#BookReview ~ Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) by Victoria Tait ~ #CozyMystery #Portugal

 

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery) by Victoria Tait

About Antiques and Adversity in the Azores:

 

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores (A Treasured Journey Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting - Azores, Portugal

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kanga Press (March 14, 2025)

Number of Pages c. 240

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DRY16XMQ

Beneath a tranquil island's charm, a deadly mystery emerges from the lake. Can an amateur sleuth uncover the truths hidden within decades of tradition before the past claims another victim?

Troubled antiques expert, Georgina Carey, is reeling from the loss of her husband, her job, and her self-assurance. When she’s offered a commission to value the estate of a deceased Portuguese collector in the Azores—wherever that is—she reluctantly accepts.

A lakeside house nestled in the lush greenery of São Miguel Island seems like the perfect retreat to confront her past and prepare for her future. But her tranquillity is shattered when a body is found floating in the lake, echoing a mysterious death from over 30 years ago.

Despite her best intentions to focus solely on the commission, Georgina finds herself drawn into the secrets of the local town as residents unexpectedly confide in her. As she pieces together their stories, she starts to wonder if the deaths were as accidental as they seemed or if something more unsettling is at play.

Can Georgina stay on task, find an heir to the estate, and uncover the truth behind two mysterious deaths on this beguiling island in the Atlantic?

If you enjoy enchanting locations, small-town mysteries, and an intelligent sleuth grappling with self-doubt as she finds the strength to reshape her future, then you’ll love Victoria Tait’s Antiques and Adversity in the Azores, the captivating first book in The Treasured Journey Mystery series."

Traditions, secrets, and a deadly mystery. Buy Antiques and Adversity in the Azores today!

My Review:

Antiques and Adversity in the Azores is the first book in the Treasured Journey Mystery series. Georgina Carey is still recovering from the loss of her husband and job. When offered, Georgina takes an offer to settle the estate of a deceased collector in Portugal. A change of pace is exactly what she needs. A dead body floating in a lake on the estate, however, was not part of the plan.

I love the setting of Antiques and Adversity in the Azores. I've not read a book set in Portugal yet and love the uniqueness. The characters are well-written and Georgina is a wonderful protagonist. There are several suspects to consider in the recent death and the death is mimics from 30 year ago. I love the twists and turns that kept me guessing.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

About Victoria Tait:

Victoria Tait was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, where she developed a lifelong love of tea and British traditions. Inspired by the works of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder, She Wrote, she writes cozy mysteries infused with her signature British charm.

Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. With intrigue, surprises, and gentle humour, Victoria’s page-turning stories are the perfect blend of mystery and charm—best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

Read the FREE prequel to her Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series at her website.

Or click Follow for updates.

Author Links Website BookBub Instagram Pinterest Goodreads

Purchase Link Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

March 15 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – REVIEW

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March 16 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author - SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 18 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 19 – Storybook Lady – REVIEW

March 19 – Ruff Drafts – RECIPE

March 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 21 – Wine Cellar Library – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 22 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 23 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW 

March 24 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW

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#BookReview ~ Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery, Book 1) by Daryl Wood Gerber #CozyMystery #GreatEscapesBookTours #BookLover

Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery) by Daryl Wood Gerber

About Essence of Foul Play:

 

Essence of Foul Play (An Aroma Wellness Mystery)

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting - California

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies (March 25, 2025)

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496751507

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496751508

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DB3SGV1Q

Emma Brennan may have her head in a cloud of eucalyptus, but her feet are firmly planted on the ground in breathtaking Carmel, California, as she prepares to open her new spa business, Aroma Wellness. But all the reiki, shiatsu, and massage in the world can’t help her relax when she’s accused of murder . . . Everything is going smoothly as Emma prepares for the grand opening of the spa. The therapy rooms are painted. The sales shop and café are stocked with meditative and delicious goodies, from essential oils to avocado masks and prickly pear massages. The fountain in the Courtyard of Peace is burbling with good vibrations. In fact, there isn’t a whiff of trouble until that morning when Emma is shocked to learn that a rival spa owner has been bludgeoned . . . with an item from the goodwill basket Emma gave her. Worse, a witness is pointing the finger at Emma . . . With the police treating Emma like she’s the only suspect, and the town’s anti New Age anything posse badmouthing her every step of the way, she’s left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Incensed by the accusations but empowered by her cousin, her nana, and her trusted Birman cat, Vivi, Emma reviews the potpourri of possible suspects, determined to uncover the essence of foul play—before she’s cold-pressed for murder . . .

My Review:

Essence of Foul Play is the first book in the new Aroma Wellness Mystery series. Set in Carmel, California, Emma's dream of opening her own wellness spa is finally a reality. Prior to her opening, however, several townsfolk give Emma anything book good wishes. When her dear friend and bitter rival is found dead, Emma finds herself the only suspect. She knows she didn't do it, so that means a killer is still on the loose, and the only way to exonerate herself, it seems, is to do a little investigating herself.

