A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James” the 5th instalment in A Gift Shop Mystery series set in Port Huron, Michigan.  Each book is written by a different author and this time it is a new to me author.

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A Lighthouse Legacy is the fifth book in Guideposts’ Gift Shop Mysteries fiction series. 

Gift shop owner Sarah Morgan is helping Justine Hendricks, a young scholar, with a research project—but then a nineteenth-century logbook and diary entrusted to the student disappear! Since Justine is part of a group volunteering at the Port Hope Lighthouse, there are plenty of nearby suspects who could be responsible for the theft. To make matters worse, rumors are swirling that the lighthouse is haunted—a thing Sarah doesn’t believe for a moment. 

Soon Sarah and Justine are drawn into the compelling story of a nineteenth-century woman who may well have been Michigan’s first official female lighthouse keeper. Sarah will need all her sleuthing skills if she is to uncover the surprising connections between the modern-day theft, the strange happenings at the lighthouse, and this dauntless woman from the past. 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. 

A  Lighthouse Legacy by Jo James 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 revolves around an a nineteenth-century logbook and diary that has been stolen.  Soon Sarah and Justine are drawn into the compelling story of a nineteenth-century woman who may well have been Michigan’s first official female lighthouse keeper. 

I am also like where things are heading with Sarah and Flint. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, full of twists and turns.  I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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,

A Christmas Bookstore Murder by Sue Minix

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Christmas Bookstore Murder by Sue Minix the 8th instalment in the "A Bookstore Mystery" series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 9!

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Can she close the book on a killer close to home?

It should be the most wonderful time of the year, but when a stranger turns up dead after a Christmas party, the festive season is about to be anything but merry for the small town of Riddelton…luckily local crime writer turned amateur sleuth Jen is on the case.

When Jen’s friend Angus is arrested for the murder, she knows he must be innocent, but can she prove it?

As she investigates, Jen uncovers a trail of grief spanning generations past, a stolen future, and a killer who will stop at nothing to keep the past buried… even targeting Jen herself. The stakes have never been higher.

Can Jen uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice in time for the holidays?

I really enjoyed visiting Riddleton again and Ravenous Reads Bookstore.  I like the main cast of characters Jen, Charlie, Lacey, Eric, Ingrid and of course Savannah the German shepherd. When Jen’s friend Angus is arrested for the murder, she knows he must be innocent, but can she prove it?

There was lots to unravel in this instalment, secrets from Angus' past, Jen's feelings about christmas, and someones secrets that they want left buried.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story.  

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins/Avon 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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A Murder at Midnight by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Murder at Midnight by Ellie Alexander the 3rd instalment in the " Novel Detectives Mystery" series.  

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It’s autumn in Redwood Grove, and Annie and Fletcher have their hands full running the Secret Bookcase and handling their growing caseload at the Novel Detectives.

To add to the excitement, a popular ghost hunter has set his sights on the old English estate to feature on  his hit TV show—Sleeping with the Spirits—and is going to record an episode overnight at the bookstore. It seems like a great idea for publicity and a fun way to generate more revenue.

But when the star of the show is found dead, Annie and Fletcher know they’re dealing with something much more alarming than an angry poltergeist.

It’s up to the Novel Detectives to track down the real culprit and put an end to any otherworldly rumors—before someone else gets hurt.

This gripping cozy mystery will have you sleeping with the lights on! 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 Novel Detective Agency.  A ghost hunting tv show wants to film an episode in the store but when the star of the show is found dead, Annie and Fletcher must track down the killer before someone else gets hurt.

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,

The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery by Jennifer Page

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ The Sugar and Spice Bookshop Bakery” by Jennifer Page.  What can I say other than I loved it and read in one day.  Who doesn’t want to escape to a small town in the Yorkshire countryside...

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A delicious read... Book and cake lovers alike will enjoy indulging in this cosy romance' Lily Chen, author of The Matcha Maker Cafe

Louise Dearnley has spent her life editing perfectly neat love stories, where heartbreak leads to fresh starts, charming small businesses bloom, and happily-ever-afters are guaranteed.

