What do you think?
Rate this book
A Georgia Peach Mystery #2
Rest in Peach
In the refreshing new Georgia Peach Mystery from the author of Peaches and Scream, an upcoming debutante ball turns into the pits when a juicy murder scandalizes a small town.
The annual Peach Cotillion, Cays Mill, Georgia’s biggest event, is fast approaching and Nola Mae Harper is just as excited as the rest of the town—even though she’s busy juggling both the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her new shop, Peachy Keen. But she never expected that plans for the cotillion would end up in the pits because of the cutthroat competition between local debutantes.
When Vivien Crenshaw, insufferable church organist and despised mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, is stabbed to death, the police turn to Nola’s friend Ginny as prime suspect. Apparently the two had fought over a one-of-a-kind cotillion gown. As Nola steps in to prove Ginny’s innocence she soon finds herself picking through a bushel of suspects, twice as many motives, and at the mercy of a killer all too keen on killing again.
INCLUDES RECIPES!
The annual Peach Cotillion, Cays Mill, Georgia’s biggest event, is fast approaching and Nola Mae Harper is just as excited as the rest of the town—even though she’s busy juggling both the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her new shop, Peachy Keen. But she never expected that plans for the cotillion would end up in the pits because of the cutthroat competition between local debutantes.
When Vivien Crenshaw, insufferable church organist and despised mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, is stabbed to death, the police turn to Nola’s friend Ginny as prime suspect. Apparently the two had fought over a one-of-a-kind cotillion gown. As Nola steps in to prove Ginny’s innocence she soon finds herself picking through a bushel of suspects, twice as many motives, and at the mercy of a killer all too keen on killing again.
INCLUDES RECIPES!
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 5, 2016
48 people are currently reading
1012 people want to read
About the author
Susan Furlong
31 books834 followersSusan Furlong grew up in North Dakota where she spent long winters at her local library scouring the shelves for mysteries to read. Now, she lives in Illinois with her husband and children and writes mysteries of all types. She has over a dozen published novels and her work has earned a spot in the New York Times list of top crime fiction books of the year. When not writing, she volunteers at her church and spends time hiking and fishing.
To learn more about her writing, visit her website at www.susanfurlong.com
BookBub @SusanFurlongAuthor
Twitter: @Furlong_Sue
FB: Susan Furlong - Author
Instagram: SusanFurlong
Pinterest: Susan Furlong - Author
Follow me on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Writing as: Susan Furlong/Lucy Arlington
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 14, 2020
Newest Adventure Details:
Where: Cays Mill, Georgia
Who: Nola
I was going to a debutante ball...can you believe it...me...yeah neither could I lol. But alas I was...heading to Georgia to visit Nola and see her almost finished shop Peachy Keen. Figured I better visit now before she gets too busy. Upon arriving she told me to put down my stuff...that we were headed to the dress shop with Ginny. Her daughter Emily was going to be attending the annual Peach Cotillion, and her dress was ready to be fitted. We arrived @ the shop with every other teenage girl in Cays Mill and their mother. Let me just tell you...these society women are CATTY!! Emily ends up leaving in tears when there is a mix up with the dresses. There is one dress and two girls think they have a claim on it...one of them being Emily the other queen bee of the school. Emily not wanting to ruffle any feathers immediately offers to pick a new dress, but not before her mom Ginny has words with the other girl's mom Vivien Crenshaw. Of course, this is in front of the queen bee herself as well as several other members of the female population. When Vivien turns up dead all fingers point to Ginny. I knew my trip wasn’t going to be the relaxed visit I thought it was going to be...oh who was i kidding...who could relax around these tiger moms. Nola and I decided we are going to keep Ginny out of prison, and find out the truth about what really happened to Vivien…
My thoughts:
This is the second book in the series. I enjoyed the first one, but I thought this one was even better. Some of the stuff that bothered me in the first one was people’s lack of interest in why Nola was back in town, and what she had been doing while she was away. I mean her job just seemed so fascinating, but no one took any interest. Anyways out with the old and in with the new! This installment was a real peach! The small southern town and characters are full of charm! The mystery had several interesting twists and turns that kept me guessing from start to finish. The cotillion plot was super fascinating to me and written exactly how I would picture an event like this. I loved the added touch of the debutante rules thrown in!!...my personal favorite “A debutante is like a tea bag. Ya never know how strong she is until she is sitting in hot water.”
Cozy lovers get yourself in a comfortable spot and settle in because once you start this one you won’t want to put it down!
For more book fun subscribe to my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
Where: Cays Mill, Georgia
Who: Nola
I was going to a debutante ball...can you believe it...me...yeah neither could I lol. But alas I was...heading to Georgia to visit Nola and see her almost finished shop Peachy Keen. Figured I better visit now before she gets too busy. Upon arriving she told me to put down my stuff...that we were headed to the dress shop with Ginny. Her daughter Emily was going to be attending the annual Peach Cotillion, and her dress was ready to be fitted. We arrived @ the shop with every other teenage girl in Cays Mill and their mother. Let me just tell you...these society women are CATTY!! Emily ends up leaving in tears when there is a mix up with the dresses. There is one dress and two girls think they have a claim on it...one of them being Emily the other queen bee of the school. Emily not wanting to ruffle any feathers immediately offers to pick a new dress, but not before her mom Ginny has words with the other girl's mom Vivien Crenshaw. Of course, this is in front of the queen bee herself as well as several other members of the female population. When Vivien turns up dead all fingers point to Ginny. I knew my trip wasn’t going to be the relaxed visit I thought it was going to be...oh who was i kidding...who could relax around these tiger moms. Nola and I decided we are going to keep Ginny out of prison, and find out the truth about what really happened to Vivien…
My thoughts:
This is the second book in the series. I enjoyed the first one, but I thought this one was even better. Some of the stuff that bothered me in the first one was people’s lack of interest in why Nola was back in town, and what she had been doing while she was away. I mean her job just seemed so fascinating, but no one took any interest. Anyways out with the old and in with the new! This installment was a real peach! The small southern town and characters are full of charm! The mystery had several interesting twists and turns that kept me guessing from start to finish. The cotillion plot was super fascinating to me and written exactly how I would picture an event like this. I loved the added touch of the debutante rules thrown in!!...my personal favorite “A debutante is like a tea bag. Ya never know how strong she is until she is sitting in hot water.”
