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Cottage on Gooseberry Bay #2
Thanksgiving Past
USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.
Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She came to find an explanation for the dreams that had haunted her after the death of the cop who’d both rescued and raised her, and she came to find the identity of the family she couldn’t remember but assumed at one point she’d been part of.
She hoped that by finding these answers she’d also find healing. She hoped that once she exorcised the memories buried deep in her mind, she’d find peace.
The Cottage at Gooseberry Bay is a series about, not only finding answers, but finding hope. It’s a story about family and friendship, and it's a story about the ties that bind one resident of a small close knit community to another. It’s a series about shared holidays, festivals, and celebrations. It’s a series about shared heartbreak and hardship as well. And it’s a series about the bond that can be forged amongst strangers when tragedy binds two or more individuals with a common goal.
In book 2 in the series, Ainsley finally meets Adam Winchester who agrees to help her find the answers she is looking for.
Meanwhile, Ainsley joins forces with Parker, Jemma, and Josie as they search for the truth about what might have happened to the family who vanished five Thanksgivings ago.
Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She came to find an explanation for the dreams that had haunted her after the death of the cop who’d both rescued and raised her, and she came to find the identity of the family she couldn’t remember but assumed at one point she’d been part of.
She hoped that by finding these answers she’d also find healing. She hoped that once she exorcised the memories buried deep in her mind, she’d find peace.
The Cottage at Gooseberry Bay is a series about, not only finding answers, but finding hope. It’s a story about family and friendship, and it's a story about the ties that bind one resident of a small close knit community to another. It’s a series about shared holidays, festivals, and celebrations. It’s a series about shared heartbreak and hardship as well. And it’s a series about the bond that can be forged amongst strangers when tragedy binds two or more individuals with a common goal.
In book 2 in the series, Ainsley finally meets Adam Winchester who agrees to help her find the answers she is looking for.
Meanwhile, Ainsley joins forces with Parker, Jemma, and Josie as they search for the truth about what might have happened to the family who vanished five Thanksgivings ago.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2020
717 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
391 books1,789 followersKathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
October 21, 2020
I loved being back in Gooseberry Bay with Ainsley, Jemma, Josie and Parker. I enjoy spending time with all of these characters and the setting of Gooseberry Bay is charming. The characters are all likable and these women are smart and don't hesitate to jump in to help their friends. The mystery is compelling and the twists kept me turning the pages as they try to solve a cold case mystery of a family who disappeared five years ago on Thanksgiving day. Ainsley's past is beginning to become more clear as her dreams drop more clues for her to follow. I can hardly wait to return next month.
November 2, 2024
Wonderful cozy mystery, Engaging characters you’ll want to re-visit again, and again! Great mystery!
October 28, 2020
Thanksgiving Past
Cottage on Gooseberry Bay, Book #2
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.
Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She came to find an explanation for the dreams that had haunted her after the death of the cop who’d both rescued and raised her, and she came to find the identity of the family she couldn’t remember but assumed at one point she’d been part of.
She hoped that by finding these answers she’d also find healing. She hoped that once she exorcised the memories buried deep in her mind, she’d find peace.
The Cottage at Gooseberry Bay is a series about, not only finding answers, but finding hope. It’s a story about family and friendship, and it's a story about the ties that bind one resident of a small close knit community to another. It’s a series about shared holidays, festivals, and celebrations. It’s a series about shared heartbreak and hardship as well. And it’s a series about the bond that can be forged amongst strangers when tragedy binds two or more individuals with a common goal.
In book 2 in the series, Ainsley finally meets Adam Winchester. Intent of finding the answers she came to Washington to unveil in the first place, she begins to initiate herself into his life. Adam seems to have his own set of demons to deal with and isn’t nearly as cooperative as Ainsley hoped he’d be, but she’d dealt with men harboring inner demons before and she knew that with enough time and the right approach she’d break him.
