Aug 26, 2024

Silent Nights Are Murder by Libby Klein

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Silent Nights Are Murder" the 9th instalment in the Poppy McAllister Mystery series by Libby Klein. I love this series and I think this was best one yet!
Gluten-free baker Poppy McAllister and her aunt Ginny are looking forward to a quiet, homey Christmas at their B&B in Cape May, but unfortunately, death isn’t taking a holiday this year . . .


Ever since Thanksgiving, when an engagement ring in a velvet box—and no gift tag—was left behind, Poppy and her pals have been left with an unsolved mystery. But at least this mystery isn’t the kind that involves murder. That all changes when the body of a fish supplier is discovered in the kitchen of her ex’s restaurant—and he’s frozen, not fresh.

For once, it’s not Poppy who tripped over the corpse, yet she can’t escape being drawn in since the victim has a note taped to him reading Get Poppy. Figures—an engagement ring isn't labeled, but the dead guy is addressed to her. Now, while Aunt Ginny plans a tree-trimming party and pressures Poppy to decode a mysterious old diary, the amateur sleuth is asked to “unofficially” go undercover at the restaurant to help the police. Until then, the only crime Poppy had been dealing with was the cat Figaro’s repeated thefts of bird ornaments from the tree; now it looks like it’s going to be a murder-y Christmas after all . . .
I love visiting the Jersey Shore and Poppy, Gia, the adorable Henry, Aunt Ginny, and the "Biddies" and now Kenny Love! Plus we cant forget about her mischievous cat, Figuro! This time around Poppy has engagement rings on the brain,  Aunt Ginny pressures Poppy to decode a mysterious old diary, the amateur sleuth is also asked to “unofficially” go undercover at the restaurant to help the police, what more can Poppy add to her Christmas plate... read to find out

I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait till the next instalment comes out and finding out what Poppy does next! 

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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Aug 25, 2024

Six Stunning Sirens by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Six Stunning Sirens" the 6th instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon which releases September 24, 2024
In the latest in the enchanting series by New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon, Mia Malone is looking forward to catering the Miss Magic Springs Harvest Pageant, part of the local coven’s big autumn celebration—until death puts a chill in the air . . .

In a triumph for Mia’s catering business and cooking school, Mia’s Morsels is chosen to host a fall festival event in their Idaho mountain town—which means managing a bunch of stage moms and their social-media obsessed daughters as they get ready for the big beauty contest. There’s a lot riding on the results of the Harvest Moon Festival—it’s where the local coven leader is chosen for the following year.

But after one contestant is found in a compromising position with a judge, and another drops out when her mother is killed in a freak hiking accident, the coven suspects magical meddling. With a week to go before the coronation of the new queen, Mia must draw on her sleuthing powers to find out what’s going on—and whether this competition has gotten a little too cutthroat . . .
I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans, Christina and Abigail. This time it’s the Harvest Moon Festival and a coven beauty contest that Mia and the gang are hosting , what could go wrong… 
 
I adore Trent’s familiar, a cute little Maltese Cerby and the things he was getting up too. Can’t wait to see what Cerby gets up to in the next book as they learn to raise a hellhound…

I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Mia and Mia’s Morsels in book 7.

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.


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Aug 24, 2024

Death by Misadventure by Tasha Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Death by Misadventure” the 18th instalment in the A Lady Emily Mysteries by Tasha Alexander.  This is the fourth book I have read by Tasha Alexander and won’t be my last.  
In the latest installment of Tasha Alexander’s New York Times bestselling series, Lady Emily must solve a string of high stakes “accidents” while trapped in a lavish villa in the Bavarian Alps.

In the winter of 1906, Lady Emily and husband Colin are invited to the opulent home of Baroness Ursula von Duchtel in the Bavarian alps. Outside is a mountainous winter wonderland with a view of Mad King Ludwig’s fairy tale castle. Inside, the villa hosts a magnificent but eclectic art collection—as well as an equally eclectic collection of fellow guests, among them a musician, an art dealer, a coquette from the demi-monde, and Kaspar, the Baroness’ boorish son-in-law, whom, it begins to appear, someone wants dead.

Almost forty years earlier, Niels, a young German lord, sings to himself in the forest surrounding those same alps, capturing the attention of a not-yet-mad King Ludwig. Niels and the king become fast friends, their relationship deepening into something more as their time together stretches on. But while King Ludwig is content to live out a fantasy where their responsibilities don't matter and the outside world doesn't affect them, Niels knows that their bliss cannot last forever...