Cozy lovers get yourself in a comfortable spot and settle in because once you start this one you won’t want to put it down!
For more book fun subscribe to my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
November 6, 2017
This is the second book in the series and it is just as wonderful as the first. In this installment, Nola Mae is getting her new peach business Peachy Keen ready to open. It’s also time for the Peach Cotillion where the young local girls are presented into society as debutantes. I appreciated that this book jumps right into the mystery. The book reflects just how cut throat contests and the cotillion can be for some mothers of Cay Mills. Being the mom of two daughters I could totally relate to the “drama.” This conflict sets up the storyline and really drives this book forward. The mystery in this story was well plotted and strong. It will keep you guessing and second guessing until the very end. We also continue to see the bonds of the characters grow. The way the author writes the relationships shows us great depth and makes them realistic. She leaves you invested in their lives and keeps you wanting more and more from this series. The delicious recipes and the hilarious “Debutante Rules” round out this must read series!
April 6, 2016
Just so Peachy Keen
Rest in Peach is just so peachy keen. Peachy keen is also the name of Nola May Harper's new shop, where she will be displaying and selling Harper Farm's Peach Products, delicious peachy treats like peach salsa and chutney made by Nola from peaches grown on her families farm. Cade Mckenna is a contractor that will help Nola renovate her soon to open shop and he also happens to be a childhood friend and Nola's love interest.
It is soon time for the Cays Mill, Georgia Peach Cotillion. It is a formal ball in which debutantes are presented, all strictly a high-society affair and and the young ladies of Cays Mill are gearing up for it buy purchasing dresses from Nola's friend, Hattie's dress shop. It is to be held at Congressman Wheeler's and his wife, Stephanie's plantation.
The atmosphere is filled with tension and anger in Hattie's dress shop when the daughter of the “Peach Queen” who was popular in high school, Tara and Nola's friend, Ginny who runs the local diner's daughter, Emily fight over ordering of the same dress. Tara wins the dress tug of war. Ginny becomes enraged at Vivian and vows to take her down. Vivian is found dead in Hattie's shop soon after, discovered by Nola with bloody scissors protruding from her throat, clutching the very debutante gown Ginny and Vivian were fighting over.
With a small town fill of gossip and innuendo's flying, Nola has reasons to believe that Vivian was as down right mean as the day is long and believes that Vivian had something on almost every single Cays Mill resident, from the church organist to the ladies in the shop that day.Believing that her friend,Ginny and also a number one suspect could not have done it. But life may not be so peachy for the killer once Nola finds the truth.
Rest in peach was such a peach too read with a sweet southern back drop and featuring her family farm's tasty peaches. Nola is a conflicted character with a past, I love a great back story, that she has and she was is still tormented by making her flawed and more human to me something I could relate too in the romance department. I'm a fan of drama and Rest in Peach had no shortage of it. The Peach Cotillion is part of the Southern heritage, something I had a hard time relating too but it made a great plot for this mystery and I love learning about. Filled with murder, tension, secrets and friendships, laughs and romance. Rest in peach is a very juicy fast-moving mystery.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are honest and our own.
Rest in Peach is just so peachy keen. Peachy keen is also the name of Nola May Harper's new shop, where she will be displaying and selling Harper Farm's Peach Products, delicious peachy treats like peach salsa and chutney made by Nola from peaches grown on her families farm. Cade Mckenna is a contractor that will help Nola renovate her soon to open shop and he also happens to be a childhood friend and Nola's love interest.
It is soon time for the Cays Mill, Georgia Peach Cotillion. It is a formal ball in which debutantes are presented, all strictly a high-society affair and and the young ladies of Cays Mill are gearing up for it buy purchasing dresses from Nola's friend, Hattie's dress shop. It is to be held at Congressman Wheeler's and his wife, Stephanie's plantation.
The atmosphere is filled with tension and anger in Hattie's dress shop when the daughter of the “Peach Queen” who was popular in high school, Tara and Nola's friend, Ginny who runs the local diner's daughter, Emily fight over ordering of the same dress. Tara wins the dress tug of war. Ginny becomes enraged at Vivian and vows to take her down. Vivian is found dead in Hattie's shop soon after, discovered by Nola with bloody scissors protruding from her throat, clutching the very debutante gown Ginny and Vivian were fighting over.
With a small town fill of gossip and innuendo's flying, Nola has reasons to believe that Vivian was as down right mean as the day is long and believes that Vivian had something on almost every single Cays Mill resident, from the church organist to the ladies in the shop that day.Believing that her friend,Ginny and also a number one suspect could not have done it. But life may not be so peachy for the killer once Nola finds the truth.
