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Rosalie Hart Mystery #2
Death at the Day Lily Cafe
Rosalie Hart has finally opened the café of her dreams. Decked out with ochre-tinted walls and stuffed with delicious organic fare, the Day Lily Café is everything Rosalie could have hoped for. But not five minutes into the grand opening, Doris Bird, a dear and trusted friend, cashes in on a favor--to help clear her little sister Lori of a first degree murder charge. With the help of her best friend and head waiter Glenn, Rosalie is on the case. But it's not going to be easy. Unlikable and provocative, murder victim Carl James Fiddler seems to have insulted nearly everyone in town, and the suspect list grows daily. And when Rosalie's daughter Annie gets caught in the crossfire, the search for the killer becomes personal in this charming cozy perfect for fans of Diane Mott Davidson and Joanne Fluke.
274 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2016
16 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Sand Eckel
8 books50 followersI grew up in a small Ohio town, but decided while studying the states and their capitals in the fourth grade that I would one day live in Maryland. I really liked the flag. Maryland has been my home for almost thirty years.
The first story I ever wrote was about a discarded vacuum cleaner that makes its way back home. When I later saw the movie, The Brave Little Toaster, I was flabbergasted. They stole my idea!
In high school I worked in the shop rack of my father’s Pontiac dealership where I ran parts and prepped new cars. In my leisure time, I learned to play a pretty mean front man on a foosball table.
I majored in Social Work in both graduate and undergraduate school with concentrations in criminology and family therapy. I have spent my career learning how relationships effect our thoughts, emotions, desires, and inhibitions, or in some cases, lack thereof.
Writing mystery is a way to combine my love for the written word with the knowledge I’ve gained about the workings of the human heart. It is a dream realized.
The first story I ever wrote was about a discarded vacuum cleaner that makes its way back home. When I later saw the movie, The Brave Little Toaster, I was flabbergasted. They stole my idea!
In high school I worked in the shop rack of my father’s Pontiac dealership where I ran parts and prepped new cars. In my leisure time, I learned to play a pretty mean front man on a foosball table.
I majored in Social Work in both graduate and undergraduate school with concentrations in criminology and family therapy. I have spent my career learning how relationships effect our thoughts, emotions, desires, and inhibitions, or in some cases, lack thereof.
Writing mystery is a way to combine my love for the written word with the knowledge I’ve gained about the workings of the human heart. It is a dream realized.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 25, 2017
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the first book in the series Murder at Barclay Meadow so I read this book shortly after reading the first book. Maybe I read them too close together because I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first.
While I did like this book, it almost seemed like the mystery was secondary and the book was somewhat slow moving for me. The characters do shine in this series. They are interesting and as a reader I did care for them. A lot of detail was given to the start up of the Day Lily Café. The word daylily is one word rather than two. Spell checkers don't always recognize that though. I am looking forward to reading the next book that comes out.
I enjoyed the first book in the series Murder at Barclay Meadow so I read this book shortly after reading the first book. Maybe I read them too close together because I didn't enjoy this book as much as the first.
While I did like this book, it almost seemed like the mystery was secondary and the book was somewhat slow moving for me. The characters do shine in this series. They are interesting and as a reader I did care for them. A lot of detail was given to the start up of the Day Lily Café. The word daylily is one word rather than two. Spell checkers don't always recognize that though. I am looking forward to reading the next book that comes out.
July 8, 2016
These two books in this series, so far, are pretty decent. I like the characters....well, except for the sheriff--he seems like an ass. However, Rosalie, her best friend Glenn, Doris, Kevin,.....I guess I like all of them!! Anyway, the stories are good. I especially like the friendships of this small town. Rosalie just opened the Day Lily Cafe, her dream, when Doris walks in announcing that she needs help because the sheriff was accusing her sister, Lori, of murdering her husband. Rosalie and Glenn jump in with help and together start investigating. The story is fast-paced with a little mystery, a budding romance, friendships blossoming, and some mention of food that makes me wish this cafe was real because I want to eat there!! I like cozy mysteries--they're fun and entertaining and this one didn't disappoint.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
A couple of months ago received an offer to review this book. I took one look at the cover and knew I had to read this story. I also knew I had to invite the author to visit here for Cozy Wednesday. I was delighted when she accepted. I had not read the first book in the series but I threw that rule of mine right out the window too, but now I plan to go back and read it. Let me tell you why.
