Finding Mr. July, by Anna E. Collins

 Publication uly 1, 2025

While I expected to enjoy what appeared from the cover to be a dog heavy romance, I wound up liking it far more than I'd expected.  I was right in that a calendar played a role, too, and enjoyed Holly's search for twelve likely candidates and their dogs to pose for a non-profit calendar project to raise funds. Who knew it'd be so hard? While I wasn't amused by Holly's use of a dating app to find candidates under false pretenses,, albeit only after some persuasion, that was short lived and handled relatively well. Heck, she even found some guys willing to pose for no pay for the cause. Getting her "hot" brother, as her best friend and mentor describes him, took more effort, not to mention some sisterly bribery. Holly's unexpected career path has its ups and downs but she finds herself enjoying the project and, okay, working with the office's grumpy creative guy.

 I won't detail the plot further other than to say it was fun to read about the various photo sessions done, including some quirks of the canines, and the different feels/moods created by the photographer, who is certainly model worthy himself. Oh, did I mention Jonathan, the initially grumpy and reticent to be involved, is an extraordinary photographer? There are reasons he isn't using that skill as the story opens which I'll leave for you to discover as you read. As it turns out, he's a rather complicated guy that Holly just can't help being curious about after their meet-cute, although not sure the word cute is accurate. As you discover more about Jonathan, you'll understand why and more about his reasons for being standoffish. I liked both, albeit it took me a bit to warm up to Holly. A former lawyer, she has her own story to tell, however, and you'll gradually root for her to find happiness. Love how that goal was emphasized later in the book. Nope. Not telling. You'll just have to read. 

Bottom line, while an entertaining romance on the surface, I liked the fact that the main characters were multi-layered. My initial reaction to Jonathan was bewilderment, I must admit, albeit I sort of liked his willingness to help a virtual stranger initially in the book, Holly. Glad they fixed that pantry door, Holly. Her relationship with her brother and his daughter is close with amusing brother-sister banter between them. In fact, the dialogue flowed naturally, even in the spicier scenes. Nothing heavy duty, mostly just sweet and sexy to warm you up and bring a smile at their budding relationship. And, I liked her brother's budding relationship that may keep him in town long enough not to risk the eternal ire of a teenage dragged away from long-time friends on a parent's whim. My thanks to #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for this early peek at a book I wound up thoroughly enjoying. Loved Holly's discovery of what was probably her mother's stash of Holly's old school days memories.

The Body at the Roman Baths, by by Kate Hardy

 

Publication Feb. 26, 2025

Do you believe in ghosts? That's the question that drives a wedge between Georgina and boyfriend Colin this go-round. After finally working up the courage to tell him about her ability to hear ghost Doris, Georgina is somehow surprised when he doesn't simply shrug and accept her ability without question as her daughter and close friends have. Colin's disbelief aside, Georgina manages to stumble across another body, this time while at a photo shoot for an ancient mosaic uncovered at Little Wentworth Manor during an archaeology dig. The victim, Simon, was heading the project with his associate who discovered the body with Georgina. Given the nature of the site, restricted, the suspect list isn't lengthy but as it turns out, there are others who might have benefited from his death, too.

It's while looking into this death that Georgina manages to stumble into a very cold case, ie mid-1800's, in the same area. Not only are there no bones from that case for dog Bert to dig up, one of his not so endearing traits, but even Doris isn't able to pinpoint a body. Colin, while respecting Georgina's request that they spend some time apart for awhile, has few leads for either case, alas, but does realize how much he misses Georgina. We even get his point of view a few times, which is always a nice touch and doesn't leave us guessing as to his feelings. Toss in some possibly related heritage crimes, ie theft of relics, usually relatively valuable ones, and it's a complicated case. As for the cold case, Georgina has the help of daughter, an actress but one skilled at not just computer research but digging into family tree matters. I love how the author manages to weave in Bea despite her no longer living at home. 

I won't detail the plot further other than to say despite some quirky issues with my early, not final copy, which have now been corrected, I was fully sucked in and enjoyed the story. The characters are likable and bring a variety of skills and knowledge to the story, a real plus. Toss in Doris's other worldly resources, let's call them, and while no one person has the answer, it's fascinating to see it all come together at the end. The trend of this series seems to be a current and cold case with some sort of historic connection, so this former history major fully enjoys it. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Georgina and company and allowing me an early peek at what's going on in their world. I genuinely feel like these are people I could know and enjoy the company of, ghosts included. A great mix of mystery and history with a very decided human touch. Heck, readers, even the ghosts are intriguing with full stories, making them easy to accept and like.

Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine (A Salem B&B Mystery), by Traci Wilton

 

Publication Dec. 24, 2024

One of the most unique love triangles around. Charlene Morris has two beaus. One is Sam, detective with the Salem Police. The other is Jack, a doctor. I like them both. Only one problem. Jack is dead. Jack is a ghost. He's charming, thoughtful, and cares for Charlene, however, even foregoing the chance to "go to the light" in a past book in order to stay with her in his former home. Charlene cares for him and goes out of her way not to hurt him as her feeling for the very alive, handsome Sam grow stronger. Well, when she isn't busy solving murders.

This time, it's a demanding guest at her B&B who is killed. Dane Stallone is a photographer trying to make a come-back. He's arranged a stay at the B&B for himself and his twelve models. Twelve. Get it? A calendar but a wildly creative, artistic one. Quite frankly, the models chatter, part idle chit chat but mostly them carping or complaining about something, usually Dane, would have given me a headache in real life. Amazingly, they don't hold throttle down their feelings even afterward when the police are present. Unfortunately for Charlene, Sam isn't on this case and the investigating detective is not at all fond of her. Nevertheless, she keeps asking probing questions while trying to help the models with their problem. I won't detail that huge fear and problem but will remind you that this is set in Salem, Witch City, which was Dane's hometown. What was in those contracts? Would one of them have killed him to get out of them? Or would that have even helped? 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoy my visits with Charlene, even when the guests are less than ideal. At least they were nice to look at, I guess, and as their back stories emerge, I came to like most of them. Adam was my favorite. It was nice to have Avery pop in, even if she did wind up in the hospital for her efforts. Sam wasn't as involved, not being his case, but was definitely there as support and, oh, boy, that final chapter. I can't wait to see where that goes and how it'll all work out between Charlene and the "I don't believe in ghosts" Sam. And, let's not forget Silva, the cat. and housekeeper/cook Minnie Johnson who seems to be a marvel at improvising, especially for a large group that shuns calories. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Charlene's B&B without a reservation. We do get to see how difficult, not to mention, expensive, juggling reservations can be, too.