With All My Haunted Heart, by Isabel Sterling

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

Pippa Ainsley is a witch with a problem. Several problems, actually. Not only has she been disowned by her own strictly traditional witchy family but her more experimental magic shop is in danger of having to go out of business. Toss in past romantic woes and learning that perhaps she doesn't know her supposed best-friend-forever, Xander, as well as she though, and Pippa's insecurities, doubts, and turmoil all rise to the surface. And, now she's being asked to go against her own ingrained standards to basically round up some interesting ghosts for Xander's latest venture, a haunted B&B.

While Pippa is used to removing spirits and spells, she's initially strongly against creating the haunts. I have to admit to both chuckling and nodding knowingly as she cites potential legal issues. I mean, can a ghost sue a mundane (non-magical being) or vice versa? What happens if one of the ghosts is a Peeping Tom, let's say? That said, Pippa's misgivings quickly go by the wayside when she's forced to choose between this new role -- it's something she's never done and isn't even sure how to go about -- in order to save her business as well as the livelihood of others involved as she realizes it isn't all about her. It doesn't hurt, either, that she's immediately attracted to Xander's new business partner, Ella. Yes, for those who don't know, we're talking same sex romance here, not to mention magic, lots of magic.  

I don't want to give away the plot, which I initially expected to be all light and humorous but found it was also full of turmoil, traumatic issues, and even the ghosts weren't worry free.  It's the three main characters, of course, who hold our interest and, oh, my, all three, while good people at heart, have lots of issues. It was interesting to see how something from Xander's past helped them work through some of their issues. Nope, not telling. I should also probably note that for those who might be triggered, that family drama and grief are central issues and, oh, my, have your tissues handy when you read the author's after note. Kudos to her for providing a better ending in the book to that reality, let's just say. 

Bottom line, although the book wasn't what I expected....I'd even forgotten the same sex romance.... I found it an intriguing read. I expected high jinx and spells going awry and got family drama and the role of found family and friendship. Broken characters became whole with the support of each other. In other words, it was real, smiles and heartbreak both included. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for the early introduction to Pippa, Xander, and Pippa's world, not to mention some intriguing ghosts. 

Love Felt Like This, by Julie Olivia

 

Publication Sept. 8, 2026

Although I don't read many romance novels anymore, I'm seriously glad the intriguing cover of this one pulled me in. There are already a bunch of detailed reviews out there for those so minded, so I'm going to stick to my reaction to "Love Felt Like This" rather than say much about the plot. It, of course, is very well done with, yes, the usual romance structure, but it flows naturally. 

As a fan of character driven stories, I'm delighted to say I quickly fell into a virtual friendship with Beverly and Griffin, rooting for them as I read. As noted, I immediately liked them and found the alternating points of view interesting as we are both getting to know that character but what their mind-set is on the other main character as the story progresses. Beverly and Griffin were definitely interesting characters. Despite the sense being given by many that she was all sunshine and light, she has her own set of insecurities and dreams that she's almost ready to give up. Enter Griffin, who is probably supposed to be seen as brooding and cold. Brooding, maybe , albeit he came across more as exhausted and frustrated to me. We learn rather quickly why, reasons that aren't immediately visible to Beverly, giving us a head start on rooting for him. To cut to the chase, while it's sheer serendipity that he stumbles into her set just as the cameras roll on a variety show she's appearing on with her beloved puppets, it soon becomes apparent that both need something, or someone. Beverly needs both financial and creative help if she's going to revive the once popular show she feels so tied to, while Griffin needs, well, let's say a muse. Just like writers, songwriters can be blocked and his personal life's demands seems to have erased his inspiration. I'm pretty sure you can guess they are pulled together....with some complications I'll leave vague.

As for the rest of our cast of characters, with one exception I found myself almost instantly feeling as if I knew people just like them. Even Griffin's band mates, who would normally be stereotyped as hard living and self-absorbed, come across as likable, supporting types who genuinely care about Griffin. As they wind up in what was Bev's childhood small town home, you'll meet her family and extended family, too, and probably wind up feeling like, yep, these are people I might know or would at least like to know. I did like that neither Bev nor Griffith were glib and knew exactly what to do or say, making them seem real as they rather stumbled through those early "getting to know you" days.  The dialogue reflected that, obviously, making them seem all the more real. 

Bottom line, rather than ramble on, I'll simply say that romance fans who like their characters to seem like real people and enjoy realistic portrayals of the settings, should thoroughly enjoy this book. For that matter, if you're into music related/show biz bits, not to mention puppets, you'll definitely enjoy this. I'm sure they're out there but this is the first time I recall a book where puppets were a focus of the story. The plot moves along relatively smoothly, with few down moments, and the alternating points of view add to the sense of knowing these people. It was fun to know what the other character thought initially as they met, in particularly, and see the images change in their minds. Griffin, in particular, is definitely the most expressive romantic one in the sense of expressing his feelings in song, which is always a plus for romantic readers. I also liked that the younger characters, even the two year old, had realistic personalities rather than being the "older than their age" character we often see. Heck, even the puppets so dear to Beverly for reasons you'll discover, had their own unique personalities, even the impromptu ones. Thanks #BerkleyPublishingGroup for giving me this early introduction to Beverly and Griffin's complicated worlds as they come together. I loved the epilogue, btw. 

The Dog Park Murders: A Grumpy Sunshine Cozy Mystery Romance, by Angela Barker

 

Publication August 2, 2026

As a reader drawn by character driven books, this one just never quite came together for me. Don't get me wrong. It was okay, one of those I didn't love but didn't hate, either. I simply couldn't conjure up any real caring about what happened to the main characters one way or the other. Well, aside from Digger the dog. I really, really wanted the best forever home for him. His seemingly out of the blue inner musings were a fun highlight. 

The combo of the mystery and romance was an interesting twist although the romance at times seemed to dominate the murder case, which was my real attraction to the book. Let's face it, a book with  "dog park" in the title is a lure to me. Grin. Juliette's insecurities at times led me to find her more annoying than intriguing. Joel's seemingly reclusive "stay away" manner seemed to be taken as more of a challenge by Juliette than a reason to tread carefully and slowly. This set up an extra slippery slope for the obviously intended romance to bloom. His sense of right leads him to take up with her to prove the biased detective wrong, however, was telling of an inner core sense of justice, and are we say it, caring for others despite his own issues. An odd duo, true, as he claims not even to like dogs but, well, annoying Juliette keeps wearing him down. Will they come to an agreement, even better a meeting of he hearts, before Juliette's meddling gets them both killed? Whoever killed obnoxious Maurice Allsop isn't going down easily.  

Bottom line, despite my  ho-hum reaction to the book, a 3.5 rounded up, don't let that top you from giving it a try if you're so inclined. It was a quick, easy read that despite me wishing for more character development, was a pleasant read. After a slow start, which may have impacted my reaction, the action picked up and it tended to roll right along. The side stories were related, too, a plus for those who prefer everything ties together in some way. The ending was cute, too, so it ended on a positive note. Thanks #Harlequin-Romance for introducing me to Juliette and Joel, not to mention Digger. While it didn't quite work for me, it shows promise and I'd certainly give a sequel an open-minded read. 

A Murder at the Mansion (A Novel Detectives Mystery, 3), by Ellie Alexander

 

Publication July 21, 2026

Annie and Fletcher tackle what is surely their most high profile case yet. An elderly, reclusive heiress, Bernadette Garst, has gone missing and Detective Caldwell asks for their help. The story jumps right into the mystery, so you're pulled in immediately. Time is, of course, of the essence, although it's the one thing they don't have in abundance. Fletcher is now not only working as a detective while maintaining his bookshop job but is also immersed in college classes. Annie is happy to have hired some solid help but feels bad simply leaving them and, hey, maybe more importantly, her romance with Liam is getting serious and they are having some serious discussions about moving in together. Never mind, though, as everything else is now secondary, well, other than Fletcher's college demands, and they're on the case. I rather wonder when he sleeps. 

I won't detail the plot much as encountering the clues as Annie does is part of the fun. I found myself wondering about a few, only to have the author answer that question for me soon thereafter, so you may have the same experience with your questions.  Helps us wannabe sleuths sort out the meaningful clues from distractions. One distraction is the family's seeming disconnect and Bernadette's missing lawyer. The only one who seems to be the least bit genuine is teen Preston, who even that super hyped/trained up poodle seems to like. I decided I'd probably be giving it a wide berth, too, though I loved its name, Dorothy Barker. Dog person that I am, I was delighted to see dogs play a role in this go-round. Where is the lawyer? Who would have taken or, gulp, killed the elderly Bernadette? That mystery lingers awhile but, double gulp, the missing lawyer's body is found in a boat shed by the pond. So now Annie has two mysteries to solve. Detective Caldwell, known to Annie still as Dr. Caldwell due to her having been one of Annie's most admired college professors, is good about being on call but Annie does have a knack for stumbling into places she might want to leave for the police to investigate. What secrets are the family members hiding? Why? Could Paula really fly the dog to a doggie spa for grooming and pampering on Bernadette's dime? (Answer, yes. Read the author's notes at the end.) 

Bottom line, I fully enjoy this series and fell into this one immediately. The quick start of the action was a real plus. The characters are well fleshed out and their connections shared early on even as Annie begins the investigation. I still have to marvel at how unlikable I found Annie way back when as opposed to how much I've grown to like and admire the character over the course of the books that feature her. The fact the characters are there for each other and have their own lives is a plus, too. It was fun to catch up with Annie's best friend, too, although she played a minor role. Liam is, as usual, a rock for Annie. Finally, the side mystery involving Hal and his belief in his connection to Agatha Christie has been a continuing story, so looking forward to seeing how that plays out. I'm leaving out lots but, well, want you to enjoy the discoveries as they happen and see how life is progressing for all of them. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie originally and providing the early peeks into life in Redwood Grove as the dynamics between the characters play out. Loved the ending and what it meant for Fletcher in particular and all that may happen as a result. Nope, not telling. Read the book. If you enjoy cozies, you'll like this one. Heck, you'll even pick up some sleuthing hints. Grin. . 

The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair: The Detection Club, Book 4, by Kelly Oliver

 Publication June 2, 2026

I'm usually drawn to this series for the history mixed with the story but this time the focus seemed to be, while drawn from a real event, more of an ominous good story than history. Don't get me wrong. I fell into the ooze of the story immediately and I use the word "ooze" deliberately. While we don't get much history here, we do get a grand overview of the moody isle of Sky. That's where Agatha Christie married her archeologist beau Max Mallowen in reality. The tone is essentially set from the first page when Christie associate Eliza Baker's beagle Queenie is being tossed about on on the decks of the ferry taking Eliza and her associate and potential romantic partner Theo to the ceremony to meet up with others. The party had expected to be the only ones at the lodge but discover they're sharing the premises with a hunting party put together by a rather haughty Lord Blackwood. His wife is with him but, well, rather obviously not happy to be there. You'll find out why as you read. Let's just cut to the chase and  say the hunting party of four goes hunting and only three of them return. They all had good reasons to be glad he didn't. 

The author does an excellent job describing the wild, seemingly largely uninhabited area with its many potential dangers. And, what's that talk from lodge hostess, young Maisie, about ghosts? Why is she so nervous? The hunting party just laughs off Lord Blackwood's failure to return, saying it's not out of the usual for him. His wife adds that he has done this before, simply going off to the local village for awhile. Eliza isn't so sure but, well, her Scotland Yard training has her "something isn't right" nerves on edge. As for Theo, he has her back but is more of a dreamy poet type, one fonder of fiction as opposed to Eliza's "just the facts" sensibilities. Hard to believe they've danced around a relationship so far but it's obvious Theo is thoroughly smitten while, shh, as reluctant as her heart is to admit it, Eliza has grown fonder and fonder of him. You'll get the background for her reticence when it comes to being involved as the story goes along. Theo, who is the son of an Earl, came from a much more privileged background than Eliza but has been a disappointment to his father the Earl. Agatha Christie is focused on her upcoming marriage, of course, but one has to believe that both she and friend Dorothy Sayers are taking notes for future books. We meet the groom to be late in the book but also Agatha's daughter, While I probably did know about her, I had long forgotten, so that was a bit of new info to me.

In any case, lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing as you try to nail whodunit before Eliza and Theo. There are some rather spooky scenes. I mean, how does a dead body get out of its grave? Who kidnaps both Agatha's daughter and young Callum, part of the lodge managers' family? For whom or what does the bell toll? (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Would you go merrily traipsing off onto the moors alone with a murderer about? Yep, you guessed it. Eliza does. She also is rather rash in her questioning, in my mind making herself a target. You'll also get to know both Eliza and Theo better as you're given insight into their mind set on their budding romance. And....oh, plenty more, including climbing towering bell towers, wandering through a graveyard, and daring to follow a potential killer into dangerous, seemingly uncharted caves. And, oh, yes, the missing children. 

But, enough teasers. While I was disappointed not to get my usual history lesson this go-round, the odd mix of budding romance and the ominous, spooky mood, and, shiver, some of the events definitely kept me reading. I actually figured out a plot twist fairly early on, yea, me, but still didn't manage to put it all together until the rather unexpected big reveal. I definitely liked seeing Queenie being a real part of the plot rather than just an accessory, too. Virtual treats for Queenie. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this intriguing set of characters and letting me time travel back (September 1930) for an early peek at how life is treating the curious and oh, so, determined Eliza and her back-up and wannabe more than friends friend Theo. That ending definitely has me ready for the next book!

 

The Book Club Murders, by Maggie Allswell , AUDIO BOOK Narrated by Jilly Bond

 

Available May 23, 2026   Both Audio and print/ebook

I fully expected to like this book. I mean, a small town book club focused on murder mysteries, quirky characters of a range of ages, and some budding romance. What's not to like? Much to my surprise, while I certainly didn't dislike the book, I never fully got into it, either. In other words, I didn't much care whodunit. Don't let that reaction detour you from it, however, as there's every chance you'll fully enjoy it. For me, I have decided that I need to be more careful about requesting books with a hoard of characters to keep track of as I had trouble sorting out who was who and how they were all connected. The main characters, Judy and daughter Sarah, of course, were easy, albeit maybe that Sarah has a dog named Gordon had something to do with that. She's also suffered loss, a recurring theme, and Judy worries about her. Sarah created an online site for those who've lost a spouse. Judy, on the other hand, is co-owner/operator of a funeral parlor, not the usual job for even the quirkiest amateur sleuth, I'd say.  In any case, aside from Jack, who I kept wishing someone would put a sock in his mouth given his tendency to complicate questioning by his habit of blurting out things better left unsaid, the others sorta drifted in and out of my mind with me having to refresh my memory of who they were. They were all generally likable, even Jack, but would have liked more character development. 

The mystery was fine, albeit it sorta faded into the background when potential issues with Sarah's new beau popped up. Too good to be true? Maybe, but back to the murder. Who killed seemingly harmless librarian Wendy? Judy is convinced it was murder although the police are calling it suicide. It was fun to read the text chain the book club members utilized, particularly Judy's frequently almost nonsensical texts. Spell check seems to have had no chance with her. That said, her skills in seeing things others miss or misunderstand are excellent. Even though she wouldn't have considered Wendy among her close friends, her observations of the death scene prove helpful. Despite this, her skills and those of the rest of the book club are, at best, feeble. Obviously, reading about solving a case and actually doing so are two very, very different things. 

Bottom line, without revealing much more of the plot, there are several suspects. These range from a mysterious possible romantic interest to others who've had disagreements with her, however minor. Judy is a bit distracted by Sarah's romance, not sure of the prospective son-in-law. There are reasons, as you'll discover as you read. As for the murder, convincing the police that there is evidence that suggest murder, not suicide, might be the first step, though the club members ineptness doesn't help move that along much. I had both the ebook and audio for this, btw, and give kudos to narrator Jilly Bond for her ability to differentiate the multiple characters as well as capture the humor or drama of the moments. Since the plot evolves primarily around the dialogue, even the seemingly mundane, unrelated chatter, having a good narrator was a perk. The audio flowed along nicely and was easy to listen to and, in fact, may have helped me differentiate characters better than the text. Toss in a bit of a twisty ending and while I was never quite fully drawn in, it was still an enjoyable read/listen. Thanks #Bookouture for making this available to me for an early read. Given that ending, I'm leaning toward thinking I'll be ready to give the next book another chance, too. 

Road Trip, by Mary Kay Andrews

 

Publication June 2, 2026

If I had to summarize this book in one sentence, I'd say it's a book about connections, both with family and others. Maeve and Therese Dunigan may be sisters but they're nothing alike. Or, are they? Brought together again after their mother's death, they squabble but agree to their mother's last request, that they travel to Ireland to investigate their family heritage. There's also the question of an old, maybe valuable, maybe not, portrait of their supposed grandmother. One of the background stories involves their mother having squandered their inheritance, basically, to take out a second mortgage on their family home, the money going to a fast talking televangelist who solicited money constantly. There's also a sexy distiller at Tarrymore Mansion, which was their mother's childhood home until she mysteriously sailed to America. And, well, more, but those are the highlights of the sister's journey with them, first, learning to tolerate each other than, gradually, connect in more ways than they'd ever thought possible. 

I liked both sisters, to be honest, though probably related more to cautious, do-the-right-thing Maeve more than Theresa, the wild child of the two. A wannabe actress, she's rarely settled in one spot for long and lived, let's call it, life in the fast lane. Liam, the Irish romantic interest of Maeve, is substitute tour guide the day Maeve and Therese arrive and Maeve feels an immediate attraction, so you know this will be part of the big story. Even some of the characters that initially appear a bit, well, off-putting, turn out to be simply quirky and are ultimately relatively likable....sorta. Not saying more about that as you'll see how it plays into the plot. The plot flows fairly well, with interesting side trips to share the countryside with us or even offer a bit of insight into not just the current day but flashbacks to not just the sisters' mother's Irish life but her arrival at Ellis Island and how those coming through the island as immigrants were treated and the uncertainty of what lay before them. The former history major in me was intrigued, particularly knowing some of my own ancestors surely traveled those same walkways. Just as the two sisters are learning and reflecting on past events while trying to sort out their futures, readers may find such pertinent personal moments to also reflect upon. Oh, and there's a dog, too. Grin. 

