Welcome to Pleasant Creek, Indiana and the first in a new lovable cozy mystery series.
Liz Eckhart's mother has passed and leaves a diary with mysterious entries alluding to her past. Liz is determined to learn the secrets of her mother's diary and find the family she has never met. She purchases the Olde Mansion Inn, housed in Pleasant Creek, where her mother lived.
During the course of business, one of her visitors is murdered and a local Amish boy (Issac) is arrested for the crime. Town talk suggests that Issac couldn't be responsible and there must be some other explanation.
Join Liz, and a rambunctious group of women she has befriended (the Material Girls) as they decipher details over quilting sessions, solve the mystery of the murder, and shed light on Liz' diary.
How was unwinding started? What deeper secrets are there behind the founder of this process and why are all references to him....gone?
Connor & Lev are putting things together and vow to find the truth behind the unwinding process, and find a way to stop it. Risa has escaped and is just trying to stay alive until she can be reunited with Connor.
Meanwhile, Starkey is inviting war with all the chaos he and the Stork Brigade are causing. Camus is still struggling with who he is and is making his own plans on taking down Proactive Citizenry from the inside.
This is the 3rd book in the series and while slow at some points (understandable with the research and ground setting scenarios being introduced) it is definitely keeping my attention. I am wholly invested to finish this one out.
Join Elbie and Joey on the hunt to solve a mystery. They are unique in that they can see and talk to ghosts. Even though they struggle with ADHD (Elbie) and Asperger's (Joey) they aren't shown with that as a hindrance and I loved that immensely. They are a little quirky yes but it adds to the charm of the book.This is definitely the series for all the young sleuths who aren't afraid of a little spook.
I was asked to read and review Ghosters2 by the author. I did not receive anything other than the joy of reading this cute and well written book. Despite this being the 2nd in the series it can be read standalone. There are a few references to the 1st book but that does not take away from it overall.
This is definitely one I will be saving for my reading time with the grandbabies. ❤️❤️
So ok...I read this all today...did not mean to lol. I could not put this one down. I really enjoyed the pace and feel of the characters. My heart feels for Rhen and the decisions he feels forced to make. You see Harper throughout but she is not the focus and I appreciated the indepth look into the world around and outside of Ironrose Castle.
I loved getting to know Grey better and sympathized with his struggle in how to decide what path to take. Lia Mara is a pleasant surprise and I loved her instantly, as I did her sister.
The ending leaves me devastated yet hopeful for what the next book will bring.
Though the harrowing summer of before has come and gone Brookline won't let Dan, Abby and Jordan out of it's grip. The three friends are riddled with bad dreams, lack of sleep and the inability to move on.
Strange photos of a carnival held at Brookline finds their way into the friends' hands with a mysterious message for Dan. Is it time to return to Brookline?
Under the guise of prospects for the town college, Dan, Abby and Jordan stray deeper into the mystery that is Brookline (and it's warden) while trying to solve the mystery of the photos, stay sane, and make it out alive.
During a poetry retreat a guest, who claims she is related to the late Emily Dickinson, is found dead along the shoreline. Who could possibly want this eccentric person killed? Is there more to her story than just her claim to fame?
Faith & Watson are such a delight and make a great mystery solving team. Throw in the ever faithful members of the Candle House Book Club and it's just pure sleuthing fun. There is just no end to my love for this cozy series.
This is number 4 in the Stormy Day cozy series and what a fun one it was. Such a delightful, humorous series.
Logan and Stormy are called to the Koenig mansion for breakfast with the unofficial “King” of Misty Falls. Little did they know they would walking into his death instead. It's up to them, with help from Jessica and Finnegan, to discover the truth behind what really happened.
Let me tell you it's a fun mystery solving adventure full of laughs, danger and charm. I love the humor in this series so far and this one was no different as I was giggling often. I just can't believe it took me so long to find this genre. It's such a great break between my other, darker reads.