Rosalie Hart is one of those characters you root for to succeed. She had an ex-husband that cheated on her and she divorces him and moves to her aunt’s farmhouse in Maryland. The first book covers that and from the synopsis much more.
In this installment she opens the Day Lily Café serving organic fruits, vegetables and eggs from her organic farm. Opening day has arrived and instead of worrying about her restaurant her friend, Doris Bird, rushes in and begs Rosalie for her help. Doris’ sister Lori is the prime suspect in a murder. A murder she most certainly didn’t commit, but the dead man was Lori’s husband and she did have motive, means and opportunity. So all Rosalie’s friends pitch in both at the café and the investigation especially when Rosalie’s daughter Annie ends up in danger.
There is a strong feeling of friendship between these characters woven throughout the entire story. Some are still getting to know each other, just like us readers. Sometimes Rosalie’s questions are little off putting but you know she means well. She needs to know parts of their other’s histories not only to eliminate them as suspects but also because she wants to get to know them better. There is plenty of room for growth in each and every character in future stories.
The murder takes place away from the café and Rosalie is not the one to actually find the body which is very different in this genre. I liked this change, clues and the investigation are seen from a different perspective. The author also touches on subjects not usually found in cozy mysteries giving it a more edgy feel.
The author is very descriptive in her writing from what people are wearing, to what food they are eating. She also sets the scene very well. The Day Lily Café sounds like and from the cover looks like an amazing place.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, I really liked the ending. A great little preview of what can be coming in book #3. If you haven’t read Murder at Barclay Meadow, start there and then you will be ready to rush right into this one.
A couple of months ago received an offer to review this book. I took one look at the cover and knew I had to read this story. I also knew I had to invite the author to visit here for Cozy Wednesday. I was delighted when she accepted. I had not read the first book in the series but I threw that rule of mine right out the window too, but now I plan to go back and read it. Let me tell you why.
Rosalie Hart is one of those characters you root for to succeed. She had an ex-husband that cheated on her and she divorces him and moves to her aunt’s farmhouse in Maryland. The first book covers that and from the synopsis much more.
In this installment she opens the Day Lily Café serving organic fruits, vegetables and eggs from her organic farm. Opening day has arrived and instead of worrying about her restaurant her friend, Doris Bird, rushes in and begs Rosalie for her help. Doris’ sister Lori is the prime suspect in a murder. A murder she most certainly didn’t commit, but the dead man was Lori’s husband and she did have motive, means and opportunity. So all Rosalie’s friends pitch in both at the café and the investigation especially when Rosalie’s daughter Annie ends up in danger.
There is a strong feeling of friendship between these characters woven throughout the entire story. Some are still getting to know each other, just like us readers. Sometimes Rosalie’s questions are little off putting but you know she means well. She needs to know parts of their other’s histories not only to eliminate them as suspects but also because she wants to get to know them better. There is plenty of room for growth in each and every character in future stories.
The murder takes place away from the café and Rosalie is not the one to actually find the body which is very different in this genre. I liked this change, clues and the investigation are seen from a different perspective. The author also touches on subjects not usually found in cozy mysteries giving it a more edgy feel.
The author is very descriptive in her writing from what people are wearing, to what food they are eating. She also sets the scene very well. The Day Lily Café sounds like and from the cover looks like an amazing place.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read, I really liked the ending. A great little preview of what can be coming in book #3. If you haven’t read Murder at Barclay Meadow, start there and then you will be ready to rush right into this one.