Decades later, Emily continues to investigate Kaspar's increasingly lethal “mishaps" when tragedy strikes, ensnaring the guests in a web of fear and suspicion. It’s up to Emily to sift through old secrets and motivations, some stretching far into the past, to unmask the killer.

I found it to be a quick easy read and finished in two days, I enjoyed the dual narratives telling us the story of Nielsa young German lord and a young King Ludwig in 1866 to lady Emily in 1906 in the Bavarian alps during a winters storm. 

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters of Lady Emily and Colin.
I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Minotaur Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Aug 23, 2024

Death of a Gingerbread Man by Lee Hollis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Death of a Gingerbread Man” by Lee Hollis the 17th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series which releases on September 24, 2024.
When Christmas comes to town in Bar Harbor, Maine, so does a killer with a real taste for revenge . . .

With the holiday season in full swing, food and cocktails columnist and restauranteur Hayley Powell has lots to check off her last-minute to-do list. Not included is the sudden arrival of her father, who hasn’t been in the picture since she believed in Santa Claus. Dwight Jordan’s presence in Bar Harbor might just be the unwanted gift that keeps on giving—especially after he becomes the top suspect in a case of yuletide murder . . .

As Hayley plans a New Year’s Eve bash while handling a hefty helping of family drama, she must lean into her closest friends to unravel a twisted mystery. Because the countdown is on to find out who killed the sore loser at the gingerbread house contest before Dwight disappears again—this time behind bars. And the more Hayley learns about the possible culprits, the more she knows it’s either crack the case ASAP or watch everything crumble like a stale cookie . . .

I love this series, the stories always catch my attention and pull me in right away.  This instalment was no different I read over a few hours.

I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I can’t wait till the next instalment comes out and finding out. 

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


My rating 

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

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Aug 20, 2024

Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village By Sarah Hope

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Happy Days Ahead in the Cornish Village" by Sarah Hope book 4 in the Cornish Village series.  What can I say other than I enjoyed it and read in one day.  I liked going back to Wagging Tails Dog Home and catching up with everyone but this time from Megan’s perspective. 

Personally I would love to escape to a small Cornish village by the sea and a dog rescue…
Escape to the Cornish seaside in the BRAND NEW instalment in Sarah's Hope's gorgeous series - guaranteed to make your day brighter! 

Life begins outside your comfort zone…

Book-keeper Megan has always lived life by a set of very rigid rules, but with impending divorce papers on the horizon, she throws herself into a new challenge.

She finds solace and purpose in her volunteer work at a dogs’ home but with finances tight, and soon-to-be ex-husband Lyle controlling her purse strings, she might have to trade the work for something more permanent.

But spending her time in the fresh countryside air, Megan discovers a glimmer of hope for a new beginning, finding strength, love, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow – and maybe, even possibly, a new romance.

A cosy and heartwarming romance set in the beautiful Cornish countryside, perfect for fans of Sarah Bennett, Jo Bartlett and Phillipa Ashley

It had everything you could want in a story friendship, love, sense of community and second chances.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots like Megan’s ex and the fate of  the returned rescue dog Cindy, plus a few other stories to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome. 

I will definitely read other books by this author.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Boldwood Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Aug 17, 2024

Perfectly Wicked A Novel by Lindsay Lovise

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Perfectly Wicked A Novel by Lindsay Lovise. 
 Charmed meets Ghosthunters in this magically wicked paranormal romance, perfect for fans of Not the Witch You Wed and The Ex Hex.

There have always been rumors that something magical is afoot at Wicked Good Apples. Rain during droughts and other inexplicable happenings have long haunted the Maine orchard, but only Holly Celeste and her family know the truth: the Celestes are just a little wicked.

Despite the magical secret ingredient in their cider, the family business is floundering. When Connor Grimm, a charming and nationally beloved paranormal investigator, requests to film an episode of his popular TV show on the mysterious farm, Holly reluctantly accepts. She knows the publicity could be the miracle her family needs—as long as Connor doesn’t manage to 
actually make any paranormal discoveries while he’s there.

Intent on keeping Connor in the dark and pushing him toward the ghost story believed by the locals, Holly joins him as he interviews eyewitnesses, hunts for old records, and unearths potentially devastating stories from the past. Despite her resolution to dislike him, she begins to fall for the only man who’s ever made her feel like strange could be normal.