Jillian: “I thought you said these double-fudge brownies were foolproof.”
Bertie: “I underestimated your ability to commit double-fudge murder.”
3.5 rounded to a 3
I'm beginning to realize, the more I read these types of books, that they just aren't my thing. While I absolutely loved all the aspects of mommy-hood this book covered and the need to feel important via social media, the rest just didn't resonate with me. From personal experience, I understand the struggles of being a mom and the image issues it presents and this book does great in that aspect.
I guess what ruined it for me was the backstabbing, high school pettiness. I've had enough of that type of silly drama through friends and TV...I don't need it in my books too. Maybe this will teach me to actually read the synopsis of a book BEFORE I read it
Misty Falls is once again thrown into chaos except this time murder hits closer to home. Local resident and real estate agent, Samantha Sweet, is caught coming out of a showing covered in boold. Her husband has been murdered and Stormy can't help but get herself involved.
Being friends with a suspected murderer isn't easy as Stormy's duty to the law and her own conscience has her making enemies all over town. Will she be able to solve the murder while keeping herself in one piece?
I love this cozy mystery series so much. Not only is there a library located in a huge manor turned literary retreat, there is a cute, tuxedo cat named Watson. I love the little blurbs into his mind throughout the story and his assistance in solving the crime.
In each book we follow Faith, the Castleton Manor's librarian and her book club friends solving mystery and murder. A quick, fun and charming read and one I highly recommend.
Annie has inherited her grandmother's estate - Grey Gables. While there she comes across a gorgeous cross-stitch in the attic with a mystery as to who the woman in the piece is. And so begins her quest into unraveling the secret of ‘The Lady in the Attic'.
This wasn't filled with thrills or cute pets intervening like most I've read BUT it is jam-packed with solving a mystery, heartfelt intentions and love for friends.
So I've seen this cute book running around and finally decided to take the plunge and buy it for my nightly reading time with the grandbabies. I sat down to read it and just wow!!
What a wonderful, fun, lyrical journey of the Pretzel Boy who (a lot like the Gingerbread Man) is running away from people trying to eat him and people trying to nab him for the disasters he set upon them. I can't wait to see what his next adventure will be and I can't wait to share in this fun with the grandbabies. If you need a fun and adventurous book for your young ones .. this is a great option!
I recently started reading more cozy mysteries and find that I love them. They are a nice, quick break from my usual reads.
This is book 1 in the Secrets of the Quilt series and was a very fun read. Sophia inherits a family heirloom when her grandmother passes away. She starts reading a diary that is associated with the quilt she received and so begins the unraveling of a mystery. Mona Lisa has been scrutinized for many years and this was such a creative way of revealing her “true identity”.
I love the idea of a quilt being a family heirloom and can't wait to read further books in this series that will reveal the story behind each piece added to the quilt by Sophia's ancestors.
While attending a play (Medea) Elizabeth suddenly remembers her childhood friend April and begins to wonder what happened to her. She starts experiencing blackouts that she believes are triggers from her memories of April. This sets her on a path to find out what happened so long ago and why it haunts her now.
Not sure what I was supposed to be reading here. From the synopsis I gathered a mystery of some sort but that is a huge stretch. This was really more of an emotional drama about the aspects of motherhood and post-partum depression before it was a recognized mental health issue.
There are a lot of unresolved issues with Elizabeth and her husband and I feel like those should have been addressed since it seems to be a huge part of why Elizabeth has some of the problems she does. There is also a traumatic event from her past that one would assume would be discussed with her husband as it is another reason she is the way she is. Alas...that is not what happens.
Overall it was an ok read but with all the unresolved issues and the so-so ending it's not one I would recommend.
Rose's mother has passed away and while cleaning out the attic she comes across a death certificate, her death certificate. Confused, Rose tells Jan and Elaine and asks for their help. Will they be able to solve the mystery of the living death certificate? What secrets is Rose's mother hiding?
I love this series so far. It's small-town mystery fun. I also love the writing and glimpses into small-town life. Makes me want to pack up and move to a town like this.
“...For you are the sky. I am the restless sea. Endlessly drawn to you.” Sunset Hearts
I really enjoyed journeying through the author's thoughts of love, hope, self and meditation. She writes with such feeling you are left thinking of the words long after you've done reading. This is one book I will refer back to anytime I need a little pick me up. Sometimes poetry is just the medicine needed for a dreary day and if ever you feel this way, grab this book and read a few poems. It will lighten your heart.
I was contacted by the author to read and review her book of poetry. All thoughts are my own.
Camilla Courtenay is a Regency romance writer. She is holding the final round of a contest to find the next Regency romance writer at the Castleton Manor. During the week, however, accidents seem to happen that makes one wonder...is someone out to hurt or kill Camilla?
Join Faith, her mischief-making, clue-finding kitty Watson, and the members of the Candle House Book Club as they find clues, discuss possibilities, and solve the case.
These just keep getting better and better. I absolutely adore these and will be sad when they are eventually done. Such a cute and fun cozy mystery series.
Tea for Two is becoming a successful place for lovers of tea. Jan and Elaine are presented with a chance to host a wedding. During the planning the groom mysteriously disappears. At the same time the local bank has been robbed. Are the two connected?
This series is a bit different from other cozies I have been reading. Plenty of mysteries to solve while filled with hope and all things cozy. It makes for a very calm and joy filled reading experience.
Absolutely love this classic. Written so many years ago, yet still celebrated and loved and I can see why.
Lilly is retiring as President from her local Chamber of Commerce. Her last official act is to oversee the 4th of July celebration. During the celebration, while Lilly is giving her speech, local merchant, Cerise Deveau, keels over...and rumor has speculates it's from something she ate.
Noley Appleton, the caterer and Lilly's best friend, is on the hot seat since she made all the food and served Cerise a salad right before she died. Can Lilly figure out who really wanted Cerise dead in time to save her friend?
Meanwhile the town is being riddled with fires of unoccupied homes. Who is behind these fires and why are they targeting homes with no one living in them?
I really wanted to love this one since I adore cozies so much. I enjoyed the mystery itself but I had trouble connecting with Lilly, and honestly her character is what ruined this book for me. She had such a negative attitude about people and situations and rolled her eyes so often I could barely finish this.
Don't get me wrong, I understand how people can be annoying and how some situations can make people irritated but the amount of times she bad mouthed people in her head while smiling to their faces annoyed me. I may give another book in this series a try but if Lilly's attitude is the same then this series is dead in the water for me.
Thank you Maggie K.C. Au for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this debut novel. First to any who read this there are triggers of sexual and physical abuse.
I loved the concept of this coming of age story. It is never easy growing up, at any age, and the obstacles in Becca's life are harsh lessons to live through. Having a family so unabashedly cold and cruel was heartbreaking. Being taken advantage of by people she believed were friends and cared about her was difficult to read as well. Watching Becca come into her strength, realize her worth, and work through her naivety was refreshing.
That being said I had a very hard time with Becca's character and connecting with her. I remember myself at 17 and Becca is an extremely unbelievable naive girl of 17. If she was younger, say 12 or 13, I could understand her character better. Girls in this day and age, even 10 years ago, know what drugs and sex were and are not so easily fooled into that sort of lifestyle. Yes, some girls at 17 are innocent and naive of life but not to this degree.
I think with further editing and drafts this will become a really great YA book about a young girl who learns she has value, learns to stand up for herself, and learns while life may not be easy, it is worth living.
3.5 rounded to a 4
Although the flow of the poetry could be placed better, I really enjoyed this book. He writes with heart, sincerity and with experience. Can you dance with life, love, or heartache and still have hope and positivity? Read the Divan of Shah and let the author show how he can.
I appreciate the opportunity to read and review this book of poetry. Thank you Shah Asad Rizvi.