Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

This book was originally supposed to be my #FlashbackFriday read last week, but life got in the way, and I ran out of time to compose my post. On Flashback Fridays I will share with you the books I was not able to review when they were first released that have been screaming at me from my To-Be-Read bookshelf. This book and the book I reviewed yesterday, Dolly All the Way, have a similar theme.  Second Act (Later in Life Love Stories) Contemporary Romance 2nd in Series Setting - New York Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently Published Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2020 Print length ‏ : ‎ 194 pages Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8624547643 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B089CSNGXX Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B085BRGC96 Welcome to Ramsey, New York – a small town full of characters. Some are looking for love, some most definitely are not. Sooner or later, everyone finds his or her happily ever after. Terri Briggs is happily divorced. She and her ex-husband get along reasonably well as they work together to raise their son, Thomas. Lucas Hogan owns businesses all over the world, including several in Ramsey. He’s never visited the small town, though. When Lucas does pay a surprise visit to Ramsey, he has a shocking proposition for Terri. His dying mother wants to see him happily married before she dies, and he’s prepared to pay Terri for her time if she’ll pretend to be his fiancée for a few weeks. Although Terri hates the idea of living a lie, Lucas insists that it’s just a bit of harmless play-acting for a good cause. She reluctantly agrees and the Ramsey Harvest Festival gives them plenty of opportunities to be together. When Terri finds herself falling for Lucas, though, she starts to regret her decision. Dollycas's Thoughts Lucas Hogan is a very successful businessman. He owns a few places in Ramsey, but this is his first visit to the town. His dying mother has just one request; she wants to see him happily married. School teacher, Terri Briggs, has an amicable divorce, and she and her ex-husband are successfully co-parenting their teenage son, Thomas. Lucas notices Terri dining at one of his restaurants and comes over to say hello. Terri and her friend Camille sing the praises of their friend, Chef Douglas Holloway. Lucas and Terri visit a bit, but she never expected his unusual proposal. She considers and hesitantly accepts, but when she starts to have actual feelings for him, she is worried she has made a big mistake. ___ This is the second book in the Later in Life Love Stories Series. I enjoyed it as much as the first. Lucas and Terri are mature adults, but he lives and works in a world she can't even imagine. His mother is quite a manipulator, and that adds drama to the situation. Terri had been challenged by her friend Camille, featured in the first book, Second Chances, to register on a dating app. She went on some awful dates, which cemented the fact that there are not many good men out there who want to date a woman her age. So why not have a pretend relationship and maybe have a little fun? Second Act was a quick and entertaining read with the happy ending you know is coming from this genre. I enjoy how Ms. Xarissa writes her stories. Readers jump into the characters' lives at a pivotal time and enjoy a speedy romance that can change their lives. I am looking forward to Book 3, Second Thoughts. *This book is from my private collection. The opinions I have expressed are my own.  Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Diana Xarissa Diana has lived in several US states, the north of England, and the Isle of Man. While she is currently in the US, she still misses the stunning scenery, wonderful people, and fascinating history that make the Isle of Man so unique. Website I am giving away a $5 Amazon Gift Card. Will be sent from Amazon US. The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form 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 Escape With Dollycas.   Read the full article

I am delighted to shine the spotlight on A Necessary Death by Terri Karsten today! About A Necessary Death A Necessary Death Historical Cozy Mystery Setting - A tavern in Colonial Pennsylvania (1764) Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wagonbridge Publishing Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 15, 2025 Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1953444202 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1953444202 Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1953444219 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FLDWVCJW With Penelope Corbitt in the kitchen, the tavern will never be the same. Penelope Corbitt can turn a lump of meat and a bit of flour into a mouth-watering pie or make a tasty meal of cabbage and vinegar. But all her skill can’t save her family in the spring of 1763, when she loses everything to pay off her missing husband’s debts. Walking a tightrope between the freedom of poverty and the confines of propriety, she must accept her stingy brother-in-law’s reluctant charity to keep her family fed and her children close. The miserable journey north from Philadelphia is interrupted when the coach crashes in the mud. Penelope and her children are stranded at a run-down tavern. Penelope doesn’t think things can get worse. Then she finds a dead man. About Terri Karsten Living in the shadow of the Mississippi River bluffs, Terri Karsten has been a writer and educator for many years. She grew up in sunny San Jose, California, playing amid the cherry orchards that soon gave way to houses. In her search for education and adventure, she lived in Iowa and Wisconsin, Mexico and France, before settling into a hundred-year-old house in Winona, Minnesota. She spends most days in her tiny office, surrounded by books, papers, and good memories. With more ideas than time, Terri writes a bit of everything, ranging from historical fiction novels to picture book folktales to dozens of short stories and articles in magazines, encyclopedias, and newspapers. When she is not writing, Terri loves poring over old cookbooks and recreating dishes from long ago, especially medieval, Renaissance, and colonial foods. Always ready for the next adventure, she enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling. Her latest goal is to visit National Parks in every state. Only 13 states to go! Author Links Webpage     Facebook     Substack     GoodReads Purchase Links - Amazon  B&N TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. June 4 – Jody's Bookish Haven - SPOTLIGHT June 4 – Salty Inspirations – RECIPE June 4 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 5 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 5 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – Sarandipity's – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – @bibliophile_foodie – REVIEW  June 7 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE June 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 8 – Christy's Cozy Corners - RECIPE June 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT June 9 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT June 9 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT June 10 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT  June 11 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 11 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT June 12 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW June 12 – Angel's Book Nook – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 13 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT June 13 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW _____ Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