Meanwhile, while digging into the histories of the founding families at the local library, she comes across an article that mentions a local tragedy which occurred five Thanksgiving’s ago. Ainsley figures she can use a distraction while waiting for Adam to come around to her way of thinking, so she gets the gang together and asks them if they would be interested in a joint effort to help her solve this cold case mystery. As they had a few weeks earlier when researching the death of a local clerk, they enthusiastically join Ainsley in her mission to find the answers that no one previously seems to have been able to uncover. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Ainsley has become very good friends with Parker, Josie and Jemma. They make a very good investigative team, they all have different skills that they bring. Ainsley is still trying to figure out what the dreams that she is having means and who the women are that she keeps seeing in those dreams. And they have found a cold case that they want to look into, so that is what they are working on.
The writing style does smoothly and the book is an easy read. If you have read any of this author's other books, you know that she excels in her descriptive writing and that helps to make her books more enjoyable. You also know that she has more than one mystery to solve, which makes the book twice as nice.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am sure that book three will answer all of more of our questions.
Cottage on Gooseberry Bay, Book #2
Kathi Daley
5 Stars
Synopsis:
USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.
Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She came to find an explanation for the dreams that had haunted her after the death of the cop who’d both rescued and raised her, and she came to find the identity of the family she couldn’t remember but assumed at one point she’d been part of.
She hoped that by finding these answers she’d also find healing. She hoped that once she exorcised the memories buried deep in her mind, she’d find peace.
The Cottage at Gooseberry Bay is a series about, not only finding answers, but finding hope. It’s a story about family and friendship, and it's a story about the ties that bind one resident of a small close knit community to another. It’s a series about shared holidays, festivals, and celebrations. It’s a series about shared heartbreak and hardship as well. And it’s a series about the bond that can be forged amongst strangers when tragedy binds two or more individuals with a common goal.
In book 2 in the series, Ainsley finally meets Adam Winchester. Intent of finding the answers she came to Washington to unveil in the first place, she begins to initiate herself into his life. Adam seems to have his own set of demons to deal with and isn’t nearly as cooperative as Ainsley hoped he’d be, but she’d dealt with men harboring inner demons before and she knew that with enough time and the right approach she’d break him.
Meanwhile, while digging into the histories of the founding families at the local library, she comes across an article that mentions a local tragedy which occurred five Thanksgiving’s ago. Ainsley figures she can use a distraction while waiting for Adam to come around to her way of thinking, so she gets the gang together and asks them if they would be interested in a joint effort to help her solve this cold case mystery. As they had a few weeks earlier when researching the death of a local clerk, they enthusiastically join Ainsley in her mission to find the answers that no one previously seems to have been able to uncover. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Ainsley has become very good friends with Parker, Josie and Jemma. They make a very good investigative team, they all have different skills that they bring. Ainsley is still trying to figure out what the dreams that she is having means and who the women are that she keeps seeing in those dreams. And they have found a cold case that they want to look into, so that is what they are working on.
The writing style does smoothly and the book is an easy read. If you have read any of this author's other books, you know that she excels in her descriptive writing and that helps to make her books more enjoyable. You also know that she has more than one mystery to solve, which makes the book twice as nice.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am sure that book three will answer all of more of our questions.
April 9, 2024
Ahh it’s getting better. Very interesting and I’m so invested.
November 6, 2020
Thanksgiving Past earns 5/5 Abandoned Turkeys...Engaging & Compelling!
Kathi Daley’s second book in her Cottage on Gooseberry Bay is compelling, and builds on book one, “Halloween Moon.” Ainsley Holloway’s personal mystery weaves through the book with a clue here and there revealed, a link to this person and that exposed, and more mysteries pile up as memories bubble to the surface. Names? Relationships? A badman? However, it’s the local “cold case” mystery of the missing Hamish family, that new friend and reporter Parker Peterson has spent five years exploring, that has also enveloped everyone. Mark, Mary, and their four girls aged from six to sixteen vanished into thin air, it seems, and investigators found their personal belongings including the family car left behind and their Thanksgiving turkey was still untouched on the counter. Theories abound from the possible to the improbable: Serial killer? Abduction by the mob? Aliens? I love cold case mysteries and this double version is engaging with rich characters, informative banter, clever details, and several “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” moments. Kathi’s writing style is entertaining with descriptive language that paints a marvelous setting and characters that easily could be a place you’ve visited and neighbors, family, and friends you know...her realism adds to the enjoyment. Totally love this series!
