Tag: Book Review

Monthly Reading

Monthly Reads August 2026

Chapters & lattes

Definitely a 5 Star Month ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

August turned out to be such a satisfying reading month. I didn’t go into it with a theme, but somehow my stack ended up full of emotional journeys, small-town secrets, and the kind of character relationships that make me want to curl up with a latte and keep reading. Here’s a look at everything I read this month—and what I thought about each one.

🩷Piece by Piece — Rachel Hanna ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was the perfect book to start my month. Rachel Hanna consistently delivers gentle, heartfelt Southern charm, and Piece by Piece was no exception. It’s emotional in a quiet way—the kind that truly sneaks up on you. I loved watching the characters rebuild, reconnect, and discover strength in the small moments. It felt like a warm hug in book form.

💛 Working Class Hero — Kay Bratt ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kay Bratt writes characters who feel real—flawed, hopeful, and resilient—and Working Class Hero is a beautiful testament to that skill. This story, rich with grit and heart, had me rooting for its characters from the very first chapter. It’s an honest, grounded read that resonates long after the final page.

🛻 Trailer Trash — Denise Grover Swank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book surprised me with its emotional depth. Trailer Trash finally opens up Neely Kate’s past in a way that allowed me to understand her so much more deeply. While the beginning is a little slow, once it settles in, the story becomes vulnerable, powerful, and full of heart. And Jed’s quiet, steady support? Absolutely perfect. This one was a standout for me.

🌾 In High Cotton — Denise Grover Swank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed this one. It has that perfect mix of mystery and heart that Denise Grover Swank does so well. I adore Jed and Neely Kate together—their dynamic is supportive, gentle, and full of unspoken connection. And Neely Kate’s relationship with her newly discovered half-brother Joe? I loved every bit of it. My only tiny pet peeve: she refers to a gun’s magazine as a clip. It’s a magazine. But even with that little hiccup, this was such a great read.

💵 Dirty Money — Denise Grover Swank ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one kept me turning pages. The stakes feel higher, the tension tighter, and Neely Kate’s growth really shines. I loved seeing her step into her own strength while still holding onto the relationships that matter most. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and a great continuation of her story.

☕ Final Thoughts

August was full of small-town heartfelt moments, emotional growth, and captivating mysteries. From Rachel Hanna’s gentle storytelling to Denise Grover Swank’s character-driven suspense, this month’s reads were exactly what I needed.

I’m already excited for September — hopefully for more cozy nights, more good stories, and maybe a few surprises along the way.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts. If not, perhaps one will find its way onto your TBR.

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.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

In High Cotton by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I really enjoyed In High Cotton. Book two in the Neely Kate Mystery Series by Denise Grover Swank consistently draws me back into Neely Kate’s world, and this book was no exception. It offers that perfect blend of mystery, heart, and character moments that always make me want to stay up way too late reading.

A dead body in the basement, another in the trunk of a car—is Neely Kate’s past catching up with her? Joe and Jed will stop at nothing to protect Neely Kate! 

What really made this book shine for me were the relationships. I absolutely loved Jed and Neely Kate together; their dynamic is steady, supportive, and brimming with a quiet emotional pull that makes you root for them. I also love Neely Kate’s growing bond with her newly discovered half-brother, Joe. Their connection felt genuine and hopeful, as if she was finally finding pieces of family she didn’t know she needed.

Now, I do have one tiny pet peeve—something I’ve noticed in a few of this authors books. She refers to a gun’s magazine as a clip. It’s a magazine, not a clip. It’s a small detail, but once you notice it, you can’t unnotice it. Still, it didn’t detract from how much I liked the story.

Overall, In High Cotton is a heartfelt, engaging mystery with characters I care about more and more with each book. Even with my minor terminology gripe, it easily earns five stars from me.

While I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, at least I can dive right into book three.

Have you read this book? Share your thoughts 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.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction

Working Class Hero by Kay Bratt Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ll be honest—I went into Working Class Hero expecting the mystery to be the main event, and it wasn’t, not really. The setup is there: a house fire in Hart’s Ridge, a young pregnant woman dead, a case that looks closed until Sheriff Taylor Gray starts pulling at the threads. But if you’re looking for twists and misdirection, this one plays it pretty straight. I kept waiting for a rug-pull moment that never came, and by the end, I realized the mystery wasn’t really the point of this book.

Where Working Class Hero truly excels is in its emotional depth. This is Kay Bratt at her best, delivering the signature “emotional wallop” for which she’s known, and it profoundly affected me. I teared up more than once. The story leans heavily into sentiment, family, and the quiet weight of small-town history, creating a genuinely moving experience that resonated with me long after I finished the book.

No, it’s not the most gripping whodunit in the Hart’s Ridge series. But I didn’t care, because its emotional core is so strong. Sixteen books in, Bratt still knows exactly how to make you feel something.

5/5 stars — not for the mystery, but for the heart. If you love this series for its characters and emotions as much as its cases, you’ll love this one too.

I highly recommend this series. I suggest starting with the first book in the Hart’s Ridge Series to fully grasp the history and emotional journey of Taylor and her family.

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

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!

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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