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Elizabeth Sails
Beth Schiff ghostwrites autobiographies for politicians, except her own life doesn’t warrant a footnote. Excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler. But when her adventurous Aunt Ethel dies, Beth must scramble out of her comfy sweatpants and into some Spanx to find the missing will aboard a luxury cruise ship.
Figuring out which fork to use at dinner becomes the least of Beth’s worries. The will isn’t lost...it’s hidden. Aunt Ethel devised an elaborate scavenger hunt and each exotic port stop forces Beth to confront her list of insecurities to get the next clue. If she fails, millions revert to a much-hated relative, Max, who is responsible for her dismantled family.
When someone starts trying to sabotage her search—the game becomes personal—and her energetic septuagenarian tablemates rally to help. But Beth must make the puzzle pieces fit before the cruise ends or Max gets his greedy hands on the money destined for charities.
For fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and The Jetsetters, comes a heartfelt story about an unintended quest for self-discovery, forgiveness, and an awesome buffet.
Figuring out which fork to use at dinner becomes the least of Beth’s worries. The will isn’t lost...it’s hidden. Aunt Ethel devised an elaborate scavenger hunt and each exotic port stop forces Beth to confront her list of insecurities to get the next clue. If she fails, millions revert to a much-hated relative, Max, who is responsible for her dismantled family.
When someone starts trying to sabotage her search—the game becomes personal—and her energetic septuagenarian tablemates rally to help. But Beth must make the puzzle pieces fit before the cruise ends or Max gets his greedy hands on the money destined for charities.
For fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and The Jetsetters, comes a heartfelt story about an unintended quest for self-discovery, forgiveness, and an awesome buffet.
Paperback
Published October 8, 2024
5 people are currently reading
6247 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Owens
1 book56 followersKristin grew up in Buffalo, New York and moved immediately after the Bill’s fourth Super Bowl loss for better odds. She now resides in sticky southwest Florida and watches her hair expand by the minute.
She earned a PhD in Higher Education Administration and held academic positions at Penn State, University of Maryland, University of Alaska Anchorage, and Mat-Su College. She also taught a variety of subjects (from ballroom dancing to graduate statistics) and was chosen Teacher of the Year by Aims Community College students.
Holding certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers and Cicerone, she travels the world writing about wonderful wines, beautiful beers, and surprising spirits. She speaks fluent German and crappy French.
Kristin’s a contributor for award-winning magazines such as Wine Enthusiast and 5280. Her personal essays have appeared in Writer's Digest, Writer Unboxed, and Outpost.
Her work has won Honorable Mention for the 2018 New Millennium Writing Awards and was a finalist for the 2019 New Letters’ award in nonfiction. Her work is included in Colorado’s Book of the Year 2020, RISE!
Her debut novel, ELIZABETH SAILS, launches in 2024 with Rising Action Publishing Co.
By combining her love of teaching and writing, Kristin’s a frequent workshop instructor, conference presenter, and lecturer. Her high-energy presentations are geared towards motivating new writers to stick with it. She can usually be found onboard a cruise ship.
She earned a PhD in Higher Education Administration and held academic positions at Penn State, University of Maryland, University of Alaska Anchorage, and Mat-Su College. She also taught a variety of subjects (from ballroom dancing to graduate statistics) and was chosen Teacher of the Year by Aims Community College students.
Holding certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers and Cicerone, she travels the world writing about wonderful wines, beautiful beers, and surprising spirits. She speaks fluent German and crappy French.
Kristin’s a contributor for award-winning magazines such as Wine Enthusiast and 5280. Her personal essays have appeared in Writer's Digest, Writer Unboxed, and Outpost.
Her work has won Honorable Mention for the 2018 New Millennium Writing Awards and was a finalist for the 2019 New Letters’ award in nonfiction. Her work is included in Colorado’s Book of the Year 2020, RISE!
Her debut novel, ELIZABETH SAILS, launches in 2024 with Rising Action Publishing Co.
By combining her love of teaching and writing, Kristin’s a frequent workshop instructor, conference presenter, and lecturer. Her high-energy presentations are geared towards motivating new writers to stick with it. She can usually be found onboard a cruise ship.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 29, 2024
Review coming soon.