As soon as I saw the title of this book, I had to read it! Dolly All the Time: A GMA Book Club Pick Contemporary Women's Fiction/Romance/Comedy Setting - Rhode Island Publisher ‏ : ‎ G.P. Putnam's Sons Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 400 pages Hardcover ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8217185054 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FQH54TN1 Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593853970 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593853979 Kindle ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593853986 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FNVHX96C Audiobook : ASIN B0FPGMSSQK If they start by pretending, can they end with something real? Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island, for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home. So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high-society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and kisses that hit her bloodstream like a ghost pepper, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself—can she really start now? Dollycas's Thoughts Dolly Brick is a problem solver. She has been handling a lot since mom left their family behind when she was 12-years-old. Now she is thirty-nine, and she needs to return home, Whitfield, Rhode Island, with her thirteen-year-old son, Gus, to help her dad and brother following a house fire. They usually make monthly trips, but this is going to take time to handle. Stewart Whitfield is the powerful heir apparent to the CEO role at Whitfield Industries. He rarely spends time in Whitfield, but when Dolly sees him on the side of the road with a flat tire, she is surprised, and she offers to help. She deals with a classroom of kindergartners; surely, she can handle Stewart Whitfield and his ignorance in changing a tire. He soon tells her about his headline-making breakup with his fiancée. When Stewart and Dolly meet again, he makes a very interesting proposal. It could help her do a lot for her family. It's a complicated arrangement that takes a fun twist. It starts out with Dolly accompanying him to high-society events and public business dinners, but the romantic tension is thick. Soon, it's sunset boat rides and some ultra-hot kissing sessions. Can this be progressing into a true relationship? Or will it crash and burn like all her romantic relationships? _____ I usually read mysteries, but this book was the change of pace I needed last week. Dolly is a strong, down-to-earth, working three jobs. She is a kindergarten teacher in Boston, the call center operator for a small sporting goods company, and when she is home, she steps in where needed in the family business, Brick Fish House. She is a mom to Gus, a sister to Patsy and Christopher. Patsy is busy with her own family and rarely visits. Christopher suffered a head injury when he and our mom were in a car accident when he was eight. He needs many medications to "even out his disposition. " Dolly feels responsible to fix and take care of everything and everyone. Money is always tight, so she needs to be extra resourceful. I enjoyed that she kept her head and stayed true to herself from beginning to end. Gus is a terrific young man. He grew throughout the story. The family dynamic, sans Patsy, is heartwarming and relatable. Stewart Whitfield's life appears to be publicly imploding. He thinks the idea he presents to Dolly will right the ship to help him secure the coveted CEO position he has been working tirelessly toward for a long time. I loved his sister, Busy. His mother had some genuine caring moments, too. Busy is the only member of his family who knows his arrangement with Dolly. I don't want to give too much away. Ms. Monaghan has created characters with depth and put them in believable situations. This story could have come off as cheesy or campy, but the author's treatment of the plot and theme made it so much more than a typical romcom. This Dolly found Dolly All the Time to be fabulous! A Perfect Escape! It would be an outstanding beach read or a smashing rainy weekend read. This is the first book I have read by Annabel Monaghan, but it won't be the last. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to G.P. Putnam's Sons and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Author Annabel Monaghan is the New York Times bestselling and Library Reads Hall of Fame author of It’s a Love Story, Summer Romance, Same Time Next Summer, and Nora Goes Off Script, as well as two young adult novels and Does This Volvo Make My Butt Look Big?, a selection of laugh-out-loud columns that appeared in The Huffington Post, The Week, and The Rye Record. After twenty-five years in the suburbs of New York City, she now splits her time between Connecticut and Florida. Her novels have been translated into twenty-three languages. Find out more on her Website. Also Written by Annabel Monaghan Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am happy to feature Sconed to Death (A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery) by Betty Hechtman today! Sconed to Death (A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery) by Betty Hechtman About Sconed to Death Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Setting - Indiana Publisher ‏ : ‎ Severn House Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1448318629 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1448318629 Digital ISBN-13: 9781448318636 Audiobook ASIN B0GH2HY42Y MP3CD ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8228941519 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GS74NJGP A brand-new series from the queen of culinary cozies. Full to the brim with crochet, crumpets, and crime! The perfect ingredients for murder . . . Annie Hart has transformed the yarn shop she inherited into a thriving business and tea shop. Now she needs to sell it so she can move back to LA. She just has to ensure that young Toby Swanson is kept on as the supplier of their famous scones. Annie decides to secretly enter Toby in a new reality TV cooking show. But his application video takes a deadly twist when Annie and her business partner, Gray, discover a body on the beach while filming. Even worse, it looks like the young woman had been enjoying Toby’s cherry scones and the shop’s rose tea before her death. With the help of her misfit group of local yarn artists, can Annie find a killer and save her reputation? Dollycas's Thoughts Classy Yarn, the yarn shop Annie Sara Hart inherited from her Uncle Cyrus, has been brought back to life. Annie and her friend and business partner, Gray, have restocked and remodeled the yarn area and have added a tea shop. With young Toby Swanson providing the scones and crumpets, and Liv Stein as her local advisor, and Annie's retail and artistic abilities, both are a success. The place is on the market so Annie and Gray can return to their lives in Los Angeles, but it is very important to both of them that the new owner will continue to use Toby as their supplier for their famous scones. Annie's dad has an idea that could guarantee that. He encourages Annie to enter him in a new reality cooking show being pitched by a tea company. She hates to get his hopes up, in case he isn't selected as a contestant, but this could be just the thing to sell the place and retain him as their baker. Annie, Gray, and Toby's mom, Jenny, come up with a plan to put together his application video. During a trip to the beach to record some area shots, Annie and Gray come across a young woman's dead body. They recognized her as Ingrid, who had been in the shop taking care of her employer's children, and it looks like she was eating Toby's scones prior to her death. Will her death be connected to the tea shop? Can Annie and all her new friends knit together all the clues to catch a killer? ____ In this second installment of the Crochet and Crumpets Mystery Series, Annie Sara has done the work; now she just needs to sell the place so that she and Gray can get back to LA, before Gray's mother has a total meltdown. Annie has really thrown herself into the project and has made many new friends. One, a little friendlier than others. Gray shows some of the strongest growth in the book. Away from her mother’s constant pressure, she finally gets room to breathe, and it suits her. She really steps up for Toby, and while she is still working on her confidence, it is nice to see her start to come into her own. She has also made a special friend. The relationship hits a few bumps, but hearts are resilient. Toby, meanwhile, completely stole my heart. He is thoughtful, talented, and genuinely easy to root for. His mother, Jenny, has supported him well, and it shows. He is not only an excellent baker, but someone who brings real warmth to every scene he’s in. The summer people come to town, and so does trouble. The wives and children stay all week, and the husbands arrive for the weekends. Three of the closest families come into the tea and yarn shop every day—the three moms at one table, the children and their caregivers at another. The moms are a snarky bunch, and their husbands are narcissistic. Soon, there is talk of stolen jewelry, and the moms are sure the nanny/caregivers are the thieves. Then the nanny is found dead. At that point, Annie Sara already has plenty on her plate: running the shop, dealing with the TV crew scouting locations, spending more time with Toby to get him ready for his nationwide debut, and