As Connor gets closer to uncovering the real secrets behind the orchard, his and Holly’s blooming romance begins to threaten everything they value—Connor’s commitment to his career and Holly’s commitment to protect her family.

Wicked as a love spell, this witchy romance will enchant readers of 
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches and In Charm’s Way.
“Perfectly Wicked” by Lindsay Lovise is a captivating paranormal romance that I devoured in just one day! Who wouldn't want to escape to a haunted apple orchard in Maine where secrets lurk beneath the surface? This enchanting tale has earned the author a spot on my list of favorite paranormal romance writers.

Releasing on September 17th, “Perfectly Wicked” is a must-add for fans of romance with a spooky twist. The characters are expertly crafted, with Holly and Connor's chemistry being particularly compelling. While the romance is steamy, I appreciated that it didn't overshadow the plot. I'm hoping for a follow-up book to revisit these characters and continue their story.

If you're drawn to paranormal romance with a hint of mystery, add “Perfectly Wicked” to your reading list – you won't be disappointed!


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

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Aug 12, 2024

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Night RoadNight Road by Kristin Hannah
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Night Road by Kristin Hannah is a heart-wrenching story that captivated me from the start. Hannah's expert storytelling weaves a tale that's both deeply moving and thought-provoking.

A pivotal event sets off a chain reaction, exposing the intricate web of choices and consequences that bind the characters together. While tackling tough subjects, Hannah's sensitive approach makes this a must-read. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, and consider exploring the themes beforehand if you're sensitive to heavy topics. Hannah's exceptional writing shines in this book, leaving me tearful yet triumphant.

I highly recommend it, but don't forget the tissues!


View all my reviews


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Aug 10, 2024

The Grim Steeper by Gretchen Rue

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ The Grim Steeper” by Gretchen Rue the 3rd instalment in the "A Witches Brew Mystery" series.  I loved this book!
Bookstore owner Phoebe Winchester is putting on her first major author event when a body is discovered and the plot goes off the rails in this cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Cleo Coyle and Jenn McKinlay.

Amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is excited to host her first big author event at the Earl’s Study, her book and tea store. The author, Sebastian Marlow, is a famous birder excited to put Raven Creek on the map for his rediscovery of a presumed-extinct bird. When Sebastian is found dead before his planned bird hike, where he expected to prove the existence of the bird to fellow birding enthusiasts, it’s obvious someone wanted him to be extinct, too. 

Sebastian had a few unfriendly encounters with his staff—including his recently fired manager, who was seen arguing with him at the author event. Phoebe is determined to figure out who killed Sebastian, worried that it will negatively affect her store’s image that her biggest guest author got killed. With the clock ticking, she enlists the help of Rich Lofting, the handsome local private investigator, to help her look into the murder. 

It’s not long before another victim is pecked off and someone close to Phoebe is the suspect. She’ll have to work quickly to uncover the killer and figure out who’s up to fowl play in the third charming book in this warm and witchy series.

"The Grim Steeper" by Greta Rue, the 3rd installment in the Witches Brew Mystery series, is a delightful read! I was thrilled to return to Raven Creek, Washington, and reunite with Phoebe, Daphne, Bob the cat and the charming cast of characters at the Earl's Study. Amy from the Sugarplum Fairy and Rich Lofting add to the charm. Phoebe's magic goes awry as her stress levels rise, and she seeks help to master her powers. I adore her innovative idea of a cat shelter within the bookstore, dedicated to older cats who've been in shelters too long.

Bookstore owner Phoebe Winchester is putting on her first major author event when a body is discovered and the plot goes off the rails

This engaging mystery is full of twists and turns, keeping me guessing until the very end. The vivid descriptions of teas and treats, like Phoebe's sourdough toast, had me craving a hot cup of tea and a snack (fortunately, recipes are included in the book!).

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy mystery-loving friends and eagerly await book 4!

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Crooked Lane 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

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,


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Aug 9, 2024

A Scottish Highland Hideaway by Julie Shackman

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing A Scottish Highland Hideaway the 7th book  in “The Scottish Escapes series” by Julie Shackman.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day. 