Bottom line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The sisters, while connected by blood didn't feel close but found out they had more in common than they knew. The bits of mystery connected to the portrait and what really happened to make their mother leave Ireland so suddenly were an intriguing part of the story, as were the point of view from their mother of her early days in America. It was fun to see both Maeve and Therese not just come together as sisters but find romance, too, Maeve, with her long tendency to play things safe, after a shove from Therese. Thanks #StMartin'sPress for introducing me to them and giving me an early peek into their lives via a fun, virtual trip to Ireland. Some of those pubs are wild! 

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop, by Laurie Gilmore

 

Publication May , 2026

This was my first read of this series but I'm hooked. I was lured in initially by the cover and title since my dog's name (and this review blog) was Daisy. That said, I was immediately drawn in from the very start and found myself liking and rooting for Daisy and Elliot. Dream Harbor sounds like one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone's business almost before they do. It's also quirky enough that the town seems to have fallen into believing Daisy's flower shop is cursed due to a dream the town mayor had.  Although I'm only getting introduced to many of the probably usual characters at this point, none of them seem to genuinely dislike Daisy, so that belief was a bit, uh, "out there". It was rather sad to read that in a town that seems to pride itself on knowing everything and then some about residents, however, that Elliot remains a mystery to most. Talk about not being noticed. 

I definitely don't want to ruin the plot for readers so will keep this vague. Fake dating is the trope of the day here and while it isn't necessarily one of my favorites, it's sweet and works. Honestly, I was rooting for Daisy even before Elliot appeared. His quick thinking and ability to follow the upset Daisy's lead on deceiving her former boyfriend and his new girlfriend, who, no lie, she finds herself liking, made me like him immediately. That he's a history buff would have been the deciding factor for this history buff but, well, as noted, I was already rooting for them as a couple. As a new reader, I may have been hearing Daisy's background for the first time but family is obviously important to both and they find themselves caught up in looking at some old photos and digging into their family backgrounds. The idea of the curse is woven into it all and gave the story a bit more meaning to me as one who has spent some time researching my own family's heritage and backgrounds. So, all in all, as noted, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and will be looking for future books from author Gilmore as well as catching up on all I've missed. 

Bottom line, a sweet story that had likable characters and a quirky but fun setting made this one a winner for me. I use the word sweet in that their connection was so cautious and was a gentle slow burn with small, usually hesitant steps together with shared looks, hand holding, and getting to know each other without relying on steamy scenes. Thanks #Harper30 for introducing me to this charming couple and the town of Dream Harbor where dreams do make a difference. 

Chasing the Clouds Away, by Debbie Macomber

 

Publication April 28, 2026

Ah, a Debbie Macomber book. It somehow always makes me feel like it's time to cozy up in my most comfy PJs and curl up in the recliner under a nice warm blanket to settle in for what I just know will be a sweet read. While an opposites attract type, it rather morphs into a read emphasizing not just family but the dynamics of family that shape us. Both Maisy and Chase have faced dark days in their past so while it's fair to say they're opposites, you'll also discover that they have common ground.

That's good as, quite frankly, their not exactly meet cute doesn't showcase Chase well.  He's brusque and short tempered. Even worse, poor guy. He's going to have to fly commercial rather than in a private jet. Well, at least he gets a seat in first class, expecting never to see the woman who called him on his behavior. It's obvious from the beginning that Chase is used to getting what he wants, when he wants it. Maisy is apprehensive his misplaced anger may endanger her friend's job but maintains her calm. She's been taught from an early age that anger is often a cover for deeper feelings, hence she gives Chase the benefit of the doubt. She's absolutely delighted to be upgraded to first class where, you guessed it, she discovers her seatmate is none other than the rude guy from the airport. Chase is also less than excited to find the troubling woman there and pretty much tries to short circuit her tendency to engage in friendly chatter early on. Much to his surprise, after discovering the flight delay lead to his rental car not being held, Maisy offers him a ride. He's doubly shocked when she refused payment, simply telling him to pass it on. Let's just say, for someone used to money being able to get almost everything, that's a foreign policy to him.

I'm not going to detail the plot but that's pretty much where the story takes off. Chase is practically engaged but to his annoyance finds Maisy intriguing. As you'll discover, family dynamics have impacted both. The story moves along smoothly, albeit with the expected bumps along the way. I mean, Chase is practically engaged to the "perfect wife" for success. Maisy is just busy trying to help her family after giving up her dream of being a nurse. The chapters essentially alternate between them, giving us a good idea of their thoughts and past, which adds to the understanding as the story goes along. 

Bottom line, this was exactly the feel good story I was hoping for. In a sense, it was a reassurance that life can be full of joy if we only learn to get out of our own way. I mean, there is a difference between being proud and too proud, which you'll come to understand as you read. I found myself liking the main characters. Heck, even Chase's almost "perfect wife" turned out to be someone I think I'd have liked, not to mention Patrick, the baseball nut from Maisy's family was a fun character, too. I also noted that Macomber's early mention of a homeless vet outside the area of Chase's offices wasn't just there for word count. Nope. Not telling what I mean by that. You'll just have to read the book. Thanks #Ballantine for the early peek at this heartwarming, feel good romance. The epilogue was an extra nice touch.

Deadly Patterns, by Melissa Bourbonlow

 

Published 2012

Even with already crammed bookshelves, I can't resist the local library's monthly used book sale.Picked this up awhile back but only now got around to reading it. It's a mix of mystery, magic, family connections, heritage, and romance. More on the magic in a bit. Main character Harlow has moved back to the small town of Bliss, Texas, after leaving a big city design and dress shop. The magic comes in with her great grandmother, Loretta Mae Cassidy, who is ghost. They don't seem to be able to communicate well but Loretta does have a way of making her presence known. And, oh, the Cassidy name? Seems Harlow is related to Butch Cassidy. Yes, that Butch Cassidy. The one of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. In any case, that heritage seems to give descendants a bit of magic. In Harlow's case it's that the outfits she designs for them creates happiness of one sort or the other. There are bunches of townspeople related to Harlow and I wish I'd have known there was a basic family tree included at the end. It would have helped me keep it straight who was who and how all were connected much faster. 

