I was so happy to spend time with Emma and Penny as the “lady detectives” once again are recruited to help solve the murder mystery. I enjoyed learning about the Royal Observatory Greenwich. (It is definitely worth doing some research about this institution.) There are a lot of twists and turns as Emma and Penny interrogate, question, and interview many suspects while exposing themselves to danger. There are a lot of characters introduced as you discover clues to help expose

It was a joy to return to Peachtree Bluff and spend time with the Murphy girls. A lot has happened in their lives since the first book. And there is a lot of drama and excitement and life changing moments sprinkled throughout the pages. While the fifth book in the series, you can read this as a standalone. And though there is a lot of important background about this family, the author does a great job of filling in the details. The bond between the three sisters is so heartwa

When I open up a Redemption Detective Agency book by Michele Pariza Wacek, I know I will be in for a fun and entertaining adventure. I have loved all of the books in this series and anxiously look forward to spending time with the gang in Redemption. Emily and the quirky gang in Redemption. Emily and the quirky group of ladies are off and running to try to solve the case. There are some twists and turns and, of course, Mildred, Tilde, and Nora are positive the gargoyles in th

I have enjoyed several books by coauthors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker. However, once I opened up this book and started reading, I wondered if they were actually the authors. The AI focus was interesting and a new aspect for a book I have read. There were so many characters and their issues that it took away from the primary characters. There are some trigger situations that the reader should be aware of before deciding to pick this one up ... Parkinson’s Disease, loss of a s

Once again Kate Galley has taken me on a delightful journey through the pages. The characters are well developed and while Martha and her granddaughter, Erin, are the primary characters, there are several more who add to the story. Seeing a group of older adults have an adventure with their younger companions (for the most part) was entertaining. The setting of the various provinces of Canada had me wanting to book a train excursion across the country. There are some flashbac

This is an emotional and heartfelt journey through the pages. The dynamics between the two sisters — Chrissie and Meg — is fraught with angst and discord. But the warmth of family and the cozy chalet in Switzerland will force them to admit to long held secrets. While wedding plans are temporarily suspended, Meg, Chrissie, and Chrissie’s daughter, Sarah, spend time together as they heal old wounds and each faces their personal demons. A story of grief, the strength of sisterho

In reading the synopsis of this book, I thought it would be a fun read. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The characters are so unlikable that it was difficult to get invested in the story. While the book does a good job of covering a lot of social issues ... gay marriage, early onset dementia, domestic violence, etc. ... that is too much to deal with in one book. I actually did not enjoy the author’s earlier book, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, so evidently Anna Jo

I love reading historical fiction books and especially when they take place during WWII. This is also a dual timeline book which added to the pleasure of reading. This is a book that will slowly pull you in and will tug at your heart. This was a new experience from the WWII historical fiction genre. The characters and their lives will keep you invested in the book as you work with Amelia to discover the story of Flavia. What an amazing tale of love, loss, grief, and courage.

I have loved the books in the Carolina Tales series by Susan M. Boyer. She has become one of my favorite authors, and I know I will be in for a treat when I open up a book and get lost in the pages. I enjoy spending time with Hadley in the low country of South Carolina. It was a special treat for Hadley and Liz Talbot, from another series by the author, to join forces to solve the mystery. There is relationship conflict, delightful characters, an intriguing mystery, suspense,

This is the first book I have read in the Tomes & Tea series by Karen Rose Smith. But I will definitely go back and read the first two books and any future books in the series. I love the setting of Valentine’s Day, and the characters are well developed. Of course, there is a murder, and Jazzi is determined to uncover the killer. The mystery is handled well and left me wondering who was guilty until the final reveal. I look forward to spending more time in Belltower Landing,

I have loved the books in the Emma Langley Victorian series by Emily Organ. I cannot wait for the next book to be released. The primary characters, Emma and Penny, are a great crime solving duo. The fact that the story takes place in the 1880s in Victorian London adds a twist. Their investigation uncovers a lot of suspects, and the lady detectives are determined to solve the case. As typically happens during Emma and Penny’s efforts, they uncover a lot of surprising revelatio

I have enjoyed the books I have read in the Amish Candy Shop series by Amanda Flower. I have grown to love the people who make up the community in Harvest, Ohio. Between Bailey and her wedding day festivities; the wine tasting event; and Jethro, the pig, you know you will be in for an adventure in the pages. As happens frequently with Amanda Flower’s books, I was left guessing who was guilty of murder until the end. This is a great read with lots of twists and subplots that w

While I really enjoyed reading If the Creek Don’t Rise, this book did not pull me into the story. I did not realize this was considered part of the fantasy/magical realism genre. If I had known that I probably would not have attempted to read it. I appreciate the setting of the Appalachian Mountains and was anticipating more of a folklore focus. However, the book seemed to focus on witches and feminism with very little plot. Sadly, this is one that did not appeal to me. Thank

This is only the second book I have read in the Mystery Bookshop series, but I enjoyed them so much that I plan to go back and read the first nine books. The characters will pull you into the story and the murder mysteries ... yes! there are two murders ... will have you flipping through the pages to figure out who is guilty. Of course, Samantha; her sister, Jenna; her grandmother, Nana Jo; and the senior sleuth gang are determined to solve the cases. I love the aspect of a b

I have fallen in love with books set in England. And the cast of ladies of a mature age who are realizing there are still plenty of adventures ahead is uplifting. The characters are well developed and the time you get to spend with the newly formed Seaside Singles Club will fill your heart. There are some emotional moments ... thoughts of suicide, grief, end of a relationship ... but the sense of community these characters develop is heartwarming. As you journey through the p

I enjoy books that are set in Scotland. And when a castle is part of the setting, I am definitely interested. This was a unique viewpoint to the story. I did not mind the time travel aspect, but this one fell short for me. I never connected with the characters. I struggled to stay invested in the story. It took too long to gain momentum and then the ending felt rushed. There are several positive reviews, so you may want to read this and see if it appeals to you. Thank you to

I love reading historical fiction books and especially if they are set during WWII. It has become increasingly difficult to find a book that brings a new aspect to that time period. But Siobhan Daiko did a fabulous job of pulling me into the story and being invested in the lives of the characters. Being a dual timeline book was a plus for me and it was easy to keep track of whether you are in 1944 or the 2000s. The sense of community that surrounded Robi and Elisa was so hear