suddenly arranging knitting lessons for bored summer visitors. Once the tea served in the shop becomes part of the murder investigation, things get even messier. I will say, the method of murder gave me pause. I have come across it in a few mysteries lately, and it is unsettling because it relies on something surprisingly ordinary and accessible. As for Annie Sara’s investigation style, it is less about brilliant detective work and more about observation, conversations, and slowly piecing things together. She does a fair amount of listening in, asks questions here and there, and gathers bits of local history, personal bias, and small details until everything finally clicks. And yes, her big realization comes at exactly the worst possible time and place, which feels very on-brand for an amateur sleuth. There is even a moment where she basically admits she never meant to get involved, but she just needed to check a few things out. I had figured out the culprit earlier than Annie did, but I still enjoyed watching her work through it. The process was familiar, but it was also entertaining. Sconed to Death ended up being a fun, easy escape. The dialogue felt a little awkward in spots, and there was more repetition than I usually prefer, but the character development made up for a lot of that. What stood out most to me was the care Annie Sara, and Gray showed for Toby and the way they helped create space for him to thrive. That emotional thread gave the story real charm. The ending left me smiling, and that is always a good sign. I will definitely be back for the next installment. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author, Severn House, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Betty Hechtman Despite completing a Fine Arts degree, all Betty Hechtman ever wanted to be was a writer.  She wrote a weekly column in her college newspaper and later wrote magazine and newspaper pieces, along with short stories and a prize-winning screenplay.  She has published over thirty books across four cozy mystery series, all of which have yarn craft. She lives with her family in Southern California. Author Links Website    Facebook    Blog Purchase Links Amazon  Barnes and Noble   Find all of Betty Hetchman's Books HERE. TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. June 1 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT June 1 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW June 2 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 2 – Salty Inspirations – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 2 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW June 3 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT June 3 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW June 4 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 4 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW June 5 – Books, Ramblings and Tea – SPOTLIGHT   June 5 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 6 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – Reading Is My SuperPower – AUTHOR GUEST POST June 7 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW June 7 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 8 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST June 8 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here I am giving away a $5.00 Amazon Gift Card. Sent from Amazon U.S. The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. Easy Entry! Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.   Read the full article

Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers (A Death by Chocolate Mystery) Cozy Mystery 9th in Series Setting - Maine Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 28, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 256 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496744179 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496744173 Kindle ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496744197 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FKWZ3KGQ Audiobook ASIN B0GRWZF1P9 The townsfolk of Eastport, Maine, know the best place to satisfy their sweet tooth is at Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White’s bakery, the Chocolate Moose. But some people living in the island town have more sinister appetites… As the sun sets on summer in Eastport, local celebrations are in full swing—and Jake and Ellie have their hands full supplying the most decadent of desserts for Eastport High School’s Class of ’97 reunion. Unexpectedly, the gathering includes ex-spouses, Cindy Munson and Terry Lawson, seemingly reunited as a family with their precocious 6-year-old daughter, Ivy. But when Cindy’s body is discovered murdered in Lawson’s car that night, suspicion immediately falls upon the tech-financier, who was once also Eastport High’s most notorious school bully. As the evidence stacks against him, Terry becomes the prime suspect, leaving young Ivy in the care of child services. Remembering her own experiences in foster care, Jake volunteers to look after the little girl while conducting her own investigation into the night of the dance with Ellie. Dollycas's Thoughts Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree and Ellie White own and operate the Chocolate Moose in Eastport, Maine. As the summer winds down, they are busy with their daily baking and have a special order for the Eastport High School’s Class of ’97 reunion. Formerly married, Cindy Munson and Terry Lawson both attend, and it looks like they may be getting back together, which should make their 6-year-old daughter, Ivy, very happy. But before a family reunion can take place, Cindy is murdered and found in Terry's car. Quickly, the former high school bully, now tech-financier, finds himself firmly at the top of the police's suspect list. This leaves poor Ivy alone with child services. Jake knows what that is like, so she volunteers to foster the child herself. She is also teaming up with Ellie to do their own investigation. Will they survive to bake up more chocolate treats? Or will this be the end of The Chocolate Moose? ___ The story opens with Jake's house being unusually quiet. Her husband Wade is away working, her dad and stepmother are enjoying a rare trip, and her son Sam and his family are in Portland for some medical appointments for their youngest child, so she and their dog Fala have the place to themselves. Poor, clumsy Jake does not fare well within these pages. Red ant, wasps, centipedes, slips, falls, and faceplants, plus a dangerous gas leak, all try to take her down, but that woman perseveres. It was different to have the whole family away at the start. I was happy when Bella came home. She was a huge help with Ivy. Eastport's chief of police, Lizzie Snow, has some struggles of her own. Will she marry retired cop, Dylan Hudson? Or will she get cold feet? What a dilemma! Ms. Graves characters are very true-to-life and relatable. Following along with Jake and Ellie is always a good time. The mystery this time brought up things that happened back in the late 90s, and how people hold on to grievances, and how people see the same things differently. Jake was dealing with some hard memories from her childhood, which added another layer to the story. She came up with a "scheme" to have the killer reveal themselves, and boy, that didn't go as expected. But it sure turned into an exciting and terrifying experience for everyone, and it didn't stop there. Two chapters at the end were pretty manic. I was surprised by the assist Jake received when the situation was pretty dire. Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers is a mystery that will keep readers guessing and out of breath as the story flows quickly to the end. Entertaining characters, well-placed humor, and a well-plotted, fast-paced story held my attention from the beginning to the final page. An excellent addition to this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About the Author Sarah Graves lives in Eastport, Maine, in a 200-year-old house much like Jake Tiptree’s. After 20 years of home repair – and yes, it really does make you think about murder! – she has handed in her toolbox and returned to her first love: chocolate. When she’s not cooking or baking something delectable or writing about it, she tends a huge garden or shovels snow, depending upon the season. 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 Escape With Dollycas. Find All of Sarah Graves' Books HERE. I am giving away an ADVANCE REVIEW COPY The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. with a US or Canadian mailing address. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Follow Kensington Books on Threads for 2 Bonus Entries! Follow Kensington Publishing on Facebook for 2 Bonus Entries!. Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on June 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form   Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article

Welcome to My Reading Itinerary Monday! Where are your books taking you this week? I will be traveling to Maine, North Carolina, and a private island! Here’s what I read and what I have planned for this week. Escapes Completed Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers (A Death by Chocolate Mystery) by Sarah Graves Release Date - April 28, 2026 Setting - Maine My Review will be up tomorrow! Sconed to Death (A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery) by Betty Hechtman Release Date - June 2, 2026 Setting - Indiana The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here this week for Cozy Wednesday! Dolly All the Time: A GMA Book Club Pick by Annabel Monaghan Release Date - May 26, 2026 Setting - Rhode Island My Review will be up Thursday! Scheduled Escapes The Chowder House Murder (A Downeast Maine Mystery) by Lee Hollis Release Date - May 26, 2026 Setting - Maine For Review Whose Body in the Library: A Lighthouse Library Mystery by Eva Gates Release Date - June 9, 2026 Setting - North Carolina I will feature this book next week on Cozy Wednesday! Safari Murder Party by Rachel Moore Release Date - May 19, 2026 Setting - Private Island For Review Possible Future Escapes May 31 - June 6, 2026 Happy Reading!! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Remember – 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! It was a wonderful week here with warm temps, no crazy winds, but to the farmer's dismay, no rain. It was great to open up the windows and fill the house with fresh air. On Wednesday, Charlotte's school field trip took her to a different zoo than the one Thomas's class went to. Like last week, her parents chaperoned, which meant all the kids were able to go along. We are planning a family fun day there this summer, where we can all go. Friday was the last day of school for Remington, Thomas, and Charlie. Let the summer fun begin! Weekly Rewind - May 25 - May 30, 2026 Monday - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #22 – 2026 Tuesday - Sinner’s Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) by Dwain Lee #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis #Review #Giveaway #Recipe #GreatEscapesBookTour @KensingtonBooks @KristaDavis Thursday - The Cold Case and the Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder #Review @debrasennefelder Friday - The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Iris March #Spotlight #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @irismarchbooks Saturday - Dye by Design (The Fairhope Murder Mystery Series) by Ashley Brandt #Spotlight #Giveaway How was your week? Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

Today, I am pleased to shine the spotlight on the first book in a new series from Ashley Brandt, Dye by Design. Dye by Design (The Fairhope Murder Mystery Series) Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Alabama Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sutra House Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1972806033 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1972806036 Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0H135MPJ1 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1972806043 Berlynn Wallace has made a quiet life for herself in Fairhope, Alabama - a charming coastal town where she spends her days surrounded by books, her cat Mr. Whipley, and the company of her best friend Vaughn, a sharp-tongued fashion designer with exquisite taste. The fact that Vaughn has been dead for two years is, between them, just a detail. But when a body turns up near her driveway, Berlynn's peaceful routine is cut short. As she begins pulling at the threads of the victim's past, what unravels is a dangerous pattern of secrets, betrayal - and more bodies. Suddenly, Berlynn isn't just a curious bystander. She's the one asking questions a killer doesn't want answered. With Vaughn whispering observations only she can hear, Berlynn is determined to hem together the truth - before someone cuts her loose for good. About the Author Ashley Brandt is an award-winning author of mysteries and paranormal fiction. Born and raised in Southern California, she now lives in North Texas with her husband and two sons. A paramedic and proud foster mom, Ashley balances a demanding career with a lifelong passion for storytelling. In May 2026, her two paranormal cozy novels, Dead by Design and Hurry Up and Dye, were published together by Sūtra House in a combined edition, Dye by Design: A Fairhope Murder Mystery. When she's not writing, Ashley enjoys hiking scenic trails and spending time by the beach. Find out more on her website here. Author Links Instagram Authors Page on Sūtra House Purchase Links Sūtra House    Amazon   B&N  Find all of Ashley Brandt's Books HERE. Thanks to the publisher, I have 1 digital copy to give away! The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on June 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form 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 Escape With Dollycas. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent   Read the full article

I recently read and reviewed the first book in this series. I hope to get caught up and read this one soon. For now, I am delighted to shine the spotlight on The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Iris March About The Corpse by the Creek The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery Cozy Mystery 3rd in Series (plus 2 short stories) Setting - Ohio Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wandering Gingko Press Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 2, 2026 Number of Pages ~200 pages Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8998642616 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GS6S4HB6 Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8998642623 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GY65QP19 Volunteer water sampling. Development deals. A dead businessman in the woods. While volunteering with a local stream restoration group, Molly and her husband, Scott, expect to end the day with nothing more to show for it than muddy hiking shoes and water samples. Instead, they stumble upon a dead body left in the woods behind the Buckeye Trail. The victim turns out to be Upton North—an unpopular developer with business ties to half the town and enemies to match. As Molly starts asking questions, she uncovers a web of grudges involving tenants, activists, and business owners. She’ll have to follow clues from forest trails to forgotten basements—and confront just how far greed and intimidation pushed the wrong person too far. With a busy garden center to manage, and a beloved black and white cat occasionally underfoot, Molly digs into another Succulent Sleuth case where the roots of the crime run deep. Great Escapes Praise for The Corpse by the Creek: A Succulent Sleuth Cozy Mystery by Iris March The small-town setting and the plant shop backdrop made the book cozy and inviting. The mix of mystery, family, and nature gave it a refreshing vibe. This cozy mystery was such an enjoyable read. ~bibliophile_foodie 5-STARS The Corpse by the Creek blends humor, a dogged amateur sleuth, and her feline companion for a delightful cozy read. ~Novels Alive About Iris March Iris March has a reputation for killing house plants, and now she’s killing people off in books? Coincidence? Perhaps not. Iris has spent two decades working in the sustainability field and is usually either reading a book or on a trail. She lives in Ohio with her husband, son, and three cats. Author Links Blue Sky    Instagram    Facebook    Website Purchase Links- Amazon - Books 2 Read TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops.  May 25 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT May 25 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW May 26 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 26 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews- SPOTLIGHT May 26 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW May 27 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT   May 27 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST May 28 – Novels Alive – REVIEW May 28 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT May 29 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER GUEST POST May 29 – Twirling Book Princess – SPOTLIGHT May 29 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT May 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower - REVIEW May 30 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT May 30 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT May 31 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW May 31 – FUONLYKNEW - SPOTLIGHT June 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy - REVIEW June 1 – deal sharing aunt - AUTHOR INTERVIEW ______ Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

