Was it just last year I picked up my first Witch City Mystery and enjoyed following along as Lee, her Aunt Ibby, her psychic cat O’Ryan, her bestie, aWas it just last year I picked up my first Witch City Mystery and enjoyed following along as Lee, her Aunt Ibby, her psychic cat O’Ryan, her bestie, and her detective hubby solved a supernatural crime on All Hallow’s Eve in Salem? I had such a good time that I was delighted to keep going with the next installment in Carol J Perry’s engaging cozy mystery series.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Review TBA...more
Country charm and small town romance that is cozy entertainment by a gifted storyteller. On the Way to Us contains the title story and a second novellCountry charm and small town romance that is cozy entertainment by a gifted storyteller. On the Way to Us contains the title story and a second novella, Love Struck Café, to give readers double the pleasure.
On the Way to Us is retitled from the older version ‘An Old Love’s Shadow’ and offers a standalone romance about two people who have a fiery meet cute, a wariness about the attraction that builds up, and the patience to wait for a heroine to get out of her own way.
Mercy Spencer has been coasting through her own life for a few years now and her wakeup call happens on a two-week mission trip to a backwater place in Texas when she marches into a cantina and demands the sexy bartender turn down the jukebox so the church goers next door can hear themselves sing. Hunter Wilson is struck at once, but only gets his chance when he bumps into the fiery tall blond once again at a restaurant in Oklahoma.
Hunter’s got a past and has been hurt, but oddly, it’s Mercy who is more gun-shy and has the longer road of growing. She needs to get out of her bossy bestie’s shadow, learn her own mind about what she really wants to do, and get past the fear she has to put herself out there for love. Hunter’s almost too good to be true the way he sticks to Mercy after she pumps the brakes and pushes him away before jumping to conclusions about him. He was sexy, patient, and mature and most of the reason I enjoyed this story. It ends well particularly when Mercy’s mom gives her the necessary boot up the butt, but Mercy was way too stubborn and I would have liked to see her at least apologize once she realized just how wrong she was. So, I can’t say I loved the heroine, but the overall story and the hero were fabulous.
Love Struck Café is also a standalone, but it’s connected to the Spikes and Spurs series particularly the heroine in book two of that series. A Valentine holiday time frame for a low-angst, sweet love at first sight romance.
Flint Walker is lighting a shuck north away from the bitter memories of having to sell the family ranch when fate brings him to a screeching halt in sleepy Ringgold, TX at a diner with fab food and a help wanted sign in the window. Flint is taken with pretty cook-owner, Jasmine Thurman, and takes the advice of some old local ranchers to stick around a few days to check out a local sale property and take Jasmine up on her offer of room and board if he helps her out until her cousin and staff arrive to take over the Chicken Fried diner.
Jasmine was desperate and took in a handsome stranger who plans to move on. Three days later, she’s fighting her heart and her dreams that Flint will put down stakes and not go looking for a ranch to own up north.
This was love at first sight, but this pair took their time as friends, working partners, and then addressed the elephant in the room. Both were scared to believe in what seemed too good to be true and the way fate lined things up. A swoony country-fried romance that left me hungry for Jasmine’s cooking and envious for one of Flint’s fiery kisses.
So, the surprise of getting a pair of stories when I thought there was only one. The earthy, every day romance and characters was heartily appealing and draws me in each and every time to Carolyn Brown’s writing. Small Town Romance fans who like it sweet and sassy should give this one a go.
I rec’d an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Feb 28, 2024....more
Is Train noir a genre? If not, it should be. Kelly Dean Jolley can turn contemporary into nostalgic classic with the turn of a phrase. I had to keep rIs Train noir a genre? If not, it should be. Kelly Dean Jolley can turn contemporary into nostalgic classic with the turn of a phrase. I had to keep reminding myself I was reading contemporary because I felt like the setting was the golden age of train travel and the characters and plot fit so well in that setting with the sleepy mystery with the astonishing twist.
The Vanishing Woman is a standalone and a short novel- or long novella length. The protagonist, Tad Fowler, is the sole narrator. He’s been buried in his work for years and after selling for millions, he’s finally coming up for air by taking a first class birth on a transcontinental train journey to spend Christmas with his sister and her family.
While the holidays are a backdrop, the focus is Tad’s journey and I don’t only speak of the fabulous train journey. He comes alive to more than his work and the catalyst is a mysterious, vibrant woman in red who sucks him in to the mystery of her missing friend’s disappearance on the train. Quinn is gorgeous and Tad is indeed attracted, but he is drawn to more than that and shocker, she seems attracted to his openness and fresh, whole-heartedness. Then, the twist comes and Tad is swept up in his own topsy-turvy emotional mystery to rival any of the great classic mysteries he loves to read.