‘Julie Shackman knows how to bring the feel-good factor to fiction’ Woman’s Weekly

A brand new autumnal story of love, believing in yourself and starting over set in the Scottish Highlands

For Bailey McArthur, her family and job mean everything. She runs her own floristry shop and loves spending time in nature in the pretty town of Heather Moore, whilst desperately trying to forget about being jilted on her wedding day.

When journalist Zach Stern arrives in town asking questions about a famous actor, Bailey decides to throw him off the trail of the superstar hiding out in the Scottish Highlands.

But despite Bailey’s efforts to thwart Zach's investigation she finds herself falling for him. It’s just a shame she can’t be honest with him. But then, Bailey might not be the only one with a secret to hide…


The setting of a tiny town called Heather Moore in the Scottish Highlands sounded magical and irresistible for spending leisurely weekends walking the high street or the woods.

As with the other books in this series, it had everything you could want in a story love, regret, laughter, sadness, forgiveness, friendships and families.

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. There were multiple sub-plots to keep you engaged and interested in the outcome.

I will definitely read other books by this author.


I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

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Aug 7, 2024

A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “A Christmas Murder” by Mary Grand the 3rd instalment in the "The Isle of Wight Killings" series.  I enjoyed this book it’s a fun mystery.  I will definitely read this author again.

I thoroughly enjoyed this intriguing mystery set in a beautiful location with deliciously menacing undercurrents.' Frances Evesham 


Susan didn’t plan on being an amateur sleuth and, after two successful investigations, she’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas. So, when local businesswoman Meera is in desperate need of help, Susan agrees rather reluctantly.

The task should be easy enough. The infamous press mogul Duncan Fern is coming back to the Isle of Wight, the scene of his family’s childhood holidays, to celebrate Christmas with his grown-up children and their partners, his new glamorous wife Kirsten who is forever dripping with diamonds, and the spikey editor of his paper the Morning Flame, Antoine. The newly-refurbished luxurious Bishopstone Manor is the perfect setting for a festive break and all Susan has to do is help Meera host.

But when a snowstorm descends over the island, and the following morning a body is found, Christmas at the Manor takes a darker turn. Can Susan get to the bottom of the mystery before the murderer strikes again…

A brand new cosy Isle of Wight mystery perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Faith Martin and LJ Ross.

'A fascinating whodunnit to stimulate even the most demanding of amateur sleuths.' T.A. Williams

I really enjoyed getting to know Susan and visiting Bishopstone Manor on the Isle of Wight .
I’m hoping Susan and Robert progress their relationship in the next book .   

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Susan did.  
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Boldwood 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

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I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,


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Aug 3, 2024

French Quarter Fright Night by Ellen Byron

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "French Quarter Fright Night” the 3rd instalment in A Vintage Cookbook Mystery series by Ellen Byron.  I love this series!
The third in the fabulous cozy mystery series with a vintage flair from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Ellen Byron.

Welcome to the Bon Veeevil Festival of Fear! Prepare for the spookiest night of your life . . . 

It's Halloween in New Orleans, and the staff of Bon Vee Culinary House Museum is setting up a fantastic haunted house tour for their visitors. But when flashy movie star Blaine Taggart and his entourage move into the mansion next door, gift shop proprietor Ricki James-Diaz gets a fright of her own. 

While Ricki is excited about the potential business the tours will bring to her vintage cookbook shop, she's less thrilled by former friend Blaine's arrival in town. Then Bon Vee's prop tomb becomes a real tomb for Blaine's nasty assistant, and suddenly everyone at Bon Vee is a murder suspect. There isn't a ghost of a chance one of them committed the crime, but with NOPD busy tackling the mischief and mayhem generated by the spooky holiday, it falls on Ricki and her friends to catch the killer. 

As the Big Easy gears up for the Big Scary, it seems everyone has skeletons in their closets. Can Ricki reveal the shadowy killer before someone else becomes part of the Halloween horror show? 
I absolutely loved this story, full of more family secrets, Halloween and a new fluff ball named Red!

I really like Ricki, Zellah, Lyla, Eugenia and Victoria. Once again I enjoyed the interaction between Ricki and Detective Rodriguez. The author is great at building a community you become invested in and you want to be apart of it.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end.The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down. I also liked how the author left the ending making us wait in anticipation for book 4.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!


I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Severn House 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 Antique Store Detective by Clare Chase

Hello my cozy friends, Today I am reviewing "The Antique Store Detective” the first instalment in The Bella Winter Mystery series by Cl...