Petteril’s Party by Mary Lancaster

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

Petteril's Party (Lord Petteril Mysteries Book 9)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lord Petteril Mysteries #9
Publication Date: 1/30/26
Period: Regency – Near Oxford
Number of Pages: 181

I have thoroughly enjoyed the stories and character development throughout this series. It has been a delight to watch April and Piers grow from who they were in the earliest books into the people they are today. Each installment delivers an intriguing mystery while also offering glimpses into the personal lives of April, Piers, and the well-drawn supporting cast.

Before becoming a lord, Piers was a dean at Oxford University—a life he never wanted to leave but was forced to abandon when he unexpectedly inherited a title. Knowing how deeply he missed his academic friends, April suggests renting a house near Oxford and inviting them to stay for two weeks. When the guests arrive, however, an unexpected presence casts a shadow over the visit: a woman from Piers’s past—one he never mentioned to April—and she is decidedly unhappy to see her. As tensions rise among the guests, strange sounds in the night unsettle the household, noises the small staff attributes to lingering “ghosts.”

When blood is shed, everyone becomes a suspect. But is Piers too blinded by friendship to see the truth? Is the culprit among the guests, or is someone from outside responsible? Can Piers ease April’s doubts and hurt feelings caused by his old friends? You’ll have to read this satisfying mystery to uncover the answers.

If you enjoy a well-crafted mystery paired with rich, relatable characters, this book is for you. Happy reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Books and Bewitchment by Isla Jewell

On By TracyIn Contemporary, First Person Narrative, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Books & Bewitchment (Arcadia Falls)Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell

Tracy’s Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Series: Arcadia Falls

Release Date: February 3, 2026

Rhea Wolfe’s life takes an unexpected turn after she inherits a real estate trust from her distant grandmother. Faced with the choice of maintaining her ordinary routine or seizing the opportunity to pursue her dreams, Rhea is drawn into a world filled with romance, camaraderie, and a touch of enchantment. The town itself evokes a warm, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of beloved small-town settings, and introduces a charming cast of characters—including a quirky cockatoo companion and a handyman love interest—who add layers of humor and heart to the story.

Despite its cozy premise and appealing magical elements, the book struggles with pacing and character development. Rhea’s personal growth feels stagnant, and the romance lacks depth and was plagued by repetitive misunderstandings and overly idealized character traits. The dialogue can come across as forced or awkward, detracting from the authenticity of the relationships. Secondary characters, particularly Rhea’s family and her grandmother, are sometimes written in a way that makes them difficult to connect with, and the magical aspects of the plot are not explored as fully as one might hope from a fantasy romance. Overall, this book offers a lighthearted escape perfect for readers seeking gentle, comforting stories with familiar tropes and cozy settings. While the first-person narrative is entertaining enough and features moments of genuine warmth and humor, it ultimately fell short for me. Those who enjoy small-town romances with whimsical touches may find it a pleasant read, but for me it was not what I was hoping for.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *