The Summer That Changed Everything by Brenda Novak

Hello my friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Summer That Changed Everything” by Brenda Novak. I really enjoyed this book!

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She returned to prove her father's innocence, but there's no telling what she'll find…

It's been fifteen years since Lucy Sinclair saw her father. Fifteen long years since she sat in a courtroom and watched him sentenced to life in prison. He murdered three victims—all people she knew—which ruined her life at just seventeen. But now she’s back in Virginia to talk to him, wondering if there’s more to the story of what happened that fateful night.

An old flame, Ford Wagner, makes his own return to North Hampton Beach, fleeing a marriage that seems destined for divorce. He’s wary of Lucy and her digging into the past, but the more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more he finds himself reconsidering the truth behind the death of their mutual friend that summer. Problem is, there are plenty of those in this small coastal town who would prefer things stay quiet…

“The Summer That Changed Everything" by Brenda Novak is a riveting novel packed with mystery, romance, and long-buried secrets. Lucy Sinclair's return to her hometown to clear her father's name after a decades-old triple murder conviction sets off a chain of events that exposes a web of deceit and tension.

The reappearance of Ford Wagner, an old flame with his own demons, adds depth and slow-burning chemistry to the story. Novak masterfully crafts a suspenseful narrative, rich in small-town dynamics and unresolved feelings.

The North Hampton Beach comes alive as a vivid and immersive setting, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of secrets and suspicion.

With its intricate plot, emotional complexity, and engaging characters, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery and romance.

I will definitely read other books by this author.

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

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An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “An Amateur Sleuth’s Guide to Murder” by Lynn Cahoon book one in A Bainbridge Island Mystery series. I found it to be just as enjoyable and entertaining full of loveable characters as her other series.  Releases June 24th, 2025

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New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon makes her hardcover debut with an irresistible new meta-mystery series about an amateur sleuth who doesn’t just solve crimes, she writes about how to do it . . .

TIP #1: WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU COUNTS AS WORK EXPERIENCE

Meg Gates could use a guidebook for life. Indeed, she’s faced some challenges. She dropped out of college to work for a tech startup that failed—and her fiancé just took her bridesmaid to Italy on what was supposed to be Meg’s honeymoon.

Now, at twenty-six, Meg has taken the ferry ride of shame from Seattle back to Bainbridge Island to live with her family. At least she has her rescue cocker spaniel, Watson, by her side. But it’s Meg who could use a rescue—and she’s hoping it will come in the form of a part-time gig doing research for a bestselling mystery writer.

TIP #2: WRITE WHAT YOU KNOW – OR WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

That’s when the lightbulb goes on: Meg will write her own guidebook—a manual on criminal investigation. But before she can impress her new boss with her pet project, the author’s manager is found dead on the rocks beneath the author’s Gothic mansion.

Now it’s time to put her guide to the test, as Meg sets out to clear her employer of suspicion and solve the crime. But there’s one important caveat she’ll have to add to her guide—

TIP #3:  BEWARE OF UNKNOWN DANGERS

Lynn Cahoon really knows how to craft a compelling cozy mystery series! The blend of mystery, humor, and character development is perfect for drawing readers in.  Meg Gates, the protagonist, is relatable and endearing, navigating a recent breakup and new job as a writer's assistant. The discovery of a dead body at her workplace sets off a chain of events that draws Meg and her friends, Natasha and Dalton, into an amateur sleuthing adventure.

The characters are well-developed and likable, with natural dialogue that makes their relationships feel authentic. Meg's family, including her aunt and uncle (the police chief), add depth and warmth to the story. The Bainbridge Island setting is vividly described, providing a charming backdrop for the mystery.

The plot is engaging, with plenty of twists and suspects to keep readers guessing. Meg's determination to prove her new employer's innocence is admirable, and her restraint in the face of danger is refreshing. Overall, this is a delightful start to a new series, and I'm looking forward to seeing where Meg's journey takes her.

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy 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,