Murder On The Menu: A Humorous Romantic Cozy Mystery by Zanna Mackenzie - Review of the first book in A Recipe For Disaster Cozy Mystery Book series

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(copied from Amazon.com)

A dead celebrity chef boss. A sexy spy living next door. Lizzie's in big trouble...

Waitress Lizzie's horrible and much hated celebrity chef boss is dead; stabbed with a knife in his own restaurant kitchen. When the police discover she was officially the last person to see him alive, they put Lizzie right at the top of their suspect list.

Now, panicked and fighting to clear er name, she's forced to team up with her handsome and intriguing new neighbor, Jack Mathis. Okay, so Jack claims he's a former special agent on suspension from his investigative duties for reasons unknown, but Lizzie doesn't have time to ask questions.

Can she save herself from getting arrested and manage to resist Jack's considerable charms and gorgeous smile? Will they solve the mystery and track down the murderer before it's too late? Will Lizzie have to put her dreams of making cakes she can sell at the village store on hold as she languishes in a prison cell?

MY  REVIEW

I had a lot going on when I started this so it took me a while to get into the story, but when I did it was really good. I will read more in the series so I would recommend this as a good cozy to grab and take a break.

Never Doubt a Duke by Regina Scott - Review of the first book in the Fortune's Brides series

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(copied from Fantastic Fiction)

After spending the last ten years following her late husband on campaign, the irrepressible Jane Kimball finds herself badly in need of a position to support herself. Marriage holds no appeal; she's not likely to find a husband like her Jimmy again. But when Miss Thorn of the Fortune Employment Agency offers her a post with the Duke of Wey, Jane feels drawn to help the lonely widower with his three daughters. He may seem a bit aloof, but Miss Thorn'scat Fortune approved of him. Why should Jane doubt a duke?

Alaric, Duke of Wey, commands his staff, his tenants, and the halls of Parliament, managing vast holdings in England and across the seas. Why isit he cannot manage his own daughters? AS an old danger rears its head, he comes to rely on Jane's practical nature, her outspoken ways to navigate the waters of fatherhood. And when necessity dictates he take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.

MY  REVIEW

I read a lot of historical books but steer away from the 'regency' area but I really like Regina Scott books and said I'd give it a try. Needless to say she has pulled me in and I'm anxiously waiting for the next book in the series! There is determination, a little mystery, inner fear and of course you can't leave out the love. I would recommend this book even if you don't do the 'regency' storylines, I'm hooked!

I was given this e-book in return for an honest review.

Second Chance Amish Bride by Marta Perry - Review of the first book in the Brides of Lost Creek series

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Caring for her late cousin's young kinder is Jessie Miller's duty---even if it means seeing their father again. Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband---until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her.

But Caleb wants no woman around..and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.

MY  REVIEW

This is going to be a great series, as Marta does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story. She lets you see how strong, determined and full of faith Jessie is. The thing is she needs to forgive herself for her cousin's mistakes, that she couldn't keep her from making, as she is trying to help Caleb not make some mistakes with his children. Yep, a must read!