The Cold Case and the Corpse (A Food Blogger Mystery) Cozy Mystery 8th in Series Setting - Connecticut Publisher ‏ : ‎ Beyond the Page Publishing Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 19, 2025 Print length ‏ : ‎ 230 pages Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1966322429 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322429 Kindle ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1966322412 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0G15X98ZV When foul play pays a visit to a snowy mountain retreat, Hope Early will have to battle the elements to catch a cold-blooded killer . . . With her first cookbook about to be published, food blogger Hope Early decides it’s the perfect time to attend a weekend retreat with a life coach and take her career to the next level. Her hopes for a life-changing experience are soon dashed, however, when she realizes the woman’s wisdom is nothing more than buzzwords and hollow clichés. Suspecting she’s a fraud, Hope discovers the woman is a longtime con artist and is even linked to an unsolved murder. But before she can learn more, someone puts an end to the life coach’s scam—permanently. News of the murder has put everyone at the retreat on edge, and the stakes are raised when a fierce snowstorm threatens to strand them all there with the killer. With everyone a suspect and at least one other person pretending to be someone they’re not, Hope’s determined to unearth any clues that link the victim’s sordid past with someone at the retreat. But the killer is dead set on stopping Hope in her tracks, and what started as a weekend to build an exciting future turns into a struggle to survive another day . . . Includes mouthwatering recipes! Dollycas's Thoughts Food Blogger Hope Early's first cookbook will be published soon. Thinking this will send her career in a new direction, she decides to attend a life coach's weekend retreat at a nearby lodge to help her make the transition. Traveling there was quite an adventure in a snowstorm. Hope picks up her sister Claire and her best friend, Drew, who is covering the event for the Gazette. Mayor Maretta Kingston is also attending the Limitless Living retreat. A few others round out the group. Sadly, during the first session, Hope realizes the retreat is basically a scam, with the same old buzzwords and platitudes. It isn't long before she uncovers the woman's shady past, including being linked to a cold case murder. Unfortunately, before she can reveal more, she finds life coach, Maisie Cox, dead. As the snowstorm rages on outside, roads get shut down and power lines are falling, everyone realizes they are trapped in the lodge with a killer. But who? Is it someone on the lodge's staff? The deceased assistant? Another retreat attendee? Hope is determined to find out, and the killer is determined to make sure she doesn't. _____ Hope is very down-to-earth and always busy. She treasures the time she spends with her fiancee, ex-police chief Ethan, and his daughters, Molly and Becca. She left her dog Bigelow, Poppy the chicken, and Princess the cat in Ethan's care while at the retreat. He worries about Hope and does all he can to keep her safe. Mayor Maretta is fit to be tied throughout most of the story. She doesn't trust the town's employees to do their jobs unless she is right there or on the phone to supervise. Claire has something on her mind she is not willing to share. Drew is missing his puppy Trixie, but hopes to pen a major exposé about all the weekend's happenings. Amy has a true-crime podcast whose investigation has turned up more dirt on the deceased. All of Ms. Sennefelder's character continues to develop in realistic ways. I enjoy the tight friendships that have grown across the series. I thought revealing the killer would be pretty straightforward, as it was a closed-room (lodge) mystery. Still, it was complicated by suspects and the deceased hiding their true identities, and by the fact that, aside from our core characters, everyone was hiding something. Also, there were a plethora of secrets that needed to be revealed. Hope really pressed to get answers, but the case was not solved when they were rescued from the snow and returned home.  Hope was not giving up, but she let her guard down at the wrong time, and it could have cost her dearly. There is "never a dull moment on Fieldstone Drive," and Hope sure gave everyone something to talk about. The Cold Case and the Corpse was an entertaining read with fun characters and a well-plotted mystery. Winter in Jefferson, Connecticut, reminds me of the winters in Wisconsin. They can be a great time, right up until you're stuck somewhere you don't want to be. I did enjoy the ending, and an announcement made me very happy. The 9th installment of this series, A Cultivated Corpse, will be released on June 16, and I will be featuring it on an upcoming Cozy Wednesday. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Debra Sennefelder is the acclaimed author of charming and suspenseful cozy mysteries set in small towns filled with intriguing characters and delightful pets. Based in Connecticut, Debra shares her home with her family and a lovable, slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. Her passion for mystery fiction, particularly cozy mysteries, inspires her to create engaging stories that blend crime-solving with delicious recipes and stylish fashion. She is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series, the Resale Boutique Mystery series, and the Cookie Shop Mystery series. When she’s not plotting her next whodunit, you’ll find her baking sweet treats or indulging in a good book. When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person. Born and raised in New York City, where she majored in her hobby of fashion buying, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her writing companion, Connie. Author Links Amazon    Barnes & Noble    Website  Newsletter   Facebook    BookBub   Goodreads   Instagram Find all of Debra Sennefelder's books HERE.  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! I am happy to share my thoughts today about The Diva Hosts a Murderer by Krista Davis! The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis About The Diva Hosts a Murderer The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) Cozy Mystery 19th in Series Setting - Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496743482 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496743480 Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496743503 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FP7LXJ8C Audiobook ASIN B0FVW9XKRW Old Town Virginia’s entertaining guru and occasional sleuth Sophie Winston – a young Martha Stewart in the making – juggles Fourth of July fireworks, a houseful of guests, and homicide in the latest Domestic Diva culinary mystery from New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis. With a big crowd descending on her Northern Virginia home, it’s a good thing event planner Sophie Winston is an expert at entertaining. Whipping up patriotic pastries is as easy as pie for her, though meeting the man her widowed Aunt Melly just impulsively married in Las Vegas is a little more awkward. Especially when Melly’s longtime, now-heartbroken secret admirer is there too, which could lead to some fireworks. But the house party really gets explosive when Sophie’s favorite tour guide falls victim to a killer—and evidence points to Sophie’s own father. Will DNA really incriminate her dad? And what’s the real story with her new uncle-by-marriage and the mysterious pal he’s brought along with him? Some of the secrets Sophie’s discovering are raising flags—and while the police department casts suspicion on her father, she has to declare her independence as a detective to find the real culprit, and serve justice along with her red, white, and blue cupcakes . . . Includes delicious recipes, fabulous decorating tips, and easy entertaining hacks! Dollycas's Thoughts Fourth of July in Old Town, Virginia, brings several family members and their friends to event planner Sophie Winston's home. Her parents, her Aunt Melly, and her new husband, Gus, her sister, Hannah, and family friends, Roscoe O'Brien and Cyril Chevalier, who has been sweet on Melly forever. Gus's friend, Stan, came to town as well, but is staying elsewhere. Newcomer Gus makes everyone a little uncomfortable. His marriage to Melly was very spur-of-the-moment. Sophie rented a tour bus with a driver/guide to keep everyone entertained sightseeing around Washington D.C. Tony Fontana had plenty of stories to share and made sure everyone had a good time. When Tony's dead body is found on a neighbor's lawn, everyone is shocked. Even more shocking, Sophie's dad, Paul, is hauled in when his DNA is found on Tony's body. Sophie is not going to stand for that. She is going to start by looking into her new uncle and his friend, and go from there. Determined to remove the police's target from her dad's back, she is going to find the true murderer and serve him his just desserts. ____ Nineteenth book in the series, and these characters are all going strong. I looked forward to each new installment of this series to catch up with Sophie, Mars, Nina, Bernie, Humphrey, and Natasha. There is always trouble brewing in Old Town, but there is plenty of fun along the way, too. The character development feels natural, and the relationships continue to ring true. Each chapter opens with Sophie or Natasha responding to a letter asking for advice, and those exchanges highlight just how different the two women still are, even as they have learned to tolerate each other better. I also liked that Sophie's house was full of family for the holiday. Sophie has to look at suspects staying under her roof and those staying elsewhere as she tries to find a connection between her tour guide and others in her sphere. Neighbor, Dollie Peabody, swears she hears and sees things in her house, but by the time the police arrive, they find nothing. Gus is really sketchy. Could he be involved? Someone is leaving gifts for Melly, and it's not Gus. Hannah is staying out late with no explanation, but Sophie has some ideas. She knows her sister has nothing to do with Tony's death. When another dead body is found, it shakes up everything. Sophie has a houseful and a handful as she tries to juggle everything going on in and around her house, but her friends are always ready to help. Ms. Davis throws in some wonderful twists and red herrings that keep the mystery moving. Not to be left out, Natasha throws a holiday party, "the most coveted event of the year," with the theme of 1826 and proper period attire required. Even then, Sophie has solving the murder on her mind. Holiday gatherings always come with a little drama, and having family and friends move in for the season only adds to the chaos. Sophie handles it all with remarkable patience. She cooks, cleans, plans sightseeing outings, helps Aunt Melly through a difficult time, shows up for her neighbor when needed, and somehow still manages to track down a murderer. Honestly, we could all use a Sophie in our lives, but they are not easy to find. The Diva Hosts a Murderer is a sensational addition to this series from New York Times Bestselling Author Krista Davis. Engaging characters with warmth, grace, and wit, a wonderful area rich in history, a terrific whodunit, and some tempting summertime recipes perfect for your 4th of July celebrations, check every cozy mystery box.  Whether you are a long-time fan, have just read a few books in the series, or are brand new to The Diva . . . series, you will love these characters. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Krista Davis, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Krista Davis New York Times bestselling author Krista Davis writes the Domestic Diva Mysteries, the Paws & Claws Mysteries, and the Pen & Ink Mysteries. Krista lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with two cats and a brood of dogs. Her friends and family complain about being guinea pigs for her recipes, but she notices they keep coming back. Author Links Website      Facebook     Instagram     GoodReads     Pinterest     Delicious Mysteries        Twitter/X    BookBub   Kensington Cozies Purchase Links Amazon   Apple     Barnes & Noble   Books A Million   Bookshop   Hudson Booksellers  Indigo   Rakuten Kobo    Tantor Audio    Target     Walmart The Rest of the Series Find All of Krista's Books HERE. TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. May 25 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST May 26 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT May 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW May 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT May 28 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 29 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea - SPOTLIGHT May 29 – FUONLYKNEW - RECIPE May 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – RECIPE May 31 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT June 1 – @bibliophile_foodie - REVIEW June 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST June 3 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW June 4 – @review_thick_and_thin – REVIEW June 5 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW June 5 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT June 6 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read - SPOTLIGHT June 7 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW _________ Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways. Read the full article

Sinner's Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) by Dwain Lee About Sinner's Prayer Sinner's Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) LGBTQ+ Traditional Mystery 2nd in Series following Plausible Deception Settings - Primarily Louisville, Kentucky, along with southwestern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston Publisher ‏ : ‎ Maison Laide Press Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218702953 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GT28D7W6 Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218704353 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GTC9G4C6 The remains of a highly regarded church member who disappeared without a trace almost forty years earlier are found buried in the basement of Parkvale Presbyterian Church in Louisville. Almost immediately after the discovery, another much-beloved former member dies by suicide at a lonely scenic roadside overlook. Are the two deaths related? Presbyterian minister Dan Randolph is pondering his legacy as retirement nears. Now, he's got to deal with the murder, too, which hasn't just dug up bones, but also long-held secrets of misconduct, sexual abuse, and scandal-along with angry demands for his own ouster, with some claiming he's mishandled the situation. Who killed the man in the basement-and why? Dollycas's Thoughts Parkvale Presbyterian Church was going through some renovations when a body was found beneath the cement floor in the basement. The remains were quickly identified as Steve Brighton, who was very involved in the church, serving as the youth leader until he went missing. Soon after the body is found, Minister Dan Randolph is notified that a treasured former member of the church died by suicide. Dan had been thinking about retirement and how his term at Parkvale would be remembered, but now he needs to focus on the murder and whether Mark Mackenzie's suicide was in any way connected. He never imagined the horrific things that would be uncovered and how much blame would be thrust upon him for how everything was handled. ___ I was introduced to Dan Randolph and his husband, George Yu, in Plausible Deception, which was described as a “Quozy”—a cozy mystery featuring LGBTQ+ characters. In this book, though, author Dwain Lee raises the stakes considerably, tackling timely, difficult issues in a story that kept me turning pages. Dan Randolph is a Presbyterian minister, and George Yu is an internationally respected violin maker, living at a time when LGBTQ+ rights feel increasingly uncertain. They have a plan to leave the country if necessary, which adds an undercurrent of tension to the story. While George is away on business—speaking, traveling, and delivering his violins—Dan is left managing challenges at home. Even from a distance, though, their partnership remains steady, especially when Dan becomes the target of painful accusations. After the first book, I said these were characters I could truly root for, and this novel only deepened that feeling. I appreciated the author’s warning that suicide plays a major role in this novel. After losing my son to suicide, I have to be careful about what I read. Because of that, I connected deeply with Catherine Mackenzie. She is struggling not only with her son’s death, but with how that loss will be understood by friends, family, the community, and even by God. She is also carrying the unbearable weight of knowing her son was in profound pain and that she could not save him. I know that pain intimately. I live with it every day. Mr. Lee portrays a mother’s love and the devastation of losing a child to suicide with honesty and compassion. For me, it was not triggering—it was validating. My son’s life was not the same as Mark Mackenzie’s, but the ending was heartbreakingly familiar. The murder of Steve Brighton is both intricate and compelling. Lee moves between the present day, 2024, and flashbacks to 1984 and 1985 with impressive ease, creating a narrative that feels seamless rather than fragmented. As members of the church community come forward and fall back, the novel carefully examines their emotions, memories, secrets, and motivations. Theological questions are woven naturally into the story, and the emotional range is wide as the truth slowly emerges. Beyond the central mystery, the novel also engages with difficult subjects such as sexual abuse, spousal abuse, clergy denial and coverups, prejudice toward LGBTQ+ people, political influence, suicide, morality, and murder. Lee handles all of it thoughtfully, crafting a story that is not only moving but also likely to stay with readers and challenge them to think more deeply. Each chapter is titled after a piece of music, usually classical, which creates a kind of built-in playlist for interested readers. In Plausible Deception, I learned quite a bit about luthiers and violin making. In Sinner’s Prayer, I found the musical references just as engaging. My own tastes lean more contemporary, so I was especially amused to spot both The Beatles and an alternative rock band on the list. One quote in the book that especially stayed with me comes from Father Mychal Judge, the New York City Fire Department chaplain who was killed at Ground Zero on 9/11: “Lord, take me where you want me to go; let me meet who you want me to meet; tell me what you want me to say; and keep me out of your way.” Those are powerful words—simple, humbling, and worth carrying with you. A Sinner’s Prayer is, on its face, a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and acceptance of Jesus Christ. This book Sinner's Prayer is far more than a murder mystery—and definitely not a Quozy. It is a poignant story of grief and faith, courage and accountability, punishment and justice. It may be the kind of book you finish in just a few days, but it is also the kind that lingers long after the final page. It has already earned a place on my Best Reads of 2026 list. Dwain Lee has a distinctive writing voice, and I’m genuinely excited to see where he goes next. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the authorfor providing me with an ARC. Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent About Dwain Lee DWAIN LEE is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is a graduate of Penn State University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Before entering the ministry, he was an architect in private practice for many years, mostly in Columbus, Ohio. He and his husband currently live in Louisville, Kentucky, where he works, writes, supports the arts, and is active in various forms of social justice advocacy. He has two daughters he is immensely proud of, enjoys travel, gardening, home repair, camping, and yoga, and is a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Author Links Author's Website     Facebook: Dwain Lee, Author       Instagram: dwain.lee.author     Purchase Links Author's Online Store (preferred)  Amazon     B&N TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. May 13 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT May 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT   May 16 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST May 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT May 18 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT May 19 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read- SPOTLIGHT May 20 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW May 21 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW May 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT May 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT May 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT May 25 – Carla Loves To Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST* May 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. 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Welcome to My Reading Itinerary Monday! Where are your books taking you this week? I will be traveling to Maine, Indiana, and Rhode Island! Here’s what I read and what I have planned for this week. Escapes Completed Sinner's Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) by Dwain Lee Release Date - March 25, 2026 Setting - Kentucky The Great Escapes Tour stops here tomorrow! The Diva Hosts a Murderer (A Domestic Diva Mystery) by Krista Davis Release Date - May 26, 2026 Setting - Virginia The Great Escapes Tour stops here this week for Cozy Wednesday! The Cold Case and the Corpse by Debra Sennefelder Release Date - December 9, 2025 Setting - Connecticut My Review will be up on Thursday! Second Act (Later in Life Love Stories) by Diana Xarissa 2nd in Series Release Date - June 19, 2020 Setting - New York My #FlashbackFriday Read and My Alphabet Soup Author Edition Reading Challenge. Scheduled Escapes Death by Chocolate Ladyfingers (A Death by Chocolate Mystery) by Sarah Graves Release Date - April 28, 2026 Setting - Maine For Review Sconed to Death (A Crochet and Crumpets Mystery) by Betty Hechtman Release Date - June 2, 2026 Setting - Indiana The Great Escapes Book Tour stops here next week on Cozy Wednesday! Dolly All the Time: A GMA Book Club Pick by Annabel Monaghan Release Date - May 26, 2026 Setting - Rhode Island For Review Possible Future Escapes May 24 - 30, 2026 Happy Reading!! Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent Remember – 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

Sinner's Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) by Dwain Lee I will be reviewing this book on Tuesday! Posting today to give you a little preview. The first book in this series was classified as a Quozy. This book is not cozy, but it was powerful. I can't wait to post my thoughts! About Sinner's Prayer Sinner's Prayer (A Dan Randolph/Greg Zhu Mystery) LGBTQ+ Traditional Mystery 2nd in Series following Plausible Deception Settings - Primarily Louisville, Kentucky, along with southwestern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston Publisher ‏ : ‎ Maison Laide Press Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 25, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 328 pages Paperback ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218702953 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GT28D7W6 Digital ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8218704353 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0GTC9G4C6 The remains of a highly regarded church member who disappeared without a trace almost forty years earlier are found buried in the basement of Parkvale Presbyterian Church in Louisville. Almost immediately after the discovery, another much-beloved former member dies by suicide at a lonely scenic roadside overlook. Are the two deaths related? Presbyterian minister Dan Randolph is pondering his legacy as retirement nears. Now, he's got to deal with the murder, too, which hasn't just dug up bones, but also long-held secrets of misconduct, sexual abuse, and scandal-along with angry demands for his own ouster, with some claiming he's mishandled the situation. Who killed the man in the basement-and why? About Dwain Lee DWAIN LEE is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is a graduate of Penn State University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Before entering the ministry, he was an architect in private practice for many years, mostly in Columbus, Ohio. He and his husband currently live in Louisville, Kentucky, where he works, writes, supports the arts, and is active in various forms of social justice advocacy. He has two daughters he is immensely proud of, enjoys travel, gardening, home repair, camping, and yoga, and is a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. Author Links Author's Website     Facebook: Dwain Lee, Author       Instagram: dwain.lee.author     Purchase Links Author's Online Store (preferred)  Amazon     B&N TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops.  May 13 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT May 14 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW May 15 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT   May 16 – The Mystery of Writing – CHARACTER GUEST POST May 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT May 18 – Sarcastically Yours, Jen – SPOTLIGHT May 19 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read- SPOTLIGHT May 20 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW May 21 – Sarandipity's – CHARACTER INTERVIEW May 22 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT May 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT May 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT May 25 – Carla Loves To Read – CHARACTER GUEST POST* May 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

The Sunday Salon is a Facebook group that has become an informal week-in-review gathering place for bloggers. It is also a place to share our thoughts about things of a bookish nature. You can also link up weekly on Readerbuzz. The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received, and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. HAPPY SUNDAY EVERYONE! The kids and grandkids were busy this week, the grandparents not so much. Thursday was Natalie's last day of middle school. Her mother also started a new job, leaving one she had held for 24 years. Also on Thursday, Thomas had a school field trip to my favorite zoo, Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary. Because his mom was a chaperone, Charlotte, Athena, and Korbyn were able to go along. On Friday, I had my yearly mammogram. I was nervous because, since my breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and lumpectomy, I have gone for mammograms every six months. I had my results within a couple of hours: IMPRESSION: No suspicious mammographic findings. I am so happy I didn't have to wait over the holiday weekend. Weekly Rewind - May 18 - 23, 2026 Monday - My Reading Itinerary Monday! – Week #21 – 2026 Tuesday - A Zoom with a View: A Mystery by Jess Cannon #Review @DuttonBooks Wednesday - Cozy Wednesday featuring Hot Wings and Homicide (A Food Truck Mystery) by Carmela Dutra #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @authorcarmela @crookedlanebooks Thursday - Sore Like an Eagle: A Redwoods Country Mystery by Marc Jedel #Review #Giveaway #GreatEscapesBookTour @MarcJedel.Author Friday - #FlashbackFriday – A Spell for Trouble: An Enchanted Bay Mystery by Esme Addison #Spotlight #Giveaway Saturday - Saturday Giveaway – Death by Irish Coffee (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery) by Alex Erickson #Spotlight #Giveaway @KensingtonBooks How was your week? Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article

Welcome to Saturday Giveaway! Death by Irish Coffee (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery) Cozy Mystery 15th in Series Setting - Ohio Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington Cozies Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 27, 2026 Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages Mass Market Paperback ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496759214 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496759214 Kindle ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496759221 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F7CL2P8R In Pine Hills, Ohio, the bars are hopping—and bodies are dropping—as bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock gets drawn into a deadly St. Patrick’s Day mystery . . . Krissy is ready to provide one of the essential ingredients for Irish coffee this St. Patrick’s Day—though without a liquor license, she’ll have to team up with a local bar owner to complete the recipe. It’s a perfect chance to distract herself from her upcoming wedding . . . and her worries about how her beloved cat will get along with his new canine stepsiblings. As she doles out some much-needed caffeine the day after the festivities, she learns that the town is dealing with something worse than a hangover: homicide. Like many a reveler before him, the bar owner ended up green around the gills, but after he passed out, he never woke up. Now, between brewing, bookselling, and house-hunting, Krissy is reviewing a whole parade of suspects . . . About the Author Alex Erickson is the author of the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series, the Furever Pets Mysteries, and the Cat Yoga Mystery Series. He lives in Ohio with his family and resident felines, who provide endless amounts of inspiration. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending his time gaming or playing music. Visit him online at Facebook and his Website. Thanks to the publisher, I have 1 Mass Market Paperback copy to give away! The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. with a US or Canadian mailing address. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Add this book to your WANT TO READ shelf on GoodReads for 3 Bonus Entries. Follow Kensington Books on Threads for 2 Bonus Entries! Follow Kensington Publishing on Facebook for 2 Bonus Entries!  Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on June 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas.   Read the full article

I am happy to dip back into the past for this book, released in 2020! A Spell for Trouble: An Enchanted Bay Mystery Cozy Mystery/Fantasy 1st in Series Setting - North Carolina Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 7, 2020 Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages Hardcover ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643853031 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643853031 Kindle ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643853246 ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07WNDJS1Q Fans of Ellery Adams and Heather Blake will be charmed by this seaside cozy mystery series full of humor and heart, mermaids and magic Aleksandra Daniels hasn’t set foot in the quiet seaside town of Bellamy Bay, North Carolina in over twenty years. Ever since her mother’s tragic death, her father has mysteriously forbidden her from visiting her aunt and cousins. But on a whim, Alex accepts an invitation to visit her estranged relatives and to help them in their family business: an herbal apothecary known for its remarkably potent teas, salves, and folk remedies. Bellamy Bay doesn’t look like trouble, but this is a town that harbors dark secrets. Alex discovers that her own family is at the center of salacious town gossip, and that they are rumored to be magical healers descended from mermaids. She brushes this off as nonsense until a local is poisoned and her aunt Lidia is arrested for the crime. Alex is certain Lidia is being framed, and she resolves to find out why. Alex’s investigation unearths stories that some have gone to desperate lengths to conceal: forbidden affairs, family rivalries, and the truth about Alex’s own ancestry. And when the case turns deadly, Alex learns that not only are these secrets worth hiding, but they may even be worth killing for. About the Author Ever since Esme discovered Nancy Drew, she's wanted to solve mysteries. As a mystery author, she's finally found a way to make that dream come true. A former military spouse, Esme lives in Raleigh, NC, with her husband and three boys. When she's not writing, you can find her visiting B&Bs, breweries, wineries, and historical sites. Website I am giving away a Kindle Copy of A Spell for Trouble. The book will be sent from Amazon US. The contest is open to individuals 18 years of age or older. Duplicate entries will be deleted. Void where prohibited. You do not have to be a follower to enter, but I hope you will find something you like here and become a follower. Followers Will Receive 2 Bonus Entries For Each Way They Follow. Plus 2 Bonus Entries For Following My Facebook Fan Page. Subscribe to Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book via Email for 3 Bonus Entries. Pin this giveaway to Pinterest for 3 Bonus Entries. If you share the giveaway on Threads, Facebook, etc., you will receive 5 Bonus Entries For Each Link. The  Contest Will End on June 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST The Winner Will Be Chosen Using Random.org The Winner will be notified by email and posted here in the sidebar. Click Here For Entry Form Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent 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 Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article