Kathi Daley’s second book in her Cottage on Gooseberry Bay is compelling, and builds on book one, “Halloween Moon.” Ainsley Holloway’s personal mystery weaves through the book with a clue here and there revealed, a link to this person and that exposed, and more mysteries pile up as memories bubble to the surface. Names? Relationships? A badman? However, it’s the local “cold case” mystery of the missing Hamish family, that new friend and reporter Parker Peterson has spent five years exploring, that has also enveloped everyone. Mark, Mary, and their four girls aged from six to sixteen vanished into thin air, it seems, and investigators found their personal belongings including the family car left behind and their Thanksgiving turkey was still untouched on the counter. Theories abound from the possible to the improbable: Serial killer? Abduction by the mob? Aliens? I love cold case mysteries and this double version is engaging with rich characters, informative banter, clever details, and several “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” moments. Kathi’s writing style is entertaining with descriptive language that paints a marvelous setting and characters that easily could be a place you’ve visited and neighbors, family, and friends you know...her realism adds to the enjoyment. Totally love this series!
October 7, 2020
This is a very exciting book with two mysteries to solve. Ainsley is still looking to find her real family. And her and her friends are working together on a cold case. There is not a slow moment in this book. This series just seems to keep getting better and better. I hope there are a lot more books to come in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
February 1, 2021
Non ho resistito e mi sono buttata subito sul libro successivo... Qui la banda di amiche indaga sulla sparizione di un'intera famiglia avvenuta 5 anni prima: qualche volta sembra quasi che ci siano delle similitudini con il mistero riguardante l'infanzia della protagonista. Per quanto riguarda quest'ultimo c'è un lancio alquanto stuzzicante proprio nell'ultimo rigo del libro... Devo leggerlo appena ho un po' di tempo, peccato che ora ho tutte le challenges mensili da affrontare.
November 17, 2020
Double Wow!!!!
This series keeps getting better.I am on pins a needles wondering about the main storyline and loving the one I just read.
The characters are superb and I love Gooseberry Bay.
Onward to the next book.
This series keeps getting better.I am on pins a needles wondering about the main storyline and loving the one I just read.
The characters are superb and I love Gooseberry Bay.
Onward to the next book.
November 2, 2020
This book has two mysteries going on. One about the main character and a mystery from the past. Storyline was interesting and with all great characters that continued to keep me read more till the last page.
November 22, 2020
It's Thanksgiving in Gooseberry Bay and with it, another mystery for Ainsley and her friends. Her friend Parker, a journalist for the local paper, is reopening an investigation into a family who disappeared on Thanksgiving 5 years ago. The Thanksgiving dinner was on the counter ready to be served, the table was set and there were no signs of a struggle. Parker was just beginning her career back then and is hoping that with her refined investigative skills and new resources, she'll finally be able to solve this mysterious case.
What I love about the books this author writes is that they're never the same ol' tried and true plots and this one was no exception, I thorougly enjoyed how the plot around the missing family played out and the awesome ending. Meanwhile, Ainsley finally meets Adam, the elder Winchester brother and begins to look into the mystery of her adoption. I like the dynamic between Ainsley and Adam, it's cute and romantic without being *too* cute and romantic.
Also, I just realized that the blurb about this book is different than what happened in the book I read, so I think there was some editing or retooling involved before it evolved into this book.
Overall, a super enjoyable holiday read and I'm totally sucked into this series!
What I love about the books this author writes is that they're never the same ol' tried and true plots and this one was no exception, I thorougly enjoyed how the plot around the missing family played out and the awesome ending. Meanwhile, Ainsley finally meets Adam, the elder Winchester brother and begins to look into the mystery of her adoption. I like the dynamic between Ainsley and Adam, it's cute and romantic without being *too* cute and romantic.
Also, I just realized that the blurb about this book is different than what happened in the book I read, so I think there was some editing or retooling involved before it evolved into this book.
Overall, a super enjoyable holiday read and I'm totally sucked into this series!
November 27, 2020
I'm really enjoying this newest series from Kathi Daley and especially love how this group of cottage friends gets along without conflict unless it's something from outside their group. They're great at sleuthing out mysteries together. I'd love to have a friend like any one of these ladies! They worked on an older mystery that was mentioned as a little teaser at the end of the first book, and I was happy to see a good result from that and a nice Thanksgiving for all involved.
Ainsley got to meet the other brother that was living in the house that she kept remembering from dreams. He turned out to be pretty nice, and I'm anxious to see if the next book has this Winter Ball they were talking about. There was a pretty cool little cliffhanger leading to the next book too, so I'm really getting anxious to read that one!
Ainsley got to meet the other brother that was living in the house that she kept remembering from dreams. He turned out to be pretty nice, and I'm anxious to see if the next book has this Winter Ball they were talking about. There was a pretty cool little cliffhanger leading to the next book too, so I'm really getting anxious to read that one!
October 26, 2020
In this second book of the series Ainsley is still looking for clues and answers when it comes to the mystery of her earlier childhood. In the meantime the ladies have a new mystery that Parker has brought to them in hopes of being able to solve it. There was a family who vanished five years ago on Thanksgiving Day. Food was on the table, the car was in the drive, and nothing seemed to be missing from the house except the family. There have been many theories offer the years but none of them have lead anywhere. Ainsley thinks they might have been running from someone and notices some odd things in the photos from the house. Follow along as each woman takes a path in hopes of coming up with some new clues and answers. Ainsley also meets Adam Winchester and he helps her look into her own mystery. While the two come across some information there is more that they still need to learn before Ainsley knows her whole story.
October 9, 2022
I loved this second in the series. Ainsley is looking for answers to her past, but her friend is looking into the disappearance that she couldn't find answers to when she was a young journalist. I love these characters and setting, it's a place that I would love to live. I also love the cold case mysteries. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I will continue on with this series.
December 16, 2023
I’m enjoying Ms Daley’s writing as she winds through Ainsley’s life in Gooseberry Bay. Ainsley is trying to find her biological mom and sister as well as help in another mystery of an entire family disappearing. Now she’s received a text to back off her own personal search. What the heck???!
October 20, 2020
I love this book! Thanksgiving Past is the second book in Kathi Daley's Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series. Ainsley Holloway's search for the truth of her own past continues from Halloween Moon, the previous book, but there is a separate mystery happening as well.
One of Ainsley's new friends, Parker Peterson, a reporter, is looking into a cold case she had investigated five years previously involving an entire family who disappeared without a trace on Thanksgiving Day.
New clues to both Parker's mystery and Ainsley's own twenty-five year old mystery are hard to find, but with Ainsley, Parker, Jemma and Josie, each with their own investigative strengths, all working together, it is looking good for finding the truth.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of friendship and community spirit, I highly recommend this book and the previous one in the series, Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Halloween Moon, preferably reading them in order. You won't be sorry!
One of Ainsley's new friends, Parker Peterson, a reporter, is looking into a cold case she had investigated five years previously involving an entire family who disappeared without a trace on Thanksgiving Day.
New clues to both Parker's mystery and Ainsley's own twenty-five year old mystery are hard to find, but with Ainsley, Parker, Jemma and Josie, each with their own investigative strengths, all working together, it is looking good for finding the truth.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of friendship and community spirit, I highly recommend this book and the previous one in the series, Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Halloween Moon, preferably reading them in order. You won't be sorry!
September 14, 2022
I do enjoy murderless mysteries every so often. Plus, I'm still interested in the underlying mystery the POV character is following up.
January 21, 2021
Great series
October 19, 2020
Picking up right after the previous book ends, Ainsley Holloway is still seeking answers about her family and how she came to live with the man she called Dad. Until she can do further research she gets involved in community events and is making friends. One of the other residents of the peninsula on which Ainsley is living is a reporter. When Parker had just begun her job she was investigating a case of a missing family. Here one day and gone the next - Thanksgiving Day to be precise.
Five years has passed, her experience has grown, and Parker wants to take another look at this unresolved case. The friends on the peninsula each bring talents to the investigation.
Corruption, paranoia, red herrings and more play a role in this fascinating mystery.
Characters we are all drawn to and interesting happenings make this a page turner.
I am excited to see what happens next!