The author makes Tad- and Quinn- aficionados of literary and movie classics mostly holiday, train, or mystery-related that I found engaging, too. The fun nods to the magic of The Polar Express kept the holiday spirit present though the story was layered with mystery, romance, and more.
The Vanishing Woman read quickly, which is perfect for those who want something for the busy-ness of the holiday season, but it was fully developed and draws in the reader from the start even with the mystery slowly gaining ground throughout. Those who like the golden oldies of holiday, romance, and mystery genres should tug The Vanishing Woman onto their winter TBR stack.
I rec'd an eARC from Meryton Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Feb 18th....more
A while back, I won a mystery box of books. I passed along several of them, but held onto this slender historical holiday romance novella. The author A while back, I won a mystery box of books. I passed along several of them, but held onto this slender historical holiday romance novella. The author is one I've meant to try for a while so I leaped into Deck the Halls of Love with pleasure.
Deck the Halls With Love is #2.5 in a series and features two characters who were side characters in earlier books.
I knew this was only seventy short, quick pages so a lot had to happen quickly. Chetwyn is free of his own fiance to pursue Lady Merry, but she is currently engaged. Sounds like he'll have to give in gracefully. And, he plans to if she's truly in love. But, then he discovers her fiance is a gambler and in debt so set up the engagement with a compromise to get her dowry. Poor Lady Merry! Chetwyn has no true obstacle to his second chance.
I hadn't read the earlier books, but I got the gist of things and, once I saw that Litton was after Merry's dowry, I was fine with cheering on Chetwyn to get to it and make them both happy after he was an idiot the first time around. A light and quick Victorian holiday season romance hit the spot....more
The age-old question, what matters most? Is it the career she gave up everything to have or the family whom her late grandmother said was everything? The age-old question, what matters most? Is it the career she gave up everything to have or the family whom her late grandmother said was everything? A cut throat acquisitions executive is about to find out.
The Wishing Bridge is my fourth Viola Shipman book and I’ve discovered something to delight in from each one. In this case, I was especially anticipatory of the latest Christmas themed novel because of it being set in my part of Michigan. I adore Frankenmuth and Bronner’s so was tickled to see this special place become a fabulous extra character in the story. And, this story… ahhh, so much feeling. The way it captures the magic of Christmas for a child and shows a woman who has lost her way that she can come home and try for those Christmas wishes she had so long ago.
In truth, I was never down on Henri for her desire to leave her town and go for a career even if it meant saying no to her high school love. I was glad her dad didn’t make it tough on her, though, yes, he had his druthers about wanting her to stay and make it a family business. My struggle was when she wanted to come back and did it under false pretenses. It was down to the wire and I was caught up with so many feelings to see her struggle with deceiving her family about planning to sell their beautiful store or whether she’d be able to see her way clear that would be best for all involved.
There is a second chance romance and it was sweet and heartwarming with some complications because of what came between the pair, but as usual with Shipman’s books, I was more focused on the internal struggles and the family situation. But, I can’t forget the feelings elicited about a place and a holiday season, too.
All around this was a well done abso-fabulous holiday season read that would put a Grinch in the mood for Christmas. Chick Lit, Women’s Fic, and Holiday Sweet Romance fans should definite give The Wishing Bridge a look-see.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 4th....more
A woman and her little girl on the run break down in Painted Pony Creek for the holidays and find wonder and magic and love. But, a self-centered, detA woman and her little girl on the run break down in Painted Pony Creek for the holidays and find wonder and magic and love. But, a self-centered, determined woman won’t leave them be and running has been their only option until now.
Christmas in Painted Pony Creek was my intro to the widely acclaimed Linda Lael Miller’s writing. Boy howdy, I can see why now. I’m no stranger to the snug and comfy small town holiday romance where a wanderer finds home, but instead of it feeling stale and same-ol’, I settled in from the start and regretted closing the book on the last page. While I could see this was part of an ongoing series and met characters who starred in previous books, I had no trouble reading this out of order as a standalone. The tone was gentle and sweet, but it read swiftly for me. I have future dates with the rest of the Painted Pony Creek series so I can meet all these kind folk who felt like family from the beginning.
