What Happens in the Ballroom by Sabrina Jeffries - 4 stars!

 

A young military widow enjoying her success finds an attraction to an Earl with too many secrets. Can their love succeed, or will all the secrets doom them? This was a fabulous historical romance with two characters who are uniquely qualified to take my attention away from things going on in the world today and helping me escape to the romantic world this author has created. All of the characters were fun to read about, and the plot kept me turning the pages until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderful series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books For this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Dedication to Murder by Lauren Elliott - 3 stars!

Wedding bells are about to ring again in Greyborne Harbor, and as Addie slips into her white dress her thoughts are focused on a bright future with Dr. Simon Emerson. But two discoveries lead her down a path of change and new beginnings. When someone from the present is murdered, could it help solve a murder from the past?

I love reading about Greyborne Harbor and its citizens. Addie is a great amateur sleuth who is very observant and intelligent. The mystery plot was very well written and kept me guessing until I knew whodunit. The only problem I had with this story was that it seemed to take too long to come to a conclusion. I felt the pacing was off and the book dragged a little. But I am very interested in reading the next installment to this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader's copy.

 

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander - 3 stars!

Bookseller Annie Murray is thrilled when the mystery-themed book festival she sets up seems poised for success. But events take a shocking turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves. Determined to ensure the festival’s success and save the small town of Redwood Grove from a killer, Annie begins piecing together clues with the help of her friends. Can Annie unmask the murderer before they turn her festival into a real-life whodunit?
This was a good start to a great cozy mystery series. I liked Annie and how she used her intelligence and her background to solve the mystery. All of the other characters were very engaging and made me want to know more about them. The only thing that seemed off was the pacing. The stories seemed to go slow at times. I will read another story from this series.

 

The Heiress at Sea by Christy Caldwell - 2 stars!

Perpetually unattached Lady Cassia McQuoid masquerades as a thrill-seeking lad and stows away on a ship bound for open waters. Adventure awaits. Nathaniel doesn’t want to be the Duke of Roxburghe. Instead, the second-born son pursues enemy ships in service of the war effort. But when his older brother dies, Nathaniel embarks on one last mission before he fulfills his ducal duties with an arranged marriage. That’s the intention, until he discovers that his green deckhand is a fetching but vulnerable woman in disguise. Nathaniel’s new mission is to protect Cassia from the perils of the sea, both above and below the water, by sharing the close confines of the captain’s quarters. As roiling emotions turn to love, Nathaniel and Cassia realize the greatest risks still lie ahead.

When I found this arc on NetGalley, I was very excited. I have read several Christie Caldwell's romances and found them a great distraction and a wonderful way to spend my reading time. I am entirely surprised by this story though. Lady Cassia McQuoid has got to be the dumbest historical romance heroine I've ever read. And, since I need to at least like my heroines in a novel, I could barely finish this book. The character of Nathaniel was much more likable and intelligently written. I didn't think it was right for him to end up with Cassia. If it wasn't for the male character, and the plot I don't think I could have finished this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Death by Chocolate Marshmallow Pie by Sarah Graves - 2 stars!

Eastport's Arts Festival is where Jake and Ellie are selling their baked goods from The Chocolate Moose. But there's also competition from a new rival, Choco’s, that’s trying to slice into the action. Choco’s owner, Brad Fairway, is pulling sneaky stunts to divert Moose patrons to his own shop, and Ellie finally confronts him about his tactics. But when Brad is found dead the next day, and the weapon is a gun that belongs to Ellie, it’s only a matter of time before she is charged with the crime. Sifting through the victim’s connections, Jake and Ellie sense they’re getting close to the real culprit. Can they serve up the solution before the killer dishes up another helping of murder?
Reading the blurb, I was so excited to read this story. But I felt the pace and the structure was dragging it down. I think the chapters are too long. I also couldn't get a feel for the main character. I felt that I was missing something in her story. I didn't want to learn anymore about her. This book just wasn't for me. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity of reading this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.