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Vineyard #3
A Vineyard Morning
Life is usually quiet during the off-season on Martha’s Vineyard. But not for island newbie and bestselling novelist Annie Sutton . . .
Finally settled into her adopted island home, Annie is looking forward to writing her next mystery, making soap for her new business, and starting renovations on the Inn she plans to open by the summer. She’s also enjoying spending more time with local police sergeant John Lyons, the man she’s only just gotten comfortable calling her boyfriend. She’s even starting to relish her relationship with John’s teenaged daughter, Lucy. It’s probably not the best moment for a visit from the biological mother Annie only recently met. Still, it’s high time she got to know the mysterious Donna MacNeish . . .
But Donna’s visit isn’t merely a social call—she’s come to share some devastating news. Seeking solace in an outing with Lucy, Annie and the teen stumble upon skeletal remains on the Inn’s property, a finding that calls a halt to all construction while the police investigate. Desperate for answers, Annie starts asking questions of her own. But when secrets about her own past bring shattering revelations, suddenly everything Annie understands about love and loyalty is tested—and she wonders if the ties that bind her to her beloved community will reach a breaking point . . .
Finally settled into her adopted island home, Annie is looking forward to writing her next mystery, making soap for her new business, and starting renovations on the Inn she plans to open by the summer. She’s also enjoying spending more time with local police sergeant John Lyons, the man she’s only just gotten comfortable calling her boyfriend. She’s even starting to relish her relationship with John’s teenaged daughter, Lucy. It’s probably not the best moment for a visit from the biological mother Annie only recently met. Still, it’s high time she got to know the mysterious Donna MacNeish . . .
But Donna’s visit isn’t merely a social call—she’s come to share some devastating news. Seeking solace in an outing with Lucy, Annie and the teen stumble upon skeletal remains on the Inn’s property, a finding that calls a halt to all construction while the police investigate. Desperate for answers, Annie starts asking questions of her own. But when secrets about her own past bring shattering revelations, suddenly everything Annie understands about love and loyalty is tested—and she wonders if the ties that bind her to her beloved community will reach a breaking point . . .
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 26, 2021
105 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 1, 2021
This is Women's Fiction, and this is the 3rd book in A Vineyard Novel series. I found this book hard to get into. I took me three tries to get into this book. There was parts of this book that the pacing was to slow moving, and I also feel there was parts of this book that there was just information dump going on. The characters was ok. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Jean Stone) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 13, 2021
The perfect Summer beach read.Great for reading hours on end with your tall glass of sweet tea with lemon.
Martha's Vineyard is elegantly brought to life in the Vineyard series as we continue to interact with local year round residents and Summer visitors alike.
This book is charming and realistic with a great plot .
The book deals with family,forgiveness and acceptance . Filled with emotion,understanding,some laughs and some tears. I am enjoying reading about this series and can't wait to read more.
Pub Date: 26 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Martha's Vineyard is elegantly brought to life in the Vineyard series as we continue to interact with local year round residents and Summer visitors alike.
This book is charming and realistic with a great plot .
The book deals with family,forgiveness and acceptance . Filled with emotion,understanding,some laughs and some tears. I am enjoying reading about this series and can't wait to read more.
Pub Date: 26 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
December 26, 2022
4 stelle e mezza
All'inizio del libro la protagonista scopre parte di un teschio umano, ma il mistero riguardante questa scoperta rimane quasi in sottofondo rispetto a quanto accade nella vita privata della protagonista. Anche se avevo capito ben presto quanto sarebbe successo con la madre e chi era il padre naturale, ho apprezzato la lettura e mi sono commossa in alcuni punti.
All'inizio del libro la protagonista scopre parte di un teschio umano, ma il mistero riguardante questa scoperta rimane quasi in sottofondo rispetto a quanto accade nella vita privata della protagonista. Anche se avevo capito ben presto quanto sarebbe successo con la madre e chi era il padre naturale, ho apprezzato la lettura e mi sono commossa in alcuni punti.
November 28, 2020
A Vineyard Morning is a decent read. I like the setting on Nantucket. Annie furthers her relationship with John and Lucy while becoming more acquainted with her birth mother Donna. She is preparing the inn for its opening, but the arrival of Donna on the island throws her plans. I liked the ending the neat as it revealed unknown facts about Annie’s biological father. I haven’t read the other books in the series but this one can easily be read as a stand alone.
