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Rosemary Harbor #5

Basket Delivery

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Matters of the heart are deadly in Rosemary Harbor.

Tragedy comes to a place of beauty when Tara Fulone’s body is found in one of the tanning machines in the local beauty parlor, A Place in the Sun. She’d always been the type who had gotten her way – but this time had been the last straw for someone with a vendetta.

Preston immediately launches into questioning the closest to her, suspecting Giovanni and Dr. Lee. His methods only take him so far… so Hillary must apply her resources to try and pull out clues where they are kept under lock and key. She is not above going undercover to see how deep the betrayal goes and how it ended with Tara’s body in the morgue.

93 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2019

110 people are currently reading
66 people want to read

About the author

Wendy Meadows

183 books433 followers
Wendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.

Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.

When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.

Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
229 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2019
I love this series but I have to say that I was really disappointed with this book. Usually I love the interaction between Hillary and her daughter, Annabelle, but this time around Hillary spent far too much time in her head. It seemed like half of the book (if not more) was Hillary thinking about Annabelle and the situation she was in and what she could or couldn't do about it. I wish more time had been spent on the murder itself or on more interaction between the characters. I like the blossoming relationship between Hillary and Preston but I can't say that I liked much more. I will read the next in the series because I truly enjoyed the first four books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
August 16, 2019
After a murder had taken place at their book club gathering, the Rosemary Harbor ladies started The Wine Club. This month, they decided to skip going to Wine’s Up so that they could take advantage of the half-price bar special at Antonio’s, a new favorite restaurant in town where Hillary, Rose, and Annabelle were regulars. Unfortunately, Giovanni is a bartender there and quite the womanizer. Hillary was hoping Annabelle would lose interest in him once she learned about all the other women he flirted with and dated, but so far that hadn’t happened. He knew he was handsome, but his arrogance did not appeal to Hillary.

When Tara, one of the women Giovanni had been dating, is found dead in a tanning bed at “A Place in the Sun” salon, Giovanni became a prime suspect. Because of Annabelle’s feelings for him, Hillary decided to look into other possible suspects who might have a reason to kill Tara. Perhaps one of the other girlfriends was jealous of Tara? Luckily Police Chief Preston Davis allows Hillary to investigate with him and see what she can discover. Finding two bouquets and a gift basket for Tara at the salon, all signed “Your Love”, caught Hillary’s attention. The basket order had been an anonymous phone order paid for with a prepaid VISA card – yes, Hillary had a lot of questions!

This is a quick but fun cozy mystery that sets up a good scenario to pull the reader in and examine the clues with Hillary. Last time, solving the crime together had strengthened the bond between Hillary and Preston. Hopefully this time they’ll again find the guilty party – and move even closer in their relationship!
6,022 reviews45 followers
August 16, 2019
Hilary has long been troubled by the tumultuous relationship her daughter Annabelle has with bartender Giovanni. Is he really just a guy in a service industry working harmlessly for tips? Does a serial womanizer lurk beneath his sexy Italian good looks?

When Giovanni is taken into custody on suspicion of murder of an ex girlfriend, Annabelle has some nasty surprises in store. Annabelle volunteers to pack a bag with a few clothing changes and toiletries. A man truly over other women in his life should really get rid of phone numbers and random pieces of lingerie strewn about. Never makes a gal feel special when she knows none of it belongs to her. And only a foolish man would leave that much evidence of lack of fidelity for his woman to find unless he was trying to passive aggressively let her know she is only one of many.

Giovanni might be at the heart of the investigation in more ways than one. Two of his exes seem to have been embroiled in a long simmering feud over his attentions. There appears to have been some overlap in all that with his pursuit of Annabelle.

Did jealousy drive someone to commit murder? Was love, money or obsession a driving factor? Should Annabelle finally move on?

Perhaps Hilary might finally have a chance to move past the death of husband a few years ago.

Family, friends and romance are complicated- especially in a small town.

Intense KU read!

