Kneaded to Death by Winnie Archer - 4 Stars!

Struggling photographer Ivy Culpepper has returned to her hometown of seaside Santa Linda, California. When she attends a bread making class at Yeast of Eden, Ivy knows the missing ingredients in her life are hidden among the secrets of the bakery. When one of her classmates goes missing, Ivy embarks on a murder investigation of her own to find the killer. As she follows a deadly trail of crumbs around town, Ivy must trust her gut like never before, or someone else could be toast!

This was a great start to a wonderful mystery series. I love the main character, Ivy, and how she works to solve the mystery of the murders that surround her family and her friends at the local bakery. I love how she opened up herself to try something new and to find a new hobby in baking bread. Her investigative skills were based on her smarts, her observations, and her nosiness, which is mandatory for any amateur sleuth. My only issue was the ending when the culprit was revealed. I think it just needed to be made clearer to the reader who actually murdered who. I will definitely read another book from this wonderful series. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Connections: Callum and Brynn by Cindy Kirk - 5 stars!

Brynn Chapin is living her best life. She lives in Good Hope, built a thriving psychology practice, and bought her first home. The way Brynn sees it, she has everything she could want, or so she thought. Callum Brody lives for the thrill, but the latest surprise might be more than even he can handle. Callum has a son. Since he has no idea how to care for a child, he turns to his old friend, Brynn. When Brynn and Callum see each other again, sparks fly, but can their newfound affection last?
This is a beautifully written contemporary romance filled with wonderful characters from the greatest romantic series ever written. Cindy Kirk's work is a timeless look into the best things of humanity, and the tribulations and trials that can affect us all. We only hope to be like the characters in her books. In my opinion, the themes of this book showcase the true connections of love between a father and son, and two people who have known subconsciously that they were linked from an early age. Every time I read one of Cindy Kirk's stories, I always leave with my heart a little lighter and my outlook on life a little sweeter. I recommend her stories to anyone who feels down on life and needs a little pick me up.

 

Pumpkins in Paradise by Kathi Daley - 5 stars!

Between volunteering for the annual pumpkin festival and coaching her girls to the state soccer finals, high school teacher TJ Jensen finds her good friend Zachary Collins dead in his favorite chair. When the handsome new deputy closes the case, TJ turns her attention to the complex puzzles, prophetic riddles, and a decades-old secrets she seems destined to unravel and solve the mystery of Zachary's death.
This was a beautifully written and poignant cozy mystery. I couldn't help but love how TJ related to family and friends, and her steadfastness to solve the mystery of her friend's death. I was surprised by the identity of the culprit. I will definitely read another one of these mysteries very soon. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

On the Run with His Bodyguard by Tara Taylor Quinn - 2 Stars!

Only Sierra’s Web can prove Joe Hamilton’s innocence and keep him safe. But wrongly accused Joe never expected his hired protection to be a stunning redhead who is posing as his wife on a cross-country camper vacation! Can McKenna Meredith keep him safe until Sierra's Web exonerates him?
This romantic suspense was not very suspenseful in my opinion. It seemed to take too long to get to the exciting parts. I needed more excitement, and romance happening between the characters. I didn't feel that they connected very well. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin romance for this advanced reader's copy.

 

Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black - 5 Stars!

The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, until a local author is found dead. All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?

I really liked this cozy mystery. Jenna is a wonderful sleuth who uses her wits and connections with the police department to help solve the mystery. The setting reminded me of small towns I visited and lived in on the East Coast. It was very nostalgic for me. The plot was very confounding, I couldn't figure out who the culprit was, and I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read another book from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

 

Yours Truly, The Duke by Amelia Grey - 4 Stars!

 

Fredericka Hale needs a husband. She’s been caring for her deceased sister’s three young children, and now a cousin has petitioned the court for custody. Fredericka is powerless to stop her, but having a husband might sway the ruling. The last thing Fredericka wants is a marriage to a man she doesn’t know, but she’ll do it for the children. So, when the handsome Duke of Wyatthaven shows up with a proposal, she accepts. He'll help her, and in return, they’ll lead separate lives. The Duke of Wyatthaven has no interest in marriage. But, if Wyatt doesn’t marry by week’s end, he’ll lose an inheritance from his grandmother. When his solicitor finds Miss Fredericka Hale, Wyatt considers his problem solved. Fredericka prefers country life to London, so he’s free to continue his life as usual. But when Fredericka and the children show up at Wyatt's door, he can’t deny his attraction. And she can't deny his alure.
I liked this historical romance. Both main characters were very likable. I could feel the attraction between them. I like the differences in how they both handled the children. There was enough excitement and intrigue to keep me interested. I will definitely read another book from the series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Murder She Wrote: Killer on the Court by Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran - 3 Stars!

Jessica is delighted when her nephew Grady invites her to spend a few days with his family in an oceanside New York bungalow. She packs her bags and heads down to the city, ready to spend some time with Grady, his wife, Donna, and their young son, Frank. But the morning after Jessica’s arrival, Donna finds her boss dead on a tennis court, and Jessica’s dreams of a relaxing visit are quashed. Everyone is a suspect, and the local authorities have asked that no one leave town. Will Jessica be able find a killer and salvage the rest of her trip?
I always love reading one of these novels, it's like finding a little piece of home between the pages. I grew up watching the series, and I love all of the main characters. This was one of the most relaxed books I have read, there wasn't a lot of suspense, especially when Jessica confronted the killer. I found this kind of strange because usually there would be an intense scene. I will definitely read this series again. This review is my unbiased opinion.