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Dakota Green #3
A Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jan 26When Dakota Green’s best friend asks her to be the maid of honor, she expects champagne toasts and bouquet tosses—not a dead priest in the holly bushes of The Rose Palace estate. But in Aubergine, Virginia, something borrowed and something blue might just include a corpse or two.
A winter getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains should be wonderland bliss for pre-wedding festivities. Instead, it’s a blizzard of suspicion as the groom’s Texas relatives arrive with secrets as deep as the falling snow.
Just when Dakota thinks she can’t handle one more wedding disaster, the officiating priest takes a fatal plunge from the fourth floor, with a bullet through his heart and Dakota’s boyfriend Sheriff Charlie Strong becomes the prime suspect.
With Charlie behind bars and the wedding hours away, Dakota must clear his name while ensuring her best friend gets her perfect day. Between a gun-wielding father of the groom, a scandalous romance and a bride who refuses to postpone, Dakota faces her greatest challenge yet. Can she unmask a killer before the wedding march? Or will this matrimony end in mayhem?
If you love the humor of Janet Evanovich and Elle Cosimano, the charm of small-town secrets, and amateur sleuths with a flair for finding trouble, this maid-of-honor mystery is your perfect match.
A winter getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains should be wonderland bliss for pre-wedding festivities. Instead, it’s a blizzard of suspicion as the groom’s Texas relatives arrive with secrets as deep as the falling snow.
Just when Dakota thinks she can’t handle one more wedding disaster, the officiating priest takes a fatal plunge from the fourth floor, with a bullet through his heart and Dakota’s boyfriend Sheriff Charlie Strong becomes the prime suspect.
With Charlie behind bars and the wedding hours away, Dakota must clear his name while ensuring her best friend gets her perfect day. Between a gun-wielding father of the groom, a scandalous romance and a bride who refuses to postpone, Dakota faces her greatest challenge yet. Can she unmask a killer before the wedding march? Or will this matrimony end in mayhem?
If you love the humor of Janet Evanovich and Elle Cosimano, the charm of small-town secrets, and amateur sleuths with a flair for finding trouble, this maid-of-honor mystery is your perfect match.
- GenresCozy
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 23, 2026
49 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Bird
11 books295 followersKristen has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mixes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 4, 2025
There is so much going on in #ABridesGuidetoHappinessandHomicide #NetGalley,I don't know where to start.
Dakota's best friend Lacy is getting married and the family drama soon starts when both women are beyond shocked when the groom's ex girlfriend invites herself to the festivities.
Bella is not very nice, and when I say that, it's a huge compliment to the author! I love when an author creates a character who can reamake me sputter in frustration and annoyance.
The minister isn't really a minister, or is he, lol? Todd was a snake, making him my second favorite character.
If you add in a bit of art theft, you have yourself the makings of a wonderful cozy mystery, and this is a solid 5 star review.
Dakota's best friend Lacy is getting married and the family drama soon starts when both women are beyond shocked when the groom's ex girlfriend invites herself to the festivities.
Bella is not very nice, and when I say that, it's a huge compliment to the author! I love when an author creates a character who can reamake me sputter in frustration and annoyance.
The minister isn't really a minister, or is he, lol? Todd was a snake, making him my second favorite character.
If you add in a bit of art theft, you have yourself the makings of a wonderful cozy mystery, and this is a solid 5 star review.
November 10, 2025
Arc from NetGalley to be published January 2026
2.5 stars rounded up
This book was well written but to me it dragged, felt like there was a lot of unnecessary knowledge bestowed upon the reader and although the murder happened early getting back to it felt like a sludge.
I’ll admit the premise was good, the characters were well thought out and overall was a great book, just wish the pacing allowed for me to be much more on edge than I was.
Also rated down as I guessed the murderer almost immediately as it was extremely spelled out
2.5 stars rounded up
This book was well written but to me it dragged, felt like there was a lot of unnecessary knowledge bestowed upon the reader and although the murder happened early getting back to it felt like a sludge.
I’ll admit the premise was good, the characters were well thought out and overall was a great book, just wish the pacing allowed for me to be much more on edge than I was.
Also rated down as I guessed the murderer almost immediately as it was extremely spelled out
November 12, 2025
Title: A Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide
Series: Dakota Green Book #3
Author: Kristen Bird
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: January 23, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 274
A winter getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains should be wonderland bliss for pre-wedding festivities. Instead, it’s a blizzard of suspicion as the groom’s Texas relatives arrive with secrets as deep as the falling snow.
