always wanted…

The setting of a Cornish village called St. Merryn, sounded breathtaking! It was heartwarming, full of friendship and community, the perfect read on a cold winters 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 story and I'll definitely be reading more by this author.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harpers Collins UK 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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Whisking Everything by Chelsea Thomas

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Whisking Everything” the 15th book in the ”Apple Orchard Cozy Mystery” series by Chelsea Thomas. I love spending time in Pine Grove, NY. with Miss May, Chelsea and Teeny!

There’s a train headed for Pine Grove…

…and no one likes it. 

It’s autumn in upstate New York. Every neighbor is out on the porch enjoying he weather, and there’s a pie cooling on every window sill, waiting to be eaten with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream.

For local sleuths Chelsea, Teeny and Miss May, life is perfect. There hasn’t been a murder in a while. And all is right in their little town.

The dead body changes everything.

Chelsea has worked hard to become a stronger, more rational person these past couple years. Solving murders has helped that. But this one threatens to break her all over again.

Chelsea's hot cop boyfriend wants to take the next step in their romance.

Chelsea isn’t sure she’s over her previous heart break. And it’s hard for her to deal with big emotions in the middle of a murder investigation.

Sixty-something Miss May leads the investigation, but she relies on Chelsea for help. Will Chelsea be able to put her heartbreak aside and solve the murder? Or will this be the one that sends her reeling?

The mystery has plenty of twists and turns to 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 and it could be our last!

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, 

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Up to No Gouda by Linda Reilly

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Up to No Gouda” the first instalment in A Grilled Cheese Mystery series by Linda Reilly set in the town of Balsam Dell, Vermont. What a great start to a new series!

The first in a delicious new culinary cozy series featuring a grilled cheese eatery owner who must solve murders in her small town before she is put under lock and brie

Back in Balsam Dell to heal after the death of her husband, Carly Hale is finally pursuing her lifelong dream—opening Carly's Grilled Cheese Eatery. After only five months, business is booming as Vermont vacationers and townspeople alike flock to lunch on her Party Havartis and other grilled cheese concoctions. All but Lyle Bagley, Carly's one-time high school boyfriend and now town bully who just bought the building that houses her eatery and wants Carly out. After a muenster of a fight, Carly's forced to put her nose to the rind and find a solution to keep her business afloat.

That is...until Lyle is discovered dead behind the dumpster of Carly's shop, and one of her employees becomes the prime suspect. In order to save her eatery and prove her friend's innocence, Carly must sleuth out the killer before she's the one who gets grilled.

With a delightful cast of characters, an inventive amateur sleuth, and a whole host of cheesy hijinks, Up to No Gouda is the perfect cozy murder mystery to melt into.

I like the Protagonist Carly,  she’s working through grief after losing her husband in a tragic accident. She decides to return the night to her hometown of Balsam Dell to open up a Grilled Cheese restaurant.

The characters are well developed and I loved the bond between Carly, Suzanne and Grant. I look forward to seeing how Carly’s relationship with them and her childhood BFF will continue to develop and could there be romance in the air for Carly in book 2

One character who I loved and hope to see more of in book 2 is Harvarti the dog …

The mystery was interesting and there are plenty of red herrings, and  twists to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next. 

I read the book in one day it was that good, I even ate a grilled cheese and tomato soup while I read the last few chapters.  Luckily there are recipes at the back, that you will be dying to try I know I am.

I cant wait for the second instalment No Parm No Foul to come out in July 2022.  I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Poisoned Pen Press 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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Honey Roast by Cleo Coyle

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Honey Roast” by Cleo Coyle the 19th instalment in the "A Coffeehouse  Mystery" series. I have only read a few in the series and not in order, so can be read as a stand alone. But with that said I really wish I had read in order from the beginning cause they are so good..

Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend in this all-new mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.

While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop's new latte. Produced by Madame's old friend "Queen" Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea's rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.

One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend's chimney, and Clare discovers Bea's unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide, but Clare does not believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary start-ups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises, I did not suspect the killer at all. 

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Clare and her ex-Matt as well as her mentor Madame. The inclusion of the bees and how they are kept in New York and the Bee Squad was really interesting to.  

We can’t forget all the mouth watering food and drinks throughout the book which we are lucky to have the recipes for in the back of the book.

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

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group 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 a Scottish Social by Traci Hall

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Murder at a Scottish Social” the 3rd instalment in the Scottish Shire Mystery series by Traci Hall.  This has become one of my favourite Scottish cozy mysteries!  I absolutely loved this instalment and can’t wait for book 4 

USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall returns to the charming seaside town of Nairn, Scotland, where busy mom, sweater shop owner, and knitting enthusiast Paislee Saw must untangle a murder by Scottish shortbread cookie!

When a tainted Scottish shortbread cookie kills the Queen Bee of a competitive mom clique, Paislee Shaw, owner of Cashmere Crush sweater shop and knitting sleuth, must unravel the clues in the third installment of Traci Hall’s Scottish Shire Mystery series.

Opening her shop Cashmere Crush and making a new home for herself, her son Brody, Gramps, and their black Scottish terrier Wallace in the beautiful Scottish village of Nairn is a dream come true. So Paislee is happy to give back by donating a luxurious cashmere sweater for an auction to raise money for the Nairn Food Bank. She’s less happy to make the acquaintance of a clique of competitive moms at the charity event, who treat a baking contest like it’s life or death. It turns out to be the latter for Queen Bee Kristen Buchanan when a peanut-laced shortbread cookie triggers her fatal nut allergy.

Who would poison Kristen? How about half the town? But when Paislee’s pal Blaise is suspected, the sweater-selling sleuth leaps into action to unravel the mystery. Along with gruff but handsome DI Mack Zeffer, she has to sort through a batch of suspects without becoming this cookie-cutter killer’s next target…

I loved meeting the newest addition to Paislee’s circle Blaise who unfortunately had dealings with mean girls….  Lydia and Paislee had Blaise’s back throughout the story which I admire.  I would love to have more friends like that.  I find the characters to be wonderful,  full of Scottish pride and small village life.  

Now I’m glad that Paisley, her son Brody and grandpa Angus are still together but I have a feeling something is up with Craigh… maybe we will learn more in book 4.

The mystery is interesting, well plotted, full of lots of twists and kept me guessing on whodunnit right to the reveal.

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

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Publishing 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,

A Three Book Problem by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “A Three Book Problem” the 7th instalment in "A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop" Mystery series by Vicki Delany. It can easily be read as a standalone but I recommend reading in order.  

Gemma Doyle is back on the case in bestselling author Vicki Delany's seventh Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mystery when a poisoned dart ends in demise. 

It's a crisp, early October weekend, and business is slowing down as fall descends at the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and adjacent Mrs. Hudson's Tea Room. Wealthy philanthropist and prominent Sherlockian David Masterson has rented Suffolk Gardens House, where he plans to entertain his friends in a traditional English country house weekend.

As the chosen caterers, Jayne Wilson and Gemma Doyle get to work preparing lavish meals and setting up Sherlockian books and props for entertainment. Meanwhile, police detective Ryan Ashburton has taken time away from his duties to assist in the kitchen. It quickly becomes apparent that David's guests don't like each other--or their host. Plus, some of them aren't even acquainted with the adventures of the Great Detective.

Before Gemma can ponder their relationships a poisoned dart sails through the window of the library, presenting Gemma Doyle with a three-book problem.

I enjoyed this mystery, thought it flowed well and kept my attention.  The setting of West London in Cape Cod is idyllic and this time we are at a big manor house .  

I loved the characters of Gemma and BFF Jayne along with Donald and Ryan who the story entered around. Gemma and Ryan's relationship is progressing nicely and I like how they are compromising to keep things harmonious.  I look forward to the next book in this series and seeing where their relationship goes.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, with enough twists to keep you interested.  I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

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 Fatal Family Feast by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Fatal Family Feast " the 6th instalment in the Farm to Fork Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.  I love this series!

Angie Turner's Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, is the perfect site for a picturesque country wedding, but the party planning skids to a halt when the groom-to-be is implicated in a murder investigation…

When Angie's best friend and business partner, Felicia Williams, picks the County Seat to host her upcoming nuptials, Angie wants it to feel like a family affair--especially since Felicia is set to marry the farm-to-fork restaurant's talented sous chef, Estebe Blackstone. Unfortunately, the bride's actual family is far less enthusiastic about the union. They're pulling out all the stops to cancel the couple's wedding, even arranging for a surprise visit from Felicia's ex-fiancé (and her father's current lackey). But when her ex is killed days before the ceremony and Estebe is framed for the crime, Angie and the County Seat crew must scramble to solve the murder and save the wedding . . .

I really enjoyed this story, and I love the main characters and how their lives are progressing.  Angie has surrounded herself with a good group of people, but it can take one bad apple to upset things.  We get to meet Felicia’s family from Boston, who I must confess I did not like to much … 

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 7 and find out what’s in store with Angie and Ian.

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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National Hot Tea month

Hello my cozy friends,

Happy New Years 

It’s January 1st and the beginning of National Hot Tea month!  Lol every day is hot tea for me  but I’m aiming to try out a few different teas this month.

One of my good book friends Debra Jo sells Java Mama loose tea and is always having parties, if you live in the United States please check out her Facebook Group and website 

Growing up with British parents I was introduced to tea at a very young age, and have been addicted to strong black tea ever since.

Did you know tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world? There are over 1,000 flavors. Hot Tea has influenced different countries’ cuisine for hundreds of years. Tea even plays a part in many countries culture and their representation on what is the best way to serve tea. 

Whether you follow the brewing traditions of the English or follow Chinese Customs,  National Hot Tea Month is best celebrated with a cuppa.

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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