Cozy Review: Murder at the Breakers

 

* Book 1 in the Gilded Newport Mystery Series * 

Emma Cross is a relation of the Vanderbilt family, but as she's a distant relative, she isn't required to live by the same rules. She lives in Newport, not in a mansion, but in a small house. Her parents are abroad. She lives with her surrogate grandmother in her aunt's house. She writes for the local newspaper.

While on assignment, sharing the details of the ball at the Breakers, she witnesses a murder. Her half-brother is arrested for the murder. She knows Brady didn't murder anyone. Brady has been in trouble with the law previously and Emma's theories are just theories, which are dismissed.

Emma takes it upon herself to uncover the truth about the murder.

My Thoughts: I've been meaning to read this book for ages. Someone at work was telling me they read it and I placed a hold on it. I adore the Gilded Age TV show, so this eased a little of the waiting period for me. I loved the Emma was connected but not so connected. She wouldn't have been able to do most of the investigation if she had been a true Vanderbilt. Instead, she's able to talk with people from society and from below stairs. She might not have money, but she has more freedom. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library

Hand this to: Readers who enjoy the TV series The Gilded Age

5 Things: A Little Ray of Sunshine

It's no secret that I love books by Kristan Higgins. I've read most of them (Saving two for a feel-good rainy day) and she keeps surprising me in the very best way.

Yes, this is a secret baby trope book.

But it's not your usual trope. Kristan creates a fresh twist on this trope.

There's lots of nerd moments and jokes and banter. 

There are sweet moments between family and some not so sweet moments. 

* Also reviewed for Fresh Fiction. Stay tuned for that review

** This book comes out June 6. Don't miss it!

5 Things: Summer Reading

I'm a HUGE Jenn McKinlay fan - so I was super happy to read an early copy of this book (out in mid-May)

I'm also reviewing for Fresh Fiction, so keep an eye out for that....

But I did want to share just some of the reasons I loved it so much...

Also I loved the bits in the library! 

Put this one on your radar ASAP! 

* book was sent for review

Review: Stowed Away

 

* Book 6 in the Maine Clambake Mystery series *

Julia and her family are getting ready for tourist season in Maine. When an old acquaintance arrives to help look at the family homestead, Julia isn't thrilled to see her old rival. But Wyatt is happy to see Julia. She invites Julia, Chris, and Quentin for dinner on her boyfriend's yacht. Her boyfriend is a reclusive billionaire who rarely shows his face.

After a pleasant dinner, the group goes their own way. But the next day, tragedy strikes. Wyatt calls Julia with the news that Geoffrey is dead - murdered. Quinten and Wyatt ask for Julia's help. She can't really say no, but she wishes she could. 

Instead, Julia pokes around Geoffrey's life and undercover that everything that glitters isn't gold...

My Thoughts: I adore this series - but fell behind reading it. I'm happy to be back. I love spending time in this small Maine town with great food, lots of friends, and of course murder. This book shared so much about the characters pasts. From Julia and her time in high school to Chris and his family to Quentin - who has been a closed book most of the time. It's nice to delve more into characters' lives. Of course the murder was entertaining and no, I didn't see the twist coming.  Another great addition to series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Purchased while on vacation in Maine

Library Recommendation: A great cozy series for your library's collection

Mysterious Saturday Review: Musseled Out

* Book 3 in the Maine Clambake Mystery series *

Julia isn't sure which direction her life will take her - should she move back to New York now that the family business is back on her feet? Should she take an apartment for the winter?  She has big decisions to make and little time to make them.

The family business now has competition - until the man turns up dead. Sonny (Julia's brother-in-law) hasn't held back his opinions of the man. He's also not telling the truth about where he was on the day of the murder. Julia's sister asks her to look into the matter and Julia can't say no. She has no idea what she uncovers could backfire on her own personal life.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the small town Maine setting, the characters in town, and the food.

The small town is the perfect setting for this series - lots of gossip, lots of people who never moved away, and lots of tourists.

I love getting to know more of the townspeople - especially Gus and Mrs. Gus. I enjoy Julia's chats with Quentin - even though they don't often go the way she expects them to go.  I liked learning more about Sonny and Livvie, even though I felt really bad for them too. I liked learning more about Chris - from his past to his secrets.

The food in this series always makes me hungry from the clam bakes to the dishes cooked.  I'm impressed with Chris's talent.  I loved learning about Genevieve's chef story. I love the crowd and the moments in Gus's place. I love how food brings people together in this series. 

I really liked the ending and can't wait to see where it leads.  

Cover Thoughts: Lovely - simple and mouthwatering
Source: ARC sent for Review

Final Thoughts: A great mystery with plots twists, small town charm, and well rounded secondary characters. This series is a real treat!

Holiday Thursday Review: An Island Christmas

Felicia and her sister will be home in Nantucket for Christmas. Felicia's decided to use the holidays for a small wedding. AS she's not girly and hasn't been dreaming of this day for years, she asks her sister to plan it.

Once she and her adventurous boyfriend land, it's clear that her mother's not sold on idea of her marrying Archie. Jilly would rather her daughter marry their next door neighbor.  Will wedding bells ring or will Christmas be ruined?

My Thoughts: I think this is a companion novels to a book that came out last year. I really liked the family dynamics - and the moments between the two sisters. I loved the cat and how the family reacted to him, especially Jilly. I liked how adventurous Archie was and how he inspired the rest of the family at times. I really liked the ending. A fun Christmas read filled with family and togetherness. I'm looking forward to going back and reading the first book.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library  

Mysterious Saturday Review: Boiled Over

* Maine Clambake series book 2 - Book 1 Review *

Julia Snowden wants to belong to Busman's Harbor. After leaving for college and then finding a job in New York City, she's always felt like an outsider when she returns home. Now that she's back living in Maine, she decides that something needs to be done. She joins the Founder's Day Committee.

The festival's off to a great start until a body's discovered in the clam bake oven.

One of Julia's workers was seen fleeing the scene. N one can find him. Julia was so desperate to hire someone, she failed to complete the proper background check. As a result, they know next to nothing about Cabe.

Julia refuses to believe that Cabe murdered someone. The more she digs into his background, the more questions arise. 

My Thoughts: The second book in the series doesn't disappoint. I love the setting - it's both beautiful and believable with the small town charm and also the gossip grapevine.  I like how there are lots of secrets and the town protects their own. Plus, everyone has an opinion about your life.  I love the food - you can almost smell the goodies; it makes my mouth water. I love the plot twists. I appreciate how Julia's trying to become part of the community. Mystery blends with the romance, making me anxious for the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: my Library