Rest in peach was such a peach too read with a sweet southern back drop and featuring her family farm's tasty peaches. Nola is a conflicted character with a past, I love a great back story, that she has and she was is still tormented by making her flawed and more human to me something I could relate too in the romance department. I'm a fan of drama and Rest in Peach had no shortage of it. The Peach Cotillion is part of the Southern heritage, something I had a hard time relating too but it made a great plot for this mystery and I love learning about. Filled with murder, tension, secrets and friendships, laughs and romance. Rest in peach is a very juicy fast-moving mystery.
FTC Disclosure Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are honest and our own.
March 26, 2016
The Georgia Peach Mysteries are a prime example of everything great about cozy mysteries. REST IN PEACH is a juicy mystery that’s better than a fresh peach pie!
When I read the first book in this series, PEACHES AND SCREAM, I knew this was a series I could really sink my teeth into. And as delicious as that book was, author Susan Furlong has bumped up the recipe and made REST IN PEACE even tastier!
Ms. Furlong captured the pageantry, and insanity of the southern cotillion perfectly. I could almost hear the sound of the long white gowns swishing. And I absolutely loved the debutant tips at the start of each chapter!
From the murder, through the investigation, all the way to the outstanding conclusion, every word of this story captured and held tight to my imagination. With a well thought out plot, and masterful writing, REST IN PEACH was such a delight to read. I didn’t want the book to end.
Check out the back of the book for sweet peach recipes, and an excerpt from book three, WAR AND PEACH!
When I read the first book in this series, PEACHES AND SCREAM, I knew this was a series I could really sink my teeth into. And as delicious as that book was, author Susan Furlong has bumped up the recipe and made REST IN PEACE even tastier!
Ms. Furlong captured the pageantry, and insanity of the southern cotillion perfectly. I could almost hear the sound of the long white gowns swishing. And I absolutely loved the debutant tips at the start of each chapter!
From the murder, through the investigation, all the way to the outstanding conclusion, every word of this story captured and held tight to my imagination. With a well thought out plot, and masterful writing, REST IN PEACH was such a delight to read. I didn’t want the book to end.
Check out the back of the book for sweet peach recipes, and an excerpt from book three, WAR AND PEACH!
February 7, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I am not from the south and have never attended a cotillion, but from everything I have seen and read I know the debs and especially their mothers can be pretty cutthroat. So when one of the mothers was found dead, stabbed in the throat with a sewing shears, I must say I wasn’t surprised. Beyond that this story was full of surprises.
Our victim, Vivien Crenshaw, mother of debutante Tara, gets into a spat with Nola’s friend Ginny over a dress. Seems the owner of the dress shop made a huge mistake and Ginny’s daughter, Emily and spoiled brat Tara ordered the same dress. Vivien feels the dress belongs to her daughter and that Emily can choose a new dress. Ginny is not backing down but Emily and Nola convince her to just let it go. The argument happened in front of a store full of people and Ginny did threaten Vivian so when she is found dead Ginny is targeted as the prime suspect faster than you can slice a peach. Nola has her new shop, Peachy Keen opening soon and has so much left to do but she has to set this half baked idea that her friend is a murderer to rest as quickly as possible even if it means putting herself in danger.
Susan Furlong has written another strong story. She has captured the craziness that surrounds a cotillion from the dresses to the dinners and the dances in such a fun way. Each chapter even starts with a debutante rule.
Debutante Rule #032: Like a magnolia tree, a debutante’s outward beauty reflects her strong inner roots…and that’s why we never leave the house without makeup on.
Debutante Rule #067: A debutante is like a tea bag. Ya never know how strong she is until she is sitting in hot water.
Main character, Nola Mae Harper, continues to grow and evolve. She has decided to stay in Cays Mill and help her family’s peach business grow by opening up her own little store to sell products made with peaches from their orchard. She already has an online presence and some local customers. She is hoping the tourists will become more than just one time buyers. While she does have a plan for the business her own personal life is not so smooth. I love some romantic drama.
The murder mystery was top shelf. So many suspects and a few secrets make this a mystery I could really sink my teeth into. I was right there to the end with Nola trying to figure out whodunit.
The entire book is full of Southern charm and laced with humor. It was a “perfectly peachy” read. I am excited for book #3, War and Peach, set for delivery February 7.
I am not from the south and have never attended a cotillion, but from everything I have seen and read I know the debs and especially their mothers can be pretty cutthroat. So when one of the mothers was found dead, stabbed in the throat with a sewing shears, I must say I wasn’t surprised. Beyond that this story was full of surprises.
Our victim, Vivien Crenshaw, mother of debutante Tara, gets into a spat with Nola’s friend Ginny over a dress. Seems the owner of the dress shop made a huge mistake and Ginny’s daughter, Emily and spoiled brat Tara ordered the same dress. Vivien feels the dress belongs to her daughter and that Emily can choose a new dress. Ginny is not backing down but Emily and Nola convince her to just let it go. The argument happened in front of a store full of people and Ginny did threaten Vivian so when she is found dead Ginny is targeted as the prime suspect faster than you can slice a peach. Nola has her new shop, Peachy Keen opening soon and has so much left to do but she has to set this half baked idea that her friend is a murderer to rest as quickly as possible even if it means putting herself in danger.
Susan Furlong has written another strong story. She has captured the craziness that surrounds a cotillion from the dresses to the dinners and the dances in such a fun way. Each chapter even starts with a debutante rule.
Debutante Rule #032: Like a magnolia tree, a debutante’s outward beauty reflects her strong inner roots…and that’s why we never leave the house without makeup on.
Debutante Rule #067: A debutante is like a tea bag. Ya never know how strong she is until she is sitting in hot water.