There are several surprises in store for the reader. I enjoyed the location, setting, and occupation of this book. Essence of Foul Play delivers a complex mystery filled with a large assortment of suspects. Of course, we have a police officer that, while we know he's working on this case, isn't working on it fast enough for Emma. She's pulling out all the stops to figure out the motive and murderer. There is a cross-series meet-up in Essence of Foul Play and I enjoyed it very much. I love when authors bring in characters from other series' for cameos. 

This is another unique story with a unique setting by this author. The characters are fun and exciting. I love meeting them. Emma is wonderful protagonist and love that she's got a grandma around that supports her. Her mother is something else. The author delivers several suspects with means and motive, and figuring out who committed the crime was difficult. There are twists and turns and red herrings, and while I may have suspected who committed the crime, I never was really sure until the end.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

 

About Daryl Wood Gerber:

Daryl Wood Gerber is the Agatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author of the Literary Dining Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the Cookbook Nook Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she penned the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries. In addition, Daryl writes suspense including the well-received The Son’s Secret, Girl on the Run, and the popular Aspen Adams suspense novels. Recently Daryl, who loves a challenge, published a Christmas romance, Hope for the Holidays. Fun Tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, garden, read, and walk her frisky Goldendoodle. Also she has been known to jump out of a perfectly good airplane. You can learn more on her website: httsp://darylwoodgerber.com

Author Links:

WEBSITE: https://darylwoodgerber.com

FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/darylwoodgerber

BOOKBUB: https://bookbub.com/authors/daryl-wood-gerber

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/woodgerb1

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/darylwoodgerber

GOODREADS: https://goodreads.com/darylwoodgerber

TIKTOK: www.tiktok.com/@daryl_wood_gerber

AMAZON: https://bit.ly/Daryl_Wood_Gerber_page

NEWSLETTER: https://darylwoodgerber.com/contact-media/

Purchase Links:

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

BOOKSHOP.ORG

KOBO

MYSTERIOUS GALAXY 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

March 18 – Sneaky the Library Cat's Blog – VIVI INTRODUCTION

March 18 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 18 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT

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March 19 – Moonlight Rendezvous – RECIPE

March 19 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 20 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 20 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

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Frozen Flames by M.H.B. (The Hollow, #3) ~ Contemporary Romance

Frozen Flames
M.H.B.
(The Hollow, #3)
Publication date: March 20th 2025
Genres: Contemporary Romance

One mistake.
A tragic accident.
A life-altering event.

Something I can never take back.

What do you do when you meet the girl of your dreams but you’re now a shadow of who you used to be.

Gemma Ackerman, my girlfriend, was my everything. Her quiet, nerdy aura drew me in and I never wanted to let go. Life on my Harley with her by my side was perfect.

Until it wasn’t—until I lost myself.

Because a part of me died that night and it was never coming back.

I welcomed anger instead.
I greeted loneliness like an old friend.
I allowed guilt and sorrow to nestle inside my head.

That’s when I met Claire Edwards—the epitome of joie de vivre. She showed me a new colorful way to see the world. She turned numbness into eagerness for a taste of life.

And now I’m torn between a girlfriend that never gave up on me and a woman I picture as my wife.

I had no other choice.
I let myself die, so that I may live.
And it’s all thanks to her. . .

*Follow the same standalone storyline as Silent Screams and Grieving Graves through Harvey and Claire’s eyes.

Add to Goodreads / Purchase from Amazon

—

Sneak Peek:

I close my eyes, swarming out of the anger, until I reach for numbness and bask in it like my life depends on it.

Because it does.

Some of us don’t get to live outside our depression.

Some of us only remain alive because of it.

Meet the Author:

M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University. She loves spending time with her partner and her dog. She has a passion for animals and loves the simple things in life: chocolate, music, books, sunny days, and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world with a book in hand.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

—

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Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder by Jessica Fletcher & Barbara Early ~ #CozyMystery

 

Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder 

by Jessica Fletcher & Barbara Early

About Snowy with a Chance of Murder

 

Murder, She Wrote: Snowy with a Chance of Murder

Cozy Mystery

60th in Series

Setting - Maine

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley (March 18, 2025)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593820045

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593820049

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D7G8TTLR

In a nod to Rear Window, this newest entry in the USA Today bestselling Murder, She Wrote series finds Jessica Fletcher coping with an injury that leaves her homebound—and a murder just outside her window! Jessica Fletcher has taken a nasty spill on the ice, leaving her in a wheelchair for several weeks. She tries to work on her latest manuscript but finds herself distracted by a new neighbor moving in across the street. There’s good reason for her to be distracted, because soon after unpacking his sparse belongings, Mr. Rymer is out in the front yard, building somewhat risqué (read: naked) snow sculptures. While Cabot Cove debates whether the sculptures are a protected form of art or a public display of lewdness, someone starts destroying them at night. Rymer doesn’t seem upset. He just makes new ones. No need to get the police involved over a little snow, he says. Especially when there’s plenty more of it and a blizzard in the forecast. The morning after the storm, Jessica looks out the window to see a new sculpture across the street—and the body of Mr. Rymer half-buried in the snow. Can Jessica catch a cold-blooded killer from her chair by the window?

About the Authors:

Barbara Early earned an engineering degree, but after four years of doing nothing but math, developed a sudden allergy to the subject and decided to choose another occupation.

Before she settled on murdering fictional people, she was a secretary, a schoolteacher, a pastor’s wife, and an amateur puppeteer. She lives in Western New York State (Go Bills!), where she enjoys cooking, crafts, classic movies and campy seventies television, board games, and spending time with her granddaughters.

Before teaming up with Jessica Fletcher, she previously wrote the Vintage Toyshop Mystery series and the Bridal Bouquet Shop Mysteries (as Beverly Allen).

Author Links:

Website https://www.barbaraearly.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBarbaraEarly

Purchase Links:

Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - Penguin Random House

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

March 18 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 18 – Bea's Book Nook – REVIEW

March 19 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book - REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 20 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT

March 20 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 21 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 21 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 22 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews SPOTLIGHT

March 23 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 24 – Diary of a Bookworm – SPOTLIGHT

March 25 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

March 26 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

March 27 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 28 – Storied Conversation – REVIEW

March 29 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW

March 30 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 30 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 31 - Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 31 - Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW

 

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Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday (Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery) by Marcy Blesy ~ #CozyMystery #BookReview

 

Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday (Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery) by Marcy Blesy

About Murder Movie Club:

 

Murder Movie Club: Murder on a Monday

 Monthly Murder Movie Club Cozy Mystery

Cozy Mystery

1st in Series

Setting: Michigan

Independently Published (February 21, 2025)

Print Length: ‎ 119 pages

Digital ASIN: ‎ B0CZY54RGJ

Murder: best served with popcorn. That’s the mantra for the members of the Monthly Murder Movie Club at The Northwoods Movie Theater. Every month, this eclectic group of northern Michigan residents gather to watch a murder mystery movie on the big screen. After stopping the projector in the middle of the movie, the members gather to discuss the crime and suspects, each making a whodunit pick before resuming the movie. The hair dresser with the scissors? The jilted lover with poison? But nothing is normal on this Monday morning when the club members find the ticket-taking popcorn maker John E. Cash in the lobby of the theater, deader than any actor in their beloved movies. Using their unique talents and eccentricities, the Monthly Murder Movie Club members work collectively to solve the crime before the Northwoods Police force does. Members strive to protect the reputation of their beloved theater--and to protect their Monday meetings--because what each member is discovering is that there is so much more to their Monday club than a good old-fashioned murder mystery. Found family, new friends, and murder investigations!

My Review:

Murder Movie Club is the first book in the Monthly Murder Movie Club Mysteries. Taking place in my home state of Michigan, the setting is a movie club. Unique indeed. The cast of characters is varied, each brining their own thoughts and ideas to the table when a theater employee is found dead.

The only things that really annoyed me about Murder Movie Club are the members' actions and schemes after they found the body. If they watched as many murder mysteries as they indicate, they know there are certain rules and procedures to follow when you happen upon a body. Especially a body that has clearly been murdered. Even using just some plain ole common sense would have been spectacular to pull out when they find John. 

I understand their "excitement" (which probably isn't the right word to use but I'm going with it) in taking some of their on-screen experience and applying it to a real live case, though. I worked on the case with them as they all did their part. I was invested in finding out what happened to John and why. There a revolving points-of-view so you'll need to pay attention to which character is being featured. 

Murder Movie Club is a quick, fast-paced read, and wonderful start to a new series. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

 

About Marcy Blesy:

Marcy Blesy is the author of over thirty books including the popular cozy mystery series: The Tucson Valley Retirement Community Cozy Mystery Series, a hilarious misadventure in amateur sleuthing. Her adult romance mystery series includes The Secret of Blue Lake and The Secret of Silver Beach, set in Michigan. The Ghost Texter Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, featuring a sleuthing kindergarten teacher in Michigan was recently released. Children’s books include the best-selling Be the Vet series along with the following early chapter book series: Evie and the Volunteers, Niles and Bradford, Third Grade Outsider, and Hazel, the Clinic Cat.

Marcy enjoys searching for treasures along the shores of Lake Michigan. She's still waiting for the day when she finds a piece of red beach glass.

Marcy is a believer in love and enjoys nothing more than making her readers feel a book more than simply reading it.

Author Links:

Website www.marcyblesy.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550966870826

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marcy_blesy/

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223057736-murder-movie-club?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9rEZT9BRRK&rank=1

Purchase Link:

Amazon 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS:

March 10 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

March 12 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 13 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

March 14 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 15 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 16 – Frugal Freelancer – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 17 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

March 17 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 18 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 19 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 19 – Nadaness In Motion – REVIEW

March 20 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 20 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 21 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 22 – Jody's Bookish Haven – REVIEW

March 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 23 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

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This post contains affiliate links.
If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.
Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.