Just when Dakota thinks she can’t handle one more wedding disaster, the Reverent Todd Anderson to will be marring Anton and Lacy is found dead in the snow with a bullet through his heart.
The Reverend is not a typical man of the cloth. He is in his early thirties and dating an older woman who just happens to be the mother of the groom.
It seems Dakota’s boyfriend Sheriff Charlie Strong got into a bit of disagreeing the day before and actually hit Anderson.
Sure enough the Sheriff becomes a suspect in the murder.
About the author ~ Kristen Bird has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mi
I enjoyed reading Ms. Bird’s “A Letter From the Author’ - It is always fun hearing the author’s personal side in writing a story. She tells us that she and her husband and their three teenagers traveled to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. States it was a fresh experiencing going back to the mansion that inspired her Dakota’s mysteries.
She hopes readers enjoyed spending time with Dakota, Lacy, Savilla and Aunt DeeDee as much as she enjoyed writing about them.
I can say ‘yes’ I enjoyed it and am anxious to find out the next chapter in the lives of Dakota, Charlie and of the other folks in Aubergine.
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this enjoyable eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 23, 2026.
Series: Dakota Green Book #3
Author: Kristen Bird
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: January 23, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 274
A winter getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains should be wonderland bliss for pre-wedding festivities. Instead, it’s a blizzard of suspicion as the groom’s Texas relatives arrive with secrets as deep as the falling snow.
Just when Dakota thinks she can’t handle one more wedding disaster, the Reverent Todd Anderson to will be marring Anton and Lacy is found dead in the snow with a bullet through his heart.
The Reverend is not a typical man of the cloth. He is in his early thirties and dating an older woman who just happens to be the mother of the groom.
It seems Dakota’s boyfriend Sheriff Charlie Strong got into a bit of disagreeing the day before and actually hit Anderson.
Sure enough the Sheriff becomes a suspect in the murder.
About the author ~ Kristen Bird has lived coast to coast, but with her extended family in north Alabama, her roots run southern deep. She teaches high school English and writes in local coffee shops near her home outside of Houston. In her free time, she likes to visit parks with her three daughters, watch quirky films with her husband, and attempt to keep pace with her rescue lab-mi
I enjoyed reading Ms. Bird’s “A Letter From the Author’ - It is always fun hearing the author’s personal side in writing a story. She tells us that she and her husband and their three teenagers traveled to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. States it was a fresh experiencing going back to the mansion that inspired her Dakota’s mysteries.
She hopes readers enjoyed spending time with Dakota, Lacy, Savilla and Aunt DeeDee as much as she enjoyed writing about them.
I can say ‘yes’ I enjoyed it and am anxious to find out the next chapter in the lives of Dakota, Charlie and of the other folks in Aubergine.
Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this enjoyable eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 23, 2026.
December 7, 2025
A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide by Kristen Bird is the third book in the Dakota Green series. Readers can read this as a standalone, but it might be better to go to the beginning and read A Beauty Queen's Guide to Murder and Mayhem and An Heiress's Guide to Death and Diamonds to meet the characters and catch on the backstory of them.
Dakota Green is back home in Aubergine, Virginia for her best friend Lacy’s wedding to Anton at Dakota’s and Savilla’s estate, The Rose. What is supposed to be an intimate event is turned into a three-ring circus by Anton’s mother, Patty, who is dating the much younger priest, Todd. To top things off, Patty invites Bella, Anton’s ex-girlfriend, who wants to renew things with him.
Things are definitely shady with Anton’s family with dropped hints of deliveries and business dealings when they are supposed to be cattle ranchers. Patty tells Anton they expect him to marry Bella and continue the family business. There is so much going on in this book that you almost need a score card. Todd is murdered, paintings are stolen, Charlie is framed for Todd’s murder, and Dakota is wrestling with the decision on where to live now that she has graduated from veterinarian school.
The ending of the story with the wedding and the solving of the mysteries is pretty amazing and such fun. I think this book feels rushed at times to get to a solution, however, it could be because Dakota is racing around to clear Charlie’s name. Regardless, it is a thoroughly enjoyable story with delightful characters, and I look forward to more in this series. Once again, Savilla and her combining of words is so funny!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dakota Green is back home in Aubergine, Virginia for her best friend Lacy’s wedding to Anton at Dakota’s and Savilla’s estate, The Rose. What is supposed to be an intimate event is turned into a three-ring circus by Anton’s mother, Patty, who is dating the much younger priest, Todd. To top things off, Patty invites Bella, Anton’s ex-girlfriend, who wants to renew things with him.
Things are definitely shady with Anton’s family with dropped hints of deliveries and business dealings when they are supposed to be cattle ranchers. Patty tells Anton they expect him to marry Bella and continue the family business. There is so much going on in this book that you almost need a score card. Todd is murdered, paintings are stolen, Charlie is framed for Todd’s murder, and Dakota is wrestling with the decision on where to live now that she has graduated from veterinarian school.
The ending of the story with the wedding and the solving of the mysteries is pretty amazing and such fun. I think this book feels rushed at times to get to a solution, however, it could be because Dakota is racing around to clear Charlie’s name. Regardless, it is a thoroughly enjoyable story with delightful characters, and I look forward to more in this series. Once again, Savilla and her combining of words is so funny!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC Review-
A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide by Kristen Bird is a murder mystery that follows Dakota Green- veterinarian and amateur sleuth. It is the third book of the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Dakota and her Sheriff boyfriend (Charlie) are back in her home town for her best friend's (Lacy's) wedding. After a body is found during the rehearsal dinner, and Charlie is arrested as the suspect, Dakota and Lacy are on a mission to clear Charlie's name and bring down an art thief. Can they find enough evidence to save Charlie? Will Lacy get to marry Anton? Can their relationship survive the secrets and lies of his family?
Things I loved: Dakota's and Lacy's ride or die relationship is so refreshing. It's so nice to see a female friendship that is completely unconditional and supportive. I also loved the little nods to Dakota's and Charlie's romance. Very realistic but not the focus of the story.
Things I didn't love: pacing was a bit slow at times, but seemed necessary for giving backstory and clues. The art thieving ring is a bit fantastical, and I would have liked it better if there were more clues as to who/how the art was stolen.
I didn't read the first two books in the series and didn't have an issue understanding alignment. It makes enough references to the previous novels to provide any information needed. Having said that, it would be nice to have read the series from the beginning so I can see the development of the characters.
Very clever and well written. Even with the slow pace at times the story kept my attention and it was a quick read. 4⭐
Thank you to Kristen Bird, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide by Kristen Bird is a murder mystery that follows Dakota Green- veterinarian and amateur sleuth. It is the third book of the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Dakota and her Sheriff boyfriend (Charlie) are back in her home town for her best friend's (Lacy's) wedding. After a body is found during the rehearsal dinner, and Charlie is arrested as the suspect, Dakota and Lacy are on a mission to clear Charlie's name and bring down an art thief. Can they find enough evidence to save Charlie? Will Lacy get to marry Anton? Can their relationship survive the secrets and lies of his family?
Things I loved: Dakota's and Lacy's ride or die relationship is so refreshing. It's so nice to see a female friendship that is completely unconditional and supportive. I also loved the little nods to Dakota's and Charlie's romance. Very realistic but not the focus of the story.
Things I didn't love: pacing was a bit slow at times, but seemed necessary for giving backstory and clues. The art thieving ring is a bit fantastical, and I would have liked it better if there were more clues as to who/how the art was stolen.
I didn't read the first two books in the series and didn't have an issue understanding alignment. It makes enough references to the previous novels to provide any information needed. Having said that, it would be nice to have read the series from the beginning so I can see the development of the characters.
Very clever and well written. Even with the slow pace at times the story kept my attention and it was a quick read. 4⭐
Thank you to Kristen Bird, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A maid-of-honour mystery will small town trouble, amateur detectives, bad decisions and a healthy dose of hilarity. Dakota Green is back and once again in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time. If you've not read any of the other books in the Dakota trilogy and want to pick this up, you can absolutely read this as a standalone without losing the characters or too much context.
Now, before you get into this one - suspend your belief for a minute. This is very larger-than-life and zany with a character that isn't trying to be down-to-earth or real, finding herself in eye-rollingly absurd situations; however it is quite fun so if you're willing to just enjoy the ride you'll have a great time.
We start off in a wintery snowscape with utterly brilliant scene setting and an introduction to our cast including leading lady and main narrator, Dakota before the wedding chaos begins; cue nightmare relatives, meddling, uninvited guests and of course, a dead body..
For me, I found a few of the elements a bit too repetitive; in the beginning there's one 'gag' where Savilla makes new words in a mix of the languages she speaks - it was cute once, then just felt like mocking and a bit overdone a few chapters in. I love absurdity, but in this book, it just didn't land for me and left me not really connecting to anything happening.
It might not be my cup of tea, but this loud, energetic murder mystery is definitely someones shot of espresso.
Now, before you get into this one - suspend your belief for a minute. This is very larger-than-life and zany with a character that isn't trying to be down-to-earth or real, finding herself in eye-rollingly absurd situations; however it is quite fun so if you're willing to just enjoy the ride you'll have a great time.
We start off in a wintery snowscape with utterly brilliant scene setting and an introduction to our cast including leading lady and main narrator, Dakota before the wedding chaos begins; cue nightmare relatives, meddling, uninvited guests and of course, a dead body..
For me, I found a few of the elements a bit too repetitive; in the beginning there's one 'gag' where Savilla makes new words in a mix of the languages she speaks - it was cute once, then just felt like mocking and a bit overdone a few chapters in. I love absurdity, but in this book, it just didn't land for me and left me not really connecting to anything happening.
It might not be my cup of tea, but this loud, energetic murder mystery is definitely someones shot of espresso.
November 7, 2025
I got this arc from Storm Publishing on NetGalley. I enjoyed this mystery very much. It was a story you could fall for. I think because you had a love story going on besides the actual mystery part gave it a little depth. I have not read any of the other Dakota Green series so I was a little lost of the mentioning of prior story lines. No matter it could still be a stand alone. What I inferred was Dakota Green has found out who her real father was and was extremely wealthy which left her a heiress of the Rose estate along with a sister she never knew she had. During previous books she must have fallen for Sheriff Charlie Strong. They have been dating long distance for about 6 months. See easy catch up. Dakota has a very suspicious mind. She is in Aubergine, Virginia for her best friend’s wedding. The man she is marrying, Antoine, doesn’t really like his family or they are difficult in a way he can’t bring himself to say. During the rehearsal dinner they find the priest dead. Dakota and Charlie work together to figure out what has happened until Charlie himself is arrested…gasp. This book will keep you wanting more. I have to say I will most likely read the other two books if they are anything like this one.
Pub Date: Jan 23 2026 | Archive Date: Jan 24 2026
Pub Date: Jan 23 2026 | Archive Date: Jan 24 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rounded up to four stars because this is entertaining and kept me reading to find out who is who and what happens to them all. A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide
is a cozy mystery set in a universe that author Kristen has set up in the first two books in the series. Dakota Green has inherited the Rose Estate, alongside her half sister. When they host a wedding, the groom has a lot of awful family who turn up at the worst time with the worst motives to shut it down. It's not long before there is a body in the bushes and Dakota's boyfriend (and the local sheriff) Charlie is circumstantially in the wrong place. There are lots of characters, good and bad, plenty of drama around the Rose Estate, small town meddlers and a tight time frame with only three days until the wedding.
I must admit it's pretty unrealistic, and I didn't love all the overexplaining - trust the reader, please! That aside though, everything rattled along and I was intrigued to know how it would work out for the bride and groom, and Dakota and Charlie.
A light-as-a-feather cosy holiday masters you can read in a day. Thank you Storm Publishing and Kristen Bird for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
is a cozy mystery set in a universe that author Kristen has set up in the first two books in the series. Dakota Green has inherited the Rose Estate, alongside her half sister. When they host a wedding, the groom has a lot of awful family who turn up at the worst time with the worst motives to shut it down. It's not long before there is a body in the bushes and Dakota's boyfriend (and the local sheriff) Charlie is circumstantially in the wrong place. There are lots of characters, good and bad, plenty of drama around the Rose Estate, small town meddlers and a tight time frame with only three days until the wedding.
I must admit it's pretty unrealistic, and I didn't love all the overexplaining - trust the reader, please! That aside though, everything rattled along and I was intrigued to know how it would work out for the bride and groom, and Dakota and Charlie.
A light-as-a-feather cosy holiday masters you can read in a day. Thank you Storm Publishing and Kristen Bird for the ARC. Opinions are my own.
December 6, 2025
Okay, I've got to be honest folks, I wasn't expecting to enjoy this quite as much as I did. This despite my realising, after reading chapter one, that this is part of a series and I've clearly missed the first few books. I've never let that stop me before, and it didn't stop me this time either. 🥂
There's a lot going on in this book, and the cast of characters is on the large side. In hindsight, reading the earlier books would have given context and fleshed out the main protagonists. I soldiered on though, and found that I was enjoying the story despite these minor setbacks. 🥂
The bride of the title is Lacey, who is soon to marry Anton Swanson. But Anton's family, ranchers from Texas, are not as they seem. What are they really up to? 🥂
A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide has all the ingredients for a great thriller; murder, theft, blackmail, intrigue. Unfortunately the main protagonist, Dakota Green, has a tendency to gush like a character from a V.C. Andrews novel, which can be a tad annoying, but didn't totally spoil my enjoyment. 🥂
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
There's a lot going on in this book, and the cast of characters is on the large side. In hindsight, reading the earlier books would have given context and fleshed out the main protagonists. I soldiered on though, and found that I was enjoying the story despite these minor setbacks. 🥂
The bride of the title is Lacey, who is soon to marry Anton Swanson. But Anton's family, ranchers from Texas, are not as they seem. What are they really up to? 🥂
A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide has all the ingredients for a great thriller; murder, theft, blackmail, intrigue. Unfortunately the main protagonist, Dakota Green, has a tendency to gush like a character from a V.C. Andrews novel, which can be a tad annoying, but didn't totally spoil my enjoyment. 🥂
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC.
November 11, 2025
Weddings can be dramatic, but this one takes the cake.
Dakota is back in her beloved hometown of Aubergine for her best friend Lacy's wedding. What they didn't expect was the outright hostility and sketchiness of Lacy's soon-to-be in-laws. When the priest officiating their wedding turns up dead, Dakota is on the case to help clear her boyfriend Charlie's name while also making sure that Lacy gets the wedding of her dreams.
I have been a fan of the Dakota Green mysteries from the start, and this latest instalment is no exception. The power of female relationships is at the centre of this whole series, emphasizing the need for us all to be there for each other through thick and thin.
I found myself wishing for the adorable bachelorette party that Dakota put together for Lacy, and couldn't stop reading until the very last page. The characters work so well together to create a community that feels true to real life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
Dakota is back in her beloved hometown of Aubergine for her best friend Lacy's wedding. What they didn't expect was the outright hostility and sketchiness of Lacy's soon-to-be in-laws. When the priest officiating their wedding turns up dead, Dakota is on the case to help clear her boyfriend Charlie's name while also making sure that Lacy gets the wedding of her dreams.
I have been a fan of the Dakota Green mysteries from the start, and this latest instalment is no exception. The power of female relationships is at the centre of this whole series, emphasizing the need for us all to be there for each other through thick and thin.
I found myself wishing for the adorable bachelorette party that Dakota put together for Lacy, and couldn't stop reading until the very last page. The characters work so well together to create a community that feels true to real life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
November 20, 2025
Lacy thought she knew Anton, the man she had lived with for two years and was marrying in a couple of days. Dakota is her very best friend since forever, works as a vet tech, and is still in veterinary school at home in Virginia. Sounds simple enough, but then the groom's mother arrives from Texas with a horde of unfriendly female relatives and his ex-girlfriend whom he is supposed to marry regardless of what he wants. Then Dakota finds the priest (more like Anton's mother's boy toy) dead in the garden even before the wedding day! A very fun read with some characters so realistic you want to use a little pink Glock on them and others so delightful that you wish they were real. A few surprises and twists make this a real winner.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review e-galley from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date Jan 23, 2026
#ABridesGuidetoHappinessandHomicide by @kristenbirdwrites #DakotaGreenMysteryBk3 @stormbooks_co
#weddingmayhem #cozymystery #toxicfamily #laughyoursoxoff #copboyfriend #friendship
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review e-galley from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Pub Date Jan 23, 2026
#ABridesGuidetoHappinessandHomicide by @kristenbirdwrites #DakotaGreenMysteryBk3 @stormbooks_co
#weddingmayhem #cozymystery #toxicfamily #laughyoursoxoff #copboyfriend #friendship
November 26, 2025
This is a review based on an arc provided by the author and NetGalley.
This is the third book in the Dakota Green Mystery series, and despite not having read the first two, I had no problem knowing what was going on or even background information on the characters. Unfortunately, part of this was due to a lot of infodumping.
The main character, Dakota is the maid of honour in her best friend's wedding when she of finds a murder victim which leads to her boyfriend, the sheriff, being accused of the murder. So, this is meant to be a humourous story centred around an amateur detective, which is a micro genre I've enjoyed in the past and was the reason I requested this ARC.
The humour wasn't really funny. At times the language was very weird and stilted. I am sorry, but I disagree with the reviews claiming this was well written. While it might have been mostly structured competently and didn't have glaring grammatical errors, it didn't feel natural at all. This should have been an enjoyable read for me, but it wasn't. There are better examples of the genre out there.
This is the third book in the Dakota Green Mystery series, and despite not having read the first two, I had no problem knowing what was going on or even background information on the characters. Unfortunately, part of this was due to a lot of infodumping.
The main character, Dakota is the maid of honour in her best friend's wedding when she of finds a murder victim which leads to her boyfriend, the sheriff, being accused of the murder. So, this is meant to be a humourous story centred around an amateur detective, which is a micro genre I've enjoyed in the past and was the reason I requested this ARC.
The humour wasn't really funny. At times the language was very weird and stilted. I am sorry, but I disagree with the reviews claiming this was well written. While it might have been mostly structured competently and didn't have glaring grammatical errors, it didn't feel natural at all. This should have been an enjoyable read for me, but it wasn't. There are better examples of the genre out there.
November 20, 2025
My rating: 🩵🩵🩵🩵
Thank you so much NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
My thoughts: Honestly I think I’m becoming a fan of small town cozy mysteries. I was easily swayed to pick this book by the cute cover and the whole drama at a wedding because I live for the drama. But dang, did I get thrown into the drama from the start with a murdered priest to kick it off. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a wild ride for sure.
What I loved:
💒 Dakota and Lacy’s friendship is so amazing! I mean I’d be a mess if a priest was found dead days before my wedding. Lacy had a ride or die bestie with her!
💒 looooved the messy family drama that came from Lacy’s fiancé Anton. It’s like watching trash reality TV. Live for it.
💒 The small town vibes were so amazing. Everyone got involved for the wedding, and it felt so sweet and caring.
💒 Dakota is basically an amateur detective. Finding clues and piecing them together left and right.
Overall, really fun read with nice little twists and surprises.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
My thoughts: Honestly I think I’m becoming a fan of small town cozy mysteries. I was easily swayed to pick this book by the cute cover and the whole drama at a wedding because I live for the drama. But dang, did I get thrown into the drama from the start with a murdered priest to kick it off. I won’t spoil it, but it’s a wild ride for sure.
What I loved:
💒 Dakota and Lacy’s friendship is so amazing! I mean I’d be a mess if a priest was found dead days before my wedding. Lacy had a ride or die bestie with her!
💒 looooved the messy family drama that came from Lacy’s fiancé Anton. It’s like watching trash reality TV. Live for it.
💒 The small town vibes were so amazing. Everyone got involved for the wedding, and it felt so sweet and caring.
💒 Dakota is basically an amateur detective. Finding clues and piecing them together left and right.
Overall, really fun read with nice little twists and surprises.
December 3, 2025
Thanks to Netgallery and Kristen Bird for this ARC.
Another banger of a read from Kristen Bird in the her Dakota Green series. This time Dakota is maid of honour for her friend Lacy's winter wedding, she is expecting champagne toasts and bouquets tosses not death and Art theft. She thought the least of her troubles was dealing with her friend's future in laws and Anton's former sweetheart trying to cause discord as they don't feel Lacy is right for Anton, but soon she finds the priest dead in the bushes and her beau Charlie Strong is in the frame as prime suspect. Dakota is soon trying to clear Charlie's name and also trying to find who is taking art, she is also pondering whether she should take a fellowship in San Diego or set up a vet practice in Aubergine after she graduates. This was so great and engaging and is just as good as the last two entries, it you like the Stephanie Plum series then you'll love the Dakota Green books and I can't wait to see what is next.
Another banger of a read from Kristen Bird in the her Dakota Green series. This time Dakota is maid of honour for her friend Lacy's winter wedding, she is expecting champagne toasts and bouquets tosses not death and Art theft. She thought the least of her troubles was dealing with her friend's future in laws and Anton's former sweetheart trying to cause discord as they don't feel Lacy is right for Anton, but soon she finds the priest dead in the bushes and her beau Charlie Strong is in the frame as prime suspect. Dakota is soon trying to clear Charlie's name and also trying to find who is taking art, she is also pondering whether she should take a fellowship in San Diego or set up a vet practice in Aubergine after she graduates. This was so great and engaging and is just as good as the last two entries, it you like the Stephanie Plum series then you'll love the Dakota Green books and I can't wait to see what is next.
December 28, 2025
This is the third book in the Dakota Green series, but it reads easily as a stand alone. Dakota has recently found out who her biological father was, which has given her a very large inheritance in her small hometown, which includes a half sister, Savilla. Dakota is dating the local sheriff and they are both serving as attendants at her best friend’s wedding the weekend after Christmas. Savilla is hosting the wedding at the family estate, so it seems like everything will be perfect. Until the groom’s family arrives. Before you know it, there’s a dead priest and things are being stolen from all over town. While the sheriff becomes the suspect, Dakota has to figure out what’s going on in her hometown.
I loved this story, and all the twisted elements and connections that came to light throughout. I can’t wait to go back and read the first two novels. 4.5 ⭐️ This book publishes on January 23, 2026.
I loved this story, and all the twisted elements and connections that came to light throughout. I can’t wait to go back and read the first two novels. 4.5 ⭐️ This book publishes on January 23, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dakota Green is in Aubergine for her best friend Lacy’s wedding. Expecting champagne and a relaxing, fun time together again, it turns out to be quite different. The in-laws-to-be have sketchy backgrounds and larceny instead of a wedding on their minds, the priest is not a priest and then there is the problem of a missing painting. Will Lacy ever walk down the aisle? She will, if Dakota can solve a murder and stop a theft in order for the I do’s to happen. With quirky characters, some sage advice and a nose for mystery, Dakota is determined to see her friend happily married.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book without remuneration and this review is my own opinion.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC. I received a complimentary copy of this book without remuneration and this review is my own opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When Dakota Green's best friend's wedding weekend start off, it's not how any of them pictured it. Anton's family has arrived early and they have other business to attend to other than just wedding activities. The night of the bachelor/bachelorette parties were more than enough chaos but when the priest is found murdered more secrets are revealed and lives are changed.
This is the third book in this series but the first I've read. I had no problem keeping up with who was who, but there are a lot of characters. The mystery was good, well thought out. There was a lot going on to keep you guessing who exactly the murderer was. Savilla's combining words to create new words got old pretty quick for me. Overall an entertaining read.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
This is the third book in this series but the first I've read. I had no problem keeping up with who was who, but there are a lot of characters. The mystery was good, well thought out. There was a lot going on to keep you guessing who exactly the murderer was. Savilla's combining words to create new words got old pretty quick for me. Overall an entertaining read.
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC
I'll start by saying that this is the first book I've read by this author. Even though it's not the first in the series, it can be read independently there are interconnected books in the series. I'll definitely try other books by her, because I really liked this one.
I like Dakota as a character, she's very funny, but I also like her way of thinking.
The book didn't have a very big and mysterious plot, it was quite easy to figure things out, but the twists and turns were funny, easy, and captivating.
It gave me an Agatha Christie vibe, but in a cozy way.
I'll start by saying that this is the first book I've read by this author. Even though it's not the first in the series, it can be read independently there are interconnected books in the series. I'll definitely try other books by her, because I really liked this one.
I like Dakota as a character, she's very funny, but I also like her way of thinking.
The book didn't have a very big and mysterious plot, it was quite easy to figure things out, but the twists and turns were funny, easy, and captivating.
It gave me an Agatha Christie vibe, but in a cozy way.
November 17, 2025
This is the third book in a series, and it does reference earlier events, however there is enough information to make sense of the plot if you haven’t read the first two. Shady characters and strange family members arrive at this wedding and there is a murder. This is a light heart romp because the characters are so stereotypical and some of the happenings are a little unbelievable. This is not my favourite genre, but it would appeal to other readers and make for great holiday reading. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book for me to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Dakota Green's best friend Lacy is getting married to Anton.
When members of his family arrive early with uninvited guests, Dakota and Lacy try and take it in their stride. When the brides dress is damaged and then a guest is shot dead, things start getting out of hand. What makes it worse is that Charlie, the sheriff and Dakota's boyfriend, is in the firing line. Will Dakota and Lacy be able to figure out who is behind it before the wedding takes place.
A quick easy read set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
When members of his family arrive early with uninvited guests, Dakota and Lacy try and take it in their stride. When the brides dress is damaged and then a guest is shot dead, things start getting out of hand. What makes it worse is that Charlie, the sheriff and Dakota's boyfriend, is in the firing line. Will Dakota and Lacy be able to figure out who is behind it before the wedding takes place.
A quick easy read set in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
November 7, 2025
"Something was afoot... and... stank to high heaven."
Our favorite beauty queen cum heiress, Dakota Green, is back! Just in time for best friend Lacy's wedding. But are the new in-laws more than just your average annoying in-laws, are they also murderers? You know, our girl Dakota is on the case!
I think this series gets better each book, and I can't wait for more shenanigans in Aubergine with Dakota and crew!
Our favorite beauty queen cum heiress, Dakota Green, is back! Just in time for best friend Lacy's wedding. But are the new in-laws more than just your average annoying in-laws, are they also murderers? You know, our girl Dakota is on the case!
I think this series gets better each book, and I can't wait for more shenanigans in Aubergine with Dakota and crew!
November 7, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the arc of this book. A Bride's Guide to Happiness and Homicide the third book in the A Dakota Green Mystery Series. Even though this book is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone without being too confused. In this book Dakota is home in Aubergine for Lucy's wedding being held at The Rose. This book is a cozy hometown mystery. This book had some twists and turns. Another great book by Kristen Bird.
November 8, 2025
Fun, quick read. It didn’t exactly have me on the edge of my seat but it was intriguing enough to hold my attention. I liked how it was written and will definitely look forward to other titles by Kristen Bird.
Thank You to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the pre-approved access to read this ARC.
Thank You to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the pre-approved access to read this ARC.
November 23, 2025
Another novel in a series. Dakota's best friend is getting married, but between a dead priest, a gun wielding father in law and stolen paintings, there is a lot to sort out before the big day itself.
This novel was quite a pleasant read. but lacked the surprising twists and turns of a really good whodunnit. Usually, if I read a book part way into a series, I would take the time to read the other books in a series, but I didn't enjoy this novel to warrant the investment of time.
This novel was quite a pleasant read. but lacked the surprising twists and turns of a really good whodunnit. Usually, if I read a book part way into a series, I would take the time to read the other books in a series, but I didn't enjoy this novel to warrant the investment of time.
November 26, 2025
I'm a big fan of Kristen Bird's mystery novels about the townsfolk of Aubergine, the Rose Palace, and the local veterinary aka hometown sleuth, Dakota Green. I enjoyed this one, too! I hope there's more to come.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
December 23, 2025
A Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide is the third book in the Dakota Green series. Since I haven’t read the first two books in the series I can say that it can be easily read as a stand-alone. The protagonist, Dakota Green, is a veterinary student who has not only stumbled on a few murders, but she has also been involved in the solutions of the cases.
Dakota lives in New York where she studies in veterinary school, but she is now back in her hometown, Aubergine in Virginia, for the wedding of her best friend Lacy. Weddings can be difficult, but this one is on a whole another level. For starters, the groom’s mother is not exactly thrilled with her son’s choice of a wife and has invited his ex-girlfriend to the wedding. Also, officiating the wedding is a young priest who seems to be in a quite intimate relationship with the groom’s mother. And, while his family is pressuring him to cancel the wedding and return home to Texas to manage the family ranch, it is clear that there is something else going on, especially when the young priest turns up dead.
A Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide was quite an enjoyable, immersive, and quick read (I read it in one evening). The author gives a bit of background about the protagonist’s story in the previous books, from the death of her mother to the discovery of her real father and her newly found stepsister, and while she tries to figure out who is the killer and save her best friend’s wedding, Dakota must also find time to decide about her future, whether to accept the fellowship in San Diego (and keep long distance her relationship with the handsome sheriff) or return home and open her own veterinary surgery.
There is suspense, there is laughter, and there is even a bit of romance and I can’t wait to read more books in the series.
Dakota lives in New York where she studies in veterinary school, but she is now back in her hometown, Aubergine in Virginia, for the wedding of her best friend Lacy. Weddings can be difficult, but this one is on a whole another level. For starters, the groom’s mother is not exactly thrilled with her son’s choice of a wife and has invited his ex-girlfriend to the wedding. Also, officiating the wedding is a young priest who seems to be in a quite intimate relationship with the groom’s mother. And, while his family is pressuring him to cancel the wedding and return home to Texas to manage the family ranch, it is clear that there is something else going on, especially when the young priest turns up dead.
A Bride’s Guide to Happiness and Homicide was quite an enjoyable, immersive, and quick read (I read it in one evening). The author gives a bit of background about the protagonist’s story in the previous books, from the death of her mother to the discovery of her real father and her newly found stepsister, and while she tries to figure out who is the killer and save her best friend’s wedding, Dakota must also find time to decide about her future, whether to accept the fellowship in San Diego (and keep long distance her relationship with the handsome sheriff) or return home and open her own veterinary surgery.
There is suspense, there is laughter, and there is even a bit of romance and I can’t wait to read more books in the series.
November 25, 2025
An enjoyable read, love Savannah’s word mash. It didn't quite reach the chaotic humour of Stephanie Plum but was humorous nonetheless. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 26, 2025
There was a lot going on in this story which should have just been a wedding celebration. Great fun to read wondering what was coming next from the grooms very disruptive family which included theft as well as death. Lovely conclusion with all the ends neatly tied.
November 11, 2025
An intriguing and fun read but not one that I was excited about. The writing was great and the characters were interesting but, sadly, this isn’t a series that I’ll continue reading.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
twisty and fun book that's cozy and has a relatively predictable killer who still wows. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
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