Publisher: Macmillan-Tor/Forge

Published: July 22, 2021

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Audio, Digital, and Hardback

My Review: Oh my goodness, y’all this book is everything! Magical realism, family hurts, and love. 💕

When is the last time you woke up at 2 am just to finish a book? I just had to know how it would end. The beauty of the book made me cry. I cannot stop thinking about this book.

I really don’t want to say much as I want you to experience this book without a lot of preconceived notions.

You will not be sorry you bought this book. Perfect for any reading situation.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, MacMillian-Tor/Forge, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

From NetGalley: The Lights of Sugarberry Cove is a charming, delightful story of family, healing, love, and small town Southern charm by USA Today bestselling author Heather Webber.

Sadie Way Scott has been avoiding her family and hometown of Sugarberry Cove, Alabama, since she nearly drowned in the lake just outside her mother’s B&B. Eight years later, Sadie is the host of a much-loved show about southern cooking and family, but despite her success, she wonders why she was saved. What is she supposed to do?

Sadie’s sister, Leala Clare, is still haunted by the guilt she feels over the night her sister almost died. Now, at a crossroads in her marriage, Leala has everything she ever thought she wanted—so why is she so unhappy?

When their mother suffers a minor heart attack just before Sugarberry Cove’s famous water lantern festival, the two sisters come home to run the inn while she recovers. It’s the last place either of them wants to be, but with a little help from the inn’s quirky guests, the sisters may come to terms with their strained relationships, accept the past, and rediscover a little lake magic.

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: July 13, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Audio, Digital, and Hardback

My Review: This year my promise to myself was not to start any new cozy mystery series until I finished a few I had going but the cover of this debut series sucked me right on in. I am so glad it did. Is it a perfectly written cozy mystery? No, but for me, it felt very real. Rain is dealing with the loss of her husband and the realization that he was unfaithful. She decides to move back to her hometown and stay at her parents’ place while they are away for the summer. Before she even gets unpacked she learns that she is expected to run the summer library for her absentee mom and in the process finds a dead body on her property. Rain is starting to wonder if moving home was her best choice. She really just wanted a quiet place to grieve and lick her wounds.

Rain appears fickle at times but coming from my own experience of grief you don’t always think like you normally would. Some days you are lucky to remember to tie your shoes before walking out the door. Rain’s childhood friend, Julia, is a tad irritating as she tends to railroad Rain and then afterward apologizes. I wouldn’t pick Julia as a friend but she seems to be the right one for Rain.

I hope in book 2, Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (out 2.2022) that we get to meet Rain’s parents and find out what is really going on with them. There is quite a story going on there.

If you love cozy mysteries set by water and involving books this is a series for you. Trigger warning: unfaithfulness, death of a spouse, and murder.

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

From NetGalley: In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmot must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life.

Rain Wilmot has just returned to her family’s waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain’s corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain’s mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premises.

The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having an affair.

While theories swirl about Thornton’s death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn’t careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at the Lakeside Library, the first in Holly Danvers’ new Lakeside Library mysteries.

Pages: 336

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: June 29, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Digital, Audiobook, and Paperback

Lana Lamar, a local art critic, finds ways to irritate most everyone she comes in contact with whether it is on the pickleball court or at a art show. Unfortunately, she has made the wrong person mad and finds herself murdered at the fancy fundraiser. Courtney must find the killer with the help of her fairy, Fiona, before her BFF’s mom is locked up for good.

Let me start with this: the series is well written but it is not for me. I can’t get into the fairy aspect. I guess I have lost the magic in my life at this time. The mystery is good, the characters are likable and engaging, and the fairy gardens sound beautiful. If you enjoy books with mystical qualities this series would be for you.

I would recommend this series for any cozy mystery lover. Please give it a whirl and I hope you love it and are able to find the magic in your life.

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

Pages: 237

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: June 29, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Digital, Audiobook, and Paperback

Ben, the local Amish rebel, finds himself in more trouble than he bargained for when agreeing to ask athletic Linda out on a buggy ride. He only agreed to keep his father from finding out his latest escapade. Will Ben find his way with the help of Linda, Esther, and Cathy?

If you like/love Beckstrand’s Huckleberry Hill series you will love this series as well. It is a laugh a minute. I finished reading this book a couple of weeks ago and I am still laughing when I think about Esther, Linda, and Cathy. Linda was a true joy of an addition to the series.

Esther is hilarious but has the biggest heart of gold. I love trying to guess what she will have behind her ear next. Cathy, the Englischer, will make you cackle with delight. I hope when I am an octagenarian that I am as spry and willing to try new things.

The love story between Linda and Ben is beautiful and feels like it is plucked from today’s world. I have come to learn that I like stories of angst and indecision and watching the characters work out their differences.

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Both books are clean, Christian reading and can be shared with the teenager in your life.

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

Pages: 216

Publisher: Vinspire Publishing

Published: June 30, 2021

Rating: 4 out 5 stars

Available Formats: Digital or Paperback

This is my favorite of the series so far. I love how the book focus’ on allowing yourself to feel what you feel but then you forgive and move on. I think as a society we are too focused on all the wrongs done to us or the ones we love and focus on hurting others or making others feel worse than we do. Smith helps show us how much forgiving can make our lives better without giving us a sermon.

Dixie and Gideon’s love story is beautifully written. A clean Christian read (no foul language or sex scenes) that can be shared with the teenager in your life. I found it hard to put down as I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next. I kept flipping the pages until I was at the end and wanted more.

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone.

Most Recent Release

Hook: Surgical complications leave an Amish auctioneer searching for his passions and purpose.

