Picturesque South Cove, California, is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day, but not everyone is feeling motherly...
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More is almost out of Mother’s Day cards. She has a few more in stock, but she’s set them aside because she needs Greg’s help choosing one for his mother. It’ll be Jill’s first time meeting her boyfriend’s mother, and she’s understandably nervous.
Turns out Jill isn’t the only one having feelings about mothers. Kyle, who works at the antiques store next door, needs to find the perfect card for a mother he hasn’t seen since he was five—when she went away to jail. But her arrival in South Cove isn’t exactly celebratory, her behavior toward her son unexpectedly restrained. Piqued, Jill discovers that a mother can never be replaced...
Praise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries
“I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly . . . [A] wonderfully appealing series.”—Dru’s Book Musings
“Light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged.”—The Young Folks
NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
Mother's Day in South Cove is a special time, but it can also be painful. Jill won't share the story of her mother, but she has her aunt who has been a strong role model. Jill hasn't yet met her boyfriend's mother, but he's coordinated a breakfast much sooner than Jill would like. On top of that, Kyle, a local shop seller's assistant, asks Jill for help with getting to know his long-lost mother. Except two women claim to be the woman who spent years in jail. What's really happening? A lovely tribute to different types of mothers, plus a a chance to read a short novella exploring more of Jill's neighbors and friends in the Tourist Trap Mysteries written by Lynn Cahoon. This was perfect for a night when I was sleepy but not ready to go to bed... a 45-min tale to relax me but excite me about some favorite characters and settings.
It's almost Mother's Day in South Cove, California. Jill's boyfriend has asked her to meet his mother on Mother's Day, signifying a big step in their relationship. That's not the only story involving a mother though. Kyle, an employee at the antiques store, is looking for his mother. He hasn't seen her since he was five years old, and, unfortunately, she is not all that eager to reconnect with him.
A novella in the Tourist Trap mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. This book follows book 10 in the series. This was my first Tourist Trap mystery. I feel like I would have enjoyed this story a lot more if I had read the previous books in the series. So, I plan to go back and read the earlier books. This seems like a good cozy mystery series.
The mystery in this novella was very light. It focused on locating Kyle's mother. The characters were all likable. The setting and story were charming. I look forward to reading more of this series.
I won a free Kindle version of this book in a Goodreads Givewaway.
Jill Gardner’s personal relationship with her detective boyfriend, Greg, is about to get even closer. Greg wants Jill to join his family for a Mother’s Day celebration and finally meet his mother. Jill agrees, but she’s a nervous wreck about it and wants her aunt to join her.
One of the employees in the shop next to her is also having mother issues. Kyle’s mother went to jail when he was five and she hasn’t been seen since. Now, she wants to see Kyle, but Jill is curious and wants to protect Kyle, even if he doesn’t believe he needs it.
The Tourist Trap Mysteries are one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Lately, the author has been writing these shorter novellas between the longer books. I really enjoy these little stories. At only 75 pages, she manages to tell a decent mystery.
There are no murders in this, but it’s an intriguing mystery into Kyle’s background which blends with Jill’s own feelings toward mothers. It’s a light-hearted story which makes for a fun afternoon reading.
As a long time reader of this series, I enjoyed catching up with my “old friends” in South Cove. I think a new reader might want to start at the beginning to get a better feel for the characters and the plot. However, the mystery is contained in this book so it can also be read on its own.
This will tide me over to the next book. I’m looking forward to it.
“Mother’s Day Mayhem” by Lynn Cahoon is a lovely, short read - a perfect novella with which to settle down on the sofa on a cold and windy afternoon, along with a mug of steaming hot chocolate!
Part of best-selling author, Lynn Cahoon’s, ‘Tourist Trap Mystery’ series, this is the first story I have read and I delighted in this easy-to-read novella. Although I’m sure the books would be best read in sequence, it was easy enough to follow the story and make the connections between the different characters. I didn’t particularly have a favourite in this book though I found I could really relate to Jill Gardner, the owner of ‘Coffee, Books, and More.’
Although there was no dead body in the story, there were some fun moments and plenty of mothers and it was wonderful getting to meet all of the other characters!
This was a charming little story and I will be reading more from this series in the future.
