Category: Chapters & Lattes

Chapters & Lattes, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Dirty Money by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The third book in the Neely Kate Mystery Series, Dirty Money, was such a fast-paced, addictive read. Denise Grover Swank has a way of pulling me right back into Neely Kate’s world, and this book kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s full of tension, danger, and those emotional moments that make the series so special.

Neely Kate continues to grow into her strength here—she’s smart, intuitive, and braver than she realizes. I loved watching her step up, trust her instincts, and prove (again!) that she’s far more capable than people give her credit for. And her dynamic with Jed? Still one of my favorite parts of the series. They work together so naturally, with a quiet trust and steady support that makes every scene between them feel meaningful.

Her relationship with Joe also shines in this book. Their bond feels genuine and hopeful, and I love how he shows up for her in ways she didn’t even know she needed.

This series just keeps getting better. Will Neely Kate ever be free from her half-sister? The mystery itself is gripping without ever feeling confusing, and the stakes feel higher than ever. It’s the perfect blend of suspense, heart, and character growth — exactly what I want from a Neely Kate book.

I still have a pet peeve when they call a gun’s magazine a clip, but it doesn’t distract from the fact that this is a 5-star read! This series just keeps getting better. Unfortunately, this is the last book in this series, and I will miss Neely Kate’s Mysteries. Maybe the author will decide to write another one; I can hope!!

Have you read this series?  Give me your thoughts in the comments.

Chapters & Lattes, Travel

From Central Park to 34th Street: Bringing my favorite NYC Bookish Moments to Life

Chapters & lattes

Hello, my bookish friends! This review is going to be a bit different. I just returned from an incredible vacation to New York City and Niagara Falls. While packing, I wondered if I should even discuss my trip here on the blog, given that my niche is strictly bookish. However, as soon as my feet hit the pavement in Manhattan, I realized that for a bookworm, a trip to NYC is like walking through the pages of your favorite stories.

I did manage to walk past the famous Strand bookstore, keeping my eyes peeled for a real-life ‘You’ve Got Mail’ moment!

My next stop had to be the iconic New York Public Library. Standing outside this beautiful literary castle, I thought of all the incredible books set in this city, including one of my favorites, Rachael Bloome’s New York, New Year, New You. Walking the streets she describes in her book felt so surreal! This has been on my bucket list for years, and I couldn’t believe my dream was finally coming true. I was walking the very streets I had only read about or seen in a movie.

But the absolute highlight of my trip was walking a very specific route that is near and dear to my heart. Every single year, without fail, I watch the movie Miracle on 34th Street. Years ago, I actually read the original novella by Valentine Davies, and it has remained a deeply nostalgic story for me. Note to self.. I must reread this book!

On this trip, I accidentally retraced the famous Thanksgiving Day Parade route, starting at Central Park where the floats and magic begin.

Then I followed it all the way to the ultimate destination. I even managed to snap a picture of the 34th Street sign and the flagship Macy’s department store itself!

Standing right where Kris Kringle marched and worked felt like stepping directly into the movie and the book. It’s a rare case where I love both the screen and written versions equally, and seeing it in person was pure magic.

Of course, the trip wasn’t just about New York City. We also headed up to Niagara Falls, which felt like stepping onto its own movie set. If you ever go, be sure to visit the Canadian side, which is pure magic. And a trip about 30 minutes down the road to Niagara-on-the-Lake is also a must-see. There is a quaint bookshop there called Old Niagara Bookshop.

Because a book blogger never truly leaves home without a book, my travel companion for the trip—besides my husband—was Denise Grover Swank’s In High Cotton from her Neely Kate Mystery series. It has absolutely nothing to do with New York or massive waterfalls—it’s a fast-paced, gripping Southern mystery—but it was the perfect page-turner to keep me entertained during travel and wind-down time. (Review to come soon)

Going on vacation reminded me that books shape how we see the world, and seeing these famous settings in real life made me appreciate my favorite stories even more.

My trip was definitely 5 stars out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Here is a picture of my husband and me enjoying Central Park.

What about you? Do you have a favorite book set in New York City or Niagara Falls? Have you ever visited a place just because it was the setting of a book or movie you love? I would love to hear your stories Let me know in the comments!

Chapters & Lattes, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Piece by Piece by Rachel Hanna Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

***This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases  at no extra cost to you.*****

Click on the book cover to purchase the book.

Piece by Piece by Rachel Hanna South Carolina Sunsets, Book 13

“I wish I had known you all my life, so I wouldn’t have wasted so much time without you.”

Piece by Piece is exactly why I fell in love with Rachel Hanna’s storytelling all those books ago. The very first book I ever read from her was The Beach House, and it’s still my favorite — but this newest installment reminds me why this series continues to feel like home.

This book follows Liz and Grant, two complete opposites who somehow fit together perfectly. Liz arrives in Seagrove after a painful experience at work, one she’s not ready to talk about. She slips quietly into town to help Dixie at the bookstore, pouring her energy into the children’s section while trying to rebuild her confidence piece by piece.

Next door is Grant, the quiet, puzzle‑loving shop owner with a secret of his own. He’s reserved, private, and definitely not a “joiner.” Liz, on the other hand, is sunshine and chatter and big ideas — including her plan to combine books and puzzles into a community event she calls Books & Brains. Grant isn’t thrilled, but watching Liz gently nudge him out of his shell is one of the sweetest slow-burn arcs in the series.

And of course, one of my favorite parts: we get to catch up with old friends. Julie and Dawson — the couple who started it all — make an appearance, and it feels like checking in on family. Dixie (who doesn’t love Dixie?), SuAnne, and Janine all bring that familiar Seagrove charm that makes this town feel like somewhere I genuinely want to move to.

This story is warm, comforting, and full of heart. It’s about secrets, healing, unexpected connection, and finding the courage to start again. It’s the kind of book you think about long after you finish it — the characters linger, the town wraps around you, and the romance unfolds in that signature Rachel Hanna slow-burn way that makes you smile.

I’ve loved Seagrove since the very first book, and Piece by Piece feels like catching up with old friends while meeting new ones you can’t help but love. I’m already looking forward to the next book coming out next year.

“Piece by piece. That’s how you build a life.”

This book will be released on August 25th. I received an early copy as a member of her Patio Patreon group. You can preorder it on Amazon and receive it on the release date.

Chapters & Lattes, Fiction, Mystery

Trailer Trash by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Every now and then, a book comes along that doesn’t just entertain me—it opens up a character I thought I already knew. Trailer Trash did exactly that. I’ll be honest: it started out a little slow for me. But once it found its rhythm, I was completely pulled in. By the end, I felt like I understood Neely Kate on a level I didn’t even realize I’d been missing.

This story is emotional in a quiet, powerful way. We finally get to see the pieces of Neely Kate’s past she’s tried so hard to bury—the parts that shaped her, hardened her, and taught her to survive. Suddenly, all her trust issues make sense. All those walls she keeps around herself? You finally see where they came from, and it hits you right in the heart.

What I loved most is that this isn’t a story about running from the past. It’s facing it head‑on, and choosing to move forward. Watching Neely Kate make that decision—knowing how terrified she is of being judged, especially by Rose—was honestly beautiful. It’s messy, it’s emotional, and it feels real.

And Jed… His presence in this book is steady, grounding, and exactly what Neely Kate needed. He doesn’t try to fix her; he just shows up, stands beside her, and helps her carry the weight when she finally decides she can’t carry it alone. Their dynamic adds such a warm, supportive layer to the story. I fell even more in love with Jed. He really knows how to  up.

By the time I finished, I felt proud of Neely Kate—proud of her courage, her vulnerability, and the way she chose to stop letting her past define her future.

If you love character-driven stories with emotional depth, healing, and a touch of quiet strength, Trailer Trash is absolutely worth the read. Five stars from me.

Chapters & Lattes, Fiction, Monthly Reading, Mystery

Monthly Reads July 2026

Chapters & lattes

Okay, real talk—July was a lot. Between everything going on, my reading time got squeezed down to almost nothing, and I only finished two books this month. If you follow me during the winter, you know that’s basically a slow month for me. But here’s the thing: quality over quantity, right? Because both of these books were easy five-star reads, and I’m still thinking about them.

Both books came from a series that has genuinely become one of my all-time favorites—Rose Gardner Investigations by Denise Grover Swank. Let’s get into it.

It All Falls Down (Rose Gardner Investigations #7) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Trouble Comes in 3s (Rose Gardner Investigations #8) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I Can’t Quit This Series

Here’s what consistently draws me to Rose: her growth feels genuinely earned. She didn’t begin as a confident, capable woman effortlessly solving mysteries. Instead, she started timid, sheltered, and with almost no real-world experience. This was a direct result of growing up with an overprotective and abusive mother who — as the series masterfully reveals — never truly loved her. The books gradually uncover the complex reasons behind this lack of love, and it’s far from a simple explanation. Rose spends the series slowly understanding her mother more with each installment, but understanding doesn’t equate to forgiveness. She’s still processing that trauma, still struggling with it, and I appreciate that Swank doesn’t rush her through it for a tidy resolution. It feels incredibly real.

However, what truly won me over was watching Rose actively pursue the life she desires. She created a wish list of experiences she craved but never had, and with significant help from the man next door (yes, that man next door, if you know, you know 👀), she’s been checking them off one by one. This specific, hard-won growth is incredibly satisfying to witness. It’s not just about her becoming “braver”; it’s about her reclaiming her life, authentically and specifically.

What You’re Getting Into

If you’re a reader who loves:

  • A protagonist you can’t help but fall in love with
  • A mystery that grips you from start to finish
  • A truly slow-burn romance that actually takes it’s time
  • A love triangle that adds genuine tension, not just drama
  • Forbidden love
  • Deep, loyal friendships
  • A heroine who learns to trust herself and others after a lifetime of reasons not to
  • A character who can’t resist getting involved in a mystery, even when it puts herself and people she loves in danger

…then Rose Gardner is about to become your next obsession.

Books 7 and 8 elevate the stakes in both the mystery and Rose’s personal life. I was completely hooked from beginning to end by both. Five stars!

Where to Start

If this is your first time hearing about Rose, don’t start with book seven. Instead, go back to the very beginning with the Rose Gardner Mystery series. That’s where you’ll meet Rose at her most vulnerable, which makes everything that happens later hit so much harder. Once you finish that series, follow Rose and her best friend right into Rose Gardner Investigations, where these two books live.

Trust me—you’ll want the full journey.

Final Thoughts

A two-book month isn’t my usual pace, but when both books are this good, I really can’t complain. Rose Gardner continues to be one of my favorite characters in cozy mysteries, and this series proves that a slow-burn romance and a genuinely compelling mystery can absolutely coexist without either one getting shortchanged.

Have you read the Rose Gardner series? Where are you in Rose’s story? Let me know in the comments—I love talking about this series with fellow readers. 💛

Catch the quick version of this review on my YouTube Shorts and follow along on Instagram and TikTok @chaptersandlattes for more!

Click here for my LINK IN BIO

Click the book covers below to buy these books on Amazon

Chapters & Lattes, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Trouble Comes in Threes by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ooh, if you love a mystery that keeps sneaking up on you, “Trouble Comes in Threes” is going to hit the spot! Denise Grover Swank has such a knack for pulling you into Rose’s world. By book eight, it feels like catching up with old friends, yet she still manages to throw in twists that had me gasping out loud. The mystery itself was layered in a way that kept me guessing right up until the reveal, and I love when an author can do that this deep into a series without it feeling stale.

Rose Gardner is back, pulled into a new case that hits close to home and stirs up serious personal drama. A mysterious box, three dead bodies & a Mysterious vision—what is Rose getting mixed up in this time? This installment perfectly balances mystery and small-town charm, weaving together an investigation with the ongoing relationship threads fans have come to love. Expect new trouble, familiar faces, and Rose once again proving she can’t help but get tangled up in it all.

If you have been following Rose and her antics, you will love this installment, even though it left some ends hanging, which only leaves me hopeful for another installment. If you have been reading other series by Denise Grover Swank, you may recognize someone in this book.

Honestly, if you’re already following the Rose Gardner Investigations series, this one is an easy 5 stars. And if you haven’t started it yet — what are you waiting for?

Chapters & Lattes, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

It All Falls Down by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Whew! Talk about a roller coaster ride. Just when I thought the tension and emotion couldn’t escalate further, It Falls Down cranks it up another notch. I was on the edge of my seat, screaming at Rose to remember she has a baby and to stop putting herself in dangerous situations. But Rose never listens; she’ll fight for the ones she loves, no matter what.

If you’ve been following Rose Gardner’s journey from the very beginning, as I have, then “It All Falls Down” is an absolute must-read. Denise Grover Swank totally knocked it out of the park with this seventh installment of the Rose Gardner Investigations series.

Things kick off with a bang when a body turns up south of Henryetta. Before she knows it, Rose is tangled up with safe-crackers, dangerous syndicates, and Denny Carmichael, who calls in a terrifying favor. With her six-week-old baby and everyone she loves on the line, the stakes have never been higher.

Rose has grown so much throughout this series, and I love that she’s still relatable even with everything she’s been through. The mix of mystery, suspense, humor, and heart is what keeps me coming back. I found myself saying, “Just one more chapter,” way more times than I’d like to admit—and before I knew it, I’d finished the whole book.

This installment raises the stakes in a big way. There were moments that had me holding my breath, and a few that honestly left me shocked. Denise Grover Swank has a way of making you care so much about these characters that every decision and every revelation hits hard.

Grab your coffee (or wine!) and curl up with Rose Gardner. I actually recommend starting with the “Rose Gardner Mystery” series so you can meet Rose at the beginning of her journey and see how much she has grown through this series and into the “Rose Gardner Investigations” series.

“It All Falls Down” is peak storytelling from start to finish. Thank goodness this wasn’t the end of the road for Rose; I am ready to dive into Book Eight.

If you have read this book or any of the Rose Gardner books, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Click below to buy this book on Amazon.

Chapters & Lattes, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

When The Bough Breaks by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Another great read by Denise Grover Swank! I have been hooked on this series ever since the first book, and I have loved Rose since she was first introduced in the Rose Gardner Mysteries. She has come a long way from that timid girl with no life experience. She may have a bit too much life experience now, and she has a way of getting herself into predicaments, but you can’t help but love her.

In this sixth installment of the Rose Gardner Investigations, the stakes are higher when Rose’s niece and nephew go missing. For months, Rose has been convinced that her late sister’s ex-husband has been involved in criminal activity, but she hasn’t been able to prove it. Now, with her niece and nephew missing and her conviction that they have been kidnapped, she becomes desperate to find them. Being nine months pregnant isn’t going to stop her from saving Ashley & Mikey.

This is the type of mystery that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I found myself wanting to yell at Rose, to tell her she was putting her own unborn baby at risk. But Rose was resilient, and she kept pushing to save little Ashley and Mikey.

I absolutely loved this book! It had me on the edge of my seat at times, and I couldn’t wait to see how Rose would get out of this predicament. I still do not like James “Skeeter” Malcolm; I’m not sure if anything can redeem him at this point. I love that Rose is back with Joe, and I hope they will be together until the end. I am pulling for them! I still have one pet peeve, though: when Rose calls a magazine in a gun a “clip.” It is not a clip; it is a magazine. I still love the book, but I do cringe when I hear “clip.”

Now I can’t wait to dive into the next installment.