But now in her forties, she's quit her job – and no, she doesn't want to talk about why – and returned home to Applethwaite, the small Yorkshire village where she grew up. Starting over doesn't feel nearly so much fun in real life as it does in fiction.

It also doesn't help that her mother is convinced she's here to run the family bakery, especially as the locals can't get enough of Louise's legendary ginger cake and scrumptious scones. Between renovations, a quirky ex-stepdaughter (who's unexpectedly come to stay) and a gorgeous Italian who seems too good to be true, Louise's second chance begins to take shape.

After a lifetime spent polishing other people's happy endings, will Louise finally have one of her own?

PERFECTS FOR FANS OF: 

- Gilmore Girls and Virgin River
- Second chance romance 
- Bookish hooks
- Sweet treats
- Found family 
- All things cosy

The setting of a tiny village called Applethwaite sounded like just my cup of tea, I could picture it especially as I have visited small villages in England.  It had everything you could want in a story friendship, community and love. 

I found the characters to be well developed, and multi-dimensional. It’s a great start to a new series, and I can’t wait to pick up the authors next book! 

I will definitely read other books by this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Aria 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, 

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Murder by Jacqueline Frost

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing Deck the Halls with Boughs of Murder the 7th instalment in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series by Jacqueline Frost.  

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Mistletoe and murder go hand in hand in the seventh installment of the Christmas Tree Farm mysteries from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

New parents Holly White and Sheriff Evan Gray are sleep deprived but incandescently happy to be celebrating their baby’s first Christmas. Their family, friends, and neighbors are spoiling the newest addition. Adding to the perfect holiday season is the recent completion of their newly built home. All that’s left to do is move in and send off those change-of-address cards. But their cup full of cheer turns sour when Holly discovers a dead body. 

It all started with a sweet trip down memory lane—Candy Cane Lane and Toyland were two of Holly’s favorites as a child, and she had been looking forward to sharing them with her baby. Then she stumbled upon the body of Greysen, the animal keeper, left among the reindeer at the petting zoo. 

Earlier in the day, Holly witnessed a fight between Greysen and a stranger. Stranger still, the reindeer petting zoo had originally been empty that day—no reindeer in sight until they reappeared along with a corpse. 

As Holly fights to keep the Christmas spirit alive, she is Greysen’s only chance at justice—and her baby’s only chance at a happy first Christmas.

Omg I loved it! I love this series and hope that Julie can write more in the series in 2027!. 

What a great story to get us in the Christmas spirit. I love reading books about Christmas all year long. I loved the characters and want to be friends with Holly, Evan, Libby, Ray, Cookie, Carolyn, Samantha etc. as with most of Julie’s books you fall in love with the characters. Holly has so much going on between being a new mum, helping out at the family tree farm, building her dream home, and now another murder at Toyland.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed in the story till the end. 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy 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 Wedding Date with Death by Maeve Haran

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Wedding Date with Death by Maeve Haran the 2nd instalment in The Campervan Detective Mystery series. 

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Something old, something new, something borrowed… someone dead?! 

When Sadie Sutton swapped four walls for the four wheels of her trusty orange VW campervan, she didn’t realise that it would come with a new career as a super sleuth! But when a wedding at local beauty spot Winching Priory Hotel is halted because the father of the groom has been found fatally poisoned, Sadie drops everything to take on her next case!

As the wedding grinds to a halt, Sadie soon learns that the victim, gifted local artist Benedict Lawrence, also had a talent for making enemies, from the snooty hotel owners to his long-suffering ex-wife. With an ever-growing list of possible suspects, Sadie is stumped. Until she finds a crumpled, threatening note sent to Benedict hours before he died.

The note leads Sadie deep into Benedict’s past, to a secret love affair, a bitter feud and a long-buried grudge. And when she finds a faded newspaper article about him and his artist friends in their youth, she’s stunned at who else she recognises in the photo…

With secrets and lies at every turn, Sadie knows no guests are safe. Can she crack the case before the nearly wed become newly dead?