I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read it on Kindle Unlimited. I have read most of the recent books from Wendy Meadows in Kindle or Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book120 followers
August 16, 2019
Cozy Mystery Novella Delivers the Goods

This delivers a wonderful mystery even though it is so short. Often, mystery novellas lack the key elements that are needed for good cozy mystery, like red herrings, quirky characters, and plenty of possible suspects. This book delivers in so many ways. I love Hillary as the amateur sleuth in this series. She has such an empathetic way about her that she is able to elicit stories and even confessions from people. I love her interactions with her group of friends and her daughter. The group of friends provides excellent humor, and they seem to act like real groups of female friends do. Hillary's relationship with her daughter isn't always simple, again like real life. In this book, Hillary does not approve of Annabelle's relationship with the first prime suspect for the murder in this book. He's a womanizer who lacks a moral compass according to Hillary. But the mother of a grown woman can only say so much to her daughter in the area of romance. Speaking of romance, things are slowly heating up with Hillary and Preston, which is a delight to see as this has been a slow burn for them in the previous books of this series. A well-done, character-driven quick read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
1,187 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2019
Rosemary Harbour has it next victim. Tera is killed in a tanning booth in the beauty business A Place in the Sun. As co-owner and past lover, Giovanni is the first to be questioned. Annabelle is in love with Giovanni and so Hillary makes it a point to find out who else could have motives. This time she has the Sheriff’s permission to nose around.

This is a good cozy mystery that has you wondering who did it. If you have been reading the series then the characters have become like old friends. I enjoyed this novel because it gave both Hillary and Annabelle time to reflect on themselves and their desires. The mystery was interesting and had twists, turns and surprises. I enjoy the small town atmosphere and the constant rumour mill which actually seems to cause a lot of destruction in the town people's lives. I like this series as it gives me a chance to reflect on relationships, family and friends.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,314 reviews8 followers
August 14, 2019
The Basket Delivery is another install-ment in the Rosemary Harbor Mystery series by Wendy Meadows.  This is an enjoyable afternoon read with a great blending of murder and suspense with a touch humor.

Hillary has only been in Rosemary Harbor a little over a year and she's made a few friends through her business and the former book club.  

Giovanni thinks he's a gift to women -- he juggles them back and forth without a second thought.  He even has Hillary's daughter, Annabelle added to his stable.  Now one of his women friends has been found murdered. Did Giovanni do it, or maybe one of his many women friends got a little too jealous.

Hillary is helping the Chief of Police out again.  She does have a way of getting people to talk to her and by listening closely she may discover a clue. There are many twists, turns and surprises in this 5-star cozy that you'll keep guessing right to the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
August 17, 2019
Basket Delivery is a story about how friendships and love can go terribly wrong. Celeste and Tara opened A Place In The Sun tanning salon. They were the best of friends until a man came between them. Things were rather tense at work between the two women until one day Tara was murdered while in a tanning bed. Hillary and Annabelle, her daughter knew both ladies as they would join them for the monthly Wine Club. What Hillary wasn't happy with was Annabelle seeing Giovanni, the man that caused the rift between Celeste and Tara. He was a womanizer who worked at Antonio's as a bartender. Then he is arrested for Tara's murder. This case hits Hillary rather hard because of her daughter and her husband died from skin cancer, so the tanning salon wasn't one of her favorite places. Can they find out who killed Tara? There are many clues, but they all lead nowhere. You will have to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy fo this book from Booksprout.
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
August 20, 2019
Hillary is making another basket delivery from her shop and soon finds out that someone she knows has befallen a tragic death. At the local beauty parlor and sun salon, the body of Tara Fulone is found in one of the tanning machines. All signs turn to murder and the number one suspect is Hillary’s daughter’s boyfriend Giovanni. It seems he is a bit of a ladies man and at one time or another has dated most of the single ladies in Rosemary Harbor.

Hillary’s boyfriend Preston is on the case, which means that Hillary has a front-row seat to all the action and uses all of her amateur sleuthing skills to uncover some of the clues. Can Hillary find the real murderer? Is Giovanni the one who did it?

This is a cozy mystery written by a great storyteller. It has a mix of mystery, suspense, romance, humor, quirky characters, and lots of twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2019
I marked this book realistic because parents worry about their children and children are not crazy about a dating parent initially (usually). That is the issue with Hilary and her daughter. It seems to be the major focus in the book and the murder feels to be secondary. I am hoping that this will lead to something very significant in the next book.

I love that the book is quick, fun, and easy to read. Can be done in a few hours, especially if not waiting on customers in a used bookstore,lol. I was surprise to see that this is book 5 in this series. Does not seem like that there are so many yet. Since I have read them all and in order, I think you can read this one but will definitely want to go back and catch up on the character development, especially with Hilary and hr daughter.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
323 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2019
Hillary is preparing baskets for delivery when she finds herself involved in another murder. This one involves her daughter's boyfriend, Giovanni. It appears Giovanni is part owner along with Celeste McDonald and Tara Fulone. When Tara is found dead in a tanning bed from electrocution, Giovanni is suspected of killing her. Giovanni is a "player" and has more than one girlfriend. Rose, Hillary's daughter, feels Giovanni is innocent.
Police Chief Preston Davis is happy to have Hillary assist with the investigation. She sees things that he doesn't.
It appears there are others who could have killed Tara and Hillary wants to find the right person.
The characters in this series develop more with each book. I received an advanced copy. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Judy R.
294 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2019
Hillary’s daughter Annabelle has been seeing a bartender, Giovanni. Hillary is not happy about it as she sees that he flirts with a lot of the women at the restaurant he bar tends at. His name has been associated with a number of women, one being a co-owner of a tanning salon. A murder occurs and Giovanni becomes the prime suspect. Hillary works with Preston to solve the case without him getting upset with her involvement.

Annabelle is sticking behind her man but as she learns more about him and his interactions with other women, she struggles with her faith in believing he’s innocent.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pam.
351 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2019
In this one, Annabelle's boyfriend is arrested for suspicion of murder. As Hillary investigates, Annabelle gets involved as well. The more they look, the more bad things they find out about the boyfriend. Hillary is sure that he is not the best choice for Annabelle but not so sure that he is guilty of murder. With Hillary's help, Preston does solve the murder and life goes back to pretty much normal. Hillary and Annabelle call a truce. Annabelle will not interfere with Preston and Hillary dating and Hillary will not interfere with Annabelle and Giovanni dating

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kathy.
1,436 reviews35 followers
August 17, 2019
This was my first book by Ms. Meadows but I wasn't overly impressed. It was a quick, cute read but the main character spent so much time thinking about her daughter's love life that it was very redundant. I am a mother and grandmother so I understand about fretting over your children but this was a little obsessive IMHO. I stuck it out and finished the book but it felt like the murder was an afterthought and the resolution was really quick and simple. I will have to read another of Ms. Meadow's books to give her a fair shake so I'll let you know what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Debbie Orazi.
1,755 reviews26 followers
August 18, 2019
Another good read in the series. I was a little disappointed by this story because the murderer was too obvious unlike most of the author's other books I have read.
After the book club murder, the ladies are now doing a wine club once a month. A new member is Celeste McDaniel the co-owner of the tanning boutique in town. The victim in this book is Celeste's partner Tara. Turns out Annabelle's on again/off again boyfriend Giovanni has dated both women in the not so distant past. Preston enlists Hillary to solve this case again and their relationship seems to be heating up slightly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
August 18, 2019
Basket Delivery is an addition to the Rosemary Harbor series that can be read as a stand alone, but is better if read as part of the series. The story progresses forward but does have a solid ending.

A wee bit slow to start but turned out to be pretty entertaining. Hillary is at it again, helping Preston to solve another murder.