That aside, it was a quirky, fun read. It begins when Harlow goes to the historic Denison mansion to do a fitting on the town's Santa Claus for the town's Christmas event. The mystery begins when Dan, the volunteer Santa, mysteriously falls to his death from the widow's walk of the old mansion. Harlow discovers the body in a way I'm sure she'd just as rather not repeat.  Seems fake Santa Dan, wasn't as beloved as the real thing. Who'd have killed him? How? As it turns out, there are lots of suspects and Harlow finds herself unable to resist doing her own investigation, never mind there's romance blooming, or trying to bloom, with Will. 

I won't detail more of the plot as I'm sure this one is readily available at your library, but lots of twists and turns and red herrings seem designed to ruin Christmas for not just Harlow but Bliss. Bottom line, I think I may be looking for the rest of this series soon. While it was all a tad confusing jumping in on the third book with multiple characters and bits of magic scattered about the town, I liked Harlow and the seeming regulars. It's always fun to find you're stumbled across something that grabs you from the opening page. Must be part of the Cassidy magic, huh?

Dog Person: A Novel, by Camille Pagán

Publication April 4, 2026

First, a personal note. While I was initially psyched to read an entire book/romance through the eyes of a loyal old dog, my enthusiasm dimmed with the passing of my own loyal old dog. As such, this was an unexpectedly tough read for me. It was a good story, however,  and I, of course, adored Harold, the old dog. It was fun to see his doggie take on things both profound and mundane, from squirrels to books and romance. Tasked by Miguel's late wife Amelia May, Harold is determined to help Miguel find his way through grief and find love again. Of course, it has to be someone Harold approves of, too. Hey, he is a dog.

The story centers about Miguel realizing he's about to lose his beloved bookstore that Amelia May and he started. She was a romance writer and had adopted Harold despite his less than cute looks and quirks. While I was a bit mystified about why she didn't ensure that her writer's royalties didn't go to Miguel given that she did have time, one must cut her some slack given the circumstances. Now Miguel's maybe last shot at saving the bookshop, the appearance of a popular author who bailed on him, leads Miguel to set out with Harold to find that author and convince him to appear. Well, he doesn't exactly find the author but maybe the next best thing is he finds the author's sister, Fiona, and her young daughter, conveniently named Amelia May, too. Oddly enough, Fiona doesn't much like dogs but, hey, her daughter does and falls in love with Harold. And this is where the story takes off.

Bottom line, I won't detail the plot, it's probably predictable  While it's certainly a romance, it's also multi-layered, dealing with grief, loss, and how to find one's way out of the shadow of grief. I liked the dog's point of view although I occasionally wished we could get more of a feel for what was going on in the humans' minds. You'll definitely feel the pain and hope of these characters, not to mention Harold's emotional roller-coaster perspective, too. Dog lover's, make sure you have tissue handy as you read the epilogue. There's more I could say but for now will leave this as it stands. I liked it but didn't enjoy it, if that makes sense, but that's on my own personal path, not the book. Thanks #Ballantine - #DelacortePress for making this early peek available to me. The timing didn't work as it turned out but I enjoyed the read nevertheless, which speaks highly of the author's talent. 

 

Murder at Big Ben: The Fairbanks and Flynn Mysteries, Book 2, by Michelle Salter

 

Publication March 30, 2026

You're about to take a deep dive back into the past. It's April 1911. About two months before the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. That's neither here nor now, though. The focus of main character Coral Fairbanks is on women's rights. As such, she's quite active in the various activities of the group, some skirting the law. That makes Coral's potentially budding relationship with Scotland Yard detective Guy Flynn a bit tough, obviously, as he's usually tasked with halting the various activities or, as some call them, stunts. In this case, a small group, including Coral, plan to sneak into Parliament and hide out overnight in order to be counted there as part of the national census to be taken the next morning.Unbeknownst to Coral, Flynn is one of the officers sent there to insure nothing is damaged. Unfortunately, property damage is a minor worry as it turns out that one of the woman who sneaks in is found dead there. Hardly a feather in the cap with three Scotland Yard detectives on site. 

That's where the story really takes off. Flynn is torn by his official rank and his sympathy toward the movement which includes his daughter Theresa's growing interest. Coral and Flynn both fight their growing attraction but she quickly falls into helping him whenever possible. Who'd have wanted to kill the vivacious, apparently charming Amy, an American married to a British man? Maybe more puzzling, how did they do it? I'm not going to spoil the plot further for you but let's just say, let's see, it includes not just the suffragette movement but a deep dive into the art world, family drama, forgery, money problems, politics, poisons, and, more. You'll also learn quite a bit about what is called providence, or proof of the authenticity of works of art and it is discerned and proven. As always, I loved the historical aspects of the story (read the author's note at the end for more on that) and enjoyed the behind the scenes look at Big Ben itself, not to mention inside the Parliament building. You'll also be privy to both Coral and Flynn's points of view, which lets you see how things are progressing when the two main characters are apart. The author makes it easier for you to keep the characters straight, btw,, by giving us a character list with a brief description of who is who up front. That was much appreciated as there are quite a few characters.

Bottom line, a fun, relatively quick moving plot. And, nope, I didn't figure it out until the big reveal. I was so sure I had it, too. Good use of red herrings and twists and turns by the author to make it all make sense at the end. The characters were nicely fleshed out and largely likeable. Heck, I felt sympathy for the eventual killer, too, always a sign of good writing. And, oh, yes, seriously liked the ending. Nice to see the romances, yes, plural, moving forward. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to this series and continuing to allow me an early glimpse of Coral's complicated life through the virtual time machine. Looking forward to their next adventure, hopefully without Flynn having to arrest Coral for... well, whatever. 

 

The Old Girls' Island Getaway, by Kate Galley

 

Publication March 4, 2926

While the focus here is on the characters and their connection, there's a bit of intrigue and drama mixed in. Dorothy and Gina are still enjoying life even as the aches and pains, not to mention regrets of life, keep invading. They're joined this go-round by Dorothy's artistically talented grand-daughter who also seems to have the knack for not always realizing (or caring?) how her comments and questions are taken. She's likable but, well, would be a possible embarrassment at any given moment, too. They're invited to the estate of Rupert, a long time friend of Dorothy's, who doesn't seem to have long to live. It's an amazing place, too, including private boats and such, not to mention Ioannis, who I guess you'd call has aide and driver. Then they're joined by movie star Florence who is about to be caught up in the drama of a divorce sure to create a media frenzy after her husband's statement. Her story is an important aspect of the book and provides a shocking twist at the end. Oddly enough, that one's topped soon by a discovery by Dorothy.

I won't detail the plot but it's multi-layered diving into past and present lives and the expectations of each. It took me awhile to get into the story but I'm leaning toward that just being a harsh real world invading my thoughts way too often of late. The characters are likable, even one who appears shady at first meet, and one wishes they could join them on some of their adventures. Dorothy and Gina's impulsive swim sounded delightful. Getting to know Florence, too, was intriguing, reminding us all that what we see on screen isn't necessarily what the actor is really like as a real person. I'm sorta hoping we will get an update on her life in future books, have to admit. The story, while slow to me initially, moves ahead nicely despite leisurely detours for fun and frolic. 

Bottom line,I enjoyed my time with Dorothy, Gina, and friends. Well, not so much Gina's ex-husband. I'm still not certain whether I'll ever warm up to him or not. Right now I'm rooting for Erik. Nope, not telling. Read the book. Like I said, multi-stories with multi-layers. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for this early peek at how things are going in Gina's new life, not to mention some surprising twist hints for likely future story lines. Corfu sounds delightful, that's for sure, though know they'll find other fun places to explore and enjoy, not to mention people to get to know.  

The Case of the Christie Curse (The Detection Club Book 3), by Kelly Oliver

 

Publication Feb. 21, 2026

I seem to have missed book two but it didn't matter. As always, Oliver's words flow and it worked well as a standalone. You'll meet the regulars early on, members of the Detection Club, and get a quick feel for each. Eliza and Theo are the leads, however, and the tension and attraction between them intensifies as the story moves along. I looked back at my review of book one and noted that aspect was rather overwhelming but it was obvious from the blurb that this would be a key element this time so I went with the flow. Agatha is in Mesopotamia and sends a cryptic message to them to come there as things simply aren't right. She doesn't say what but, as it turns out, even Agatha Christie isn't quite sure what is going on amidst the heat and sun baked sands and ever changing light of the site of a high stakes artifact evacuation where we'll also meet one Max Mallowan. Christie fans will know his connection. Grin. In any case, Eliza and Theo, along with Dorothy Sayers, yes, that Dorothy Sayers, go. Eliza even manages to smuggle in her trusty beagle Queenie who, trust me, is a star in this installment. An annoying reporter wanting to interview Agatha tags along soon after.

I won't detail the plot, it's a twisty one, but revolves around not just the murder of artifact catalogue worker Julian Larch but what is going on with missing and odd finds amongst the artifacts being found, not to mention a supposed Queen's Curse and spotted sickness plaguing the workers. Author Oliver excels in describing the setting, making me feel the oppressive heat and gritty sand between my teeth at the height of a sand storm. And, oh, boy, if you're claustrophobic, be prepared for a tense scene Eliza and Theo find themselves in. Poor Theo does take quite a beating through this installment, I must say, but it never dulls his growing attraction to the fact based Eliza. Through it all there's a dash of history, cultural conflicts, curses, people being attacked, lost and found diaries, and troubled characters, both real and fictional. Be sure to read the author's note at the end for more on that. There's a dose of humor here and there, too, to relieve the growing tensions. 

Bottom line,  I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will be looking for the next in the series. Oliver's writing flows with many a poetic phrasing and there are even quotes from Shakespeare that pop up, albeit a few not quite fully accurate. Nope, not telling you any more. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for giving me this early peek at Eliza and Theo's adventures (and misadventures) in a mysterious world while managing to sneak in the debate about who artifacts found should really belong to, one not quite settled to this day, I think. Readers will get a good overview of what an excavation was like in those days, including things like grids resembling chess boards in Theo's mind, and the scholar's need to create order out of a jumble at times. I'm sorry I missed the second book but will be looking forward to the next, especially after that ending. 

Life in the Old Girls Yet, by Celia Anderson

 

Publication Jan. 12, 2026

It's never too late to start over could be the theme of this book. No matter one's age, your age doesn't magically make you whole and complete with nary a backward glance. Let's just say, there are lots of looks back in this book. Vee/Venetia Prescott has returned to her childhood home of Dragonfly Cottage in the village of Willowbrook and feels just as confused and insecure as she was in her teens. There's a story there but I'll leave that for readers to discover on their own but it involves family and secrets. Oh, my, there are lots of secrets in this small village. Secrets and family drama, insecurities, and, well, a reputation to live down in Vee's case. 

But, is she the only one that feels that way? Of course not. She's lucky enough to be taken under the wing of the Saga Louts, a group of three older ladies whose zest for life is rather matched by the chaos of life. Beryl Summerfield is probably most prominent in the story but Althea and Winnie have their moments, as does handyman Rick who hopes Vee doesn't remember him. Oh, trust me, there's a story there, too, competing with several other side stories for our attention. I'm probably making the book sound much darker than it is by focusing on the character stories but it's also full of awakenings, self-discovery, revelations of the past and present, humor, friendship, and, oh, yes, an amazing road trip to France. Why France? Well, it's all to help Vee....but, nope. Not saying any more. It's a fun trip, too, so just kick back and enjoy as the characters begin to open up to life and each other rather than dwelling on perceptions. 

Bottom line, while it took me a bit to get the characters straight and the pace seemed to lag in spots, I enjoyed the ride. The descriptions were well done and the characters, with all their pluses and minuses, were likable and easy to come to care about. There are touches of romance, too, note, that's plural, and the mystery of Vee's past and why her return impacts so many will keep you reading. I'd also note that if you've ever had to renovate a long neglected house will relate to the challenge facing Vee and Rick as they try to bring back the home she knew as a child. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for the opportunity to meet this interesting group and get an early peek as Vee struggles to reconcile her past and present, not to mention her future. 

Vows and Villainy: The Cambridge Bookshop Series, by Elizabeth Penney

 

Publication Nov. 25, 2025

I chuckled to myself at the sheer serendipity of starting this book that features the Ophelia amidst the lilies image just as mega-star Taylor Swift released her song using the symbol. I'm not quite sure Swift will create a huge number of new Shakespeare readers but it was fun to see. Even better, it works well as a standalone. In any case, our main character Molly Kimball is busy helping best friend Daisy plan her wedding at Hazelhurst House manor, the ancestral home of Molly's boyfriend Kieran. Daisy wants to utilize a Shakespeare theme and Molly is having great fun pulling things together, including a troupe of players who'll perform a Shakespeare work, until, well, no surprise for series' readers, there's a murder. Molly discovers one of the theatre (we're in Cambridge, England) troupe dead in the moat. Yes, there's a moat. Kieran's older brother Alan jumps in to try to save Sir Nigel but, alas, he's long gone. Then, to add to the drama, one of the players accuses Alan of being the murderer. Yep, things are going to get complicated real fast. Will Daisy's dream wedding happen? Or, gulp, will there be other murders?

This has quickly become a "must read" series for me. It's strongly character driven and it's been fun to see the growth and changes of the regular cast over the length of the series.  Toss in not one but two weddings in the work (oops, forgot to mention that Molly's aunt is about to be married, too, to a long time romantic interest? Grin), a bookshop to run, friends and family to give her time to, and suspicious accidents, Molly is one busy lady. Honestly, I think I enjoyed watching the very human aspects of Molly's life evolve around her more than I did trying to figure out whodunit. I like the usual cast and they feel a bit like family, albeit with mostly British accents, I'm sure. Let's face it, just imagining the life Kieran had growing up in this manor, moat, maze, and all, and getting to know his mother, not to mention Molly's family better, was a delight. Toss in the imagined Shakespeare sonnets and play snippets and it was a bit like Molly wasn't the only one getting to visit the Globe Theatre in London. 

Bottom line, I won't rehash the plot, it's an intriguing one that you can enjoy while not visualizing the setting and stage actions. As is often the case, the past has a role to play, too, not to mention the Thomas Marlow bookshop Molly runs which has been around for over 400 years. Molly makes mention of her love of the smells of the bookshop, including old paper, leather, wood, and glue, giving you a bit of a virtual sensory experience. And, hey, we get to spend some time finding our way through a maze. Good thing Kieran grew up knowing the way, including the shortcut Alan and he had devised. And, of course, you'll spend time trying to figure out whodunit before Molly, I'm sure. Alan? Surely not. One of the players? Someone from Sir Nigel's not always sparkling clean past? Or, well, maybe the geese shoved him into the moat? Nah, just kidding. You'll love the ending, I do know. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for, first, introducing me to these wonderful characters, and, two, giving me an early peek at how life in Cambridge is treating Molly and her mom after their move from America.  

Murder on the Clock (A Mercy McCarthy Mystery Book 4), by Lucy Connelly

 

Publication Nov. 14, 2025

It took me awhile to get into this one but once I did, I enjoyed it. One of those that while it didn't wow me, it keep me entertained. Twins Lizzy and Mercy McCarthy inherited their grandfather's bookshop and cottage in Ireland and Mercy is trying to find just the right present for Lizzy. She settles on having their mother's old watch, a family keepsake, repaired and takes it to the local Clock & Jewelry store. Next thing you know, the repairman is found dead. Well, while it certainly isn't what Lizzy would have wanted but looks like she's getting a murder investigation for her birthday ... and not one mystery author Mercy wrote ... although Mercy tries mightily to keep it a secret from her that the watch went missing. And, the story is off.

I won't share any more of the plot but will say that despite the to mevslow acceleration of the story, it was nice to get to know the town of Shamrock Cove, Ireland, in the process. It's one of those typical mystery cozy towns where everyone knows each other, often better than some would want. As relative newcomers, Mercy and Lizzie are still feeling their way but have made progress becoming a part of the community. Heck, there even seems to be some s.l.o.w. progress in the relationship between Mercy and Detective Inspector Kiernan. Even better, a potential romance seems to have emerged for Lizzie although that's still a big unknown. Sounds promising, however. Overall, the cast of characters is quirky at times but likable and, hey, let's not forget Mr. Poe, Mercy's canine buddy. The town has secrets and long running feuds but did that lead to murder? Family Dramas? Romance gone wrong? Greed? 

Bottom line, if you like a bit of a slow build, this one will be a hit with you. The rest of us ultimately fell into line, too, as the characters took the spotlight. It's been fun to further differentiate Mercy and Lizzie, Mercy the more introverted writer type, while Lizzie is the more open, caring sort who knows just what to say to others.  It was also rather nice to see people who were willing to take the time and money to have old items repaired rather than simply trash them and buy new. I think I'd have enjoyed that clock shop. Thanks #Bookouture and #NetGalley for this virtual trip to Ireland. Looking forward to seeing more on the potential stalker matter next installment. It largely didn't seem to be an element this go-round.

Forever in Alaska (Moose Falls, Alaska #3), by Belle Calhoune

 

Publication October 28, 2025

A sweet, charming romance set in my own state. Although I'd read the first two in the series, this one would work well as a standalone. Much of the basic background information flowed into the narrative naturally early on. The characters are likable and if you don't come away from the book wishing you knew Hattie Stone, you romance genes are snoozing. Despite her illness, she remains upbeat and determined to see her grandsons settled in happy families in Moose Falls. Landon, the self described nerdy brother who worked as a scientist/chemist, may be her biggest challenge yet. Never mind that, according to Bailey Daniels, he looks like a gorgeous Clark Kent type. His confidence around women is, well, shaky. Needless to say, he's astonished to find himself Bailey's target as she works to convince an unwanted suitor to go away and stay away. Landon and Bailey hadn't even met at that point but things move quickly.