As I mentioned, Tessa and her little girl arrive by way of their car giving out and discover a town of people ready to embrace them and their needs. They meet Jesse at the diner. He’s taking a sabbatical from his legal work to work construction and needs to figure out what he wants to do. Their mutual attraction was a lovely layer in the story rather than the only focus and I’m a total sucker for a cowboy and little girl connecting on their own so Jesse fell for both ladies. The western movie references were a fun running joke through the book. I enjoyed meeting all the small town characters and seeing them generously step in to help Tessa and Isabella and wish Jesse well while going about their lovely holiday traditions.
Isabella’s step-grandmother was over the top the way she kept coming after them to get Isabella. Her relentless pursuit gave a pinch of suspenseful spice to an otherwise sweet story full of holiday cheer and magic.
A small town western charmer of a holiday romance hit the spot and left me smiling and satisfied. Drop this bit of holiday cheer into your stocking for a feel-good from Painted Pony Creek.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 12th....more
In this most recent of Anne Perry’s historical Christmas mysteries featuring prominent side characters from her regular Charlotte and Thomas Pitt or WIn this most recent of Anne Perry’s historical Christmas mysteries featuring prominent side characters from her regular Charlotte and Thomas Pitt or William Monk series, the spotlight lands on Mariah Ellison, Charlotte Pitt’s starched up, steely-eyed cranky grandmother who sapped the light and joy from a room just with her presence all through the series. But, this is Christmas and a lonely Mariah has determined to change this late in life. Her turning over a new leaf coincides with an invitation to visit a village and friend where she spent some of her younger, married years.
Like she has before, Anne Perry crafted a character who was not all or only one way, but held nuances of dark and light that made her real as a fictional character can be. Mariah was not a favorite character for me and was something of a tartar so I was fascinated to see how Anne Perry took me from disliking her to applauding her for inner strength and new found courage to change.
Much of A Christmas Vanishing is introspective. Mariah is trying to find her friend, Sadie, but also finding herself after decades of growing into a bitter, hateful woman because of the abuse she took privately at the hand of her husband. Mariah struggles against letting her old bad habits reign in her life, but is making great efforts even while she renews an old acquaintance and forges a friendship as they look for Sadie and she meets a man who becomes a fast friend and partner in the search.
The mystery does eventually take the forefront and it was a sad affair with spikes of suspense. The end is a softer, heartwarming village Christmas and forgiveness and new chances at the heart. Much of the story is strongly developed character-wise and plotting with a bit of late-Victorian era Christmas backdrop, but there is repetition in some of the inner monologue that did slow the pace down at times.
All in all, this standalone long-novella Christmas mystery hit the spot and I can recommend the series to those who want holiday flavor to their historical mystery.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Dec 13th....more
The Thanksgiving holiday, a romance between a pair who’ve been through grief and parenting alone, and a mystery in their Amish community had me eager The Thanksgiving holiday, a romance between a pair who’ve been through grief and parenting alone, and a mystery in their Amish community had me eager to pick up this latest from already familiar author, Marta Perry.
The book is a standalone from two different series as sixth in the Promise Glen series and third in Amish Holiday series. I have not read any previous books from either series though I do plan to rectify that, but I had no trouble slipping into Rebecca and Nathan’s story.
Thanksgiving Blessing actually starts during the harvest season well before Thanksgiving. Poor Rebecca is determined to keep the family farm afloat as well as run the vegetable stand, but the mysterious wanton destruction within the Amish community hits her, too. I enjoyed seeing reluctant Rebecca accept Nathan as a partner at the stand, see the way he handled children, and thaw toward the poor man who thinks she’s something special even with her rambunctious twins.
I read a trilogy by the author a while back and loved that series. I always wanted to read more of her books because of the thoughtful way she wrote her characters, their growth, the various types of relationships developed, delicious meals and Amish crafts, and that smidge of suspense to pique my interest further. All that was not a fluke. Thanksgiving Blessing had the beautiful and warm inspirational Amish landscape and lifestyle woven through, the engaging characters, their need to grow and how they grow together, family, and the solid mystery of who and why for the vandalism. The culmination with the Thanksgiving holiday at the end of the story and all being right for Rebecca and Nathan fulfilled the promise of the holiday element of the romance, too. I recommend this one for those who love sweet slowburn romance, Amish romance, and light romantic suspense.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About Nov 23rd....more
The Christmas feel-good vibes are high and tucking into a comfy smalltown sweet holiday romance is responsible. Rae Anne Thayne is a superstar of holiThe Christmas feel-good vibes are high and tucking into a comfy smalltown sweet holiday romance is responsible. Rae Anne Thayne is a superstar of holiday books, but wouldn’t you know it, I’d never dipped my toe into the waters yet. Christmas at the Shelter Inn was a fine way to acquire a taste for the author’s charming, with just the right sugar romances.
The set-up is one I enjoy. Natalie Shepherd (don’t you just how her name even as a holiday-esque connection—inn-shepherd-natal?)… anyway, our heroine has been away from her home town and kept nomading away by her own issues with abandonment, but a sister’s bedrest pregnancy causes a predicament and she has to heed the call of family need. She is there to run the retirement housing and look after her cute nieces. But, soon, she’s drawn back into reluctant feelings for her brother’s bestie.
Meanwhile, small town doctor and all around good guy Griff is eating his heart out about the return of Natalie and stressing over a long-held guilt-ridden secret. Even beyond his struggles, Natalie gives him an uphill battle toward love. But, as we all know, its holiday romance magic time and with festivities, snowy town setting, cute nieces and Griffin’s gran, and sweets, this pair don’t stand a chance. I appreciated how the author gave emotional depth to the romance with the need to deal with the past and grief and reconnect as older people and with family.
In summary, I adored Christmas at the Shelter Inn and it left me satisfied, but wishing I hadn’t waited to so long to experience the author’s books. Do yourself a Santa solid and snatch this one up with your comfy throw, a hot cocoa, and curl up in your reading nook for some holiday cheer.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 7th....more
What a merry, magical holiday romp! What if Caroline Bingley finds a secret, magical way to achieve her mercenary goal of marrying the rich, well-connWhat a merry, magical holiday romp! What if Caroline Bingley finds a secret, magical way to achieve her mercenary goal of marrying the rich, well-connected Fitzwilliam Darcy? A body swap tale brings about a most unexpected path to love in this Pride & Prejudice fantasy variation from the engaging pen of Sarah Courtney.
A Christmas spent in a cozy flat with a brilliant, intelligent friend for good food and stimulating conversation was the height of his Christmas holidA Christmas spent in a cozy flat with a brilliant, intelligent friend for good food and stimulating conversation was the height of his Christmas holiday until an irrepressible woman burst in and demanded they come and solve a mystery that was baffling local police.
For a few years now, I’ve been aware of the New Hercule Poirot Mysteries and I’ve wanted to try them since I love Agatha Christie’s eccentric Belgium detective. When I spotted the latest installment among this year’s Christmas offerings, I decided it was time to visit the series. Thankfully, Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night is standalone though it’s the fifth book in the series.
I enjoyed being introduced to Hercule Poirot’s new companion, Scotland Yard Inspector Catchpool who also happens to chronicle the cases they have worked on together. The holiday case comes to them via Catchpool’s annoying force of nature of a mother. He has told her ‘no’ about coming to visit her friends for the holidays so she ends around him and presents the local murder case to Poirot and demands he help solve it because it affects her dear friend and her eccentric household.
I was wary of this new iteration of Poirot, but it wasn’t long before I was comfortable with Sophie Hannah’s careful creation of the character and Catchpool. Then, when Cynthia Catchpool crashed into the story, I was amused and irritated by her in equal measure, but she definitely livened things up.
For the next several chapters, there was the intro to the cast of characters, the murder case, and the setting of the town and the estate by the sea. The characters were all fascinating people and the interactions had me eying them all suspiciously as Poirot and Catchpool interviewed and observed with plans to get the case solved and leave for London by Christmas. Silly men, I can see Cynthia tsking them with her playful finger.
The mystery had me curious, but I confess that I was more into getting to know the new Poirot and seeing him compare favorably with Christie’s original. Also, the amusing way Catchpool is not as quick on the uptake as Poirot and gets put to work while still in the dark by Poirot. Their friendship is fun.
In summary, this was a delightful holiday cozy historical mystery. I’ll be going back to see Poirot and Catchpool’s first meeting and case and getting the whole series though I was glad this worked great as a standalone and recommend you stuff your stocking with this Christmas goodie.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Dec 27th....more
Coming home for the holidays, for her career, and a surprise chance at love with an old high school crush for the oldest Simmons sister paired with a Coming home for the holidays, for her career, and a surprise chance at love with an old high school crush for the oldest Simmons sister paired with a new chance at love if the youngest Simmons sister can sort out the priority of love interest and family loyalty made for a warmhearted first in series from long-time favorite author, Carolyn Brown.
Paradise for Christmas is the first in a new series featuring seven sisters who scattered to the winds in their adulthood are trickling home to find their chance at love and happiness. However, some readers who read the older story, Trouble in Paradise, will be dancing up and down to see that this first in series is a follow up to see what came of those seven young girls who did some matchmaking to get themselves a daddy for Christmas long ago when the family first moved into the old brothel, Paradise.
