Silk and Sensibility

About the Book:

Title: Silk and Sensibility
Author: Mengxi Seeley
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: September 15th, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

A charming retelling of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility set in Ming-dynasty China.

Two sisters with conflicting attitudes on passion and restraint must each choose between the traditions that bind their hearts and pursuing the love that could save them.

Nineteen-year-old Ailin is torn between duty and desire. Following her father’s death, her family must rely on the wealthy Jiang clan for financial survival. Though Ailin knows she must marry strategically to help her family, her heart has already been captured by the poor but gentle scholar Enze. When his family opposes their union, Ailin knows she must hide her feelings from everyone until she can strengthen her dowry and stand on her own terms.

Meilin encourages her older sister to fight for her personal desires, but Meilin’s romantic ideals conflict with Ailin’s devotion to duty. Meilin believes in being honest about one’s feelings regardless of what others may think, and she unabashedly pursues a charming playwright while also clashing with a frustratingly handsome but gruff army captain.

Each sister would do anything to help the other find happiness, but their assumptions about restraint and passion are as different as earth and sky. Ailin feels honor bound to her family yet is unable to deny her love for Enze, even as circumstances push them further apart, while Meilin grapples with unexpected feelings for Captain Bai and societal restrictions that leave little room for her own hopes.

Silk and Sensibility explores the delicate cultural expectations of womanhood in historical China by following two sisters who must learn to balance loyalty and longing, courage and constraint, to claim their own happiness.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! This book was so good!! I thought the concept was interesting from the beginning, and Seeley does an amazing job of making this classic story her own.

I really loved the dynamic between the two sisters from the beginning. Since I also have two sisters in my life, sibling relationships are always one of my favorite things in a story. Seeley did a great job in showing the tension and love in their relationship. Ailin and Meilin were so different from each other, and neither one of them could see the other person’s point of view. But that felt really realistic to me. Both of them had valid points to their arguments and they learned to balance each out.

I felt for Ailin from the beginning of the story. She was struggling with her familial responsibilities, and her sacrifices throughout the book were so admirable. I loved seeing her come into herself and learn how to fight for what she loved. Meilin truly did everything with her whole heart. She was passionate about everything, and while there were times when I was frustrated with her impulsivity, I also understood her. She truly lived life to the fullest, and she didn’t understand why her sister wouldn’t do the same.

The romances in this one were so cute! Enze and Captain Bai fit each other sister perfectly, and I loved seeing things unfold between the two couples. At the same time though, I felt like the sister relationship was really honored and elevated, and I loved that part. I couldn’t put this book down! It’s so engaging, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances!

I received a complimentary copy 

Second Down and Second Chances

About the Book:

Second Down and Second Chances (River Foxes Football Romance Book 2)

Title: Second Down and Second Chances
Series: River Foxes Football Romance #2
Author: Leah Dobrinska
Release Date:  September 8th, 2026
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Lawrence Poe, tight end for the Green Bay River Foxes, is a type-A control freak who functions best when his house is clean, his spreadsheets are updated, and his protein shakes are precisely measured. Adding a four-year-old to his structured schedule isn’t going to be easy, but his sister needs him to watch his niece, and he always shows up for his family. Still, with training camp and other football commitments, Lawrence can’t watch Ana alone. Enter Beni Fitzgerald—his sister’s best friend and Ana’s Godmother—a woman who threatens every aspect of his controlled, orderly life.

An artistic free spirit, Beni Fitzgerald is a type-B dreamer who lives by the mantra all will be well. No, she wouldn’t choose to spend the summer living with a man who is her polar opposite, but she’ll do anything for her Goddaughter, even if that puts her directly in the path of Lawrence Poe. Beni has always yearned for a place to belong, and Lawrence made it clear it’s not with him after he gave her the best kiss of her life five years ago only to pull away and call it all a mistake.

But their forced proximity requires compromise, and as the duo grows in understanding and trust, both Lawrence and Beni realize this could be a summer of second chances.

Three months. Two enemies. Under one roof. Everything could go wrong. But what if they’ve stumbled into something right?

Second Down and Second Chances is a snappy and sizzling closed door romance with kissing only and no implied intimacy, perfect for fans of the opposites attract and enemies to more tropes. This is the second book in the River Foxes Football Romance series. All titles can be read as standalones.

