Zoe Donovan is a cozy mystery series with enduring friendships, memorable characters, an enchanting setting, and a generous dollop of romance.Now that Zak and Zoe have their house, their lives, and their wedding back, things seem to be on track once again, until a man is found dead and Zoe is once again pulled into a murder investigation. The victim is a well known and liked member of the community who didn't appear to have any enemies until his secret past caught up with him. Zak and Zoe work together to find the killer while Zoe deals with the fact that Levi and Ellie seem to be imploding before her very eyes. Meanwhile Alex shares a shocking piece of news which causes Zak and Zoe to consider taking a huge step which could forever alter their future.
Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.
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Zoe, a animal rescuer and owner of "Zoe's Zoo" where she rescues stray animals and her fiance, Zac are the perfect couple, Zac is the kind of guy that will do anything to make Zoe happy and rescue her out of every hair brained scheme she seems to get herself into something I love about him with their upcoming wedding Zoe still has time to find a dead body and find time to investigate what is discovered to be a murder . Zoe is jogging with her dog, Charlie when she finds who is known as "Pat Rat Nelson" dead in a unknown run down pick up truck in front of a local bar. "Pat Rat" is known around town to the merchants on Main Street, digging in their dumpsters behind each of their businesses for digging up "treasures" he is not homeless as his cabin is surrounded by the treasures he finds.
Zoe is also faced with her best friends Ellie and Levi's uncertain future of their relationship and Zoe and Zac are also dealing with young children that they have welcomed into their lives, Scooter, Tucker and Alex. Alex is also facing an unknown future with regards to her education, being bullied because of her high IQ and Pi a sixteen year old that Zac has hired to work at Zac's software company after Pi hacked a program he was developing. Heading off to each of the businesses on Main Street Zoe talks to each of the merchants to see what they know about "Pat Rat Nelson's" murder and "Pack Rat has been seen around town with "Stubby" a one armed man that "Pack Rat" is reluctant to hang around.
Dealing with Zoe's mother-in-law from hell and Zac's crazy family but someone from Zac's crazy family, Nona soon becomes Zoe's ally to help solve the murder before Chief Salinger can. With characters that keep your wanting to read the next book in this exciting series. Zoe, Zac, Ellie, Levi and the kids and even the animals are treasures to behold and you want and need to know what is going to happen in each of their lives. Conflicts that you hope will result in happy endings. With each new book I have found that I love and care for these characters more and more.
I hope that we see the crazy senior, with the pink Harley from Zac's family, Nona in future books. She certainly brought some excitement and she seemed like a perfect side kick but also Zoe and Nona are like a odd couple of crime fighting but it still seemed like they were the perfect fit together.Highly entertaining with unforgetable and zany characters that seem all too real, a picturesque setting and a fast passed read. I always want to know what trouble Zoe will find herself in next and I admire her heart and determination to solve a murder. To top that all off a wedding that will have your crying tears of joy.
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a copy of this book for review.This did not influence my thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book and review are my own.
This story picks up right where Matrimony Meltdown left off. Zak and Zoe are back in control of the wedding plans, although Mrs. Zimmerman still tries to manipulate events on occasion.
With less than a week till the wedding, of course Zoe finds a dead body and finds herself in the middle of yet another murder investigation as well as all the last minute wedding details. Zak's grandmother arrives on her pink Harley, wearing a pink leather jacket. She's wild and crazy, and she and Zoe begin to build a relationship.
Alex gives Zoe some news that has Zak and Zoe planning something HUGE for their future...can't wait to see how that works out for everyone. However, the next installment will take us through the "family" honeymoon, which I'm sure will include yet ANOTHER murder, and another chance for Zak to have to rescue his new wife.
**I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Soul Surrender is the 14th book in the Zoe Donovan mystery series by Kathi Daley. The main characters Zoe and Zak are getting married in 7 days. Relatives are arriving and many pre-activities are planned to keep the couple busy. Zoe and her uncanny misfortune finds another body. Sadly this is a man fondly know in town as Pack Rat. Everyone assumes there is no way Zoe can investigate this murder…. Zak has some lively family members that add some comedy and excitement to pre wedding activities. Zoe is concerned that her best friends who are now a couple are having a crisis. This book leaves with many ideas about what will happen in the next book. The possibility of a new huge project for the newlyweds is suggested. I just read this book and I am counting days until the next one! That is why we love Kathi Daley Books!