July 14, 2025
Okay, so let me tell you—Elizabeth Sails was such a cozy, delightful surprise! If you’re a fan of the charm and quirky characters in The Bookish Life of Nina Hill or the escapism of The Jetsetters, this book is right up your alley. Picture this: a luxury cruise, a hidden will, a scavenger hunt that’s also a journey of self-discovery—and the most unexpected, hilarious side characters to boot. It's like the ultimate mix of mystery, heart, and a little bit of sass.
Beth Schiff is our main girl, and honestly, I loved her. She’s a ghostwriter for politicians’ autobiographies, but her own life? Let’s just say she’s not exactly living in the spotlight. Beth’s idea of excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler (relatable, right?). But then Aunt Ethel—her free-spirited, “don’t care what anyone thinks” aunt—passes away, and suddenly, Beth is in over her head, diving into a scavenger hunt to find a hidden will aboard a luxury cruise ship.
The best part? Aunt Ethel has made it super complicated. Instead of just telling Beth where the will is, she’s left clues hidden at each port, and every time they stop, Beth has to dig deeper into her own insecurities to get the next piece of the puzzle. So this isn’t just a hunt for money—this is a hunt for Beth’s own courage, confidence, and closure with her family. Oh, and if she messes up, that greedy, awful relative Max gets all of Ethel’s millions. Yeah, no pressure.
What I adored about this book was watching Beth grow. I mean, she starts off super uncomfortable with anything that’s not in her cozy, predictable life, but each clue forces her to challenge herself in ways she never imagined. It’s the perfect mix of hilarious, relatable awkwardness and heartfelt moments. By the end, Beth is so much more than the woman we meet at the beginning—she’s stronger, braver, and way more fun.
And those septuagenarian tablemates? I need to be friends with them. Aunt Ethel’s older friends are total firecrackers, and I couldn’t stop laughing at how they rallied behind Beth—these ladies had her back like nothing else. It was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to be young to have a huge impact on someone’s life.
Oh, and the cruise itself? Sign me up. I could almost taste the food (seriously, they make a point to describe the buffets in a way that will make you drool). The setting is gorgeous, the pace is just right, and the mystery keeps you guessing without being too heavy. It’s lighthearted with just the right amount of intrigue, and I found myself rooting for Beth every step of the way.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming mystery that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about solving clues, Elizabeth Sails is the book you need. Plus, you’ll probably find yourself wishing you had an Aunt Ethel in your life. Trust me, you won’t regret jumping on this adventure.
Beth Schiff is our main girl, and honestly, I loved her. She’s a ghostwriter for politicians’ autobiographies, but her own life? Let’s just say she’s not exactly living in the spotlight. Beth’s idea of excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler (relatable, right?). But then Aunt Ethel—her free-spirited, “don’t care what anyone thinks” aunt—passes away, and suddenly, Beth is in over her head, diving into a scavenger hunt to find a hidden will aboard a luxury cruise ship.
The best part? Aunt Ethel has made it super complicated. Instead of just telling Beth where the will is, she’s left clues hidden at each port, and every time they stop, Beth has to dig deeper into her own insecurities to get the next piece of the puzzle. So this isn’t just a hunt for money—this is a hunt for Beth’s own courage, confidence, and closure with her family. Oh, and if she messes up, that greedy, awful relative Max gets all of Ethel’s millions. Yeah, no pressure.
What I adored about this book was watching Beth grow. I mean, she starts off super uncomfortable with anything that’s not in her cozy, predictable life, but each clue forces her to challenge herself in ways she never imagined. It’s the perfect mix of hilarious, relatable awkwardness and heartfelt moments. By the end, Beth is so much more than the woman we meet at the beginning—she’s stronger, braver, and way more fun.
And those septuagenarian tablemates? I need to be friends with them. Aunt Ethel’s older friends are total firecrackers, and I couldn’t stop laughing at how they rallied behind Beth—these ladies had her back like nothing else. It was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to be young to have a huge impact on someone’s life.
Oh, and the cruise itself? Sign me up. I could almost taste the food (seriously, they make a point to describe the buffets in a way that will make you drool). The setting is gorgeous, the pace is just right, and the mystery keeps you guessing without being too heavy. It’s lighthearted with just the right amount of intrigue, and I found myself rooting for Beth every step of the way.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy, heartwarming mystery that’s as much about self-discovery as it is about solving clues, Elizabeth Sails is the book you need. Plus, you’ll probably find yourself wishing you had an Aunt Ethel in your life. Trust me, you won’t regret jumping on this adventure.
July 20, 2025
I really enjoyed this delightful read. I am not a cruise person, I'm more of a vacation on land person 😂 but I still love the setting of a cruise for books. Beth Schiff’s adventurous Aunt Ethel has passed away. In order for Beth to inherit Aunt Ethel’s millions, she must go on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth cruise ship to find the missing will. She follows the clues at the ports of call, in a scavenger hunt that her Aunt Ethel has devised for her. If she doesn't find it, the money will go to Max, a much hated relative that is responsible for dismantling the family. But also, someone is trying to sabotage her search. This was such a great cozy little mystery. A perfect summer book. It was suspenseful and full of adventure.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 6, 2024
This was entertaining and I think Owens has real potential. I started reading it on a cruise which was fun but did highlight some of the unrealistic details. Dialog was a huge weak point. It was repetitive in places and needed more tightening up. The backstory wasn't revealed at the right times. But it kept me interested and I wanted to see the resolution to the mystery. Overall, it definitely had the feeling of a debut novel - good but not yet great.
June 14, 2023
This sounds right up my alley -- so excited!¡
November 23, 2024
Had fun reading this, makes me want to go on a cruise someday. Writing was a little simple, which made it a fast read, but the setting was fun.
The one detail that will bug me forever… you absolutely can not drink beer between dives while SCUBA diving haha. Won’t be able to get that inaccuracy out of my head!
The one detail that will bug me forever… you absolutely can not drink beer between dives while SCUBA diving haha. Won’t be able to get that inaccuracy out of my head!
July 30, 2025
An exclusive scavenger hunt for a missing will, courtesy of Aunt Ethel, set on a cruise ship with clues needing to be found at the ports of call that require courage and personal growth? Sign me up please! Beth is given the opportunity of a lifetime and along the way she develops quirky friendships with the elderly, scores big in life lessons, solves the mystery, and becomes the self-confident woman she was always meant to be. What's not to love?
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2024
Fun easy beach read! It’s nice to read something lighthearted. Would have liked some more character development and backstories but all in all an enjoyable read.
April 13, 2025
3.5 eager for the next book
June 16, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Elizabeth Sails was a great escape, a travel read centered around a mystery (but not of the murdering kind) with a mix of comedy and past tragedy to balance things out. The mystery was especially well done, centered on a scavenger hunt that led our protagonist, Beth, to reflect on her past and share about her deceased Aunt Ethel, who had organized the scavenger hunt to find her missing will (the mystery).
Beth suffers from anxiety and has become a bit of a shut in, which her past flashbacks explain. The flashbacks were perfectly placed in the story and by the end I was surprised by how much I learned about her with such artful placement and writing. Other characters, like her older dinner mates, provide levity in the story and the way the cruise ship Beth travels on and her destinations are described transport the reader. Beth’s character development was also well done, and I cheered for her personal developments. I really enjoyed this and the hints that this may spin into a series. Highly recommended for those looking for lighter general fiction, Kristin Owens has written a wonderful and quaint story with Elizabeth Sails.
Elizabeth Sails was a great escape, a travel read centered around a mystery (but not of the murdering kind) with a mix of comedy and past tragedy to balance things out. The mystery was especially well done, centered on a scavenger hunt that led our protagonist, Beth, to reflect on her past and share about her deceased Aunt Ethel, who had organized the scavenger hunt to find her missing will (the mystery).
Beth suffers from anxiety and has become a bit of a shut in, which her past flashbacks explain. The flashbacks were perfectly placed in the story and by the end I was surprised by how much I learned about her with such artful placement and writing. Other characters, like her older dinner mates, provide levity in the story and the way the cruise ship Beth travels on and her destinations are described transport the reader. Beth’s character development was also well done, and I cheered for her personal developments. I really enjoyed this and the hints that this may spin into a series. Highly recommended for those looking for lighter general fiction, Kristin Owens has written a wonderful and quaint story with Elizabeth Sails.
July 12, 2024
ARC Book Review!
Elizabeth Sails By Kristin Owens
4.5 / 5⭐️
This book was an ARC and will be released October 2024. Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this early!
Beth is so relatable and likeable. I am looooving these ARC featuring women in their thirties lately. This book is the closest thing I've read to an Agatha Christie book that wasn't one! Color me thoroughly impressed because that is a tall order! And the big reveal at the end was awesome. Beth goes through so much character development. I cannot wait for the next book!
This book is for you if you like :
mental health rep
Mystery
Wholesome characters
Major character development
•
•
•
#book #bookstagram #booklover
#arcreader #booknerd #romance #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksbooksbooks #bookish #prettygirlsreadbooks #mustread #kindle #kindleclub #kindlewhitepaper #nerdfam #sunnybabepr #fantasybooks #fantasynovelseries #fantas#catloveryreads #bookbuddy #bookcat #introvert #morallygrey #touchheranddie
Elizabeth Sails By Kristin Owens
4.5 / 5⭐️
This book was an ARC and will be released October 2024. Thank you @netgalley for the chance to read this early!
Beth is so relatable and likeable. I am looooving these ARC featuring women in their thirties lately. This book is the closest thing I've read to an Agatha Christie book that wasn't one! Color me thoroughly impressed because that is a tall order! And the big reveal at the end was awesome. Beth goes through so much character development. I cannot wait for the next book!
This book is for you if you like :
mental health rep
Mystery
Wholesome characters
Major character development
•
•
•
#book #bookstagram #booklover
#arcreader #booknerd #romance #bookstagrammer #bookaddict #booksbooksbooks #bookish #prettygirlsreadbooks #mustread #kindle #kindleclub #kindlewhitepaper #nerdfam #sunnybabepr #fantasybooks #fantasynovelseries #fantas#catloveryreads #bookbuddy #bookcat #introvert #morallygrey #touchheranddie
October 6, 2024
Sweet, wholesome and therapeutic. That's how I would describe this book.
It made me very cozy and inspired me to try and go out of my comfort zone more.
I loved the growth and changes our main character went through, although I would've loved for her relationship with her sister to be restored at the end of the book. But at least she made some small steps in that direction.
Also, all the characters from table 8 were the cutest!!
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for this ARC.
It made me very cozy and inspired me to try and go out of my comfort zone more.
I loved the growth and changes our main character went through, although I would've loved for her relationship with her sister to be restored at the end of the book. But at least she made some small steps in that direction.
Also, all the characters from table 8 were the cutest!!
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co. for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2024
Ethel Birnbaum, 80, has lived a vivid life doing lots of fun things and especially taking many cruises. So, it was aboard the Queen Elizabeth that she passed away in her sleep. At her funeral, her stepson, Max, an arrogant man makes it known that he deserves her money. His father left some money to Ethel but the woman had her own money now most of it will go to charities.
Beth, 38, is a ghostwriter currently working on a book for a governor. Ethel’s will states that Beth must meet with the woman’s attorneys. It is discovered that Ethel's will is missing and Beth has been tapped to go on a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth to search for the will.
Beth has always been a homebody staying inside with her cat. But now, money is provided for her to get a new wardrobe and is sent off to London to depart for the cruise. There, she meets people dining with her and discovers new friends and even how to use the proper utensils at a table. Soon, clues begin turning up obviously from Ethel about the location of her will. It’s up to Beth to put herself out as she works to solves the clues and find the will. Perhaps Beth will also find herself along the way. But someone has let her know that they don’t like what she is doing and tries to thwart her search.
This is a wonderful debut. The setting being on a ship is even better as i have enjoyed many cruises so the ship environment is quite familiar and brought back terrific memories. The descriptions of the food, wine and the great places visited made me feel like I was right there. It was delightful to see Beth blossom and make friends with all of the other people at table 8. A truly fun novel and I only wish I could go with her on another trip.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Beth, 38, is a ghostwriter currently working on a book for a governor. Ethel’s will states that Beth must meet with the woman’s attorneys. It is discovered that Ethel's will is missing and Beth has been tapped to go on a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth to search for the will.
Beth has always been a homebody staying inside with her cat. But now, money is provided for her to get a new wardrobe and is sent off to London to depart for the cruise. There, she meets people dining with her and discovers new friends and even how to use the proper utensils at a table. Soon, clues begin turning up obviously from Ethel about the location of her will. It’s up to Beth to put herself out as she works to solves the clues and find the will. Perhaps Beth will also find herself along the way. But someone has let her know that they don’t like what she is doing and tries to thwart her search.
