I generally have quite a few cozy mysteries in my TBR pile. They are just the kind of book I want when I am feeling stressed. Despite a murder or two, these stories are comforting as justice is served. If only that were always the case in the real world.
Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is the first in a series. There are now three titles in all. This first novel introduces readers to Lindsey Bakewell (a name that is quite appropriate). She left Wall Street for Michigan after her relationship ended. This gives her the opportunity to pursue a passion for baking. No surprise to readers that she becomes involved in a murder investigation given the genre. It is a surprise to Lindsey though when her former fiance is involved. Some suspension of disbelief is required while reading but achieve that and this is a good story of its type.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Coloring is one of those activities that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood. How strangely satisfying it was to pick up a crayon or pencil from that Crayola set (the bigger, the better) and get to work. Coloring can similarly offer relaxation to adults. This book is definitely one that looks like it would be fun to have.
The cover drew (pun, again!) me right in. It just looks so inviting. The first pages are examples of completed pictures and they are gorgeous. They will inspire. The following detailed pages cry out for my colored pencils. I think that I will have to purchase this one!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Fox Chapel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub Date 09 Jun 2022
#GardenofFairytaleAnimals #NetGalley
From the Publisher
“The artwork in Garden of Fairytale Animals is absolutely gorgeous with so much charm and whimsy on every page. I want to live in this enchanting and magical world that Kanoko Egusa has created!” —Katie Vaz, Artist, Illustrator, Author of Make Yourself Cozy and Cottagecore Galore
About the Author
Kanoko Egusa was born in Sendai, Japan. After graduating from university, she studied professional design and drawing at a vocational school in Kanazawa and started to work as a freelance graphic designer in 2008. In 2011, she began kanoko egusa design atelier, creating illustrations depicting imaginary worlds filled with animals, flowers, and plants.
In her studio, Kanoko surrounds herself with the things and images that inspire her. She takes inspiration from nature and from antique books, postcards, and greeting cards. Kanoko begins each piece of art simply, hand drawing using a dip pen and ink. She then digitizes each illustration to make any adjustments and finishing touches. With each illustration, she seeks to capture vivid expressions and magical moments, full of emotion and life.
This is a simple, colorfully illustrated story about some animal friends who encounter a calamity. A-Jay was accidentally tumbled out of his nest by one of the animals. They then work together to remedy the situation. This is a children’s story that encourages cooperation and truthfulness. Kids who like animal stories may enjoy hearing this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Clovercroft Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a fun summer read that tells the story of Jada and Donovan, their coming together, the decisions that they make and the evolution of their relationship. All of the ingredients (bit of a pun) that romance readers eat up (pun again) are in these pages.
Jada had a most unfortunate experience. This led to her return to San Diego where she found a job in a bakery while she licks (yikes, the puns) her wounds. This leads to her meeting Donovan. He is a professional sportsman, a football player. What happens when an assumption is made that these two are a couple? Have fun turning the pages and suspend disbelief as you find out. It will be a pleasure.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 June 2022
From the Publisher
Editorial Reviews
Review
OPRAH DAILY, “The 28 Most Anticipated Romance Novels of 2022”
“Fake It Till You Bake It is like a chilli-chocolate cupcake―super sweet with one hell of a kick. Wesley combines delightful characters, delicious tension, and a fascinating setup to create this truly satisfying romance.” — Talia Hibbert, New York Times bestselling author of Act Your Age, Eve Brown
An Island Wedding is the fifth title in the series that began with The Cafe by the Sea. Each of the books is set on the small island community of Mure, a spot that feels pretty idyllic.
Readers who have followed the folks who live on Mure will surely be happy to find that there is a new book. While the stories are best read in order, Ms. Colgan thoughtfully provides an introduction to the characters and places, so this book could be read and enjoyed by new readers too.
I was happy to again spend time with Flora, her baby, her fiance, her family and her friends. It was nice to revisit the hotel and see what was happening there. I also enjoyed the plot about Saif, a refugee doctor who has found a new beginning for himself and his children on Mure.