This is book 14 in the Zoe series, and we are a week away from her and Zaks wedding. Unfortunately, Zoe stumbles across the body of Pack Rat, who walks the town collecting "treasures." Zoe, in between getting ready for her wedding, dealing with her impossible soon to be mother in law, decides to investigate Pack Rats death. She also gets herself into more trouble in the meantime, but luckily, Zak is good at rescuing her. I loved this book, and I loved the addition of Zaks grandmother, she is hilarious! I am also glad Alex is still in the picture, she is the little girl that Zoe and Zak have taken under their wing. I hope she sticks around. I am very excited to read the next book, each adventure with Zoe and Zak is so much fun!!
Zoe and Zak are just a few days before their wedding. But, Zoe stumbles upon a murder and begins investigating. In the meanwhile, she meets more of Zak's relatives, including his grandma, who turns out to be a very different character and who we later find out likes Zoe. Zoe also finds the murderer who traps her and Zak's grandma.
I really enjoyed this book and am enjoying this series.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Zoe and Zak are just a few days before their wedding. But, Zoe stumbles upon a murder and begins investigating. In the meanwhile, she meets more of Zak's relatives, including his grandma, who turns out to be a very different character and who we later find out likes Zoe. Zoe also finds the murderer who traps her and Zak's grandma.
I really enjoyed this book and am enjoying this series.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This was such a sweet story leading up to Zak and Zoe’s wedding. I love how they’ve been so good to Scooter and Alex—I sure wish they could just adopt those kids lol. This is a super different Zoe than the first several books, and she’s grown in such a good way. Zoe’s heart’s as big as they come, and I believe there’s room for endless kids and dogs in her life, but her Zak’s always gonna come first. One of my fave cozy mystery couples!
Soul Surrender is the fourteenth book in Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series. Released shortly after Matrimony Meltdown, this book begins days before Zoe and Zak’s planned wedding. The books in this series can easily be read and enjoyed as stand-alone mysteries, buy I believe readers will truly appreciate Soul Surrender to the full extent possible if you read Matrimony Meltdown first. (Kathi Daley often sells collections of her books and the wedding trilogy would make a great combination for readers who are new to the series). Zak has known since 7th Grade that Zoe was the woman of his dreams. Zoe had significant growth and development to overcome before she came to that realization. Kathi Daley excels in character development and I have had the privilege of reading each book in the series and watching the change in Zoe from an immature, jealous, insecure young adult to the confident woman of Zak’s dreams.
In the midst of wedding preparations, dealing with impossible relatives, the uncertainty in Ellie and Levi’s relationship, as Levi has potentially life altering decisions to make, Zoe comes across an old pickup truck with a dead body. Pack Rat had been seen of late, in the company of a one armed man, going by the name of Stubby. Pack Rat Nelson, a local "treasure collector", had an injection site on the side of his neck. Chief Salinger confirms that Pack Rat was murdered. Zoe’s investigation begins it seems no one knows much about Pack Rat. As a nurse, I’ve cared for a number of traumatized war veterans. Kathi did an incredible job in her description of appropriate treatment, understanding and support required by similarly affected individuals. There is something to laugh about in each book, this time it is new character Nona who will have you laughing. I also like the addition of other new characters, including Scooter, Tucker, and Alex, precocious children with higher IQ’s then the adults responsible for providing their care and educational opportunities. Zak and Zoe have some decisions to make concerning their young friends and how they can help them with their respective family situations and their education.
The wedding is perfect. Alex stood with Bella, and Scooter stood with Charlie. Ellie and Levi stood hand in hand. When it came time for Zoe to say “I do”, beautiful words of love and commitment are stated. Zak repeated the words back to her, and Pastor Dan pronounced them husband and wife. The plot is intricately woven with numerous subplots that flow seamlessly. It is clear at one or more major changes are on the horizon for Zoe, Zak, and people they really care about. There is always a carefully crafted situation leading from one book to the next. With all of the twists and turns one can’t guess what will happen next.
If you appreciate a fascinating, cleverly plotted, entertaining mystery with numerous twists and turns, making it a delightful read, this book is for you. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cozies that are well-written and keep you coming back for more. Easy, enjoyable read with great characters. Also, included are a number of delicious recipes! I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cozies that are well-written and keeps you coming back for more. Easy, enjoyable read with great characters. Also, included are a number of delicious recipes! If you enjoy a fun, laugh out loud mystery you need to read this book. You will not be disappointed. You won't want to miss their honeymoon (I definitely don’t)!
In the latest installment of Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series, we find Zoe and Zak just a week away from their wedding. They are still dealing with wedding preparations and trying to handle Zak’s eccentric family, which is no easy feat. They also have some decisions to make concerning their young friends and how they can help them with family situations and their education. So when Zoe finds a dead body they really do not have time to deal with it. But if you know Zoe at all, you know that she cannot help but get involved in the investigation. And you also know that she usually needs to be rescued. Hopefully, if that is the case, she is rescued in time to attend her own wedding!
The best thing about Kathi Daley’s books are the characters that she has developed. They are people that you care about and want to spend time with. You want to see things work out for them and for them to be happy. Zoe and Zak have figured out their relationship and are on their way to their happily-ever-after. But that is not the case with Ellie and Levi. There are still things for them to figure out and questions for them to answer. I will just have to wait for further installments to see what happens to them. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
The author is very talented in using the written word for very detailed descriptions. Whether she is writing about the small town happenings, or the food that the characters are enjoying or the wedding ceremony, I feel like I am right there watching all the action and experiencing things first hand. This makes for a great reading experience. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a very easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a well crafted cozy mystery. If you have not read any of Kathi Daley’s books, it is time you treat yourself and start reading them. I am sure you will not be disappointed. .
Soul Surrender ( Zoe Donovan Mystery book14 ) by: kathi Daley Soul Surrender is book number 14 in the Zoe Donovan mystery series. I really enjoyed these books and the characters Zoe and Zak. I laughed and laughed while reading this story. When I got started reading I did not want to put it down till the end. The story grabs you right at the first and don’t let go till the end. It seems i could not read fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. There was times when I was holding my breathe. Zoe and Zak wedding is in a few days, relatives are coming in for the wedding. It seems that dead bodies has a way of finding Zoe. NOT NOW, her wedding is coming up. Zoe is out walking the dogs and finds a body. Is it of natural cause or murder? Who would want to harm this person that everyone has grown to like? Kathy Daley has did an excellent job of weaving together this story of murder, comedy , excitement , and yes love. Will Zoe and Zak have time to help investigate this dead body with their wedding just days away? Loved Should Surrender and can’t wait for the next book . I was given a copy of this book by the author for my honest review, which I have given.
Best book ever as I sit here crying. I really enjoyed this book. I loved that it started off with a death scene right of the bat. I really enjoyed the romance between Zoe and Zak. Zak is the perfect boyfriend ever. He loves to help children who are in need and just keeps on surprising Zoe. I was in tears when he drove her to the land in which he thinks of purchasing in order to build a school. He is just charming. I was cracking up with Nona riding a motorcycle with her pink leather jacket. She is also full of surprises. She has no shame while she is outside half naked doing Yoga. I was just laughing when she pops out a cigar from her bra. You just never know when you'll need a cigar. Was so happy that they both did there personal vows, it was just perfect. Can't wait to see how the honeymoon is going to go.
Zoe once again finds herself after just solving one mystery finding another while she was jogging with her dog. The victim this time was a well liked street person whom the community liked until his past catches up with her.
Zoe and Zak finds themselves investigate the case while putting up with Zak’s eccentric family as their wedding gets closer. Her friends Ellie and Levi relationship appears to be doomed with Levi’s job offer out of the area. Then there is Scooter’s friend Alex news that having them thinking of a new adventure that will change their life.
This is another winner by Kathi Daley who manages to inject a murder right before a wedding.
This story is #14 in a series but you don't have to have read the prior stories to enjoy this story but I think you will want to go back and read them as you will develop a kinship with the characters and will want to know learn all about them. As for Soul Surrender, Kathi Daley has done it again - great storylines with some very interesting characters. This romantic cozy mystery will have you laughing in parts, becoming emotional in other parts, trying to figure out who the murderer was and why, and becoming immersed in the story as you read. You will find it hard to put down till you finish. I highly recommend.
I have loved this series from the first chapter I read a year ago. I love how Kathi Daley has had the characters grow each and every book. I especially love the new quirky characters that are brought into the story line. I do hope to see Nona again, she was a blast. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great mystery and romance that is timeless. I gave this book 5 stars because it deserves nothing less. Thank you and can't wait to read the next installment in the Zoe and Zak adventure.
This story just keeps getting better and better. This book takes us through the week before the big day. Life is still crazy at Cass Zimmerman as more of Sac' s relatives arrive. I just adore Nona, she reminds me of Grandma Mazur is a way. Cannot wait to read the next book about the honeymoon, I an sure it will be fast paced adventure.
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time} Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku
Whales and Tails Mystery Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)
Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)
Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
Precious. This series has me so up and down, I swear. Some books I can’t take Zoe for another second, but other times I like her so much.
I particularly liked this book primarily because Nona. Nona rocks! By golly she has spunk!
Unfortunately, one of the characters we previously met was murdered so that sucked. However, Zoe wasn’t going to allow the killer to get away without a fight. And once again she wound up with a gun pointed at her. You’d think she’d learn by now to carry a knife or a hammer or something… anything to defend herself with since she’s often faced with a killer.
At least Zoe has Zak to always rescue her.
The wedding… although the actual wedding was only a few paragraphs, it was heartfelt and brought tears to my eyes with its sweetness. There! They’re finally married.
It's the week before the wedding Ashton Falls has been anticipating, Zoe and Zac are finally getting married in the ceremony they want. However, when did anything ever go smoothly? Zoe finds the body of a much loved member of the community, and when it's proved it was murder she has to find out who did it, and why.
Zac's Nonna turns up for the wedding, and despite being warned about her, Zoe finds her quite enlightening! Will Zoe make it to her wedding, and will they live happily ever after?
A series of cozy mysteries which ate easily read in an few hours. They are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Now that Zak and Zoe have their lives, house, and wedding plans back, things appear to be on track again. That is until a man is found dead and Zoe is again pulled into a murder investigation. Life for them is tumbling again with problems with Levi and Ellie, as well as Alex who has a shocking bit of news for them. This is truly a very entertaining cozy mystery which you'll enjoy. You'll want to read all the rest of the books in this well-written and creative series. Highly recommend.
This is number 14 of the series and staying true to her style, Kathi Daley has written in so many twists that send us on a very entertaining ride. I am never bored and never want to put my Kindle Fire down. This story has at least two murders, visions of treasure, a pink Harley, more drama between Ellie and Levi, and then there's a Wedding. I loved it.
What a mixture of emotions come from reading this book. One of my favorite characters dies, i got to meet a new lovable character named Nona, and there were several other mysteries and situations throughout a marvelous story. Also, there is PLENTY of romance, as one would wish for for a wedding book. 😊
But first they have to put up with Mrs Zimmerman. And Twyla"s kids. And Nona. And a bachelorette party and rehearsal dinner. And maybe finding Pack Rat Nelson's killer while they're at it.
Zak and Zoe make it through the last week before their wedding, which includes her solving two murders and getting locked in a room in the mine with Nona and Zak finding them. And they get married.
Even as Zoe and Zak prepare for their wedding, murder threatens to disrupt it but Zoe is on the case and determined to discover the culprit before they wed.
Another adventure that involves deep confusion and a strength of love. This was a fast read but shows the importance of family. The beginning of the Z family adventures..
Convoluted twists and turns of family interaction, murder, mayhem, and town history. Enough comedy to keep parts from being depressing. Enough mystery to keep the reader interested.
I completely love this entire storyline! However, a pet peeve is when someone says "if you thought xyz, you have another THING coming." It, obviously, should say you have another THINK coming. See page 74.