Poodle versus the Fake Santa - book review

Poodle Versus The Fake Santa by Anne Shillolo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was completely engrossed with the story line. Characters were well established. The book is a part of a series but you can read this without feeling like you are missing something.
Anne Shillolo will have you dreaming of cozy store fronts and Santa parades, so grab a cup of cocoa and a warm blanket, snuggle in and try to solve the mystery of the fake Santa.

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Owl Be Home for Christmas - Book Review

Owl Be Home for Christmas by Rosie A. Point
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rosie A. Point has quickly become a must read author for me. Every one of her books has been a complete joy to read. She has done it again with this book.
Join Holly and her little dog Dixie in this fun Christmas cozy mystery. This is part 2 in the Very Murder Christmas series. You can read this as a stand alone book but you won't want to so If you haven't already, grab this series for a Holly jolly good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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The SantaConviction - book review

The SantaConviction by Langley Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Punny Cozy for the Holiday

Great cozy full of puns and laughter. Terrific read for a quiet night. This book had me guessing all the way to the end!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


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How to not Fall for the Wrong Guy - book review

How to Not Fall for the Wrong Guy by Meg Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While reading this book I literally felt like I was watching a movie. I was brought right back into the lives of the 4(+1) roommates. I love this series and I have no doubt you will too. Great romance with ups, downs, laughing, crying and maybe a little dancing.


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Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Talk about a fun read. I absolutely fell in love with the characters. Lola Flor and Tita Rosie are the greatest and I could hear their voices as they spoke in the book. All of the food was described so well I could almost smell it, my mouth watered just wishing I could go to the restaurant or join them for a family meal.
I am not one to give a book plot away and I feel that too much chatter can do just that. I will say you have GOT to get this book and read it today. Also do yourself a favor and make the adobo recipe in the back of the book. You will not be sorry one bit.

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Skirting Danger by Kay Keppler -- A book review

Skirting Danger by Kay Keppler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kay Keppler has created a unique and fun cozy. I love the characters and the plot is like none I have read before, making this a nice change of pace. I found this book to be very satisfying and interesting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


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How to NOT Fall for the Guy Next Door - book review

How to Not Fall for the Guy Next Door by Meg Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Meg Easton has brought us into the home of 4 roommates and their love lives. In this book from the series it follows Addison and Ian. The story line is completely relatable, so if you are expecting a fairy tale this may not be the book for you. Addison and Ian were childhood friends and after life changing events in both of their lives they ended up back in each other's lives again.

Grab a cup of whatever makes you happy, find a comfy place and get ready to escape into the world of Addison and Ian!

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series!



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Beagles Love Cupcake Crimes by C.A. Phipps
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Being a beagle mom, I'm a sucker for all things beagle. I was so excited to get this book, I mean come on - a book with a beagle sidekick is a must read right?!?
I went into reading the book with high hopes it would be an amazing cozy; however, I feel it fell flat. The characters are good, the concept was good, I just feel the book needs more work. To me the chapters didn't flow together seamlessly. I had a difficult time following the conversations.
This is the first book I have read from this author so I'm not sure if this is her writing style or possibly bad editing.

I give this book 3 stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

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Lattes and Larceny by Nola Robertson Book review

Lattes and Larceny by Nola Robertson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this first book in the new series created by Nola Robertson, A Hawkins Harbor Cozy Mystery, you will be captivated by the witty characters. While reading this book I was taken to a nice harbor town where life is simple and friends are in abundance. Where you can walk in the morning to a cute coffee café to have breakfast with friends while looking out over the water. Don’t let the serene setting fool you though, there is a mystery to be solved! A group of unique friends are on the case to help law enforcement solve the mystery.
I am excited for the next book to come out.
4.5 Stars

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

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No Good Tea goes Unpunished - book review

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in the Seaside Café series and it is just as entertaining as the first one.
Everly Swan has returned to her hometown of Charm, North Carolina after a heartbreak. She buys her dream home and opens up a sweet tea café on the beach.
Alright, All I need to say is umm where do I get a ticket to this town? All of the small town feels plus coastal serenity (well minus the murders). With each page I was left with a longing to be sitting outside this café wanting to chat with its occupants while sipping tea and taking in the amazing views.
Bree Baker has knocked it out of the park (again) bringing to life the characters in this cute cozy mystery. She has provided enough twists and turns to keep you guessing whodunit while she also has created more depth to the story line. Even though this is the second in the series, Bree Baker has provided enough backstory that you are not missing out if you have not read the first book (although I do recommend reading that one as well).
I give this book 5 stars!


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Red Beans and RIP - Piper Sandstone book review

Red Beans And R.I.P. by Karen McSpade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another entertaining Piper installment!

Another great installment of the Piper Sandstone mystery. Such a fun story with an intriguing plot. Quick read to enjoy during your relaxing bath or lunch time (heck anytime really!) I am looking forward to reading more installments to see the story unfold.

Please note - this is not a book to read on its own. You really need to read the first book in the series (and the prequel) before reading this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.


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The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talk about flash back! I absolutely love how the book is set in the 90’s. It really brought me back in time remembering phones that had cords. This was a super fun cozy that was very enjoyable to read. I love how realistic the conversations were and I felt as if I was right there in the room with the characters.

Michele Pariza Wacek really wrote a great whodunit that will leave you guessing who the killer is all the way to the end.

This book get a 4.5 stars

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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Maple Drizzle Murder by Rosie A. Point
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rosie A. Point really created a page turning quick read for cozy lovers. Maple Drizzle Murder is a cute , easy to read cozy. Great way to pass time on a rainy day.

Milly is trying to build a new life for herself after her father passes and she is doing this with her fluffy bunny Waffle. A bunny! What?!? Ok I am so game to read about a bunny sidekick. During the book, I was wishing I had my own little cuddly bunny to go for walks with. If you have a few hours to snuggle up and read, I recommend you grab a copy of this book for yourself.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

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Off Grid Living

Off Grid Living for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide From Planning To Building a Homestead To Living Off The Land and Become Self Sufficient by Emma Nora
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is a great starting point for anyone wanting and considering living off grid. When I first began reading the book I was very impressed with the amount of information that the author had provided. It is such a great resource for any person with a desire to live this type of lifestyle. The book is laid out so each chapter is a stand alone chapter. She explains to the
reader the many things that need to be considered. The author recaps each chapter at the end for you as well before moving on to the next chapter.

My husband and I have been in the process of going off-grid now for over 3 years. There is so much that goes into an endeavor such as this. You must do your research. I feel this book is a great place to start. Even with all of our research, I felt I still was able to gain great info from this book.

I do feel the book lacked illustrations. I think having a few throughout the book showing some of the items the author was discussing would really help with the visualization of many of the parts a person needs to take into account while pondering this change.

I give this book 3.5 stars.

*I was given this book as an ARC for my honest review*

The Death of the Party by Maggie Aldrich
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Maggie Aldrich will have you laughing till your side hurts all while keeping you on the edge of your seat in this action-packed, page turning small town cozy mystery!


Small town murder of former hometown jock.
Saddle Creek is a small town with less than 7000 residents. Former hometown jock throws his yearly party trying to reclaim his youth.

OK, being from a small town myself I felt as if I was there right alongside the characters in the book! Is that not like most small towns? A jock from high school not ever wanting to grow up ( I know you are picturing the one from your hometown right now, am I correct).
This book was so entertaining with its well established characters. I truly found it hard to put this book down and I finished it in one day! I feel as though I was able to bond with the town folk in Saddle Creek and I am eagerly waiting for the next book to come out so I can continue reading about my new found “friends”.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

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The Secret, Book & Scone Society

 The Secret, Book & Scone Society By: Ellery Adams

Strangers flock to Miracle Springs hoping the natural hot springs, five-star cuisine, and renowned spa can cure their ills. If none of that works, they often find their way to Miracle Books, where, over a fresh-baked “comfort” scone, they exchange their stories with owner Nora Pennington in return for a carefully chosen book. That’s Nora’s special talent—prescribing the perfect novel to ease a person’s deepest pain. So when a visiting businessman reaches out for guidance, Nora knows exactly how to help. But before he can keep their appointment, he’s found dead on the train tracks.

 

Stunned, Nora forms the Secret, Book, and Scone Society, a group of damaged souls yearning to earn redemption by helping others. To join, members must divulge their darkest secret—the terrible truth that brought each of them to Miracle Springs in the first place. Now, determined to uncover the truth behind the businessman’s demise, the women meet in Nora’s cozy bookstore. And as they untangle a web of corruption, they also discover their own courage, purpose, and a sisterhood that will carry them through every challenge—proving it’s never too late to turn the page and start over… _________________________________________________________________________

Welcome to Miracle Springs! Right from the beginning I was taken to a place of cozy happiness. From the bakery to the bookstore (where I could almost smell the books on the shelves and the coffee in the air). I could picture myself strolling down the streets, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds of a quaint city.

With each turn of the book's pages I was brought into the lives of 4 soon to be friends. Each woman was brought to the town for a different reason, but all sharing a common thread of a troubling secret. As the women open up to one another, they begin to form a bond. With the twists and turns throughout the book the “society”  help one another while trying to help figure out how a businessman, suspected of committing suicide, really ended up dead.

This book really explained the characters by providing the reader with insight into each one's “secret” past. The author has now laid a firm foundation for future books. I personally am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and hope that they are just as fulfilling as this one has been.