There are wedding plans here, daily life and a few surprises. How will Flora and Joel’s wedding, one that they planned to be “micro” compare with that of Olivia who has returned to Mure for an extravaganza? Will love triumph? Relax and enjoy as you find out. Enjoy a (virtual) vacation in Mure, that magical island between Scotland and Norway as the pages are turned in this light read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.
Maggie D’Arcy is back! This is the third in a series that I very much enjoy. These books can be read out of order but, if readers have time before this book’s pub date to read the other two, they are best read in order. There is a lot of backstory.
Maggie is surrounded by many people and their interrelationships. These are as much a reason for reading the novels as are the actual mysteries.
In this latest entry, Maggie and her daughter, Lilly, are spending a few months in West Cork, Ireland. They are there with Conor and his son. The history of Conor and Maggie’s relationship begins in one of the earlier books so, just for here, know that they are now a couple and that Maggie and Lilly are considering permanently moving from Long Island, New York to Ireland.
A lot happens in West Cork and Maggie, a (former) police detective, becomes very involved in all of the goings on. There are several murders, drug dealers, real estate development, immigration issues and more in these pages.
Part of the “more” has to do with goings on at an Anglo-Irish stately home in the past. Was a governess murdered? What is the story of the owner/artist who lived there with his family?
Police officers whom Maggie knew from previous cases are here along with a new detective, Ann, and various members of the force including one who is with the drugs squad. Readers also meet the people who live in the area and who are intimately involved in the events depicted. Readers also watch as Lilly falls in love with a young Polish immigrant.
This book at times moves a bit slowly over the course of its more than 350 pages. Nonetheless I enjoyed it. The sense of place is very strong. It felt a bit like I was on the cliffs overlooking the waters, on the village streets and in the homes of the characters.
Readers who already know Maggie will want to read this and catch up with her. New readers may be a bit confused at first but should be able to find their footing. Of course, they can go back to the earlier books to get a better grasp on Maggie, Conor, their pasts and more.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Three Dahlias is a traditional mystery that is reminiscent of titles published during mystery’s “Golden Age.” It will be enjoyed by those who like to sink into a long (373 page) crime novel that is not overly violent.
The Dahlias of the title are actresses who starred in, or about to star in, TV or movies that feature Dahlia Lively, a sleuth. Each starred at a certain point in time; Rosalind was first, followed by Caro and, now, Posy who is the latest Dahlia. Each of these actresses has a backstory that impacts the plot. They are a bit competitive with one another but join forces to solve the case that is at the center of the novel.
The Dahlias are attending a super fan convention as the story opens. There are many people on the grounds of the famous author’s home, so loads of suspects. These include family members, those involved with the new film, and the super fans.
No spoiler to say that there is a murder. With their three brains and styles coming to the fore, the Dahlias are on the case. Relax and follow along as they solve it.
I enjoyed this title’s setting and characters. It was a bit slow moving at times though. Still, that was kind of soothing, just following along at a leisurely pace.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Book Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 July 2022
Praise for The Three Dahlias
‘An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery: a country house, mysterious dead bodies and three actresses all keen to catch the killer. Perfect weekend reading!’ Janice Hallett, author of The Appeal
‘A wonderful celebration of Golden Age crime. . . a read you can sink into, just like the perfect country house weekend. You will definitely love Dahlia in all her guises by the end’ S.J. Bennett, author of The Windsor Knot
‘I loved it – witty, engaging and hugely enjoyable. A must for fans of classic mysteries’ Frances Brody
‘An affectionate homage to the Golden Age of Detective Fiction and a wry nod to our continuing fascination with it. Great fun. Warm, ingenious and. . . lively!’ L C Tyler
‘A sprightly offering. . . a pleasant summer read’ The Critic
NOTE: The current price for the digital book is just $7.99 for those who may want to pre-order.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 