{Thank you to #NetGalley and Kensington Books for the free copy of #MothersDayMayhem and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}
I enjoy these novellas to keep me up to date with what is happening in South Cove, California. They are lighter than the full novels, and the mystery is not usually a murder. It's almost Mother's Day and Jill's boyfriend has asked her to meet his mother on Mother's Day. She is a bit apprehensive of this big step in their relationship. The other story in this book revolves around Kyle, an employee at the antique store, who is hoping to reconnect with his mother who he has not seen since he was a boy of five. He has recently found her on social media, but she seems to be reluctant to get together. In Jull's normal fashion, she takes it upon herself to help Kyle and find out if this woman in legit.
The mystery in this novella was very light, focusing on locating Kyle's mother. The familiar characters were all there and it was nice to catch up with them. My only issue was that this mystery could have been easily solved by having Greg check out the prison first, where Kyle's mother had been incarcerated. I always enjoy a visit to South Cove and look forward to the next book in the series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
This was my first book in this series, though it was book 10, a novella. Though fun, I was a bit lost, as I didn't know the characters or their relationships.
The book dealt with mysteries around the mother. Jill's boyfriend Greg wanted her to meet his mother, Kyle, one of the employees, was searching for his mother, which was main plot of the story.
This was an extremely light read with warm characters and cosy settings. This was more of a mystery rather than a whodunit, but it was charming in its own way.
Overall, a fun read, but it would have been better if I had read the entire series.
Mother's Day Mayhem by Lynn Cahoon was another enjoyable addition to the Tourist Trap series highlighting Mother's Day in South Cove.
A quickly paced story featuring Jill and Greg working together this time to solve a mystery for another South Cove resident. It was an emotional story regarding families, both biological and the family a person creates with friends and community. An easy afternoon read that kept me turning the pages until the the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Lyrical Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Mother's Day Mayhem by Lynn Cahoon is the 10.5 book in A Tourist Trap Mystery series, and a great addition. Jill Gardner is the owner of Coffee, Books, and More and they is running out of Mother's Day cards. Jill is meeting her boyfriend, Greg's mother for the first time, and Kyle will be seeing his mother for the first time since he was five. I love this series, and enjoyed this novella too. I highly recommend this book/series to all cozy mystery lovers. I also recommend that you read them in order to get the most out of the books.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
Jill Gardner gets an unpleasant surprise when her boyfriend springs on her that his mother is coming for Mother's Day. She already knows his brother cannot stand her so she feels this visit is doomed for failure.
This novella is #10.5 in A tourist Trap Mystery series but could easily be read as a stand alone. It is a quick mystery that will leave you wanting more and I am especially interested in the secret in Jill's family tree in which she feels her boyfriend would not be able to forgive.
Thanks to Kensington Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this story. The opinions expressed are my own.
Merged review:
Jill Gardner gets an unpleasant surprise when her boyfriend Greg springs on her that his mother is coming for Mother's Day. She already knows his brother cannot stand her so she feels this visit is doomed for failure. Jill is also feeling bad because she accidentally let a secret slip about someone who works next door to her coffee and book store.
This novella is #10.5 in A tourist Trap Mystery series but could easily be read as a stand alone. It is a quick mystery that will leave you wanting more and I am especially interested in the secret in Jill's family tree in which she feels her boyfriend would not be able to forgive.
Thanks to Kensington Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this story. The opinions expressed are my own.
Mother’s Day Mayhem A Tourist Trap Mystery, Book #10.5 Lynn Cahoon 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Picturesque South Cove, California, is the perfect place to celebrate Mother’s Day, but not everyone is feeling motherly...
Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More is almost out of Mother’s Day cards. She has a few more in stock, but she’s set them aside because she needs Greg’s help choosing one for his mother. It’ll be Jill’s first time meeting her boyfriend’s mother, and she’s understandably nervous.
Turns out Jill isn’t the only one having feelings about mothers. Kyle, who works at the antiques store next door, needs to find the perfect card for a mother he hasn’t seen since he was five—when she went away to jail. But her arrival in South Cove isn’t exactly celebratory, her behavior toward her son unexpectedly restrained. Piqued, Jill discovers that a mother can never be replaced...
Praise for The Tourist Trap Mysteries
“I love the author’s style, which was warm and friendly . . . [A] wonderfully appealing series.”—Dru’s Book Musings
“Light, fun, and kept me thoroughly engaged.”—The Young Folks (Goodreads)
Review:
This series is very good and this novella did not disappoint. The characters are friendly, engaging and personable. Their friendships seem genuine and you can tell they are close-knit and care about it each other a lot. They might stick their noses in someone’s else business, but it is done with love!
I enjoyed the fact that Jill did not find a dead body, that was refreshing. But there is still a mystery to solve, finding a resident of South Cove’s mother. It was a little bit more emotional, which is good.
