Seams Like Murder, by Dorothy Howell

Seams Like Murder by Dorothy Howell 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 1 in a new series.

This was a fun start to the series. I can absolutely identify with Abbey, since I went from barely knowing the difference between a bobbin and a seam ripper, to sewing my own quilt projects, though no one will let me set up a studio in their shop, haha. I also liked that Abbey seems like a smart, strong character, with some actual common sense!

The setting mirrors the sense of community that crafters really have, as Abbey makes new friends in town and fits right in. The pace moved along nicely and it ended up being a nice, quick read.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Murder in a Cape Cottage, by Maddie Day

Murder in a Cape Cottage by Maddie Day, I liked it.

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 4 in the series.

I didn't realize this series was this far along. The first couple of books were released exclusively through Barnes and Noble originally and I rarely go there, so I missed them. Despite being a stand alone story, I felt like I was missing character backstory. I will most likely go read the others in the series before I read any new books in it.

That said, this book was very cozy. As in, the mystery felt very light and not at all what I am used to from Maddie Day.

So, what I liked: The setting of a small, fictional Cape Code town. The historical murder mystery was also fun. The main characters were well written.

Overall, I just think this wasn't the place for me to start the series. I'll give the previous books a try.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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A Dark and Snowy Night, by Sally Goldenbaum

A Dark and Snowy Night by Sally Goldenbaum 

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 16 in the series.

As a knitter, I have been a fan of this series from the beginning. I just had a hard time connecting with this one. The character list felt a bit bloated and the constant POV switches kept me off kilter. I found myself having to re-read chunks to figure out who was talking or being talked about. I also found myself switching to read something else fairly often. I got there in the end, but it certainly wasn't the most enjoyable of the series.

I do enjoy the regular Seaside Knitters and the setting, so I will continue to read the series. Fans of the series should still read it, new readers would be better off starting from the beginning.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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A Haunted History of Women, by Leanna Hieber and Andrea James

A Haunted History of Invisible Women: True Stories of America's Ghosts by Leanna Renee Hieber 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, DNF.

Sigh. Another book that I thought would be interesting because I love ghost stories and history and a well told tale. Plus, spooky season is here, so yay!

But this book was anything but well told. It was dry, boring and highly judgemental. It felt like the driest of college course lectures on Women's Studies. Apparently the authors give ghost tours. Those must be just a ton of fun! Or not.

Did not finish.

Also absolutely stunned that Amazon has limited who can review this book to Verified Purchases "Amazon has noticed unusual reviewing activity on this product. Due to this activity, we have limited this product to verified purchase reviews." Apparently multiple poor reviews are unusual? So yeah, no Amazon review for this one.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Gently Haunted, by Corrine Kenner

Gently Haunted: True Stories from the Haunted Antique Shop by Corrine Kenner 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, DNF.

Honestly, this was not at all what I thought it would be. I read this, "Unlike a typical collection of ghost stories, Gently Haunted recounts uplifting and inspiring spiritual encounters," and thought it sounded interesting. What it was was boring. I couldn't get through it. The worst thing about it, it was just one big advertisement for the author's antique shop.

Did not finish. Not a good start to spooky season :(

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*



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Steeped to Death, by Gretchen Rue

Steeped to Death by Gretchen Rue 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 1 in a new series.

A good start to a new series. It was a fast, fun read. I really like Phoebe, and of course, Bob the Cat is adorable. It was a bit formulaic, but I kind of expect that from the first book in a series, introducing us to the characters. MC and her cat, local nemesis, helpful neighbors and of course the love interest. But the touch of magic made it more fun, and though I'm more of a coffee fan than a tea fan, the teas and recipes sounded wonderful.

I'm looking forward to more in the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Bound by Murder, by Laura Gail Black

Bound by Murder by Laura Gail Black 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, left unfinished.

Book 3 in the series.

I gave all three books in the series a try, and I still don't really care for Jenna. This series just isn't for me. It's too bad, because I do love a good bookshop mystery, but I just couldn't stay interested in this series. No more for me.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake, by Mazey Eddings

Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake by Mazey Eddings 

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, DNF.

The premise sounded cute, but the book itself just wasn't for me. I didn't like Lizzie, at all. I know people with ADHD, and yes, it sucks, but Lizzie uses it as an excuse for EVERYTHING instead of trying to do something, anything about it. Yes, it's exhausting, but you still have to take responsibility for your actions instead of just passing it off as, "Oops, I have ADHD."

And in the wake of the Roe v Wade reversal, Rake's attitude feels icky and the whole, "Lizzie is the good girl who chose to keep her baby vs. the Evil Ex who had an abortion," really didn't sit well. STOP SHAMING WOMEN FOR MAKING THEIR OWN CHOICES!

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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A Vacation to Die For, by Lynn Cahoon

A Vacation to Die For by Lynn Cahoon 

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Book 14 in the series.

Not my favorite in the series. It felt very slow moving to me, and frankly, I am sick of the mayor and his get rich quick schemes that always seem to come at Jill's expense, and Aunt Jackie has gone from a helpful, likeable character to really annoying and overbearing with all of her workplace rules.

I'm 14 books in, and I love South Cove, but this series has definitely moved to my "library only" list (or NetGalley, if possible).

Speaking of which....

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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