The Secret, Book and Scone Society

The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First in the series.

I am a big Ellery Adams fan, so I wanted to love this book. It was a good start to a new series, and I liked it, but I didn't love it. I had a hard time connecting with the main character, Nora. She was quite stand offish at first (for good reason, but still...) and yet intriguing. I wanted to know more about how she ended up in Miracle Springs. I loved the premise that Nora could help people by finding them the right books to read and a scone to eat.

I liked Nora's character growth as she hooked up with three other women, all with secrets of their own. They all had to learn to trust as they formed true friendships and solved a murder. It was very emotional and real.

After I got a few chapters in, it was a quick read and I finished it in a day.

But... I think this book tried too hard to be too many things. Is it a cozy? Chick lit? Magical, like a Sarah Addison Allen book? Romance? As a result it felt a little scattered.

That said, I am looking forward to the next book.

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


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Blackberry Burial, by Sharon Farrow

Blackberry Burial by Sharon Farrow

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

Book 2 in the series.

The first book was good, but I really enjoyed Marlee this time around, and I thought Theo was absolutely a sweetheart. Watching their friendship develop was lovely. And the Rally was flat out fun, haha.

This story moved at a pretty fast pace once the long buried body turned up and all the people who knew the victim ended up back in town for a reunion.

The one thing I do not like about this series is Marlee's fiancé (I didn't like him in the first book and he certainly hasn't gotten any better.) and the fact that we're heading for a love triangle. Dump the guy and date the cop. But please don't waffle between the two!

I'm looking forward to the next book.

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


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Knit to Kill, by Anne Canadeo

Knit to Kill by Anne Canadeo

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

Book 1 with a new publisher but actually book NINE in the series.

Characters in this series are well established and developed. The Black Sheep knitters leave their usual stomping grounds on a "Girl's Trip" before Lucy's upcoming wedding. Thanks to Suzanne's friend they're staying in an exclusive island development. But relationships in the neighborhood aren't all exactly rosy, so when an unpleasant neighbor is found dead on the beach, suspects are plentiful.

This was a fast, fun, read. I spent an enjoyable afternoon the knitters, as I like them all and I am so glad that Kensington picked the series up. I did figure out who the killer was pretty early on. One thing I would like to see is the author focus a bit more on other characters besides Lucy. She dominates the story, but I really like Maggie and would love to see more of her again.

All in all a fun read and lovely to see the ladies again.

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


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Someone's Mad at the Hatter, by Sandra Bretting

Someone's Mad at the Hatter by Sandra Bretting
My rating: 3 of 5 stars, I liked it.

Book 3 in the series.

Missy DuBois is back and ready for a happy new year with her beau, Ambrose. Unfortunately, Missy skipped the good luck Black Eyed Peas and now she's found another body, right behind her shop.

This time she'll have to clear herself and save her business by finding out who the killer is.

I love these books. Always a good dose of humor and southern charm along with a well-plotted mystery.

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

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The Quiche and the Dead, by Kirsten Weiss

The Quiche and the Dead by Kirsten Weiss

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

Book one in the series.

I really wanted to like it, because PIE! And it was ok, but honestly, I think I may have finally found a cozy that's too cozy. Charlene and her weird narcoleptic cat were a little too zany for me, Heidi is just annoying and Val was kind of overwhelmed by everyone else.

It started off quick, then kind of dragged in the middle while Val and Charlene did their Keystone Cops routine, bouncing from one crazy thing to another.

I'm hoping this is just the usual, "first in the series" hiccoughs and that book 2 will even out a bit.

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



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How the Finch Stole Christmas, by Donna Andrews

How the Finch Stole Christmas! by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I really liked it.

Book 22 in the series, but I think Ms. Andrews does an excellent job of making each book a stand alone story.

Every year I look forward to a new Christmas book in this series. Meg and her family never fail to make me laugh, and this one was no different. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this one through NetGalley and I pretty much snuggled down and read it in one sitting. My family is used to me laughing out loud when I read a Meg book, so they left me alone, haha.

I absolutely enjoyed the story this time, though I do wish we'd seen a bit more of Meg's Mom's side of the family again. They always add a bit more kookiness.

I got this book super early, and actually ended up re-reading it again just before the pub date. It was just as much fun the second time through!

Now to be patient and wait for #23....

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

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The Squirrel on the Train, by Kevin Hearne

The Squirrel on the Train by Kevin Hearne

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, I loved it!

The second in the Oberon's Meaty Mysteries and just as much fun as the first. The plot is fun and clever. It made me laugh so much that even though I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley, I bought my own copy.

I truly hope that the end of the Iron Druid series doesn't bring an end to these little snippets of what I've always thought were the best bits of the series, just Atticus and the dogs, and lots of goofy puns. They're good dogs, Brent!

If you haven't read the series, you'll probably be ok but do yourself a favor and at least read the first few so you have an idea who Atticus and Oberon are. (And really, they're worth the read!)

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


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