This is a wonderful debut. The setting being on a ship is even better as i have enjoyed many cruises so the ship environment is quite familiar and brought back terrific memories. The descriptions of the food, wine and the great places visited made me feel like I was right there. It was delightful to see Beth blossom and make friends with all of the other people at table 8. A truly fun novel and I only wish I could go with her on another trip.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 19, 2025
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
📖 are searching for a cozy mystery
🚢 have ever been on a cruise
🍱 love buffets
🕵🏻♀️ are good at playing detective
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Beth Schiff ghostwrites autobiographies for politicians, except her own life doesn’t warrant a footnote. Excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler. But when her adventurous Aunt Ethel dies, Beth must scramble out of her comfy sweatpants and into some Spanx to find the missing will aboard the luxury cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth.
Figuring out which fork to use at dinner becomes the least of Beth’s worries. The will isn’t lost ... it’s hidden. Aunt Ethel devised an elaborate scavenger hunt and each exotic port stop forces Beth to confront her list of insecurities to get the next clue. If she fails, millions revert to a much-hated relative, Max, who is responsible for her dismantled family.
When someone starts trying to sabotage her search, the game becomes personal and her energetic septuagenarian tablemates rally to help. But Beth must make the puzzle pieces fit before the cruise ends or Max gets his greedy hands on the money destined for charities.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Such a cute and cozy mystery, this one really does have a little bit of everything sprinkled throughout the story! The food, the sights, the experiences, the mystery, the drama! What more could you ask for in a cruise ship mystery? Beth is such a quirky character that I easily related to, and feel that others could as well. She’s sweet but awkward and I love that, even though she has no sense of adventure, she still chooses to do this thing that is way out of her comfort zone. The story is fast paced, fun, and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Will there be a second book? I’m eager to find out!
📖 are searching for a cozy mystery
🚢 have ever been on a cruise
🍱 love buffets
🕵🏻♀️ are good at playing detective
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Beth Schiff ghostwrites autobiographies for politicians, except her own life doesn’t warrant a footnote. Excitement is re-watching classic movies with a Whitman’s Sampler. But when her adventurous Aunt Ethel dies, Beth must scramble out of her comfy sweatpants and into some Spanx to find the missing will aboard the luxury cruise ship, Queen Elizabeth.
Figuring out which fork to use at dinner becomes the least of Beth’s worries. The will isn’t lost ... it’s hidden. Aunt Ethel devised an elaborate scavenger hunt and each exotic port stop forces Beth to confront her list of insecurities to get the next clue. If she fails, millions revert to a much-hated relative, Max, who is responsible for her dismantled family.
When someone starts trying to sabotage her search, the game becomes personal and her energetic septuagenarian tablemates rally to help. But Beth must make the puzzle pieces fit before the cruise ends or Max gets his greedy hands on the money destined for charities.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Such a cute and cozy mystery, this one really does have a little bit of everything sprinkled throughout the story! The food, the sights, the experiences, the mystery, the drama! What more could you ask for in a cruise ship mystery? Beth is such a quirky character that I easily related to, and feel that others could as well. She’s sweet but awkward and I love that, even though she has no sense of adventure, she still chooses to do this thing that is way out of her comfort zone. The story is fast paced, fun, and ended on a bit of a cliffhanger. Will there be a second book? I’m eager to find out!
September 23, 2024
3.75/5 (.rounded up)
This was a very cute debut novel! I enjoyed how it didn’t go exactly where I thought it was going to and it chose to bypass the easy and predictable ending and leave it a little more open ended.
I did find there to be a few plot issues mostly surrounding the main character Elizabeth as she goes on her journey. At times she came across incredibly judgmental and also had very contradictory personality traits. Like spending 3/4 of the book enjoying every meal she ate on the ship (I truly could’ve done without reading the word yum over and over), to suddenly being aware of things being unhealthy and having issues with people eating muffins. It just felt disjointed from the beginning of the novel and really took me out of the last few chapters because of how random it was. While I didn’t find her very likable, I was invested in her journey and I really enjoyed the secondary characters. It did drag on a bit as every day was accounted for even if it didn’t have us actively finding a clue, which could be a little tedious at times.
All in all, it was a light and fun summer romp. I loved the adventure aspect and it was a unique premise!
Thank you to NetGalley and & Rising Action for the ARC.
This was a very cute debut novel! I enjoyed how it didn’t go exactly where I thought it was going to and it chose to bypass the easy and predictable ending and leave it a little more open ended.