Main character, Nola Mae Harper, continues to grow and evolve. She has decided to stay in Cays Mill and help her family’s peach business grow by opening up her own little store to sell products made with peaches from their orchard. She already has an online presence and some local customers. She is hoping the tourists will become more than just one time buyers. While she does have a plan for the business her own personal life is not so smooth. I love some romantic drama.
The murder mystery was top shelf. So many suspects and a few secrets make this a mystery I could really sink my teeth into. I was right there to the end with Nola trying to figure out whodunit.
The entire book is full of Southern charm and laced with humor. It was a “perfectly peachy” read. I am excited for book #3, War and Peach, set for delivery February 7.
March 24, 2020
It's been so long since I read the first book in this series that I had forgotten a little about the town and all these great characters. In the first book, the focus had been on Nola's sister and her husband, but this time we got to know her friends Ginny and Hattie even better when Ginny was accused of murdering a debutante's mother over a cotillion gown. There was a little side story involving Hattie that turned out very sweet. Even Maudy the sheriff had toned down her nastiness in this book--in the first book, I'm pretty sure I wanted to wring her neck lol. I was surprised that she was actually civil to Nola Mae in this one and even, dare I say...nice. She still seemed quick to arrest and slow to listen to anyone's theories except her own (when her own sometimes weren't even based on fact.) But she's coming along, and I do like how her character evolved.
I told myself who the killer would "probably" be kind of early on, but I had no idea why I thought that, even though I ended up being right. There were so many possibilities, and it seemed that everyone had some sort of secret going on. The showdown was awesome, and Nola was great during it. I liked that Cade was back in town and he and Nola got back to how things were before he left, or as he called it, their new beginning. I know there's only one more book left, so I might just savor this one for awhile before moving on to it.
I told myself who the killer would "probably" be kind of early on, but I had no idea why I thought that, even though I ended up being right. There were so many possibilities, and it seemed that everyone had some sort of secret going on. The showdown was awesome, and Nola was great during it. I liked that Cade was back in town and he and Nola got back to how things were before he left, or as he called it, their new beginning. I know there's only one more book left, so I might just savor this one for awhile before moving on to it.
March 30, 2016
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley and Berkley. All thoughts stated in this review are entirely my own*
Wow, this is the third awesome book I've read in a row. When Nola's friend Ginny becomes the prime suspect in a murder Nola finds herself dragged into an exciting and dangerous web of lies, blackmail, and half-truths. Will Nola tear through the web and save her friend, or will she fail?
I absolutely loved this book. Honestly the first book was simply okay I was completely neutral. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley I wasn't quite sure if I wanted it. However, I requested it and am now so glad I did. This book was positively amazing!
As I stated with the first book I loved Nola and the cast and crew around her. However, I found Hollis, Nola's brother in law to be extremely annoying. In this book, though, Hollis plays a very minor role and when he does appear, he is extremely tolerable and great.
I also didn't care for the mystery in the first book. Yet, again, I was surprise dot find that this book was great in the mystery department. It was wonderfully plotted and it had a great number of suspects and scenarios that could have happened. The setting also took on a vibrant life in this book.
Overall, this book was wonderful. The first book obviously suffered from simply "first-book problems." However, if this book is any indication, I will simply love this series. I'm sticking around for War and Peach next year!
Wow, this is the third awesome book I've read in a row. When Nola's friend Ginny becomes the prime suspect in a murder Nola finds herself dragged into an exciting and dangerous web of lies, blackmail, and half-truths. Will Nola tear through the web and save her friend, or will she fail?
I absolutely loved this book. Honestly the first book was simply okay I was completely neutral. So, when I saw this book on Netgalley I wasn't quite sure if I wanted it. However, I requested it and am now so glad I did. This book was positively amazing!
As I stated with the first book I loved Nola and the cast and crew around her. However, I found Hollis, Nola's brother in law to be extremely annoying. In this book, though, Hollis plays a very minor role and when he does appear, he is extremely tolerable and great.
I also didn't care for the mystery in the first book. Yet, again, I was surprise dot find that this book was great in the mystery department. It was wonderfully plotted and it had a great number of suspects and scenarios that could have happened. The setting also took on a vibrant life in this book.
Overall, this book was wonderful. The first book obviously suffered from simply "first-book problems." However, if this book is any indication, I will simply love this series. I'm sticking around for War and Peach next year!
December 17, 2016
REST IN PEACH is the second book in the Georgia Peach Mystery series by Susan Furlong but it’s the first book I’ve tried of this author. As you can expect, this one has a very Southern feel to it, which I really enjoyed. Our heroine is Nola Mae Harper and she’s an absolute sweetheart. However, I did notice that we don’t actually get to see much of her personality shine through. I don’t know if that’s the case because I’m starting the series with the second book or if she’s just not established well enough but I did feel a little bit of a disconnect with her character even though she seemed pleasant enough.
I appreciated that this book didn’t really waste much time with getting the mystery started. Furlong sets up the conflict well and I think that’s what really drives this book forward. Although the Southern vibe is present, it’s not overwhelming and adds a certain charm and sweetness to the story. It’s a great juxtaposition to the murder mystery that is happening.
I think I’ll go back and read the first book in the series just to better reacquaint myself with Nola’s character more. She seems like the odd one out in her group of friends so I think I’ll come around to liking her more as the series progresses. All in all, I’m glad I took the leap and tried out this author. I look forward to reading more from Susan Furlong.