I won't detail the plot. Think Hallmark Channel worthy.  Let's just say, in order to make his ailing grandmother happy on what may be her last Christmas, Landon finds himself in a fake romance with Bailey. He's working out issues from his past job but quickly realizes that his feelings for Bailey aren't fake. Family relationships, his and hers, past events, and the bond between the three brothers, who refer to themselves as the Three Musketeers. not to mention Bailey's family dynamics and tragedy, make Landon and Bailey's bond all the tighter. Hattie reveals some surprising things on her bucket list at the Christmas gathering, I must say, albeit all are not serious. I liked them, though, as they show her zest for life. 

Bottom line, family love and legacy is strong. I liked the characters and the town of Moose Falls rings sounds like a fun place to live. I smiled when a scene flying over the bay was described. I've done that and it made me smile. Alaska is a pretty magical place. Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for giving me that early peek and Christmas smile. I didn't note the exact line but Hattie's saying that even though she was near the end of her time she was still living was inspiring and a reminder to us all the live every moment with gusto.

The Christmas Keepsake (Love in Bloom, 2), by Annie Rains

 

Publication October 7, 2025

Uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time, if that's possible. Having dealt with a family member with dementia, I loved the whole idea of the keepsake memory book, especially done via collected Christmas keepsakes with a written memory attached to them. Although I hadn't read the first book of the series, it worked very well as a standalone. In fact, I wasn't even sure it was a series until I double checked the title and say book two indicated. Watching Hollis and Mallory find their way to each other despite the very strong walls they'd built around their emotions to protect themselves was a delight. I immediately liked them both, especially Hollis and his work with dogs. A foster child himself, he was sort of giving unwanted dogs the second chance they needed, even when he frequently seemed to need patching up from canine related accidents. 

It certainly didn't hurt that Mallory was a nurse and frequently the one applying the care, especially since she's working extra shifts to help pay for her grandmother Nan's spot in the memory care facility. Nan doesn't remember Mallory anymore but her story is told through the, oh, so honest journal she kept to explain the keepsake items. It's both sweet and sad, though the book manages never to let us sink too far into the "I need a tissue" range. As it turns out, Mallory's emotional trip via the journal opens the way for her to both give and take support from Hollis. He's dealing with a host of roller-coaster emotions, too, torn between his own dreams and those of others. You'll like his Pop, I'm sure, and come to love the Nan we meet through the journal stories. "Santa, Baby", the play she wrote that has become a holiday tradition, is one with a message for many, too, I'm sure.

I won't share any more of the plot as it's a joy to read and get to know the characters almost as they're rediscovering who they are and reaching for their own dreams. I think it's a John Lennon quote about life being what happens when we're making other plans and that is surely true here. Life, both the good and bad, is very much what we make of it. Hollis rescues dogs. Can he rescue himself? Will Mallory let him into her heart? Will family drama take over or love? Will the Christmas play be the beginning or the end of Mallory's dreams? Thanks #Forever - #GrandCentralPublishing for reminding me why I so loved Annie Rains' books in the past. Thanks for bringing me back with this warm hearted look at memories, dreams, family, and, yes, dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. 

 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine (Mrs. Claus Mysteries Book 6), by Liz Ireland

Publication Sept. 30, 2025

I adore this quirky series. To be honest, while the mystery is always intriguing, I'm there as much to lose myself in the fantasy world of SantaLand as for the mystery. I mean, cranky flying reindeer feuding over Flouncy, a flirtatious female reindeer from the Vixen herd, naturally. A stuffed up, talking snowman. A police station jail cell that is more hotel room than cell. Flying sleighs, with or without reindeer power, note. I mean, the are quite up-to-date there. Cut throat candy competitions. And, oh, so many other fun, quirky bits of this North Pole that don't quite match up with the long time traditional image. Heck, Santa is even not only young but hot. Sorry, ladies, he's married. April Claus is an amateur sleuth who always seems to find herself in the middle of some wrong doing, even murder.

That's the case here. Who killed elf fireman Sterling Redwinkle just as he seemed about to pop the question to his elf girlfriend Juniper? With a poisoned rose, no less. That's just the beginning. April is on the case but also caught up in preparations for BFF Claire's upcoming wedding to private detective Jake Frost. Yes, related to Jack Frost.  Even better (well, maybe....you'll see) she's to be married at Castle Kringle, home of the extended Claus Family. Current Santa Nick is simply holding down the job while waiting for his nephew Christopher to reach adulthood but has proven a caring, wise Santa. April often wishes she had his way with words. Well, when she isn't fretting that the romance is fading this go-round. She even resorts to taking one of those generic magazine quizzes to determine if he's drifting away from her. Yes, they read those magazines in SantaLand, too, it seems. In any case, given her busy schedule, which involves lots of chocolate (a woman after my own heart) and snooping, er, looking into the murder, she barely has time to focus on anything else. She's even desperate enough investigating to descend into Hades. Nope. Not explaining that one. You'll just have to read. Honest, it isn't what you're thinking. Grin.

Bottom line,  as noted, I thoroughly enjoy this series and the various novellas that pop up periodically. The characters, many of which are elves or.....nah, not telling, are quirky and have personalities all their own. the Dowager Mrs. Claus is a force in her own right and harbors no nonsense but, well, we get to see another side of her here, too. Claire has a surprise for April, too, not to mention Jake. Yikes, is the wedding off? Murder does have a way of dousing one's enthusiasm. In any case, if you're looking for a fun mystery with quirky characters, even if it involves talking reindeer and snowmen, this one is for you. Heck, I normally don't read stuff in the fantasy realm, either, but this one has me hooked. Thanks #KensigntonPublishing and #NetGalley for allowing me to time travel and have this early peek at how SantaLand celebrates Valentine's Day. I'm already waiting impatiently for the next chance to drop in on April Claus and the whole crew. Hope she doesn't eat all the chocolate before I get there.