I did find there to be a few plot issues mostly surrounding the main character Elizabeth as she goes on her journey. At times she came across incredibly judgmental and also had very contradictory personality traits. Like spending 3/4 of the book enjoying every meal she ate on the ship (I truly could’ve done without reading the word yum over and over), to suddenly being aware of things being unhealthy and having issues with people eating muffins. It just felt disjointed from the beginning of the novel and really took me out of the last few chapters because of how random it was. While I didn’t find her very likable, I was invested in her journey and I really enjoyed the secondary characters. It did drag on a bit as every day was accounted for even if it didn’t have us actively finding a clue, which could be a little tedious at times.
All in all, it was a light and fun summer romp. I loved the adventure aspect and it was a unique premise!
Thank you to NetGalley and & Rising Action for the ARC.
August 8, 2025
This was a delightful read! A perfect beach read, sailing away with our quirky, lovable protagonist.
Beth Schiff is a ghostwriter; she lives a quiet life and struggles with anxiety. When her adventurous aunt Ethel passes away, the only way for Beth to inherit Ethel’s millions is to get on a luxury cruise ship and find where Ethel has hidden her will. If Beth doesn’t, the money will go to her mean relative, Max.
I have never been on a cruise, but this was like going on one vicariously! It also became a scavenger hunt aboard a fancy cruise ship. With each port, Beth must follow new clues to find Ethel’s will, but someone aboard seems to want to stop her search. It is so fun to see Beth break out of her shell and meet people aboard and do things she never thought possible, like scuba diving! The book beautifully captures Beth's journey of self-discovery and personal growth, as she learns to overcome her fears and embrace new experiences. I loved the friends that Beth made on the ship, especially her aunt’s friends, who helped and encouraged her.
Embark on a cozy mystery with endearing characters and excitement on the high seas.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kristinowenswriter for the #gifted book.
November 26, 2024
This was a unique story about a young woman named Beth who is set to inherit her aunt’s fortune after she passes away. However, in order inherit the money, Beth has to go on a scavenger hunt to find her aunt’s will. If she does not find it, the inheritance goes to her aunt’s manipulative step son. The scavenger hunt takes place on a cruise ship. Beth has to locate the will by the end of the cruise.
I liked the story overall, but I think it could have been improved by providing more depth to the characters and storyline. Despite the magnitude of the plot, I wasn’t left sitting on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen.
I can see this book turning into a series, or at the very least, a sequel, since the story was left very open-ended. I would definitely read a sequel!
I listened to this via Audible. It was around 10 hours. For me, the narrator makes or breaks an audio book, and the lady narrating this was easy to listen to.
I liked the story overall, but I think it could have been improved by providing more depth to the characters and storyline. Despite the magnitude of the plot, I wasn’t left sitting on the edge of my seat to find out what would happen.
I can see this book turning into a series, or at the very least, a sequel, since the story was left very open-ended. I would definitely read a sequel!
I listened to this via Audible. It was around 10 hours. For me, the narrator makes or breaks an audio book, and the lady narrating this was easy to listen to.
June 1, 2025
Beth Schiff rarely leaves her New York city apartment, preferring to stay inside and complete the ghostwriting she does for politicians. She's working with her therapist on correcting some mental health issues that she's struggling with. All of that comes to a head when her great aunt dies and Beth is suddenly on the hunt for a missing will. If she doesn't, her hideously entitled step cousin will inherit millions of dollars rather than a number of deserving charities.
She's suddenly having to rush to get her cat taken care of and some good clothes because her aunt was on a luxury cruise ship when she died. Once aboard, she meets a group of characters. She also discovers that the hidden will might be more planned than she originally believed.
This is a very fast and fluffy book. There are mentions of mental health but I felt that it was very hand-wav-y in Beth feeling "better."
She's suddenly having to rush to get her cat taken care of and some good clothes because her aunt was on a luxury cruise ship when she died. Once aboard, she meets a group of characters. She also discovers that the hidden will might be more planned than she originally believed.
This is a very fast and fluffy book. There are mentions of mental health but I felt that it was very hand-wav-y in Beth feeling "better."
July 4, 2025
This entertaining novel chronicles the journey of Elizabeth “Beth” Schiff—a journey set in motion by her late, beloved Aunt Ethel, who launches her on a quest to retrieve Ethel’s will before her scurrilous stepson Max can destroy the legacy Ethel and her late husband built. Beth, an anxiety-riddled ghostwriter, is not thrilled with the opportunity to take an ocean voyage on the luxury liner Queen Elizabeth, but step by step she uncovers clues to the will’s whereabouts, along with some hidden strengths she finds within herself. The author is clearly familiar with life aboard a luxury liner, so there’s plenty of vicarious enjoyment within the pages of this book, and Beth is a likable, sympathetic character, easy to root for. My only complaint is the ending, which leaves the door open to further adventures.
July 22, 2025
Elizabeth Sails by Kristin Owens is such a wonderful cozy mystery that I really enjoyed.
This story is way more than just a cozy mystery.
I do love a mystery that doesn't involve a murder.
Beth Schiff’s is an introvert. Her Aunt Ethel has recently passed, and she is due to inherit her millions, if she can complete the scavenger hunt her aunt has set out for her before she died.
Beth has to go on a cruise ship to find her aunt's will. If she's not able to locate it, the money will go to Max, the least liked member of the family, one who has caused the family much turmoil.
Beth encounters trouble and sabotage at every turn.
I really LOVED this fresh take on a cozy mystery with a travel theme.
Highly recommend!
This story is way more than just a cozy mystery.
I do love a mystery that doesn't involve a murder.
Beth Schiff’s is an introvert. Her Aunt Ethel has recently passed, and she is due to inherit her millions, if she can complete the scavenger hunt her aunt has set out for her before she died.
Beth has to go on a cruise ship to find her aunt's will. If she's not able to locate it, the money will go to Max, the least liked member of the family, one who has caused the family much turmoil.
Beth encounters trouble and sabotage at every turn.
I really LOVED this fresh take on a cozy mystery with a travel theme.
Highly recommend!
August 20, 2025
Beth lost her Aunt Ethel and gets sent on a cruise to find a missing (legal) will work a tight timeline sets up this adventurous story with heart.
Ok at the beginning of this, I thought "how unfair of Aunt Ethel to put Beth in this position! This shouldn't be a game" but the more I read and thought about it, Beth needed this. She needed to get some adventure back into her life. She needed a small push to maybe connect with the only one left in her life.
The "Table 8" octogenarians were a lot of fun! I love how they folded Beth into their circle. The port stops were just the little boosts that Beth needed along the way in this puzzling quest. I almost screamed at the ending because it was just wild and felt a bit ambiguous but could be a set up for more!
Ok at the beginning of this, I thought "how unfair of Aunt Ethel to put Beth in this position! This shouldn't be a game" but the more I read and thought about it, Beth needed this. She needed to get some adventure back into her life. She needed a small push to maybe connect with the only one left in her life.
The "Table 8" octogenarians were a lot of fun! I love how they folded Beth into their circle. The port stops were just the little boosts that Beth needed along the way in this puzzling quest. I almost screamed at the ending because it was just wild and felt a bit ambiguous but could be a set up for more!
July 14, 2024
An amazing story - so fun and magical. I love every bit of it!
When we meet Beth, she is a beyond-anxious ghostwriter barely leaving her small apartment. It all comes to a stop when a lawyer alerts her to her Aunt Ethel's wishes. Before she knows it, she is aboard a luxurious cruise searching for clues. The people she meets, both helpful and diabolical and the adventures she has are just purely delightful.
If you have been on a cruise, or dream of one, have a family regret (or two) or just love a clue-driven adventure, Elizabeth Sails is for you!
Thanks Netgalley!
#risingaction #risingactionpublishingco #elizabethsails #kristinowens
When we meet Beth, she is a beyond-anxious ghostwriter barely leaving her small apartment. It all comes to a stop when a lawyer alerts her to her Aunt Ethel's wishes. Before she knows it, she is aboard a luxurious cruise searching for clues. The people she meets, both helpful and diabolical and the adventures she has are just purely delightful.
If you have been on a cruise, or dream of one, have a family regret (or two) or just love a clue-driven adventure, Elizabeth Sails is for you!
Thanks Netgalley!
#risingaction #risingactionpublishingco #elizabethsails #kristinowens
July 29, 2024
A DELIGHT OF A READ - In ELIZABETH SAILS, Kristen Owens debut novel, we meet the agoraphobic Beth as she sets sail on an adventure on the premier Cunard Line to find her recently deceased Aunt's will. With twists and turns, just enough intrigue, and a protagonist we can all root for ELIZABETH SAILS is engaging, delightful, and satisfying. Readers will be able to solve multiple mysteries and clues within the story, be stumped by others, and say "oh ho!" as the story unfolds. I am so glad the adventure will continue as Owens rolls out other adventures for Beth aboard the sister ships in soon to be upcoming releases.
January 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, particularly the scavenger hunt along the cruise and all the cruise characters! It was such a fun summer cozy (sort of) mystery! Beth is such a sweet person, and I really felt for her anxieties. As someone who is medicated, I did wish that was more conclusively pulled together.
I'm realllllly confused with the ending, I assume it's a lead on to a second book but it didn't really make any sense? So I'm going to pretend it didn't happen and instead that it finished with more closure on the wider story and also that her aunt had created a reunion as well. It didn't warrant a full star deduction though.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy!
I'm realllllly confused with the ending, I assume it's a lead on to a second book but it didn't really make any sense? So I'm going to pretend it didn't happen and instead that it finished with more closure on the wider story and also that her aunt had created a reunion as well. It didn't warrant a full star deduction though.
Thank you NetGalley for the copy!
January 11, 2025
Beth Schiff is one of the most relatable characters I've seen on the page in ages. As she navigates life on the world's most luxurious cruise ship, the Queen Elizabeth (and her namesake) on a scavenger hunt of sorts to find her Aunt Ethel's missing will, she must overcome a lifetime of fears and missed opportunities. Along the way, author Kristin Owens takes us on a mini tour throughout Europe experiencing exquisite tastes of the ship's port of calls and the ship's buffet. With humor and tenderness the story surprised me with its authentic details, unconventional characters, and page-turning clues. I so want to take a cruise!
October 8, 2024
Owens creates an unlikely yet absolutely delightful protagonist in Elizabeth Sails that readers will easily identify with, commiserate with, and ultimately fall in love with.
Beth Schiff sets out on a mysterious journey that reduces her comfort zone to a mere memory, discovering she is stronger than she thought and deserves much more than she was previously willing to accept.
Add the fabulous luxury liner, exquisite fine dining, and practically unlimited clothing and cruise allowance, and readers will adore every page.
Beth Schiff sets out on a mysterious journey that reduces her comfort zone to a mere memory, discovering she is stronger than she thought and deserves much more than she was previously willing to accept.
Add the fabulous luxury liner, exquisite fine dining, and practically unlimited clothing and cruise allowance, and readers will adore every page.
January 10, 2025
If you love scavenger hunts and riddles, stop reading this and just go get Elizabeth Sails. It's this charming mix between light mystery, some sabotage, and plenty of challenges. Beth allows her fears to keep her from challenging herself. And luckily her aunt is not having it. When she dies, she sets Beth on a scavenger hunt to make sure her fortune isn't misused and wasted on her relative. This is an entirely new world for Beth. She has new people to meet, fears to face, and plenty of gumption.
Read
April 20, 2025My book group chose Elizabeth Sails because one of our members sailed on an Odyssey cruise with the author, Kristin Owens, who generously agreed to a Zoom meeting with our group. Ms Owens was charming and amusing and this is her first attempt at fiction. It’s called a cozy mystery, and most of the story takes place on the ship or at various ports of call. I’m sure it’s fun to disembark and find the places mentioned in the book. Although I got a little tired of the protagonist and the prodigious amounts of alcohol she consumed before she occasionally passed out, it was a fun read.
July 21, 2025
This book was fun and had such quirky characters! Beth Schiff is a ghost writer for politicians, she lives a quiet life filled with box chocolate and classic movies. When her Aunt Ethel passes away , suddenly Beth finds herself aboard a luxury cruise ship and in the middle of a scavenger hunt to find a hidden will! Aunt Ethel left clues that are hidden at each port, every time they stop, Beth finds that age has to dig deeper within her own insecurities to find the next piece of the puzzle. Beth finds that this hunt isn’t just for money, Beth’s is finding her own confidence and even closure with her family. But if she doesn’t succeed, her awful relative Max gets all of Ethel’s millions. I felt like this was a book within a book and I loved it!!
August 6, 2025
Beth was such a fun character and reading about her incredible experience on the incredible Cunard cruise line made me rethink my hesitation about taking a cruise! I absolutely loved the adventure Beth's aunt designed for her beloved niece in large part to help her get over her anxiety and the multiple fears she had dealt with for so many years. The scavenger hunt was such fun to read about! Beth’s table mates added a lot to the story and all the food and wine sounded divine! I really enjoyed being along for the journey as Beth found each clue and gained confidence.
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