July 9, 2017
This the second book in the Georgia peach series. It's time for the annual cotilion and it turns out two of the debutant picked the same dress. One of them is Ginny daughter. When the other girls mother is found murdered everyone thinks gunny had something to do with her death. Nola Mae is just getting her shop peachy keen ready to open. Now she has to prove that Ginny is innocent while getting her shop ready and helping with the cotillion dinner.
The Georgia peach series is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. I loved the characters and the friendships they have. I can't wait to read more in the series.
The Georgia peach series is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine. I loved the characters and the friendships they have. I can't wait to read more in the series.
April 5, 2016
Nola Mae Harper is opening her shop Peachy Keen and is catering a major social event, The Cotillion Ball. The excitement was high in Clay Mills, Georgia as the shipment of cotillion's dresses has arrived and all the debutantes are anxious to see them. The excitement turns to dismay as one gown is missing. The mothers, Vivian Henshaw, and Ginny fight over the dress. The next day Vivian is murdered and Ginny becomes a person of interest. Nola Mae put aside her business to clear her best friend Ginny's name. The characters are developed and you can taste the peach flavor treats. I will read this author again.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
July 23, 2016
Rest in Peach is the second book in the Georgia Peach Mystery series. I enjoyed the 1st book very much so I was eager to read this book. I was not disappointed. This is a very good cozy mystery series. It is one of my favorite new series to be published. This book was about Nola Mae getting her new peach business Peachy Keen ready to open. It was about the Peach Cotillion where the young local girls are entered into society as debutantes. Each chapter begins with a cute debutante rule. The book shows how cut throat contests and the cotillion can be for some mothers of Cay Mills. The book is about murder. Nola Mae becomes involved to help out a friend who has fallen under suspicion.
Most of all, I think the book shows the power and love of family and friends in Cay Mills. The characters becomes friends. The reader sees Nola Mae becoming comfortable with being back home and rebuilding her life. It is a very good cozy series which I think cozy readers would enjoy. I would start with the first book to get the character development and back story; I am looking forward to War and Peach.
Most of all, I think the book shows the power and love of family and friends in Cay Mills. The characters becomes friends. The reader sees Nola Mae becoming comfortable with being back home and rebuilding her life. It is a very good cozy series which I think cozy readers would enjoy. I would start with the first book to get the character development and back story; I am looking forward to War and Peach.
May 3, 2020
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!
February 24, 2021
4.5 stars. Good story with interesting characters.
April 3, 2016
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.
April 7, 2016
Rest In Peach is the second book in the A Georgia Peach Mystery series.
A wonderful follow-up to Peaches and Scream.
Be sure to read the chapter heading for hilarious Debutante Rules. They are great.
Nola Mae is trying to finish the renovation to her store so she can open her new shop, Peachy Keen, when Ginny Wiggins, who owns Red's Diner with husband Sam, ask her to go with her and her daughter, Emily to Hattie's Boutique to pick up Emily's Peach Cotillion dress. Emily and Tara Crenshaw are anxiously awaiting their dress, but it turns out a mix-up in ordering only one dress is left. Vivien Crenshaw and Ginny get into a shouting match over who will get the last dress. After considerable bullying Vivien ends up with the dress, but Ginny's parting words are that she hopes she gets hers one day. Crenshaw is suppose to return and get the dress after alterations have been made. When Mrs. Busby returns to meet with Mrs. Crenshaw, she finds Mrs. Crenshaw's lifeless body, stabbed with a pair of scissors.
Nola Mae has a two fold purpose in looking into might have killed Mrs. Crenshaw. She doesn't feel that Ginny is capable of murder and she also wants to clear Hattie's Boutique of any wrongdoing, as Hattie is the sister of Cade, who she is dating. Besides, Maudy Payne feels she has an open and shut case and Frances Simms, a newspaper reporter seems to be “fanning the fire”.
It doesn't take Nola Mae long to figure out that Crenshaw has been, reportedly, blackmailing some ladies in Cays Mill. So he sets off to find out if these accusations are true and who has the most to lose if the reason they are being blackmailed ever comes to light.
Another well told story and enjoyable cast of believable characters.
In addition to the mystery of Mrs. Crenshsaw, Nola Mae needs to solve the mystery of why Cade seems to be avoiding her and also, does Hattie's boyfriend, Pete, have another girlfriend?
Delicious recipes are included in the book.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series, War and Peach.
A wonderful follow-up to Peaches and Scream.
Be sure to read the chapter heading for hilarious Debutante Rules. They are great.
Nola Mae is trying to finish the renovation to her store so she can open her new shop, Peachy Keen, when Ginny Wiggins, who owns Red's Diner with husband Sam, ask her to go with her and her daughter, Emily to Hattie's Boutique to pick up Emily's Peach Cotillion dress. Emily and Tara Crenshaw are anxiously awaiting their dress, but it turns out a mix-up in ordering only one dress is left. Vivien Crenshaw and Ginny get into a shouting match over who will get the last dress. After considerable bullying Vivien ends up with the dress, but Ginny's parting words are that she hopes she gets hers one day. Crenshaw is suppose to return and get the dress after alterations have been made. When Mrs. Busby returns to meet with Mrs. Crenshaw, she finds Mrs. Crenshaw's lifeless body, stabbed with a pair of scissors.
Nola Mae has a two fold purpose in looking into might have killed Mrs. Crenshaw. She doesn't feel that Ginny is capable of murder and she also wants to clear Hattie's Boutique of any wrongdoing, as Hattie is the sister of Cade, who she is dating. Besides, Maudy Payne feels she has an open and shut case and Frances Simms, a newspaper reporter seems to be “fanning the fire”.
