Death on the Books by Victoria Gilbert - 5 Stars!

When a stranger dies in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a piece of paper inscribed with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must investigate. She learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins. When the autopsy reveals that the deceased was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him: Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. Can Amy find out the truth before someone else dies?

I absolutely loved this mystery. It had everything that I like about cozy mysteries. The characters were diabolically entertaining, the plot was full of mysterious clues, and the setting made me think of sitting on a comfy sofa reading in front of a roaring fire. I definitely can't wait until the next mystery in this fun series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Cat on a Hot Tin Woof by Spencer Quinn - 2 Stars!

Chet the dog is not happy about the Little Detective Agency’s new case. Chet and his human partner, PI Bernie Little, have been hired to find a missing cat. Miss Kitty, an internet sensation, has disappeared, and Chet and Bernie have been hired to find her before her many followers realize something is wrong. Miss Kitty belongs to Bitty, a teenage girl who lives with her mom. Bitty and her mother are struggling financially, but the arrival of Miss Kitty and her social media appeal has changed everything. With Miss Kitty gone, the family's income is on the line. Can Chet and Bernie find the cat and save the day?

I really wanted to like this story because it had a unique perspective. I never read a story with the dog as a narrator. But I couldn't get into it. Chet's observations were so chaotic that it was hard to understand where he was going. I like the characters, and the mystery plot was unique. I wonder what this story would be like if Bernie was the narrator, instead of Chet. I recommend this to somebody who is used to reading mysteries with animals as narrators. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy.

 

A Fall to Remember by Ellie Alexander - 5 Stars!

Miranda Brown never meant to become famous. She just wanted a quiet vacation away from her stress running a store in Half Moon Bay, California. But when her terrible travel photos go viral, Miranda becomes an internet sensation. Now a travel company wants her to cover her hometown's Fall Harvest Festival, sending the charming (and handsome) Jim Cole to help capture her authentic world on camera. But Miranda finds that being genuine is harder than it looks. But when she learns his job depends on this campaign's success, she must decide if his feelings are real, or is she just part of his marketing plan?

This was a great contemporary romance read during the fall season. This story actually had two different romances in it, and there were four different point of view characters. But to me it wasn't confusing at all. I was able to enjoy all of the characters from their points of view. I'm really excited because a character actually mentioned one of the other series this author writes. I love it when authors make connections between the characters of different series. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee - 4 stars!

For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. In order to save her families' finances, she left Frederick for an acting career in Korea. After Anne left, Frederick spent years loving her and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. He followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. When Anne returns to Los Angeles, she and Frederick are thrown together in the same wedding. Even though he is angry and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Can they open their hearts for a second chance?

This story reminds me of a K drama, with its wonderfully written characters and slow burning plotline. But, at least in book form, the slowness of the plot made it hard for me to finish. I was getting bored with it and realized there were only a few more chapters, so I decided to continue until the end. The time frame seems a bit long to me. For example, the main heroine left for South Korea for 10 years before coming back. It surprised me that the character was away for that long, and the hero still wanted to connect with her. I'm glad I finished the story because it has a very satisfying ending. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced Reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

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.