Book picks similar to
A Highland Practice by Jo Bartlett
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The Annie Szabo Mystery Series Vol 1-3
Meredith Blevins - 2016
Now you can get Meredith Blevins’s entire 3-book Annie Szabo Mystery series— two of which were Library Journal’s TOP FIVE picks in two successive years-- at the irresistible price of $6.99! Freelance journalist Annie Szabo has a way of attracting… unusual experiences. Together with her pushy mother-in-law Madame Mina, the combination is as combustible as a Gypsy funeral. These two are as funny as they are clever, and their hilariously querulous relationship is the real fun of the supernatural cozy series.Once you marry into a Gypsy clan, just try to get out! Annie Szabo loved her husband, but after his death, she was only too happy to leave his outrageous clan behind, especially Madame Mina, tarot reader, psychic advisor, and philosopher – with her signature accessories: a man (or two) and her red pumps. Some might call them madcap, zany, eccentric; but really one word says it all: Gypsy. Well, that, and juicy: pulsing with the rhythms – and juices – of life, birth, and death, with the California wine country wind in your hair."Fascinating gypsy lore, unforgettable characters and a wicked sense of humor distinguish Blevins's highly unusual mystery debut... This stellar first, with its assured prose, will delight any mystery fan.” – Publishers Weekly in a STARRED REVIEW. THE HUMMINGBIRD WIZARD When her oldest friend and former brother-in-law, Jerry, turns up dead, Annie’s plunged back into the family she tried to leave behind. Annie knows Jerry’s murder was not the random street robbery the police believe it to be, but how is she supposed to prove it? As Annie turns amateur detective, THE HUMMINGBIRD WIZARD turns sexy. Truth to tell, it’s probably one of the sexiest mysteries you're ever going to read, but not because it's explicit--there’s just something about that…wizard. Lawyers, criminals, kink, aerial artistry, magic, and more murder mysteries, coupled with Blevins’s trademark humor, make for a delicious—and very funny-- supernatural cozy, with a healthy dose of romance. THE VANISHED PRIESTESS Annie is heartbroken when her neighbor and good friend, Margo Spanger, the owner-operator of a New Age circus that helps support a home for abused women, is murdered. She’s also frightened—her own daughter is an abused wife who’s a resident of Margo’s project. Along with Annie’s grandson.The plot thickens as quickly as a roux-- Margo's partner, Lili, goes missing the day of Margo's death, causing the shelter to fall into disarray, thus threatening its residents, and the detective team of Annie and Madame Mina swings into action!A fast, funny, and very original paranormal murder mystery. THE RED HOT EMPRESS Nudged by her Gypsy mother-in-law, Madame Mina, freelance journalist Annie Szabo writes an article about Jimmy Qi, an Asian boy with the power to heal through music, which is right down the Szabos’ paranormal alley. But their good intentions soon put the youngster in danger. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the rising star of San Francisco's Chinatown—including a shady evangelist, the FBI, the tongs, and a man who talks to dolphins. After two suspicious deaths, Annie and Jimmy go on the lam, not knowing whom to trust or why.
The Little Gift Shop on the Loch
Maggie Conway - 2019
Home is where the heart is…Lily Ballantine is still reeling from losing her job and the man she’s head over heels for all in one afternoon! So with her pride in tatters, she leaves the city behind her for the charming Scottish village of Carroch.Bequeathed the tiny gift shop by her late, free-spirited mother, she only intends to stay until she sells the place – but instead, finds herself falling for the beautiful shop, the stray cat called Misty… and the rather handsome local, Jack Armstrong.Lily’s not looking for love, but as the little gift shop weaves its magic around her heart, she wonders whether her mother might just have left her the greatest gift of all?
Eighty and Out
Kim Cano - 2015
Was it a silly childhood idea, or were they wise beyond their years? Most importantly, will they go through with it when the time comes?
The Christmas Key
Kim O'Brien - 2005
One daughter is flunking three subjects, and the other is riddled with tattoos.Already late for her Suddenly Single support group two nights before Christmas, Joanie rushes to the church only to run into her ex-husband, Mitchell, who claims to be there to meet Pastor Frank. But as they try to leave, the door is stuck, and the lock won’t budge. With escape on the mind, from the building and each other, Joanie and Mitchell scavenge for a way out, but what they find is a key to emotions that have been locked away and ignored too long.Back at home, Natalie is reprimanding Amelia for allowing her boyfriend to come over when no one else is home when suddenly the doorbell rings…and Pastor Frank is on the other side. Forced to entertain Pastor Frank while Amelia and her boyfriend hide, Natalie discovers that she can’t hold her family together herself, and Amelia realizes that she can’t afford to let her.
HALLOWEEN SCARE
Maggie Sefton - 2014
An E-Short short story (approximately 7000 words) featuring the cast of characters who inhabit the NYT Bestselling Kelly Flynn Knitting Mysteries.
Summer at Sandcastle Cottage
Christina Jones - 2021
WARM, FUNNY AND FULL OF LOVE!' Katie Fforde, author of A Springtime Affair'LOVELY, SUNSHINEY . . . A TREAT' Carole Matthews, author of Sunny Days and Sea Breezes
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"...Before anyone or anything else could stop her, she pulled the
flimsy airmail letter from her pocket and opened it. The writing
was black, small, and cursive, and there was a lot of it . . ."
THE SUNNIEST AND MOST UPLIFTING AUTHOR RETURNS!
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DISCOVER WHY READERS LOVE CHRISTINA JONES . . .
***** "
Left me with a massive smile on my face and great warmth in my heart" Netgalley reviewer***** "Lovely and sunny, with the right mix of drama and romance . . . The chip shop, the beach and the sunshine just add to the joy" Netgalley reviewer***** "I've been reading Christina's books for longer than I care to remember . . . I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone" Netgalley reviewer*****"A wonderful book of a family built up of friendships . . . Just loved it"Amazon reviewer
***** "
So great to see Christiana Jones back writing again . . . Left me with a massive smile on my face and great warmth in my heart" Amazon reviewer
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After trials, tears and a torturous break-up, Kitty Appleby has finally found where she's meant to be. Tumbledown Sandcastle Cottage, in the delightful seaside village of Firefly Common, is home, and Kitty's eccentric band of friends and neighbours are enjoying a glorious summer.There's just one tiny little problem. Sandcastle Cottage doesn't belong to them. And Mavis Mullholland, Kitty's landlord, is on her way home from her round-the-world cruise . . .Kitty can't bear to lose the communitythat's welcomed her in. But secretly, she can't bear to leave Sandcastle Cottage without finding out more about the mysterious and enigmatic Vinny . . . Why can't she stop thinking about him, when she's faced with losing everything?
___________________________
PRAISE FOR CHRISTINA JONES
'MAGICAL' Heat'FABULOUS' The Times'A WONDERFUL WRITER' Jill Mansell, author of AND NOW YOU'RE BACK
Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach
Polly Babbington - 2021
So, when she finds herself leaving her lovely, comfortable existence in London with nothing much more than a car and her gorgeous little dog a new start in Pretty Beach seems like the best thing that’s going to happen to her anytime soon.As she sets to work on a dilapidated old house on Seafolly Passage, starts a new job and begins to turn her life around things in Pretty Beach are definitely looking on the rosier side of what she had just left. Even though she had thought that going back to Pretty Beach was very much a backward step in her life.We follow along with Lulu, as not only the old house she has inherited, but also Lulu herself comes back to life, and just when she is least expecting it, boom, along comes Ollie Cavendish and knocks her for six.Will Lulu Drinkwater find love least when she was expecting it or will she decide that, actually, life on her own, really isn’t quite so bad after all?Sit back and delve into the utterly gorgeous little town of Pretty Beach where cinnamon buns, sparkly sea, golden beaches and beautiful old houses wrap you up in their warmth and transport you to a place you’ll sometimes wish you could live forever.♥ ‘Polly Babbington creates oh-so-magical books.’ ♥‘Absolutely loved this book as I did all the others in the series sheer feel good and escapism as were the others. Please please write the next one.’ LynnFyson, Amazon Reviewer♥ All the Pretty Beach books are set in Pretty Beach with each little trilogy focusing on new central characters.