March 30, 2018
I don't think this book is going to set anyone's world on fire, but it's nice. I like the small-town characters and getting to know them overtime. I was pretty indifferent to the mystery, I didn't really care who killed the husband of a woman that Rosalie, the main character, barely knew. I couldn't figure out why, when Rosalie had just opened a new restaurant, she would want to get involved in something so far from her domain. I will read the next one, but hope it has a better hook.
August 7, 2016
I received an advance reader's copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Death at the Day Lily Cafe is a cozy mystery set in small town America. The main character is divorcee, Rosalie Hart. Rosalie has inherited her aunt's farm and has started a restaurant serving locally raised, organic produce and locally made pastries. Life is almost idyllic for Rosalie, her daughter Annie, staff at the cafe, including Glenn, Crystal and Custer, and Tyler, who works on the farm and is slowly working his way into Rosalie's heart.
However, this is a mystery series, so someone has murdered local flooring construction owner Carl James, or CJ Fiddler, and the Sheriff believes it was his wife, Lori. Doris, Lori's sister, is desperately looking for someone to help find the real killer because the Sheriff is sure he has his murderer. So, Doris and Lori turn to Rosalie who has previously helped solve a case in the area. Rosalie jumps into the fray, and the Sheriff is not too pleased.
The story is gentle, without much angst or violence and the characters are nice people who work hard and are looking out for each other. The story also has a touch of romance, and a lot of great sounding food from the cafe, with some recipes included at the end of the book. The murder is fairly quickly tied to greed, so we know it is unlikely anyone else is in danger. Rosalie carefully goes from one neighbor to the next questioning what they know about CJ, Lori and the possible motive for the crime. The Sheriff is not a nice person, but he also is working hard and his past is putting him in a vindictive mood.
Another reviewer used the word I would use to describe this story - forgettable. Despite the nice people and the good food and the mystery, the story just isn't that exciting, the dialogue is pretty mundane, and the resolution of the murder comes as a surprise, but without any great excitement or climax. This isn't a bad story. I gave it three stars, which means I liked it. But, I would not go out of my way to read the next or first books in the series. I think, though, this author has potential!
Death at the Day Lily Cafe is a cozy mystery set in small town America. The main character is divorcee, Rosalie Hart. Rosalie has inherited her aunt's farm and has started a restaurant serving locally raised, organic produce and locally made pastries. Life is almost idyllic for Rosalie, her daughter Annie, staff at the cafe, including Glenn, Crystal and Custer, and Tyler, who works on the farm and is slowly working his way into Rosalie's heart.
However, this is a mystery series, so someone has murdered local flooring construction owner Carl James, or CJ Fiddler, and the Sheriff believes it was his wife, Lori. Doris, Lori's sister, is desperately looking for someone to help find the real killer because the Sheriff is sure he has his murderer. So, Doris and Lori turn to Rosalie who has previously helped solve a case in the area. Rosalie jumps into the fray, and the Sheriff is not too pleased.
The story is gentle, without much angst or violence and the characters are nice people who work hard and are looking out for each other. The story also has a touch of romance, and a lot of great sounding food from the cafe, with some recipes included at the end of the book. The murder is fairly quickly tied to greed, so we know it is unlikely anyone else is in danger. Rosalie carefully goes from one neighbor to the next questioning what they know about CJ, Lori and the possible motive for the crime. The Sheriff is not a nice person, but he also is working hard and his past is putting him in a vindictive mood.
Another reviewer used the word I would use to describe this story - forgettable. Despite the nice people and the good food and the mystery, the story just isn't that exciting, the dialogue is pretty mundane, and the resolution of the murder comes as a surprise, but without any great excitement or climax. This isn't a bad story. I gave it three stars, which means I liked it. But, I would not go out of my way to read the next or first books in the series. I think, though, this author has potential!
February 7, 2017
I liked the book. I wish I could say I loved it because I wanted to. I read it quickly because there are only two copies in our library system and I waited for this one. The interaction and development of the characters was very pleasant. It was nice to see Rosalie's dream of the café opening and being successful, for at least the short time that the book covered. The recipes contained at the back of the book could have had a more local flavor to them; I really wanted the shrimp and grits recipe from that area! But its a mystery and it seemed like that was a backstory, always tagging along as if it were inconvenient. The plot and the "missing money" just seemed too far fetched. Lori, the woman accused of killing her husband, is barely in the book and not even a part of the "café crowd."