November 17, 2020
I’m more of a cozy mystery gal, but every once in awhile a book from another genre calls to me, as this book did. I’m glad I answered the call. The third book in this series, it is the first I have read and I know there were a few small gaps, but I was able to fill them in as I read on.
This is a story for family, forgiveness and acceptance. Annie, who was given up for adoption at birth, is reunited with both her birth mother and half brother years after losing her adoptive parents, her first husband and being abandoned by her second husband. It is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself and discovering that family is not only those whose blood runs through your veins, but also those who whose love runs through your heart.
How do you make up for lost time? How do you make the most of the time you have left? More importantly, how do you forgive mistakes that have been made, both by yourself and others? There are lessons in here, but the story itself brings you to tears at times and rejoicing in your own family, both those joined by blood and heartstrings.
I’ve already purchased the other books in this series to read, as the author really captured me with her writing and her story.
This is a story for family, forgiveness and acceptance. Annie, who was given up for adoption at birth, is reunited with both her birth mother and half brother years after losing her adoptive parents, her first husband and being abandoned by her second husband. It is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself and discovering that family is not only those whose blood runs through your veins, but also those who whose love runs through your heart.
How do you make up for lost time? How do you make the most of the time you have left? More importantly, how do you forgive mistakes that have been made, both by yourself and others? There are lessons in here, but the story itself brings you to tears at times and rejoicing in your own family, both those joined by blood and heartstrings.
I’ve already purchased the other books in this series to read, as the author really captured me with her writing and her story.
February 20, 2022
This Summary/Review was copied from other sources and is used only as a reminder of what the book was about for my personal interest. Any Personal Notations are for my recollection only.
**
The main character is a likeable woman who was adopted and is just now reconnecting with her birth family. She is over 50 and has been through a lot in her life, including a disastrous marriage that left her with a lot of debt. She has overcome this and now is settled into a small island community and is helping her brother refurbish a place to run as an Inn. She is involved with the local police officer and his daughter. Her birth mother, Donna, decides to come to the island and adds a bit of stress as the plans for the Inn have been put on hold when she finds a part of a skull on the beach and construction is shut down until it can be determined if it is Native American and it is possibly an ancient burial site. There is also a question if it came from a man who fell off a boat many years before. His son is on the island with his mother and there is questions whether she was responsible for the man's death.
While all this is going on Donna reveals she has cancer and then later it is found out she is dying. Annie is a bit conflicted with regards to Donna and wants to know who her mother is but can't seem to get around to asking her. Her ex-husband shows up when she asks his friend to help with the identification of the skull. She finally has a talk with him and feels as if she gets closure. I didn't like the fact that she doesn't ask him to pay back the money he basically owed her. He left her with lots of debt and she paid it all over. She exhibits a lot of anger toward him but doesn't ask for the money and he just says he's sorry he left her with the debt but also doesn't offer to pay her back.
Lots of questions about whether the Inn will be allowed to be finished, what happens with her relationship with the local cop and her mother, will some of the problems with other people who live on the island be resolved. Definitely more of a relationship book then a mystery. Lot of feelings come up such as love, forgiveness, some anger and resentment, and how to deal with some buried pain.
Annie is very involved in the lives of others in the community and she does her best to help all of them. I did like the ending as some questions were resolved for her even if parts were a bit sad.
**
The discovery of a skull sets off a chain of events that affects Annie Sutton and her friends and family. Annie is a mystery novelist and has come to Martha’s Vineyard after a devastating divorce. Her newly found younger brother Kevin is here, working on renovations to an inn. Annie lives on the property and Kevin hopes that the inn will support both of them. However, money is tight and construction is behind schedule so Annie is searching for local art to use to decorate the rooms. She’s looking for sea glass when she finds the skull. What follows is a painful, long wait while the skull is identified. If it is Native American and was buried nearby, the inn will not be allowed to open.
While Annie and Kevin are waiting for news, her birth mother Donna arrives for a visit. Annie, who was adopted, has only recently met Donna and has mixed feelings about spending time with her. Annie is in a relationship with the town police chief and is helping him deal with his teenage daughter. She’s also involved in solving a disappearance that happened decades ago.
Several long hidden secrets are revealed and a tragic event occurs before the conclusion of A Vineyard Morning.
**
This is a story for family, forgiveness and acceptance. Annie, who was given up for adoption at birth, is reunited with both her birth mother and half brother years after losing her adoptive parents, her first husband and being abandoned by her second husband. It is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself and discovering that family is not only those whose blood runs through your veins, but also those who whose love runs through your heart.