Book Review:

Ah, this was just so sweet and I loved coming back to this series. Beni and Lawrence were definitely fiery with each other and it was a lot of fun to read about their interactions. Second Down and Second Chances is the second book in Leah Dobrinska’s series, River Foxes Football Romance. 

Beni and Lawrence definitely had their challenges. They had a history together and had made assumptions about each other. But it was sweet how they put aside their differences to help Lawrence’s sister and niece. I loved reading about them getting to know each other better and seeing that they might have made some wrong assumptions. They were both just people who were trying to belong.

I really felt for both of them as they navigated their relationship and cared for Ana. They were more enemies at first but they grew to friends and more. Lawrence was just a big sweetheart who wanted to protect those under his care. He would just blurt out things when he was nervous but he tried his best. Beni just wanted someone to truly see her. She embraced life fully but she also had to learn not to run in fear. I love how they took the time to see the other person and try to understand their fears and hopes. 

The romance fit them. It was a slow burn as they worked through their frustrations. I loved how the football team supported Lawrence. Their interactions were so funny. I really enjoyed this book and I would totally recommend it! I am so excited for the next book! Del’s book is going to be amazing. Second Down and Second Chances is a closed door romantic comedy. 

What I loved:

Ana! She was so much fun

The chemistry between Beni and Lawrence

The football team 

Doris and her neighborly ways 

The way that they supported each other 

Hope and learning 

I received a complimentary copy

Silent Strike

About the Book:

Silent Strike: Volume 3 (A Luke Steele Novel)

Title: Silent Strike
Series: A Luke Steele #3
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: September 1st, 2026
Genre: Romantic Suspense

In the heart of Washington, one deadly secret could topple the presidency and ignite a national crisis.

Captain Luke Steele knows the corridors of power can be as perilous as any battlefield. As a military aide to the president, he carries the nuclear codes and stands at the center of America’s most closely guarded secrets. But when whispers of betrayal swirl inside the White House, Luke is drawn into a web of political corruption and hidden agendas that threaten not just the presidency but the stability of the entire nation too.

FBI Agent Amberlyn Reiner never expected her late grandmother to leave behind more than keepsakes. But on Christmas Eve, Amberlyn receives an unmarked box containing her grandmother’s jewelry from Eastern Europe, coded documents, and obituaries linking to a string of suspicious deaths. As Amberlyn digs deeper, she uncovers whispers of Cold War poisons, vanished operatives, and secrets someone will kill to bury. What her grandmother knew connects directly to a network that didn’t die with the fall of the Iron Curtain.

Together Luke and Amberlyn must follow a trail of hidden alliances stretching from the highest offices in Washington to the quiet streets of Europe. With time running out and enemies embedded within their own government, the two are thrust into a deadly game, where one misstep could cost them their lives–and ignite an international crisis.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! I didn’t want to put this book down. There were so many twists and turns. I loved getting to see Luke and Amberlyn again. Silent Strike is the third book in Traci Hunter Abramson’s Luke Steele series. We get to follow Amberlyn and Luke as they embark on another mission and adventure. 

I love both Amberlyn and Luke, I was really cheering for them as they tried to figure out the mysteries presented to them. It was nice how you get to know them more and more each book. They felt like real people who I would love to know. I love how sweet they were together but how they were also honroable and trying to get their work done. 

The suspense and plot had me on the edge of my seat! I didn’t want know what was going to happen. It was really interesting getting to see different perspectives and knowing just a little bit more than Luke and Amberlyn. The main
“Bad guy” really did their job well. They were sneaky and there were times when I wondered if they would succeed. I don’t want to give too much away but all I will say is that you need to read this!

I loved this book and I would totally recommend it! It was the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, excitement and romance. Silent Strike is a romantic suspense. 

Content warnings:

Violence

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Tangled with the Tight End

About the Book:

Title: Tangled with the Tight End
Series: Tennessee Thunder Football #1
Author: Savannah Scott
Release Date: August 18th, 2026
Genre: Rom-Com

He makes a living taking hits. She’s the one he never saw coming.

Declan O’Connell knows exactly who he is: star tight end, hometown hero, and a man who’s never been one to sit on the sidelines

Winona Carter knows exactly what she wants: a nursing degree, a steady paycheck, and time with her book club friends. She’s not interested in distractions—especially not the kind with a fan club that wraps around the block.

When Declan is injured, Winona shows up. She’s here to do a job. Nothing more.

But recovery has a way of slowing a man down and forcing him to notice the one woman in town who isn’t impressed by his stats, his fame, or his charm.