It was well written and as always, I give any author much praise for doing so because my novel is sitting around, half in my head, a bit on index cards and that's about it.
It was well written and as always, I give any author much praise for doing so because my novel is sitting around, half in my head, a bit on index cards and that's about it.
June 13, 2016
Rosalie Hart is living her dream. She has opened the Day Lily Cafe and she is beyond excited. Her recipes and ideas are wonderful and she is excited to share her joy with those around her. When her friend Doris Bird asks for help with an investigation, Rosalie knows she should say no, but the idea of solving a mystery has her agreeing. Before long, Rosalie is asking questions, her daughter's life is in danger and the sheriff has had enough of her interference. The suspect list includes people close to her and Rosalie is determined to get answers.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I was excited to read this book. The story is well written and each character brings their own style to the story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
This is the first time I have read anything by this author and I was excited to read this book. The story is well written and each character brings their own style to the story. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
October 27, 2016
Rosalie and friends are moving on and Rosalie has opened her dream cafe, with organic fare. I love how she involves all her friends and customers in coming up with her unique creations. Her investigating skills are needed by her friend Doris when Doris's sister is accused of killing her husband. The sheriff. once again. is on the wrong track. Thankfully, Rosalie and Glenn are up to making new friends and snooping this out on their own. On her personal note, she and Tyler and doing more and more with their organic farming... and, forming a bond as well. Again, great writing and Rosalie's character is one you would definitely want as a friend.
July 18, 2016
**I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
Oh wow. This book really was amazing. She managed to touch on a very sensitive subject without it feeling like I was beat over the head with it. The ending was a teensy bit highly unbelievable, but still enjoyable.
Oh wow. This book really was amazing. She managed to touch on a very sensitive subject without it feeling like I was beat over the head with it. The ending was a teensy bit highly unbelievable, but still enjoyable.
January 2, 2020
The second book in the "Rosalie Hart" series, I had no trouble jumping in with having never read the first book. It did a great job introducing the characters and the already established relationships between them, as well as explaining what happened in the first book without giving so much away that I couldn't go read it now and enjoy it.
I have to say I enjoyed the characters the most. The author did a great job with giving them all different personalities and allowing each one to shine. Seeing how they interacted with eachother was just great. The mystery aspect was good, but definitely felt secondary in focus.
I wouldn't say there was a big twist at the end, it was a little obvious I think at the very end, but the author gave multiple plausible suspects with good motives and I was satisfied with it.
A very quick with a ton delicious food to make you hungry, I give this a 3.5 rating.
I have to say I enjoyed the characters the most. The author did a great job with giving them all different personalities and allowing each one to shine. Seeing how they interacted with eachother was just great. The mystery aspect was good, but definitely felt secondary in focus.
I wouldn't say there was a big twist at the end, it was a little obvious I think at the very end, but the author gave multiple plausible suspects with good motives and I was satisfied with it.
A very quick with a ton delicious food to make you hungry, I give this a 3.5 rating.
August 22, 2019
I still stand by what I said in my review of the first book about the protagonist and her friends playing detective being a bit unrealistic. I'm also not sure if the title works because the death wasn't exactly at the café. Other than that, the setting (Barclay Meadow, Day Lily Café), new and old characters (Tyler, Glenn, Custer, etc.), and the friendships/blossoming romance was enjoyable. Pretty good follow-up novel.
July 26, 2016
Death at the Day Lily Café by Wendy Sand Eckel is the second book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series. Rosalie is finally opening the café of her dreams. It is time for the Grand Opening of the Day Lily Café. The café will use local and organic ingredients including those from Barclay Meadows (Rosalie’s farm) run by Tyler Wells. Rosalie is enjoying her opening when Doris Bird (owns Birdie’s Shoes) comes in very upset. Her sister, Lori has been accused of murdering her husband, Carl James. Doris knows her sister is innocent and would like Rosalie’s help (because she has already solved one murder since coming to Cardigan). Rosalie knows she really does not have the time, but she cannot resist helping a friend in need (Doris has been a good friend to Rosalie). Sheriff Joe Wilgus really seems to have it in for Lori and is determined to arrest for the murder. What does the sheriff have against Lori? Rosalie starts looking in to Carl James’ movements before he passed away and she finds out that CJ (as most people called him) was not well liked. The suspect list is getting longer instead of shorter when Rosalie discovers why CJ was laid off from his latest construction project. When Rosalie’s daughter, Annie ends up getting hurt, Rosalie knows she needs to solve this case pronto. Rosalie is going to need to dig deep to eradicate this weed from the town.
Death at the Day Lily Café is a fun and easy to read cozy mystery. I was entertained by the characters, the setting, the writing, and the mysteries (two in one book). The mysteries can be solved, but I had a good time following Rosalie and the clues. I especially liked Janice Tilghman who is starting to experience menopause symptoms. Janice’s comments had me laughing (I know how the poor woman feels). While this is the second book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The writer does a very good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first book without it being boring or redundant. I give Death at the Day Lily Café 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is, of course, a little romance (and jealousy) in the novel, but it was not over the top or in your face (not the main focus). The ending is sweet and romantic. There are recipes included at the end of the book for items mentioned during Death at the Day Lily Café. I will definitely be reading the next book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Death at the Day Lily Café from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Death at the Day Lily Café is a fun and easy to read cozy mystery. I was entertained by the characters, the setting, the writing, and the mysteries (two in one book). The mysteries can be solved, but I had a good time following Rosalie and the clues. I especially liked Janice Tilghman who is starting to experience menopause symptoms. Janice’s comments had me laughing (I know how the poor woman feels). While this is the second book in the series, you can read it as a stand-alone. The writer does a very good job of updating the reader on what happened in the first book without it being boring or redundant. I give Death at the Day Lily Café 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There is, of course, a little romance (and jealousy) in the novel, but it was not over the top or in your face (not the main focus). The ending is sweet and romantic. There are recipes included at the end of the book for items mentioned during Death at the Day Lily Café. I will definitely be reading the next book in the Rosalie Hart Mystery series.
I received a complimentary copy of Death at the Day Lily Café from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
July 26, 2016
A very good book to read for relaxation, I found it hard to review as there was a mystery, a romance, a secret, thievery, and a Grand Opening of an organic cafe. These subjects are all found in this book, making hard to review. There is a lot of background of the characters, farm and cafe. The characters are well developed and the description of the areas is excellent.
Rosalie Hart is opening her dream cafe, when her neighbor, Doris asked her to look into the murder of her sister's husband. The sheriff is determined to arrest her. Rosalie agrees to help because of the past. There so many changes that it is hard to keep up. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Rosalie Hart is opening her dream cafe, when her neighbor, Doris asked her to look into the murder of her sister's husband. The sheriff is determined to arrest her. Rosalie agrees to help because of the past. There so many changes that it is hard to keep up. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 25, 2016
Strong characters, delicious food descriptions and a twisted murder plot make this a great read.
Rosalie Hart has done a great job of moving past an unexpected divorce. Starting a new life as the owner of an organic, sustainable farm, she has now opened a cafe to serve her own and other locally sourced products.
When a close friend asks for help in finding the murderer of her brother-in-law, Rosalie and her circle of friends have their work cut out. Up against a volatile sheriff who has history with the victim and his wife, old and new lies tangle up the clues and suspects.
I highly recommend this second book in what I hope will be a long running series. Entertaining characters, an interesting background and theme, combine with a well thought out and plotted murder.
Rosalie Hart has done a great job of moving past an unexpected divorce. Starting a new life as the owner of an organic, sustainable farm, she has now opened a cafe to serve her own and other locally sourced products.
