Tag: Book Review

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

Fiction, Women's Fiction

The Midlife Birthday Club by Rachel Hanna Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Click on the book cover to order the book from Amazon.

I just finished The Midlife Birthday Club, and honestly, Rachel Hanna has done it again! She always knows how to write characters that feel like real people, and this book was no exception

This is a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring story about three women who have been friends for thirty years and are all turning fifty. Rather than letting life pass them by, they decide it’s time to shake things up. They form a “birthday club” with a pact: once a month for an entire year, they will commit to doing something that completely scares them. As they tackle these monthly challenges, Harper, Claire, and Nina are forced to face their personal insecurities and past heartaches. It’s a testament to the enduring power of friendship and finding the courage to step outside your comfort zone, no matter your age.

Though I haven’t shared the specific life experiences of these women, their stories took me on a full emotional journey. I laughed, I cried, and I spent much of the book imagining myself trying to keep up with their monthly adventures—most of which I certainly couldn’t pull off (especially the last one)! Nevertheless, I wish I could learn to “let go” the way they did; watching their growth was truly inspiring.

Each woman in this book faces her own personal struggles, and together they find the strength to overcome them, make necessary life changes, and learn to trust again. They discover that stepping outside their comfort zones is essential to achieving the life they deserve. This book offers valuable lessons on trust, marriage, and moving forward after a devastating loss. I believe there is something for everyone to take away from this book.

If you enjoy books that you can relate to that are equal parts funny, emotional, & heartfelt, you will love getting to know Clair, Harper & Nina.

I received an advance copy, but this book will be released on June 30, 2026. You can click on the link below to pre-order or buy it on June 30th.

Fiction, Mystery

Come Rain or Shine by Denise Grover Swank Book review

Chapters & lattes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The fifth book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series, Come Rain or Shine is an emotional, high-stakes installment that significantly raises the bar. For those who have been following Rose’s journey, this book serves as a pivotal turning point that will leave you reeling.

Rose finds herself in a precarious position: she has been summoned to testify before a grand jury investigating corruption in the Sweet Branch Police Department. As a woman who knows almost everyone’s secrets in Fenton County, her testimony has the local criminal underworld on edge, and Rose is forced to navigate their desperate attempts to keep their names out of her mouth.

Simultaneously, Rose’s personal life is in turmoil as she cares for her sister, Violet. When Violet’s doctor vanishes amidst allegations of prescription fraud, Rose suspects local drug kingpin Denny Carmichael is involved. Despite her best efforts to focus on her family and avoid trouble, she is inevitably pulled into another dangerous investigation. Just as the tension reaches a breaking point, Rose receives life-altering news that threatens her relationship with the man she loves, forcing her to choose between the safety she craves and the fight she never wanted.

I really love this series and this installment is no exception. This book is Definity the most emotionally taxing in the series. It moves beyond the mystery, to explore the personal stakes that Rose is up against.

The author expertly balances the slow-burn dread of the grand jury investigation with the chaos of Rose’s personal life, Rose has evolved from a sheltered woman and amateur detective into someone forced to make agonizing decisions about trust and loyalty.

In this installment, emotional drama definitely takes center stage, but the mystery of the missing doctor and police corruption are expertly woven into the plot. There is enough mystery and intrigue to keep the story grounded in its roots as a crime series while setting the stage for future installments.

Fair warning: this book might change your mind about your favorite characters! I started out rooting for one couple, but James’s actions left me completely disillusioned. His response to a difficult situation with Rose was, in my opinion, inexcusable. Conversely, I am now fully on Team Joe. He has truly stepped up in the friend department. His loyalty and friendship have proven to be the real highlights of this story, and I’m finding myself hoping for a much different path for Rose moving forward.

Final Thoughts: I loved this installment, even though I found myself wanting to yell at a certain character at times. This is a “must-read” for fans of the series—a bold, heartbreaking, and adrenaline-fueled chapter that proves just how far Rose has come and how much she still has to lose. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as Rose embarks on her next chapter and discovers where it will take her.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Fiction, Mystery

Up Shute’s Creek by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This installment was a ride — twisty, tense, emotional, and full of the small‑town chaos that makes this series so addictive.

