In Pursuit of Civility by Jen Turano

I loved this wonderful romantic historical novel. I loved all the laughs and the romance. I enjoyed that there was a little bit of intrigue. I loved Annaliese and Seth. I enjoyed the teenagers that Annaliese was training in civility. I could not put this book down.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

LESSON TWO: Become headmistress and expect to find yourself partnering with an attractive inventor to search for treasure. 

Annaliese Merriweather has been appointed the temporary headmistress of the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies while her sister is on her honeymoon, but she doesn’t feel cut out for the role. Especially after she loses two of her most troublesome students during an outing to a county fair and has to recruit the help of Seth McCormick, an eccentric inventor, to retrieve them. 

Soon after, one of those mischievous students disappears again, intent on pursuing a pirate map. Together, Annaliese and Seth set out to find her, accompanied by a menagerie of Annaliese’s rescued animal companions. As they stumble from one chaotic situation to the next, sparks fly between Annaliese and Seth. Somehow, they’ll need to outwit dangerous individuals also intent on seeking the treasure and bring everyone back in one piece–all while deciphering what their hearts desire. 

With witty characters and humorous banter, Jen Turano takes readers on a lively tale of hijinks, humor, treasure hunting, and forced proximity in her latest historical rom-com set in Chicago at a finishing school during the Gilded Age

Recipe For Murder by Marla A. White with a giveaway(ends 6/24/26)

I really enjoyed this cozy romantic mystery. I loved Mel, Poppy, Liam, Jackson, Gregg and Grandma O. I am enjoying the love triangle between Mel, Jackson and Gregg. I am looking forward to how that will be resolved. I liked that Mel is running a B&B while also trying to solve a murder. I enjoyed the romance and the suspense. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

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Recipe for Murder (A Pine Cove Mystery) 
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Pine Cove, a fictional version of Idyllwild, tiny town on top of a Southern California mountain
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 17, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages
Paperback
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509265759
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509265756
Digital
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509265763
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GTRJ24MV

Mel O’Rourke traded her LAPD badge for the quiet life, running a bed-and-breakfast in tiny, quirky Pine Cove.

But when Jackson Thibodeaux, the charming café owner who broke her heart, stumbles back into town, her tranquil second act is toast. While attending a culinary academy in New Orleans, Jackson found the body of a classmate. The police rule it a suicide, but Mel’s instincts—and Jackson’s near miss with a bullet—scream murder.
Between a cooking school full of shady suspects, a reformed cat burglar for a sidekick, and a complicated love triangle involving the deputy sheriff, Mel has her hands full.

Perfect for fans of the sweetness of Jenn McKinlay and the snark of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan.

About Marla A. White

Marla White kills people for a living—on paper, at least.

An award-winning mystery and suspense author with roots in Hollywood, Marla White made a striking debut with Cause for Elimination, earning recognition from Killer Nashville, the RONE Awards, Reader’s Favorite, and a second-place finish with the Orange County Romance Writers in Romantic Suspense.

Originally from Oklahoma, Marla carved her path through multiple states before landing in Los Angeles, where she built a career in television development and now teaches screenwriting at UCLA Extension—including the fine art of script coverage and story analysis.

When she’s not plotting her next murder (fictional, we promise), she can be found in her garden, on a hiking trail, cheering for the LA Kings, or field-testing craft cocktails in the name of research.

Social Media Links

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHIzkB

Substackhttps://substack.com/@marlawhite?utm_source=edit-profile-page

Purchase Links –
Amazon –  Barnes&Noble   –  Apple Books – GoodReads – AllAuthor – Books2Read – Book Bub

Go here for giveaway: https://kingsumo.com/g/1wg4rwm/recipe-for-murder-a-pine-cove-mystery-by-marla-a-white

Murder Most Charming by Jessica Berg

I loved this cozy mystery. I enjoyed the parts about Pemberly at the beginning of each chapter that were from 1815. Loved Eliza and her friends as they solve a murder. I loved the action and the romance in this story. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

New Year’s Eve at Pemberley is meant to be all sparkle and celebration, and Eliza Darcy has every reason to hope the coming year will bring peace at last. The ballroom gleams, the guests are in high spirits, and for one magical night, the old estate hums with the promise of a peaceful future. Then Hunter Crawford arrives, charming everyone in sight and leaving Eliza with the uneasy feeling that disaster has just walked through the door.

When Hunter is found murdered on the estate the following morning, that unease turns to horror. The situation becomes even more alarming when Belle Knightley, Eliza’s dearest friend, is discovered hurt, confused, and unable to explain where she has been. With evidence linking Belle to the crime, suspicion rises fast and hard.

Eliza has no intention of standing by while her friend is blamed for murder. As she begins asking questions, she finds herself facing old rivalries, dangerous secrets, and a victim who left behind more enemies than admirers. But beneath Pemberley’s polished surface, something far darker is stirring, and to clear Belle’s name, Eliza must uncover the truth before it claims another victim.

Lassoes and Lies by Tonya Kappes

I loved this cozy mystery set in Kentucky on a ranch that needs some work. I love that Cussy is trying to stage a rodeo to earn money to save the ranch. I loved the intrigue, murder and romance. I loved Cussy and Colt as they work on the ranch and their relationship. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Kentucky ranch cozy mystery rodeo murder.Secrets buckle tighter in Kentucky horse country.When Cussy Hollingsworth inherits her late uncle’s struggling ranch, she is determined to save Bluegrass Ridge Ranch from financial ruin. The annual Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Revival Rodeo is supposed to bring in enough tourists, sponsors, and prize money to keep the family land alive for another season.Instead, it brings murder.When glamorous rodeo queen Vanessa Hartwell is found dead during the festival, whispers spread through the barns and stock pens faster than wildfire. Vanessa knew too many secrets, crossed too many rivals, and left behind a long list of suspects hiding behind polished boots and championship smiles.As Cussy digs deeper into the dangerous rivalries surrounding the rodeo circuit, she uncovers gambling debts, family betrayals, altered breeding records, old affairs, and grudges buried deep in Kentucky horse country. The closer she gets to the truth, the clearer it becomes that someone will do anything to protect the legacy tied to Bluegrass Ridge Ranch.With Sheriff Wade closing in on suspects, the gossip mill running full speed at the Bluegrass Griddle, and rugged ranch manager Colt Morgan standing firmly by her side, Cussy must untangle the lies before another deadly ride begins.Because at Bluegrass Ridge Ranch, the most dangerous thing in the arena is not always the bull.Perfect for readers who love:🐎 Kentucky ranch and rodeo mysteries
🔎 Strong female amateur sleuths
💕 Slow-burn small-town romance
🏡 Southern family secrets and scandals
🌾 Horses, bluegrass charm, and rural life
📚 Cozy mysteries with emotional depth and heartWelcome to Bluegrass Ridge Ranch—where reputations matter, secrets run deep, and survival comes with a price.

Lies to Forever by Marlene M. Bell

I enjoyed this story of intrigue and lots of twists and turns. I liked April and Hunter. I was guessing till the end about who was trying to hurt April. I loved that this story is very fast paced after the first few chapters. I could not put the book down. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

Author Marlene M. Bell

Book Title:  Lies To Forever by Marlene M. Bell
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 316 pages 
Genre: Suspense Thriller
Publisher:  Ewephoric Publishing
Release date:   March 2026
Content Rating:  PG because: There are a couple of references such as “hell” or “damn” in the dialog. No sex. Mild attraction. Mild description of dead bodies. Not too graphic. No strong language.

Book Description:

​First they stole her trust. Now they want her life. 

April Manning’s generous nature has always been a gift, and her greatest weakness. After being conned out of her life savings she’s left with an eviction notice and one last hope: reclaiming her old job at an architectural firm, even if it forces a showdown with head architect Hunter Ellis, her cheating ex-boyfriend.

There’s only one small hitch. The owner of the firm is dead, and the last thing April expects to find is the bloody murder weapon on her doorstep.

As the killer runs free, disturbing reminders arise from April’s troubled childhood, and suspicion flares at every turn…from the mysterious new handyman, to an estranged family member she’s tried to forget. Only one thing is certain. Death is stalking April, and she must unmask the killer before they land the fatal blow.

BUY THE BOOK:
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Meet the Author:

Marlene M. Bell shares many traits with the bold protagonists she writes. Her Annalisse series stars a New York antiquities appraiser who chases dangerous criminals in far-flung locales. The series has won eight international literary awards and an avid fan base around the world. When Marlene’s not busy plotting her next novel, she’s exploring her wooded Texas ranch with camera in hand and thirty sheep faithfully in tow. As an accomplished painter and nature photographer, she’s always hunting for the next spark of inspiration – or the next adventure calling her name.

connect with the author:  website ~ facebook instagram ~ goodreads


Enter the Giveaway:

LIES TO FOREVER by Marlene M. Bell

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENTER MARLENE M. BELL’S GIVEAWAY

Espresso Espionage by Tonya Kappes

I loved coming back to Honey Springs and the Bean Hive Coffee Shop. I love Roxy and her friends and family as they solve mysteries. I love how Roxy helps to find homes for many homeless animals. I enjoyed the laughs and the murder mysteries. I love that Roxy has great observational skills. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Coffee shop cozy mystery lakeside murder.Murder is making waves in Honey Springs, Kentucky.As collegiate rowing teams arrive for the annual regatta on Lake Honey Springs, the boardwalk is buzzing with visitors, the Bean Hive Coffeehouse is packed, and café owner Roxy Bloom is serving up coffee, pastries, and Southern hospitality to athletes and tourists alike.But the excitement sinks fast when a beloved rowing coach is found dead near the marina, tangled in rowing grip tape.What first appears to be a tragic accident quickly turns into murder.As gossip spreads through town, Roxy is pulled into an investigation involving rival rowing teams, secret sponsorship deals, hidden grudges, and athletes guarding dangerous secrets. The deeper she digs, the clearer it becomes that someone is willing to do anything to keep the truth buried beneath the surface.With Aunt Maxi stirring up rumors faster than the morning coffee rush, Pepper sniffing out trouble at every turn, and the whole town gathering along the lakeside boardwalk for festival events, Roxy races to uncover the killer before another body turns up in Honey Springs.Perfect for readers who love:☕ Coffee shop cozy mysteries
🚣 Lakeside festivals and sports rivalries
🔎 Amateur sleuths and small-town secrets
👭 Quirky recurring characters and Southern charm
🐾 Pets, friendship, and cozy community vibes
📚 Clean mysteries filled with humor and heartEach book in the Killer Coffee Mystery Series can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery, though returning readers will love catching up with their favorite Honey Springs locals.

Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

I loved this book filled with suspense, faith and romance. I loved how Maren and Colt meet and then start working together. I loved all of the action in the story. I love these service dogs and how they are trained and handled. I could not put the book down. I liked the twin aspect in the story. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

A K-9 team’s investigation

leads to a deadly case of mistaken identity.



K-9 officer Maren Anderson is shocked when she catches a glimpse of her presumed-dead twin sister–moments before a shooter opens fire. DEA agent Colt Dawson rescues her and helps secure the crime scene, but before Maren can find her sister, Opal vanishes again. Maren has questions and so does Colt–especially since Opal may be the key to exposing a drug kingpin’s identity. But now the cartel leader’s henchmen think Maren is her sister and she has a target on her back. Forced to work together to unravel the deadly mystery, Maren and Colt must track down her twin before the criminals closing in claim their lives…



From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.



Colorado K-9 Unit



Book 1: Searching for the Truth by Laura Scott

Book 2: Tracking the Taken Child by Sharon Dunn

Book 3: Danger in the Rockies by Terri Reed

Book 4: Protecting the Baby by Jodie Bailey

Book 5: Fugitive Manhunt by Sharee Stover

A Chance for Kallie Mae by Ann H. Gabhart

I loved this fantastic historical romance. I loved Kallie Mae and Quinn. I enjoyed learning about Moonlight Schools and how many people benefited from them. I really loved the romance in the story. I loved how Kallie Mae and Quinn overcome many obstacles in their lives to finally find happiness. I could not put this book down. I received a copy and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Kallie Mae Bertram has harbored two dreams since childhood: to learn to read and to one day marry Quinn Spencer. But her first dream slipped away when her little sister died of a fever and her mother passed in childbirth. Kallie promised to care for the baby and her younger brother, which meant putting aside her own desires in order to keep her family together. But then a moonlight school for adults offers Kallie hope of finally fulfilling that dream. 
 
After Kallie’s father forbids her from seeing Quinn, her second dream seems impossible until her frantic search through the woods for her missing sister leads to an unexpected encounter with Quinn–their first meeting in six years. The love they shared as children burns stronger than ever, awakening hopes Kallie thought were forever buried. But with their families locked in a bitter feud, following her heart could cost Kallie everything she’s worked to protect. 
 
Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart brings history and romance from the Appalachian Mountains to life in her newest Southern fiction novel.

Devious Web by Shelley Grandy with a giveaway

I really enjoyed this quick suspenseful story. I really liked Tom, Elise and Detective Liu. I enjoyed that the story took place just after the worst of Covid. I loved all the secrets that came out during the story. I loved the twists and turns. I received a copy of the book and gave an honest opinion.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

Book Title:  

Devious Web – A Novel by Shelley Grandy
Category:

 Adult Fiction, 272 pages

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller

Publisher:

 SparkPress
​Publication Date:

 October 2024

Tour dates: May 4 to May 22, 2026

Content Rating:

 PG -13 rating for: There are no f-words but there is some violence (attempted murder) and some non-explicit references to sex, alcohol and recreational drugs.

Book Description:

Gone Girl’s twists, The Social Network‘s scheming, and Agatha Christie’s sleuthing come together in this suspenseful novel, a bingeworthy mystery set in Toronto that spans corporate intrigue, murder, and marital mismatch. Who would want to harm a well-liked CEO at the top of his game, and why? In the summer of 2021, Canadian tech entrepreneur Tom Oliver is considering selling his company to a Silicon Valley buyer when he becomes the target of an unknown perpetrator. As his friend and homicide detective Jason Liu investigates a web of secrets and deceit, Tom’s inner circle of family and colleagues comes under scrutiny.

Devious Web brings you into the world of business, US politics, social media, and family drama. If you were enthralled watching Suits and Succession, you’ll enjoy the high suspense, fast pace, and unexpected plot twists of this compelling novel. 

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca ~ Audible
B&N Indigo ~ BAM 
Bookshop ~ Walmart
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Shelley Grandy is a Canadian communications professional whose type-A personality and honors journalism degree from Ottawa’s Carleton University fueled a career that started in newspapers and progressed to twenty-five years at high-tech
company Nortel. 

She subsequently founded Grandy Public Relations Inc. and has supported tech sector clients in Ontario and Quebec for the past sixteen years. 

After writing countless press releases and technical articles for trade media, Devious
Web
 is Shelley’s debut fiction novel.

When not writing, Shelley enjoys intriguing Netflix-style productions and is known to frequently reference scenes from Grace and Frankie

You can also find her at the boarding stable with her horse, Briosa. Shelley lives in Trenton, Ontario, Canada, with husband of thirty-plus years Roy, husky dog Luka, and cat Otto, within spoiling distance of her beautiful granddaughters, Emilia and Olivia Oulds.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ linkedin ~ goodreads

Giveaway:
Author-signed copy of DEVIOUS WEB, plus matching mug, courtesy of author Shelley Grandy (one winner) (USA and Canada) (ends May 29)

Go here for the giveaway: https://gleam.io/GNBHG/devious-web-by-shelley-grandy-book-tour-giveaway

Whispers at Painswick Court by Julie Klassen

I loved listening to this wonderful historical mystery. I loved how the narrator read this book. I loved Anne. I enjoyed how she figures out who was trying to hurt Lady Celia. I enjoyed the mystery and the romance in this story.

I give this book a five out of five stars.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION

Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year.

Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, a shadowy old house rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer–and protect her heart–before it’s too late?

Acclaimed Regency author Julie Klassen marries the best of historical romance and mystery in a novel full of English village charm, intrigue, and love.