REVIEW: WINTER’S KISS by Darlene Fredette

Fiction, Contemporary Romance

4****

Blurb: Danielle Lerato adores the ocean breezes of Victoria, the comfort of her curated routine, and a life that requires minimal interaction with snow boots. But when her company relocates to Redford Falls, with a population of unpredictable charm, she agrees to train her replacement with one get in, get out, and never look back. Andrew Bailey, a local restaurant owner with a fierce protective streak, doesn’t believe in second chances. Yet, Danielle’s fiery spirit, stubborn streak, and snow-fueled scowls shift his expectations and crack open the door to a future he never dared to imagine. As chilly glares thaw into cozy glances and sarcastic banter flirts over shared cups of hot cocoa, Danielle suspects the town’s snowy landscape is warming more than her toes. Add in the legendary matchmaker, Thumper, stirring Redford Falls into a romantic frenzy, and maybe this snowy wonderland isn’t a detour. Maybe it’s destiny.

THOUGHTS: This was a cute romantic story. It takes place in the small town of Redford Falls, introduced to us in “One Sweet Christmas”. The town has gone from a dying place to one that is vibrant and full of tourists and residents. The characters are fun, but the names… that caused more than a few chuckles (Jackson Frost married Candice Cane in the first book). In this one, Danielle is someone who likes her designer clothes, mani/pedis, and lattes. She lives in the city on the west coast and loves it there. But her boss moved his company to the east to Redford Falls, a town with cold weather and snow. She refuses to move, but does go there to help him set things up and train her replacement. Unfortunately, she doesn’t count on a blizzard stranding her on the road, unprepared for this weather. When a snow plow driver rescues her, she recognizes the man she’d met on a previous trip—one she’d deemed as a redneck back-woods nothing. But as the days go by, she’s not so sure. Andrew recognizes the blonde from their first meeting, when he’d accidentally dumped a plate of lasagna on her white suit (to be honest, she’s the one who ran into him). The two of them light sparks—at first from frustration, then from feelings that grow deeper.

This story reminds you about romantic feelings and small towns and local legends (thanks to a rabbit that appears when two people need romantic intervention).

Have fun with this one!

Recommended.

This is an unusual review in that the first book “Murder for Shore” is being written by the main character of the second book “The Write Way to Die”, so I’m keeping the two reviews together for that reason.

REVIEW: MURDER-FOR-SURE by Beth Prentice and Aubrey Jackson

Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Short Novella (90 pages)

5*****

Blurb: Daphne Wright thought the biggest challenge at her newly inherited beach house in Saltwater Bay would be battling the sand in her coffee. But when a human skull washes up with the morning tide, she’s suddenly pulled into a deadly mystery lurking beneath the waves. As secrets bubble to the surface, and the small town’s past proves as treacherous as the shifting sands, Daphne must navigate a tide of lies before the killer strikes again.

THOUGHTS: This was an interesting premise to a story in that it’s written by the main character of another book! I love that the character says who her favorite authors are, including the publisher of this book. LOL The story is actually a good one full of mystery, secrets, and a touch of romance. I also loved that the hero of the story comes across as neurodivergent (autism?) in the beginning but his love for Daphne brings out the hero in him. And there’s a decent ending to both the mystery and a HEA for the romance.

For a quick, cute cozy, pick this one up.

Recommended.

REVIEW: THE WRITE WAY TO DIE by Beth Prentice

Fiction, Cozy Mystery

5*****

Blurb: A writing retreat. A famous author. A deadly fall. Aspiring novelist Aubrey Jackson never expected her big break to be wrapped in crime scene tape. Invited to an exclusive writer’s retreat hosted by the legendary author Willow Fox, Aubrey was excited to sharpen her plot twists and finally finish her first book. But when Willow is found dead—pushed from a third story window—the peaceful getaway turns into a real-life investigation. With a retreat full of suspects, and the police pointing the finger at one of her best friends, Aubrey’s instincts kick in. After all, she’s read enough murder mysteries to know this wasn’t an accident! So with her writer buddies, Ellie and Spencer, by her side, she sets out to find a killer! Only problem? The sharp detective with gorgeous eyes and enough muscles to be on a magazine cover, who has a frustrating determination to arrest the wrong person. Can Aubrey uncover the truth before the killer writes her off for good? Or will her first big break end in a plot twist she never saw coming?

THOUGHTS: This includes a story within a story. The main character, Aubrey, is a new writer attending a private writing retreat being hosted by Willow Fox, a famous author. Aubrey is excited to be there, but there are a lot of underlying tensions that she picks up on. The book opens up with Aubrey working on the first chapter of her book, “Murder for Shore”, a cozy mystery. But after the first workshop, a real murder mystery occurs as Willow ends up dead. Aubrey’s friend, Jenny, is the prime suspect and she feels that it is up to her and her other two friends to prove to the handsome detective Tate that Jenny is innocent. But there are a lot of suspects and everyone seems to have a secret—and a motive. When Aubrey and her friends go snooping, they discover that even the building has secrets. As the mystery unfolds, so does Aubrey’s writing so you get to read Aubrey’s story as she’s writing it. (But it’s not finished before the book is, so you need to read the entire one in “Murder for Shore”.

Recommended.

Review: THE LAWYER’S QUANDARY by Andrew Grey

Fiction, Contemporary Romance, M/M

4****

Blurb: Two people walk into his office and change everything.
Greg Lampeter hung out a shingle after years at a large law firm and is beginning to have some success. When a new client walks through his door, he’s intrigued by the case and the cause it represents and agrees to take it on principal. What he doesn’t expect is the man with him to capture his attention so completely. Assistant swimming coach Mark Baker only came to the appointment as moral support for his friend, Steven. He doesn’t expect the lawyer to be so understanding and supportive, and he certainly doesn’t expect the spark of attraction that pulls at him almost from the moment they shake hands. Both men are determined to remain professional for Steven’s sake, for the help he needs in dealing with the college and a serious issue with one of the assistant Lacrosse coaches. As facts come to light, it’s clear that Greg is going to have to walk a close line to ensure that Steven gets the justice he deserves, and to protect Mark and their budding relationship from becoming collateral damage.

THOUGHTS: At only 105 pages, this is a quick read, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good read! Mr. Grey does not disappoint with his romances. The characters are realistic, the settings well-done, and the heat and connection between the two men is electric.

In this story, Greg is a lawyer who takes on a case for an athlete about an abusive coach. The topic is one that’s been getting a lot of interest in the last few years. In addition to the case, Greg is also intrigued by the man who is helping the college athlete – Mark. The two form a fast friendship that deepens as the story develops. By the end, we know there’s going to be a HEA for these two men (and a winning case for Greg). A satisfying ending all around.

Recommended.

A LIFE CAME CALLING by Ann Howard Creel

Fiction, Historical Romance, 1940s

4****

Blurb: It’s 1945, and Janey Nichol’s new engagement should be a dream, but memories of Cole haunt her. The sailor she pledged to marry, lost at sea, left only letters and unanswered questions. To find peace, Janey travels to his Gatlinburg home. There, she discovers his secrets, and a chance encounter with his cousin Luke ignites unexpected passion. Trapped by circumstance, Janey finds herself drawn to Luke, even as doubts arise. Can she trust him, or is history repeating itself? Torn between a safe future in the city with her Philadelphia fiancé and a love fraught with uncertainty in a totally different environment, Janey must make an impossible choice. Which life will she choose, and which heart will she break?

THOUGHTS: This is a sweet story that takes place during World War II in the US. It’s a story of love and loss and finding yourself. Janey is a young woman who gets a good job as a secretary and moves up in the corporate world. She makes good money for that time and is able to save enough to purchase her own house. Note, this was during a time when women could not get a mortgage without a man’s signature, but she managed. She is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants. And that causes a few problems for her.

She gets engaged to Todd, a man with money who wants to marry quickly and “take care of her”. He offers safety and security in Philadelphia, but is boring. And she doesn’t want to be “taken care of.” Plus, she was once engaged to Cole, a man who died in the war. She never got to go to his funeral and needs closure, but her current man doesn’t understand this. Janey heads to Gatlinburg to say her final goodbye to Cole and decide if marriage to the new man is what she really wants. While there, she meets Cole’s cousin Luke and her life changes again as she falls for him. Janey has to figure out what she really wants from her life – one man in the city who will “control” her, or true love in the country with someone she just met.

The writing is beautifully flowing and we get to know Janey really well through her travels and trials and a HEA ending that satisfies. The setting of the war years is well-done and gives you a glance into what life was like back then in both the city and the country settings. We see the sorrow that happened to families who lost someone, and the elation of V-E Day and when Japan surrendered. This is a good look into those years.

Recommended.

Review: CROOKS & NANNIES by Misty Simon

Fiction, Cozy Mystery

5*****

Blurb: A surprise visit from Roxy’s sister stirs up all kinds of chaos when a jilted lover is found dead at the Charmed Inn… The middle of summer is the busiest time of year for Roxy Gleason. So when the inn springs a few leaks, more than her usual handyman can handle, Roxy hires a father and son team to make quick and hopefully inconspicuous work of getting things back on track. It’s all going well until one of them is found dead in the basement among the wine racks.
Enter Roxy’s wanderlust sister that she hasn’t seen in months. She shows up unexpectedly as a nanny to a family vacationing at the inn. Roxy is thrilled to see her but when she’s tagged as the main suspect for the murder the hunt is on for the real culprit. Roxy will have one chance to get it right while she tests out the limits of her gift. It’s do or die but she’s not sure which is going to come out on top…

THOUGHTS: Misty Simon never fails to entertain with her witty cozy mysteries. They not only have the mystery, but quirky characters that make you laugh. Yes, there are dark moments – like the murders – but there are also lots of lighter times that let you know these characters could be real people. In this one, Roxy is gearing up for the Fourth of July with a full inn that includes her wayward sister (surprise) and a 200 year-old ghost (Earl) who uses a hidden pay phone to contact her. When an electrician who is looking into issues the inn is having is killed in the wine cellar, Roxy is determined to find out who the killer is before her sister gets blamed for it. She is still learning bibliomancy from her aunt and uncle, trying to run the inn, solve the murder, and keep a precocious 12-year-old from finding out all her secrets. Yes, I suspected who the perp was early on, but that didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the book. I especially loved Earl and his ploys. And the “food fight” at the family dinner, enhanced by a spell from Roxy’s aunt, was a fun moment. Also, even though the mystery was solved, there were enough strings left dangling that you knew there will be more books to follow. I can’t wait to read more about Roxy, her magic powers with books, and the Charmed Inn.

Recommended.

Goodreads

Blurb: A surprise visit from Roxy’s sister stirs up all kinds of chaos when a jilted lover is found dead at the Charmed Inn… The middle of summer is the busiest time of year for Roxy Gleason. So when the inn springs a a few leaks, more than her usual handyman can handle, Roxy hires a father and son team to make quick and hopefully inconspicuous work of getting things back on track. It’s all going well until one of them is found dead in the basement among the wine racks. Enter Roxy’s wanderlust sister that she hasn’t seen in months. She shows up unexpectedly as a nanny to a family vacationing at the inn. Roxy is thrilled to see her but when she’s tagged as the main suspect for the murder the hunt is on for the real culprit. Roxy will have one chance to get it right while she tests out the limits of her gift. It’s do or die but she’s not sure which is going to come out on top…

https://books2read.com/u/3LlD5N

Author: Misty Simon, who also writes as Gabby Allan, always wanted to be a storyteller. Today, she has more than 30 titles to date in the romance and mystery genres.  She lives with her husband in Central Pennsylvania where she is hard at work on her next novel or three.

​mistysimon.wordpress.com

Goodreads

Bookbub

It’s 1945, and Janey Nichol’s new engagement should be a dream, but memories of Cole haunt her. The sailor she pledged to marry, lost at sea, left only letters and unanswered questions. To find peace, Janey travels to his Gatlinburg home. There, she discovers his secrets, and a chance encounter with his cousin Luke ignites unexpected passion. Trapped by circumstance, Janey finds herself drawn to Luke, even as doubts arise. Can she trust him, or is history repeating itself? Torn between a safe future in the city with her Philadelphia fiancé and a love fraught with uncertainty in a totally different environment, Janey must make an impossible choice. Which life will she choose, and which heart will she break?

Author Bio

Ann Howard Creel was born to write. By the age of ten she was writing daily in a diary, and by the age of twelve she had written an entire novel on a typewriter her father was getting ready to throw away. She worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, but the urge to write never left her. So after work and tending to children’s needs, she began to write again. After first writing for children, she turned her attention to Historical Fiction. Her first novel for adults, THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, was made into a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie on CBS. Her recent titles have been Kindle bestsellers and include WHILE YOU WERE MINE, THE WHISKEY SEA, THE UNCERTAIN SEASON, THE RIVER WIDOW, and MERCY ROAD. She now writes full-time. Ann’s main characters are always strong women facing high-stakes situations and having to make life-changing decisions. Her historical settings have ranged from Victorian-era Galveston to World War II in New York City. Her latest novel, A LIFE CAME CALLING, coming in August 2025, takes readers to the Smoky Mountains near the end of World War II. WHY I WRITE ABOUT WORLD WAR II My biggest inspiration has been my parents, who lived the war. Due to the courage and unity of their time, they have been called “the greatest generation,” and WWII has also been called “the last good war.”
www.annhowardcreel.com

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GHOSTED by Lori Matsourani

Fiction, Paranormal Contemporary Romance, Sweet

Blurb:
When her fiancé’s infidelity prompts Bethany Hendren to map out a new path forward, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected encounter with Nick Dorsey, who convinces her to help search for the remains of a troubled eighteenth-century ghost. Nick is the handsome summer boyfriend who ghosted her years ago, and now he wants to rekindle their relationship. Despite her reluctance to trust him, Bethany discovers he’s still the funny, caring person who captured her heart as a teen, but giving him a second chance is risky—it could lead to love and happiness or result in another devastating heartache.

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/lorimatsourani

Author bio: Author Lori Matsourani is a romance addict. Give her stories with a touch of heartbreak and a spark of joy, and she’s happy. Throw in characters with a huge helping of heart and soul, and she’s up reading all night in romance heaven! While currently a Texas resident, Lori grew up near Baltimore and often draws on the historical flavor of Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore to inspire her story settings. She authored her first fiction story at twelve and has been hooked on writing ever since. Early on, her writing career focused on articles for magazines and newspapers before shifting to her first writing love—fiction. For Lori, connecting words to tell a story is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and she loves the challenge of creating every piece.
Social media links:

Website: https://lorimatsourani.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lori.matsourani.author/

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