♥ It's preferable to start with book one but all books end with a conclusion and can be read as standalones.Book 1 (Trilogy 1) The Boat House Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 2 (Trilogy 1) Summer Weddings at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 3 (Trilogy 1) Winter at Pretty Beach (Sallie & Ben)Book 4 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Christmas (Juliette & Luke)Book 5 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Dream (Juliette & Luke)Book 6 (Trilogy 2) A Pretty Beach Wish (Juliette & Luke)Book 7 (Trilogy 3 ) Secret Evenings in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 8 (Trilogy 3) Secret Places in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 9 (Trilogy 3) Secret Days in Pretty Beach (Lottie & Connor)Book 10 (Trilogy 4) Lovely Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 11 (Trilogy 4) Beautiful Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 12 (Trilogy 4) Darling Little Things in Pretty Beach (Lulu & Ollie)Book 13 (Trilogy 5) The Old Sugar Wharf Pretty Beach♥'Another brilliant book that keeps you excited to keep turning the page. Can't wait for the next one and see how it develops. Well done Polly on another great book.' Debra, Amazon Reviewer'Polly just keeps giving such fantastic stories with amazing characters. I just can’t wait for the next book.' G. Harry, Amazon ReviewerThis is what romance readers are saying about Polly Babbington’s books:‘What a lovely piece of escapism. I totally fell in love with the descriptions of the decor of Sallie's place. Is she real? I want to go there......really!’ Julie41, Amazon Reviewer‘5 stars all the way yet again for another wonderful read.’ JudeP Amazon Reviewer‘One of my fave romantic comedy novels.’‘I honestly loved all of this romantic beach read - strong female characters & romance on the beach.’
Stand By Your Man
Bobby Hutchinson - 2005
And she's pretty certain Sebastian is guilty as charged, so she’s trying her best not to find evidence to the contrary. She's doing the exact opposite of what Finn hired her to do, betraying the guy she—well, the guy she’s supposed to be working for, the guy she just might, maybe, almost be falling for . . .
The Cosy Castle on the Loch: Spring
Alice Ross - 2018
But when she finds herself whipped up in a whirl of activity at Glenduff Castle to neatly tie up the rest of her life for her, she begins to panic.With pressure coming at her from all sides, the easiest option is for Flora to go along with it all. But will the appearance of a handsome stranger at Glenduff provide her with a more attractive alternative?
The New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles, Vol. 1-2: Rescued By A Kiss Book 1, Dead And Breakfast Book 2
Colleen Mooney - 2016
Brandy Alexander’s the real deal--yes, that’s her real name and she’s not even a stripper, although her best friend Julia is.WHO WILL LOVE THESE: The slapstick way Brandy goes about it all has a definite whiff of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum; fans of Stephanie Bond, Jana DeLeon, Joan Hess, Lisa Lutz, Sarah Strohmeyer, and Elaine Viets may also find a kindred spirit in this New Orleans dawlin’. And animal lovers will flat-out swoon!
Vol. 1 RESCUED BY A KISS
A KISS TO KILL FOR …Brandy still lives with her parents in the Irish Channel and she’s sort of semi kind of engaged to the boy next door, who’s—what else?—one of NOLA’s finest. And Italian.Dante, the BF, is such a thoroughgoing New Orleanian he always manages Mardi Gras parade duty on his own block. So you'd think Brandy might be a little self-conscious when a suave Svengali in one of the gentlemen’s walking clubs mesmerizes her into a big fat Mardi Gras smooch right in front of him. But not a bit. Because after all, it's Mardi Gras, and also for another good reason— “that kiss was long, slow, hot—unlike any kiss I’d ever had in my life.” She makes a date to meet Mr. Good Kiss after the parade (Yes! Right in front of Mr. Right Next Door) but –horrors--arrives just in time to see him get shot. Although fortunately not shot dead. Before he passes out, he pulls her close and whispers, “Save Isabella.”And with that we’re off on a screwball chase all over town, from Lee Circle to the Lakefront, with a stop at Charity Hospital, and finally to the French Quarter’s favorite gay dance club, at all times accompanied by Schnauzers, one of them named Geaux Cup.
Vol. 2 DEAD AND BREAKFAST
DEAD IN BED…WHO YOU GONNA CALL?Brandy Alexander is a true and trusted friend – not to mention something of a detective-- who else would you call if you found a full-blown murder mystery in your bedroom? So when Brandy’s best friend Julia, the ex-stripper-turned hotelier, finds her first guest covered in blood, lying half on and half off a broken bed—with Julia’s panties swinging from the chandelier – she gets Brandy on the horn. And Brandy does the only sensible thing—first makes coffee, then calls the police.And who should respond but her recent ex-boyfriend, Dante, with a brand new daggers-looking female partner. But wait! This is not nearly complicated enough for Noo Awlins, where, after all, everybody knows everybody! Julia’s lawyer is none other than Jiff, Brandy’s new squeeze (and the reason Dante’s the ex-boyfriend).As the suspense mounts, the romance blossoms, and not just one—Jiff’s looking more and more like Mr. Right: a 100% Class Act, with his own Schnauzer and a soft spot for Brandy’s three.
Witch of Key Lime Lane
Gabrielle Keyes - 2021
A house on a haunted island. A woman needing a fresh start. Lily Blanchett, restaurant owner and ex-wife of celebrity chef, Derek Blanchett, has had enough. After publicly setting fire to the last of his things (and making headlines for it), she needs a break from the divorce, and her Aunt Sylvie’s cottage in the Florida Keys seems just the thing. The twins are halfway through college, her mother insists she’ll go crazy if she doesn’t leave NYC for a bit, and nobody seems to need her middle-aged butt around anymore.So, why not break away for a while? It'll only be temporary.But the little Victorian at the end of Key Lime Lane is a strange place where doors open and close as they please, a mermaid fountain watches her, a strange cat appears when Lily least expects it, and her witchy neighbors hold “moon parties” on the beach. Throw in a woke ol’ sea dog and a hot captain with a boat named the “Sea Witch” and Lily is soon surrounded by an eccentric motley crew.Can big-city, fast-paced Lily get a fresh start on a sleepy little island with a name like Skeleton Key? At forty-five with nowhere else to go, she’s about to find out.WITCH OF KEY LIME LANE, a story about starting over in midlife, harnessing the magic within, and friendships after divorce, is Book #1 in the Dead & Breakfast series by Gabrielle Keyes.
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street
Rachel Griffiths - 2020
Jilted on her wedding day by her fiancé, she has little interest in looking for love again. She spends most of her time hiding away in her cosy cottage, snuggling on the sofa with her two cats and trying to find the energy to invest in her online craft business. Widower Ethan Morris has been drifting from job to job since he lost his wife, unable to commit to anything for long. He’s returned to Sunflower Street to stay with his ailing mother and is secretly glad to have an excuse to go home. His mother suggests that he puts his manual skills to good use by starting his own painting and decorating business.The glorious spring sunshine reveals all the areas of Lila’s cottage that are in need of maintenance, as well as a good spring clean, and her friends suggest that she hires someone to do the work. At first, Lila is reluctant, having kept things the same since her fiancé left, but she has to admit that a fresh lick of paint on the walls and some more shelves for her books would be nice. When a flier advertising a new local painter and decorator lands on Lila’s doormat, it seems like fate has made the decision for her. As Ethan works his magic on Lila’s cottage, and spring brings hope and renewal to Sunflower Street, is it possible that there could be a new beginning in store for Lila and Ethan too?
A Perfect Home
Kate Glanville - 2012
But when an interiors magazine sends a good-looking photographer to take pictures of Claire's perfect home, he makes her wonder if the house means more to William than she does. This is the beautifully observed and poignant love story of a woman who has to find out if home really is where the heart is.
Mossy Creek: A Maggie Mercer Mystery Book 1
Jill S. Behe - 2015
We're small and easy-going with a lot of community pride and camaraderie. What we don't have a lot of is crime. A close-knit laid-back little borough, so close to the southern border of Pennsylvania we're almost in West Virginia. Townsfolk like to say: "We're south enough to lend credence to our slight drawl, but sufficiently north of the Mason-Dixon to be 'damn Yankees'." None of us were prepared for murder ... especially involving a teenager.
The Secret Keeper
Brea Brown - 2013
But Peyton is keeping a secret of her own. And it’s a doozy.Pastor Brice Northam is used to hearing secrets. After all, it’s part of his job description. But he’s about to hear one that’s going to challenge him almost as much as his feelings for the person confessing.Peyton needs some serious help from Brice, but how much does she dare tell him? And what, exactly, is Brice hiding from Peyton—and himself? Clearly they both have some serious soul-searching to do. But maybe, just maybe, the answer to secrets isn’t silence. Or more secrets. Maybe it’s love.