Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

 Murders in the Marquee by Dana Mentink

4 Stars

Thank you to Dana Mentink and thank you Harlequin for providing a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

This is a fun cozy, historical mystery! It's set in 1905 at a grand hotel in San Francisco with a daily duck parade - its unique and stands out among the crowd. I liked the unique cast of characters, especially Saul as he was starting over after being a former convict. The ducks cracked me up. Nice faith thread. 

Saul, Henry and Kitty were a dynamic trio who really bring the story to life. Funny and lighthearted to me - very cozy vibes. Kind of leans like classic mystery too, which was good change of pace compared to other cozies. I read a lot of modern cozy mysteries, so it was cool to have a historical one. 

If you enjoy lighthearted historical mysteries with eccentric characters and a very memorable cast of ducks, this might be one to try! 

content: no language, clean romance, cozy mystery but few mentions of body parts in the murders

✨Synopsis✨

In this witty historical murder mystery set in a San Francisco hotel, an unlikely trio of amateur sleuths must uncover a killer before another guest checks out for good.

In 1905, the Grand Mallard Marquee is well known for its iconic style, as well as its daily duck parade. For Saul Niffler, a reformed jewel thief, working at the luxurious hotel offers a much-needed second chance. Staying out of trouble and in gainful employment is essential. Which makes seeing a body plummet from a penthouse window extra complicated.

Except…did he see it? There’s no body to be found, and Saul knows he should concentrate on his new duties as “Duck Commandant” rather than meddle. If only Kitty Rossi, a persistent young guest yearning to be a Pinkerton detective, would leave well enough alone. Kitty has already roped in Henry, the elevator man, to investigate suspicious goings-on around the hotel. And against his better judgment, Saul feels compelled to join them.

Between the mystery of Saul’s missing predecessor and a grisly discovery in a drain, all signs point to murder most fowl. And with a cold-blooded killer roaming the Marquee’s lavish corridors, keeping his job may be the least of Saul’s problems…

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UpZxfz
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Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker

 Closely Harbored Secrets by Bree Baker
4 Stars (Book #5 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series)

This was a fun time at Halloween time in Charm, North Carolina. Enjoyed being back in the series. Love the setting and characters. GRADYYYY. Everly agreed to help the aunts with the haunted walking tour and one of the actors is found dead. As alwaysssss they are right in the middle of this mystery trying to figure it out and escape danger themselves. The mayor election also is part of this and finishes up. While I don't have a ton to say here, this series is just a fun time and always one I enjoy. Clean, no language, no explicit content.

Amazon series link: https://amzn.to/4xfcNlt
Libro.Fm Audio Link: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781705043950-closely-harbored-secrets

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The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle

 The Novel Adventures of Natalie Daughtry by Susan L. Tuttle

Book 2 in the Treasures of Halstead Manor Series

4 Stars

Another good book in this series! We met Natalie in book 1 of the series - such a great friend group that forms between her, Brooke and Eveleigh. In this one, we follow our group of people again, as they continue the journey with Casper in trying to find something needed....but we are mostly with Natalie and her husband Mason. They are having marriage issues and when his job plans don't work out as he thought, he goes on the adventure with Natalie and the crew to find this missing manuscript by Lewis Carroll for Casper...we are back for another mystery adventure of treasure hunting and Mason and Natalie work out their issues along the way.

Overall a good continuation in the series. Really liked the depth added with the married couple trying to work through their issues and communicating. 

If you like treasure hunting, good characters, great friendship groups, a bit of mystery and romance, read this series! I recommend starting with book 1. 

Content/Trigger Warnings: This review from Sam had a really good detail of the content so instead of re-inventing the wheel, I am sharing her notes for you all. I will link her review also.

Character deals with fears of marriage ending. Mentions of desiring romantic intimacy within marriage; somewhat detailed kiss leading to implied intimacy (closed door/fade-to-black/no explicit details). Character discusses adoption/fears of abandonment. Minor action scene; brief mentions of past murder (no graphic details). Scenes of elderly character with failing health due to cancer. Here is Sam's review, thank you for this!

 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8434458541 

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OleI79

Baker Book House: https://amzn.to/3OleI79
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The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton - Susan L. Tuttle

The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton - Susan L. Tuttle

4 Stars

Book 1 in the Treasures of Halstead Manor Series

This was my first Susan Tuttle read and I had a lot of fun with it! We have friendship, mystery, and romance!

