Embroidering the Truth by Elizabeth Penney

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Embroidering the Truth by Elizabeth Penney” the 3rd instalment in A Gift Shop Mystery series set in Port Huron, Michigan.  Each book is written by a different author and this time it happens to be one of my favorite authors Elizabeth Penney so I was sure I wouldn’t be disappointed.

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Embroidering the Truth is the third book in Guideposts’ Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series. 

Sarah Morgan’s latest mystery arrives at Heavenly Treasures along with her old friend Renee Torres, who brings a stunning quilt that belonged to her recently deceased great-aunt. Together, they realize that this Baltimore album quilt includes pieces from a famous nineteenth-century artist named Emily Deveau—meaning the value of the piece just skyrocketed! What was such a precious item doing in Renee’s family home? 

News of the quilt spreads quickly throughout Port Huron. Soon Sarah finds herself not only researching its history, but also helping Renee protect it from those who are desperate to get their hands on it. Sarah discovers a tale of deception and betrayal that takes her all the way back to the 1893 World’s Fair. It’s a race against time—and a mysterious adversary—to find the answers Sarah and her friend seek. 

About the Gift Shop Mysteries Series 

Every gift tells a story…and some bring mysteries! 

Get ready for a faith-filled mystery like no other! The excitement begins when Sarah Morgan returns to her picturesque hometown along the shore of Lake Huron to open a gift and curiosities shop, which she calls Heavenly Presents. As she reconnects with family and friends and grows in her faith, Sarah feels her shop becoming more than just a place to browse or buy. It’s turning into a cozy haven, where tucked among the handmade keepsakes and one-of-a-kind wonders are clues to long-buried secrets and surprising truths. Sarah soon discovers that solving small-town mysteries might just be the most meaningful gift she can offer. 

Why You’ll Love the Gift Shop Mysteries Series 

If you’re looking for a mystery series that’s equal parts heartwarming and intriguing, Gift Shop Mysteries is your perfect next read. Set in a charming lakeside town with a faith-filled shop owner as your guide, each book offers: 

Captivating mysteries that keep you guessing—but never keep you up at night 

A cast of relatable, endearing characters who feel like old friends 

A cozy, small-town atmosphere you’ll want to escape to again and again 

Faith-filled encouragement and hope, gently woven through every story 

Themes of redemption, reconnection, and second chances—with God, family, and community 

Plus, each book includes delightful extras: 

A recipe inspired by the story 

A personal letter from the author 

“Behind the Counter” insights into the real-life history or inspiration 

Book club-ready discussion questions 

Whether you’re drawn to uplifting mysteries, enjoy uncovering meaningful secrets, or simply want a soul-soothing read with depth, heart, and a touch of suspense—this series was made for you. 

Embroidering the Truth is a charming cozy mystery with a pleasant, steady pace. Unlike many cozies, there’s no murder here. Instead, it weaves together a historical mystery with a modern-day one.

The plot centers on Sarah’s old friend Renee Torres, who brings a stunning quilt that belonged to her recently deceased great-aunt. Together, they realize that this Baltimore album quilt includes pieces from a famous nineteenth-century artist named Emily Deveau—meaning the value of the piece just skyrocketed! What was such a precious item doing in Renee’s family home?  Chapters set in the past help fill in the quilts backstory.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and 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,

The Corpse at the Cottage by Kathleen Bridge

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing The Corpse at the Cottage by Kathleen Bridge the 9th instalment in the "Hamptons Home & Garden  Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series, although this can be read as a stand-alone I do recommend you read from the beginning.

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When the patriarch of an old-money Hamptons family is found dead, interior decorator Meg Barrett discovers that some family secrets are better left buried . . .

It was big news when Roland Whitney bankrupted his family’s media empire amid rumors of fraud. Now he’s lost their Hamptons estate, and Meg finds herself in the middle of the turmoil. She’s been called in to collect the furnishings used in the streaming mystery show that was filmed there, and she wants nothing more than to finish the job and be done with the troubled family. Then she stumbles upon Whitney’s dead body, the victim of an apparent suicide. 