Five years has passed, her experience has grown, and Parker wants to take another look at this unresolved case. The friends on the peninsula each bring talents to the investigation.
Corruption, paranoia, red herrings and more play a role in this fascinating mystery.
Characters we are all drawn to and interesting happenings make this a page turner.
I am excited to see what happens next!
November 27, 2023
Very cute. I love the small town dynamic, and the mysteries give me Nancy Drew vibes. I love that each book has a separate mystery that gets solved, but at the same time a longer, ongoing mystery about Ainsley's past continues to come together. Easily read in one sitting. The only criticism I have is that some parts get repetitive (parts of the case are rehashed many times each time our main character talks to someone in her group or a person of interest). Other than that this was a great installment in this cozy mystery series.
May 9, 2022
Kathi Daley books are like reading an addictive snack, you can't just read one.
November 22, 2020
Cottage on Gooseberry Bay Thanksgiving Past is the second book by author Kathi Daley in the Cottage By Gooseberry Bay cozy mystery series. It may be one of my favorite cozy mystery series.
In this second book, as in the first one, Gooseberry Bay Halloween Moon, Ainsley Holloway is still trying to find out the mystery of her childhood before she was told she was adopted by the only man she knew as her father. She wants to know who the woman with two children are in a house she had been having vivid dreams about and then found an identical picture of the dream in a picture she found in the belongings her father left after he died of a heart attack.
She drove around the country and found the house on a place called Piney Point in a small town in Washington state called Gooseberry Bay.
the owners are Adam and Archie Winchester, Ainsely meets Archie in the first book and in the second book meets Adam and both men are great guys who want to help Ainsely solve the mystery of her life.
In this second book, there is another mystery that needs to be solved that Ainsely and her good friends who also lived on the peninsula in cottages similar to hers have agreed to help a good friend of theirs, a reporter named Parker Peterson solve,
The mystery was one of a story Parke was assigned five years before about a family that went missing on Thanksgiving Day and their dinner was left on the table like it was going to be eaten minutes before they ate and never returned. Their toothbrushes were even still in the bathroom
Everybody has theories about what happened to them, but nobody knew for sure and Parker never did find out in her investigation.
Ainsley, her friends who lived near her on the Peninsula, and Parker solve the missing family mystery. And Ainsely is getting closer to solving the mystery of her early life as Adam and Archie are so helpful to her.
In this second book, as in the first one, Gooseberry Bay Halloween Moon, Ainsley Holloway is still trying to find out the mystery of her childhood before she was told she was adopted by the only man she knew as her father. She wants to know who the woman with two children are in a house she had been having vivid dreams about and then found an identical picture of the dream in a picture she found in the belongings her father left after he died of a heart attack.
She drove around the country and found the house on a place called Piney Point in a small town in Washington state called Gooseberry Bay.
the owners are Adam and Archie Winchester, Ainsely meets Archie in the first book and in the second book meets Adam and both men are great guys who want to help Ainsely solve the mystery of her life.
In this second book, there is another mystery that needs to be solved that Ainsely and her good friends who also lived on the peninsula in cottages similar to hers have agreed to help a good friend of theirs, a reporter named Parker Peterson solve,
The mystery was one of a story Parke was assigned five years before about a family that went missing on Thanksgiving Day and their dinner was left on the table like it was going to be eaten minutes before they ate and never returned. Their toothbrushes were even still in the bathroom
Everybody has theories about what happened to them, but nobody knew for sure and Parker never did find out in her investigation.
Ainsley, her friends who lived near her on the Peninsula, and Parker solve the missing family mystery. And Ainsely is getting closer to solving the mystery of her early life as Adam and Archie are so helpful to her.
October 20, 2020
Thanksgiving Past is the second book in Kathi Daley’s Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series. The amiable characters are well developed, and the well-plotted storyline flows smoothly. This book is a fun and clean read, with a strong emphasis on family, friends, caring, and compassion. The complex mysteries encompass the main character’s past and the disappearance of an entire family five years ago. The intriguing mysteries and red herrings will keep readers engaged and guessing. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozies.