You root for Everleigh from page 1. She is somewhat of an introvert but when she gets fired from her job after a situation with her old patient's son after her mother's money happens...she gets a random note from the mystery man...Casper. Through this process, she meets 2 other ladies, Natalie and Brooke and several others along the way. They all have to work together to search for a missing Diamond. Through this process, she works with Niles also who is a Private Investigator...and feelings develop.

Everleigh is a very private person, she isolates herself and doesn't open easily to others. It makes it quite the journey as she works with everyone and builds those relationships, especially with the girls and a sweet friendship grows. 

The girls were all vulnerable in their friendships and it grew and it was so sweet!  I love a good female friendship in books. We also have sooo many good laughs in this one from characters like Aunt Gertie - she cracked me up! And the banter between Niles and Everleigh was chef's kiss!

I think the mystery itself is engaging without overshadowing the heart of the story. The author blends real historical threads with contemporary stakes, adding in a good treasure hunting plot that feels fun, whimsical and entertaining! :) The faith aspect was a nice added touch also.

Content/Trigger Warnings: Clean romance, no language, Death/Grief Mentioned, ALS, Nothing explicit or worrisome to me 

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/4c9WqP5
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The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie

 

The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie

5 Stars

It's been almost 2 years since I picked up an Agatha book and I am so glad I picked this one up! Agatha Christie is who I always consider the QUEEN of Mystery! This was her debut novel and it's exactly the kind of classic mystery that shows just how she became that QUEEN! :)

This is book 1 in the Hercule Poirot series. We have a country estate, a sudden death, a house full of complicated relationships and a detective who sees what most people will overlook.

I love how Agatha lays out the puzzle, she gives you clues, red herrings and character dynamics that you becomes so interested in. Hastings, the narrator of the story, adds a layer of humor too. 

Did I figure it out, NO LOL - no surprise! But I am so glad I read it. I have read a few of hers before but it's been almost 2 years since I have read one, and getting back to it was such a JOY! I have been struggling with some of the books I have been reading to love them and this was just an awesome change of pace. I found myself looking up words I didn't understand and really learning!

It's short, clever and unique. Looking forward to more! 

Content/Trigger Warnings: Death, Murder, Poisoning, Nothing Explicit in Nature

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Amazon: https://amzn.to/41jKUdH

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Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass

Tailing a Tabby by Laurie Cass

4 Stars
Book #2 in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery Series

In this book, librarian Minnie and her rescue cat, Eddie, roll the bookmobile out for some summer books to people in Michigan. The bookmobile is making its usual rounds when Minnie and Eddie are flagged down by a woman in distress. The women's husband is a famous artist and he needs emergency medical care. Minnie helps out quickly and gets him to the hospital. He disappears from the hospital and is discovered slumped over the body of a murdered woman...Minnie and Eddie start their investigating....

I just love this series. It's perfect for cat lovers - Eddie just steals the show! While I don't have a ton to say, I just generally enjoy these books. They are the definition of a good cozy mystery.  Clean, no explicit content, no language. Would recommend. Start with Lending a Paw, book 1.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6841526469
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4sN0N9c

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost

A Wonderful Christmas Crime by Jacqueline Frost
4 Stars 

Book 6 in the Christmas Tree Farm 

 Another cute Christmas cozy mystery in this series! :) We follow Holly White and her husband Sheriff Evan Gray as she is expecting! Holly agrees to take it easy because she has elevated blood pressure. There is an attempted robbery of an antique ornament. The thief manages to escape....but they find their body later.....someone was in town to kill them and now they have another mystery to solve.

I really liked the romance with Holly and Evan continued in this book. It's natural, sweet and clean. The small town and side characters in this book are SO cozy and you just love seeing them try to figure out what happened.

Only a couple of small swear words, no explicit content, making this an overall clean series to get into.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7949483450
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47f2K5z

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Coffee We Spill by Chelsea Michelle

 Coffee We Spill by Chelsea Michelle
4 Stars 

Ok, this one had the cozy mystery I was looking for! :) This is the 3rd book in the Novella Mini Mystery Series - you need to read their full book though, Transactions We Expose probably before this one, I didn't and I think I can see where I was spoiled a smidge on some things but by the time I get back to the full novel, I will probably have forgotten that info, haha.

