Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Georgia B&B #3

Peaches and Schemes

Rate this book
In Anna Gerard's third delightful Georgia B&B mystery, Nina Fleet learns that despite the satin, lace, and buttercream trappings, weddings often prove to be anything but sweet...

Nina Fleet might be new to the innkeeping business, but she's savvy enough to know that Cymbeline's tourists aren't enough to keep her fledgling bed and breakfast going. And so, Nina decides to tap into the destination wedding market by taking a booth at the Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo. The twice-yearly event is sponsored by the town's two wedding pros: Virgie Hamilton, the sixtysomething owner of Virgie's Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner and Nina's new friend. But everything goes wrong during the expo's fashion show, when Roxanna comes tumbling out of an oversized prop wedding cake, strangled to death by her own scarf.

Virgie is arrested for the crime, thanks to Nina's statement to the police about having overheard the woman accusing her partner of embezzlement. Meanwhile, the situation grows tense with her sometimes nemesis and current tenant, the dashing out-of-work actor Harry Westcott. Harry is concentrating on plugging his most recent side hustle ...but he's not too busy to break the news to Nina that her ex-husband is engaged to be married again.

Certain that Virgie's only offense is a bad temper, Nina decides to do her own investigating. First, however, she and Harry retrieve Roxanna's now ownerless dog, planning to foster him until a new home can be found. But local gossip soon convinces Nina that others beside Virgie might have had reason to murder Roxanna. As Nina gets close to the truth, she's putting her own life at danger. And when Virgie vanishes after being bailed out of jail by an unknown benefactor, Nina fears that if she can't find the dress shop owner in time, tying the knot will take on a whole new meaning for them both.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 11, 2021

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Anna Gerard

4 books98 followers
DIANE A.S. STUCKART who also writes as ALI BRANDON, ALEXA SMART, and ANNA GERARD, is a member of that proud breed, the native Texan. She was born in the West Texas town of Lubbock, home to Buddy Holly, prairie dogs, and Texas Tech University, where her mom once taught. Most of her formative years, however, were spent in Dallas with her parents and siblings: one younger sister and three younger brothers. And then, when she was fifteen, her dad's work took them north of the Red River and into Oklahoma, settling just outside Oklahoma City. 

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
114 (33%)
4 stars
158 (46%)
3 stars
66 (19%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
Profile Image for Phrynne.
3,333 reviews2,146 followers
April 10, 2021
The third book in this series, set in a B&B run by the main character, Nina Fleet. The author makes a clever move this time though and sets the murder scene at a Wedding Expo where Nina has her own stall set up as a way of trying to get into the wedding business.

The story is fast paced and even dangerous for Nina and we meet lots of interesting characters along the way. I loved the way Gus visited with Mattie for a while (Anna Gerard must be a dog lover) and the resolution for Gus's story was well done. The horrible ex husband popped in for a visit and then a possible romantic interest for Nina arose as well! All good fun.

I am looking forward to more character developments in the next book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer Brown.
2,318 reviews48 followers
June 3, 2021
4.5 Stars

I enjoyed this one a lot more than the last. I am really liking Harry's character and the relationship between him and Nina. I did feel like there were more characters in this one that I had to remember. I didn't do a good job with that and got two mixed up on several occasions. Oops 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️ I thought the reveal was played out pretty good and I didn't guess who it was. I liked the happy endings for several of the characters. I hope we get more stories with Nina!
Profile Image for Carrie Schmidt.
Author 1 book367 followers
May 16, 2021
The Georgia B&B cozy mystery series by Anna Gerard is one of my recent faves to follow. The author always grabs me in the first few lines, and I stay firmly engaged in how Nina is going to figure everything out and stay safe at the same time. Peaches and Schemes did exactly that once again.

One of my favorite things about this series is Nina’s slightly snarky (at times) and conversational narrative voice that carries each book. It feels like you’re sitting down with her in the B&B parlor to catch up on all that’s happened. In between loving on Nina’s sweet dog Mattie & hoping for a glimpse of Harry – Nina’s sometimes tenant, prior nemesis, recent good friend, and maybe something more. Harry is a fascinating character, all on his own, and his acting background & out-of-work financial woes lead to all sorts of creative jobs he tries to use his skills & make ends meet. Not to mention this delicious chemistry and fond affection between him and Nina – something that took a twist or two I hadn’t anticipated in Peaches and Schemes. Makes me look forward even more to future books!

The murder of one of her friends once again puts Nina (pronounced NINE-ah, thank you very much) smack dab in the middle of the investigation – especially as she was a secret witness to an argument between the victim and another woman just before the murder. Not only that, but volunteering to foster Roxanna’s goldendoodle until other arrangements can be made takes the case down a few roads Nina & Harry weren’t expecting. The plot is well-layered and smartly written, and I really didn’t have a solid guess on whodunit until just before all was revealed. All of the above makes for a delightful cozy mystery reading experience, as you might imagine.

Bottom Line: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each book in the Georgia B&B mystery series, and Peaches and Schemes is no exception! Nina is a delightful & relatable heroine, and readers will love tagging along as she solves a friend’s murder in this installment. In addition to the wonderful characters in Peaches and Schemes, the author delivers a charming setting and a dash of potential romance. Not to mention the intriguing plot that kept me guessing!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,482 reviews280 followers
May 15, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts

To ensure the success of her Fleet House B&B Nina (Nine-A) has decided to add weddings and receptions to the services she will offer. She is hoping members are the wedding parties will want to stay at the B&B too. To get the word out she takes part in the semi-annual Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo sponsored by Virgie Hamilton, the sixtysomething owner of Virgie’s Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner. Her booth has been busy with brides-to-be asking for information. Nina is about to declare the event a success when the fashion show part of the event takes a deadly turn. During the big finale Nina’s new friend, Roxanna tumbles out of a prop wedding cake. She appears to have been strangled to death, the murder weapon, her own scarf.

There had been tension between the two event sponsors. Nina even overhears Virgie accuse Roxanna of stealing funds from their partnership. When she tells the police they believe that is enough motive to arrest Virgie for the murder.

Nina has a little stress in her life too as she learns her ex-husband is getting married again. Plus, Harry Wescott is still staying at her B&B and he seems to have a new money-making scheme he may soon come to regret. She has also decided to move Roxanna’s dog into the B&B until a new home is found. On top of all that she is of course digging into the murder investigation because while Virgie had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill her partner, Nina doesn’t think she is a killer. The trouble is she knows she is on the actual killer’s radar and that may prove to be a dangerous place to be.

Ms. Gerard has created some wonderful characters. I have enjoyed Nina from the start and in this third Georgia B&B Mystery Harry Westcott really surprised me and in a good way. He is still a schemer but he is really there for Nina this time. They are turning out to be a great team and maybe more . . . I don’t want to get ahead of myself or the author with this thinking. I do love their back and forth dialogue and his “Secret Squirrel” nickname for her. The new characters she introduced for this story are diverse and all brought something interesting to the mystery. As always the animal characters made my heart happy.

Again this author delivers a well-plotted and well-written mystery with multiple possibilities. I was very caught up in all the action and the actual guilty party never landed on my suspect list. The big reveal was full of surprise and suspense. Nina really didn’t know her friend Roxanna as well as she thought she did and that added some really intriguing twists including one that stuck very close to home. The ending was really a melancholy moment but by the final word, things seem to be looking up.

I have to say the author set a great pace with the entire story. There wasn’t a time I ever thought about putting the book down, except to sleep, and I couldn’t wait to get right back into the story the next evening and stay tuned in for a satisfying and exciting conclusion.