Not one romance, but actually two take place since both Ursula and Luna share the narration and split the focus of the book. In truth, there is a third romance if one counts the historical couple that Ursula is writing about. So yes, Ursula is a chip off the block and a writer like her mama and she’s come back home to live where she hopes to get past her writer’s block and bust out a solid historical romance.
Ursula comes home for Thanksgiving which is a big family tradition that she and her sisters have never missed gathering for since that first Thanksgiving when their mom fell in love with Joe Clay. Coincidentally, she shares more than a pinchant for writing with her mom because she has come home to find her handsome highschool crush on hand. Remy was shy, awkward, and super smart and she thought he was too smart for the likes of her, but now he’s the boy next door grown up to be a handsome and worthy college history teacher and small spread rancher who has had a thing for Ursula for years and is doing something about it this time around.
Meanwhile, Ursula’s youngest twin sisters are in turmoil. Endora is hurting from her fiance and best friend cheating on her and then getting married. Endora is sulking and doesn’t want to see her sisters anywhere near men. Luna has always stuck close to her twin sister so she’s keeping her desire to leave teaching and a new romance with a handsome, local guy just back from the military who wants to open a country store and bait shop on his property along the Red River with Luna as his partner in the shop and love. Shane‘s getting tired of being her dirty secret from her sister and deserves to be openly part of her family because, like Remy, he’s an only child and alone for the holidays.
Paradise for Christmas is chock full of family holiday togetherness from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It catches up readers on what Mary Jane and Joe Clay and the seven sisters have been up to for the last twenty years, new character sassy Aunt Bernie, and is a good series starter for following each of the sisters now. It looks like there will be three books that will tackle two to three sisters‘ being spotlighted in each.
Not much in the way of conflict just people who need to figure out what they really want and to get past their vulnerabilities about lasting relationships. There are some jealousy-induced misunderstanding moments and a really funny Christmas party mishap, but for the most part, its gently-paced slice of life stuff for Ursula, Luna and their family and friends at the Paradise. Those who like it cozy, warm and full of family with their romance should slip this one onto their reading pile.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at That's What I'm Talking About on Dec 28th....more
After burying her last living relation and most dear Aunt Bee, Sissy faces a lonely holiday season and dreary future. But that was before she discoverAfter burying her last living relation and most dear Aunt Bee, Sissy faces a lonely holiday season and dreary future. But that was before she discovered the boisterous Sunshine Club had her back and were ready to teach her something about found family and love. I was tickled to dive into a new small town women’s fic from Carolyn Brown narrated by Brittany Pressley.
Sissy, known to everyone outside small town Newton, Texas as Martina an excellent family counselor, is at a crossroads in her life. She just gave her Aunt Bee a fabulous sendoff and inherited her house, her outlandish raggy rooster, foul-mouthed cockatiel, and her sassy senior friends, Gussie and Ida Mae, but the loss of her aunt was her last mooring to family. Or so she thought. The remaining members of the Sunshine Club, Gussie and Ida Mae and their long, rich history with Blanche will show Sissy a thing or two about life and living that her counseling degree and life on the road with her eclectic rock n’ roll parents never taught her. This is Sissy’s story in one respect, but in truth, it’s the story of her Aunt Blanche’s legacy. Everyone surrounding Blanche much pick up the pieces once she’s gone and I loved seeing them go through the sadness of loss to finding a reset on life. Sissy’s reset involved learning about found family and opening herself up to love with the last type of person she thought would be her match, a small town preacher, Luke Beauchamp. Luke was taken with Sissy from the beginning, but a developing romance isn’t easy for him because an interfering church member never liked him for the pastoral vacancy after his uncle retired and now she really doesn’t like him dating Sissy and is forcing him to make a choice causing Sissy to backpedal not wanting to be the reason he loses his church ministry. But, Luke and Sissy have the support of a group of seniors including his uncle, his uncle’s best friend both widowers and Sissy’s aunt’s besties who will ‘ride or die’ to help the young pair find and keep happiness and get a little of their own along the way.
Brittany Pressley is not a stranger to narrating Carolyn Brown books and I love how well she matches up with the feel of these down home country charmers and the multi-generational casts of characters. She brings a bit of extra sass and sparkle to the story.
All in all, this holiday season read hit the homey spot and left a satisfying feeling when all was said and done. Those who like light and fun women’s fic should not hesitate to put in their earbuds and click play on this one.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart Nov 22nd....more
Returning to the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain town setting and the cozy comfort of Misty’s inn for a new seasonal mystery was an anticipated readinReturning to the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain town setting and the cozy comfort of Misty’s inn for a new seasonal mystery was an anticipated reading experience for me and I was not disappointed.
Snow Place for Murder is the third installment in the Mountain Lodge cozy mystery series. Each book can be read standalone and, in fact, I started with book two and did just fine.
Misty hosts a family Thanksgiving for her ex and two college age sons, JJ and Mitch, her new boyfriend, Rocky, and his daughter. A good time was had by all. JJ and Mitch stay on to help Misty at the lodge while her assistant takes a long holiday break. The lodge is hosting an international resort developer who is the new owner of a nearby patch of land he plans to turn into a resort, his wife, assistant, and his potential investor guests. First a local group of protestors who, for their various reasons, don’t want the land developed into a resort and then the murder of Nigel, the developer, turn the cozy mountain holidays into a murder investigation.
After reading, A Trip With Trouble, I was positively impressed with Diane Kelly’s writing, the setting, the characters, and her mystery plot so I wanted to keep going with the series. Like that book, Snow Place for Murder took some time to develop the ongoing relationships and give a wonderful seasonal feel starting with the family Thanksgiving. It might seem that there would be some drama since Misty hosted her ex and kids with her boyfriend and one of his kids, but she had an amicable divorce after the kids were grown and a careful slow burn romance with Rocky, her boyfriend and handyman.
The story then changed gears and it was time for Misty, Rocky, and her sons to go to work hosting a group for a week at the lodge. A blizzard sets in adding atmosphere when the mystery part of the story gets going. The pacing stays steady and slower as an observant Misty works with the police sharing what she has seen and heard, using her position to subtly question suspects and witnesses, and follow a moderately twisting path to the reveal. I do like how Misty works with law enforcement and duly considers her actions.
The finish with the family Christmas and the hot tub Rocky put in to improve the lodge’s appeal was the perfect satisfying finish to a holiday cozy mystery. I enjoyed being back in the Blue Ridge with Misty and the others and will be continuing with the series. I invite you to join me.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Nov 29th....more
Love Struck Café is a standalone, but it’s connected to the Spikes and Spurs series particularly the heroine in book two of that series. A Valentine hLove Struck Café is a standalone, but it’s connected to the Spikes and Spurs series particularly the heroine in book two of that series. A Valentine holiday time frame for a low-angst, sweet love at first sight romance.
Flint Walker is lighting a shuck north away from the bitter memories of having to sell the family ranch when fate brings him to a screeching halt in sleepy Ringgold, TX at a diner with fab food and a help wanted sign in the window. Flint is taken with pretty cook-owner, Jasmine Thurman, and takes the advice of some old local ranchers to stick around a few days to check out a local sale property and take Jasmine up on her offer of room and board if he helps her out until her cousin and staff arrive to take over the Chicken Fried diner.
Jasmine was desperate and took in a handsome stranger who plans to move on. Three days later, she’s fighting her heart and her dreams that Flint will put down stakes and not go looking for a ranch to own up north.
This was love at first sight, but this pair took their time as friends, working partners, and then addressed the elephant in the room. Both were scared to believe in what seemed too good to be true and the way fate lined things up. A swoony country-fried romance that left me hungry for Jasmine’s cooking and envious for one of Flint’s fiery kisses.
The earthy, every day romance and characters was heartily appealing and draws me in each and every time to Carolyn Brown’s writing. Small Town Romance fans who like it sweet and sassy should give this one a go. ...more
Opening Lines- “What do you mean, the psychic can’t stay at the haunted inn? That’s kind of the whole point of bringing him here. To do readings at thOpening Lines- “What do you mean, the psychic can’t stay at the haunted inn? That’s kind of the whole point of bringing him here. To do readings at the haunted inn, in the haunted rooms. That’s one of the reasons he agreed to come.” Did I really need to explain this?
I come as a newbie to this series jumping in at the seventh book. It can be a gamble doing that and I’ll admit that I probably didn’t catch all the nuances as a result. However, I didn’t get lost as the author gave plenty of backdrop and started with Maddie, her family and the town working on their Halloween festivities. I loved the small town island setting and my attention was piqued right away when the haunted inn and the forty year old cold murder case that happened there were mentioned in the opening chapter. Oh yes, a fall festival and historical mysteries at the inn were a delight to my eyes.
This is a cozy so its pace was slow out of the gate when it comes to the murder- this doesn’t happen for several chapters. I expected this, no longer being a cozy greenhorn, and got comfy for all the early antics with the cast of characters of Maddie’s family and small town dynamics as they sought to out do Salem as a Halloween destination for the tourists. Maddie owns a cat café with her granddad and has a rescue cat JJ. She doesn’t spend much time with the café which I was rather curious about as a cat lover, but JJ gets on the page often enough to justify the series theme.
The murder victim, the celebrity guest psychic, was actually a guy I liked and was sad to see him bumped off. He was well-liked so I think that made it harder to plunk to his killer’s motive for me. Naturally, Cate Conte provided a good pile of characters who were a tad shifty-eyed even if it wasn’t for murder.
So, a fun autumn mystery read that hit the sweet spot for my seasonal craving. Cozy mystery fans should pencil this series in for a tryout.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink Oct 11....more
A Christmas tree farm as a holiday destination was her dream, but a series of bad circumstances have the rustic New England farm barely staying afloatA Christmas tree farm as a holiday destination was her dream, but a series of bad circumstances have the rustic New England farm barely staying afloat. Only a Hallmark-style holiday miracle will save it. A social influencer’s small business contest, a fake boyfriend scenario and a little bit of luck are all Stella needs to turn things around. BK Borison is a new to me author, but I barely made it out of the first chapter before I knew I would have a good time with Lovelight Farms.
Lovelight Farms is the first in a series of small town standalone romantic comedies and features awkward, adorable Stella Blooms who bought into a dream with a rundown Christmas tree farm and her long-time best friend now acting as fake boyfriend, Luka Peters. Everyone in town and their circle know about the sparks coming off Stella and Luka, but Stella’s fears of abandonment and fear of losing her bestest of best friends has her settling for this one week of pretend with Luka and convincing herself that afterward things would carry on as usual- quirky little pine air freshener gifts left for her to find, Italian cooking in her kitchen, and all. Fooling Evelyn St. James and winning the prize are Stella’s goals, but she wonders what Luka is getting from all this when he seems to be all in playing her boyfriend and helping as a partner around the farm.
Lovelight Farms has all the hallmarks of a solid holiday romantic comedy. I will admit to wanting to smack Stella upside her deeply denying head for letting her fear keep her from such a good thing right through to the end and the vague and somewhat unbelievable background of her life heretofore had to be a 'let go and enjoy the story'. So many wonderful scenes including some great swoony ones play out and there was a light mystery involving sabotage at the farm. The friends to lovers romance is at the heart, but small town quirks, Stella trying to keep all the balls in the air including the big lie she is keeping from Evelyn and another from her friends about the state of the farm, engaging friends and employees in irascible Beckett and sweet Layla, and all the friend memories and traditions she’s established with Luka made this deeply satisfying.
I’m so glad to note that the series continues with the others getting their own romances with the farm and town at the heart of it all. Small town romcom fans should definitely get in on this sparkling feel-gooder.
I rec'd a paperback copy from Berkley Romance to read in exchange for my honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Aug 9th....more
Heartwarming, sexy, and funny all rolled into one is a heady combo. I’m regretful that I’ve procrastinated so long in trying Jackie Lau’s books. I kneHeartwarming, sexy, and funny all rolled into one is a heady combo. I’m regretful that I’ve procrastinated so long in trying Jackie Lau’s books. I knew I’d be in for a good time so I had no excuses and now here was the convenience of audio and the chance to try a new to me narrator in Khristine Riviere, too.
A Match Made for Thanksgiving is the first in a series about the Wong siblings all finding their way to love- aided and assisted by their willing grandparents and parents, of course. I’ve always been fond of the ‘home for the holidays’ scenario and toss that in with the blind date ‘set up by parents’ trope and good times were a plenty.
I had some good laughs particularly in the first part when confident Nick Wong comes home thinking he knows the score with his folks right until he realizes the Lily who has been on his mind after their one night stand is his brother’s blind date. And, there was poor Lily who just wants to get over a big emotional hit her boyfriend landed her when he dumped her for being boring running into her rebound sex partner finding herself sitting at the guy’s family table passing the Thanksgiving meal.
But, this isn’t only a comedy. This pair, particularly, Lily, have to open up and be vulnerable to have a lasting relationship and they seem to be struggling to get there. No worries, Nick’s family aren’t going to let him mess up their matchmaking efforts even if they got the wrong Wong son for the girl.
Khristine Riviere had a warm, smooth way of telling the story and I enjoyed the book even more as a result.
All in all, I was well satisfied with this fun and quick holiday romcom. I’ll definitely be coming back for more of Jackie Lau’s Asian romance particularly if family are lurking nearby to give it some zest. Looking for a rare Thanksgiving romance? Dig in, friends!
I rec'd an audio copy via Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Nov 22nd....more
Back from their honeymoon just in time for the holidays at home, Stella and Lyndy are up to their sprig of mistletoe in mysteries, secrets, and murderBack from their honeymoon just in time for the holidays at home, Stella and Lyndy are up to their sprig of mistletoe in mysteries, secrets, and murder before the bang of their first Christmas cracker. This Edwardian Era historical cozy series has become highly anticipated must reads and this latest release was no exception.
With a blend of relationship development and clever murder mystery plotting set against a vibrant Edwardian era backdrop in the holiday season, Murder on Mistletoe Lane, the fifth of the connected Stella and Lyndy series opens back at Moorington Hall for the holidays.
I enjoyed the upstairs/downstairs connection of family, guests, locals and servants that brought an interesting cast of characters together with the murder involving the serving staff more than previous books. There is no shortage of mysteries even before the death occurs from why the countess invited certain guests to the goings on of some of the staff. I liked how it all ends up having relevance to the ongoing series plot or to the new murder to be solved. But, most of all, I’ve enjoyed seeing Stella and Lyndy grow in confidence as a couple, in their position, but also as a detecting pair. Stella is still working out her place in the household as the American and non-aristocratic wife, but she is staying true to herself even while respecting tradition and the responsibility that comes with her new title. Her heart for anyone and anything in need and respect for others no matter their circumstances is what makes her so loveable and Lyndy prizes her for it and has grown to be a man worthy of her.
There is a lovely amount of holiday atmosphere, sweet moments of romance for the new married pair, family secrets, and the murder that Stella and Lyndy help Inspector Brown work to solve. I meant to spend longer time relishing the book, but it drew me in and I read it swiftly to the end. Historical cozy mystery fans really need to jump on board with this series.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Nov 2nd....more
Confession time. If I spy a mystery featuring ice cream, an ex-CIA Librarian, and Halloween, I’m going to reach for the book. Was it as delicious as mConfession time. If I spy a mystery featuring ice cream, an ex-CIA Librarian, and Halloween, I’m going to reach for the book. Was it as delicious as my anticipation? Get your two scoops of tie-dye flavor and let’s go, kids.
Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third in the series. I jumped into this one and did fine out of order since the author painted in the backdrop of what was going on for Riley and her small town. That said, I did struggle to keep track of so many sub-plots and characters going on around and with Riley.
So, Riley Rhodes is content to work at her friend’s ice cream shop in her small home town. She’s adjusting to her dad’s marriage to a woman she’s not keen on and who now is berserkers over getting into film and is shoving Riley into a romance she’s not quite ready for after her ex did a number on her. The end of the seasonal ice cream shop work is coming up with the town’s big Halloween festivities that include a big publicity Halloween-themed wedding and a film production. Riley’s in the middle of it because she was asked to make the wedding cake, an ice-cream Halloween theme, and asked to wrangle her friend’s diva cat who is a pet star in the film production.
Lots of drama is swirling around this festive time with the caterer for the wedding being the ex to the gold-digging groom when he leveled up, the caterer’s assistant is a slippery character, the bride’s sons who can’t stand mommy dearest and don’t seem cut up about her death. And, really, there isn’t a soul connected to Diantha the bridezilla, who doesn’t have a reason to like her when she’s discovered dead in her inn on her wedding day. The huge suspect and motive list is what had the mystery hard to solve.
Riley jumps in when her friend, the spurned ex, Mary Ann is tagged as suspect number one. I liked that Riley did her sleuthing, but, when she comes up with something to share, she doesn’t hold out on the police and go it alone. She gives the detective what she knows. In truth, the sketchy one was her friend, Caroline, who wasn’t very bright about things much of the time and, incidentally, I could have done without her relationship drama.
I liked the gentle-pacing, visiting the ice cream shop, the fun Halloween festivities, visiting the ice cream shop, seeing Riley fleshed out as a caring person who is well-placed and good with people even when she’s doesn’t necessarily like them, and, oh, it bears repeating that part about visiting the ice cream shop. I also loved the secondary historical mystery that does eventually tie in involving George Washington and the coded info that would be of town interest and shed light on the present.
While hooked by a few of the flashy elements that, incidentally, the fun seasonal cover captures so well, I was glad this first taste of Meri Allen’s series and her writing turned out to be a hit. Those who enjoy seasonal cozy mysteries and foodie cozies should definitely give this a go.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Sept 20th....more
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