Review: The Diva Poached an Egg

 

* Book 18 in the Domestic Diva series * 

When Sophie's at a convention, someone asks her for a secret meeting. Mitzi requests her presence. When Sophie arrives, she enters the meeting space a little early. Mitzi is not there, but another woman is on the floor. She's dead.

Denise was Mitzi's partner. They were updating the house for Denise and her husband. Mitzi is terrified that someone is coming for her next. She goes into hiding and asks Sophie for help. Is there someone after Mitzi?

My Thoughts: This cozy series has many installments. The 18th book talks a great deal about brunch and will make the reader crave baking something delicious for that occassion. Luckily, there are recipes in the back of the book. I love this series: for the foodie moments and for the characters. 

* There is a fun cameo from the Paws and Claws Mystery series heroine. 

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A fantastic series for your library

Review: The Diva Goes Overboard

* Book 17 in the Domestic Diva series * 

Sophie's frenemies mother is getting remarried. At the engagement party, the would-be groom collapses and dies. Right before he died, Orson asked to talk with Sophie about something important. Sophie was going to meet him to speak in private.

At the reading of the will, Sophie was given Orson's antique store and instructions that she will know what to do. Before long, Sophie discovers a secret room. There's a bulletin board with pictures of women on it. Sophie isn't sure what to do with the board, but she digs into the case.

She hears rumors about Orson's past. Rumors that could explain about the board of pictures. What could have happened between Orson and the past? Can Sophie solve the murder and the mystery of why Orson left her the store?

My Thoughts: This series is one of my favorite cozy series. Clearly, I've been reading it a long time and I'm happy to keep reading them. I love catching up with the characters. I love all the foodie moments. The mystery was interesting with the added mystery of the photo board. I love the idea of a secret book - especially behind a bookcase. Looking forward to the next installment of this series! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendations: A fantastic series for your cozy readers - give this one to your Halmark Mystery fans. 

This book talks a lot about Charcuterie boards, so I created one. 

Although I really love the idea of a cookie board. 

We are creating a candy board at the library this summer. 

Review: The Diva Delivers on a Promise

 

* Book 16 in the Diva series * 

Sophie and Nina are headed to a luncheon meeting at Gerrie's house. Lunch is cut short when a dead body is discovered on the floor of the dining room. No one knows the victim, or so they say. Sophie and Nina dig into the mystery only to discover that several people in the room didn't speak up. 

There was bad blood between him and Gerrie's family. All of the family members were in and out of the house that morning. Any one of them could have murdered the man. Gerrie's worried that one of them did. She asks Sophie for a little favor...

My Thoughts: Another fun addition to this series. The idea of a ghost restaurant seems both strange and smart to me. As always, it's lovely to catch up with favorite characters and to read about the mouth-watering goodies they all eat. I enjoyed the plot twists and turns as Sophie and her friends tried to undercover the murderer's identity. I enjoyed getting to know more about Wong and my heart went out to her. Another fun read that kept me turning the pages. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: This is a perfect series for your library' cozy collection. 

Release Date: May 23rd (Next week!)

Cozy Review: A Colorful Scheme

 

* Book 4 in the Pen and Ink series *

Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.

Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.

When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . . Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love books about libraries and bookstores. I love the cast of characters in this charming series. I enjoyed reading about the different authors, their writing tips, and their interactions with fans. Lots of secrets, lots of drama, lots of funny moments, and lots of mysteries uncovered. I loved that Max and Jacquie tied the knot again. I hope we learn what happened to their daughter. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for your cozy mystery section.

On Your Radar: 52 (The Diva Says Cheesecake)

Title: The Diva Says Cheesecake

Book 15 in the Domestic Diva series

Author: Krista Davis

Publisher: Kensington

Publication Date: May 31, 2022

Why it should be on your radar:

*Favorite Characters

*Mouth Watering Food

* Cozy Mystery

* Cheesecake

* Dogs

*Neighbors and Community

* Small Town Charm

* Natasha drama

* Restaurant drama

I really enjoyed this chapter in the series. I always love catching up with these characters and seeing what's happening around town. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end. Excited to see what's next for Sophie and the gang. 