Peaches and Schemes was a Perfect Escape. Excellent characters, a captivating mystery, a wedding, a little romantic tension, and humor liberally placed throughout kept me entertained from beginning to end. I am so excited to see where Ms. Gerard takes her characters and her readers next.
Profile Image for Kristina.
3,526 reviews64 followers
May 9, 2021
Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard takes us back to Cymbeline, Georgia where Nina Fleet owns Fleet House which she operates as a bed and breakfast. She is taking part in Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo run by Roxanna Quarry, Nina’s new friend, and Virgie Hamilton. Nina happens to overhear Virgie get into heated discussions with two people before lunch and one of them is Roxanna. Nina is watching the expo’s fashion show finale while reeling from some unexpected news. The large prop wedding cake is opened, and Roxanna comes toppling out. It is soon apparent that Roxanna will not be hosting another expo. Nina wants to know what happened to her new friend, so she begins snooping around. It is soon apparent that the guilty party does not appreciate Nina’s nosy nature. Peaches and Schemes is the 3rd A Georgia B&B Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I must admit that this series has grown on me (I was not sure after reading Peach Clobbered). Nina Fleet is a strong female protagonist who runs a charming bed and breakfast in a gorgeous Queen Anne. Harry Wescott is a charmer who adds humor to the story. Harry surprised me in this tale (in a good way). Harry and Nina make a great duo. I thought Peaches and Schemes was well-written with fast pacing. I enjoyed the whodunit. While I solved it early in the book, I wanted to find out why this particular person committed the crime. There are several people with motive to kill Roxanna along with a red herring. It is the details that help solve the case. Harry and Nina make a great sleuthing team. I loved the two dogs in this story. Mattie and Gus were adorable. Peaches and Schemes is a fun story to read. I like cozy mysteries that make me laugh. Peaches and Schemes is a lighthearted, humorous cozy mystery with an eventful expo, a maimed mate, Gus the Goldendoodle, a tryophobia terror, a suspicious silver sedan, and a helpful Harry.
Profile Image for Bridget.
2,789 reviews107 followers
June 7, 2021
Peaches and Schemes is the third book in Anna Gerard's series set in a B & B. I jumped at the opportunity to read this as I have read the previous one, Peachy Scream though not the series début, Peach Clobbered.

To ensure the success of the Fleet House B & B in Cymbeline, Georgia has decided to broaden the services she offers and is adding receptions and weddings to her range. She is spreading the word by taking part in the Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo, taking place at Cymbeline High School, held twice a year and sponsored by Virgie Hamilton, the owner of Virgie’s Formals, and Roxanna Quarry, a Gen X event planner. All is going well until Roxanna tumbles out of a prop wedding cake. She appears to have been strangled to death, her own scarf wrapped around her neck...