The author creates a great small town setting and her descriptions bring this setting alive in my mind. I would like to spend a holiday in South Cove.
I would highly recommend this novella (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. You cannot go wrong picking up this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
I enjoy these short fun novella's that take the reader back to South Cove for a sneak peak into the lives of Jill, Greg and the rest of the residents. The characters are all well written and I feel like they grow a bit personally and in relationships with each visit. In this book. the mystery is not a murder, by helping one of the residents of South Cove find out if one of two women are really his mother. This is a short read so the mystery happens quick and there isn't a lot of depth but the characters make up for that fact.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.
A novella from Tourist Trap mysteries. It is nearing Mother Day and Greg plans a weekend Holiday before telling Jill he wants her to meet is Mother in the special day. Kyle asked Jill to help him find a Mother's Day card and tell her he doesn't remember much about her. Jill decided to find out about his Mother. Will, she finds an answer for Kyle? I highly recommend this book and series.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this story. This is a novella that actually takes place before number 8. It appears to be not in synch with the rest of stories. Sasha & Toby broke up in book 8 because she took a better job with education benefits in another town and in book nine Greg & Jill are living together. They are not in this book.
Despite the inconsistencies. This was a quick easy read. This story is centered around mothers and Mother’s Day. I liked that there was a mystery but not a murder.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley and Kensington Lyrical Underground. These are my unsolicited opinions.
"Mother's Day Mayhem" earns 4/5 Greeting Cards...Clever and Entertaining!
Mother's Day is usually met with loving anticipation, but Jill has nothing but trepidation since she's been invited to meet her boyfriend Greg's mother. But, it's Kyle, the young man who works at the antique shop, who is struggling the most with the upcoming holiday. Having lived with his grandmother since he was five-years-old and only receiving postcards from his mother saying she would return, he sadly would learn she'd really been in jail. But now, she is out of jail, and reaching out to her, they plan to meet. However, he still worries she may break her promise. Jill can't stand to see her young friend in such emotional turmoil and, with help, sets out to find out what's going on.
This novella is short and easily read in an hour or two (of course, if you don't have Mom duties) with interesting angst and dynamics between mothers and daughters and mothers and sons. It's "mayhem" not murder that is the focus, so the inquiries are less checking off suspects, validating motives, and avoiding personal peril, and more discussion, background checks, and happening upon details. The story also includes Jill and Greg's relationship and a quiet weekend away that also mixes "business" and pleasure. I enjoyed the first-person narrative sharing Jill's anxious manner to uncover the story of Kyle's mother since her mother is no longer around, but it's her worry about meeting Greg's mother with which I can identify. I remember meeting my now mother-in-law for the first time running through my head the desire to stand out, be liked, and accepted by the family.
Fans will also enjoy "one of Greg's favorite meals at Diamond Lille's." Said to "fit the bill" for those on a low carb/low sugar diet, we can enjoy Tiny's Provolone-Stuffed Meatloaf. Ok, there is ketchup and brown sugar, but I won't tell!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
I will admit that the only other book I have read in the Tourist Trap Mysteries series is Santa puppy. But I read them back to back, so it's natural to compare them and I found this one lacking something. It didn't click for me as the other novel did which is sad. I have to admit that I was bugged by how unstable for the lack of better word most of the relationships we saw in the book were. Isn't book 10.5 a little late for Jill to meet her boyfriend's mother? And I feel like we got teased about another couple too. I prefer stability and in this book, I didn't get that feeling. The mystery ended on a bittersweet note for me and I think that's the reason why I ended up giving 3 stars to the book.
Jill Gardner is getting Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California ready for Mother’s Day with a large selection of greeting cards from which her customers can choose. One customer in particular is having a hard time picking a card. Kyle Nabor needs a card for a mother he hasn’t seen since he was a child, and Jill goes above and beyond to help him. Jill is also nervous about the upcoming holiday because she will be meeting her boyfriend Greg’s mom for the first time.
Mother’s Day Mayhem is a novella that is part of the Tourist Trap Mystery series. I've read some of the other books in this series, but because of the format of this series, new readers can join right in and not feel like they need to have read the prior books. This story is a little different than most of the books in the series in that it’s not a murder mystery. Jill and her boyfriend Greg try to help Kyle track down his estranged mother. I enjoy seeing them mix sleuthing and pleasure on a weekend getaway before the Mother’s Day meal Jill has begun to dread. Kyle’s story takes an unexpected twist that I wasn’t expecting but really enjoyed.
