kensington cozies – Page 14 – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

Peanut Butter Panic review

August 20, 2022August 20, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the seventh book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by well-known cozy mystery author Amanda Flower. I really love anything I read by this author, and I’ve been with this series from the very beginning. It’s fun to see how the characters grew and developed especially Bailey and Aiden as a couple. Her grandma Clara’s a really awesome Amish lady, and it’s kinda cute how she’s learned to accept that Bailey investigates if there’s a murder. She worries, sure, but I think she secretly enjoys that Bailey’s so good at both her candy job and investigating. And of course whatever Margot decides to add to Bailey’s plate of the day!

The Amish church spread intrigued me, so I searched on Google and found tons of different recipes along with the picture above which is credited to Mama Likes to Cook website.

#KensingtonCozies #AmandaFlower

My Goodreads review:

Peanut Butter Panic by Amanda Flower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Poor Bailey was already under bunches of pressure from overseeing the rest of the Thanksgiving meal event for Margot. She sure didn’t need a dead body making an appearance at dinner. But knowing Bailey even though she had no real connection to the murder victim, she wasn’t about to let someone get away with it.

I just love how Charlotte’s character’s getting so much more developed now that she’s engaged to Luke Little the deputy and decided to leave the Amish church. She was a pretty good sleuthing partner for Bailey now. Even before, she was just too curious and Bailey normally gave in and let her help. At least now Bailey didn’t have to worry about making anyone mad about what Charlotte was up to, well there was always Luke to answer to because he worried about Charlotte.

I really admire Bailey and Aiden as a couple for working out the outside issues in their relationship. They really came a long way and seem so strong now that not even a two-hour drive for his new BCI job was gonna ruin this awesome relationship. I love what Aiden said to her before he left!

And that little Jethro was at his best mischief and cuteness-wise. I thought it was about time Bailey admitted the little pig was really growing on her since Juliet always had her pigsitting. The little dude’s definitely a star in his own little world!

Oh that showdown was so awesome and satisfying! Couldn’t have wished for anything more or better justice! It’ll be interesting to see how Bailey’s dream for a candy factory for Swissmen Sweets works out now that she’s got the first part somewhat taken care of. Don’t miss this seventh installment in the Amish Candy Shop series that releases this coming Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold review

August 18, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the sixth book in the Salem B&B series by Traci Wilton, the writing team of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. From the first book I fell in love with the ghost character of Dr. Jack Strathmore. He’s such an awesome ghost and comes in really handy when Charlene’s investigating. I mean, who wouldn’t be impressed with a ghost who’s come so far that he learned some mad computer skills? Jack might not be able to leave the B&B property, but he’s a whiz at internet searches!

#KensingtonCozies #TraciWilton

My Goodreads review:

Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold by Traci Wilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What girl’s lucky enough to have two guys interested in her…except in Charlene’s case, one was a handsome ghost she could only be friends with. The other was a little more interested in her than she was in having a relationship right now. Jealous ghosts can be such a pain, lol! But Jack’s really an awesome ghost and he’s come so far from where he was in the first couple books. He’s a huge help when Charlene’s investigating (and not supposed to be) since he can look things up online for her.

I don’t think this one’s main theme was quite as interesting to me as the previous books. There was sure a lot of family drama going on and it would’ve been a little extra hard to guess the killer this time. The showdown was pretty tense with Charlene having sleuthed with an unlikely sidekick.

Avery’s side story’s always been really interesting to me, and she’s definitely come a very long way from when she first started working for the B&B. Charlene gave her some good news at the end, and Char’s parents even pitched in a little to help Avery as well. They probably look at her as the granddaughter they never had. Their news at the end should prove pretty interesting! I’m definitely eager to see what unfolds in the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Murder Spills the Tea review

July 31, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Tea by the Sea series by Vicki Delany who currently writes The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mysteries as Vicki Delany and the Lighthouse Library Mysteries under the pen name of Eva Gates. I loved this Cape Cod setting from the get-go and the picturesque little town. It’s hard to believe that Lily’s Grandma Rose agreed to a reality show (that doesn’t seem like her thing at all lol), but poor Lily was railroaded into doing one thanks to Rose and her bestie Bernie. You’ll have to read it and find out what all craziness went down!

My Goodreads review:

Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy did poor Lily have a hot mess on her hands with the drama from a crew of reality show people. I’m not a reality show fan at all and wasn’t real thrilled with that theme as being part of the book, but at least it wasn’t all about the show and everything that happened on it. The drama was the main thing leading up to the murder and investigation which did take priority. Although someone needs to tell Det. Williams that retirement called and wants him lol. Amy Richmond would be so much better off investigating the case alone, but she did at least manage to get her way when she felt he was being unfair.

I do love when Rose, Bernie and Lily go sleuthing, although I always feel bad for Lily who seems to be more on the outside of an inside joke when Rose and Bernie discuss a case. I really didn’t have the person whodunit on my radar, but what an exciting showdown! It was definitely movie worthy!

I sure hope Lily and Simon can get a little closer now and maybe he won’t have to go back to England after all when fall comes. They’re awfully cute together as are Bernie and Matt, although she won’t admit she likes him. Bernie cracks me up! Can’t wait to see what these characters get into next time!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Witch and Famous review

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Witch Way Librarian Mysteries by Angela M. Sanders. I’ve loved this series from the very first book, and it just keeps getting better. That little rascal Rodney cat’s definitely a favorite character! He’s always instrumental in helping Josie with a case or warning her about danger. The books and Josie have come a long way too since the previous book, and she can do some seriously cool stuff with them. I’m always eager for the next book in this series especially now after Roz’s good news! I’m still hopeful for Josie and Sam getting together.

#KensingtonCozies #AngelaMSanders

My Goodreads review:

Witch and Famous by Angela M. Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this third book a lot because Josie’s come so far with her magic, and it was cool how she had the books dancing every morning before anyone came. The books could do a lot for her now just by thinking it to them. I got a kick out of the Indy 500 book, but collectively let’s just say “never underestimate the power of a good book” really came true in this book!

I didn’t like that doggone Daphne actress at all! She wouldn’t take her eyes or her hands off Sam, and despite how he’s been nice but made no romantic moves to Josie yet, I’m still confident they’ll find a way to get together. That was another way you’ll see how Josie’s grown as a witch when she has to make a more seasoned witch decision. I won’t say what she was trying to decide due to not wanting to spoil anything.

I love how the townspeople who usually spent time in Darla’s café were now hanging out in the library’s kitchen. Well I did feel sorry for Josie always having to keep order because they did sometimes get a little bit rowdy! But they were super interested in sleuthing for her and some of their info did come in handy.

I hadn’t really guessed whodunit and the whole thing got a little bit complex but it makes sense when you read it. The ending did sound more promising as far as a lot of things went, and even grumpy Roz got a happy ending!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Death a Sketch review

July 24, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Paint & Shine Mysteries by Cheryl Hollon, who’s also known for her cozy series, Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries. Since I enjoy this series so much, I really need to start reading the older series since I’ve actually had most of it for a while now. Just so many cozies and so little time, right? Right now, I just know I’m eager for another book in the Paint & Shine series since this one ended so sweet!

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My Goodreads reviews:

Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was good visiting with Miranda and her friends in her first corporate workshop and the last event before closing down for winter. I’m glad she and Austin were getting closer–the end was so cute!

That corporate group was run by someone who’d give JR Ewing a run for his nastiness, lol. I’m not sure which one of the execs was worse, but after a while, it was only one that mattered anyway. Most of the company’s employees seemed like okay people but I particularly liked how Carol and her team came together for those challenges. I liked Miranda’s friend Rowena, the admin assistant and kinda hoped she’d decide to ditch the crazies in this company and get a job somewhere close so she and Miranda could be besties again. If only Miranda’s business wasn’t so new and probably not able to afford her, Rowena would’ve made a great assistant!

I enjoyed that the showdown wasn’t dangerous to Miranda herself, but someone else was pretty traumatized by it. Although the sheriff had things under control biding his time. I’d love to see a Christmas book in this setting, but since Miranda can’t run her tours in winter, I’m sure that won’t be happening. It’d be all kinds of festive up in those snowy mountains though!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Something Fishy This Way Comes review

July 23, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the second book in the Whit & Whiskers Mysteries by Gabby Allan, and I sure love the island setting of this series! It might be a fun bucket list item to see Catalina Island someday. I really hope there’ll be more in this series because after this book, the characters are getting to be like old friends to visit.

#KensingtonCozies #GabbyAllan

My Goodreads review:

Something Fishy This Way Comes by Gabby Allan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was great to travel to Catalina Island and visit with Whit and all her friends again. I’d enjoyed the first book and was really looking forward to the next one, and it didn’t disappoint. I just love Pops and Goldy’s characters! Those two crack me up. They’re the kind of older couple you just wanna be like when you’re their age. Whit and Felix were at a comfortable spot in their relationship. I liked how she was quick to rely on him and didn’t always make him feel like she wanted to go sleuthing alone. They did make a good sleuthing team. Goldy came up with a great little moneymaking idea, and Whit had to admit her grandma had what it took to run the front of the shop.

The mystery was very twisty but for some odd reason, I named someone fairly early and they ended up being the perp. It was great how Whit assembled all her suspects for a little dinner cruise on the family boat. Long ago grievances and feud reasons were aired, and those needing punished got their comeuppance.

I hope there’ll be more in this series. I’m eager to see Maribel eventually become a police officer since she’s studying for that. With one of her roadblocks out of the way, she’s sure to succeed!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Death of an Ice Cream Scooper review

July 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the fifteenth book in the long-running Hayley Powell Food & Spirits series by brother and sister duo, Lee Hollis. I love how the characters have grown and changed since the first book but yet they’re familiarly the same and so much fun to feel like you’re coming home to Bar Harbor and hanging out with these people.

I’m just crazy about the little dachshund on the cover! Sprinkles might not have a huge role in the book, but just being a buddy to Leroy while Hayley and Sprinkles’ doggie mom Lynette walked them was super cute. I love how it was described that Sprinkles brought out the puppy in Leroy.

#KensingtonCozies #LeePowell

My Goodreads review:

Death of an Ice Cream Scooper by Lee Hollis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 15 and Hayley’s going strong! I love the characters and town as much as when I first picked up the debut book. And just as I was wondering if we were getting any of his famous Sergio-isms, he didn’t disappoint!

There was a lot going on this time. Dustin’s as grown of a man as he could possibly be now while Gemma was roasting away in a New York summer as she was telling her mom. Three of Hayley’s friends had new boyfriends, Liddy was getting an expensive mansion as a listing and all through this, Hayley was trying to figure out who killed the ice cream scooper.

I loved the mention of the ice cream shop owner’s little dachshund, Sprinkles! He sounded adorable and good old Leroy, Hayley’s beloved Shih-Tzu was still plugging along and finding his second wind when Sprinkles was around. Which to the dachshund lover (me) wasn’t quite enough, but I’ll take whatever I can get of a dachsie in the story! I’m always grateful when one shows up!

In true Hayley fashion, she found herself in quite a predicament but managed to slip out of it only to confront a killer not long after. But all went well, ending in the familiar family get-together that I always love about this series. I’m sure it won’t take Hayley long to transition into her new role! I’m being purposely vague and leaving out anything I personally would’ve thought was a spoiler before reading this book. You can get the whole scoop (ice cream pun intended) on July 26 when it releases!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies, and my opinions are my own.

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A Catered Doggie Wedding

June 28, 2022 Tari Hann

This is book 17 in the long running Mysteries with Recipes series by Isis Crawford. Unfortunately, I can’t link the series from 17’s page because this newer listing doesn’t have the series separately clickable, but this link goes to the series page showing the first sixteen books. And my review below should take you to the page for book 17.

It’s always a guaranteed good time with the Simmons sisters, their boyfriends they chill at RJ’s with and of course, Dad and his police buddy, Clyde. Libby and Bernie’s employee Googie (aka George) and his girlfriend were featured in this book. The dog wedding idea sounded super cute, but someone in town (like the scrooge in the shop next door) didn’t want it to happen, but would she resort to murder? Grab this from wherever you buy books or your library and find out!

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My Goodreads review:

A Catered Doggie Wedding by Isis Crawford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another fun and lots of the time funny adventure with Libby and Bernie! Those two never disappoint in how they just crack me up with their crazy banter, and the banter among other characters is always priceless and sometimes great comic relief! I just love their dad and I get such a kick out of Clyde, his police friend who slips them info sometimes in exchange for food and yummy baked items his wife won’t let him have, lol.

This was one twisty mystery with more suspects and red herrings as it progressed, not to mention more bodies. What started the whole things was kinda cool as Libby and Bernie found out later…but meeting up with a killer wasn’t so cool. Reinforcements came just in time though, and the dog wedding was saved from being scrapped. I was happy that everyone who wasn’t a killer but might’ve done something they’d regret ended up having to account for that.

Everything was wrapped up and explained at the end and of course, one of the goldens, Bertha or Ernie or maybe one of the doggie guests stole the last funny scene.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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A Hint of Mischief review

June 26, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the third book in the Fairy Garden Mysteries by well-known cozy author Daryl Wood Gerber, and I believe it might be my favorite so far. The characters were really well-developed to begin with, but by now (since there’s always a year between these books) I felt like I could just pick up and remember more about them. I love reading about someone’s wonder and delight whenever they first see a fairy in the series or haven’t been able to see one all that long, it’s just really cool! The very ending was super sweet and magical!

#KensingtonCozies #DarylWoodGerber

My Goodreads review:

A Hint of Mischief by Daryl Wood Gerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was fun to catch up with Courtney and her friends, and especially her sweet little fairy friend, Fiona. That little girl’s come a long way since the first book! I think she’s gonna make the queen fairy really proud someday soon. I just wish Courtney could get her dad to believe. Can you imagine what Det. Summers would say or do if Kip did believe? I don’t think he’d let him live it down LOL!

The mystery had a lot of twists, turns and great red herrings, so I was never really sure whodunit until Courtney came up with it. That was one tense showdown and while Courtney used what she had in her defense, I think I agree with her dad and would like to see her take more self-defense classes. I enjoyed the little side story of the fairy door mystery.

I was so happy to see Courtney and Brady getting closer and what happened at the very end was super sweet! He’s such a keeper! Can’t wait for the next installment!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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Dairy, Dairy Quite Contrary review

June 22, 2022 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a new cozy series, the Sunflower Café Mysteries by Amy Lillard. I’m sorry I can’t link the series name, but Goodreads apparently doesn’t have that feature on some of the newer listings unfortunately. Amy Lillard also wrote The Main Street Book Club Mysteries, yes I can link that because it’s done the good old way on Goodreads, lol. Her other books appear to be some Amish romances, so I have every confidence that she’ll bring Sissy and Gavin together in this cozy mystery as well.

Isn’t that cover just the cutest? Little Duke looks worried like he’s hoping no one thinks he broke that milk bottle!

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My Goodreads review:

Dairy, Dairy, Quite Contrary by Amy Lillard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sissy Yoder’s definitely a different type main character than most cozies have since she came from her big city job to her aunt’s café, but not just any old café. This one’s Amish and run by her Amish Aunt Bethel who sure didn’t seem welcoming like we always hear the plain people are. But we did get to see a crack or two in her grumpy veneer, and I’m thinking maybe Sissy might just win over this disgruntled little woman, maybe not in this book but sometime. I especially got a kick out of a comment Bethel made about the lake!

I liked when Sissy sleuthed with Gavin. They made a nice investigating team and if Sissy’d just admit he’s nice to hang out with, I have every faith in the author to make them a couple eventually. 😉 And Gavin liked little Duke pup, so that counts a lot in saying he’s an awesome guy. I enjoyed Sissy’s visits with her cousin Lizzie who despite being Amish and on bedrest carrying twins had her finger on the gossip pulse of the town.

By the time the showdown rolled around, I was leaning heavily toward the person whodunit and I was right. At least Sissy wasn’t in any danger, and now Sheriff Earl could stop watching her and making her feel guilty, lol. I’m really looking forward to the next book to see that hopefully Lizzie’s given birth and maybe just maybe Aunt Bethel might crack a smile!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

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