This is the fourth installment of the Rose Gardner Investigations Series. A mother hires Rose and Neely Kate to find her missing 19-year-old daughter after the local police, evidently not very capable, have seemingly dismissed the case since she is an adult. What sounds like a straightforward missing person case quickly entangles Rose in a mystery far bigger, messier, and more perilous than she ever intended. What begins as a seemingly simple situation spirals into a web of secrets, shifting alliances, and the kind of trouble only Rose, with her signature mix of determination and heart, could stumble into. As always, her instincts are sharp, her courage is steady, and the stakes feel higher than ever.

Rose juggles her landscaping business, her investigative work with Neely Kate, and a relationship with James that is, frankly, getting on my last nerve. It’s a chaotic mix that would drive anyone insane.

James, in particular, tested every ounce of my patience. His hot-and-cold behavior, the emotional tug-of-war, and his inability to decide what he wants are incredibly frustrating. It’s even harder to watch Rose put up with it. She deserves clarity, commitment, and someone who shows up without hesitation. Either he steps up, or she needs to move on, because Rose has earned more than being someone’s “maybe.”

Despite that relationship frustration, the story itself is fantastic—full of tension, humor, and Denise Grover Swank’s signature charm. It’s a strong, engaging addition to the series, and it left me excited for what comes next.

A solid, satisfying five stars.

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

Fiction

Hell in a Handbasket by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another win in the Rose Gardner Investigation Series

The fifth book in the series is just as addictive as the rest. Denise Grover Swank always knows how to throw in a crazy twist at the end, leaving you wanting the next book immediately! Rose and Neely Kate are easily one of my favorite parts of this series. I love their friendship so much; they are hilarious, totally loyal, and watching them handle all the chaos is the best part of the story.

Now I want to talk about the three men in Rose’s life. My opinions are quite varied.

  • Mason: I used to like him, but I am no longer a fan. His behavior is like a spoiled child driven solely by revenge, and it is really getting old.
  • Joe: Joe’s journey has been a rollercoaster. I loved him initially as Joe McAlister, but I wasn’t a big fan of Joe Simmons. He was totally under his father’s thumb. Now that his father is dead, I’ve surprisingly found myself liking Joe again! Despite this renewed liking, I honestly don’t want him back with Rose. He was a great first boyfriend for her, but she has outgrown him.
  • James (Skeeter): I love James. He and Rose are fantastic together—well, except for that whole criminal background part, of course!

In this episode of the series, Rose and Neely Kate are in the middle of another murder investigation. As with the other books in the series, they always find themselves in precarious situations.

While juggling the murder case, Rose and Neely Kate take in an unexpected, secretive house guest. The stranger has a mysterious past and deep connections to an ominous threat looming over Rose. By protecting this person, Rose and Neely Kate unknowingly entangle themselves even deeper into the Fenton County crime syndicate, ignoring everyone’s warnings to lie low.

Rose and Neely Kate navigate a mystery full of twists and turns, piecing together the connection between their house guest, the murdered woman, and a local crime ring. Surviving a dangerous confrontation, they prove once again their capability as investigators, despite their completely unorthodox methods.

We also gain further insight into Neely Kate’s secretive past as it slowly unfolds, piece by piece.

Rose finally has an answer for James. What do you hope it is, and what do you predict it will be?

If I have one complaint about this book—and honestly, the entire Rose Gardner universe—it’s a technical one. The characters consistently refer to a gun’s magazine as a “clip.” Only a total amateur would call it a clip! It’s somewhat understandable why the author has Rose use the term, as she’s still relatively new to firearms. Yet Neely Kate does so as well, and she absolutely knows her guns! Given that Neely Kate and Joe taught Rose how to shoot, they should have trained her to call it a magazine from day one.

Aside from that one nail-on-a-chalkboard firearm error, this book is fantastic. If you love witty banter, great female friendships, complex romance, and mysteries that keep you guessing until the final page, you need to read this series.

If you have read or are reading 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.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Family Jewels by Denise Grover Swank

Chapters & lattes

Title: Family Jewels
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Investigations
Location: Fenton, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose, Neely Kate
Other Characters: James, Jed, Brice Wayne, Raddy, Levi, Rayna, Buck, Homer, Kip, Hugh
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 4

Family Jewels” is the first book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series. If you’re familiar with the Rose Gardner Mystery Series, you’ll recognize many of the beloved characters from that series. In this installment, Rose and Neely Kate launch their own investigation business while Rose also juggles her landscaping company. As always, Rose has a knack for finding trouble and getting into precarious situations, making this series no exception.

Rose Gardner is eager for a “normal” life. She’s leaving her past in the local underworld behind to pursue a peaceful career in landscaping. However, when she’s approached with a request to locate a missing family heirloom, Rose is drawn back into the chaos of the underworld once again

With her best friend, Neely Kate, by her side, Rose embarks on a search that soon reveals the necklace to be much more than mere jewelry. As they delve deeper, the duo discovers they have unwittingly entered a perilous world of buried secrets. To uncover the “Family Jewels,” Rose must confront a crucial decision: is she prepared to leave her old life behind, or is her talent for solving mysteries her true destiny?

I enjoyed the first book in the series. I have liked Rose since the very first book, and I really like Skeeter (James); he adds a unique element to the story. I’m starting to think a romance might develop between him and Rose. I guess we’ll find out in future books. I hope so, as I believe they would be great together.

I love how Rose has evolved from a sheltered girl who was abused by the woman she believed to be her mother into a strong woman who solves crimes and has formed a friendship with the local crime boss, who vows to protect her.

If you enjoy the Rose Gardner Mysteries, I recommend continuing with her story in this series. I’m eager to see where her journey takes her next and whether a romance will develop between her and James.

Cozy Mystery

Ticket to Ride by Kay Bratt Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Title: Ticket to Ride
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #15
Location: Hart’s Ridge, GA
Main Character: Taylor
Other Characters: Sam, Shane Tula, Waylon, Alice,
Pets: Diesel
Rating: 5

I loved this book just as much as the others in the series. I’ve been hooked on this series since the first book.

What an intense and suspenseful book! I couldn’t put it down. Whenever I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about it. I stayed up far too late just to see how it would end. I have loved all the books written by Kay Bratt, and this one is no exception.

In this installment, a young woman has gone missing on her way to rehab. As Taylor investigates this mystery, another young girl, who is close to the family, also vanishes. Taylor and Sam are frantically searching for both missing girls.  As they investigate further, they reveal unsettling patterns, hidden motives, and a network of individuals who are not what they appear to be.

 Meanwhile, a sister and brother are on the run, as the sister tries to protect her brother from being sent to prison for a crime he didn’t commit.

Ticket to Ride has it all: a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat, heart, and a strong family bond that will do anything to protect those they love. It will keep you turning pages long after you should be sleeping.

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

Fiction, Mystery

Sins of the Father by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

Chapters & lattes

Title: Sins of the Father
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery Novela Epilogue
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose Gardner
Other Characters: Neely Kate, Joe, Skeeter, Mason
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I read this book in one sitting. It explores the aftermath of the events from the previous book, showing how each character copes with what transpired. It serves as the perfect conclusion to an endearing series.

Sins of the Father serves as the perfect emotional epilogue that longtime fans of the Rose Gardner series didn’t even know they needed. Denise Grover Swank skillfully ties up lingering threads while offering readers one final, heartfelt glimpse into the lives of characters we’ve come to love.

In the aftermath of J.R. Simmons’ death, Rose and her loved ones are working to rebuild their lives. Emotions remain intense, relationships are evolving, and everyone is grappling with their new reality. When a seemingly minor situation brings Rose and Neely Kate together for a new mission, they uncover deeper truths about themselves and the possibilities that lie ahead.

What makes this novella shine is its depth. Despite its shorter length, it delivers a powerful emotional impact. Watching Rose navigate the aftermath of her experiences feels raw and real, while the shifting perspectives—especially from Neely Kate and Joe—add layers that enrich the story even further. There’s heartbreak, healing, and just enough humor and warmth to remind readers why this series is so beloved.

The quieter, more reflective tone is ideal for this story. Rather than relying on high-stakes drama, it emphasizes growth, closure, and the connections between characters. Reading it feels like sharing a final moment with old friends—comforting, meaningful, and tinged with bittersweet emotions.

If you’ve followed the series, this novella is absolutely essential. It provides closure while also gently setting the stage for what’s next, leaving you satisfied but still not quite ready to say goodbye.

I am excited to start reading the series Rose Gardner Investigations to satisfy my Rose Gardner addiction.

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