Book Review!

 

Premeditated Peppermint by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2018. Christmas has come to Harvest, Ohio and Bailey is making some peppermint goodies to sell in the candy shop she owns with her grandmother, Swissmen Sweets. When Eric Sharp, Bailey’s ex-boyfriend, comes in with a film crew and asks her to be a part of his Christmas special, Bailey is curious. He also wants to rekindle their relationship. Bailey only wants publicity for the shop. But, when the executive producer is found murdered, Bailey has to get her exe’s fat out of the fire before he gets cooked.
This is a great holiday cozy mystery filled with wonderful characters, a puzzling plot, and a conclusion that surprised me. I absolutely loved everything about this story. The murder is off-stage and isn’t graphic. The setting is sweetly described, and I enjoyed learning more about the Amish. I will definitely read more of this series.

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Book Review!

 

Lovely Shattered Secrets by Abbey Easton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Barely escaping with her life, Wren Brooks finds refuge in the town of Cypress Falls. All she wants is a safe place to start over. Her heart is fragile and the last thing she's looking for is the handsome, broody town cop. Atlas Ranes feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. No matter how hard he tries to keep his little brother out of trouble and advance in his career, it's never quite enough. When a woman literally falls into his arms, his life is sent into a spiral. Can he find a future with Wren before a deadly secret kills them both?
Overall, this was a very good contemporary romance. I liked the two main characters and how they tried to put their pasts behind them to start a new future. I loved how the author described the town and its citizens. Not everyone was welcoming the newcomer, and that made it realistic. The one thing that bothered me was the beginning of the story, the very first scene. Personally, I’m very sensitive about child abuse, and I feel that abuse or abandonment should be off-screen and not described so well. I understood why the scene was there, I just didn’t like it. Otherwise, this story was well-plotted. Thank you to BookSirens and Peridot Publishing LLC for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flower
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2018. Bailey King is living in Harvest, Ohio, and taking care of her Amish grandparents’ candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. Now, while caring for her recently widowed grandmother, she plans to honor her grandfather’s memory by entering the annual Amish Confectionery Competition. Bailey gets sidetracked when Jethro, her friend’s pot-bellied pig, goes missing. While searching for him she finds the dead body of one of the other contestants in the local church. Can Bailey find the killer before more bodies drop?
This was a great cozy mystery set in the world of the Amish. Bailey has moved to Ohio to help her Amish grandmother and is learning how to live within the society. Most of the Amish characters view her as an outsider, and she’s still learning how to succeed in their world. Bailey is an inspiration because she’s tough, kind, and resourceful. She has a thick skin and doesn’t let anyone take advantage of her. The mystery was very intricate, and I was surprised when the culprit was revealed in the end. I will definitely continue reading this series.


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Book Review!

 

Remember Me in Good Hope by Cindy Kirk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Natalia Costa doesn’t know what caused her car to careen off the road. The crash didn’t take her life, but it did take her job, her home, and three months of her memory. When a picture of a handsome stranger sparks a familiar feeling, Natalia is certain this mystery man can help her. Luther Gannon likes being a loner. While it’s nearly impossible to live privately in Good Hope, Luther has managed to keep his painful past out of the public eye. That is, until Natalia Costa turns up in the town square. Can Luke help Natalia put the pieces of her life back together, and show her that love is worth a second chance?
This was one of the best contemporary romances I read in a long time. I’ve always loved Cindy Kirk’s writing, and this story is an example of why. Even though Good Hope is a fictional place, it’s a place I wish existed. The characters are friendly and supportive, they work together to help people in trouble, and they believe in love. It’s the way that are world should be. The romance between Natalia and Luthor was rekindled slowly. Even though they had some obstacles, I wanted them to succeed, and was satisfied with the happy ending. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.


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Book Review!

 

Stirring the Plot by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published in 2014. It’s Halloween and Jenna Hart’s Aunt Vera is part of a group known as the Winsome Witches. They raise money for literacy. When Vera’s friend is found dead under mysterious circumstances, her aunt becomes a suspect. Can Jenna find the truth before her aunt is charged with murder?
This was an interesting cozy mystery. The plot was very puzzling, and I couldn’t figure out who did it until the big reveal at the end. The ending was very satisfying, although I did find this story a little too long and drawn out. I also felt that Jenna had a weird attitude, she almost seemed a little snide at times. I will continue reading the rest of this series!