This warm, witty and utterly addictive cosy crime novel from bestselling author Maeve Haran is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, The Thursday Murder Club and Robert Thorogood.

What readers are saying about The Campervan Detectives series:

‘Agatha Christie with a splash of Marian Keyes and plenty of wine, friendship and fresh starts… Kept me guessing… the friendships, humour and warm community feel really made this oneshine.’ kelsiesinkandpages

‘A joy to read… very funny. Fantastic… highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Like a breath of sea air – fresh, charming, and just a little bit mischievous… Ajoy… Delightful… full of heart, humour… keep you turning the pages.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Amazing… This book had everything… Hooked by the end of the first chapter… If I could give it 10 stars I would… Fabulous.’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

‘Absolutely brilliant… My cup of tea. Gripped from the beginning. Amazing… Loveit.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely loved it, the setting, main characters Sadie, Sam Spade the dog and “The Vintage Vanettes” . Just like in book one I knew I would be engrossed in the story.  The story is well done and the characters are really a fun bunch. Its fast becoming one of my favorite cozy mystery series.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story.  

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 3 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Bookouture 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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The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “The Dying Light” by Ann Cleeves it's the 4th instalment in the A Detective Matthew Venn Mystery Series, a powerful novel about guilt, betrayal, and the longheld secrets people keep. I love Ann Cleeves books and this instalment did not disappoint.  In fact, I thought that it was one of the best in the series.

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“Everything Ann Cleeves writes is incredible.”—Richard Osman

DI Matthew Venn peels back layer upon layer to discover the dark secrets one family is keeping in this searing new novel, brimming with energy and taut with claustrophobic tension.

A scorching heatwave marks the start of the summer in Devon. Detective Matthew Venn is called in to investigate a puzzling death, when the body of a young woman, Lottie, is found in the swimming pool of a luxurious holiday home. The girl’s best friend, Hannah, whose family owns the house, is missing. The girls had arrived a few days earlier to celebrate the end of their school exams, quickly stirring unrest in the small community with incendiary social media videos mocking the place as parochial.

When further tragedy strikes, Venn and his team begin questioning a community filled with secrets. The fact that Hannah’s father, Paul Armstrong, is a rising political star with powerful enemies draws intense media scrutiny to the case.

With the summer heat come holidaymakers, and it emerges that some of them may have stronger connections with the Armstrong family than first thought. Venn knows all too well that the real answers lie not in what people say, but in the silences that they keep.

Taut, atmospheric, and brimming with suspense, this searing new novel finds DI Matthew Venn caught between a powerful family’s secrets and a powder keg of local tensions.

The Series is character-driven and also very descriptive you feel like you are right there in North Devon, England. In this instalment we get to catch up with Venn and his team, are caught between a powerful family’s secrets and a powder keg of local tensions.

This was a very suspenseful story and I was fully engrossed in it and finding out what would happened to the girls. There were lots of suspects and I was kept guessing till the end.

I highly recommend this book and the Two Rivers/Detective Inspector Mathew Venn Mystery series to all my British Mystery loving friends.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher 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 Pumpkin Vice Cafe by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Pumpkin Vice Cafe" the 23rd instalment in the A Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. 

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Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!

As autumn settles over the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon, ushering in cool, crisp breezes and a stunning show of color, everyone at Torte is keeping warm by whipping up a bevy of fall treats and spicy lattes. Jules is nearing her due date, and the whole town is abuzz—placing bets on when the twins will make their grand debut. Helen and the team are working on a secret surprise baby shower, complete with cupcakes, cookies, and a feast fit for royalty, or maybe just a mother-to-be. 

Meanwhile, Lance and Arlo are busy planning their nuptials in what is sure to be as close to a royal wedding as Ashland has ever seen. But when the high-end wedding planner they hired is found dead in the frigid waters of Ashland Creek, what looks like a tragic accident, a slip on an icy bridge, quickly reveals itself as something much more sinister. Jules knows at once—this was no mishap. A killer is loose in Ashland, and they may be ready to strike again.

This time around we are back in Ashland and a very pregnant Jules is looking forward to the birth of her twins.  When Jules finds the body of Lances wedding planner in the frigid creek water, she suspects fowl play and of course she needs to investigate.  With so many suspects to choose from it made the mystery interesting and well plotted, and there were just enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Needless to say I cant wait for the next book in the series. 

I really enjoyed this story, seeing how the Torte family is adapting to Jules having twins, how the new staff is fitting I. and how the business is expanding its horizons.  

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from St. Martin's 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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A Midnight Murder by Kate Wells

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "A Midnight Murder by Kate Wells” the 8th instalment in The Malvern Farm Mystery series. This is the first book I have read in the series and by this author, if you love mysteries set England this is for you! I plan on going back and reading the complete series 

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Discover the BRAND NEW instalment in Kate Wells' addictive cozy mystery series. From the BESTSELLING author of A Very Merry Murder. 

Fireworks, family feuds… and a fatality

Jude Gray is ready to ring in the New Year the proper way – at the local pub, surrounded by friends, neighbours and the usual Malvern mix of good cheer.

But this year, all eyes are on the Merebrooks. Wealthy, enigmatic and woven into the fabric of Malvern for generations, they’ve always been a family people talk about… and not just because of the scandalous murder of years gone by.

When a marriage proposal sends shockwaves through the already fractious clan, the atmosphere turns from celebratory to strained. And then, as the clock strikes twelve and fireworks light up the sky, tragedy strikes. One of the Merebrooks is found dead.

As suspicion falls on the feuding family, Jude finds herself drawn into yet another mystery. Because behind closed doors, this family has been hiding secrets for years. And Jude is willing to bet someone is willing to kill to keep them buried ­– at any cost.

A gripping new instalment in the Malvern Farm Mystery series, perfect for fans of Frances Evesham, Merryn Allingham, and Faith Martin.

I liked the dynamics between the investigative team, Jude and how they played off each other. I loved the farm setting with the sheep and other animals as well as the side characters, it has made me want to read the series from the beginning.

The mystery was really interesting, well plotted, and had just enough twists to keep you engrossed and wanting to know what happens next. I was sad to see this was the last book in the series but at the end of Murder at Midnight is a sample of a new mystery by Kate Wells which I have pre-ordered already.  It sounds intriguing and I can’t wait to read it. 

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

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

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Death of a Grill Master by Lee Hollis

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “ Death of a Grill Master” by Lee Hollis the 19th instalment in the Haley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery series.

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After a record-breaking tourist season, Bar Harbor is ready for the less eventful off-season. But the murder of a barbecue baron will keep restaurateur Hayley Powell busy well after Labor Day . . .

Hayley and her husband are snuggled into a secluded spot on Maine’s rocky shoreline to take in the big fireworks display on Frenchman’s Bay. But when they find Hank Desmond’s body floating in the darkness, it looks like summer is ending with a bang—from a gun registered to a rival BBQ chef.

Despite the evidence, Hayley thinks there’s more to the story than a gunshot from a disgruntled pit master. Unfortunately, the new police chief, just arrived from Boston, is more interested in layoffs than in listening to Hayley’s theories. So she starts grilling anyone she can to find out what happened on the party boat that Hank was aboard earlier in the evening—accompanied by his much-younger wife and a sleazy seasonal resident. There are also some competitors who’ve been skewering Hank, owner of the BBQ joint The Smokehouse, for his business practices, including the owners of a diner and a food cart.

Hayley just hopes that when the smoke clears, she’ll be able to serve up the real culprit to the cops—and bring the temperature down in this picturesque town . . .

Includes delectable recipes from Hayley’s kitchen!

I love this series, the stories always catch my attention and pull me in right away.  This instalment was no different. Lots of changes are happening in Hayley’s world this time around.  

I found the mystery was well written and paced with lots of twists and turns. It kept me guessing to the end. I am saddened that this is the last book in the series but happy that Haley will star with her daughter in an all new series soon.

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

 

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy 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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