But I have had fun with these mini-mystery novellas. This one is my favorite of the 3 I have read. I like how this one really focused on the mystery of someone missing and Michelle being a possible suspect. 

Essentially, Michelle’s coffee shop is doing well but a a new coffee truck competitor rolls into town and then the owner suddenly goes missing. Blood stains are discovered on Michelle’s back door, she becomes the prime suspect, and her sister Chelsea jumps in to help prove her innocence. 

The pacing really worked well, it was fast and engaging and I liked the mystery part the best. Looks like Michelle's love life is hopefully settling down too, we will see about that.

This has good faith and prayer content too with the sister's struggles as they learn to trust the Lord.

Looking forward to more in this series and I will eventually go back to the full length story before this one. :) 

Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7832841164
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3W2rPdv

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Chaos We Unravel by Chelsea Michelle

Chaos We Unravel by Chelsea Michelle 
Book 2 in A Watson Twins Mini Mystery Series
3 Stars

Like the first novella, we have a light, faith centered mystery that can be read in one sitting. This one centers around the 4th of July celebration in Maple Springs with a mysterious fire that turns the picnic into a lot of chaos. The sisters Michelle and Chelsea work together to try and figure out what's going on in their amateur sleuthing. I like this doesn't have any murder in it, just them trying to figure out the happenings in the town. 

The cozy mystery element here is fun because it has the small-town charm, family moments, and that wholesome “faith and family” tone that makes the series generally easy to enjoy. Novella length makes this easy to read quickly and just enjoy it for what happens. 

Where the book is starting to lose me a bit was the ongoing romantic subplot with Michelle. After breaking up with her boyfriend of two years for seemingly no clear reason other than she isn't sure what she wants or if she still loves him anymore, she really needs to make up her mind for me. She is entertaining attention from another guy after her break up with Kyle, and Kyle is still hanging out as friends all the time with her and she still has these mixed thoughts throughout so it's just she now seems a little inconsistent or frustrating. With the aftermath of that potential relationship, I found myself wanting her to either take time to reflect or make up her mind or something. It’s hard to root for her romantically when she feels so directionless in that area. I know that's realistic but still a bit frustrating. I am hoping book 3 clears some things up :)

Overall, this one was a quick Christian cozy mystery with a fun summer setting and family-driven plot. While the mystery side holds up, I’m hoping the next one bring more clarity and maturity to Michelle’s romantic storyline.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7982939926
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hh3c6D

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Hours We Regret by Chelsea Michelle

 

Hours We Regret - Chelsea Michelle
Book 1 in the Watson Twins Mini Mystery Series
3.5 Stars 

So I have an advanced copy of book 3 in this series, so I figured, when the books were on sale for .99, I would pick the series up to read before I review book 3! This is an author duo under the name Chelsea Michelle. It is a Christian Cozy Mystery Mini Series, meaning the books are short novellas. This one is meant to be a very fast, prequel introduction to the series and characters. While it's short, we are introduced to Chelsea and Michelle, twin sisters in this small town and danger arises when one of them goes missing and they have been discussing the serial killer on the loose so the stress arises when one of them went missing. There is a bit of romance drama too with one of the sisters throughout.

I liked the overall setup, especially the way the story explores fear versus faith and the close twin sister relationship. The pacing kept me engaged and I certainly wanted to keep reading to figure out what happened. But because it's a novella/shorter story, you do want to keep going and wish it had a more closed ending, but it's meant for you to move on to the next one I suppose, haha.

That said, it’s clear this story is meant to introduce readers to the series and characters, so I’m curious to see how things develop in the next installments.

If you enjoy small-town Christian cozies with light suspense, family themes, and nice faith moments with prayer, this is a nice, easy read to kick off the series.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7982896989

Amazon: https://amzn.to/474wKQi

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Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander

Meet Your Baker by Ellie Alexander 

Book 1 in the Bakeshop Mystery Series
3 Stars

Small town charm, good desserts & a cozy mystery! We follow Juliet, who is a talented pastry chef returning home in Oregon to help her family's bakeshop. Her homecoming takes a dark turn when a murder occurs and Juliet gets caught up in the investigation. With a cast of quirky townspeople and plenty of twists, you have a pretty good cozy mystery. 

