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.

 

Crescent City Christmas Chaos by Ellen Byron - 5 Stars!

Ricki James-Diaz's parents have arrived in New Orleans for the holidays. Ricki takes the opportunity to jog her mom's memory about her adoption. The details have always been mysterious. And Ricki understands why when she learns her mother was blackmailed for years about the adoption. When the woman who extorted Ricki’s mom is murdered, her mom becomes the primary suspect. Can Ricki prove her mother’s innocence and have the case wrapped up in time for Christmas?

This was a great and extremely fun holiday cozy mystery. Ricki is a smart amateur sleuth who's fun to read about. The setting is interesting with all of the parties and descriptions of food. It made me hungry at times reading this story. There are just enough red herrings to keep me guessing about the true culprit. I can't wait to read the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

A Poisonous Pour by Maddie Day - 4 Stars!

It’s Memorial Day weekend in Sonoma County and Cece Barton, owner of Vino y Vida, has her hands full. Meanwhile, her neighbor, Richard Flora, is stirring up controversy with an article about Regan Greene, a power-hungry woman of a valley district organization. When Regan is found murdered, Cece feels that Richard could be named a prime suspect. Determined to clear Richard’s name, and failing to extract any clues from detectives, Cece once again investigates on her own to find the true killer red-handed.

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Cece is a wonderful amateur sleuth who uses her intelligence and her relationships to help find the truth. I enjoyed the setting and meeting the other characters who were mostly business owners and workers in the town. The only strange thing was the length and number of chapters. Even though this was a relatively quick read, I felt that the pacing was off. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy.

 

The Wishing Gate by Cindy Kirk - 5 Stars!

In 2026, Liliana Parks is an investigator looking at an estate in disrepair. She doesn’t believe in wishes until an iron gate carries her thirty-seven years into the past. In 1989, that same place is filled with life, its gardens are in bloom, and David Holliday is still dreaming of the future. But Lily knows that David is destined to die young, and the estate will be left to fall into ruin. Every time she travels back, she's drawn closer to David, his family and a life she feels more like home than anything she's known. But the gate will only open three times. Which life will Lily choose, the one she made for herself, or the unexpected one waiting for her on the other side of time.

In my opinion Cindy Kirk is one of the most eloquent writers in romance fiction. She writes stories that make you think, make you hope, and sometimes makes you cry. Admittedly, this story made me cry because it was about time traveling and finding love. And sometimes I wish I could go into the past myself to see my husband who I lost way too soon. But that's what good story does, it makes you think of your own life and what you would do if you were the main character. The characters, and the setting were so wonderfully described that it made them real in my mind. I want to thank the author for letting me read an arc of this story.

 

A Murder at the Mansion by Ellie Alexander - 5 Stars!

In the charming town of Redwood Grove, heiress Bernadette Garst vanishes from her mansion, and investigator Annie Murray is summoned to the scene. Upon arrival, Annie discovers a household riddled with secrets, bitter rivalries, and suspicious staff members. When Bernadette’s lawyer is murdered, it’s clear the case has become more dangerous. With her keen eye for detail, Annie must piece together the clues hidden within the estate grounds. Can she solve the puzzle before it’s too late?

I love this cozy mystery series, and this story is a great addition. Annie is a fantastic amateur sleuth who uses her wit and intelligence to figure out the culprit's identity. Redwood Grove is so wonderfully described, it's on my list of favorite mystery settings. I like how the amateur sleuth works with the police, and they're seen as intelligent and capable people. The plot was confounding, and I was surprised by the ending. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader's copy.

 

A Murderer's Guide to Mardi Gras by Ellen Byron - 5 stars!

It’s carnival season in New Orleans, and Ricki James-Diaz from Bon Vee is getting ready for Mardi Gras. She's joined the krewe of Chew to support her boyfriend, Virgil, who's to be crowned this year’s king. It’s all fun, and over-the-top outfits until the krewe’s captain is found strangled to death. The prime suspect is Ricki’s friend. It seems a straightforward case, but Ricki isn’t sure. Now she's at the center of another murder investigation. And if she’s not careful, her first Mardi Gras could also be her last.

This was a great cozy mystery filled with fun characters, and a plot that kept me guessing until the very end. I realized upon starting this novel that it wasn't the first novel in the series, but it was an easy read, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved reading about Mardi Gras season and all of the different parades and parties that go on in the Big Easy during this time. I've always wanted to go there, and this book gave me a taste of what it would be like. I will definitely read more of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books For this advanced reader's copy.

 

Happier Here With You by Amy Gail Hanson - 5 Stars!

Widowed and overworked, food anthropologist Maggie Brodbeck struggles to spend quality time with her daughter, Hannah. She doesn’t have time to breathe, let alone pursue personal happiness. Then, Maggie receives an invitation from her estranged great-aunt Alice to visit her Wisconsin farm. Desperate for a break, Maggie finds Rosehill Farm to be a revelation. In Alice, Maggie finds a kindred spirit. They share a natural rhythm. The calming pace of country living is made even sweeter when Maggie meets Brady, a local pastry chef. Then Maggie opens her aunt’s treasured box of recipes and discovers the threads of her heroic family history. The recipes not only shed light on the past but reconnect Maggie to her love of cooking and to a life of contentment close to her heart, and back to herself.

This was one of the most amazing, and moving novels that I have read in a long time. I felt a kinship with the main character because I'm also a widow. And I know that it can be hard to find your footing in a world when your significant other is no longer with you. I found Maggie to be a strong, intelligent and capable woman. The farm was such a dynamic setting that I found it more like another character because it grew and had hardships like any other character. Feeling the love from the other townspeople jump off the page made me want to visit this town. This was a sweet contemporary romance with no intense sexual scenes. This book was a selection from the Amazon First Reads program.

 

Murder at First Slice by Valerie Burns - 5 Stars!

Social media guru and baker Maddy Montgomery is preparing for her wedding day. Friends and family descend on New Bison, Michigan, to celebrate. Unfortunately, she has to deal with an unhappy couple: feuding cousins Hannah and Dorothy, who haven’t spoken in decades. When Dorothy crashes the rehearsal dinner, with several uninvited guests in tow, she starts complaining to everyone. And the next day, she's found dead with Hannah standing over her body. Nobody in town believes Hannah could commit murder. But a new detective doesn’t know Hannah and the evidence seems overwhelming. Now, with her wedding day coming up, Maddy needs to find the true killer before she walks down the aisle.

This was one of the most enjoyable cozy mysteries in this fantastic series. Maddy is a courageous and intelligent sleuth who is found new life and new love. I honestly envy the amateur sleuth as she has reinvented her life for the better. All of the side characters are unique and lovable. Reading about the scenery in Michigan makes me want to go there someday. The plot was very intriguing and even though I thought I knew who the culprit was, I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read more of this series. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced readers copy. This review is my honest opinion.

 

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.

 

A body at the Irish Book Club by Lucy Connelly - 4 Stars!

It's the Shamrock Cove Autumn Festival, and Mercy McCarthy is delighted to see neighbors and friends come to the bookstore to support her sister’s book club. But as the evening ends, she stumbles across local grandmother Eva, lifelessly slumped in an armchair at the back of the store. Even though she looks peaceful, Mercy notices a suspicious mark on her neck. She knows this wasn't an accident. Someone at the book club could be the killer. Then after Mercy reads a suspicious entry for the festival’s fiction writing contest, another body is found. Could it be the same culprit? It’s up to Mercy and her canine companion Mr. Poe to sniff out the truth.

I really like this cozy mystery set in Ireland. Mercy McCarthy is a great amateur sleuth who is very likable and works with the police to help solve the mysteries, although sometimes they would like her not to get involved. All of the side characters were fun to read about and helped the coziness of the setting. The plot was confounding. I thought I knew who the culprit was but was surprised in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.