Back Cover Copy: Two years after exchanging her first love letters with Gideon Petersheim, Dixie Yoder tucks his notes into her pocket quilt and travels from Pinecraft to Holmes County, hopeful for a future together. Upon her arrival, their relationship blossoms until the auctioneer has surgery to remove a cyst from his vocal cords. Complications from the procedure interfere with his healing, leaving him searching for his passions and purpose. Instead of leaning on Dixie through this tough time, he pushes her away and turns his back on God. Frustrated and heartbroken, she is torn between staying in Ohio with the new friends she has grown to love and packing her bags. Having lost everything, he must fight his way back to her, but his apology is long overdue. Only a grand gesture to show her how much she means to him will cause her to pause and reconsider.

Website and Social Media Links

Website           lauriestroupsmith.com

Facebook         https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith

Instagram        https://www.instagram.com/lauriestroupsmith

Pinterest          https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith

Goodreads      https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19903556.Laurie_Stroup_Smith

Twitter            https://twitter.com/LStroupSmith

Author Bio and Photo

Short Bio: While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to inspire readers to serve others. She writes full-time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati.Long Bio: While writing Amish fiction and contemporary romance, Laurie Stroup Smith strives to inspire readers to serve others. She was named a Finalist in the 2017 ACFW First Impressions Contest and a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 and 2019 ACFW Genesis Contests. She has been interviewed by Loveland Magazine and has been a guest on the Buggy Talk and Fierce Calling podcasts.

Before writing, Laurie earned a bachelor’s degree in both athletic training and exercise science and later obtained her master’s degree in health promotion and education. She now writes full time and lives with her husband and their two daughters in Cincinnati. Connect with Laurie on her website (lauriestroupsmith.com), Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Represented by Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency.

julie@theseymouragency.com

Pages: 336

Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Published: June 8, 2021

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Digital, Audio, and Hardcover

Charlotte of Chapters Bed and Breakfast is offering a low-key author event for a popular romance author. What Charlotte did not prepare for was the death of an attendee. Can Charlotte solve the death while also trying to suss out who the mysterious visitor is next door?

I have determined after reading the first two books in the series that the series is just not for me. It has a secondary storyline of spy and espionage and that is not my cup of tea. It distracts me from the murder mystery and I find it makes the book drag.

Please give the series a try as you may love it. I heavily suggest reading book one first to get the background of the spy angle. I hope you find yourself enjoying the series.

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

Pages: 304

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: May 25, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Available Formats: Digital, Audio, and Hardback

Sophie has agreed to be in charge of Old Town’s DIY Home Decorating Festival but first, she must pick up her BFF from the airport after an overseas vacation. Nina looks terrible but not as bad as a traveling companion who is discovered dead the next day. Can Sophie uncover the killer before the next place she picks up her BFF Nina is from the state pen?

Several years ago I stumbled upon this series and was instantly addicted. Sophie is the BFF we all want. She cooks, gives decorating advice, and gets to the bottom of all murders no matter what is going on in her personal and professional life. I am expecting to see Sophie walking down the street when I visit Alexandria, Virginia.

Most series feel a little stale by the 14th book and lose their luster but not the Domestic Diva series. Each installment keeps me begging for more. If you have read the series you know Natasha and she is still creating havoc but you have to love her. She keeps Sophie on her toes and makes life interesting. I have not always felt this way as a few books I kept hoping it was her murder Sophie would need to solve.

I’m sure you can pick up this series at any point and be OK but please start at the beginning to get the full beauty of the series.

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

Publisher: Barbour Publishing. Inc.

Published: June 1, 2021

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Source: NetGalley and Audiobooks through Hoopla (library app)

This was not my favorite of any of the Bruntetter books. Two of the three main characters were unlikable especially Alma. I almost did not finish her story because she was so terrible. I understand she had suffered a tragic loss but it was no reason to be the way she was.

The story premises were good and I do suggest for fans of Amish fiction/romance. Just know that the characters may not be warm and fuzzy as we usually like.

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

Publisher: Kensington

Published: May 25, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Get your donuts, come get your donuts! This is the sound we are all longing to hear after more than a year of being socially distant from one another. Food vendors peddling their yummy food, children screaming with excitement at rides and games, and laughter from all. Even if you aren’t comfortable going out just yet Beyond a Reasonable Donut will provide some of this excitement. Emily and Nina agree to sell their donuts at the local fair and are having fun until a mime and a magician cause chaos. Things are further complicated when Nina gets home and the mime is found dead on arrival. Does Nina have an evil past? Will Emily solve everything in time for the wedding of two of her closest friends?

This series is so fun. It is delicious. I am so glad that Deputy Donut is not a real donut shop near me or I would be there every day! All the combinations sound divine.

I enjoyed this book centered on Nina and we got to know her so much more. She is a wonderful asset to the series and deserves to be highlighted.

This book in no way discusses covid or the pandemic. It is a wonderful escape from these issues.

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

Pages: 320

Publisher: Kensington Books

Published: April 27, 2021

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Source: NetGalley

Baby fever is all the rage in Harvest, Ohio. Everyone wants to celebrate Emily and her baby. The kicker is the baby shower is in less than a week and Bailey has to get everything put together. The last thing Bailey needs is to find herself in the middle of a murder investigation with the one Amish woman who hates her. Can Bailey find the killer and save the baby shower?

A delightful series that makes you crave everything fudge and candy-related. This time you will be dreaming of lemon drops, lemon pie, and lemon everything. Jethro is still trying to make himself the star but he has added a few friends along the way.

I love how Amanda Flower stays as true to the Amish as she can but at the same time gives them real-life issues.

A clean read for romance and mystery readers of all ages.

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