I loved the vivid descriptions of desserts in this one - always one for a good food cozy mystery most of all. While this one was a pretty start to a good cozy mystery series and I do plan to continue sometime since I own a lot of the audiobooks, I found myself not as invested or connected at times.

I think anyone who likes cozy mysteries would enjoy this one though, either way. 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6039944426
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QA5DVn

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I'll Be Home For Mischief by Jacqueline Frost

 

Book Review: I'll Be Home for Mischief by Jacqueline Frost - 5 Stars
Book 5 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series

Yet ANOTHER 5 Star cozy from this author! LOVE all of her books and pen names, seriously! If you want a fun holiday escape to a cozy Christmas town with a dash of romance and mystery, this series truly is a must read. In this one, Holly and her husband Evan get roped into a mystery where a local mistletoe farmer is accused of a man's murder who ended up in the batter during a baking contest. 

Again, love the characters - they are HILARIOUS and just some of my most favorite characters of 2024! I really don't have much else to say with this being book 5 in the series, but just check this cozy mystery series out asap if you want something fun for Christmas. 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7128858027
Amazon Series Link: https://amzn.to/3PeLmnt

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Stalking Around The Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost

Stalking Around the Christmas Tree by Jacqueline Frost - 5 Stars 
Book 4 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series

Once again, I loved this one! We have innkeeper Holly White back with her fiancé Sheriff Evan Gray trying to figure out who killed a ballet dancer that was performing in a Nutcracker show. Tiffany, the lead ballerina, shows up dead on a float during the parade. More sleuthing skills are underway as they try to figure this one out......Tiffany had more than a few secrets so her and Evan try to work together and solve the murder. Before Holly once again becomes the target for putting her nose where it doesn't belong.

I just feel like this series has the best mystery and romance blend - especially in these later books in the series. So fun to binge read these back to back during the Christmas season! The humor is also AMAZING and will have you hee-hawing!

Highly recommend.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7123544093

Amazon Series Link: https://amzn.to/3PeLmnt

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Slashing Through The Snow by Jacqueline Frost

 

Slashing Through The Snow - Jacqueline Frost - 5 Stars 

Book 3 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series

Love continuing in this series! Such a good cozy mystery series. This was the first 5 star I had so far because the ending with the romance was chef's kiss! I loved the developments there. In this one, we continue to follow Holly and Evan in the backdrop of Mistletoe, Maine! Holly dates the Sheriff and runs the inn with her family. We see a B&B critic drop in that could make or break its success -- until they find her body dead in the gift wrapped toy donation box.... With a long list of suspects, Evan and Holly try to figure this one out and clear their friend Cookie's name.

Cookie was a HOOT in this book yall! She is one of my favorite characters. This author knows how to really write fun characters and settings in a good cozy mystery series and I love it! Perfect Christmas vibes too. Recommend!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7108386412
Amazon Series Link: https://amzn.to/3PeLmnt

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Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost

 

Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost - 4 Stars
 (Book 2 in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series)

What another great book in this series! I am working my way through this one and really enjoyed it y'all! Solid clean cozy mystery series with a smidge of romance. Here we continue to see Holly from book one "up to her jingle bells in holiday shenanigans" as the synopsis says. When a body turns up in a dumpster behind Caroline's Cupcakes, the store's owner is the main suspect. Holly helps out at the cupcake place so she is trying her luck at clearing Caroline's name. We see Sheriff Evan back with his budding romance with Holly too, which I love. 

This one is full of holiday charm and Christmas cheer yall! Pick it up.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6841531477
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4grtZMd

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A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker

 

A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 4 Stars 
Book 4 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series

Another great book in the cozy Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I just love these characters so much. Not a whole lot to say, but we continue to follow Everly Swan in her Tea shop on the beachside in the great small island of Charm, North Carolina. The whole town in excited because an iconic Hollywood actress is in town. Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping. When the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the island and disrupt the peaceful lives of the townspeople. Everly combs through the evidence to help detective Grady Hays figure this one out. :)

This series is just so much fun. I love the vibe it gives and just overall coziness of the characters and setting.