Peaches and Schemes was a compelling, charming, fun cosy read. The cast is quirky, and protagonist Nina is spirited, peppy and amusing. The town of Cymbeline is filled with a terrific bunch of folks, and I really liked Harry Westcott who supported Nina in the story. There was plenty of drama to the highly entertaining plot, the mystery itself was well done and there were enough red herrings and twists to keep my armchair detective cravings satisfied. Nina has a curious relationship with Harry and I’m intrigued to see how it plays out in future books. Overall, Peaches and Schemes is a marvellous cozy and a very worthwhile read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Patty.
1,553 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2021
Peachy and Schemes by Anna Gerard is the 3rd book in the Georgia B&B Mystery series, and another great addition. Nina is 41 years old and moved to Cymbeline, GA where she bought a house, and turn it into a bed and breakfast. The towns two wedding experts, Virgie Hamilton and Roxanna Quarry, are hosting a Bridal Expo, and Nina hopes to get in on the wedding tourists. Unfortunately When Roxanna, who Nina considers a friend, is found dead, Virgie is the main suspect. Nina does not believe Virgie's guilty, so she starts sleuthing. There is so much going on in this book, I love it, along with all the quirky characters. I curious to know where Nina and Harry friendship will go, if anywhere. I can not wait to read the next book in the series. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,593 reviews39 followers
May 6, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Welcome to the world of weddings with Nina as she expands her B&B business. To do that she attends a wedding expo. Things start out great with lots of crowds and contacts being made. Then we get to the fashion show. Each section goes without a hitch all the way to the grand finale when a giant cake is wheeled out. It gets stuck when they try to open it and after some struggling the lid pops free with Roxanna's body falling out. Nina tries to stay out of it but finds herself asking questions until she finds herself in trouble. Makes for a great read full of interesting characters that you will happy follow as the story progresses. The dogs are an added bonus I must say. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 43 books634 followers
March 27, 2021
In the third Georgia B&B mystery, innkeeper Nina Fleet attends a bridal show that ends in a dead body popping out of a promotional faux cake. The victim is her new friend, Roxanna. When Nina admits she’d just overheard Virgie, the woman’s business partner, accuse Roxanna of embezzlement during a restroom break, the police set their sights on the former. Nina isn’t convinced Virgie is guilty, however. She doesn’t want to be responsible for sending an innocent person to prison, so she determines to learn the truth. As she digs deeper, she discovers a number of local citizens who might have wanted Roxanna dead. And when the killer takes aim in her direction, she realizes she’s on the right path. Can she find the killer before they strike again? Nina’s amorous possibilities with her talented actor tenant Harry Westcott add to the entertainment quotient in this easy-to-read humorous cozy mystery. Another winner! Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy from the author. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Lisa~Ilovemypug~ Currier.
1,775 reviews57 followers
February 8, 2021
Peaches and Schemes is the third book in this fun, fast paced series by Anna Gerard.
Nina Fleet is a fun character, who really has a strong persona. I felt an immediate connection with her.
In this story, Nina is hoping to drum up some business for her new bed and breakfast, so participating in a bridal show makes perfect sense.
Nina is present for a couple of heated arguments between some local residents, so when a tragic death occurs at the show, she feels it’s up to her to get involved.
Nina and her friend/tenant Harry make a good duo in this great addition to the series.
#PeachesandSchemes #NetGalley
Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
657 reviews56 followers
March 26, 2021
"Peaches and Schemes" the 3rd instalment in the "Georgia B&B Mystery" series by Anna Gerard. I love visiting Cymbeline, Georgia and Nina Fleet’s B&B. I always like a small southern town setting where almost everyone knows one another. Makes for fun and often quirky characters. This go around we start off at a Bridal Fair and Nina is trying to get wedding bookings for the B&B but it doesn’t go off without a hitch ...Murder

The Protagonist Nina and her furbaby named Matilda, "Mattie", the Australian shepherd dog are super likeable. I love Harry too and hope there might be romance in their future. We get to meet a lovely guy named Gustover who I hope visits again.

The story was well paced, I found I couldn’t put the book down as I wanted to know who the killer was. I’m looking forward to a book 4 in the future and find out where things go between Nina and Harry.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
1,133 reviews245 followers
May 12, 2021
Nina Fleet is continuing to keep her Bed & Breakfast afloat as she adds the wedding market into her repertoire. The Veils and Vanities Bridal Expo is the perfect place to begin. However, the expo turns into a nightmare when one of the expo’s sponsors, Roxanna, turns up dead in a huge wedding cake and her partner, Virgie, is arrested for the murder. The victim happens to be one of Nina’s new friends.

When Nina’s statement to the police facilitated Virgie getting arrested, she decides to investigate on her own and is shocked to discover her good friend Roxanna wasn’t the sweet girl she thought. Every time Nina turns around, she has another suspect to add to her list. She’s determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.

This is the third book in the series and I’ve loved them all. This one, though, is my new favorite. Each character jumps right off the page. Nina and Harry are my favorite in this series, along with Nina’s canine pal Mattie.