** ARC from Netgalley

Library Recommendation: Another great addition to this charming series - perfect for readers of the series, foodie cozies, and Hallmark Mystery Movies.

Review: The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit

 

* Book 14 in the Domestic Diva series *

Sophie's friends have just returned from a trip abroad - and just in time for the DIY festival Sophie's running. Sophie picks up her friend from the airport. Nina looks a mess and she isn't wearing any shoes. Clearly there's a story (or several) behind the trip.

The festival starts and one of the vendor's is missing her mother. When Sophie helps her out, investigating Lark's house, she stumbles across a body in the yard. The body's positioned to make the death look like an accident, but it doesn't feel like an accident. 

Lark traveled with Nina on the trip. Before long, Nina's house is burglarized in the middle of the night. Something strange is going on and Sophie's not going to rest until she solves this mystery.

My Thoughts: Another fun installment in this series. This series has been a long time favorite of mine and I'm always happy to catch up with the characters. The festival sounds really fun and I liked it as a way to introduce new characters and new people to this small town. I do love how Sophie and her friends rally around Nina. As always their cozy eating times makes my mouth water and I long to whip up a delicious dessert (good thing there are recipes in the back of the book). I didn't see the link between the two murders - so I was left guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series

Cover Thoughts: Charming as Always

Source: My library

Review: Coloring Crook

 

Pen and Ink Mysteries Series

(Read my review for book 1)

Florrie Fox is stunned when her friend and a member of her bookstore's coloring club comes into the bookstore with a rare and quite valuable coloring book. She has Florrie take a look to see if it could be the real deal. Dolly's excited to sell the coloring book for herself and her daughter. Maybe this could change their lives and at the same time, bring her daughter back closer to her.

That night, Florrie finds Dolly dead in her apartment - murdered. The police don't seem interested in the coloring book, but Florrie knows it's the best motive for murder. She pokes around, looking for clues, talking to Dolly's daughter, and trying to work out what really happened that night. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery - especially the rare coloring book. It was fun learning about rare books. I love the characters in this series - from their bookstore moments to their personal lives. It's nice catching up with them again. It was interesting learning the secrets of the past and how they influenced the future. 

I was a little late to the party with these books, but that just means I have less time to wait before the next installment. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: I love the details on theses cover!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Perfect series for your cozy collection.

Review: Color Me Murder

 

Florrie Fox manages a bookstore, Color Me Read. The owner insists that she move into his carriage house so he doesn't have to allow his nephew to live there. Florrie falls in love with the carriage house - it's everything she's ever wanted and so close to work. However, Delbert, makes his displeasure known. He also tells Florrie that one day, he will inherit everything and then she'll be out of a job. Florrie doesn't like him and starts second guessing her living decision.

The she stumbles onto a crime scene in the bookstore. She discovers a trap door and a dead body. Delbert's been murdered. The suspect list is long - but the police believe her boss to be responsible. Florrie starts asking questions because she knows her boss would never have killed his nephew.

My Thoughts: A charming start to a new series. I love that this mystery series takes place in a bookstore. I really liked Florrie - for her book love and her book creations. She creates coloring books on the side. Of course, I felt terrible for her boss and his family drama. I liked the secondary characters and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Looking forward to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the coloring book tie-in

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your public library's mystery section!

Book List: Bookstore Books

 

This week, I reviewed:

which got me to thinking about books set in bookstore. Besides libraries, I do love a good book set in bookstores. So I decided to make a list.

Books Listed:

Much Ado About You by Samantha Young

The Good Ones by Jenn McKinlay

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

Final Sentence by Daryl Wood Gerber 

Color Me Murder by Krista Davis (upcoming review)

Death is like a Box of Chocolates by Kathy Aarons

Books Not Pictured:

One Summer in Paris by Sarah Morgan

Christmas by Accident by Cameron Wright 

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

Once in a Lifetime by Jill Shalvis

Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

Tomorrow I'll have the YA book list!

On Your Radar: The Diva Spices it Up (41)

Title: The Diva Spices it Up

Author: Krista Davis

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Why It Should Be On Your Radar

* Fall Book

* Pumpkin and Apple Foods

* Mouth watering food shared

* Recipes

* Book Characters are like Old Friends

*Ghostwriting a Cookbook

* Mars is in trouble

* Fantastic Series

* Importance of Friendship

* Importance of Families

* Spies 

* Dead drops

* Good Neighbors

Another great addition to this charming series.

I love the cover!

** ARC sent for review

Top Ten Tuesday: Autumn Vibes

This week's topic is Autumn Vibes. I love autumn - the leaves changing colors, the crunching of the leaves, and the cool brisk air. Here are some books that capture that feeling for me. Cozies have great autumn vibe covers!

Not Yet Read: 

I haven't read these yet, but the covers give me major vibes

Top Ten Tuesday: Titles

This week's topic is all about fun titles. I always think that cozies have the best titles - and most of them have to do with food. Here are a few of my favorites.

Upcoming Cozy Review: The Diva Sweetens the Pie

* 12th book in the Domestic Diva series *

In the middle of Old Town's annual Pie Festival, the celebrity judge falls face first into a pie. It's not a pretty sight; she's later declared dead. However, the festival must go on and the organizer asks Sophie to lend an even bigger hand.

The celebrity judge used to live in town before her rise to stardom. When Sophie's asked to look into a different matter, she wonders if the past is influencing the present.

When someone frames her for an act of violence, she's determined more than ever to uncover the truth before someone else gets hurt.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. It always makes me want to cook or bake something. This time, I wanted to eat pie. I loved catching up with the characters; they feel like old friends. With all the red herrings, it was difficult to uncover the truth about the murder. I like how Sophie gets pulled into investigating a side mystery. And the recipes! I can't wait to test out a few pies and a few cocktails. Another fun addition to this charming series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: April 30th
Library Recommendation: This series should be in your mystery section.

Review: The Diva Cooks up a Storm

* Book 11 in the Domestic Diva series *

Before a social event, one of Sophie's acquaintances reveals he thinks he's being poisoned. He asked her advice. At a pop-up gourmet party, Sophie witnesses the same friend in a series of awkward social interactions. When he turns up dead later that night, Sophie knows something fishy is happening. Everyone's pointing the finger at someone else, but someone's lying. Can Sophie uncover the truth?

My Thoughts: I'm so glad this series is back; I've missed it. I loved reading my old friends and seeing what they were up to again. As usual, I enjoyed the moments between Sophie and Natasha. I felt terrible for Hollis's family and what all of them went through.  I loved the aftermath of the storm and how everyone came together to eat. I love the bit in the library and the romance. I liked trying to unravel all the secrets and lies told in this one, the ending kept me guessing. So looking forward to the next book in this fun series!

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: This book comes out tomorrow, so you don't have to wait for it!
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your cozy section, especially where this series is popular.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Diva Serves High Tea

 * Book 10 in the Domestic Diva series *

Sophie attends a high tea event at a new shop - The Parlour. She's loving the tea and goodies. Gossip flows between friends and she learns about Robert, the owner of the new antique store in town. He's caught the eye of several ladies.

When Sophie finds him near death, she becomes suspicious. As she calls for help, he chokes out one last word. Rosie.

What could he mean?  Who is Rosie?

Before long, the neighborhood's getting jumpy with dark shadows and misunderstandings. Could there be a killer on the loose?

My Thoughts: I adore this series for the small town charm, the amusing neighbors, the food, the romance, and the friendships. This installment of the series hits the spot. The interactions between the neighbors adds layers to the plot, woven perfectly with moments from the past. I love the personal side details between Sophie and Natasha. I'm not a huge fan of Natasha, but I love her as a character. I can't wait to read the next book! 

Cover Thoughts: Charming as always
Source: Book sent for review

Final Thoughts: Great food and great friends make this series a winner - add this cozy to your list of books to read this summer. 

Books I'm Dying to Read: June Edition

Now that the weather is starting to turn more Spring like, I'm excited for the big publishing months. I can't wait to read summer romances and books about the beach, road trips, and ice cream. 

Kids:

Middle Grade:

YA:

Adult: