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The Daphne Project
A fresh start, a budding romance, and a small-town mystery—Bridget Jones meets Nancy Drew.
Daphne Patterson hasn’t just hit rock bottom—she’s faceplanted. At thirty, she’s an unemployed librarian, betrayed by her fiancé, and stuck living with her overbearing mother. To say she needs a fresh start is an understatement. When she unexpectedly inherits a house from her long-lost great-aunt Florence in the quaint town of Cobb, Maine, she sees her chance. The plan? Settle the will, sell the house, and rebuild her life—far away from her family.
But Cobb has other ideas. As Daphne settles into Florence’s home, memories of the one summer they spent together resurface—books, to-do lists, and crackling vinyl records. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes how little she knew about her great-aunt, especially when a mysterious clue makes her question Florence’s supposed suicide.
Between eccentric townsfolk, unexpected discoveries, and a mystery she can’t ignore, Daphne’s plans take an unforeseen turn. With the help of new friends, plenty of coffee, and a few surprises, she just might find the belonging she’s been searching for. But if she stays lost in stories instead of writing her own, she might miss out on the real-life happy ending waiting for her in Cobb.
Daphne Patterson hasn’t just hit rock bottom—she’s faceplanted. At thirty, she’s an unemployed librarian, betrayed by her fiancé, and stuck living with her overbearing mother. To say she needs a fresh start is an understatement. When she unexpectedly inherits a house from her long-lost great-aunt Florence in the quaint town of Cobb, Maine, she sees her chance. The plan? Settle the will, sell the house, and rebuild her life—far away from her family.
But Cobb has other ideas. As Daphne settles into Florence’s home, memories of the one summer they spent together resurface—books, to-do lists, and crackling vinyl records. The more she uncovers, the more she realizes how little she knew about her great-aunt, especially when a mysterious clue makes her question Florence’s supposed suicide.
Between eccentric townsfolk, unexpected discoveries, and a mystery she can’t ignore, Daphne’s plans take an unforeseen turn. With the help of new friends, plenty of coffee, and a few surprises, she just might find the belonging she’s been searching for. But if she stays lost in stories instead of writing her own, she might miss out on the real-life happy ending waiting for her in Cobb.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 25, 2025
This book was such a fantastic read! Fun, heartwarming, mysterious w/ great realistic characters! Enjoyed it from start to finish!
January 24, 2026
Thirty-year-old Daphne Peterson is having one tough time of it in her life in The Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents. She’s not only an unemployed librarian, but her engagement fell apart, and she is living with her overbearing mother. Nothing seems to be going right for her right now. So when she inherits a house unexpectedly in Cobb, Maine, from her great-aunt Florence, she jumps at a fresh start to everything in her life. The course she plans for herself is to sell the house and use the money to move far away from her family.
But once she moves into her inherited house, things start taking on a new plan of its own for her. She begins reliving the old memories she had in her great aunt’s house one summer, and she longs for that happiness again. She also realizes that she truly didn’t know her great-aunt as well as she thought she did. So Daphne sets out on a mission to find out more information about her great-aunt and if she truly died of a suicide as was told to her. Does Daphne find out if her great-aunt truly took her own life? What else does she find while living in Cobb?
This was one of those stories that is jammed packed with so much fun, you just can’t put the book down. I truly felt bad for Daphne and it seemed if something could go wrong for her, it did. She lost her librarian job at the age of thirty, her engagement fell apart because her fiancé betrayed her, and to make matters even worse, she was living with such an overbearing mother that I truly hoped things started turning out better for her as soon as possible. It was a blessing in disguise when she found out that her great-aunt Florence left Daphne her house in Cobb, Maine. It truly felt that this was the turn of events that Daphne needed to move on with her life and start fresh again.
The fact that Daphne was told that great-aunt Florence committed suicide threw this reviewer a bit for a loop, because I thought it was a bit crazy that an older woman would take her own life. I was so happy that Daphne decided to start looking into the situation for herself to gain the answers she had a right to know. This was a light mystery, but one that was truly enjoyable to unfold as I turned the pages. I wanted to know as much as Daphne why great-aunt Florence would go to such extremes by taking her own life.
The setting in Cobb, Maine, was expertly described by Jacqui Lents. The storyline was so detailed in not only unfolding the mystery of great-aunt Florence, but all the details describing Cobb, Maine, made me feel as if I was in this quaint little town, seeing it through my eyes. I fell in love with the town, so much so that I wish it truly existed to go visit it myself.
One other important detail worth mentioning was that the characters felt like real people the readers were getting to know as soon as they started to read this book. They could easily start developing feelings while they were investing their time getting to know them. They truly felt like neighbors and town folks that you wanted to be friends with, which made this story even more enjoyable for me.
The Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents is one story that has a mix of coming of age, a light mystery, and a desire to travel to quaint Cobb, Maine to experience small town life for yourself. It’s one you will easily find yourself engrossed in and hate when it comes to an end. Not to mention that the characters are so believable you’ll feel like they are real people you are getting to know. This is one book that comes highly recommended. Well done, Ms. Lents!
But once she moves into her inherited house, things start taking on a new plan of its own for her. She begins reliving the old memories she had in her great aunt’s house one summer, and she longs for that happiness again. She also realizes that she truly didn’t know her great-aunt as well as she thought she did. So Daphne sets out on a mission to find out more information about her great-aunt and if she truly died of a suicide as was told to her. Does Daphne find out if her great-aunt truly took her own life? What else does she find while living in Cobb?
This was one of those stories that is jammed packed with so much fun, you just can’t put the book down. I truly felt bad for Daphne and it seemed if something could go wrong for her, it did. She lost her librarian job at the age of thirty, her engagement fell apart because her fiancé betrayed her, and to make matters even worse, she was living with such an overbearing mother that I truly hoped things started turning out better for her as soon as possible. It was a blessing in disguise when she found out that her great-aunt Florence left Daphne her house in Cobb, Maine. It truly felt that this was the turn of events that Daphne needed to move on with her life and start fresh again.
The fact that Daphne was told that great-aunt Florence committed suicide threw this reviewer a bit for a loop, because I thought it was a bit crazy that an older woman would take her own life. I was so happy that Daphne decided to start looking into the situation for herself to gain the answers she had a right to know. This was a light mystery, but one that was truly enjoyable to unfold as I turned the pages. I wanted to know as much as Daphne why great-aunt Florence would go to such extremes by taking her own life.
The setting in Cobb, Maine, was expertly described by Jacqui Lents. The storyline was so detailed in not only unfolding the mystery of great-aunt Florence, but all the details describing Cobb, Maine, made me feel as if I was in this quaint little town, seeing it through my eyes. I fell in love with the town, so much so that I wish it truly existed to go visit it myself.
One other important detail worth mentioning was that the characters felt like real people the readers were getting to know as soon as they started to read this book. They could easily start developing feelings while they were investing their time getting to know them. They truly felt like neighbors and town folks that you wanted to be friends with, which made this story even more enjoyable for me.
The Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents is one story that has a mix of coming of age, a light mystery, and a desire to travel to quaint Cobb, Maine to experience small town life for yourself. It’s one you will easily find yourself engrossed in and hate when it comes to an end. Not to mention that the characters are so believable you’ll feel like they are real people you are getting to know. This is one book that comes highly recommended. Well done, Ms. Lents!
January 24, 2026
I enjoyed this book.
There were times in the book where I did not like Daphne at all. I was shouting in my head No Don't DO That!!!!
Daphne inherits her Aunts house and all that goes with it. She sees this as an opportunity to get out from under her mothers thumb - about time too. However, as she makes friends in Cobb and goes about settling into her new home, she thinks her Aunt was murdered and sets about finding out maybe who killed her.
She also makes friends but will her sleuthing tear her new life apart? I honestly had worked one part of the plot out but didn't see the twist coming.
Looking forward to the next books.
There were times in the book where I did not like Daphne at all. I was shouting in my head No Don't DO That!!!!
Daphne inherits her Aunts house and all that goes with it. She sees this as an opportunity to get out from under her mothers thumb - about time too. However, as she makes friends in Cobb and goes about settling into her new home, she thinks her Aunt was murdered and sets about finding out maybe who killed her.
She also makes friends but will her sleuthing tear her new life apart? I honestly had worked one part of the plot out but didn't see the twist coming.
Looking forward to the next books.
April 4, 2026
I loved this story! It is a cozy mystery and a romance, set in small town Maine, and follows a woman’s journey of self discovery and really, acceptance of herself just the way she is. It had a really good twist that I did not see coming!
August 4, 2025
A very cute finding oneself book with a small town base!
July 30, 2025
If you're looking for your next coming-of-age novel and want to travel through the pages to the coast of Maine, The Daphne Project is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful story layered with familial tensions and the complexities of friendship, capturing the emotional push and pull of growing up and finding your place. Jacqui Lents weaves in a charming small-town atmosphere with characters you can’t help but root for. Plus, there’s a light mystery threaded throughout that adds a fun whodunit twist. It was everything I wanted in a book—heartfelt, immersive, and wholly satisfying.
October 12, 2025
This book was not what I expected, but was so much more. I loved it. Daphne’s character progressed so much throughout the story. The murder mystery (was it murder?) kinda took second stage. Great ending! I loved it!
March 14, 2026
The Daphne Project is one of those quietly compelling novels that grows stronger with each chapter. Jacqui Lents demonstrates a keen understanding of emotional nuance, particularly the complicated dynamic between mothers and daughters.
What struck me most is how authentically Daphne’s internal struggle unfolds. Lents does not rush her transformation. Instead, she allows readers to sit with Daphne’s doubts, fears, and small victories. That patience makes the eventual growth feel earned rather than manufactured.
The childhood chapters involving Aunt Florence are particularly effective. They add warmth, texture, and emotional contrast to the rigid upbringing Daphne experiences at home. These scenes breathe life into the narrative and give readers insight into the seeds of resilience planted early in her life.
The prose is accessible yet thoughtful, with moments of humor woven naturally into heavier themes. I also appreciated how the author explores independence—not in dramatic, sweeping gestures—but in the quiet bravery of everyday decisions. That realism gives the story its strength.
If there is any criticism to note, it is that readers who prefer fast-paced, plot-driven fiction may find the novel more reflective than action-oriented. However, for those who value character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, this book will resonate beautifully.
The Daphne Project is ultimately a story about reclaiming one’s voice. It reminds us that it is never too late to rewrite the narrative others have written for us. Mature readers, book clubs, and anyone who has ever struggled to step out from under expectation will find much to discuss here.
Jacqui Lents has crafted a thoughtful, heartfelt novel that lingers long after the final page. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
What struck me most is how authentically Daphne’s internal struggle unfolds. Lents does not rush her transformation. Instead, she allows readers to sit with Daphne’s doubts, fears, and small victories. That patience makes the eventual growth feel earned rather than manufactured.
The childhood chapters involving Aunt Florence are particularly effective. They add warmth, texture, and emotional contrast to the rigid upbringing Daphne experiences at home. These scenes breathe life into the narrative and give readers insight into the seeds of resilience planted early in her life.
The prose is accessible yet thoughtful, with moments of humor woven naturally into heavier themes. I also appreciated how the author explores independence—not in dramatic, sweeping gestures—but in the quiet bravery of everyday decisions. That realism gives the story its strength.
If there is any criticism to note, it is that readers who prefer fast-paced, plot-driven fiction may find the novel more reflective than action-oriented. However, for those who value character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, this book will resonate beautifully.
The Daphne Project is ultimately a story about reclaiming one’s voice. It reminds us that it is never too late to rewrite the narrative others have written for us. Mature readers, book clubs, and anyone who has ever struggled to step out from under expectation will find much to discuss here.
Jacqui Lents has crafted a thoughtful, heartfelt novel that lingers long after the final page. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
March 2, 2026
The writing was light and engaging, expertly dealing with some tough, relatable situations. There were some thought provoking moments and some uncomfortable ones, which altogether made for an interesting read.
The chapters were a good length, meaning that you got a good chunk of the story without being overwhelmed. Some of the chapters were titled so that you knew when and whose point of view you were reading from. Not all of the chapters were titled, but it didn't take long to realise when and who you were reading about. I enjoyed reading the different characters' points of view.
There was an interesting flow to the book, created by jumping back in time every so often. I enjoyed how the jumping back in time helped to flesh out the story and made it feel whole.
There was a good pace to the book and I was hooked. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session, wondering what sort of trouble the main character was going to get herself into next!
The characters were excellent. I loved how we got to see the main character from her own perspective and then from that of the surrounding cast. There was a mix of personalities, with each character holding their own secrets. It was interesting to see the secrets come to light.
Lastly the settings. Whilst it was a character focused story, there were some nice descriptions. Where it was necessary, there were some more in depth details which added an extra layer.
Overall an excellent read and one that I recommend.
The chapters were a good length, meaning that you got a good chunk of the story without being overwhelmed. Some of the chapters were titled so that you knew when and whose point of view you were reading from. Not all of the chapters were titled, but it didn't take long to realise when and who you were reading about. I enjoyed reading the different characters' points of view.
There was an interesting flow to the book, created by jumping back in time every so often. I enjoyed how the jumping back in time helped to flesh out the story and made it feel whole.
There was a good pace to the book and I was hooked. I looked forward to picking it back up at each reading session, wondering what sort of trouble the main character was going to get herself into next!
The characters were excellent. I loved how we got to see the main character from her own perspective and then from that of the surrounding cast. There was a mix of personalities, with each character holding their own secrets. It was interesting to see the secrets come to light.
Lastly the settings. Whilst it was a character focused story, there were some nice descriptions. Where it was necessary, there were some more in depth details which added an extra layer.
Overall an excellent read and one that I recommend.
March 11, 2026
“The Daphne Project,” by Jacqui Lents has been on my to-read list for a while. I “met” Jacqui last year when she had me on her podcast, Jacqui Just Chatters, and let me chat about my book. I learned about her debut novel, “The Daphne Project,” was immediately intrigued by the premise and the awesome cover – I’m a sucker for a good cover. I was determined to read it, but didn’t get around to it until the last couple of weeks.
Right away, I was drawn in by the setting, the quirky characters, the romance, and the mystery of Aunt Flo. Though a cozy read, the story had plenty of twists and turns. The heroine, Daphne, will go down as one of my favorites. A bookworm suffering from a streak of bad luck, she has to more or less reinvent herself, and I could more than relate. In most novels, the heroines are extroverts or Girl Bosses, and as an introvert, it was nice reading a book about a heroine who is more of an introvert. I could understand all of her awkward moments, because Lord knows I’ve been there. She also isn’t a picture of perfection; something else I enjoyed. She makes plenty of mistakes but she grows from them. Basically, “The Daphne Project” checked all of my boxes!
I look forward to the next book (the author is working on a second), as I still have questions about a few things and I hope to see these characters again. Give “The Daphne Project” a chance; you won’t be disappointed.
Right away, I was drawn in by the setting, the quirky characters, the romance, and the mystery of Aunt Flo. Though a cozy read, the story had plenty of twists and turns. The heroine, Daphne, will go down as one of my favorites. A bookworm suffering from a streak of bad luck, she has to more or less reinvent herself, and I could more than relate. In most novels, the heroines are extroverts or Girl Bosses, and as an introvert, it was nice reading a book about a heroine who is more of an introvert. I could understand all of her awkward moments, because Lord knows I’ve been there. She also isn’t a picture of perfection; something else I enjoyed. She makes plenty of mistakes but she grows from them. Basically, “The Daphne Project” checked all of my boxes!
I look forward to the next book (the author is working on a second), as I still have questions about a few things and I hope to see these characters again. Give “The Daphne Project” a chance; you won’t be disappointed.
December 11, 2025
Favorite Quote:
What kind of jerk keeps his high school “game bat” around in his adult apartment? He had a glorious moment when he won the regional championship at age eighteen. The egomaniac was thirty- two.
Auntie Flo’s speech tended more toward biting sarcasm, with quips like, “An apple a day keeps anyone away if you throw it hard enough.”
She pressed her lips together hard to prevent blubbering like a toddler who’d noticed their sibling had two more marshmallows in their cup of hot chocolate.
She is a terror on dating apps. I don’t know that she will ever get married. I think she enjoys torturing men too much.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted, smirked, and nodded my way through this amusing and perceptively penned tale. Having had an excessively controlling and OCD mother, the storylines resonated with me, and I fell headlong into a pleasantly entertaining vortex. The writing style was crisp, engaging, easy to follow, well-paced, and humorously parsed, while also insightful and well-detailed, conjuring delightfully amusing visuals that danced through my gray matter throughout perusal. I was stunned to notice this was the author’s only listing on Goodreads. I have added her name to the top of my list for ones to watch, as I am greedy for more of her clever arrangements of words.
What kind of jerk keeps his high school “game bat” around in his adult apartment? He had a glorious moment when he won the regional championship at age eighteen. The egomaniac was thirty- two.
Auntie Flo’s speech tended more toward biting sarcasm, with quips like, “An apple a day keeps anyone away if you throw it hard enough.”
She pressed her lips together hard to prevent blubbering like a toddler who’d noticed their sibling had two more marshmallows in their cup of hot chocolate.
She is a terror on dating apps. I don’t know that she will ever get married. I think she enjoys torturing men too much.
My Review:
I giggle-snorted, smirked, and nodded my way through this amusing and perceptively penned tale. Having had an excessively controlling and OCD mother, the storylines resonated with me, and I fell headlong into a pleasantly entertaining vortex. The writing style was crisp, engaging, easy to follow, well-paced, and humorously parsed, while also insightful and well-detailed, conjuring delightfully amusing visuals that danced through my gray matter throughout perusal. I was stunned to notice this was the author’s only listing on Goodreads. I have added her name to the top of my list for ones to watch, as I am greedy for more of her clever arrangements of words.
May 29, 2026
Thank you to the author for my free copy. These opinions are my own.
First off, I love the playlist!! Music permeates the story, so it's starting out with music is so appropriate. The story engaged me from the start—it was well-plotted and well-written, with a lovable, relatable heroine and a dual timeline and an element of mystery that kept me interested the whole way through. Daphne’s desire to escape her horrible, narcissistic mom along with the memory of her cheating ex and just START OVER is so understandable. Who among us hasn't ever wished for the chance at a fresh start, especially if it means getting to do it in a place where we were once happy? Daphne grew up people-pleasing, and seeing that journey for her was satisfying. Overall I liked the characters who I was supposed to and disliked those I was supposed to dislike, so I was very happy. (By the way, I would so have loved to know Aunt Flo in real life!). Jacqui Lents is a new-to-me author, and based on this book I would highly recommend her work.
First off, I love the playlist!! Music permeates the story, so it's starting out with music is so appropriate. The story engaged me from the start—it was well-plotted and well-written, with a lovable, relatable heroine and a dual timeline and an element of mystery that kept me interested the whole way through. Daphne’s desire to escape her horrible, narcissistic mom along with the memory of her cheating ex and just START OVER is so understandable. Who among us hasn't ever wished for the chance at a fresh start, especially if it means getting to do it in a place where we were once happy? Daphne grew up people-pleasing, and seeing that journey for her was satisfying. Overall I liked the characters who I was supposed to and disliked those I was supposed to dislike, so I was very happy. (By the way, I would so have loved to know Aunt Flo in real life!). Jacqui Lents is a new-to-me author, and based on this book I would highly recommend her work.
May 4, 2026
Based on what I can find, this book is indie published and this should have been my first clue that this book isn't for me. (I find the writing and editing not to the level it should be).
This book had some good ideas but nothing was executed well. I also am not sure the book knew what it was. Was it a mystery? A romance? A coming of age? It tried to do everything and in the end did nothing well.
I almost stopped reading the book when I learned there was a possible murder. I knew it would be stupid, no matter what happened in that thread of the book.
By the middle of the book I started skimming. It wasn't bad it just needed to be tighter.
I think if this book has just focused on Daphne growing as a person it would have been what I enjoyed. But that even came at the end after the MC was naive and annoying for most of the book.
The 'twist' at the end came so fast and it didn't earn it.
This book had some good ideas but nothing was executed well. I also am not sure the book knew what it was. Was it a mystery? A romance? A coming of age? It tried to do everything and in the end did nothing well.
I almost stopped reading the book when I learned there was a possible murder. I knew it would be stupid, no matter what happened in that thread of the book.
By the middle of the book I started skimming. It wasn't bad it just needed to be tighter.
I think if this book has just focused on Daphne growing as a person it would have been what I enjoyed. But that even came at the end after the MC was naive and annoying for most of the book.
The 'twist' at the end came so fast and it didn't earn it.
January 24, 2026
If you enjoy a cozy read, you’ll love the Daphne Project by Jacqui Lents as much as I did. Having visited Michigan several times, the author's vivid descriptions transported me back to my experiences there. Although Cobb is a fictional town, it presents what a small Michigan town would be like.
It’s difficult to prioritize which aspect of the book I enjoyed most, suggesting it was well-rounded in its presentation of romance, mystery, friendship, and family drama. The protagonist, Daphne, is relatable and likable, and her character arc felt natural. I loved not knowing where Daphne’s story would lead, and I was pleasantly surprised by how author Jacqui Lents crafted a well-paced plot that kept me turning the pages.
It’s difficult to prioritize which aspect of the book I enjoyed most, suggesting it was well-rounded in its presentation of romance, mystery, friendship, and family drama. The protagonist, Daphne, is relatable and likable, and her character arc felt natural. I loved not knowing where Daphne’s story would lead, and I was pleasantly surprised by how author Jacqui Lents crafted a well-paced plot that kept me turning the pages.
March 2, 2026
I just finished reading The Daphne Project for the second time, and it remains an absolute delight. Daphne is a wonderfully lovable character—someone you can’t help but root for from beginning to end. On the surface, the story is thoroughly entertaining, carried by an endearing and memorable protagonist.
But beneath its charm, the book offers meaningful, real-life insights without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. The lessons unfold naturally through the story, making them all the more impactful. And just when you think you have everything figured out, the ending surprises you in the best possible way.
It’s a rare book that feels both comforting and unexpectedly fresh—even on a second read.
But beneath its charm, the book offers meaningful, real-life insights without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. The lessons unfold naturally through the story, making them all the more impactful. And just when you think you have everything figured out, the ending surprises you in the best possible way.
It’s a rare book that feels both comforting and unexpectedly fresh—even on a second read.
June 25, 2025
he Daphne Project is a treasure! It is a delightfully humorous and charming tale of a bookish, yet confused, young lady searching for truth. As Daphne searches for answers in her treasured Aunt Flo's passing, she not only learns the unknown stories of her aunt's life, but also the truths of her own. This book strums the heart strings while tickling the funny bone all at the same time. A cute, relatable, and quirky self-discovery jam-packed with friendship, community, calamity, and love.
August 17, 2025
After finding herself at rock bottom, Daphne finds herself moving across the country to Maine. She gets to know the community in her new town while she digs into a mystery. But things don't always go smoothly. Through it all, she starts to understand the town, and more importantly, herself.
This is a sweet little story about fresh starts - plus the main character is a librarian - what's not to love?
This is a sweet little story about fresh starts - plus the main character is a librarian - what's not to love?
August 26, 2025
A fun and engaging novel about new beginnings, but also about the complexity of family roots, the importance of friendship, and the need in each of us to belong. Daphne's personal arc is well-developed and elements of her self-discovery are often unexpected and explored through a unique lens. Peppered with a few plot twists, humor, and plenty of love, this is the kind of novel you can curl up with and enjoy with a hot cup of tea (or Turkish coffee!)
August 24, 2025
A combination mystery and romance with self-discovery thrown in. Fun descriptions of a small town in Maine where the action takes place. Some reference to Michigan where I picked up the book written by a local author. A good summer read, but with a dose of family trauma and self-healing for a little more depth.
August 21, 2025
A must-read debut that blends cozy mystery and a heartwarming coming-of-age story. I enjoyed all the interesting characters in this, especially Daphne's free-spirited aunt. This story evoked every emotion, from joy to anger to surprise! The ending was great.
September 16, 2025
Cute story with great characters, all set in a small town. While Daphne works through figuring out herself, she causes chaos and learns a bit about relationships. Would love to read more of her story and the other characters in the book. A fun little town with lots of story potential.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews