Muffin But the Truth by Ellie Alexander

Muffin But the Truth by Ellie Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, this book really keeps you guessing. Jules, Carlos and the Torte team go on an outbound adventure for a group that is supposed to be team building but they end up sabotaging each other instead. I enjoyed all the cool ideas Ellie came up with to give the team a cool experience. Even Lance got in the action with some spooky stories. I loved that the mystery was hard to figure out since that is the best part of a whodunit.

Ellie never disappoints with her stories. This one is a real page turner and keeps you up all night.

I read this as an ARC in return for an honest review.

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Death by Iced Coffee by Alex Erickson

Death by Iced Coffee by Alex Erickson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Krissy Hancock is participating in a marathon in the heat of summer when one of the contestants falls over and is found deceased. Krissy herself spends much of the book in a bit of a heat-infused stupor due to heat exhaustion. During the event she sees Rita's boyfriend run off during the marathon with another woman and begins investigating at first to find out what that man might have been up to since he told Rita he was out of town. This puts a bit of distance between Krissy and Rita since the investigation makes her keep secrets from Rita.

Definitely a great story with a lot of suspense and the whodunit is well-crafted and compelling. Love this series a lot and wish they could get Krissy's author dad a bit more involved in the action. Wouldn't that be fun?

I read this as an ARC for an honest review via NetGalley.

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Secrets in the Stacks by Lynn Cahoon

 

Secrets in the Stacks by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I read book one and had to dive straight into book two. Cahoon is so good at getting to the heart of things. I was in a season of losing another parent and these characters were facing mortality with cancer diagnosis and they were using reading and friendship to help them through. Of course there is a whole mystery sleuthers club too but this book helped me begin my own healing my heart journey. God put this book on my radar to show me people like Lynn understand us in our weakness and help strengthen us.

Overall I just loved this book. What a joy. More please.

Read this as a NetGalley ARC for an honest review.

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The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club by Lynn Cahoon

The Tuesday Night Survivors' Club by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this first book in the Tuesday Night's Survivors' Club series. I found it quite uplifting to see gals come together using their love of reading to support each other's cancer journeys. I particularly liked Rarity, Sam, Drew and Asher. I am wondering who might find love with Rarity since I feel like Drew and Archer are both in the running. The book club quickly became a sleuthing club when one of their members was murdered. Definitely going to read book two. Lynn Cahoon has a great way of making me fall in love with her book people. Totally recommend this one!

Received this as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury

In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury


This is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom series by Kate Kingsbury.

I really enjoyed following Vivian and her friends at the tea shop as they tried to prove the innocence of a murdered beach bum fingered as a fence for a bunch of jewel theives. There was a sweet aspect to this mystery as both Vivian and Julia found love as the investigation moved forward. Hal, the pet store owner, came to Vivian's rescue more than once and she helped him when he had to go into a sudden surgery. Julia and the cop who had accused her of murder in book one started dating. It was cute to see this secondary storyline. Totally enjoyed this cozy mystery and suggest it highly. Definitely a great book to pull you out of a reading slump. Fast-paced, fun and entertaining.

I read this as an ARC in return for an honest review via NetGalley.

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Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott

Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I believe this might be the beginning of a new series but not sure. Totally deserves to be one. I really enjoyed this tea infused cozy mystery series with a bit of magical realism thrown in for good measure. Shay Myers comes back to her hometown and discovers the crazy psychic tea shop lady has died and left her a psychic tea/tea leaf reading shop and a cozy cottage on the beach. As she is getting a tour of her new business, a dead body is found in the upstairs greenhouse. Then a stranger to town starts harassing Shay and her friends forcing her to sell the business but Shay refuses.

This story has a lot of Irish mysticism and it is a super cute read. I enjoyed all aspects of this. The new connections and whodunit of this story begs that there be a second book in the series. Crossing my fingers. Definitely looking forward to seeing if there is a followup.

I read this as an ARC in return for an honest review.

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Caught Dead to Write by Lynn Cahoon

Caught Dead to Write by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Always love Lynn's books!

This was a fun book to read. I love getting all the writing advice while I'm following along with the mystery. Cat is not your normal heroine, she is a bit more gruff but that makes her more real. I love the her uncle is the policeman who is solving the mystery. This story was three fourths writer's retreat and one fourth mystery. As a writer myself, I enjoyed that aspect of the story. Normal cozy readers might like a bit more mystery. Overall great read! Thank you!

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An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore

 

 An Inheritance To Die For by Judy Moore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Totally hooked me!💓

I am so in love with the mystery and whodunit in this book. Beck goes to her old college roommate's house to investigate the death of her father. Beck meets her boyfriend, a police officer down in Miami for a date and some brainstorming during the action. This was a very straightforward story with a classic mystery theme. But as they say, sometimes the classics are the best. I did miss the interactions with the normal secondary cast like Beck's grandma Alice but she is hooked in through phone calls and Scratchoff makes a guest appearance but I'm sure they will all be front and center in the next book in this great series by Moore! Definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC from the author but read it via kindle unlimited.

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Bake Offed by Maya Corrigan

Bake Offed by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I totally enjoyed this unique cozy mystery. Val and her Grandad attended a sort of writers retreat where one of the authors is found murdered. This book had all kinds of mystery references which made this so fun to read. Plus they added a bit of a culinary aspect that was so fun and classically well crafted. I enjoyed the journey of this story. It was fun to see how the characters figured out how-dun-it instead of the normal whodunit. Totally recommend this one if you are a mystery fan. You'll get a real kick out of it!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Toffee Apple Torment by Agatha Frost

Toffee Apple Torment by Agatha Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, how fun was this! Loved every aspect of this well crafted story. Claire and her mom find themselves helping a woman who might have been a classical opera singer with a dead body buried in her leaves and weeds. The plot thickens as this body is linked to a previous dead woman who went missing from a wedding in 1977. I love how Frost weaved this story making us see every aspect so we could follow along with the whodunit.

The characters were so well crafted I felt like i was reading a real life 48 hours type of mystery. I have been a big fan of the Claire's Candles mysteries from book one and this one didn't disappoint. Definitely recommend this one!

I received this as an ARC from the author.

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Whisk and Reward by Nancy Warren

Whisk and Reward by Nancy Warren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sad to see this series end, great finale!

I totally enjoyed this entire series. I'm so glad to see all the plotlines wrapped up and Poppy's true destiny revealed. I hope this is not the end for Poppy and her adventures. So enjoyed every single book! Thank you Nancy for the great witchy baking ride!

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Icing on the Curse by Samantha Silver

Icing on the Curse by Samantha Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loving this fun and entertaining series👍😍

I really enjoyed the concept of this book: a demon you can't see changing people's personalities and using deduction and old fashioned logic plus a bit of magic to bring things to a positive fruition. I also enjoyed the learning that happened between cousins, learning to trust one another and work together to come to a great conclusion. Overall, just one great read. Loved it. 💘

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Peony Dreadful by Nancy Warren

Peony Dreadful by Nancy Warren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Definitely loving this new series!💓

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Warren is great at crafting characters we can resonate with and cling to with a new sense of devotion. Adding Peony to my new fan favorite list. Loving Char and Norman. Just can't get enough. Peony sort of adopts Char who is looking to move to London but needs to make a few bucks first. Penny's mom sees nuns around the girl which is odd considering at first glance you wouldn't think nuns and Char would go together. Then Char 's wayward familiar shows up. Norman is a parrot who has a penchant for not mimicking others but outright talking. After all the Introductions the group stumbles upon a murder at a large estate. Definitely good stuff.

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Popcorn and Panic by Agatha Frost

Popcorn and Panic by Agatha Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am totally behind in this series but I couldn't pass up reviewing this ARC. I think I am back on book #17 Vegetables & Vengence. This book is book #24. It says a lot that an author is still inspired to write on a series of characters and make it this far into a series. So inspiring! 

I've got to admit these stories never get old but I do miss Barker working with the police department . If you know me, you know how I love my detectives. Barker is a P.I. now and I am feeling a whole Remmington Steele vibe with this character. He is the face of the agency but Julia really solves the crimes. I'm kinda praying he goes back to police work. The detective in charge now is grating on my nerves.

In this story Julia is returning to work after a long absence only to find the city wants to close her cafe to put on a festival outside her business. Due to this festival featuring a popular singer, lots of fans are driven into town and cause quite a mess and unfortunately that singer is killed and Julia is on the case to solve the mess while trying not to freak out about her and Barker's financial situation.

This is definitely an involved book. I was kinda surprised one the suspects nearly threw Julia down the stairs while she was interviewing her. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check out this series. It is one of my favorites! This book doesn't disappoint and I am looking forward to a marathon catch up with books 17-20 which I have purchased as a set.

I received this as an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.

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Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke

 

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Lake Eden/Hannah Swensen mystery. This time we are looking at Bill being away and Mike and Lonnie in charge at the police station. When a celebrity fisherman dies, Mike finds himself flummoxed and encourages Hannah to help him investigate. Even Michelle and Andrea get into the act. Strange of Mike to appeal to Hannah like that but I enjoyed the different angle. Got to admit, I missed the comfort of the scenes at the Cookie Jar. I enjoy the culinary part of these stories.

I am not sure where I stand with Hannah staying with Norman. I feel like that might give him a wrong impression although unintended. Hannah and her cat need to find a new place, I figure. Too bad there is not an apartment above the Cookie Jar.

I am looking forward to the next book since the last chapter offered us a real shocker! So curious!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Wedding Bell Blues by Lynn Cahoon

 

Wedding Bell Blues by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy Lynn's books. Coffee Books and More and Jill Gardner with Greg King just make my day a bit more special. Not a lot of Esmeralda in this one, but that's okay. I'm sure she will pop up more in other books. The banter between Jill and Greg was the best part for me. They made time for each other amidst the growing idea that one day soon they would get married.

The main story focuses around a dress designer named Harper whose sister is found murdered in her shop (by Jill of course). Greg is on the case and so he is in and out of various wedding plans Jill is making plus Aunt Jackie is a bit of a thorn in Jill's side. I mean, she is normally a bit obnoxious but she seemed a bit more embracing that quality in this book.

There wasn't a lot going on in the coffee shop this time besides a kid reading sleepover event near the end. I miss the comrodery of her staff. I am glad Lynn is mentioning her other series with Cat Latimer. I hope to see a crossover book one day with Deek and Jill.

Definitely a fun series for me to follow. It never gets old.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Honey Roasted by Cleo Coyle #19

 

Honey Roasted by Cleo Coyle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoy this series. One of my favorites. I saw more of a mystery duo between Claire and Matt and his mom, Madam than with Mike Quinn. The main story had Clair concerned about bees that created a lavender flavored honey. Her friend Bea, who owned these bees was injured and they were tasked to find out who was trying to pilfer her bee farm in the roof of her high rise building.

Meanwhile, Claire and Mike are supposed to be planning a wedding but he is just getting further and further from her emotionally. So, Claire has to take drastic action to save her friend's need and then her own relationship.

Just good stuff!

Received as an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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The Tea Shop Witch by Thora Bluestone

 

The Tea Shop Witch by Thora Bluestone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed book one

Definitely a great start to a series. I hope the author expands her universe a bit but I had fun following Addie as she looked fervently for her missing aunt Kate. I will be picking up book two for sure. I am curious to see how Addis takes to running the magical tea shop.

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English After-Doom Tea by Erin Johnson

 

English After-Doom Tea by Erin Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Erin's stories are always a fun ride

Definitely still loving this series. I discredited to watch as Minnie found her way at the racetrack trying to solve the murder of a jockey. I wish there had been more romance between Minnie and Fitz, but I am sending this wish much evolve in future books. If you are looking for a fun series to read, definitely check out Erin's magical Tea Room series.

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Sweet Tea for the Soul: Down-Home Devotions to Comfort the Heart by Linda Kozar

 

Sweet Tea for the Soul: Down-Home Devotions to Comfort the Heart by Linda Kozar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely enjoyed this down home devotional. So clever and cute. It just helped heal my heart right when I needed to connect to God most.