When a close friend asks for help in finding the murderer of her brother-in-law, Rosalie and her circle of friends have their work cut out. Up against a volatile sheriff who has history with the victim and his wife, old and new lies tangle up the clues and suspects.
I highly recommend this second book in what I hope will be a long running series. Entertaining characters, an interesting background and theme, combine with a well thought out and plotted murder.
August 30, 2016
Opening a new café in your old hometown can be stressful. That is exactly what Rosalie Hunt did.
The town comes under suspicion as a murder takes place and there are so many suspects.
Rosalie helps to solve while trying to establish a love interest.
My first book by this author. A Good Read!
The town comes under suspicion as a murder takes place and there are so many suspects.
Rosalie helps to solve while trying to establish a love interest.
My first book by this author. A Good Read!
August 25, 2017
The pages of this book may get wet if you're reading a hardback or paperback copy and your kindle may need wiping frequently as this delightful cafe, Day Lily Cafe, is serving up some delectable treats. Throw in mystery, murder, friendship, romance, and danger, and you have a very interesting book. The plot is a bit predictable but most of the characters are easy to like and there's one sheriff to hate. I love little cafes, tucked away in friendly towns, and this book made me want to sit there and enjoy a coffee and dessert with Lori or Rosalie. Though Rosalie is likely too busy as she not only runs the cafe, but is also playing detective and falling in love. Busy, busy, busy, Rosalie is on the case.
I did not read the first book in the series, but I didn't have any trouble following the storyline. I am definitely hoping to read the third book in the series. I would highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a mystery and romance. I am giving this book a rating of 4 stars.
I received an ebook of this novel from netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I did not read the first book in the series, but I didn't have any trouble following the storyline. I am definitely hoping to read the third book in the series. I would highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a mystery and romance. I am giving this book a rating of 4 stars.
I received an ebook of this novel from netgalley and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 16, 2022
Book Review
Death at the Day Lily Cafe
A Rosalie Hart Mystery Book 2
A Novel Written By Wendy Sand Eckel
Fiction - Mystery
Published 2016
261 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the second book in the mystery series. I have read the three books in the series. If the author continues the series, I would read more of the books.
This book finds the main character, Rosalie, still living in the Chesapeake Bay area. She has just opened a cafe in town. Rosalie has been asked by a friend to look into the murder of her brother-in-law. Her sister, his wife, is the sheriff’s main suspect in the murder. Rosalie, with the help of her friend and fellow sleuth, try to uncover the real killer. Rosalie’s daughter, Annie, a college student is caught in the cross hairs of the murder investigation.
In this second book of the series, Rosalie is becoming more comfortable to life as a divorced woman, finding success owning a cafe, and enjoying her blossoming relationship with Tyler.
This book and series is for cozy mystery lovers. Especially if you were a fan of the TV series Murder She Wrote.
“Happiness is loving what you have.”
Death at the Day Lily Cafe
A Rosalie Hart Mystery Book 2
A Novel Written By Wendy Sand Eckel
Fiction - Mystery
Published 2016
261 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the second book in the mystery series. I have read the three books in the series. If the author continues the series, I would read more of the books.
This book finds the main character, Rosalie, still living in the Chesapeake Bay area. She has just opened a cafe in town. Rosalie has been asked by a friend to look into the murder of her brother-in-law. Her sister, his wife, is the sheriff’s main suspect in the murder. Rosalie, with the help of her friend and fellow sleuth, try to uncover the real killer. Rosalie’s daughter, Annie, a college student is caught in the cross hairs of the murder investigation.
In this second book of the series, Rosalie is becoming more comfortable to life as a divorced woman, finding success owning a cafe, and enjoying her blossoming relationship with Tyler.
This book and series is for cozy mystery lovers. Especially if you were a fan of the TV series Murder She Wrote.
“Happiness is loving what you have.”
February 1, 2023
In the second Rosalie Hart mystery, Rosalie has opened her dream business: a cafe with a mouth-watering menu created from farm-to-table organic dishes. But opening day is disturbed when Rosalie's friend Doris Bird begs for help in clearing her sister Lori of a murder charge. The ensuing investigation plays out against a rich background of daily life: business ups and downs, Rosalie's concerns over her daughter, her own budding (maybe?) romance, and much more. This is an intricate novel that's as much about life on Maryland's Eastern shore as it is about crime, but it's not lacking in suspense and heart-stopping action. The resolution, while logical and satisfying, isn't quite conventional. I like that in a mystery. (But no spoilers here; you'll have to read it to see what I mean.) Overall, this is a great read for fans of cozy mysteries. I already have book 3 standing by!
July 31, 2023
Rosalie Hart's story continues in Death at the Day Lily Cafe. Murder at Barclay Meadow introduced us to Rosalie and her daughter Annie. Rosalie has now hired her friend Glenn, Custer Wells (Tyler's nephew), and Crystal Sterling as her staff at the Day Lily Cafe. But before her business can even get started, Doris Bird needs her help in solving the shooting death of her little sister's husband, CJ. This leads to a new group of suspects, questions to ask, and secrets to uncover. There are updates on Annie, Ed, Tyler and some new characters are introduced in the small town in Maryland as well. I like this mystery series. I like the characters, the setting, and the way Rosalie has turned her life around. I look forward to reading book 3--Mystery at Windswept Farm.
March 7, 2018
I loved this second Rosalie Hart book. I tore right through it - as quickly as possible. I loved the new friends that appeared in this story, as well as all the old friends we met in the first book. I wish I had her talents for such wonderful sounding foods, as well as solving crimes. I very much look forward to future books in this series or by this author. I really enjoyed these characters and the setting.
July 7, 2024
The story centers around Rosalie Hart who has opened her cafe. Soon after the story begins, her friend, Doris Bird, asks her to help discover who murdered her brother-in-law since her sister has become a prime suspect.
The story and the characters were enjoyable. I also enjoyed the insight as to what it was like in the cafe. I liked that there was some romance. The killer was not one I guessed right away. I also enjoyed the fact that there were recipes included at the end.
The story and the characters were enjoyable. I also enjoyed the insight as to what it was like in the cafe. I liked that there was some romance. The killer was not one I guessed right away. I also enjoyed the fact that there were recipes included at the end.
December 21, 2018
Another enjoyable read............
Some new characters with stories to be told, insights and lessons to share and some old friends to catch up with. Never a dull moment when there's murder, mayhem and mystery all on the menu. Rosalie and Glenn are drawn into helping a friend and solving another murder mystery.
Some new characters with stories to be told, insights and lessons to share and some old friends to catch up with. Never a dull moment when there's murder, mayhem and mystery all on the menu. Rosalie and Glenn are drawn into helping a friend and solving another murder mystery.
November 17, 2017
Death at day lily
Love your writing style. Only have one suggestion, please when you text in the story use large print. The tiny print used is impossible to read without using readers glasses.
Love your writing style. Only have one suggestion, please when you text in the story use large print. The tiny print used is impossible to read without using readers glasses.
June 25, 2018
This is really about a 2.5, the characters are interesting, though several of them, including the lead (Rosalie), talk like counsellors a lot of the time. I guessed the murderer at his second or third appearance.
September 7, 2018
I loved the first book, so couldn't wait to read this one. Another good book with lots of food, mystery, and romance. I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but still zipped right through it with enjoyment!
July 20, 2022
Life in a small town on the Eastern Shore isn't boring for Rosalie. Her new cafe keeps her busy, but not enough to turn down another murder investigation. The quirky characters and easy lifestyle make a charming setting for this second book in the series. A good cozy with recipes.
January 9, 2018
Very good.
September 15, 2020
This was so much better than the first one. Interesting characters, love the coffee shop and recipes! Looking forward to book 3
December 23, 2020
Good book kept me entertained during this pandemic. Includes a few recipes that I'm definitely trying.
June 22, 2021
It was fun getting to know the characters. It appears to be part of a series, but it doesn't say so here. Anyhow, I enjoyed the farm to table VERY much! Plus, local farm to table, even better.
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