One thing that does confuse me, is how during the middle of a scene, it will switch pov for few moments, then will switch back. I love multi POV, only when it is full chapters, or clearly marked that it is switching point of views.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,992 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2019
Another story of Hillary and her daughter in Rosemary Harbour.
Hillary's daughter is still very much in love with the Italian bartender, Giovanni, who spreads his charm wide. When he becomes arrested for murder, Hillary feels obliged to help find the real murderer.
In this story the murder is much more close to home for Hillary, as her daughter is indirectly involved. Hillary's feelings towards the man and coming to grips with accepting him for her daughter's sake give this cozy a deeper story-line than the ones before.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,024 reviews20 followers
August 14, 2019
Something Special is indeed a special shop. It is a place where the town can purchase items to show their emotions for each other. Hillary and Annabelle her daughter, run the shop and try to fit in with the residents of Rosemary Harbor. Hillary was hoping for a quiet life to recover from the death of her husband, but Rosemary Harbor had other things in store for her. You will be caught up in the antics of the locals and the mysteries that flourished in the town. A very good plot and characters will keep your interest throughout the story.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,723 reviews30 followers
August 18, 2019
Things are a lot easier now that Preston has given his blessing so to speak for Hillary to help with any investigations which is just as well as this one hits close to home for more than one reason. I really did think they might have been on the right track after their initial arrest but doubts did start to creep in as things went along and then I really wasn't sure who did it but Hillary and surprisingly Annabelle helped uncover the culprit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for D Marie.
650 reviews
October 15, 2019
More romance than cozy

I love this series but it seems to be heading toward romance or chick lit. While I did enjoy this book, there wasn't much focus on the murder compared to Annabelle 's dating life. I'm happy that Hillary and Preston are dating because she has truly become a busy body. She's almost as bad as Rose. Not to sure how I feel about Giovanni. Although he's a ladies man, I think the town may be too harsh on him. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a good read.
4,720 reviews40 followers
August 13, 2019
Love Hilary and her daughter.
Here is another cool cozy by Wendy Meadows and it was such fun to read. This book has some really realistic parts. It was a quick and easy to read. Did Giovanni do it? Is Annabelle in love with a killer? The mystery was so interesting with some great twists, turns, and surprises. I loved reading this cozy hope you check it out. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
919 reviews4 followers
August 16, 2019
Hillary is concerned about her daughter’s relationship with Giovanni. However,
Annabelle is going to stick by him, even though he is Preston’s number one suspect in the latest murder. Hillary is determined to find the truth, no matter what that is. Basket Delivery kept me guessing through the twists in this story. I recommend the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Pat Eroh.
2,618 reviews32 followers
August 16, 2019
I love this series. Because it is clean, it is actually one of very favorites. This book is no exception and the story is enough to keep our interest without distracting foul language or explicit sex! This is a well-thought-out, well-written mystery with lots of twists to keep us guessing. It is a shortish, easy read that is very satisfying. I highly recommend this series and this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
August 18, 2019
This is the fifth book in the Rosemary Harbor cozy mystery series and I loved it. The characters in these books are realistic and relatable. The storyline is terrific and includes the concerns that happen in a mother/daughter relationship. Wendy Meadows does a fabulous job of drawing the reader into these stories. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,781 reviews9 followers
August 20, 2019
Wine bar with the girls instead of a book club is how that little push happened. next thing you know, there is a murder, an arrest, a bunch of information gathering, plus lots of past history of potential romantic partners. Baggage is something we all carry, but how much is too much for someone to handle? Can we move past it? Can our new partners? Can baggage lead to murder? Gotta read the book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
490 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2019
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. After getting all the characters (women in the wine club) sorted out I enjoyed this book. Hillary, with help from her daughter, helps the local police chief solve a murder by nosing around. I recommend this book.

145 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2019
Hillary must work to find answers in the latest murder. Her daughter Annabelle’s boyfriend is in the prime suspect. Although she disapproves of the boyfriend she understands that Annabelle is old enough to make her own decisions. Hillary also decides to spend more time with Preston.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
August 19, 2019
A clean cozy mystery that's a true joy to read plus it's a quick, short read. Even with it being short, it's a full entertaining story line that keeps your attention. A great addition to the series but can be read as a stand alone book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

341 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2019
The fifth edition to the Rosemary Harbor series takes the reader on a journey with both Annabelle and Hillary pulling together to solve the latest mystery. Hillary seems to wade through her feelings very well. I am happy for both women as their journey in Rosemary Harbor continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,391 reviews84 followers
August 15, 2019
This family-friendly, further adventure of Hillary, Annabelle, and Rose takes only half a day to read and considers the weight of baskets.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,943 reviews48 followers
August 20, 2019
Entertaining and easy to read cozy mystery. Interesting characters and story. Fun to try to figure out who did it! Would recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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