Book Review: The Secret of Dunhaven Castle: A Cozy Time Travel Mystery (Cate Kensie Cozy Mysteries Book 1) As soon as I spotted The Secret of Dunhaven Castle by Cate Kensie, I knew it was a book I had to dive into. A cozy mystery mixed with time travel set in an enigmatic Scottish castle? Sign me up! The blend of Scottish heritage, history, and a quest for family secrets sounded like the perfect recipe for an engrossing read. The protagonist, Cate Kensie, is a down-on-her-luck history professor whose life...

Book Review: Lava Cake and Lies by A.G. Wooten When I stumbled upon Lava Cake and Lies, the first book in the Moonstone Bakery Mystery Series, I was instantly captivated not only by the mouthwatering premise of baking but also by the idea of a lawyer seeking solace in a quaint coastal town. A.G. Wooten's refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre had me thinking, "What if a talented defense attorney swapped their high-powered life for a rolling pin and some secret recipes?" Being a sucker for good food,...

Review of Death and Wedding Cake by Nova Walsh As a book blogger and a lover of cozy mysteries, I was immediately drawn to Death and Wedding Cake, the delightful start of the Sugar Creek Mystery Series by Nova Walsh. Let’s be honest—what could be more enticing than a wedding, delectable treats, and a murder mystery unfolding in the backdrop of a charming Southern town? That premise had me hooked from the get-go, and let me tell you, it didn't disappoint! The story introduces us to Abby Hirsch, a chef...

A Taste of Tuscany: Review of Murder in Chianti by Camilla Trinchieri When I first stumbled upon Murder in Chianti, it felt as though the universe had conspired to drop a piece of Italy into my lap—a country I've longed to explore through the pages of a book. The allure of Tuscan wine country coupled with the promise of a gripping murder mystery drew me in, and I am so glad I took the plunge. Camilla Trinchieri's debut in her Tuscan Mysteries series is a delightful blend of charm,...

Review of Blue Waters: A Rick Waters Novel (Caribbean Adventure Series Book 1) by Eric Stone As a lifelong fan of mysteries and adventure, the moment I stumbled upon Blue Waters by Eric Stone, I felt an undeniable pull. The promise of swashbuckling escapades and a murky murder to unravel? Count me in! The excitement of uncovering lost treasures, navigating through the vibrant yet dangerous terrains of the Caribbean, and witnessing a character like Rick Waters, a charming “jack-of-all-trades”—all these elements sang to my inner adventurer. At the heart of...

Coming Apart: A Novel of the Great Depression – A Heartfelt Journey of Sisterhood When I first stumbled upon Coming Apart: A Novel of the Great Depression by Karen Heenan, the compelling premise of two sisters navigating the tumultuous waters of familial obligation against the backdrop of one of America’s bleakest eras instantly drew me in. I’ve always been fascinated by stories that explore the intricate dynamics of family and resilience, and this book promised just that. Having heard glowing reviews prior to diving in, I was eager to...

Book Review: Saving Worms After the Rain - Book 1: A Central Pennsylvania Novel of Mystery and History When I first stumbled upon Saving Worms After the Rain by M. A. O’Hara, I was drawn not only by the intriguingly whimsical title but also by the promise of a protagonist with a unique perspective—Aspen Winkleman, a young autistic man with remarkable psychic abilities. As a lover of mysteries and a supporter of diverse representation in literature, I felt an immediate connection with the premise. This novel invites readers into...

Review of How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method: Advanced Fiction Writing, Book 1 by Randy Ingermanson As a lifelong book lover and aspiring novelist, I often find myself wandering down rabbit holes filled with writing advice. When I stumbled upon How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson, the promise of a “battle-tested series of 10 steps” felt like the creative spark I desperately needed. The idea of a method that combines structure with creativity was not just appealing; it felt like...