It’s a fast-moving plot with both humor and suspense mixed together. I was captivated from beginning to end. I was sure I picked out the killer, but I was so off the mark. I was quite surprised at the outcome…pleasantly surprised. It’s nice when author’s can keep you guessing as Anna Gerard did for me.

Although this is the third in a series, I do believe it can be read on its own. The mystery begins and ends in this book, but the main character’s growth starts with the first book and it’s so much more fun to start at the beginning. It felt like re-visiting old friends. I’m already missing them…until the next entry into this series...





FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Dawn Michelle.
2,423 reviews
May 9, 2021
I like this series; I like that it is set in a B&B setting, I like the supporting characters [especially Harry, who has a certain snark that is extremely appealing to me] and for the most part, the mysteries and story-line are really good and well-written.

That said, this book is not the strongest in the series. I knew who the killer was soon after the murder happened [and kept trying to talk myself out of it, but just *KNEW* it had to be this person], there was very little of the supporting cast [who really help to make these books as good as they are], and Nina [NINE-AH. And don't you forget it. Though if you do, she'll remind you. Again, and again, and again] does some really STUPID things that no one who is as smart as she is and who runs a successful business would do. Even stupider than most MC's in cozies do. And the reveal/end, though it sets it up for another book [without a cliff-hanger and which I will read because I DO really like these characters], felt rather flat and anticlimactic for me. Perhaps it was because I knew who the killer was so there was little surprise for me. I don't know. It was just a little meh for me.

All that said, I will keep reading this series and I would recommend it to my cozy reading friends.

Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Gerard, and Crooked Lane Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5,702 reviews56 followers
August 29, 2022
Nina attends the local wedding exposition to see if she can get some wedding business for her bed and breakfast, only to be on hand when one of the organizers is found dead. A dreadful accident, everyone proclaims--but readers know better, of course. When Nina truthfully reports on a quarrel she's overheard, a woman is arrested for murder--but Nina thinks that she's innocent. Meanwhile, her tenant Harry, a "resting" actor, gets a gig as an escort to a local doctor, who needs a beau for her family reunion, and finds himself engaged. It's hard to think who would have wanted to kill the wedding organizer, but perhaps the $10,000 Nina finds hidden in the victim's house has something to do with it.
Profile Image for Cherry London.
Author 1 book79 followers
May 24, 2021
For Nina and Harry’s romantic attraction to each other, age was just a number. They complement each other and make an excellent sleuthing pair. Nina rarely believes in coincidence and with the surprising death of her friend, something was definitely wrong. I love the way she approached her investigation leaving nothing and no one unscathed. Nina had a natural ability to dig and get to the truth, which was how she was such a great investigator. In this cozy, she was at her best, sprained ankle and all.
669 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2021
Good book! Nina gets involved in another murder investigation after a friend is murdered at the local bridal show. She has her hands full taking care of her friend's dog and dealing with houseguest and friend, Harry. I enjoyed seeing Nina and Harry's friendship and trying to figure out the puzzle of the murder. I hope that there will be more books in this series and we get to see a romantic relationship between Harry and Nina. I love the small town Georgia setting and the interesting characters.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
458 reviews7 followers
May 6, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard is a brilliant mystery with a perfectly plotted crime. The characters are so wonderfully flawed and yet wonderful.
Who killed Roxanne, and what happened to Virgie?
Nina Fleet
Our sleuth is Nina, the ex-wife of a professional golfer and current bed and breakfast owner-operator. This installation brings with it some changes for Nina. Ones that aren't as easy to handle, yet she does a fine job dealing with them. Nina didn't find the body, but she ends up involved without even realizing it at first. Then, of course, later, she is out to find the culprit.

Nina is hurt during the course of the story and must rely on the assistance of Harry, who is still staying at the B&B (free of charge).
Harry Wescott
Peaches and Schemes CRHarry has the perfect way to use his acting skills and make money now. He calls the business Plus1. If you need someone to attend a family, professional, or other function with you, look no further. Harry is here to play whatever type of boyfriend, friend, or whatever type of person you need for the right fee. Although, this time, he meets his match with a local doctor who expects more than even Harry is willing to do. When he isn't helping Nina, his time is spent with the good doctor.
The Mystery
Nina is attending the local bridal fair when she inadvertently overhears two private conversations involving people that Nina knows. Nina is still new in town and hasn't made all the local connections and such yet. So, these two overheard conversations put her in a very awkward position. Then her friend, Roxanne, is found dead in a giant cake that is the big finale. Now the first question is, was it an accident or murder? Well, come on, what do you think? So, Nina gets involved and to find out what happened to her friend.
Five Stars
I like that this series is different from many other mysteries that I have read with B&B owners. I like that Harry has situated himself in Nina's life. The two of them are cute together. I like when he calls her Secret Squirrel. My rating for Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard is five stars.


A Georgia B&B Mystery Series

Peach Clobbered by Anna Gerard Peachy Scream by Anna Gerard

Giveaway
Prize:  (1) Prize Package - Including a signed copy of PEACHES AND SCHEMES, 1-2 other “surprise” books, some fun Peach and Wedding swag. U.S. ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Tour Organized by:
great-escape-button244

To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?   Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today!



Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Peaches and Schemes by Anna Gerard. Check out the other stops and giveaway if you have time.

Until the next time,

Jen Signature for BBT

 

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Profile Image for Caitlyn Lynch.
Author 45 books1,826 followers
May 15, 2021
Though this is the third book in the series about the owner of a small Georgia B&B which seems prone to being at the centre of murder investigations, I don’t think you miss out on too much background if you step into the series here. It was pretty easy for me to get a handle on Nina (pronounced NINE-ah - which I confess made me suspect her of pretentiousness right from the first page). Formerly married to a successful pro golfer, she got enough money in the divorce settlement to purchase Fleet House, her B&B, and is now working on making a go of it… which leads her to attend the local bridal expo as a stallholder, trying to promote her B&B as a charming wedding venue. When Nina’s friend, wedding planner Roxanne, is found dead at the climax of the bridal show, Nina’s already involved, like it or not, because just a little while earlier Nina heard a row between Roxanne and bridal shop owner Virgie. A row which could provide a motive for murder.

This is multi-layered, more so than most cozy mysteries I’ve met, without losing any of the charm they’re generally known for. There were a lot of moving parts in play which the author very deftly managed, not allowing the reader to find out until the climax what was a red herring and what was a crucial plot point. There’s also something which might be a very slow-burn romance going on between Nina and sort-of-tenant Harry, but frankly I don’t think Nina’s in the right headspace for a relationship at the present time. Maybe it’ll come to fruition in later books… once Nina’s managed to get past the specter of her ex’s high-profile wedding.

The only thing I had a bit of an issue with was Nina herself; the name pronunciation thing put my back up a bit right at the beginning because it felt so pretentious, and then the name of actress Sofía Vergara was mis-spelled as Sophia on the second page, which also made me feel kind of twitchy. This isn’t one of those romances set in the South which turns out to be inexplicably all-white in casting, thankfully; it’s actually a pretty diverse cast with representation from multiple characters of color, LGBT characters, and even a character with a significant disability who has a major part to play in the plot finale.

Overall this is well-written, but I did struggle to engage with Nina as the protagonist; she came off pretentious and privileged. I’ll give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Brenda.
529 reviews23 followers
January 16, 2021
Peaches and Schemes is the third installment in the A Georgia B&B Mystery series set in Cymbeline, Georgia and featuring innkeeper, Nina Fleet. Nina's friend, Roxanna Quarry has talked Nina into having a booth at the local Bridal Expo. Nina isn't too keen on weddings herself but knowing that hosting a few events will put Fleet House on the map, she approaches the day with a positive attitude. That is until she stumbles upon a vendor booth with a banner advertising Plus One. And much to her dismay, the one and only Harry Westcott is the gentleman running the booth.

Capping off the Expo is a runway pageant and sadly the pop up wedding cake finale reveals the strangled body of Roxie. Nina overheard an earlier argument between Roxie and Virgie Hamilton, her co-event planner which leads her to think that perhaps Virgie is the killer. But as Harry and Nina set out to investigate it becomes clear that there was a lot more to Roxie than Nina knew.

A fast paced plot with the return of series regulars. I get a huge kick out of the relationship between Nina and Harry and with the cliffhanger at the end of this addition to the series I hope Harry is here to stay. This book can read as a stand alone but I highly recommend starting from the beginning of the series to catch up with Nina, her dog Mattie and of course the delightful Harry Westcott.

I received an advanced copy of Peaches and Schemes from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Katreader.
747 reviews30 followers
May 9, 2021
PEACHES AND SCHEMES by Anna Gerard
The Third Georgia B&B Mystery

While not a fan of weddings, Nina Fleet is a fan of business success. So when her new friend Roxanna suggests she get a booth at the Veils and Vanities trade show, she agrees. Her B&B is a lovely Queen Anne with a gorgeous garden, so promoting Fleet House as an ideal wedding venue makes sense. As surprised as she is to see her frenemy, Harry, hawking his new business venture, she's even more surprised when he tells her of her ex-husband's upcoming nuptials. But that's nothing compared to the shock when, instead of a cascade of flowers, a body falls out of the huge prop wedding cake!

PEACHES AND SCHEMES is both hysterically funny and genuinely moving. There's a complicated mystery, a motherless dog, and intriguing development in Nina and Harry's relationship.

I love just about everything in this series, and the third Georgia B&B Mystery confirms that fact. Nina is smart, strong, yet still vulnerable. Harry is charming, annoying, and leading man material in oh so many ways. The mystery here is complex leading to some surprise suspects and a shocking penultimate scene.

PEACHES AND SCHEMES is a delightful mystery that had me laughing, commiserating, and gasping in shock. Its characters have wormed their way into my heart and I feel their pain as well as their joy. I was in stunned sadness at the end of the novel, which changed to hope, leaving me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next entry in this fantastic series.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.
1,747 reviews17 followers
May 17, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: B & B owner, Nina, joins a wedding expo to help build her place as a wedding destination. Her friend, Roxanne, is one of the planners. But shortly after Nina overhears an argument between Roxanne and Virgie, the other planner,, her friend tumbles out of a giant mock wedding cake- dead. Virgie quickly becomes the prime suspect and when she is released on bail, she disappears. Nina is convinced it is someone else to blame. And while she rescues Roxanne’s dog and takes him home, she finds numerous reasons to believe she is on the right track.

There is no doubt when there is an attempt on her life but it takes the efforts of her tenant and others who believe Virgie is innocent to search for the truth. It is all revealed in an exciting conclusion but I must admit I had the killer pegged from the beginning. The motive and the backstory however were a complete surprise and only enhanced my enjoyment.

I have liked the way Nina’s relationships have evolved, particularly with Harry. From nemesis to friend to who knows what, it has been fun watching them dance around each other. And the animals, even if they are only dogs, are a huge plus. You could read this story as a standalone or better still, pick up the thread from the start. It’s a keeper and a great summer read.

Five purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Books, Brews & Booze.
276 reviews54 followers
Read
September 10, 2022
First, I have to say … I liked the second half of the book much better than the first – more action-packed and interesting.

What I Liked: Peaches & Schemes was amusing and fast-paced. The third book in the Georgia B&B mystery series, it can definitely stand alone. But I do wish I had read the first two, because there were some relationships between characters that I didn’t understand as well as I would have liked.

I liked the dynamic between Nina and Harry, their conversations made me laugh.

What I struggled with was the descriptions of things … they felt unnecessarily long. For example, when the main character was taking a floral arranging class… the tutorial on that felt drawn out. This wouldn’t be a big deal, except I feel like it happened often throughout the book, and it dragged along a bit.

I liked the mystery and there were unexpected twists, so that is always enjoyable in a cozy mystery.

The book ended on a somewhat cliffhanger-ish … no spoilers, but it at least gave partial resolution to something that happened a few chapters before. I imagine we’ll find out the rest in book #4!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,078 reviews27 followers
July 1, 2021
I literally flew through this book! I couldn't stop reading. This series is one of my favorites and I love each and every installment a little more.

Nina Fleet, the owner of a B&B, is attending a local Bridal event. She has reluctantly decided to host receptions at her B&B. However, the Event is capped off by murder! And the book gets better from there. I love Harry, an eccentric resident of the inn, and of course, Mattie, Nina's dog. The author develops the characters so well I can actually see them!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
Profile Image for Toni.
1,348 reviews47 followers
May 14, 2021
4.5 stars

This is third book in the Georgia B&B series by Anna Gerard.

Nina and Harry are back in another jam-packed mystery that will keep you guessing all the way through the story. I really enjoyed Harry in this one. Usually, he is a bit annoying and I want to slap him, but he showed some real emotion here and found I liked him so much better.

The whole death scene was pretty awesome, gruesome but awesome. I can just see that body tumbling out of the wedding cake at the most inopportune time helping to put the finger on just the wrong suspect.

I totally enjoy this series and really look forward to when another hits the bookstores or my Kindle account. Nina helps to shed some suspicion on one suspect and might possibly have accidentally sent the wrong person to the big house.

This is so fun to follow. The major recurring characters really resonate with me and I can’t wait to see what this author can come up with next.

Definitely pick this up if you are a cozy mystery lover.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,679 reviews56 followers
April 7, 2021
I really enjoy this series. Nina is a smart, sassy, older (but not old) sleuth which makes her decision making more logical. Harry's new money-making scheme adds some humor to this story and the mystery itself was intriguing. A great addition to this series.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#PeachesandSchemes #NetGalley

Profile Image for Mary.
239 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2021
I wavered between a 4 and 5 here, because I usually give 5s only to books that strongly affect me and stay in my mind long after finishing. But this is another great addition to the series, and I can't think of any good reason to drop that 5th star.

It was good to watch the continuing relationship between Nina and Harry.
Profile Image for Betty.
2,006 reviews55 followers
May 15, 2021
A very good addition to the series
Profile Image for Nora-adrienne.
911 reviews122 followers
June 26, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in this series, I loved this one. Our heroine gets in and out of messes with a skill that totally surprised me.
I can't wait for book #3 to hit the bookstores.
Profile Image for Carla.
146 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ This final book of the series was good in parts but seemed to drag for me. Overall I enjoyed the series.
Profile Image for Tari.
2,430 reviews72 followers
May 17, 2021
I think I love this book the best so far in the series! I never in a million years thought I'd come to love Harry's character so much when I first met him in book one. But he went above and beyond to prove that maybe sometimes he's really got a good heart that's not scheming something.

Harry happened to be back staying at the B&B, and Nina was surprised to run into him at a trade show. I had to laugh at his new venture, a hired plus one. And boy did he get in over his head with his first and only job! Nina's friend was murdered at a wedding expo fashion show, and she was going to stop at nothing to bring her justice and also prove that an older lady who was the woman's biz partner wasn't a killer. Nina was worried about a stalker being the killer and was trying to avoid a certain car. The dead woman's dog Gus was so darn sweet, I was hoping Nina would get to keep him, since he was already Mattie's playdate buddy. But Gus did get a good ending.

This showdown was absolutely epic and kind of typically Harry. But it took all the ingenuity of the parties involved to pull it off successfully. Luckily, it worked out and two people got a surprise happily ever after, while two more people were starting to realize something good. What a sweet and fitting ending! Have a few tissues handy for the happy kind of eye-leakage!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.