Now the clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Declan.
Will what they shared in private be able to survive in the spotlight?

Tangled with the Tight End is a forced proximity, opposites-attract romcom, and the first standalone book in the Tennessee Thunder Football series. This story is a closed-door romance with kisses that will have your heart doing a touchdown dance.

Book Review:

This was so cute! I loved returning to Waterford and adored this start to a new series. If you have read the Firefighters of Waterford, TN series, you will be excited to see old friends and read their stories! 

Winona was so fun! I loved her genuineness and vibrancy. She was so sweet and caring, while she tried to juggle all the responsibilities she had. Between her nursing degree, friends and family, and side jobs, she was not looking for anything else. She felt a little adrift and throughout the story settled into her place. I loved how she cared for people and took genuine interest in them. I loved her relationship with her sister and how they supported each other, even with their differences. 

I adored her and Declan together! Declan was a sweetheart under his focus and more gruff nature. I loved seeing him open up with Winona and how thoughtful he was., especially with her. They supported each other wholeheartedly, even when there were issues.. Declan could be overly focused and a perfectionist, but he cared deeply. They were adorable.!

I loved all the side characters in this lovely town! There are characters from former series and I especially enjoy Winona’s group of friends. They are so encouraging and supportive. It was also a lot of fun getting to know the football team! They were hilarious. I flew through this book and can’t wait for more of this series! This is a sweet sports romcom with only kisses.

I received an ARC.

Terms and Traditions

About the Book:

Terms and Traditions: A Sweet Fake Dating Rom-Com (The Reluctant Romantics Book 1)

Title: Terms and Traditions
Series: The Reluctant Romantics: #1
Author: Morgan Taylor Giesbrecth
Release Date: November 4th, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Fake dating my millionaire boss was not on my Christmas list, but I’m not complaining.


Stephanie:
I’ve kept my crush on Nash Prescott under wraps for two years. We might be friends, but I’m still his PA. Until that fatal office Christmas party when my frayed emotions had me opening my big mouth and asking Nash to spend the holidays with me at my dysfunctional family’s cabin… as my fake boyfriend. I’m not sure what’s more surprising—that I didn’t pass out when I asked or the fact he said yes.

But Nash offers up a twist of his own: dating for real. He’s all I ever wanted, but saying yes to more means opening myself up to even more heartbreak. And I’m terrified once the sugarplum haze of the holidays finally pops, we’ll find we’re really better off as friends.


Nash:
Hold all calls, Christmas came early. Having Stephanie propose fake dating while vacationing with her family for the holidays in snowy Jackson, Wyoming, means coming face to face with the man behind the biggest rival company for my marketing firm—Stephanie’s dad.

Won’t this Christmas be jolly. But Stephanie’s worth it despite all the initial rites of passage and barbs that fly our way. The only problem? Persuading Stephanie to take a chance on us for real. But if I play my cards right and prove to her I’m in for the long-haul, this might just be my favourite Christmas ever.


Terms and Traditions is a friends-to-lovers, boss/personal assistant, fake dating, sweet romantic comedy with plenty of heart, faith, swoon, and laugh aloud Christmas shenanigans—all without the spice.

Book Review:

I picked up this book on a whim and I ended up loving it. Terms and Traditions is the first book in Morgan Taylor Giesbrecht’s The Reluctant Romantics series. Oh, this was a lovely book that tugged on my heartstrings. The characters had been through so much and were learning to trust each other and God. 

Stephanie and Nash were both broken people who were learning to heal. I loved getting to know them both! They felt real and genuine. I felt for Stephanie as she tried to navigate her family’s Christmas events and her own feelings of doubt and self worth. She had to learn to stop running in fear and let others in. Nash had his own fears to work through. It was sweet to see him finding his place and his family as he spent more time with Stephanie. He had to figure out if he was willing to let Stephanie in and fight for her. 

They had both fallen for each other but they had to figure out how to make a relationship work. It was sweet to see their genuine care for each other. They helped the other person feel safe. I enjoyed reading about them falling for each other and choosing to love. 

This was such an engaging book and I didn’t want to put it down. I love the themes of trusting God and found family. Stephanie’s family was a piece of work but I love how she had some people in her corner. The side characters were a lot of fun and I am excited to read the next books in the series! I would totally recommend this book! Terms and Traditions is a clean inspirational romance. 

