All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron - 5 Stars!

It's October in Gold Rush country and Halloween is just around the corner. It also happens to be the birthday of Angus Sprockles, the man responsible for the town being designated a historic landmark. His only living descendant, Moses Sprockles, runs a railroad that used to ferry lumber from the mountains to the sawmill. Now a tourist attraction, the Sprockles Railroad is hosting a Halloween-themed fundraiser for the Historical Society. Then Moses is found dead on the tracks, seemingly felled by a fallen tree branch. Dee's dad Sam is convinced its foul play and urges his daughter to apply her sleuthing skills. No matter how crazy things get, Dee is determined to blow the whistle on a runaway killer with a one-track mind.

This was a fantastic cozy mystery read. Ms. Byron has weaved a tale with great characters, an exciting setting filled with a festival atmosphere, and a plot that was just twisty enough to keep me guessing until the very end. I love how the main character and her best friend created a new life after being in different careers. I love the antics showing how they're getting used to their new environment, including the bear that keeps them on their toes going in and out of their hot tub. There are so many juicy side characters that I can't wait until the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Bodies and Battlements by Elizabeth Penney - 5 stars!

Herbalist Nora Asquith is delighted to open Ravensea Castle as a bed and breakfast in the village of Monkwell, Yorkshire. When Hilda Dibble, a local luminary, is found dead in the garden, Nora’s business is not only at risk, but she’s a prime suspect. Hilda had opposed the hotel plan, and although she didn’t succeed in stopping it, her disagreements with Nora only further her motive. One of the guests happens to be Detective Inspector Finlay Cole, who is new and finds himself with a murder case in his lap. Nora and her sister Tamsyn decide to investigate. They decide to look into the entangled dealings of their guests. Can Nora and Tamsyn get to the bottom of this mystery while keeping their new business afloat?

I loved this paranormal cozy mystery. The main character seemed extremely smart and capable. I loved her knowledge of herbs and herbal remedies. There were many different foods described that whet my appetite and made me hungry. I would've loved to sit at one of the dinners described in the castle. The setting was both cozy and mysterious, and the paranormal activity was light enough to not be disturbing. I think there were an adequate number of red herrings and suspects to keep me guessing, and I was surprised with the identity of the culprit. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley - 5 Stars!

August Hodges was the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. That is until his rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this opportunity. But the hiring of his best friend’s sister was as much of a shock as his fame. Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend more than a decade ago, but that infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence and take advantage of August’s newfound popularity. Now, if she can only ignore her attraction to August. They vow to leave the past in the past. But can they ignore the feelings they still share? As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.

I absolutely love this story. It's a contemporary romance about two people who have baggage from prior relationships, coming together and finding a way to be happy. And it has cupcakes! The main characters were adorable, and I could feel the chemistry between them jumping off the page. There was just enough heat to make it interesting without going overboard. Even though this romance was part of a series, I didn't feel like I was missing anything, as this was the first story I read by this author. I definitely will read another story from this author. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath - 3 Stars!

Years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount of Wennington, was humiliated when a romantic gesture went wrong. Since then, he hasn't wanted to date, let alone get married and have children, despite the promise he made to his mother. His heart now lies with his land and work. In desperation, his mother decides to bring society to him via a weeklong house party so that she can find a suitable match for him. After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers isn’t proving to be any better at being a lady’s companion. As the only girl in an all-male household growing up, she’s developed several bad habits. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings, Lottie still climbs a tree better than she embroiders and can't seem to curb the desire to ride a horse in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father in need of her wages, she’s determined to concentrate on her career. There is only one woman that catches Guy’s eye. And Lottie can't seem to stop thinking about the grumpy Lord. Can these two open their eyes and realize that they may just be the perfect match?

When I first started reading this story, I was entranced. I loved the main characters, and how totally opposite they were from each other. I was able to see the romance between them come alive. The plot was why I continued to read this story until the end. What made it utterly frustrating though was how much descriptive language there was. When describing what one character was wearing took three pages, and each chapter was at least 25 minutes long, it became one of the slowest reads I've ever had to deal with. I love reading romance, both historical and contemporary, but when the pacing is off, it makes it harder for me to enjoy it. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

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.