Jill is a complicated main character. I like her intelligence and business sense and her loyalty to her friends. She has a great match in her boyfriend Greg King, who is a police detective in South Cove. They have great chemistry and get along well. Jill has her reasons, but I am sometimes frustrated by her hesitation to make a commitment to Greg. After the family meal with him, I’m hoping things improve on that front. However, Jill mentions apprehensions about an upcoming gathering with her family that looks like it could cause future complications. This entertaining, fast-paced novella is a great addition to this enjoyable series.
I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this short story. Jill tries to help Kyle who is looking for his mother and also finds out that she is going to meet Greg's mother which puts her on pins and needles. I love these characters, and I loved the mystery of Kyle's mother, this was a very entertaining read and I will continue on with this series.
The novellas are always too short for me but I love getting any snippet of South Cove that I can until more comes out. I love this series and all of the characters! Ready for more Lynn...
Jill isn't sure how she feels about meeting Greg's mother and on Mothers Day no less. She loves Greg but meeting a parent is always a scary ordeal, will she like her won't she like her. When Kyle from the store next door comes looking to Jill for help she is happy to do what she can to keep her mind off her nervousness. Kyle hasn't seen his mother in years, she went to prison a long time ago, but he heard that she was free and he wants to make contact. When he hears back that she wants nothing to do with him Jill decides to step in and find out what the issue is. Her and Greg are going away for a weekend why not to where Kyle's mom lives. Follow along as Jill tries to step in and help bring Kyle and his mother together. She likes Kyle and wants him to find some sort of closure when it comes to his mother. Will Jill be able to help or will it be a wasted trip. This was a fun short that gave us a better look into Jill and Greg's relationship and also a fun mystery to dig into. I love getting to know the characters better through a novella and can't wait to see what happens with them in the next book.
Merged review:
Jill isn't sure how she feels about meeting Greg's mother and on Mothers Day no less. She loves Greg but meeting a parent is always a scary ordeal, will she like her won't she like her. When Kyle from the store next door comes looking to Jill for help she is happy to do what she can to keep her mind off her nervousness. Kyle hasn't seen his mother in years, she went to prison a long time ago, but he heard that she was free and he wants to make contact. When he hears back that she wants nothing to do with him Jill decides to step in and find out what the issue is. Her and Greg are going away for a weekend why not to where Kyle's mom lives. Follow along as Jill tries to step in and help bring Kyle and his mother together. She likes Kyle and wants him to find some sort of closure when it comes to his mother. Will Jill be able to help or will it be a wasted trip. This was a fun short that gave us a better look into Jill and Greg's relationship and also a fun mystery to dig into. I love getting to know the characters better through a novella and can't wait to see what happens with them in the next book.
I always enjoy a trip to South Cove, California where Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books and More, the perfect place to get coffee, books and yummy treats. These new novellas are a fun step back in time for a quick visit to see what is happening with the townspeople. Jill loves to make sure her South Cove family is safe and happy. Kyle works with grumpy Josh Thomas' antique store next door to her shop. Kyle was from a program that helped young people find a job in South Cove for a new start. Sasha is from the same problem and has been a wonderful addition to Jill's shop. Kyle was raised by his grandmother but always wanted a relationship with his absent mother. Last he heard she was released from prison. In the past, she never fulfilled her promise to get together with him but Mother's Day is coming up. Maybe they can get together. Jill and her boyfriend, Detective Greg King, are going on a weekend getaway and she plans to investigate Kyle's mother, who lives in the town in Oregon where they are going. As she and Greg work together, will they have success and find out what is going on with his mother, Rebecca? Or will it be a bust? As a side note, Greg's mother is going to be in South Cove for Mother's Day. Yikes! I received a complimentary ARC from Lyrical Press and Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Mother’s Day Mayhem by Lynn Cahoon is A Tourist Trap Novella. Jill Gardner owns Coffee, Books and More in South Cove, California. She is having lunch at Diamond Lille’s with her boyfriend, Greg King when he springs the news that his mother is coming to town. Greg has planned a luncheon for Mother’s Day so Jill can meet his mother and invited her aunt, Jackie as well as her boyfriend. Since Jill’s introduction to Greg’s brother, Jim was less than stellar, Jill is justifiably nervous. Kyle Nabors who works at Antiques by Thomas comes into the shop and needs Jill’s assistance in picking out a Mother’s Day card. Kyle was raised by his grandmother since he was five years old after his mother was sent to jail. He recently reconnected with Rebecca Nabors who said she would come to visit, but she now seems to have changed her mind. Kyle decided to send her a Mother’s Day card to show he cares and leave the ball in her court. Jill is curious about Kyle’s mother and decides a scouting mission is in order. How will Mother’s Day turn out for our South Cove residents?
Mother’s Day Mayhem is a charming addition to A Tourist Trap Mystery series. If you have not read the previous books in the series, I do not suggest starting with this one (you would be out of step). I like Lynn Cahoon’s conversational writing style. It makes for an engaging and easy to read story. A Tourist Trap Mystery series has friendly, developed and relatable characters. It is sweet that the residents of South Cove consider each other family and they look out for each other (I want to move to this town) which gives Jill the perfect excuse to meddle in Kyle’s life. I look forward to visiting South Cove to what the characters are up to in each new book. Jill and Greg have been dating for a year and she has yet to meet his mother. I could feel Jill’s nerves and I knew what she was feeling plus what she was thinking (would the mother like her, what if the meeting goes bad). Kyle has been without his mother since he was a small boy. It was obvious he was worried about being rejected. There is no dead body or burglary in this book. The mystery involves Kyle’s mother, and Jill wants to make sure Kyle will not get hurt. Mother’s Day Mayhem is a short story that progresses at a steady pace. There is humor in the story from Greg’s case of the missing gnomes. Jill’s theories had me giggling. There is a recipe for Tiny’s provolone stuffed meatloaf at the end of the book. Mother’s Day Mayhem is an emotional story that will touch your heart.
Back in South Cove! This time Mother's Day is coming and so is Greg's mother!
Jill is in a bit of a tizzy with Mother's Day around the corner and Greg's mother is coming for lunch! So instead of fixating on her fears, she is helping Kyle from next door find out where the mother who left him as a child with his grandmother is living and why she doesn't want a relationship with Kyle.
I am loving these little novellas that Ms. Cahoon is giving us. We no longer have to wait a year for a new mystery! We have wonderful little updates on all of our favorite characters on the holidays. I find this style fresh and a great way to keep us wanting more.
It’s nearly Mother’s Day, and Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books and More, is apprehensive. Her boyfriend, Greg, wants her to meet his mother for the first time. Kyle, a worker from the store next door, wants to meet with the mother who abandoned him when he was a child. Jill and Greg decide to look into the truth behind Kyle’s mother and they may get more than they bargained for. This was another great little story surrounding the characters created by this gifted author. But, it really isn’t a mystery. It’s a beautiful story about a child’s love for his mother, and the ending made me sad. I really hope that this author releases a full length mystery next. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
This is book 10.5 in the Tourist Trap Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone and is listed as a novella. Jill and Greg are now officially a couple and he wants her to meet his mother for Mother's Day. It's a big step but she is ready. Meanwhile, Greg is searching for his Mother who abandoned him with his Grandmother at a young age. He's discovered she was in prison and is living not too far away. Jill and Greg decide to visit her and find nothing but mystery and questions. Good story and a nice catch up with all the familiar characters. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This novella was a wonderful addition. We got to learn more about Kyle bad boy turned good by the help of employment from Josh Antiques shop. I do know the character Josh has had a hard time and can be a bit well a lot difficult. But I think I have a bit of a soft spot for this hard to understand man.
Mother's Day is right around the corner, and everyone is a little or more than a little anxious about meeting the parents. Simple read, and can not wait for the next one.
NetGalley: Jill Gardner, owner of Coffee, Books, and More is almost out of Mother’s Day cards. She has a few more in stock, but she’s set them aside because she needs Greg’s help choosing one for his mother. It’ll be Jill’s first time meeting her boyfriend’s mother, and she’s understandably nervous.
Turns out Jill isn’t the only one having feelings about mothers. Kyle, who works at the antique store next door, needs to find the perfect card for a mother he hasn’t seen since he was five—when she went away to jail. But her arrival in South Cove isn’t exactly celebratory, her behavior toward her son unexpectedly restrained. Piqued, Jill discovers that a mother can never be replaced . . .
My review: I have enjoyed these novellas until the next full-length novel is released but I felt this was out of order. I would suggest reading Mother's Day Mayhem before Killer Party.
Mother's Day Mayhem is the perfect way to pass a lazy Sunday afternoon.
I received a complimentary copy from Kensington through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
This was a cute novella in the Tourist Trap series. No murders to solve, but a few minor mysteries, and a lot of character development. This would be pretty meaningless for anyone who hasn't read the rest of the series, but was a pleasant addition for me, and I'd give it a B+, so four stars here.