Book Highlights:

He’s her boss

Found family 

Faith themes

Fake dating to more 

Christmas 

He protects her 

Friend groups

Banter and fun

Found in Wild Sage

About the Book:

Found in Wild Sage: A Small Town Romance (Juniper View Series Book 2)

Title: Found in Wild Sage
Series: Juniper View Skies #2
Author: Claire Cain
Release Date: August 26th, 2026
Genre: Closed Door Contemporary Romance

I’ll do anything to keep my son safe, even marry my stoic doctor boss.

Escaping from an abusive ex and starting fresh in a small town was hard enough. Finding out my ex is trying to get custody of my baby and might actually have a shot at it is a hundred times worse.

I love my son—he’s my whole world. I can’t lose him. When Dr. Declan Ryan, the quiet, gorgeous man I work for suggests we can solve the custody problem by marrying, I’m shocked. Embarrassed.

And fully willing.

I’ve been crushing on this brilliant, kind, handsome man since the moment I met him last summer, but he’s got nothing but professional fondness for me. And if he’s offering to make me look more stable and secure for my son’s future, I can’t say no. I’ll just have to keep my feelings quiet.

The trick is, I fall in love with everything about this situation—being near him, his family, and even his adorable little house. He’s dedicated in a way I’ve never dreamed a man could be, and he’s so tender with my son, and me, I can hardly handle it.

How will I ever disentangle myself from this fake marriage when the thing I love most is being his?

Book Review:

Okay, so I just adored this book. THe story and the characters. Evie and Declan were just the sweetest together and it was so interesting to learn more about them. I have been eagerly awaiting Evie’s book ever since I first saw her in a previous series and it did not disappoint. Found in Wild Sage is the second book in Claire Cain’s Juniper Views series. 

Evie and Declan were just perfect together! They both felt so deeply in their own ways. I loved how they tried to consider the other person and looked out for each other. They did need to learn to communicate a little bit better with each other but it fit their character and story. It was sweet to read about them falling for each other and choosing each other. 

I loved the growth of the characters. They both had to learn to be brave and reach out to the other person. Their relationship was a slow burn as they worked to understand their feelings while in a marriage of convenience. Charlie was just the sweetest and I love how quickly he connected with Declan. 

I loved Declan’s family and the way that they brought Evie into their fold. The family scenes were so sweet. The book was really engaging and I didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed this and I would totally recommend it! Found in Wild Sage is a closed door contemporary romance. 

What I loved:

The Ryan family 

The way that Declan cares for Evie

Charlie was just the sweetest

Hints of the books to come. 

I received a complimentary copy

Once Upon a Pumpkin

About the Book:

Once Upon A Pumpkin: A Cozy Fantasy Cinderella Retelling (The Galamere Chronicles)

Title: Once Upon an Pumpkin
Series: The Galamere Chronicles #3
Author: Gabrielle Landi
Release Date: September 24th, 2025
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A missing duchess, a stable boy, and a magical ball.

Years ago, Dietrich failed to prevent the disappearance of the Duke’s daughter, and the guilt has eaten at him ever since. His persistent searching has finally paid off, but now that he’s found the missing girl, he doesn’t know what to do. The obvious answer is to tell her father, but her plea to let her stay hidden leaves him torn between his duty to the Duke and the need to protect the girl he can’t stop thinking about.

Trading in her apron for a ball gown is a terrifying prospect for Ella, but if it gives her the chance to leave her step family and find a family that truly loves her, she’ll try. As Dietrich teaches her how to be a duchess, her feelings for him develop into something that hardly seems appropriate for a duchess and her father’s stable master, leaving her wondering if rejoining the nobility is what she truly wants.

Can love transcend the limits they’ve imposed, or will Dietrich and Ella allow duty to reign supreme?

Book Review:

What a sweet story! I love this cozy low-stress series and the combination of Cinderella and Anastasia inspiration was so fun!

Dietrich was a sweetheart, even though he hid it sometimes behind gruffness. He had a strong sense of responsibility, especially around the missing duchess. I loved his dedication to his work and his relationship with his mom! She obviously loved him, even as she teased him and sought to care for him. 

Ella was quite the character! Even though she had difficulty with her stepfamily, she still had a strong sense of herself and who she wanted to surround herself with. She and Dietrich did not always agree, especially as they tried to discover her heritage. Ella wanted to find her place. Even with the possibility of her noble heritage, she wanted to learn about being a duchess.

Ella and Dietrich were a lot of fun together! They quickly became comfortable with one another and even though they sometimes clashed, there was trust in each other and appreciation for one another. I loved seeing them get to know one another. They both had to trust each other.  Beatrice was also a fun addition! I loved how she and Ella were able to build a friendship.

This fairytale inspired cozy romance is low stress and has only kissing. It does include mention of Cinderella-type treatment from Ella’s stepfamily.

I received an ARC.

A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates

About the Book:

Title: A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates
Author: Jennifer Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: August 8th, 2026
Genre: Historical Romance

The goddaughter of a legendary pirate joins forces with a guarded sea captain to undertake a perilous rescue mission—one that may cost them everything, including their hearts. Jane Austen meets Pirates of the Caribbean.

Annabelle Bradford was born on the sea and, as an infant, was claimed by pirate captain Reid Courtney as part of the spoils of seizure. Though she lives in London, she spends every summer aboard her godfather’s ship, exploring the ocean and embracing the freedom the horizon offers.

But when her godfather is kidnapped by a rival captain who is hunting for lost Spanish treasure, Annabelle must set sail on the most dangerous mission of her life—but first she’ll have to break a pirate out of prison.

Captain Hawke has vowed to never return to the cursed Isla de Plata, not even if the lovely but arrogant Lady Bradford practically demands it of him in exchange for his freedom. When she also promises him a ship of his own once Captain Courtney is rescued, Hawke reluctantly agrees to sail with her and her crew.

Though Annabelle and Hawke initially clash over who will captain the ship, as they travel through storms and dangers toward the mysterious Devil’s Triangle, the lady’s heart begins to soften toward the charismatic pirate captain. But what if he doesn’t love her back? What if when they are done, he simply sails over the horizon without her?

Annabelle knows how to navigate both the ballrooms of London and the waves of the ocean, but finding her way to true love may prove to be the most difficult journey of all.

Book Review:

Ahh, this was so cute and good! This looked like a lot of fun and I ended up really enjoying it. I hadn’t really read a lot of books that had pirates in them so I was excited to see how this book would end up. 

Annabelle was a spitfire and full of life. I loved reading about her! She deeply cared for those in her circle and would do anything for them. Hawke had been hardened by life and disappointments but underneath was a kind man. They definitely clashed at first but they learned to work together to save Annabelle’s godfather, Court. 

I loved getting to know both of the characters! They felt real. Annabelle was searching for her place in life and Hawke was just trying to get by. Their interactions were a lot of fun to read about. They were so sweet together as they began to see the other person better. They definitely had enemies to lovers vibes! Both had to grow but it was cool to learn about their journeys. 

I didn’t want to put this book down! I ended up reading it in one day. I wasn’t sure what to expect or what was going to happen next. The side characters were also a lot of fun. I love how the pirate crew accepted Annabelle as their own and cared for her. I was sad to see this book come to an end. I would totally recommend it! A Lady’s Guide to Love and Pirates is a clean historical romance 

Content warnings: pirates, violence 

Book Highlights:

Found family 

He teaches her to fight

Pirates

Enemies to lovers

Mystery and adventure

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through Netgalley. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Run Home

About the Book:

Run Home: A Sweet Baseball Romance (Kansas City Crowns Book 2)

Title: Run Home
Series: Kansas City Crowns
Author: Tracy Baack
Release Date: June 30th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy

She thinks her past left her too broken to find love. Her brother’s best friend thinks she could be the one he wants to love forever.

Adrian Ortiz lives at the top of the world. He’s the star third baseman for the Kansas City Crowns and a favorite player of baseball fans everywhere. His contagious energy and playful approach to life have opened up one amazing opportunity after another. But after watching his best friend and former teammate, Griffin West, fall in love last year, Adrian realizes he’s missing the most important piece—his person to share those experiences with. And he thinks he knows who he wants that person to be.

Griffin’s younger sister.

Sam West has been around the professional baseball world—and Adrian—for years working as Griffin’s personal assistant. Now, she’s pursuing her own passion in cosmetology school, carving out a corner of the world for herself. She’s almost wholly content, until Griffin’s approaching wedding stirs Sam’s longing to find a love of her own. There’s just one problem—Sam buried that desire a long time ago. Her difficult childhood and time in foster care prior to joining the West family left her feeling too broken to experience a healthy relationship.

Will Sam choose the chance at love right in front of her? Or will she let her past dictate her future?

Run Home is the second book in the Kansas City Crowns series. While it can be read as a standalone, start with Home Safe for the best reader experience. This is a brother’s best friend, he falls first baseball romance with a mental health healing journey – perfect for readers who enjoy meaningful contemporary romance and want a closed-door sports romance with plenty of swoon but no spice.

See Author’s Note for content considerations.

Book Review:

Ahhh, I was just so excited for this one especially after reading Home Safe! Samantha and Adrien were so cute together and I loved reading about their journey together. Home Safe is the second book in Tracy Baack’s Kansas City Crowns series. Baack always weaves such touching, heartwarming stories that leave you smiling through the tears. 

Samantha had been through so much, but it was cool to see her grow throughout it. I was cheering for Samantha as she learned to work through her trauma and past. She was such a sweet character and so strong. I loved Samantha and the way that she cared for the people around her. Even though she was going through a lot she still cared for others fiercely. 

Adrien was a sweetheart! He had fallen so hard for Samantha and was now trying to figure out life. I just loved getting to see him care for Samantha and even learn more about himself as he spent time with her. Adrien had to figure out what he wanted in life and how he was going to fight for Samantha. 

Their relationship was so sweet, they both cared so much for each other! However they had to work through some obstacles to make their relationship work. I liked how they talked to each other and really tried to meet the other person where they were at. Although they had been friends first, they still took the time to get to know each other. 

The side characters were a lot of fun! It was cool to see Danea, Griffin and Jason again. I loved seeing how both Adrien and Samantha interacted with them. It was also fun to get to know some new characters too! I am hoping that there are more books to come in this series! 

I would totally recommend this book! The characters felt real and I was rooting for them as they chased after their dreams. Run Home is a closed door contemporary romance 

Content Warnings:

Past child abandonment, foster care experiences, death of a parent (past), physical abuse as a child (past)

Book Highlights:

Found Family 

Learning and growing 

Baseball 

Brother’s best friend 

Friends to lovers 

He takes care of her

Healthy relationships 

Hair stylist FMC 

Baseball player MMC

I received a complimentary copy

You Had Me at Big Foot

About the Book:

You Had Me at Bigfoot: A Daphne Drew Mystery

Title: You Had Me at Bigfoot
Series: A Daphne Drew Mystery#1
Author: Mengxi Seeley
Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishers
Release Date: July 7th, 2026
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Rookie journalist Daphne and war photographer Clark investigate a missing maid and rumors of Bigfoot sightings—uncovering danger, buried lies, and unexpected romance deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Rookie investigative journalist Daphne Drew is finally on assignment—though it’s not exactly the hard-hitting story she imagined. Sent to cover a high-society wedding at an opulent Pacific Northwest lodge, Daphne expects floral arrangements and champagne flutes, not whispered rumors of a missing maid . . . or reports of Bigfoot sightings.

She’s not alone. Tagging along is Clark Finklestine-Henry, a decorated war photographer with a haunted past—and a camera sharp enough to catch more than just candid reception shots. Together with their loyal dogs, Daphne and Clark begin to suspect something much darker is lurking in the forested shadows of the hotel grounds.

As wedding guests arrive and tension simmers beneath the surface, Daphne and Clark uncover a tangled web of lies, legends, and lost fortune—one that ties the vanished maid, some returning friends, and the infamous DB Cooper together in a mystery that’s anything but folklore.

Book Review:

What a fun story! Cozy mysteries are not my go-to, but I really enjoyed this one and am excited to read more about Daphne and Clark!

I enjoyed Daphne’s POV. She was in a transition period and feeling a bit adrift. However, she was also determined and upbeat. I admired her resilience as she focused on her new position with Hannah’s company. Daphne felt very classic mystery and I loved the references to Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo. Clark was also really fun and I loved their dynamic. He was the practical and realistic foil to Daphne’s more vibrant energy and love of paranormal. They meshed well together and I loved how they complemented each other.

The story was a lot of fun and I appreciated the cozy vibes. It was definitely an intriguing mystery, but wasn’t too intense either. I also loved the side characters in this! Hannah and Jilly were so sweet and I loved the dogs. All the characters at the hotel were also so interesting and really made the world feel real. I was rooting for Daphne and Clark to solve the mystery and it was an altogether enjoyable read! This is a cozy murder mystery with nondescriptive mystery elements.

I received an ARC.