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Biscuits, Butter and Blessings: Farm Fresh Devotions for Hope & Comfort by DaySpring Inc.

 

Biscuits, Butter and Blessings: Farm Fresh Devotions for Hope & Comfort by DaySpring Inc.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, so inspiring!

This devotional really had a lot of great individual stories that helped you uncover what you needed to know on that day. Loving this down home like devotional and plan to read more like it in the future. Just an excellent book!

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Three Tainted Teas by Lynn Cahoon

 

Three Tainted Teas by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It took me awhile to read it due to circumstances in my life refocusing me. So glad to reach the end and feel the excitement for the next book. This series is really coming into its own now. The catering aspect of the story made this all the more exciting and I am glad to see that culinary aspect will continue. Just love Lynn Cahoon's books. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

Received this as an ARC via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Focus: How One Word a Week Will Transform Your Life by Cleere Cherry Reaves

Focus: How One Word a Week Will Transform Your Life by Cleere Cherry Reaves
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely lives up to its title. Focus on God and Jesus like a Master

Basically you are supposed to focus on one section/word a week. I am a bit of a rebel and wanted to read more at one time. This is a book I am reading via Kindle Unlimited but it is a book I will buy a hardback copy of to put on my shelf and refer to in my devotion time. The first time I saw this book online it literally called out to me. Definitely recommend this. It is a book I will read and refer to over and over.

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Devotions for Becoming a Beautiful Woman of God by Michelle Medlock Adams

 

Devotions for Becoming a Beautiful Woman of God by Michelle Medlock Adams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book a lot. I found myself tearing up at the author's father's special box that contained all his children's hospital bracelets. So many good things to dig into with this devotional. I was scribbling a lot into my prayer/praise/planning bullet journal. it made the journal writer in me spring to life again. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a gal's perspective on the Word. These three ladies made me smile and realize God isn't unattainable but open and ready to embrace us today, now. I am going to review more of the devotionals since my writer's brain resonates with books like this so greatly.

Received this as an ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review.

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Blessings

A Crafty Crime by Eryn Scott - Stoneybrook Mystery #1

A Crafty Crime by Eryn Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Stoneybrook Mystery series by Seth Scott. I am really enjoying all of Eryn Scott's books. They do resonate with me.

This first book in the Stoneybrook srperies... What a fun and refreshing read this was. I was already this reading when I realized it was written by the same author as the Pebble Cove Teashop mystery series I was so fond of. Definitely enjoying this new to me series. I'm going to continue reading and see what else unfolds. I found the main character's point of view so close to mine I had to keep on reading just to see how she dealt with her personal challenges. The mystery and whodunit was just an added bonus.

Read this via Kindle Unlimited.

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Not by Oolong Shot by Eryn Scott

 

Not by Oolong Shot by Eryn Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 6th book in the Pebble Cove Teahouse Mystery series by Eryn Scott.

I always enjoy these books. The story of Asher and his human friend Rosemary always have me wishing Asher would pull a Pinocchio and become a real boy. My heart aches this couple can never find a full true love. All they get close to is a faithful friendship.

The plethora of ghosts and their concern for the town make this a real interesting read. The mystery is almost secondary. Rosemary struggled with finding the truth about who killed Asher back in the day. It is an ongoing worry of hers. She wants to help him crossover one day but they all know this is a hard thing to accept when the day might finally come.

Definitely a cozy mystery series I highly recommend.

I read this title via Kindle Unlimited.

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A Death at Candlewick Castle by Emma Jameson

A Death at Candlewick Castle by Emma Jameson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Jemima Jago series by Emma Jameson.

In this book I got a bit bogged down by how much stuff was not about the actual mystery and was more about building the community. You don't usually that in book two in a series. Book one is usually spent doing that, setting the scene, building your character base. The bulk of this type of narration has me struggling through the text as if I had on mud boots slogging through a bog.

I don't mean to mean to make sound like it was a bad book. It wasn't bad. It was pretty decent. I am used to cozy mysteries being more straightforward. This one did what a lot of English (England) authors do, put more filler in than we are used to. I want to follow the mystery. Sometimes amidst the bulk of other stuff, I forget what the point of the book is.

Overall, a pretty good read. But if you want to finish fast, pick up something else. This is a book to take your time with. More for the turtle readers among us than the hares.be

I read this via Kindle Unlimited.

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Fields' Guide to Fog (Poppy Fields Adventures #4) Julie Mulhern

Fields' Guide to Fog by Julie Mulhern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
💗💗💗💗💗

Love Poppy Fields and her co-hort Mark Stone, aka Thor. This series is just fun. Does Poppy know what she is doing half the time? Nope. But she can call Mr. Brown at a moment's notice to pull her out of the fray. SO much fun to read!

😍😘
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No Grater Crime (Country Store Mystery #9) by Maddie Day

 

No Grater Crime

(Country Store Mystery #9)

by Maddie Day

Paperback, 310 pages

Published August 24th 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Synopsis:

Robbie Jordan's Pans 'N Pancakes boasts delicious eats and the best vintage cookware finds in South Lick, Indiana. And now, for a limited time, there's a new special featured on the menu--murder!

Ever since meeting the wary owners of an antique shop opening across the street, Robbie has been scrambling to manage weird incidences plaguing her café and country store. Pricey items vanish from shelves without explanation, a fully equipped breakfast food truck starts lingering around the area each morning, and loyal diners mysteriously fall ill. When an elderly man dies after devouring an omelet packed with poisonous mushrooms, Robbie must temporarily close down Pans 'N Pancakes and search for the killer with a real zest for running her out of business--or else.

***

4.5 Stars

This is the ninth book in the Country Store mystery series by Maddie Day.

I am a big fan of Maddie Day and this book didn’t disappoint. Strange things were happening in the diner when someone died from bad mushrooms sent from one of Robbie’s distributors. She was definitely on the case to find out who would sabotage her restaurant in such a horrific way.

After her diner is shut down, a food truck with very similar offerings parks out front of her establishment. This causes Robbie to put her detective skills into over drive but first she must discover who is stealing small antiques from her store. It’s a purely fun puzzle you will definitely love.

If you love a cozy mystery, make sure and check this one out. 

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.

Knit One Murder Two (A Knitorious Murder Mystery #1) by Reagan Davis

Knit One Murder Two

(A Knitorious Murder Mystery #1)

by Reagan Davis

Kindle Edition, 276 pages

Published April 13th 2020

Synopsis:

Knitting Can Be Murder!

   I’m not a cop. I’m a soon-to-be-ex-wife, and former full-time mom who works part-time at the local yarn store. The biggest mystery I’ve ever solved is finding a missing knitting needle tucked behind my ear after spending all morning looking for it.

   Someone in Harmony Lake is trying to stitch me up for murder.

   In a small town where everyone has a secret they want to keep hidden, no one is talking to the out-of-town cop who’s been brought in to solve the case. So, armed with everything I’ve learned from watching murder mysteries on TV, and a little help from my friends, it’s up to me to find the real killer and clear my name.

   Can I knit the clues together and expose the killer before they unravel and kill again?

   I hope so, because knitting needles aren't allowed in prison, and I look horrible in orange.

   This ebook includes a link to a free knitting pattern at the end of the book

If you like your cozy mysteries with a bit of humor, small town Canadian life, a hint of romance, a close circle of quirky, lovable characters that you wish you knew in real life, dogs and cats, and free knitting patterns, there's something in this series for you

***

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the A Knitorious Murder Mystery series by Reagan Davis.

This book really kept my interest. I loved how the plot kinda folded in on itself in the beginning pitting character against character. It seemed like the whole conspiracy of the book popped up so quickly it actually gave me a bit of stress for the main character. Her intentions seems good and plausible and it showed us how quickly lies can snowball into a really scary situation.

I am definitely going to continue with this series. I picked it up through my Kindle Unlimited subscription. Definitely a great cozy mystery series with such a stellar start.