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Book Review!

 

A Daring Pursuit by Kate Bateman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Carys Davies is a woman trying to hide a secret that could ruin her and her family’s reputation. On the outside, she’s confident and carefree, but inside she’s cynical about men and love. There’s only one man who can see through her act, and change her mind about love: Tristan Montgomery. Architect Tristan needs a respectable woman to wed, but he’s never stopped wanting Carys. When she challenges him to show her what she’s missing by not getting married, he shocks them both by accepting her indecent proposal. When they find themselves embroiled in a treasonous plot, can they trust each other with their hearts, their secrets and their lives?
Honestly, I love Kate Bateman’s work, and this historical romance is no different. Here are some reasons why: the first is characters. Her characters are well-created and individualistic. There are no cookie-cutter images, but fully formed personalities that you can envision. The second is setting. While reading, I visualized how the characters lived, even though the story took place in the 1800s. And finally, the romance. The two main characters are pulled together through circumstances that build a connection and make their love blossom. I can’t wait for the next romance by this great author. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this novel. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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Book Review!

 

The Lady with the Gun Asks the Questions by Kerry Greenwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Honorable Phryne Fisher is the 1920’s most elegant and irrepressible sleuth. She's up to her eyes in intriguing crime in each of these entertaining, and fun stories.
I liked these stories. Phryne is an elegant, and persuasive sleuth who has the uncanny ability to solve mysteries completely by her wits. The setting was wonderfully described, and it was easy to imagine life in the 1920’s Australia. I wish the stories were not so short. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book.


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Book Review!

 

Comic Sans Murder by Paige Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The visit of horror author Nathan Grimes to Star City is thrilling for Clare Henry and her grandfather Chester. They've invited Nathan to use their equipment for his next book. When a tourist discovers an abandoned ski boot on the slopes with the foot still inside, Nathan joins Clare and police officer Jodie Wentworth to track down a killer.
Published in 2017. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Clare Henry is a great amateur sleuth who takes advantage of situations to investigate when the mystery affects her somehow. She is a great character to read about. I love the Utah setting, and the images that the author brings to mind about the natural mountain beauty. The plot is a puzzle that I didn’t solve until the big reveal in the end. I’m sad, I wish there were more stories in this series. Thanks to the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey for this book.


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Book Review!

 

Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When workaholic Boston attorney Deirdra de Messiéres is passed over for a well-deserved promotion, she takes a two-month hiatus and heads home to Silver Island. But beyond seeing her sisters happy, home is not where Deirdra’s heart is. She has no interest in their family restaurant, the Bistro, or reliving hurtful childhood memories. But, when she meets Josiah “Jagger” Jones, the Bistro’s musician and chef, she’s intrigued by his laid-back lifestyle and his carefree ways. Jagger has overcome his own personal trials and feels that he can help Deirdra find her peace within his loving embrace. Will she let down her barriers to let true love in?
I loved this contemporary romance. At first, it seemed like a beach read, a simple romance story that is more fluff than anything else. But, as I kept reading, more of a heartfelt deep story about true love emerged. Not just love between the main characters, but the love of family. It was about how we need to take care of each other during the good times and the dark times. This is the first time I read a Melissa Foster book, but it will not be the last. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the advanced reader’s copy of this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2017. Lindsey Norris and her staff are gearing up for the Briar Creek Library's annual Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser. But instead of raising money, the new library board president, Olive Boyle, is busy raising a stink and making the staff miserable. Lindsey is determined to work with her and make the event a success. But when Olive threatens the library's newest hire, Paula, Lindsey cracks and throws Olive out of the library. At the end of the night, Olive goes missing. When Lindsey finds her, Paula is standing over her holding a knife. Can Lindsey prove that Paula is innocent?
I loved this book, it’s a fantastic edition to a great cozy mystery series. Lindsey is a very thoughtful, intelligent, and likeable character. I love how the other characters are like Lindsey’s family, and they look out for each other. The mystery was intriguing and totally confounded me. I love reading about the library and the different clubs and activities the library offers. Personally, libraries are one of my favorite places. I highly recommend this story.


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Book Review!

 

Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bride’s Dream Expo is in town, and Jenna Hart, owner of the Cookbook Nook, is preparing for her own wedding in a few weeks. But a dark cloud is hanging over the festive mood when Sarita Strachline, a woman Jenna helped convict of arson, returns to Crystal Cove bent on revenge. And when Jenna and Rhett’s prenuptial dinner is rocked by an explosion that almost takes Rhett’s life, Jenna can’t help but think Sarita is to blame. With Rhett in the hospital, Jenna is determined to find out the truth about the explosion and Sarita.
This was a very exciting cozy mystery full of suspense, plot twists, and red herrings that confuse you about the identity of the culprit. I was very surprised in the end. However, I felt that the main characters’ speculation was a little repetitive and the story was a bit too long and drawn out. Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond The Page Publishing for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of this novel. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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Book Review!

 

Twisted Tea Christmas by Laura Childs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2021. Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are catering a Victorian Christmas party at a mansion in downtown Charleston. Drucilla Heyward has invited the cream of Charleston society together and is planning to give her wealth away to various charitable organizations. However, before she can make the announcement, an alarm goes off and Theodosia finds her dead body in the hallway. Can Theo find the truth behind her death?
I absolutely loved this story. The characters, ambiance and charm of Charleston, South Carolina always comes through, and I get invested in the story. Then, I’m sad when the story ends. Theodosia Browning is an intelligent sleuth who needs to find the answers before the police because she has a stake in the murder. I loved how rescue dogs were used and featured in the climax. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great holiday cozy mystery. But, be warned, with all the wonderful food described, you will get hungry.


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Book Review!

 

Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Published in 2017. It’s January, and an annual film festival has taken Star City by storm. Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books at their shop, The Rescued Word. When cinema’s hottest actor, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some notecards, everyone is starstruck. But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs a few hours later, she can’t believe it. The actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced that someone else took on that role. Can she find the truth before Matt gets convicted?
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was puzzling, suspenseful, and fun. Clare is a great main character who I love to read about. The setting reminded me of when I spent some cold winters in Utah. The author brought back some beautiful memories through her description of Utah. The plot was challenging, and I was surprised when the culprit was revealed. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series. Thanks to the Somerset County Library for providing me a copy of this book.


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Book Review!

 

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Constance Lysander needs a husband. She’s a widowed mother whose former husband was married to two other women at the same time. Enter her old friend, Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Injured on the battlefield, Jonathan fears that he’s ill equipped to be a good spouse. Constance and Jonathan have loved each other forever, but neither one has ever said anything. Can Jonathan step up and be the partner that Constance needs?
This historical romance was a sweet and steamy read. Even though there weren’t many sex scenes, the scenes between Constance and Jonathan were steamy yet tasteful. I loved how Constance picked herself up after such betrayal and didn’t play the victim card. I love reading these stories because of the setting and the pageantry, having the characters going to a ball, and dueling. I will continue reading this author’s work. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced reader’s copy of this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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Cozy Mysteries and Romances Available in April!

 Hey everyone! Several books are being released this month. And here are my recommendations:

The Burning Pages by Paige Shelton, published on April 5th        

A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott, published on April 26th

Rules for Engaging the Earl by Janna MacGregor, published on April 26th

Simmering with Resentment by Daryl Wood Gerber, published on April 26th

Maybe We Won't by Melissa Foster, published on April 26th

Pick up one of these wonderful reads and enjoy! 

Book Review!

 

A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Addie Greyborne leaves her bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable hands of her assistant while she travels to Pen Hollow to attend a book sale at a library that is closing due to lack of funding. But the real find is a bookmobile bus, which she’s excited to use as a traveling bookstore during all the summer festivals. While inspecting the bookmobile, Addie finds several classic first editions. But before the bookmobile can be delivered to Addie, the bus is involved in a fatal car crash. When an autopsy reveals poison in the victim’s system and the first editions go missing, it’s up to Addie to determine what would drive someone to murder.
This was a very interesting whodunit because the story took place away from the usual setting. Even though the mystery was puzzling, and the romantic subplot was sweet, I didn’t really connect with the book as much as I wanted to. I missed the bookstore setting and the characters in town. I didn’t like the way the Pen Hollow police department was represented. I felt that the police chief was portrayed as backwards and severely close-minded. I do want to continue with this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.


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