If you have enjoyed the other Rose Gardner mystery books, you will love this one. Things get interesting and come full circle for Rose and Joe.

If you have read this series, share your thoughts in the comments

Chapters & Lattes, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

For the Birds by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

This is the second book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series.

I am completely addicted to this series and everything related to Rose Gardner. This book is pure fun—fast, quirky, heartfelt, and precisely the kind of small-town chaos that makes the Rose Gardner world so irresistible.

If you enjoyed the first book in the Investigations series, you’ll find that Denise Grover Swank has increased the stakes in this installment: there’s more mystery, more humor, and more delightful character moments that make you smile. Of course, Rose has once again found herself caught up in something she never intended to be a part of.

Spoiler‑Free Thoughts

This installment features a mystery that is tight, clever, and packed with surprising “wait… what?!” moments that will keep you turning the pages. Rose is adapting to her new life and role, yet she remains the same lovable blend of stubbornness, sweetness, and unintentional humor. The interactions between her and those around her—particularly those who attempt (and often fail) to keep her out of trouble—are among the highlights of the series.

The pacing is just right: fast enough to read in a day, yet layered enough to immerse you in the investigation. As always, Swank expertly balances tension with warmth, making the story feel comforting even as the stakes rise.

My Take

I adored this one. It’s witty, twisty, and full of heart — the perfect blend of mystery and character-driven storytelling. Rose continues to shine as a heroine you can’t help but root for, and the world around her just gets richer with every book. It’s the kind of read that leaves you smiling when you close the last page and already reaching for the next in the next installment

A solid, joyful, easy five stars.

Announcement, announcemet, Chapters & Lattes, Rebranding

Announcement – “CozyRomm Books & Coffee” is now “Chapters & Lattes”

Chapters & lattes

Hello Bookish friends,

Today, I’m excited to share something that’s been brewing behind the scenes for a while.
CozyRom Books & Coffee has officially rebranded to Chapters & Lattes.

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know this space has always focused on book reviews to help you select your next book to curl up with.

This isn’t just a name change; it’s a step toward a brand that reflects who I am, what I create, and the direction this little corner of the internet is heading. My favorite genres remain clean, small-town romance, cozy mysteries, and occasionally thrillers—provided they aren’t graphic, I will continue to focus on this.

☕ Why the Change?

When I first started CozyRom Books & Coffee, it was a fun, simple way to share my love of reading and caffeine. But as my creative world grew — especially with the launch of my Etsy shop — I realized I wanted everything to feel connected.

I wanted a name that felt warm, bookish, and timeless.
A name that could grow with me.
A name that felt like a cozy nook you’d want to return to again and again.

Chapters & Lattes captured all of that instantly.

It blends stories and comfort, creativity and calm — and it matches my Etsy shop, which means everything I make and share now lives under one cohesive, cozy brand.

📚 What’s Staying the Same

Pretty much everything you have come to expect.

  • My voice
  • My bookish content
  • My cozy aesthetic
  • My love for coffee, reading, and creative projects
  • My commitment to sharing things that make life feel softer and more intentional

This space will still feel like a warm blanket and a good story — just with a name that fits a little better.

✨ What’s New

With the rebrand comes a few exciting updates:

  • A fresh new logo
  • A new website banner
  • A more polished, cohesive look across the blog and Etsy shop
  • Hopefully, behind‑the‑scenes posts about my creative process
  • New product launches that match the Chapters & Lattes vibe

Think cozy, bookish, creative, and a little bit whimsical.

💛 Thank You for Being Here

Whether you’ve been here since the CozyRom days or you’re just joining me now, thank you. Truly.


Your support, your comments, your messages — they’ve made this space feel like a community, not just a blog.

I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you.
Fresh stories, new creations, and plenty of lattes are on the way.

Here’s to Chapters & Lattes — a place for readers, dreamers, creators, and anyone who loves a cozy moment.

The new website is http://www.chapersandlattes.com, but if you have bookmarked the old web address, it sill still points to this one, so you are good to go.