It doesn't take Nola Mae long to figure out that Crenshaw has been, reportedly, blackmailing some ladies in Cays Mill. So he sets off to find out if these accusations are true and who has the most to lose if the reason they are being blackmailed ever comes to light.
Another well told story and enjoyable cast of believable characters.
In addition to the mystery of Mrs. Crenshsaw, Nola Mae needs to solve the mystery of why Cade seems to be avoiding her and also, does Hattie's boyfriend, Pete, have another girlfriend?
Delicious recipes are included in the book.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series, War and Peach.
April 13, 2016
If you love Southern charm blended with a good murder mystery, then you’re in for a treat when you read REST IN PEACH by Susan Furlong.
This charming story is the second installment in Furlong’s Georgia Peach Mystery Series, but can be read as a standalone.
A cotillion is a huge deal to a young Southern lady, but to Nola Mae Harper it means clearing her best friend, Ginny, as a prime murder suspect. Vivien Crenshaw, mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, has been stabbed to death and she and Ginny had fought over a cotillion dress. The dispute had been about a one-of-a-kind dress each had claimed for her daughter.
Juggling the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her own shop, Peachy Keen, Nola is determined to find the real killer. She’ll have to pick through a huge crop of suspects before getting to the core motive and the vicious killer.
Furlong’s downhome, small town, friendly atmosphere quickly draws you in. The many twists and turns will hold you captive as you work your way through the suspense. The story flows smoothly like a conversation among friends.
The characters are realistic, well-developed with a touch of quirkiness making them likable. Furlong blends humor, charm, loyalty, mystery and mayhem with a touch of romance for a well-balanced story.
Each chapter begins with a debutante rule and several delicious peach inspired recipes are included at the end. In addition, readers get a special preview of the next Georgia Peach Mystery, WAR AND PEACH, coming soon.
REST IN PEACH is a delightful cozy mystery just right for hours of entertainment with a Southern flare to make you smile.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
This charming story is the second installment in Furlong’s Georgia Peach Mystery Series, but can be read as a standalone.
A cotillion is a huge deal to a young Southern lady, but to Nola Mae Harper it means clearing her best friend, Ginny, as a prime murder suspect. Vivien Crenshaw, mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, has been stabbed to death and she and Ginny had fought over a cotillion dress. The dispute had been about a one-of-a-kind dress each had claimed for her daughter.
Juggling the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her own shop, Peachy Keen, Nola is determined to find the real killer. She’ll have to pick through a huge crop of suspects before getting to the core motive and the vicious killer.
Furlong’s downhome, small town, friendly atmosphere quickly draws you in. The many twists and turns will hold you captive as you work your way through the suspense. The story flows smoothly like a conversation among friends.
The characters are realistic, well-developed with a touch of quirkiness making them likable. Furlong blends humor, charm, loyalty, mystery and mayhem with a touch of romance for a well-balanced story.
Each chapter begins with a debutante rule and several delicious peach inspired recipes are included at the end. In addition, readers get a special preview of the next Georgia Peach Mystery, WAR AND PEACH, coming soon.
REST IN PEACH is a delightful cozy mystery just right for hours of entertainment with a Southern flare to make you smile.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
May 2, 2016
The second helping in the Georgia Peach Mystery series is even better than the first! 5 stars!!!!!
Nola Mae is getting ready for the opening of her new shop Peachy Keen, and is helping with the annual Peach Cotillion. Debutantes and a dress mix up kick off this story which leads to murder.
The whodunit in this story kept me guessing right up to the end! The series has interesting characters and the town is well described; you will want to visit! A top notch cozy!
Past secrets, romantic possibilities, and a number of potential suspects made this mystery hard for me to put down!
I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
I was fortunate to win a copy of this book from the author, but it in no way influenced my honest review.
Nola Mae is getting ready for the opening of her new shop Peachy Keen, and is helping with the annual Peach Cotillion. Debutantes and a dress mix up kick off this story which leads to murder.
The whodunit in this story kept me guessing right up to the end! The series has interesting characters and the town is well described; you will want to visit! A top notch cozy!
Past secrets, romantic possibilities, and a number of potential suspects made this mystery hard for me to put down!
I cannot wait to read the next in the series!
I was fortunate to win a copy of this book from the author, but it in no way influenced my honest review.
May 2, 2016
Scandal, deceit, and murder are no match for Nola Mae Harper, as author Susan Furlong aptly demonstrates in this delectable sequel to Peaches and Scream. Once again, Nola Mae grabbed my heart with her ingenuity, her kindness, and her devotion to her family and friends. And when it comes to rooting out motives, she has the nose of a bloodhound, all while maintaining her well-honed Southern manners. And what a terrific cast of characters! The ending had so many surprises that I couldn’t stop slapping my forehead. I cannot wait for the third installment in this charming and delicious series. This one is a gem.
August 20, 2016
I love Southern cozies and this series is a new favorite! Nola is charming, human and a great amateur sleuth. I especially enjoyed the "debutante" plot and the apt quotes that began each chapter. Plus, the recipes and food descriptions are wonderful! I really loved the locals and I found the mystery to be tough to solve -- which is always fun. I can't wait to read more.
September 27, 2023
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!
April 18, 2017
Love this series!!
September 12, 2017
Great book. I didn't see the end coming.
January 22, 2021
Fast read mystery! We return to the life of Nola and her crew. This time her bestie is a suspect and she helps clear her name while dealing with her own family and the annual cotillion. Tons of southern charm featured with gossip and secrets. A fun time!
July 7, 2021
I like this series a lot. It gives me more cozy for my summer reading fix!!
January 23, 2025
It’s been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it took a bit to reacquaint myself with the major characters and their circumstances. Once I got that worked out, I enjoyed the book.
I’d love living on a peach… orchard? farm? – I think. I like the idea of being able to pluck a fresh juicy peach from the tree, but raising any kind of produce for profit is not an easy task. Nola, the MC, has a wonderful network of family and friends, but of course there are residents of the town who are annoying.
I knew the murder was coming before it happened because the victim was such an unpleasant person. There were almost too many suspects to consider, even though the police were focused on only one character. I did not figure out who the culprit was until just before it was revealed in the book, but had an inkling of the motive due to a passing comment earlier in the book.
There is only one more book in this series, which is disappointing. I’m crossing my fingers that book #3 doesn’t leave any loose threads but instead wraps everything up in a nice, neat package :)
I’d love living on a peach… orchard? farm? – I think. I like the idea of being able to pluck a fresh juicy peach from the tree, but raising any kind of produce for profit is not an easy task. Nola, the MC, has a wonderful network of family and friends, but of course there are residents of the town who are annoying.
I knew the murder was coming before it happened because the victim was such an unpleasant person. There were almost too many suspects to consider, even though the police were focused on only one character. I did not figure out who the culprit was until just before it was revealed in the book, but had an inkling of the motive due to a passing comment earlier in the book.
There is only one more book in this series, which is disappointing. I’m crossing my fingers that book #3 doesn’t leave any loose threads but instead wraps everything up in a nice, neat package :)
May 29, 2016
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.
May 11, 2017
Rest In Peach
Georgia Peach Mystery #2
Susan Furlong
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In the refreshing new Georgia Peach Mystery from the author of Peaches and Scream, an upcoming debutante ball turns into the pits when a juicy murder scandalizes a small town.
The annual Peach Cotillion, Cays Mill, Georgia’s biggest event, is fast approaching and Nola Mae Harper is just as excited as the rest of the town—even though she’s busy juggling both the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her new shop, Peachy Keen. But she never expected that plans for the cotillion would end up in the pits because of the cutthroat competition between local debutantes.
When Vivien Crenshaw, insufferable church organist and despised mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, is stabbed to death, the police turn to Nola’s friend Ginny as prime suspect. Apparently the two had fought over a one-of-a-kind cotillion gown. As Nola steps in to prove Ginny’s innocence she soon finds herself picking through a bushel of suspects, twice as many motives, and at the mercy of a killer all too keen on killing again.
INCLUDES RECIPES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoyed the trio of friends of Nola, Hattie and Ginny. They have each others backs, they call each other out when it is needed and they are happy when good things happen to any of them. We should all have friends like that.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place around me. I felt like I was involved in all of the pageantry that goes along with a Cotillion and I good almost see the debutantes gorgeous gowns. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects, clues and red herrings thrown in to make it almost impossible to figure out the culprit. I was surprised when I learned the killer’s identity. The book was fast paced and pulled me right along from the very beginning.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery with great characters, the perfect Southern small town setting and a suspenseful mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Georgia Peach Mystery #2
Susan Furlong
5 Stars
Synopsis:
In the refreshing new Georgia Peach Mystery from the author of Peaches and Scream, an upcoming debutante ball turns into the pits when a juicy murder scandalizes a small town.
The annual Peach Cotillion, Cays Mill, Georgia’s biggest event, is fast approaching and Nola Mae Harper is just as excited as the rest of the town—even though she’s busy juggling both the cotillion dinner and the grand opening of her new shop, Peachy Keen. But she never expected that plans for the cotillion would end up in the pits because of the cutthroat competition between local debutantes.
When Vivien Crenshaw, insufferable church organist and despised mother of the town’s spoiled-rotten Peach Queen, is stabbed to death, the police turn to Nola’s friend Ginny as prime suspect. Apparently the two had fought over a one-of-a-kind cotillion gown. As Nola steps in to prove Ginny’s innocence she soon finds herself picking through a bushel of suspects, twice as many motives, and at the mercy of a killer all too keen on killing again.
INCLUDES RECIPES! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I really enjoyed the trio of friends of Nola, Hattie and Ginny. They have each others backs, they call each other out when it is needed and they are happy when good things happen to any of them. We should all have friends like that.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, watching all the action taking place around me. I felt like I was involved in all of the pageantry that goes along with a Cotillion and I good almost see the debutantes gorgeous gowns. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The mystery was well plotted and had enough suspects, clues and red herrings thrown in to make it almost impossible to figure out the culprit. I was surprised when I learned the killer’s identity. The book was fast paced and pulled me right along from the very beginning.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery with great characters, the perfect Southern small town setting and a suspenseful mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 1, 2016
Another great Cozy mystery. I love love love this series! Rest in Peach is book two in the Georgia Peach Mystery series. I knew after reading the first I wouldn't be able to put this down. Susan Furlong gets first place with the recipes at the end of the book. Reading about them during the mystery will make your mouth water.
The characters in these books are so real. Cays, Georgia is in a frenzy about the upcoming annual Peach Cotillion. Susan Furlong hits the nail on the head when she writes about the preparations for a southern tradition. It is like the Miss America pageant for a Southern Belle. The parents go overboard this time. This year Ginny and her daughter Emily are getting everything ready for the event. They show up at Hattie's shop to try on her dress and see what alterations need to be done. Things don't go as planned! Hattie made a mistake when she ordered only one dress for two girls. YIKES! Thank goodness Nola was there because Vivien Crenshaw and Ginny get into a verbal altercation over the dress. Vivien is a very obnoxious mother that plays the piano at church. Her daughter Tara is a spoiled young woman who won Peach Queen last year under questionable circumstances. Vivien has made plans to come back later for the final alterations when she ends up stabbed to death in Hattie's shop. Everyone jumps to conclusions and blame Ginny. Sheriff Maudy is only focused on Ginny. This is crazy! Nola, Hattie, and Ginny start their own investigation to get to the bottom of this brutal murder. "Gossip. The cause of so much destruction."
This book has you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. The suspense and intrigue have you reading the whole book in one setting. You have everything from lies, deceit, and blackmail. Will Nola and her brother Ray be able to help her friend Ginny stay out of jail??? You will be guessing the killer the whole time.
The characters in these books are so real. Cays, Georgia is in a frenzy about the upcoming annual Peach Cotillion. Susan Furlong hits the nail on the head when she writes about the preparations for a southern tradition. It is like the Miss America pageant for a Southern Belle. The parents go overboard this time. This year Ginny and her daughter Emily are getting everything ready for the event. They show up at Hattie's shop to try on her dress and see what alterations need to be done. Things don't go as planned! Hattie made a mistake when she ordered only one dress for two girls. YIKES! Thank goodness Nola was there because Vivien Crenshaw and Ginny get into a verbal altercation over the dress. Vivien is a very obnoxious mother that plays the piano at church. Her daughter Tara is a spoiled young woman who won Peach Queen last year under questionable circumstances. Vivien has made plans to come back later for the final alterations when she ends up stabbed to death in Hattie's shop. Everyone jumps to conclusions and blame Ginny. Sheriff Maudy is only focused on Ginny. This is crazy! Nola, Hattie, and Ginny start their own investigation to get to the bottom of this brutal murder. "Gossip. The cause of so much destruction."
This book has you on the edge of your seat from the beginning. The suspense and intrigue have you reading the whole book in one setting. You have everything from lies, deceit, and blackmail. Will Nola and her brother Ray be able to help her friend Ginny stay out of jail??? You will be guessing the killer the whole time.
December 16, 2016
REST IN PEACH is the second book in the Georgia Peach Mystery series by Susan Furlong but it’s the first book I’ve tried of this author. As you can expect, this one has a very Southern feel to it, which I really enjoyed. Our heroine is Nola Mae Harper and she’s an absolute sweetheart. However, I did notice that we don’t actually get to see much of her personality shine through. I don’t know if that’s the case because I’m starting the series with the second book or if she’s just not established well enough but I did feel a little bit of a disconnect with her character even though she seemed pleasant enough.
I appreciated that this book didn’t really waste much time with getting the mystery started. Furlong sets up the conflict well and I think that’s what really drives this book forward. Although the Southern vibe is present, it’s not overwhelming and adds a certain charm and sweetness to the story. It’s a great juxtaposition to the murder mystery that is happening.
I think I’ll go back and read the first book in the series just to better reacquaint myself with Nola’s character more. She seems like the odd one out in her group of friends so I think I’ll come around to liking her more as the series progresses. All in all, I’m glad I took the leap and tried out this author. I look forward to reading more from Susan Furlong.
*Reviewed by Annie
❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
March 29, 2016
Rest in Peach, the phenomenal second book of The Georgia Peach Mysteries, written by Susan Furlong is a welcome follow-up to the first in what I hope will be a long and, dare I say it, fruitful series.
Nola Mae Harper is back, juggling friends, family, a potential lover, dealing with local crazies caught up in the preparation for the annual Peach Cotillion, as well as preparing to open her new shop, Peachy Keen. Did I mention murder? That, too.
A lover of character-driven books, I also gravitate toward those that give me a strong sense of place, and this book does it in spades. Never have I felt such a part of a book as I have in these two by Furlong. When Nora is out in the orchard talking to her father about the latest crop of peaches, I swear that I can smell them. When Nora and her friends are burning the midnight oil in the kitchen over pots of chutney, I can smell the spicy steam coming off of each batch.
This is a book that, once I started reading, I could not stop. I loved the small town atmosphere, quirky and complex southern characters, the camaraderie between the main characters, not to mention a really good mystery.
This book is down home and delicious, and, no surprise, like the last book, there are peach recipes at the end that will send you immediately to your kitchen because, not only will you be craving a trip to the south, you'll be craving cobbler too.
I loved this book, the budding series, and cannot recommend it enough.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nola Mae Harper is back, juggling friends, family, a potential lover, dealing with local crazies caught up in the preparation for the annual Peach Cotillion, as well as preparing to open her new shop, Peachy Keen. Did I mention murder? That, too.
A lover of character-driven books, I also gravitate toward those that give me a strong sense of place, and this book does it in spades. Never have I felt such a part of a book as I have in these two by Furlong. When Nora is out in the orchard talking to her father about the latest crop of peaches, I swear that I can smell them. When Nora and her friends are burning the midnight oil in the kitchen over pots of chutney, I can smell the spicy steam coming off of each batch.
This is a book that, once I started reading, I could not stop. I loved the small town atmosphere, quirky and complex southern characters, the camaraderie between the main characters, not to mention a really good mystery.
This book is down home and delicious, and, no surprise, like the last book, there are peach recipes at the end that will send you immediately to your kitchen because, not only will you be craving a trip to the south, you'll be craving cobbler too.
I loved this book, the budding series, and cannot recommend it enough.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews