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drokka's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve been waiting several months in anticipation of the next installment in the Georgia Peach Mystery series…and it’s finally here! It was a joy to read REST IN PEACH by Susan Furlong and catch up with Nola Mae Harper and her family. To begin with, each chapter starts with a Debutante rule, some are funny or quirky, but to quote Nola Mae’s mama, “Debutante rules help you become the best person you can be which is the secret to a happy life.” This part of the book adds to the Southern charm of the setting and I can hear their slow, honeyed drawl even in the midst of, gasp, murder!
Nola is busy preparing to open her shop, Peachy Keen, which will sell Harper Farm’s Peach products. She, along with help from Cade McKenna, are renovating a space adjacent to Red’s Diner, owned by her very good friend, Ginny. It’s Debutante season and Ginny’s daughter, Emily, is excited her dress is being delivered for the Cotillion ball. However, when the dresses arrive at the boutique, it’s discovered that Ginny’s dress was ordered for both Ginny and the Peach Queen, and only one showed up. The Peach Queen’s mother, Vivien Crenshaw, grabs the dress and lays claim to it. Ginny blows up at the snobbery she is throwing at Emily, and tells the rich, arrogant woman she will get her due.
The next day Vivien is found stabbed to death with a pair of scissors, the fought-over debutante gown clutched in her hands. Many women saw and heard Ginny’s altercation with the dead woman so Sheriff Maudy Payne takes Ginny in for questioning and considers her the main suspect. Ginny won’t provide the name of her alibi since she wasn’t home with her husband or her daughter and Nola begins to worry about the secret her friend is trying to hide. Ginny begs Nola to help find the real killer when evidence appears that will frame her and she worries it will ruin her daughter’s Debutante season. Half the town believe Ginny is guilty so Nola starts talking to people, asking questions about Vivien. It becomes apparent that the murdered woman had made a lot of enemies, including the sweet little old lady who played the organ at church. When the minister’s wife is attacked Nola knows she needs to step up her investigation before another person loses their life. From hunting down a centuries-old buried secret to tea at the Congressman’s mansion to stirring pots of peach preserves, Nola has her hands full in her latest adventure.
The author does a marvelous job in making her characters come to life in the small Georgia town but still weaves a tight plot in this cozy mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night. I loved how Nola is close to her family, especially her mama, and loyal to her friends no matter what. The romantic tension between Nola and Cade adds just the right amount of spice to the story without being distracting. Of course I can’t forget to mention the peach-themed recipes Susan includes at the back of her book…they all sound incredibly yummy!
I received a copy of this book from the author and/or publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts and views are my own.
Nola is busy preparing to open her shop, Peachy Keen, which will sell Harper Farm’s Peach products. She, along with help from Cade McKenna, are renovating a space adjacent to Red’s Diner, owned by her very good friend, Ginny. It’s Debutante season and Ginny’s daughter, Emily, is excited her dress is being delivered for the Cotillion ball. However, when the dresses arrive at the boutique, it’s discovered that Ginny’s dress was ordered for both Ginny and the Peach Queen, and only one showed up. The Peach Queen’s mother, Vivien Crenshaw, grabs the dress and lays claim to it. Ginny blows up at the snobbery she is throwing at Emily, and tells the rich, arrogant woman she will get her due.
The next day Vivien is found stabbed to death with a pair of scissors, the fought-over debutante gown clutched in her hands. Many women saw and heard Ginny’s altercation with the dead woman so Sheriff Maudy Payne takes Ginny in for questioning and considers her the main suspect. Ginny won’t provide the name of her alibi since she wasn’t home with her husband or her daughter and Nola begins to worry about the secret her friend is trying to hide. Ginny begs Nola to help find the real killer when evidence appears that will frame her and she worries it will ruin her daughter’s Debutante season. Half the town believe Ginny is guilty so Nola starts talking to people, asking questions about Vivien. It becomes apparent that the murdered woman had made a lot of enemies, including the sweet little old lady who played the organ at church. When the minister’s wife is attacked Nola knows she needs to step up her investigation before another person loses their life. From hunting down a centuries-old buried secret to tea at the Congressman’s mansion to stirring pots of peach preserves, Nola has her hands full in her latest adventure.
The author does a marvelous job in making her characters come to life in the small Georgia town but still weaves a tight plot in this cozy mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night. I loved how Nola is close to her family, especially her mama, and loyal to her friends no matter what. The romantic tension between Nola and Cade adds just the right amount of spice to the story without being distracting. Of course I can’t forget to mention the peach-themed recipes Susan includes at the back of her book…they all sound incredibly yummy!
I received a copy of this book from the author and/or publisher in exchange for an honest opinion. All thoughts and views are my own.
bookguyinva2022's review against another edition
5.0
5 peachy *s for another hunger inducing twisty mystery.
justkeyreads's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a fun series that I kept meaning to catch up on. Even though it has been a while since I've read the first book, this one was so easy to jump back into and understand the characters and their dynamics. There is a lot of drama in this book, both with the murder, but also within some of the characters' lives (mostly their love lives), which was interesting and incorporated well with the investigation. I can say I was not at all surprised by the murderer, but I appreciated all the red herrings along the way. I would love to visit this town, though all the debutant stuff is just a bit tooooo much for me. I am looking forward to finishing this series!
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second installment in this series and one I found to be very entertaining. This author has a wonderful writing style. I was engaged right from the start as the people and the place just jumped right off the page for me. This book is full of wonderful southern charm and the author has captured the feel of the south vividly. The characters in this story are delightful and I particularly enjoy the main character Nola. I like that she has a past and is written with dimension and complexity. To me, this makes her a much more likable and realistic character. The relationships between Nola and her friends and family are also very well written, adding depth to this story. This is an important element for me in a cozy series. I want to relate to the characters and be drawn back book after book to check in and see what is happening in their lives. Ms. Furlong has hit the mark with this book. I definitely want to know more about these characters.
The mystery in this story was well plotted and strong. There are plenty of suspects to chose from and each one is plausible. The mystery takes twists and turns along the way with some red herrings thrown in for good measure by the author. I had a few guesses as to the identity of the killer but did not really know for sure until the end. I like when I have to work to figure out the identity of the killer and most of the time I am either wrong or don't guess at all. This mystery kept me engaged and while I had guessed the right suspect at one point, this author did a great job with misdirection and I moved on to others who I thought were the killer, leaving me turning pages until the reveal.
This book has wonderful characters, a great story line and a well plotted mystery along with a setting that is so well described that it seems like a secondary character in the book. I will definitely be back to see what this author has in store for Nola and company in future installments.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in now way influenced my review, and the thoughts expressed are my own.
The mystery in this story was well plotted and strong. There are plenty of suspects to chose from and each one is plausible. The mystery takes twists and turns along the way with some red herrings thrown in for good measure by the author. I had a few guesses as to the identity of the killer but did not really know for sure until the end. I like when I have to work to figure out the identity of the killer and most of the time I am either wrong or don't guess at all. This mystery kept me engaged and while I had guessed the right suspect at one point, this author did a great job with misdirection and I moved on to others who I thought were the killer, leaving me turning pages until the reveal.
This book has wonderful characters, a great story line and a well plotted mystery along with a setting that is so well described that it seems like a secondary character in the book. I will definitely be back to see what this author has in store for Nola and company in future installments.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This in now way influenced my review, and the thoughts expressed are my own.
lolasreviews's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
Rest in Peach was a nice sequel. As I was already familiar with the town and the characters it was easier to get into this book. It has a similar set-up as the first book with the big event planned which will take place towards the event of the book. So the progression of events and build-up was a tad similar to the first one, but the story was very differently, so I still enjoyed it. The peach touched to this story and the events in the book are a fun addition and just like the first book this one had me craving peaches.
The mystery was a nice one, again a tad similar to the first book with the evidence pointing towards someone close to Nola and she doing her best to prove who really did it. I did like the mystery and it kept me guessing for awhile. I wasn't too surprised when the truth came to light, but also wasn't sure who had done it before the reveal, so that's good.
The characters have grown a bit on me since the first book, although I still don't fully connect with them. I like Nola and how she's always there to help her friends. And I liked the plotline with her setting up her own store and I am really curious how that will progress in the next book. I also liked the sub plot lines surrounding Nola her friends. I feel like we're getting to know the characters in this small town a bit better and even meet some characters we didn't see (much) in the first book. I quite liked Clara and there are some interesting reveals and plot lines involving some side characters.
Then there is a hint of romance, which worked. Like most cozies the romance really stays a side plot, so it's hard to fully get into it. After the previous book I had expected things to progress more in this one, but it didn't move a lot. Cade and Nola have some troubles they need to figure out and things they need to tell the other.
The peach element and focus of this series is one of the highlights of the books and it's fun to see how the author weaved the topic of peaches naturally into everything. With Nola her peach shop, her parents their peach farm, their neighbour who makes peach drinks and then the Peach Cotillion with the peach themed touches. It's just fun to read about it and it really made me want to eat some peaches. The small town setting and southern feel really came alive in this book. And with the focus on the debutante ball the southern atmosphere was even more present than in the previous ones. And I liked the debutante tips at the start of each chapter.
To summarize: this was a fun and enjoyable book. The set-up of the story and the mystery is a tad too similar to the first book, but also different enough that I still enjoyed it. The mystery wasn't too surprising, but also not too predictable, so that worked out well. It was fun to return to this town and characters and see how things develop in this book. There are some new side characters and interesting plot lines and developments involving some side characters. There is a hint of romance, but it stays a side plot. The peach touches and southern small town atmosphere are the highlights of this book and add a fun touch to the series.
Rest in Peach was a nice sequel. As I was already familiar with the town and the characters it was easier to get into this book. It has a similar set-up as the first book with the big event planned which will take place towards the event of the book. So the progression of events and build-up was a tad similar to the first one, but the story was very differently, so I still enjoyed it. The peach touched to this story and the events in the book are a fun addition and just like the first book this one had me craving peaches.
The mystery was a nice one, again a tad similar to the first book with the evidence pointing towards someone close to Nola and she doing her best to prove who really did it. I did like the mystery and it kept me guessing for awhile. I wasn't too surprised when the truth came to light, but also wasn't sure who had done it before the reveal, so that's good.
The characters have grown a bit on me since the first book, although I still don't fully connect with them. I like Nola and how she's always there to help her friends. And I liked the plotline with her setting up her own store and I am really curious how that will progress in the next book. I also liked the sub plot lines surrounding Nola her friends. I feel like we're getting to know the characters in this small town a bit better and even meet some characters we didn't see (much) in the first book. I quite liked Clara and there are some interesting reveals and plot lines involving some side characters.
Then there is a hint of romance, which worked. Like most cozies the romance really stays a side plot, so it's hard to fully get into it. After the previous book I had expected things to progress more in this one, but it didn't move a lot. Cade and Nola have some troubles they need to figure out and things they need to tell the other.
The peach element and focus of this series is one of the highlights of the books and it's fun to see how the author weaved the topic of peaches naturally into everything. With Nola her peach shop, her parents their peach farm, their neighbour who makes peach drinks and then the Peach Cotillion with the peach themed touches. It's just fun to read about it and it really made me want to eat some peaches. The small town setting and southern feel really came alive in this book. And with the focus on the debutante ball the southern atmosphere was even more present than in the previous ones. And I liked the debutante tips at the start of each chapter.
To summarize: this was a fun and enjoyable book. The set-up of the story and the mystery is a tad too similar to the first book, but also different enough that I still enjoyed it. The mystery wasn't too surprising, but also not too predictable, so that worked out well. It was fun to return to this town and characters and see how things develop in this book. There are some new side characters and interesting plot lines and developments involving some side characters. There is a hint of romance, but it stays a side plot. The peach touches and southern small town atmosphere are the highlights of this book and add a fun touch to the series.
caitkom's review against another edition
5.0
I am loving my book selection lately! This was yet another one that had me enthralled from the beginning! The only thing that threw me off was that it was narrated on Audible by the same person who narrated LowCountry Boomerang which I read a couple weeks ago. I had to keep reminding myself of the characters because she had the same Southern accent for both books.
Nola Mae Harper is getting ready to open her new shop- Peachy Keen- and at the same time trying to juggle helping with the Peach Coalition which is a huge to-do in Cays Mill. She accompanied her friend Ginny and Ginny's daughter, Emily to her friend Hattie's dress shop. All the girls have ordered their dresses from there and rush the store for their first fitting. The only problem is that Emily and the daughter of Vivian Crenshaw (the most popular girl in school) have chosen the same dress! Hattie accidentally only ordered one and Ginny is outraged when Emily backs down and offers to chose a different dress. She threatens Vivian, which is unfortunate because all eyes turn on Ginny when Vivian is found dead in Hattie's shop the next day. Nola has to prove Ginny's innocence, but realizes Ginny is hiding something, she just isn't sure what. All of this is complicated by Nola's confusing relationship with Hattie's brother, Cade. I loooooved this one and can't wait to read the next!
Nola Mae Harper is getting ready to open her new shop- Peachy Keen- and at the same time trying to juggle helping with the Peach Coalition which is a huge to-do in Cays Mill. She accompanied her friend Ginny and Ginny's daughter, Emily to her friend Hattie's dress shop. All the girls have ordered their dresses from there and rush the store for their first fitting. The only problem is that Emily and the daughter of Vivian Crenshaw (the most popular girl in school) have chosen the same dress! Hattie accidentally only ordered one and Ginny is outraged when Emily backs down and offers to chose a different dress. She threatens Vivian, which is unfortunate because all eyes turn on Ginny when Vivian is found dead in Hattie's shop the next day. Nola has to prove Ginny's innocence, but realizes Ginny is hiding something, she just isn't sure what. All of this is complicated by Nola's confusing relationship with Hattie's brother, Cade. I loooooved this one and can't wait to read the next!
morticia32's review against another edition
3.0
Took a bit to read this one, at no fault of the author, life kept throwing out things to distract me!
This is book 2 in a series. I like this series and its main character, Nola. I like that she's just a tiny bit out of place with the rest of the very southern women in the small Georgia town she grew up in. It's especially noticeable in this book as the women and their daughters are gearing up for the Peach Cotillion. Nola Mae skipped out on hers, an attitude I can identify with, haha.
And all is not well behind the scenes of the Cotillion, with rumors of sabotage, blackmail and finally, murder.
Nola is a bit quirky and a lot clever as she figures out who did it, all while getting her peach products business ready to open and helping keep the Cotillion on track.
There's a whiff of romance in this book, but I have to say that I feel the appearance of Hawk (again) is a bit annoying and smacks of my least favorite ever trope, the love triangle. A woman as clever and confident as Nola Mae knows her own mind. Then again, I feel the love triangle is inverted this time and seems to all be on the side of the men who care for Nola. But this take isn't unique enough for me to forgive the trope and it makes Cade at least, look lacking in confidence and even lacking in trust for Nola. It kind of ended the book on a damper for me, even though the scene at the end brushes all the angst under the carpet like it never happened, but I'll bet it turns up as an issue in book 3.
And I will be reading book 3, because despite the triangle, I still enjoyed the story.
PS. One little knit-pick (pun intended). On page 78, Nola notices that preacher's wife, Maggie Jones is dressed in a, "loosely knit hand-crocheted vest," and it niggled at me through out the rest of the book. An item can be loosely knit, if it's actually knit, you know, with knitting needles. OR it can be loosely crocheted, with a crochet hook. Two different things, and as a knitter I found it annoying. Just sayin'.
This is book 2 in a series. I like this series and its main character, Nola. I like that she's just a tiny bit out of place with the rest of the very southern women in the small Georgia town she grew up in. It's especially noticeable in this book as the women and their daughters are gearing up for the Peach Cotillion. Nola Mae skipped out on hers, an attitude I can identify with, haha.
And all is not well behind the scenes of the Cotillion, with rumors of sabotage, blackmail and finally, murder.
Nola is a bit quirky and a lot clever as she figures out who did it, all while getting her peach products business ready to open and helping keep the Cotillion on track.
There's a whiff of romance in this book, but I have to say that I feel the appearance of Hawk (again) is a bit annoying and smacks of my least favorite ever trope, the love triangle. A woman as clever and confident as Nola Mae knows her own mind. Then again, I feel the love triangle is inverted this time and seems to all be on the side of the men who care for Nola. But this take isn't unique enough for me to forgive the trope and it makes Cade at least, look lacking in confidence and even lacking in trust for Nola. It kind of ended the book on a damper for me, even though the scene at the end brushes all the angst under the carpet like it never happened, but I'll bet it turns up as an issue in book 3.
And I will be reading book 3, because despite the triangle, I still enjoyed the story.
PS. One little knit-pick (pun intended). On page 78, Nola notices that preacher's wife, Maggie Jones is dressed in a, "loosely knit hand-crocheted vest," and it niggled at me through out the rest of the book. An item can be loosely knit, if it's actually knit, you know, with knitting needles. OR it can be loosely crocheted, with a crochet hook. Two different things, and as a knitter I found it annoying. Just sayin'.