All the evidence suggests that Whitney couldn’t live with the shame of his downfall and took his own life. But Meg is convinced the suicide was staged, and as she begins looking into the secretive family, she discovers bitter conflicts and a history of resentment for the victim. With each of them a suspect and tension growing over who stands to inherit the little remaining wealth, Meg realizes too late that if money’s behind the murder, she may end up paying the biggest price of all . . . 

Includes tasty recipes and classic vintage decorating tips!

I found myself engrossed in this story, I like the setting of the Hamptons and the overall feel of the place. I really enjoyed catching up with the main character of Meg, and her bff Elle.   I’m also glad to see where their relationships are heading …

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, full of twists and turns.  I can’t say I guessed who the killer was but I was starting to lean towards them.  

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Beyond the Page 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.

Hugs,

A Murder at the Mansion by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Murder at the Mansion by Ellie Alexander the 2nd instalment in the " Novel Detectives Mystery" series.  

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In the charming town of Redwood Grove, even the grandest estates have something to hide…

When reclusive heiress Bernadette Garst vanishes from her sprawling mansion, bookshop owner and investigator Annie Murray is summoned to the scene.

Arriving at the legendary Garst property, Annie and her partner Fletcher discover a household riddled with secrets, bitter family rivalries, and suspicious staff members. When Bernadette’s lawyer also goes missing, it’s clear the case is escalating into something far more dangerous.

With her keen eye for detail and a little help from her friends, Annie must piece together the clues hidden within the opulent estate grounds. Can she solve the puzzle before it’s too late?

This cozy mystery sees the Novel Detectives facing their most high-profile case yet. Perfect for fans of Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.

I loved returning to the charming town of Redwood Grove and the Secret Bookcase bookstore.  In this instalment Annie and Fletcher are dividing their time between running the bookstore and helping the police find reclusive heiress Bernadette Garst who vanished from her sprawling mansion.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Annie did..  

Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in Annie and the Novel Detectives I’m excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next!

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

Hugs,

A Cultivated Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Cultivated Corpse” by Debra Sennefelder.   I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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When the local garden club president is killed, food blogger Hope Early will have to dig through the clues to catch a killer . . .

The Jefferson Garden Club’s annual plant sale is just around the corner, but Hope Early and other members of the club are more focused on the garden restoration project at Ambrose House. The gorgeous landscaping promises to help return the stately old home to its former glory, but rumors are surfacing of unexplained delays and exorbitant costs. Then the club’s president is found dead amid signs of foul play, and Hope can’t ignore the uneasy feeling that the victim was silenced for something she knew about the renovations.

Certain that the solution to the murder is tied to the garden project and the club’s recent financial struggles, Hope begins to go through their books and uncovers more than mismatched numbers. A tangle of transactions points to an intricate embezzlement scheme, but before she can weed out who’s behind it, a local reporter chasing the same story is killed. It’s clear now that someone is dead-set on keeping the truth buried, and Hope will have to unearth a vital piece of evidence before the killer decides it’s time to bury her as well . . . 

Includes mouthwatering recipes!

I loved "The Cultivated Corpse" the 9th book in Debra Sennefelder's "A Food Blogger Mystery" series. Visiting Jefferson, Connecticut has become a pleasant escape.

I love Hope as she is real and I have become invested in her and what is happening around her. I like her family and friends, Claire, Jane, Drew and of course Ethan (Police Chief boyfriend) and the dynamics between them all. Don't get me started on her dog Bigelow, Poppy the chicken and Princess the cat!  

With a few suspenseful moments as well as some lighthearted ones, but with plenty of twists and turns to keep us entertained. I did suspect the killer but I started second guessing myself as there was plenty of suspects.  

The ending was wonderful full of  food, friends, and community plus, that amazing announcement had me smiling.  I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to see what’s next for Hope in this series and I look forward to reading the next book ...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Beyond the Page 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 Delicious Deception by Lucy Burdette

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Delicious Deception" the 16th instalment in the "A Key West Food Critic" Mystery series by Lucy Burdette. This is one of my favourite foodie cozy mystery series.

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Mother-to-be Hayley Snow bites off more than she can chew in the sixteenth installment of Lucy Burdette’s USA Today bestselling Key West Food Critic mysteries.

When Sheriff’s Deputy Darcy Rogers asks Hayley for a small favor, she can’t say no. Nine months pregnant and temporarily benched from her food critic duties, Hayley’s itching for a distraction and eager to help. All she has to do is tag along while a young woman picks up her daughter from her father at Monroe County’s safe custody exchange location. Easy, right?

Wrong.

In the chaos of the Sheriff’s Office open house, the mother disappears. Then the father bolts, leaving Hayley with a terrified girl and the realization that something has gone terribly wrong. Hayley and Deputy Rogers head north up the Keys to search for answers. 

When a body turns up, Hayley realizes this isn’t just a missing-persons case—it’s a race against time. With the little girl’s safety at risk, Hayley must trust her instincts—and her heart—to uncover the truth.

I really enjoyed this story and hanging out with Haley, and her octogenarian sidekick Miss Gloria. This time Haley is working with Deputy Rogers who she has a leery relationship with but hoping they can work through their differences.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted and I kept 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, 

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today, I am reviewing The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts the 5th instalment in the 'Marlow Murder Club' series, by Robert Thorogood. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for book 6.

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Two dead celebrities. One village full of secrets.

Someone is killing celebrities in Marlow. First, it's a famous soccer player. Then, a bestselling thriller writer. When two shocking deaths rock their quiet riverside town, Judith, Suzie, and Becks—the unstoppable Marlow Murder Club—must untangle a dangerous web of blackmail and scandal to catch a killer.

But with their trusted police ally DI Malik suddenly suspended, and Judith's own past threatening to resurface, the women are on their own. Suspects are multiplying like tabloid headlines, secrets are stacking up, and time is running out.

Can the Marlow Murder Club crack the case before the killer strikes again—or will this be the end of their crime-solving adventures?

The story is set in the charming village of Marlow, England, which provides a beautiful backdrop for the mystery. The quirky trio of Judith, Suzie, and Becks is once again at the center of the story, and their interactions are both humorous and engaging.

The plot is cleverly constructed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers guessing. 

The book leaves readers with some answers to Judith's past, overall, "The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts " is a fun, entertaining read that combines humor, mystery, and theater perfectly.

I requested and received an Advanced reader Copy from the publisher 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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More Than Just Friends by Olivia Spring

Hello my book friends,

Today I am reviewing More Than Just Friends by Olivia Spring. I love this series.

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The next BRAND NEW instalment in the gorgeously funny, super spicy Love Hotel series from bestseller Olivia Spring! 

The friend zone was never meant to be this tempting…

After distance pulled them apart, best friends Alicia and Noah are finally getting to see each other again. And what better place to reconnect than the Love Hotel in Santorini? Sunshine, sunsets, cocktails… her childhood bestie… and her so-called perfect match. Eight days of pure bliss.

Except Alicia wasn’t ready for Noah’s glow-up. A year apart has turned him from geek to god, and her heart can’t keep up. Broad shoulders, slow, wicked smiles, and a subtle confidence that makes her pulse spike every time he’s near. While the hotel’s matchmaking experiment pairs them with other people who tick every box, Alicia can’t stop comparing or fantasizing about the one man she shouldn’t.

But it isn’t long before their supposedly perfect matches implode in spectacularly awkward ways. Instead of disappointment, Ali can’t stop noticing Noah. Late-night confessions, clumsy touches, and way-too-close moments begin to blur the lines.

Because maybe the algorithm got it wrong. And maybe they’ve been right for each other all along.

This time we are following Alicia and Noah, The friend zone was never meant to be this tempting…

Ali can’t stop noticing Noah. Late-night confessions, clumsy touches, and way-too-close moments begin to blur the lines.

This romcom had me laughing out loud and cringing in embarrassment for the characters. The author's writing is effortless, and loved the banter and all of the characters in this book . Beyond the humor, the story delivers heartwarming moments and swoon-worthy scenes. The perfect blend of spice, romance, and comedy makes this book a must-read for fans of the genre.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, engaging romance with a dash of spice, this book is for you. With its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, it's a true page-turner.

I look forward to reading all Olivia’s next Love Hotel story and highly recommend to all spicy romance loving friends.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I requested and received an advance reader’s copy from NetGalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

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

Hugs,

Follow my blog with Bloglovin