Continuing on in the series :)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6841520076
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gJ8Ops

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Tide and Punishment by Bree Baker

 

Tide and Punishment by Bree Baker

4 Stars

Book 3 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series

What can I say? Another solid book in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I love this cute cozy mystery series yall. In this one, we have all the Christmas and beachy vibes! We are back in Charm, North Carolina with that small town southern feel with Everly Swan's iced tea shop and cafe for it's first holiday season. Her Great-Aunt Fran decides to run for mayor against her long-time nemesis, but when the other candidate turns up dead just before their first scheduled debate, all eyes point to Fran. Everly works to clear her Aunt's name and the handsome Detective Grady Hays continues to stick around to help out on the case. 

These are just some great cozy mystery books that I love listening to on audio. Very quick listens and always a good time. The characters and the town really make the book. Everly and Grady are my favorite (Wyatt needs to take a hike LOL). I like the romance subplot and the last line of this book was CHEFS KISS ;) 

Highly recommend, looking forward to the next one!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6714482166
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47bwdvq

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The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander

 

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander - 3.5 
Book 1 in A Secret Bookcase Mystery series

This is the start to a new bookish cozy mystery series. This had some really great bookish elements. We had a great bookstore and Agatha Christie vibes, details about publishing and author, events, and a fun mystery festival that the bookstore was going to start in an effort to get more business and help the bookstore financially. I thought this was an excellent way to portray support for local bookstores, I really enjoyed the details surrounding the book elements in the book vibes, however, the mystery itself was lackluster. 

We start off with Bookseller Annie Murray, who is super excited to work on the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to help revive the bookstore financially and in its author events, marketing, etc. Things take a turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves that wasn't meant to be a part of the festivities....even worse, it's Annie's old college friend. So, we continue on in this story of college friend drama with lots of jealousy, bitterness etc.

Things go on from here. While there were things about this I enjoyed, we have this cold case murder of their friend from many years ago, thrown in there as a mystery subplot and I didn’t really care for that. The characters were very dramatic throughout the story some were holding onto grudges or other traumatic things that felt a bit overdramatic for me personally. I will admit, I rolled my eyes several times. The ending ends on a cliffhanger also, and it wasn’t my favorite.

It’s not a bad cozy mystery, the more that I read the more difficult it is to become a new favorite cozy mystery for me. I have just become more picky when it comes to my cozy mystery books. 🤭💛 So I guess I am being a bit picky on this one, many of you would probably enjoy it if you can look past the character work here.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6790339662
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cQb0IS

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Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass

 

Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass - 4 Stars 

Book 1 in A Bookmobile Cat Mystery Series

This was a fun introduction to a new cozy mystery series with a cute cat sleuth helping along the way! With the help of her rescue cat, Eddie, librarian Minnie Hamilton is driving a bookmobile in the resort town of Chilson, Michigan. Things happen she least expects when Eddie runs off and finds the body of a local man in town..... Minnie is ready to let the police solve the case but Eddie seems to smell a rat! Together they work to find the killer. 

This was a really fun one to read while I was recovering from having surgery this last week! :) As a gift from my friend Tammy, I am so glad I read it! (And that I had my kitty Simba right there with me while I read it was a cute bonus!) Eddie is a stubborn kitty and I LOVED THAT! He kept on pushing the limits to help Minnie out. :) 

A bookmobile is also a unique thing to find in books that I absolutely loved. I am looking forward to more of Minnie and Eddie's adventures!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6800012725
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1bbDb

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links. 

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson

 

Tracking Tilly by Janice Thompson
 (Book 1 in the Little Red Truck Mysteries Series)

4 Stars

Because I can relate to this story with my Dad and his old truck/trucks, I really enjoyed this one! We have a cute small town in Texas, a vintage truck, a girl opening an antique store and some great character relationships here. This is a Christian Cozy Mystery (with no deaths) that centers around our main character RaeLyn's grandpa's old vintage truck going missing after the auction to get it back. Her grandpa passed away many years ago, so it's very important to get it back.

We see RaeLyn work to figure out what has happened, with her old high school flame Mason hanging around helping, but honestly he's a bit suspicious at first too. :) 

We have some small town drama going on with a romance subplot. I did get the side character's mixed up several times but it was fine - I was just here for the read! :) 

Overall a cute feel good story that will bring the nostalgia of things from back in the day, memories with your grandparents and the importance of family.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing and NetGalley for providing a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6585565858
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A8TlhU
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/559646