tourist season – Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery

The Rocky Road to Ruin review

July 24, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the first book in a brand new series, Ice Cream Shop Mysteries by Meri Allen who I thought was a newcomer, but I was super happy to find out on Facebook that she’s none other than Shari Randall, another one of my favorite authors who wrote the Lobster Shack series which I absolutely loved. I’ve found I can always rely on her for some awesome and interesting characters no matter which persona she writes under. I felt so at home reading Rocky Road, and now I can’t wait for the next book!

My Goodreads review:

The Rocky Road to Ruin by Meri Allen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading about Riley’s backstory but moreso liked that she was a good friend who needed a change in her own life, so she came through when her bestie Caroline needed someone the most. I was never quite sure throughout the book whodunit and wavered among a few of the characters. Maybe this dog wasn’t all that likable, but I sure loved that little MacGillicuddy was a dachshund! Hilarious to give a German dog a Scottish name too. I really liked little Rocky the black kitty who sort of adopted Riley as his favorite human. He was awfully intuitive in other things too.

It was a good twist for once to have the bestie attracted to the detective. I’m pretty sure I haven’t seen that yet. Sometimes the bestie is already attached/married or going with the main detective, but this was a fun switch. There wasn’t quite the typical showdown. It was more of a discovery of a series of events and some crucial evidence. Everything was well-explained at the end and what a sweet surprise Caroline found hidden in an unlikely place. You’ll have to read the book and find out. Now I’m really looking forward to the next book and wondering if some new friends in this book will show up there too.

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

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Murder in a Teacup review

July 22, 2021 Tari Hann

This is the second in the Tea by the Sea series, the newest by Vicki Delany who’s also known as Eva Gates, author of the Lighthouse Library series. Under Vicki Delany, she also has Year-Round Christmas and The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop cozy mystery series. I’ve found in any of these series I’ve read (I’m up to date in Tea, Sherlock and Lighthouse) that you get lots of great characters, most being very endearing that you’d like to meet in real life. Then some are like Rose, not a huggy person but still a pretty awesome lady.

My Goodreads review:

Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never underestimate the power of an eighty-year old, lol! At least Rose Campbell proved it over and over so far in this series, and this book was definitely not a disappointment. I just love Rose’s character and how she’s always getting out of working the breakfast at the tearoom. She loves Lily fiercely, but she just not the soft and cuddly granny we sometimes see in these books. Rose and Bernie always make for a great sleuthing team, but sometimes I feel bad for Lily who usually gets left out due to having to work the tearoom.

The families staying at the B&B this time for a so-called reunion would give the Ewings of Dallas and the Channings of Napa Valley a real run for their money in the drama department, lol. I guess I basically pictured the Ewing clan only upgraded with phones and tablets. I’m glad that Det. Redmond got to play an important part eventually. That Williams, well let’s just say the author’s done a great job creating a character no one likes! On the other hand, Simon’s such a sweetheart that I really hope Lily lets him closer into her life sometime in the future. Matt turned out to be a good person for Bernie to hang with-maybe being a writer, he’ll help her overcome some of her writing issues she always has.

That was some awesome showdown! At least part of Lily’s plan worked out. And they finally got peace from this crazy bickering family when they left. I can’t wait to see what Lily, Rose and Bernie get into in the next book!

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

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Spirited Away–review

June 4, 2019June 4, 2019 Tari Hann

This is the fourth book in the Bay Island Psychic series written by Lena Gregory who is also writes the All-Day Breakfast Cafe series. I had read all three of the Bay Island books last summer and had been anxiously waiting for this one. It sure didn’t disappoint, not one bit! I just love Beast, the adorably huge Leonberger dog that Cass has–and her friend Bee’s reactions to Beast. He’s getting better, however, he still has a healthy respect for Beast, but Beast does actually listen to him…sometimes. I absolutely loved the Beast bath scene and I think you will too!

For the COYER Summer Treasure Hunt, this falls under the red item on the cover prompt.

My Goodreads review:

Spirited Away by Lena Gregory

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just when I thought that this series couldn’t get any better, I find myself wishing that this book didn’t have to end! I remember doing that with the others too. I just love these characters, especially Bee. He’s such a sweetheart and a faithful friend who would do anything for Cass or Stephanie. Because of a case he was working and the murder that followed, Luke wasn’t able to spend much time with Cass, but when he did, it was nice, quality time. At least for me, the reader! They’re so cute together! I think my favorite scene though featured Bee, Beast and Cass while Cass was trying to give Beast a bath. I laughed so much while reading that part!

This book could be enjoyed as a standalone, but I really recommend reading the first three to get the maximum fun out of this series. You might just fall in love with Bay Island and its characters!

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