Pages: 362

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: December 8, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: A wedding, criminal art, murder, and a library in an idyllic setting; can a book get any more perfect?

Amy and Richard are finally getting married but before they can say I do Amy must deal with a killer. Will Amy meet Richard at the end of the aisle or will she meet her maker?

I was hooked from page one as I have been with all the books in this series and did not want to stop until the last page. I really liked how we got to know Amy’s brother, Scott, more. Between Amy and Scott, their poor parents are always kept on their toes.

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. The author does great in giving enough background of the characters to catch you up.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: The pursuit to acquire a rare illustrated book turns deadly, and on the eve of her upcoming wedding, library director Amy Webber is drawn into a web of treachery and betrayal that could derail her happy day–and maybe just claim her life.

Planning a wedding can be murder–sometimes literally. At a party celebrating their upcoming nuptials, Taylorsford, Virginia library director Amy Webber and her fiancé Richard Muir discover the body of art dealer Oscar Selvaggio–a bitter rival of their host, Kurt Kendrick.

Both had been in a heated battle to purchase a rare illustrated volume created by William Morris’s Kelmscott Press, so suspicion immediately falls upon Kurt. Amy knows that Kurt has a closet-full of skeletons from his past–but she can’t believe he’s guilty of murder.

Amidst an avalanche of wedding preparations, Amy begins an investigation with the help of her aunt Lydia Talbot and the new mayor of Taylorsford, Sunshine “Sunny” Fields. Much to Lydia’s
dismay, her boyfriend, art expert Hugh Chen, becomes convinced of Kurt’s guilt and launches an investigation of his own. As the case hits painfully close to home, the stakes become impossibly high–and the danger all too real.

Pages: 265

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Published: December 29, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: Another great addition to the Seaside Café Mystery. A fast-paced but well-plotted read.

We get to join Everly and her aunts at Halloween/Election time in Charm, NC and things are not as cute as they seem. While the little ghosts and goblins are running around looking for treats there are scary things happening to Everly making her wonder who should she trust. Someone thinks Everly has a treasure map that will lead them to a great fortune from many years ago. Can Everly survive to see if her aunt wins the local mayoral election?

I enjoy the pace of this series. I always find myself diving headfirst into the book like Lou diving into his plate of fresh shrimp. I never want to come up for air until the last page. I only wish Grady wasn’t so wishy-washy and either let Everly go or treat her with the love she deserves.

A few yummy recipes are included.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, through NetGalley. Any opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Could this be the bitter end for Everly?

It’s almost Halloween, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is decked out for the festivities. When Everly Swan agrees to close her iced tea shop early to help her aunts host their annual haunted historic walking tour, she expects some good-natured spooks. But the night turns grave when one of the ghostly actors is found dead. To complicate matters, the victim scratched Everly’s name into the ground before she died, making her a key suspect.

Everly’s potential boo, Detective Grady, takes the case—and he definitely doesn’t want her getting involved. But Everly doesn’t have much of a choice when a phantom sailor straight out of local legend starts leaving her threatening messages… With a local election under way, ghosts on the loose, and a search for long-lost buried treasure, Everly can’t help but stir the pot!

The fifth book in Bree Baker’s acclaimed Seaside Café Mystery series, Closely Harbored Secrets is a frighteningly fun read!

Pages: 223

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: Overall I enjoyed book eight in the Candy-Coated series even though I had a small issue.

My biggest issue was we are still in the first year of Allie being on Mackinac Island but we are on our third Christmas story and this full-length Christmas story takes place before the two novellas that have been previously published. I might not have even thought about it if I did not read the two novellas right before reading this story. It does nothing to take away from the story it was a personal peeve of mine.

I did like getting to know more about Frances’ past and more about her in general.

I admit I have not read this series in order. I have been able to follow along quite nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In Nancy Coco’s eighth Candy-Coated Mystery, Christmas on Mackinac Island brings a flurry of festive activity for fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy–but also a body in a snowbank. With fun recipes, cute pets, quirky characters, and an endearing young protagonist, the Candy-Coated Mysteries have the perfect ingredients for cozy mystery fans!

All Allie wants for Christmas is for renovations to be finished on the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop so she can move back home for the holidays. But for now she’s staying in her friend Frances’ apartment, busily baking batches of holiday fudge. After someone leaves a mysterious note on the door to meet up, the curious fudge maker goes to the rendezvous with her Bichonpoo, Mal–only to discover a woman facedown in a snowdrift. With her dying breath, the woman gasps, “Frances.” The police suspect she named her killer, but Allie knows that’s impossible. She needs to wrap up this case before the trail runs cold–and give her friend the gift of freedom this Christmas season…

Pages: 245

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. My favorite was book two but all are good reads. All can be read as standalone. All are good clean reads for teenagers on up.

The twins, Rachel and Ella Mae have been my least favorite characters as they are so immature but so are the boys Jonas and Jeremiah. It was nice to see the four of them grow up.

I love the idea of a cookie club with close friendships, a weekly day to gather and connect all the while fulfilling a need in the community. It would be something I would love to do with some friends when it is safe to gather again.

I alternated between reading and listening to the audiobook and suggest either one for readers. The narrator is engaged with the characters in the audiobook.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Baking cookies every other Friday for their respective church districts gives Edna Esh and three of her closest friends a chance to give to the Plain community and strengthen their bond with each other. In this third Amish Cookie Club novel by ELPA bestselling author Sarah Price, tourist season is approaching, and the Edna is busier than ever, between baking with her Amish Cookie Club friends and running her business serving meals to Englische tourists. You wouldn’t think she’d have time for matchmaking…

Edna couldn’t be happier that her new daughter-in-law, Bethany, is pregnant. But Bethany is also her best helper, and morning sickness has her out of commission. Desperate for more hands, Edna accepts a friend’s offer for her twin daughters, Rachel and Ella Mae, to step in. Trouble is, the young women are constantly bickering–except when Edna’s sons Jeremiah and Jonas are around…

It’s soon clear that Rachel has taken a shine to Jeremiah, while Jonas is smitten with Ella Mae. It’s also clear the feelings aren’t reciprocated. But after confiding in the Cookie Club, Edna devises a plan for the pairs to spend more time together. The only problem is it seems to be failing. Yet it appears there’s a grander plan at work–and as nature takes its course, and the MayFest arrives, there’s reason to look forward to the bountiful sweetness of a double wedding come autumn…

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: December 1, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: Is it proper to say that a murder mystery was a joy to read? I can’t help but be happy when I finish an Amanda Flower cozy mystery. Especially when it weaves two of her series together. Characters from her Amish Candy Shop series make plenty of appearances and yes, for those that have read that series, Jethro makes himself known!

The combination of Amish Millie and Englisch Lois is a hoot. I would love to follow them for one day just to see their thinking in action. Wherever they are you can guarantee that trouble will not be far behind.

I cannot wait to read more of their antics.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: Between minding a pair of rambunctious goats, meetings with her quilting circle, and matchmaking, Millie Fisher has plenty to keep her busy through her golden years. But the witty widow always makes time to solve the odd murder . . .
 
Some Amish men don’t know what’s good for them. That’s what Millie Fisher told herself when young Ben Baughman set his heart on marrying Tess Lieb. With Tess’s father refusing to give his blessing and Tess’s ex-boyfriend being a wet blanket, the hapless couple was bound to butt heads more than Millie’s Boer goats. But when Ben tragically dies in a mysterious fire, Millie wonders if someone in her hometown of Harvest, Ohio, wanted Ben out of the wedding picture altogether . . .
 
With the help of her quilting buddies, and her outspoken Englischer friend Lois, Millie is determined to patch together all the clues without even dropping a stitch. She only hopes it won’t be the death of her . . .opes it won’t be the death of her . . .

Pages: 348

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Published: September 8, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: An enjoyable series with a little romance and suspense.

In book two we continue to learn more about the background of Jane, Reid, and Will. As Jane is coming to terms with her new family she has to stop a possible terrorist attack to an oil rig in the bay.

This is a fast-paced read that has you on the edge of your seat at times. I suggest reading book one first so you understand the relationship between Jane, Reid, and Will.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: A lie changed her world.

Police Chief Jane Hardy is still reeling from the scandal that rocked her small-town department just as she took over for her retired father—the man who wrecked her life with one little lie. Now she’s finally been reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old son, Will, and his father, documentarian Reid Bechtol. 

A crisis looms.

When a murder aboard the oil platform Zeus exposes an environmental terrorist’s plot to flood Mobile Bay with crude oil, Jane and Reid must put their feelings for each other behind them and work together to prevent the rig from being sabotaged.

A killer targets her son.

Then the terrorist puts her son Will’s life on the line. Protecting him could be the common ground they need . . . but then ghosts from the past threaten to ruin Jane and Reid for good.

She’s got plenty of reasons to run. But what if she stays? 

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: October 27, 2020

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

My Review: A visit to Greybourne Harbor is like a visit home. When I open a book in this series I feel as if I am falling into comfort and am guaranteed for the next few hours I can escape. Elliott does the most wonderful job of describing the atmosphere in the town. My favorite time visiting is in the winter. The beauty of the snow…aah.

This is the fifth book in the series and we get to know more about Paige and her mother Martha. If you have followed the series you know Martha is pretty grouchy. In this installment, you will come to understand her more and by the end I really liked Martha. We learn how strong family bonds are and what happens when those bonds are threatened.

Even though the author does an excellent job of giving background on who is who I heavily suggest reading this series in order. If this is your thought of delving into the series what other perfect time than now to treat yourself to the entire series. The covers alone are beautiful. I would love to make wall art out of them for my library.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In Lauren Elliott’s fifth Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery, a murder and a missing first edition of The Secret Garden have rare bookstore owner Addie Greyborne running around her Massachusetts town trying to read the clues…

January isn’t the season for the seaside, but the big Fire and Ice festival is keeping bookstore owner Addie busy. Amid the plans for a fireworks display and an ice-carving competition, she’s also dog sitting for a friend in the hospital. When Addie goes to her friend’s house to gather supplies, she notices an interesting item on the nightstand which belongs to her shop assistant, Paige: a very valuable copy of the beloved children’s book The Secret Garden.

But Addie’s blood runs cold when she finds something else: a dead body behind the bakery next door to her shop. Martha, the bakery owner, has no alibi–and has been seen in a heated argument with the victim. And the next thing Addie knows, that first edition has gone missing. Is there a connection between the body and the treasured tome? If there is, it’s up to Addie to find a killer with a motive as hidden as Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous garden . . .

Pages: 242

Publisher: Hallmark Publishing

Published: August 11, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: You know you have a good writer when a reader can start a series without reading the first book and feel like you know what is going on and who everyone is to each other. I bought the first book but have not read it. I saw this on NetGalley and was instantly drawn in. I am now going to go back and read the first one while waiting for the next one to be released.

A good clean read for cozy mystery and mystery in general enthusiasts. You of course have your murder scene but nothing too grisly. No foul language and no steamy romance scenes.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Hallmark Publishing, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: When art in the parkleads to murder in the dark,the Shepherd sistershave another crime to solve.

Savanna Shepherd, an art expert turned elementary art teacher, is planning the Art in the Park festival for her hometown of Carson. But apparently, someone isn’t happy that Carson got to host the event: the beloved statue in the park is destroyed. Not long after, Savanna finds the dead body of one of the people on the planning committee.

Savanna and her sisters are convinced that the arrested murder suspect didn’t do it, despite strong evidence to the contrary. With the help of Dr. Aidan Gallager, Savanna’s new romantic interest, they uncover hidden resentments and intrigue. Several people in Carson had a motive for the murder. Can they find out which one of them is behind the framing of an innocent person?

This intriguing mystery includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Mini Rhubarb Pies.

Pages: 332

Publisher: Zondervan Fiction

Published: December 1, 2020

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review: First, let me say I really wish the Coffee Corner was a real place I could visit every day it is open, and sit with my book and try all the flavors of coffee Bethany invents. Of course, I would come home with things I really do not need like jams and jellies.

Each book in the Amish Marketplace series has been true gems to read. I think this is my favorite so far. I loved reading about Bethany and Micah’s path to love. They proved that bad things happen, detours are taken that are not the best choices but love in each other and God will bring you back to where you need to be. It also stresses forgiveness which I believe is hard for everyone. Forgiveness in yourself and others takes love in yourself and others to occur.

Each book can be read as a standalone so hurry grab your copy and then brew a cuppa and lose yourself in a beautiful story.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Zondervan Fiction, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

NetGalley: In this third installment of Amy Clipston’s Amish Marketplace series, an acquaintance grows into love over a few well-timed cups of coffee.

Alongside her cousins who have booths of their own, Bethany Gingerich runs a busy and successful coffee and donut stand at the Amish market. Since she has café-style tables and chairs, her regular customers enjoy purchasing a morning treat so they can sit and talk to their friends.

Micah Zook and his grandfather, Enos, visit Bethany every Saturday morning to purchase coffee and donuts before going to work at Enos’s custom outdoor furniture shop. Bethany enjoys talking to Micah and Enos, and she’s always thought Micah was handsome—but she doesn’t think her crush will ever result in anything more.

When Micah and his grandfather don’t come to see her one Saturday morning, Bethany begins to worry. And when she learns that tragedy has struck, she wonders how to help Micah in his time of need. Turns out he needs a friend now more than ever, and Bethany may be just the kind of friend that God has provided for him.