Dead Men Wag No Tails

Romance, treasure and danger collide in the charming coastal town of Twilight Cove. Don’t miss the newest instalment in USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox’s enchanting Magical Menagerie mystery series!

“For a small seaside town, Twilight Cove sure has plenty of excitement . . .”

Georgie Johansen’s return to the coastal haven of Twilight Cove has been a dream come she gets to work with Auntie O at the animal sanctuary, has adopted two very adorable dogs who have very special abilities and even has a blossoming romance with the gorgeous farmhand Callum.

It’s August and the town is buzzing with anticipation for the annual Dead Eye Days pirate festival. The excitement reaches a fever pitch when long-term resident Jasper, a pirate fanatic, declares he is in possession of a treasure map!

However, the hunt for treasure soon becomes a hunt for a murderer when Jasper is found dead, and Georgie is once again compelled to put on her sleuthing hat. With her extraordinary dogs Flossie and Fancy beside her, and Euclid, the mysterious great-horned owl, keeping a watchful eye on them, can she uncover the killer and protect Twilight Cove? Or will her curiosity put a bounty on her own head?

My Review:

I was beside myself with bookish glee when I discovered the first book in the Magical Menagerie Mystery series back in April and I’m happy to report that this second book is as good as, if not better than the first. It’s definitely earned a place on my favourite cozy mysteries list.

Love the animal sanctuary setting and the air of magical mystery. No worries if you’re not a paranormal fan, the magical elements are light and whimsical. Similar to Sofie Kelly’s ‘Magical Cats’ series or Amanda Flower’s ‘Magical Bookshop’ series. So, very much set in the real world (well, as ‘real’ as a cozy mystery can get!) with gentle enchanting touches that completely charmed me.

Georgie has settled quite nicely into life at the animal sanctuary with Auntie O and a host of entertaining critters to keep her busy. (And one very intriguing farmhand!) She had no intention of putting her sleuthing talents to use ever again but when a local man is murdered during the hubbub of the town’s annual Pirate Festival, well, how can an amateur sleuth resist? Plus there’s buried treasure to be found!

Such a fun cozy mystery with engaging characters (including Flossie and Fancy, springer spaniels with unique gifts that come in handy during an investigation!) There are plenty of solid suspects to keep an armchair sleuth anxiously engaged right up to the big reveal. And Fox’s writing style is beautifully descriptive, creating a cozy ambience that makes for a delightful read.

I enjoyed listening to Hallie Bee Bard’s narration of this book. She has a pleasant, easy-to-listen-to kind of voice that matches the author’s storytelling style perfectly.

My thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

The Letter Tree + Giveaway

Romeo and Juliet meets You’ve Got Mail in 1920s New York when hidden letters change everything for two lost souls and the community around them.

Seven years ago, a letter left inside a tree brought Laura Bradshaw an anonymous friend who helped her navigate the tragic loss of her mother and gave her something to look forward to despite the overbearing hand of her father. Life would be far bleaker, if not for her beloved Letter Tree, her dear friend, and her secret trips to the Buffalo Zoo. But even these rays of light are threatened when her father decides to play matchmaker in order to further his business goals.

When Isaac Campbell learns that his letter friend is destined to court another, he balks at the suggestion and begs her to break her rule of namelessness and meet him. Her words have endeared her to him, he’s ready to fall at her knees and beg her to choose him—that is until he sees her face. The stranger he’s become so attached to is not a stranger . . . but the only daughter of his family’s sworn enemy.

Can the grown children of feuding parents bridge the chasm between them? Or is the divide too deep—and too wide?

My Review:

published in 2023

Old family secrets are at the heart of this Romeo and Juliet style romance (with a better ending!) I’ve heard other readers compare it to You’ve Got Mail as well and, though I’m not a fan of that movie (the bookstore dies, people!) I can see how that comparison can be made. Again, with a much happier ending. 🙂

As children, Isaac and Laura were the best of friends but a rivalry between their fathers tore them apart and they have both been living with the extreme fallout of a contentious feud ever since. Everyone has to pick sides, including servants and factory workers and the two haven’t set eyes on each other in years.

Until a tree is turned into a mail box of sorts and two lonely people begin exchanging letters using pseudonyms. A friendship is born (or should I say revived?) and just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next…plot twist!

Mystery and romance in 1920s New York. Loved the historical details, especially about the Buffalo zoo. Made for an immersive read and kept me engaged right to the end.

Uncovering the Truth + Giveaway

A trail of threats…and a K-9 to shield them

When Alyssa Anderson stumbles upon her ex-boyfriend’s illegal art theft operation, she goes on the run—and narrowly escapes a drive-by shooting. With the help of her high school sweetheart, Spencer Cavanaugh, and his service dog, Apollo, Alyssa tries to stay one step ahead of her ex who will do anything to find her. When hit men are sent to her hometown, Alyssa’s life is in more danger than ever before. Can Spencer and Apollo protect her from a crime ring more sinister than they ever imagined?

My Review:

‘Uncovering the Truth’ is a compelling page turner so clear your calendar before you sit down to read — you won’t be able to pull yourself away until you reach the end! The sense of urgency begins with the very first scene and the tension continues to mount as Alyssa and Spencer face uncertain danger.

Second chance romance between former star-crossed high school lovers who meet again in highly unusual circumstances. They’ve both grown up a lot. Life experiences have marked them – Spence after a stint in the military and Alyssa as the black sheep of her family who hasn’t made peace with her past. Their struggles are relatable and Post has created complex emotional layers from both their back stories. I was as invested in the romance as I was in the suspense.

Speaking of which, there’s lots of action and relentless danger and the author writes these scenes so well. I could picture every excruciating second. My ‘reading experience’ was enhanced by Romy Evans’ excellent narration since I listened to audio book. She delivered thoughtful interpretations of both character and plot. Loved the way she increased tension with her voice. An exceptional listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Christmas in the Castle Library + Giveaway

Ellie Sawyer has always felt more comfortable with books than people, which explains why she’s a PhD history student neck deep in research and trying to complete her doctoral dissertation in time to graduate. But the final books she needs are half a world away in the tiny European kingdom of Lethersby, and the only time she can access the secretive Royal Castle Library is during the Christmas holiday.

Ellie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery that has eluded Lethersby scholars for more than 100 hundred years by figuring out what happened to their long-lost queen, a young royal who disappeared shortly after the outbreak of the First World War. With the help of Mark, a handsome castle staff member who shares her love of history, she might be able to unravel the queen’s story. But Mark is keeping his own secret from her, and what they discover together could change everything for Ellie—and the entire kingdom.

My Review:

Cover love immediately caught my attention and then all the bookish hype from trusted reader friends started and I knew I had to read ‘Christmas in the Castle Library’ BUT a postal strike and time commitments in the midst of the holidays sabotaged all my good intentions. I almost put this book aside for next Christmas but…well, I couldn’t resist the siren song of the book that everyone loved so I read it in January.

I mean, how could I not read a book with a castle library setting? Especially since it included romance! Eeeeppp!!! But, honestly, this story was so beyond my expectations I’m not sure I can even put what I’m feeling into words.

The ‘other world’ charm of a fictional European kingdom made such a lovely backdrop for Ellie’s coming of age story. I don’t quite know what else to call it — maybe coming into who she is in Jesus might be more accurate. What it means to be Chosen just because you are, not because of anything you do. Her faith journey makes for an exceptional story and brought me to the verge of tears a time or two. So, if you are looking for a Christian Fiction novel where faith is an intricately woven part of the plot — and an important one at that — then this is definitely the book for you!

She’s a scholar with a historical mystery to solve and only three weeks to do it in. Enter a captivating man who seems to be just as starstruck over books and libraries and research as she is and, as a native of Lethersby, he knows a lot of the secrets which he’s happy to share. With the exception of a very important one….

Their swoonalicious romance includes a Christmas Ball and some toe-curling kisses and the way they use books to communicate is so clever and sweet! Of course, there are obstacles to overcome not the least of which are Ellie’s struggles to realize her own worth. But through it all there’s such a wonderful sense of urgent hope that brought a bit of a fairy tale glow to the story .

And best news ever — there’s to be a sequel! A tantalizing sneak peek into the second book is included at the end of this one and now I’m hoping we won’t have to wait long for ‘Love in the Castle Library’s‘ release!

Grave Amish Secrets + Giveaway

Solving a cold case means facing down a murderer…

When her Amish grandfather’s body is found, State Police Detective Penny Moore learns he didn’t abandon his family fifty years ago—he was murdered. But the whole truth is still unknown, and after several vicious attacks on Penny and her partner, Detective Stewart Jones, it’s clear someone will kill to keep their secrets buried. Unearthing community scandals and delving into Penny’s traumatized family past bring them closer to each other—and a dangerous truth. But can they outwit a killer before they become the newest victims in this cold case?

My Review:

Phenomonal! A Love Inspired Suspense Stand Out as far as I’m concerned as it is quite different from their usual concentrated action novels. Don’t get me wrong, I love those high octane, flying bullets, exploding cars kind of stories too but I also enjoy variety in my romantic suspense and Patricia Johns delivers that here. Such a rich, compelling read!

Love the police procedural vibes from the very start. And the deep, abiding friendship between Penny and Stewart. They’ve been working together for three years and in that time have developed such a tender connection. Totally platonic. Neither has ever considered anything romantic…until midway into this story. (happy sigh!) If you enjoy the friends to more romantic trope this one is stunning!

As is everything else about ‘Grave Amish Secrets.‘ Solid inspirational threads; interesting insights into the Amish community; stupendous personal growth in the main characters; an intriguing cold case. And Johns delivers it all with thoughtful consideration and impeccable pacing. A thoroughly captivating romantic suspense.

I enjoyed listening the audio edition of this book narrated by Liz Fodor who did an amazing job with these characters – especially Penny’s Amish mammi! Such a pleasure to spend my ‘reading’ time listening to this wonderful story.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Irish Soda Bread Murder

It’s almost time for the delicious warmth of Irish soda bread, but be careful where you bite–some of these recipes call for murder in this delicious collection of cozy mystery novellas featuring the popular St. Paddy’s Day treat.

IRISH SODA BREAD MURDER by CARLENE O’CONNOR
There’s very little time left before her wedding, but nonetheless Tara Meehan is helping out at her Uncle Johnny’s salvage yard for the day. Aunt Rose set up a convention for local psychics, including a bake sale to raise money for charity, but now she’s sick and available only via an iPad Johnny is carrying. The event promises to deliver a real pot of gold until Rose’s biggest rival shows up. Before Tara can utter a simple “top o’ the morning” to the man, he drops dead—with Johnny’s soda bread in his hands. It’s up to Tara to identify the deadly baker before another victim ends up chasing the rainbow straight into a grave . . .

AN IRISH RECIPE FOR MURDER by PEGGY EHRHART
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, the Arborville, New Jersey, Advocate is sponsoring a soda bread–baking competition. Bettina Fraser is excited—her bake-off idea was the one to get the green light! But when a town councilman acting as a judge keels over after sampling an entry, the party atmosphere dies just as quickly. Now it’s up to Bettina and her Knit and Nibble knitting club bestie, Pamela Paterson, to find the killer responsible for the murderous morsel.

MRS. CLAUS AND THE SINISTER SODA BREAD MAN by LIZ IRELAND
When April Claus arrives in Cloudberry Bay, Oregon, to check on her flooded inn, her biggest worry is to keep everyone from realizing her three companions—Jingles, Juniper, and Butterbean—are elves. But soon enough she has more serious worries—it looks like her hapless caretaker Ernie has been storing stolen goods at the inn! Then one of Ernie’s shady pals is found dead, and the murder weapon turns up in a decorative loaf of soda bread at April’s craft fair booth. It’s up to April to uncover the killer before she spends St. Patrick’s Day in the county jail!

My Review:

What fun to find a book that features St. Patrick’s Day as a theme! I’m only current with one of the series featured in this collection but I still found the other two novellas easy to jump in at mid series.

Irish Soda Bread Murder by Carlene O’Connor – Super excited about this addition to the ‘Home to Ireland’ series. I was so disappointed when it stopped after two books so I was eager to meet up with Tara and the gang in Galway. A fun mystery with a Christie-esque gather all the suspects together to reveal the killer grand finale. This is the only story actually set in Ireland and I was a bit let down since the narration didn’t include Irish accents (there’s only one American character in the mix.) It was kind of strange to hear some of the Irish phrasing without the lilt.

An Irish Recipe for Murder by Peggy Ehrhart – I’ve only read the first book in the ‘Knit & Nibble Mystery‘ series but it was fun to get reacquainted with these characters and I loved the Bake Off theme featuring Irish Soda Bread. Two amateur sleuths, a knitting group made up of an eclectic mix of personalities and a murder! Definitely more cozy than mystery in this novella. Lots of descriptive details on food and fibre crafts.

Mrs. Claus and the Sinister Soda Bread Man by Liz Ireland – My introduction to the Mrs. Claus series and this novella has charmed me into adding the rest of the books to my Serious About Series Challenge for the New Year. So. Much. Fun. The elves cracked me up all the way through (it’s their first time away from Christmastown.) So, quirky humour, great characters and a multi-layered mystery to solve. Not to mention a Soda Bread Man to bake. I’m still grinning.

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition of this collection, narrated by Carlotta Brentan. She did a great job giving distinctive voices to all the characters (with the exception of Irish accents in the first novella.) A pleasant listening experience.

My thanks to RB Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

Crystal Clear

Would Rosalind escape the grip of gossip while hidden away in a French château?

As Rosalind’s muddied past and foggy future crystalize in Château Chenonceau, she hopes to find refuge from gossip. Even though the sequestering is not fair, Rosalind finds a friend in the owner of the château. A magical garden, Christmas ball, and crystal ornaments center her determination to rise above her marred reputation.

Luc Bélanger, retiring from battle with scars manifested in a constant drumming in his ears, plans to hide at his aunt’s château. A pretty English guest and a Christmas ball interfere with his need for rest and time to plan his next step.

Watch as the fairy tale château and the Christmas of 1879 work their magic and break the bonds of propriety, perhaps leading to healing and purpose.

My Review:

A beguiling Christmas romance with some historical significance. The Château Chenonceau is a real place – a French fairy tale castle that captured the author’s imagination when she was a young girl. Love how she found a way to tie it into one of her stories. And two secondary characters are real people out of the pages of history. One of them is quite famous so that was a fun surprise.

There is a fairy tale quality to this story but it also has a significant inspirational influence which I so appreciated.

“My God is bigger than we are. I’m not deterred. But He doesn’t promise the answer I want, only an answer and a plan.”

A touching redemption story for a beleaguered soldier searching for peace and the young English woman who is instrumental in helping him find hope in unexpected places.

The Christmas Catch + Giveaway

When two high school sweethearts reunite, will they take another chance at love or let life sideline them at Christmas?

Benched with a career-ending injury, NFL wide receiver Jahleel Walker is forced to return to his hometown of Peachwood Bay, Georgia, during the holidays to heal, despite his rocky relationship with his father. Nothing shocks him more than running into Lucille “Bebe” Gordon.

Bebe Gordon came home to Peachwood Bay three years ago with a divorce certificate and her daughter. When Jahleel returns–for the first time in eight years–all the memories of the past come rushing back. The connection between them is still strong, but Jahleel has no plans to stay in Peachwood Bay, and Bebe won’t risk him leaving her again. As their hometown’s Christmas festivities bring them together, Jahleel must decide if he’s only home for the holidays or if the Christmas spirit that brought them together will last all through the year.

My Review:

What would Christmas be without a holiday romance from one of my favourite authors? It would be dismal, that’s what. Because, once again Toni Shiloh has blended faith and family and Christmas memories into a heart-tugging romance that made me all kinds of festively happy.

Second Chance romance. Check. Christmas Ball. Check. Reindeer. In Georgia?! Check. Perfect building blocks that set the stage for an inspirational contemporary romance with a meaningful faith thread in the midst of all the holiday fun.

Love the way Bebe and Jahleel prayerfully worked their way through past hurts to reclaim their friendship…and the hope of something so much more. There’s Christmas activities, Bebe’s adorable young daughter, special friendships along with some family drama to keep a reader invested in the outcome. A captivating read from start to finish.

I enjoyed listening to the audible edition of ‘The Christmas Catch’ (clever title!) expertly narrated by Jasmin Walker. Would definitely recommend giving this book a listen if you enjoy audio books as much as I do.

Waiting for Gilbert + Giveaway

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of her phone, asking her landlord to come for dinner.”

Cute and fun Cordelia is history. From now on, I’m serious and focused CJ Thompson. No more snappy one-liners. No more dance-parties-for-one in restaurant booths. Anne-girl is out. Marilla Cuthbert is in. It’s time to grow up! If only it were that easy. With less than two weeks until a massive work deadline, I signed a 12-month lease on a cottage sight-unseen because I couldn’t bear to stay in the city another day after my broken engagement. It’s all well and good until my landlord knocks on my door at two in the morning.

Who knew living next to a house-flipping, cello-playing, swooney-smiling, flesh-and-blood man named Gilbert would be so distracting?

My Review:

I’m more than a tad shy of giddy over this literary discovery — both book and author! Reader friend recommendations are the best! Woohoo! And ‘Waiting for Gilbert’ is waaaaaayyy up at the top of my fave reads in 2024 list (if I ever made such a thing!) It’s exactly what I am looking for in a rom/com — lots of humour with generous doses of heart and faith.

And all the Anne-girl references. Hellllooo — a heroine named Cordelia! She’s just as effervescent as my favourite childhood fictional character, with an extra pop of snark. She doesn’t just have witty inner dialogue – she carries on entire conversations with herself which are so hilarious! I laughed out loud so many times! And then promptly felt my eyes welling up with tears in a moving, inspirational scene towards the end. Sniffle. Sooooooo good!

Then there’s Gilbert. I was just as over-the-moon excited as Cordelia when she finally meets an actual Gilbert who could possibly be her perfect match. Truly a friends to more romance that is as touching as it is funny. And I love that Gilbert is a musician! Cello player no less.

Cozy small town vibes with some amazing secondary characters add to the heartwarming tone of this story. Sheer romantic comedy perfection!

Highly recommend the audio edition of ‘Waiting for Gilbert‘. Hopper Stone and Emelle are brilliant! They brought these characters to life and didn’t miss a comedic beat. So. Much. Fun.

A Yorkshire Carol + Giveaway

The heart is deceitful above all things. Who can understand it?

When Juliana Issot’s godmother invites her to spend the month of Christmas for a house party in Yorkshire, Juliana feels compelled by affection to accept. Never mind that she escaped Yorkshire at first chance to secure a more glittering match in London, and the only matrimonial prospect at home is her childhood playmate, Willelm.

Willelm Armitage is a born and bred Yorkshireman, and as far as he is concerned, Juliana belongs here, too—and at his side. However, the one time he tried to convince her of this, she speedily gave him the right-about, making him question whether she truly was the right choice for him. After all, if she cannot see how well they suit, he is not about to force her hand.

A Christmas house party with pudding, games, charades, riding, and carols turns out to be just the thing to remind Juliana of how much she loves Yorkshire. But when her nostalgia slips into love will she be able to admit that Willelm knew the longings of her heart better than she knew her own?

My Review:

I seem to be attending a lot of Regency Christmas house parties this year and I’m loving it! Such a great way to keep a hero and heroine in close proximity, and to allow matchmakers free license. That’s what happens in ‘A Yuletide Carol’ much to my reader’s delight.

True confession: I wasn’t sure if I could warm to Juliana right at the start. We’re so opposite — she loves the busy atmosphere of London. All the balls and social gatherings and has been set on securing an advantageous match. So she’s a bit calculating when she arrives back home in Yorkshire. She’s definitely looking for a gentleman who will whisk her back to the gaiety of London society. I’m too much of an introvert to put up with all that nonsense, so I usually bond with outlier heroines who prefer the country and their books and animals to social climbing.

Happy to say Juliana did win me over by the end. That’s because Goutet (eep — new-to-me author!) creates some wonderful character growth in Juliana as she begins to set aside girlish dreams and comes to realize her feelings for Willelm might run deeper than she thought.

Willelm has been besotted with Juliana for a long time now. Friends since childhood, he discovered deeper feelings early on. Alas, they were not reciprocated so he has been nursing an unrequited love. I was sympathetic to Willelm right away and I think that might have something to do with why Juliana irked me in the beginning too. But, what’s a romance without conflict? Makes the happily ever after more satisfying. And this one was!

I enjoyed listening to the audio edition narrated by Stevie Zimmerman. She’s a favourite voice performer and she never disappoints.