Harbor Pointe by Irene Hannon - 5 Stars!

As a principal dancer with a New York ballet company, Devyn Lee returns to her hometown of Hope Harbor, Oregon to assist with a family emergency. After she agrees to help with a fundraising show for a local charity, millworker Aaron Steele's daughter joins the cast. When Aaron and Devyn meet, sparks fly. But what are the odds that such an accomplished, polished woman from the city could ever fall for a small-town lumberman with two left feet?

Years ago, I read another one of this author's books and felt that it was too hard and too long to stick with. But I'm glad I gave this book a chance, because it's a beautifully written story about love and faith. The characters were fun to read about, and the plot was enjoyable. The setting described was so beautiful that it made me want to look at a map to see if there was such a place to visit. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Revell Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Little Bookstore on Heart Lake Lane by Sarah Robinson - 5 stars!

Rosie Dean loves her life. But between raising twins, running her bookshop, and writing a parenting advice column, the single mom can’t think about dating. But, then her high school crush returns to Heart Lake for the summer. Even though Evan has grown into a huge grump, he’s still a super sexy one, and soon sparks begin to fly. Single dad and widower Evan Mills is used to hearing he’s too serious. But with a grieving daughter to raise on his own, the graphic designer is trying to stay strong for her. He hopes a few weeks at the lake will be the fresh start they both need. Evan never anticipated reconnecting with Rosie. Will one summer with Rosie be long enough to melt Evan’s heart?

This was a wonderful contemporary romance with great characters and a setting that made me want to visit here for a weekend. I loved how the main characters leaned on each other, and how they related to their children. There were only a couple of spicy scenes, so it wasn't too graphic. I really enjoyed this book, and I recommend it to anyone who loves a contemporary, cozy romance set in a small village. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

And Then There Were Bun by Vivien Chien - 5 Stars!

Megan throws a birthday party for Lana that includes both old and new friends. But when one of their guests brings a plus one that Lana happened to date back in her college days, tensions build between her old beau and her current boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau. After a heated exchange between the two men, the ex was asked to leave. Then his body is found in the dumpster outside of Asia Village. Lana is surprised when Adam is the main suspect in the murder. Can she find the true culprit and clear Adam's name?

I thoroughly enjoyed this installment to a wonderful cozy mystery series. I love reading about how Lana discovers clues and investigates suspects. She is a very smart and capable amateur sleuth. The plot was confounding, as I thought I knew who the culprit was, but I discovered that I was wrong in the end. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron - 5 Stars!

Ricki James-Diaz's parents have arrived in New Orleans for the holidays. Ricki takes the opportunity to jog her mom's memory about her adoption. The details have always been mysterious. And Ricki understands why when she learns her mother was blackmailed for years about the adoption. When the woman who extorted Ricki’s mom is murdered, her mom becomes the primary suspect. Can Ricki prove her mother’s innocence and have the case wrapped up in time for Christmas?

This was a great and extremely fun holiday cozy mystery. Ricki is a smart amateur sleuth who's fun to read about. The setting is interesting with all of the parties and descriptions of food. It made me hungry at times reading this story. There are just enough red herrings to keep me guessing about the true culprit. I can't wait to read the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Poisonous Pour by Maddie Day - 4 Stars!

It’s Memorial Day weekend in Sonoma County and Cece Barton, owner of Vino y Vida, has her hands full. Meanwhile, her neighbor, Richard Flora, is stirring up controversy with an article about Regan Greene, a power-hungry woman of a valley district organization. When Regan is found murdered, Cece feels that Richard could be named a prime suspect. Determined to clear Richard’s name, and failing to extract any clues from detectives, Cece once again investigates on her own to find the true killer red-handed.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Cece is a wonderful amateur sleuth who uses her intelligence and her relationships to help find the truth. I enjoyed the setting and meeting the other characters who were mostly business owners and workers in the town. The only strange thing was the length and number of chapters. Even though this was a relatively quick read, I felt that the pacing was off. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy.

 

The Wishing Gate by Cindy Kirk - 5 Stars!

In 2026, Liliana Parks is an investigator looking at an estate in disrepair. She doesn’t believe in wishes until an iron gate carries her thirty-seven years into the past. In 1989, that same place is filled with life, its gardens are in bloom, and David Holliday is still dreaming of the future. But Lily knows that David is destined to die young, and the estate will be left to fall into ruin. Every time she travels back, she's drawn closer to David, his family and a life she feels more like home than anything she's known. But the gate will only open three times. Which life will Lily choose, the one she made for herself, or the unexpected one waiting for her on the other side of time.

In my opinion Cindy Kirk is one of the most eloquent writers in romance fiction. She writes stories that make you think, make you hope, and sometimes makes you cry. Admittedly, this story made me cry because it was about time traveling and finding love. And sometimes I wish I could go into the past myself to see my husband who I lost way too soon. But that's what good story does, it makes you think of your own life and what you would do if you were the main character. The characters, and the setting were so wonderfully described that it made them real in my mind. I want to thank the author for letting me read an arc of this story.

 

A Murder at the Mansion by Ellie Alexander - 5 Stars!

In the charming town of Redwood Grove, heiress Bernadette Garst vanishes from her mansion, and investigator Annie Murray is summoned to the scene. Upon arrival, Annie discovers a household riddled with secrets, bitter rivalries, and suspicious staff members. When Bernadette’s lawyer is murdered, it’s clear the case has become more dangerous. With her keen eye for detail, Annie must piece together the clues hidden within the estate grounds. Can she solve the puzzle before it’s too late?

I love this cozy mystery series, and this story is a great addition. Annie is a fantastic amateur sleuth who uses her wit and intelligence to figure out the culprit's identity. Redwood Grove is so wonderfully described, it's on my list of favorite mystery settings. I like how the amateur sleuth works with the police, and they're seen as intelligent and capable people. The plot was confounding, and I was surprised by the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader's copy.