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Poppyridge Cove #1
The Secret of Poppyridge Cove
A hauntingly beautiful seaside mansion has been abandoned for decades... and for good reason.
When Abby stumbles on the crumbling estate, she's uncommonly drawn to it. Not even the chilling sight on the back porch or the two million dollar price tag can keep her from wondering... what if it were hers?
A cozy mystery and on-again, off-again romance that will have your toes curling in delight. This series starter promises to have pages turning and hearts warming, and will leave you anxiously awaiting your next trip to The Inn at Poppyridge Cove.
When Abby stumbles on the crumbling estate, she's uncommonly drawn to it. Not even the chilling sight on the back porch or the two million dollar price tag can keep her from wondering... what if it were hers?
A cozy mystery and on-again, off-again romance that will have your toes curling in delight. This series starter promises to have pages turning and hearts warming, and will leave you anxiously awaiting your next trip to The Inn at Poppyridge Cove.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
1943 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read
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January 15, 2024*mysterious person routinely leaves dead animals on protagonist’ doorstep*
The protagonist:
*grabs her keys*
*gets in her car*
*returns home with a PUPPY*
The protagonist:
*grabs her keys*
*gets in her car*
*returns home with a PUPPY*
June 23, 2024
A poor excuse for a cozy mystery - more a sophomoric hearts-bursting love story with a little bit of a mystery thrown in. Very follow-your-dreams-and-don't-worry-about-practicalities, and characters who pride themselves on communication but won't communicate.
Several word misuses. Poor editing - the guy down the lane is either a colonel or a general. Chase and Abby have been together either one, five, two, or several years. The mystery isn't - one character knows the whole story and doesn't reveal it.
If this novel won a high-school author's contest, I *might* not be surprised.
Several word misuses. Poor editing - the guy down the lane is either a colonel or a general. Chase and Abby have been together either one, five, two, or several years. The mystery isn't - one character knows the whole story and doesn't reveal it.
If this novel won a high-school author's contest, I *might* not be surprised.
January 6, 2021
Borderline interesting enough that I will finish reading it; uninteresting enough that I will not seek out any further books by this author. The protagonist is a whiny immature twit, and her boyfriend is a creepy controller. I find neither of them to be the least bit sympathetic.
As I write this, I am two-thirds of the way through the book, and I don't hold out a lot of hope that the characters will become less obnoxious as I read further. But if upon finishing I have changed my mind about my rating, I will come back and revise this review.
If I had been reading a paper book, I would have thrown it at the opposite wall a few minutes ago. (I restrained myself because I do not wish to break my tablet and have to replace it.) The creepy boyfriend just left San Francisco to drive north to the house on the coast... and to get there, he drove across the Bay Bridge. WRONNNNNG! Clearly the author has never been to this part of the country, and clearly did not even bother to look at a map to see that the route to the north coast goes over the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. Well, yes, one could eventually reach the north coast via the Bay Bridge, but it's a very long distance out of the way. I even went back and double checked to make sure the house in question was indeed on the shore of the ocean, not the bay. (It is.) So the Bay Bridge would not be the best route to take....
And if the author actually did know the correct route and simply typed the wrong bridge name by mistake, well, a good edit should have caught the mistake.
A certain well-known best-selling author has a 6-word magic formula for writing a bestseller: KEEP THE READER IN THE STORY. Anything that sabotages this goal is pretty much an unforgivable literary sin. The bridge faux pas threw me right out of the story, and could have been avoided if the author had simply pulled up an online map. It would have taken less than a minute. I find it very difficult to respect a writer who neglects to do even the most basic research.
I do like the covers of the series. They are not typical romance or mystery covers, and are actually quite nice. However, that old cliche about books and their covers is quite true in this case.
As I write this, I am two-thirds of the way through the book, and I don't hold out a lot of hope that the characters will become less obnoxious as I read further. But if upon finishing I have changed my mind about my rating, I will come back and revise this review.
If I had been reading a paper book, I would have thrown it at the opposite wall a few minutes ago. (I restrained myself because I do not wish to break my tablet and have to replace it.) The creepy boyfriend just left San Francisco to drive north to the house on the coast... and to get there, he drove across the Bay Bridge. WRONNNNNG! Clearly the author has never been to this part of the country, and clearly did not even bother to look at a map to see that the route to the north coast goes over the GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. Well, yes, one could eventually reach the north coast via the Bay Bridge, but it's a very long distance out of the way. I even went back and double checked to make sure the house in question was indeed on the shore of the ocean, not the bay. (It is.) So the Bay Bridge would not be the best route to take....
And if the author actually did know the correct route and simply typed the wrong bridge name by mistake, well, a good edit should have caught the mistake.
A certain well-known best-selling author has a 6-word magic formula for writing a bestseller: KEEP THE READER IN THE STORY. Anything that sabotages this goal is pretty much an unforgivable literary sin. The bridge faux pas threw me right out of the story, and could have been avoided if the author had simply pulled up an online map. It would have taken less than a minute. I find it very difficult to respect a writer who neglects to do even the most basic research.
I do like the covers of the series. They are not typical romance or mystery covers, and are actually quite nice. However, that old cliche about books and their covers is quite true in this case.
October 12, 2024
Abby was one of the most annoying characters I’ve come across in a while. Constantly complaining, never satisfied, always the victim in everything. Complains about people thinking she’s incapable and unable to make smart choices but nearly ends up getting killed because she refuses to listen to common sense? Yes that’s Abby :)
I mean come on, who would be stupid enough to buy a two million dollar house where decapitated animals keep popping up on the porch? Who would then be stupid enough to want to actually live there by themselves - a young skinny girl living in the middle of some dodgy woods in a house that’s not safe with a animal killing psycho on the loose? You guessed it, Abby! The thing that was the final straw for me with her character was when Chase voiced his concerns on the dog being in danger of decapitation and my gal turns round and goes “oh I never thought about that”. Whaaat!!! You never considered the possibility that the psycho who cuts off animals heads in the night could do the same to your dog? Who would be stupid enough not to consider that? Oh wait, Abby, that’s who.
I thought the plot was very weak and the whole eight challenges set by a random aunt she’d never met was just a bit cringey and didn’t really contribute anything besides providing a nice neat convenient ending. Also not very real life like… “just follow your dreams”, great… but dreams don’t pay the rent unfortunately Sheralyn. Also it would’ve been far more interesting to have the letters from the aunt sprinkled in throughout the story to keep it interesting as opposed to cramming it all in at the end for plot convenience.
I thought the whole reasoning of wanting the house in the first place was weak as well and I wish we could’ve delved into Abby’s past a bit more to understand why she thought she wasn’t being an idiot. The characters weren’t all that interesting either and the timeline of events was all over the place.
As for the ending… I’m not even gonna go there bc I’ll just get angry at the continued perpetuation of stereotypes and stigmatisation in regard to mental illness. If you know you know but I truly hope you don’t bc I hope you didn’t waste your time.
I mean come on, who would be stupid enough to buy a two million dollar house where decapitated animals keep popping up on the porch? Who would then be stupid enough to want to actually live there by themselves - a young skinny girl living in the middle of some dodgy woods in a house that’s not safe with a animal killing psycho on the loose? You guessed it, Abby! The thing that was the final straw for me with her character was when Chase voiced his concerns on the dog being in danger of decapitation and my gal turns round and goes “oh I never thought about that”. Whaaat!!! You never considered the possibility that the psycho who cuts off animals heads in the night could do the same to your dog? Who would be stupid enough not to consider that? Oh wait, Abby, that’s who.
I thought the plot was very weak and the whole eight challenges set by a random aunt she’d never met was just a bit cringey and didn’t really contribute anything besides providing a nice neat convenient ending. Also not very real life like… “just follow your dreams”, great… but dreams don’t pay the rent unfortunately Sheralyn. Also it would’ve been far more interesting to have the letters from the aunt sprinkled in throughout the story to keep it interesting as opposed to cramming it all in at the end for plot convenience.
I thought the whole reasoning of wanting the house in the first place was weak as well and I wish we could’ve delved into Abby’s past a bit more to understand why she thought she wasn’t being an idiot. The characters weren’t all that interesting either and the timeline of events was all over the place.
As for the ending… I’m not even gonna go there bc I’ll just get angry at the continued perpetuation of stereotypes and stigmatisation in regard to mental illness. If you know you know but I truly hope you don’t bc I hope you didn’t waste your time.
July 21, 2022
I have to be honest. This book got me sick to my stomach. It could have gotten a better score, but I still can't catch my breath. This is a clean read, but the blood of wood land smaller animals is spread throughout. If you like scary mixed with creepy animal killings. This might be a good read for you.
March 16, 2022
The problem with this book is that it feels rushed. There are bits that are detailed but of the wrong things. The storyline and characters are really good and I can definitely see potential but with the lack of detail came too much confusion. For example, if you had to ask me how long Abby has been with her boyfriend I wouldn't be able to give you an exact answer as sometimes it seemed only a year and then other times it mentioned they had been together for a few years. It also helps to give descriptions of characters when they first appear. I pictured the realtor as an older man, not very attractive only later to read that he was young and quite handsome. It takes a while for the mind to adjust.
I also found some bits a bit too fictional i.e the dolphin scene and some bits of the ending.
Complaining done.. on the positives I found that it is a very clean read which is so appreciated! Sometimes I was worried that certain scenes would get heated but it stayed pg and the language was good throughout. I like the whole idea of the book. I actually have to make up extra details though (which is usually very rare to have to do with a book) because I just found it lack a lot of fine-tuning.
I also found some bits a bit too fictional i.e the dolphin scene and some bits of the ending.
Complaining done.. on the positives I found that it is a very clean read which is so appreciated! Sometimes I was worried that certain scenes would get heated but it stayed pg and the language was good throughout. I like the whole idea of the book. I actually have to make up extra details though (which is usually very rare to have to do with a book) because I just found it lack a lot of fine-tuning.
September 21, 2024
Why! why!! why!!!
May 11, 2023
War mir ein bisschen zu sehr cozy und ein bisschen zu wenig mystery
March 21, 2024
This was a cute, cozy mystery that is, thankfully, a quick read. There isn't a super crazy mystery here, so don't read this for that. This is more of a romance with some mystery thrown in. Abby is entranced when she stumbles across a crumbling estate in the middle of the redwoods. She has a sudden desire to buy it and fix it up, much to the dismay of her longtime boyfriend Chase. He doesn't like the feel of the house, or the fact that Abby would want to take on something this big. Without the funds though, she can't see a way to do it - when out of the blue the funds just happen to become available.
The mystery part? Somebody is leaving dead animals on the porch, in a meager attempt to keep her from buying it. Yeah, not much to go with there. The main story is the relationship between Abby and Chase and Abby's lucky fortune. The romance part was good and the inheritance part was decent. Overall I did like the book but not something that would make me want to pick up the next one.
The mystery part? Somebody is leaving dead animals on the porch, in a meager attempt to keep her from buying it. Yeah, not much to go with there. The main story is the relationship between Abby and Chase and Abby's lucky fortune. The romance part was good and the inheritance part was decent. Overall I did like the book but not something that would make me want to pick up the next one.
October 10, 2023
I feel cheated. I was LIED to. Okay, so it does say “part cozy mystery, part contemporary romance” but I was promised a crumbling, haunting mansion with something “chilling” on the back porch.
Well what I got was a sickly sweet romance between two characters I didn’t even like. There was a very smaaaall mystery which kept me interested because I thought the plot would pick up a bit but it’s given no attention.
Also, the editing was baaaaad, there were so many mistakes… did the author even have an editor ??
The title also feels misleading… “the secret” ?? Hmmm
Well what I got was a sickly sweet romance between two characters I didn’t even like. There was a very smaaaall mystery which kept me interested because I thought the plot would pick up a bit but it’s given no attention.
Also, the editing was baaaaad, there were so many mistakes… did the author even have an editor ??
The title also feels misleading… “the secret” ?? Hmmm
May 25, 2023
I found it annoying!
I found this book annoying because if bee wasn't constantly going on about her feelings for Chase we had to read about chases feelings about bee! About 25% of the book was an actual story. Then financial matters were covered in one unlikely sentence. Sorry, not for me.
I found this book annoying because if bee wasn't constantly going on about her feelings for Chase we had to read about chases feelings about bee! About 25% of the book was an actual story. Then financial matters were covered in one unlikely sentence. Sorry, not for me.
April 24, 2024
Interesting but ended up disappointing
July 28, 2025
I don’t know if I’ve ever felt more mid about a book, wanted to finish it but also couldn’t care less?
January 8, 2024
Fun! A simple mystery and love story.
May 8, 2025
simple read flat characters
June 8, 2024
I knew exactly who the mystery animal killer was well before it was "discovered". What a shock, it wasn't shocking. Not really a cozy mystery more of a strained romance. Also, she got a puppy?? She cannot be that naive.
May 8, 2024
Cozy about a young woman who inherits some money from a distant aunt and buys an old mansion right on a cove on the coast of California. Abby has a boyfriend named Chase but their relationship sounds almost platonic. Abby has too much emotional baggage for my tastes. Someone is leaving decapitated animals on the mansion's permises. A male Realtor has designs on Abby. I skimmed through this book after reading the first few chapters. A lot of things didn't make much sense. I might try the next book in the series now that the mansion is a bed & breakfast. C. 2022.
February 23, 2023
This was a bit of change for me since there was no murder in the story, but it was still really enjoyable and a super good mystery. There was still a perp doing something they shouldn't, but I didn't guess who that was at all. It was a good mix of fun, laughter a touch of sweet romance and some great suspense (a little creepy at times but good creepy lol). Luckily I already have the next book so I'll be reading that shortly!
October 17, 2025
All I have to say is, thank goodness this was free and short. It was not good. If you told me a high school student wrote it, I would not be surprised. Everything happened in the name of convenience. I think I wrote fanfiction in 9th grade with more plot structure than this. Also the editing was abysmal. So many errors. It was such a disappointment. And I know that sounds so harsh but it just felt lazy and rushed.
August 25, 2025
The mystery was wrapped up quickly at the end, but not really investigated much throughout the book. I would say there was a miscommunication trope, but it was just a complete lack of communication for a chunk of time. The ending wrapped things up, so there is no cliffhanger leading to the next book.
May 14, 2023
Completely surprised
It's not often that a mystery catches me off guard but this was phenomenal. And the ending was beautifully done.
It's not often that a mystery catches me off guard but this was phenomenal. And the ending was beautifully done.
March 16, 2024
4 ⭐️’s for what it is - a slightly corny and enchanting mystery that was pleasant with a hint of “spook.” Did I find myself buying the second book in the series immediately after finishing….yes.
April 4, 2024
Books
It was a great book 4.5 stars and truly very mysterious. I just wish there were more pages and a better ending since it kind of disappointed me
It was a great book 4.5 stars and truly very mysterious. I just wish there were more pages and a better ending since it kind of disappointed me
April 10, 2024
i have beef with every female mc with no personality and minimal braincells
October 17, 2025
Not the worst thing I've ever read, just not very deep and a bit rushed. And the relationship between Abby and Chase was not good.
December 11, 2023
The two main characters are the most insecure adults you can possibly imagine.
If you like fluffy, unrealistic plots with a touch of gruesome thrown in for fun, go for it. Otherwise, you’ll do better finding more engaging brain candy.
If you like fluffy, unrealistic plots with a touch of gruesome thrown in for fun, go for it. Otherwise, you’ll do better finding more engaging brain candy.
December 19, 2023
This book is the type of book that can be described as “cozy.” Theres nothing really super special about it, the characters are rather forgettable, but it was a nice short little story and I imagine a good start off to a series that I probably won’t be following. I’m going to recommend this one to my mom who is more suited to the genre.
March 25, 2024
Sweet tale of love and pursuing dreams.
A cute story filled with likeable characters.
Reminding us all to chase our dreams, and to not hold grudges. Forgiveness is powerful and dreams are always a worthy pursuit.
A cute story filled with likeable characters.
Reminding us all to chase our dreams, and to not hold grudges. Forgiveness is powerful and dreams are always a worthy pursuit.
November 3, 2023
oh God this book was annoying. Abby was super obnoxious. I didn't realize this was going to be so romance heavy, it wasn't a very interesting romance and it was a bit flawed so I didn't really care about her and Chase. There were a lot of things that didn't make sense and the ending didn't really tie the loose ends up. Somethings were just left. I also thought it was so stupid how this house Abby wanted to buy kept having dead decapitated animals left on the porch so Abby decides to get a puppy to bring to the house...hello! That seems safe.
This was jut a dumb book and I will not continue this series.
This was jut a dumb book and I will not continue this series.
February 13, 2025
I simply cannot find anything good to say about this book. It's supposed to be a creepy cozy mystery. Cozy it is not. Creepy? It may be if you consider repeatedly reading about animals that are being decapitated and then placed on the back porch of an old mansion the MC is trying to buy creepy. That's about where the creepiness ends though.
The characters in this book are terrible. Abby, the MC, is whiny and annoying. Chase, her boyfriend, is sappy and ridiculous. Vance, the realtor, is lackluster at best.
The plot is - oh wait, what is the plot? Is it Abby trying to purchase a mansion she can't afford so she can use her design degree for something worthwhile and have visitors use it to escape their crappy lives? (Abby had a bad childhood and is now emotionally scarred...) Maybe the plot is solving the mystery as to who is killing and decapitating animals and leaving them on the porch? Or maybe the plot is that some aunt Abby has never heard of has left her with a huge sum of money but she has to complete 8 challenges in order to get the money. Or maybe it's the possible love triangle between Abby, Chase, and Vance? Oh, did I mention this book is only 212 pages????
Also, there's no consistency. At one point, Abby and Chase have been dating for years. At another point, they've almost made it to a year. Another example, Abby gets a puppy named Champ. She tells Chase there was a box of puppies for SALE and she couldn't resist. Then she goes and gets supplies and wonders how these supplies could cost so much for a FREE puppy...
Definitely wouldn't recommend this book and I will not be reading any more from this series.
The characters in this book are terrible. Abby, the MC, is whiny and annoying. Chase, her boyfriend, is sappy and ridiculous. Vance, the realtor, is lackluster at best.
The plot is - oh wait, what is the plot? Is it Abby trying to purchase a mansion she can't afford so she can use her design degree for something worthwhile and have visitors use it to escape their crappy lives? (Abby had a bad childhood and is now emotionally scarred...) Maybe the plot is solving the mystery as to who is killing and decapitating animals and leaving them on the porch? Or maybe the plot is that some aunt Abby has never heard of has left her with a huge sum of money but she has to complete 8 challenges in order to get the money. Or maybe it's the possible love triangle between Abby, Chase, and Vance? Oh, did I mention this book is only 212 pages????
Also, there's no consistency. At one point, Abby and Chase have been dating for years. At another point, they've almost made it to a year. Another example, Abby gets a puppy named Champ. She tells Chase there was a box of puppies for SALE and she couldn't resist. Then she goes and gets supplies and wonders how these supplies could cost so much for a FREE puppy...
Definitely wouldn't recommend this book and I will not be reading any more from this series.
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