Ainsley Holloway’s search for the truth about her past has taken her from Georgia to Washington State. After her father passes, Ainsley found his diary and a photograph of a woman and two young children, and, for reasons she can’t explain, is drawn to the photograph and feels connected to the people. She and her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Kai and Kallie, have settled into a cottage she’s renting from Hope Masterson in Gooseberry Bay. Ainsley and Hope’s other tenants, Tegan Walker, Jemma Hawthorn, Josie Wellington, Booker Maguire, Cooper Fairchild, became fast friends and introduced her to Parker Peterson, a reporter for the local newspaper. Ainsley’s found the house in the photograph, and the current owners, Adam and Archie Winchester, welcomed her to the community and offered to help determine the identities of the people in the photograph. Jemma, a master of computers and research, is helping Ainsley answer some of her questions concerning her past. Meanwhile, Parker decides to re-look into the mysterious disappearance of a family five years ago and asks Ainsley, Jemma, and Josie to help her.
Ainsley Holloway’s search for the truth about her past has taken her from Georgia to Washington State. After her father passes, Ainsley found his diary and a photograph of a woman and two young children, and, for reasons she can’t explain, is drawn to the photograph and feels connected to the people. She and her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Kai and Kallie, have settled into a cottage she’s renting from Hope Masterson in Gooseberry Bay. Ainsley and Hope’s other tenants, Tegan Walker, Jemma Hawthorn, Josie Wellington, Booker Maguire, Cooper Fairchild, became fast friends and introduced her to Parker Peterson, a reporter for the local newspaper. Ainsley’s found the house in the photograph, and the current owners, Adam and Archie Winchester, welcomed her to the community and offered to help determine the identities of the people in the photograph. Jemma, a master of computers and research, is helping Ainsley answer some of her questions concerning her past. Meanwhile, Parker decides to re-look into the mysterious disappearance of a family five years ago and asks Ainsley, Jemma, and Josie to help her.
April 6, 2021
This series is growing on me. There is no romance in this cozy and that's difficult for me because I do enjoy a touch of romance. The ending wraps up too neatly and there is no suspense or action. Normally, I wouldn't like all of this and give it a lower rating. However, I like Ainsley. I love her two giant dogs! I love her circle of friends. The writing is really good and it keeps me engaged. Oddly enough, I found myself really not caring all that much about the secondary mystery. I got too involved in the relationships this book has formed between Ainsley and her group of friends.
There are two mysteries in this book. The main one is about Ainsley and her past, that one can get frustrating because the author is drip, drip, dripping information to stretch this out. Patience is not my thing so I will probably get annoyed before too long unless there is more movement. The secondary mystery is about a family that seemingly vanished on Thanksgiving Day 5 years prior. The ending to that mystery was anticlimactic.
However... the cliffhanger...
I don't know if this book is setting Adam up as a future love interest. I keep thinking she might be related to him, I really hope not because I'm not here for any freaky Leia/Luke sibling kiss thing!
There are two mysteries in this book. The main one is about Ainsley and her past, that one can get frustrating because the author is drip, drip, dripping information to stretch this out. Patience is not my thing so I will probably get annoyed before too long unless there is more movement. The secondary mystery is about a family that seemingly vanished on Thanksgiving Day 5 years prior. The ending to that mystery was anticlimactic.
However... the cliffhanger...
I don't know if this book is setting Adam up as a future love interest. I keep thinking she might be related to him, I really hope not because I'm not here for any freaky Leia/Luke sibling kiss thing!
November 22, 2025
Thanksgiving Past by Kathi Daley is a 2020 publication.
Ainsley is back to help solve another mystery, this time involving a cold case in which an entire family went missing on Thanksgiving Day. Now, five years later, Parker recruits Ainsley and her friends to help her finally crack the case.
For the past several years, I have made it a point to read a book with a Thanksgiving theme before diving into my Christmas novels. Sometimes that can be like finding a needle in a haystack. This year, I stumbled across this series and hit pay dirt.
The plot regarding the missing family was slightly far-fetched, but I liked the way it worked out, which had a heartwarming quality to it. The plot thickens for Ainsley as she continues to find out more about her heritage and this might have been the part I found myself the most engaged in. The story concludes with a 'cliffhanger' that makes you want to pick up the next installment ASAP… which works for me since it will usher in the Christmas holiday season!
Overall, I’m glad I found this series and love all the holiday themes and am thankful for the cozy traditions the author sticks with.
3.5 rounded up
Ainsley is back to help solve another mystery, this time involving a cold case in which an entire family went missing on Thanksgiving Day. Now, five years later, Parker recruits Ainsley and her friends to help her finally crack the case.
For the past several years, I have made it a point to read a book with a Thanksgiving theme before diving into my Christmas novels. Sometimes that can be like finding a needle in a haystack. This year, I stumbled across this series and hit pay dirt.
The plot regarding the missing family was slightly far-fetched, but I liked the way it worked out, which had a heartwarming quality to it. The plot thickens for Ainsley as she continues to find out more about her heritage and this might have been the part I found myself the most engaged in. The story concludes with a 'cliffhanger' that makes you want to pick up the next installment ASAP… which works for me since it will usher in the Christmas holiday season!
Overall, I’m glad I found this series and love all the holiday themes and am thankful for the cozy traditions the author sticks with.
3.5 rounded up
November 15, 2020
Book Two of the Ainsley H search for answers to the blank parts of her past.
The mystery of this book is a family going up in smoke, in thin air, there one minute and gone the next. On Thanksgiving day no less. Six people. Ainsley and her "detective" crew dig into a five year old case. I got part of it immediately one new character was introduced, thought I had another part but that story will be in the next book I hope. The answer surprised me. This writer is good at endings even if they seem to rush a bit.
As for her own mystery, we now have two brothers who probably know something, a housekeeper, and MANY people whose names begin with"A" - that cannot be a coincidence. And now a threat has been sent via text - aha.
Looking forward to 11-17 -20 when the Christmas themed book hits.
Worth a look for an afternoon with nothing to do. As I read this series and am writing these reviews the US is heading into the fall of COVID 19. There may be many days with nothing to do.
Also suggest the Dewberry Farm series by Karen MacInerney.
The mystery of this book is a family going up in smoke, in thin air, there one minute and gone the next. On Thanksgiving day no less. Six people. Ainsley and her "detective" crew dig into a five year old case. I got part of it immediately one new character was introduced, thought I had another part but that story will be in the next book I hope. The answer surprised me. This writer is good at endings even if they seem to rush a bit.
As for her own mystery, we now have two brothers who probably know something, a housekeeper, and MANY people whose names begin with"A" - that cannot be a coincidence. And now a threat has been sent via text - aha.
Looking forward to 11-17 -20 when the Christmas themed book hits.
Worth a look for an afternoon with nothing to do. As I read this series and am writing these reviews the US is heading into the fall of COVID 19. There may be many days with nothing to do.
Also suggest the Dewberry Farm series by Karen MacInerney.
October 20, 2020
Ainsley Holloway needs some answers about her past and that's led her to Gooseberry Bay in Washington state. In this book, which takes up where book one left off, she meets Adam Winchester who owns the house from her dreams. He starts helping her with her mystery of just how she got from that house to a burning building in Georgia in just a few months. In addition, she's working with friends from the peninsula to solve the mystery of a family who disappeared on Thanksgiving five years ago.
Kathi Daley is excellent at cozy mysteries and this book is a great example of why. It was a fabulous read and a great addition to the series. Well-written with wonderful characters, this book captured me from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. I was drawn in by the action and intrigue as well as the relationships throughout the book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
Kathi Daley is excellent at cozy mysteries and this book is a great example of why. It was a fabulous read and a great addition to the series. Well-written with wonderful characters, this book captured me from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end. I was drawn in by the action and intrigue as well as the relationships throughout the book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
October 25, 2020
Thanksgiving Past is the second book in the fabulous new Cottage on Gooseberry Bay cozy mystery series by Kathi Daley. Like all of her books, this book is filled with elements of a cozy mystery including suspense, love, friends and family, and a sense of community. This story takes place in the charming, tourist town of Gooseberry Bay, Washington. Ainsley and friends work to find answers to a local cold case, along with answers to the mystery of Ainsley‘s past. I enjoy the character development and the introduction of new characters. I love the way Ms. Daley writes in a continuing saga fashion with hints and clues to stories in the future. I love that not all questions are resolved in each book. As always, Mrs. Daley’s writing flows smoothly, and her setting and relatable characters make for an extremely enjoyable and quick read. The cryptic message Ainsley receives at the end of this book makes me really look forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 7, 2021
Another good and homey read by Daley. I’m very much enjoying this 9 book series.
The opening mystery was about a family of 5 who disappeared without a trace on Thanksgiving day five years prior. It was up to the Peninsula Gang to dig into this mystery and try to find out what exactly happened…which they did!
Ainsley continues to search for answers about her own early life. She is given a few answers that get her closer to the truth with the help of several people from Gooseberry Bay, including devastatingly handsome Adam Winchester.
And in closing sentences about Ainsley/Ava: I was on my way to my bedroom to change into my pajamas before curling up with a book in front of the fire when I heard my phone ding indicating that I had a text. When I opened my message app, I found a text from an unlisted number. The text simply said: Ava is dead. It is best to let her stay that way.
Great lead-in to book 3 “Gooseberry Christmas”. I’m headed to that book now.
The opening mystery was about a family of 5 who disappeared without a trace on Thanksgiving day five years prior. It was up to the Peninsula Gang to dig into this mystery and try to find out what exactly happened…which they did!
Ainsley continues to search for answers about her own early life. She is given a few answers that get her closer to the truth with the help of several people from Gooseberry Bay, including devastatingly handsome Adam Winchester.
And in closing sentences about Ainsley/Ava: I was on my way to my bedroom to change into my pajamas before curling up with a book in front of the fire when I heard my phone ding indicating that I had a text. When I opened my message app, I found a text from an unlisted number. The text simply said: Ava is dead. It is best to let her stay that way.
Great lead-in to book 3 “Gooseberry Christmas”. I’m headed to that book now.
November 22, 2023
2 mysteries for the price of 1
4.25
This particular story had two very interesting with both them being intriguing and engaging while dealing with events of the past.
The first surrounded a mystery following a family that had disappeared during Thanksgiving. I thought it was really well done. Ainsley was able to figure it out when clues were presented to her. There were a couple of twists and turns along the way. It ended in a satisfactory way.
The second mystery seemed to be an ongoing mystery of Ainsley’s past that started from book one. Even though this thread carried through the series, I never felt lost by hopping into this one. There were many layers, and I believe this one just scratched the surface with more answers to come. I liked it. It definitely made me intrigued to carry on in the series to get those unanswered questions answered.
4.25
This particular story had two very interesting with both them being intriguing and engaging while dealing with events of the past.
The first surrounded a mystery following a family that had disappeared during Thanksgiving. I thought it was really well done. Ainsley was able to figure it out when clues were presented to her. There were a couple of twists and turns along the way. It ended in a satisfactory way.
The second mystery seemed to be an ongoing mystery of Ainsley’s past that started from book one. Even though this thread carried through the series, I never felt lost by hopping into this one. There were many layers, and I believe this one just scratched the surface with more answers to come. I liked it. It definitely made me intrigued to carry on in the series to get those unanswered questions answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2020
The Ending the Best Part
This is the second book in this series. The story line is intriguing as it is a woman in search of who she really is. In each book, there are several mysteries going on at the same time. In this book, while Ainsley , the central character, seeks who she is, another mystery about a family that disappears around Thanksgiving becomes the central theme. While I really wanted to like this book, I found it a bit too slow moving for me. I had a hard time getting into it and thus it took me several days to finally get it read. The best was after the family mystery was finally revealed, the ending brings a bombshell of a cliffhanger. One so much so that of course the reader is primed for the next book, so bring it on!
This is the second book in this series. The story line is intriguing as it is a woman in search of who she really is. In each book, there are several mysteries going on at the same time. In this book, while Ainsley , the central character, seeks who she is, another mystery about a family that disappears around Thanksgiving becomes the central theme. While I really wanted to like this book, I found it a bit too slow moving for me. I had a hard time getting into it and thus it took me several days to finally get it read. The best was after the family mystery was finally revealed, the ending brings a bombshell of a cliffhanger. One so much so that of course the reader is primed for the next book, so bring it on!
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