Maybe This Once by Sophie Sullivan - 3 Stars!

Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard. Tired of living in the shadow of her parents, she left behind a life of prestige to become a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through taking a vacation from herself. Grayson Keller has finally found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie. Maybe this once, they can see past the hurt in their hearts to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

This was a good contemporary sweet romance to read on the beach having a lazy day. I loved the setting, with the lodge and the small lake town. I loved the characters and understood the relationships between them even though this is the first story I've read from this author. I felt that the pacing was off, and some chapters seemed too wordy. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Essence of Foul Play by Daryl Wood Gerber - 5 Stars!

Emma Brennan is opening her new spa business, Aroma Wellness in Carmel, California, and everything is going well until a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. She's now the prime suspect and left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Emma is determined to uncover the essence of foul play before she’s cold-pressed for murder.

This was a wonderful start to a great cozy mystery series. Readers who enjoyed this author's other series, The Fairy Garden Mystery series, will recognize some characters. I love the crossover aspects because the characters were familiar to me and it gave me that cozy vibe I look for in a mystery. The plot was very intriguing, and I couldn't figure out who the culprit was. The ending was very satisfying, and I can't wait to read the next installment to this series. There are also some yummy recipes at the back of the book that I would love to try. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Reflection Room by Cindy Kirk - 4 Stars!

Hope owns a bridal shop that has a unique gift. She places an intended bride on a pedestal in front of a special mirror that shows Hope the right dress for the bride. But she wonders why she never sees herself in a wedding gown. Hope is an independent minded woman who fears opening her heart because she doesn't want to get hurt. But what happens when the right man comes along?

I really liked this contemporary romance with a touch of magic. Hope is an interesting character, and I loved reading about her perspective on the relationships in her life. The setting was very well described, and I enjoyed reading about the festivals and local events. I will definitely read more from this series.

 

A body at the Irish Book Club by Lucy Connelly - 4 Stars!

It's the Shamrock Cove Autumn Festival, and Mercy McCarthy is delighted to see neighbors and friends come to the bookstore to support her sister’s book club. But as the evening ends, she stumbles across local grandmother Eva, lifelessly slumped in an armchair at the back of the store. Even though she looks peaceful, Mercy notices a suspicious mark on her neck. She knows this wasn't an accident. Someone at the book club could be the killer. Then after Mercy reads a suspicious entry for the festival’s fiction writing contest, another body is found. Could it be the same culprit? It’s up to Mercy and her canine companion Mr. Poe to sniff out the truth.

I really like this cozy mystery set in Ireland. Mercy McCarthy is a great amateur sleuth who is very likable and works with the police to help solve the mysteries, although sometimes they would like her not to get involved. All of the side characters were fun to read about and helped the coziness of the setting. The plot was confounding. I thought I knew who the culprit was but was surprised in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Death in the Dark by Ellie Alexander - 5 stars!

When beloved teacher and track coach Josh Bynum stumbles into the Secret Bookcase with no memory of the previous night, Annie and Fletcher’s instincts tell them something doesn’t add up. As they delve deeper into the world of high school athletics, they uncover a web of secrets. They will need all their skills and the support from their Redwood Grove friends if they’re to solve this mystery.

Ms. Alexander has done it again. The second book in the Novel Detectives Mystery series is full of wonderful characters, a setting that is both cozy and suspenseful, and plot twists that had me turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fabulous cozy mystery series to sink their teeth into. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis - 5 Stars!

With her family visiting her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. But, meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly married in Las Vegas is a little awkward. Especially when her longtime secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks. Then, Sophie’s favorite tour guide is murdered, and evidence points to her own father. And what’s the real story with her new uncle and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s uncovering is leading her to an unexpected treasure hunt. Can Sophie find the truth and the murderer before her father is arrested? 

This is another great installment to a fabulous cozy mystery series. I love Sophie and her friends who help her with her investigations. I love how she works with the police. Even though there are good and bad people in this story, the police are usually put in a favorable light. They are not made to look unintelligent. The food and the setting of the story make it fun to read because it brings a coziness factor that is prevalent in this series. And I'm always in the mood for a snack as I am reading. I recommend these stories to anyone who loves a cozy mystery. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Killer Cupid by Laurien Berenson - 5 Stars!

Melanie Travis is happy to spend three days with Sam, her Standard Poodle, Faith, and their friends Bertie and Frank at the White Birch Inn; a New England resort nestled at the foot of a snow-covered mountain. The inn has a full slate of couples' activities planned for the Valentine's weekend. But, after the first night, a body is found. The sheriff launches an investigation, but at the inn keeper’s urging, Melanie tries to sneak a little detective work into her romantic getaway. But with the resort sold out for the holiday weekend, there's no shortage of suspects, and Melanie’s sleuthing is already attracting the wrong kind of attention. But if she doesn’t catch the killer soon, another innocent victim may get the kiss of death.

I am pleasantly surprised about my feelings for this cozy mystery. This was a wonderful holiday read, and I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Melanie is a wonderful amateur sleuth, she's smart, capable and tenacious all throughout her investigation. She's also careful and doesn't take risky chances that could put her in jeopardy. Her friend Bertie and the other side characters helped build a picture of who Melanie is, and I would love to learn more about all of them. The plot was very confounding. I thought I knew who the murderer was, but I was surprised by the culprit's identity in the end. I have found a new cozy mystery series, and I can't wait to read all of these stories. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.