How do you make up for lost time? How do you make the most of the time you have left? More importantly, how do you forgive mistakes that have been made, both by yourself and others? There are lessons in here, but the story itself brings you to tears at times and rejoicing in your own family, both those joined by blood and heartstrings.
**
The letter that her mom wrote to her:
**
The main character is a likeable woman who was adopted and is just now reconnecting with her birth family. She is over 50 and has been through a lot in her life, including a disastrous marriage that left her with a lot of debt. She has overcome this and now is settled into a small island community and is helping her brother refurbish a place to run as an Inn. She is involved with the local police officer and his daughter. Her birth mother, Donna, decides to come to the island and adds a bit of stress as the plans for the Inn have been put on hold when she finds a part of a skull on the beach and construction is shut down until it can be determined if it is Native American and it is possibly an ancient burial site. There is also a question if it came from a man who fell off a boat many years before. His son is on the island with his mother and there is questions whether she was responsible for the man's death.
While all this is going on Donna reveals she has cancer and then later it is found out she is dying. Annie is a bit conflicted with regards to Donna and wants to know who her mother is but can't seem to get around to asking her. Her ex-husband shows up when she asks his friend to help with the identification of the skull. She finally has a talk with him and feels as if she gets closure. I didn't like the fact that she doesn't ask him to pay back the money he basically owed her. He left her with lots of debt and she paid it all over. She exhibits a lot of anger toward him but doesn't ask for the money and he just says he's sorry he left her with the debt but also doesn't offer to pay her back.
Lots of questions about whether the Inn will be allowed to be finished, what happens with her relationship with the local cop and her mother, will some of the problems with other people who live on the island be resolved. Definitely more of a relationship book then a mystery. Lot of feelings come up such as love, forgiveness, some anger and resentment, and how to deal with some buried pain.
Annie is very involved in the lives of others in the community and she does her best to help all of them. I did like the ending as some questions were resolved for her even if parts were a bit sad.
**
The discovery of a skull sets off a chain of events that affects Annie Sutton and her friends and family. Annie is a mystery novelist and has come to Martha’s Vineyard after a devastating divorce. Her newly found younger brother Kevin is here, working on renovations to an inn. Annie lives on the property and Kevin hopes that the inn will support both of them. However, money is tight and construction is behind schedule so Annie is searching for local art to use to decorate the rooms. She’s looking for sea glass when she finds the skull. What follows is a painful, long wait while the skull is identified. If it is Native American and was buried nearby, the inn will not be allowed to open.
While Annie and Kevin are waiting for news, her birth mother Donna arrives for a visit. Annie, who was adopted, has only recently met Donna and has mixed feelings about spending time with her. Annie is in a relationship with the town police chief and is helping him deal with his teenage daughter. She’s also involved in solving a disappearance that happened decades ago.
Several long hidden secrets are revealed and a tragic event occurs before the conclusion of A Vineyard Morning.
**
This is a story for family, forgiveness and acceptance. Annie, who was given up for adoption at birth, is reunited with both her birth mother and half brother years after losing her adoptive parents, her first husband and being abandoned by her second husband. It is about finding yourself, forgiving yourself and discovering that family is not only those whose blood runs through your veins, but also those who whose love runs through your heart.
How do you make up for lost time? How do you make the most of the time you have left? More importantly, how do you forgive mistakes that have been made, both by yourself and others? There are lessons in here, but the story itself brings you to tears at times and rejoicing in your own family, both those joined by blood and heartstrings.
**
The letter that her mom wrote to her:
May 23, 2024
I am not normally a fan of books that are part of a series, but I cannot get enough of the Vineyard novels, by author Jean Stone. "A Vineyard Morning" is the third in the series, and you can be sure I will reading the fourth book in the near future.I am growing attache to the characters who live and work in Martha's Vineyard and in whose lives I have become quite invested. At the center of all the novels, so far, is Annie Sutton, who was not born and raised on the Vineyard, but has recently embraced it as home, and she plans to live there long term. In each of the novels, so far, there is a mystery driving the actions of the characters. In this one, Annie Sutton is preparing to run an inn currently under construction, but is currently living in a rental cottage. Her brother, Kevin, with whom she shares a mother, has come to the island and building his own new life. He grew up with Annie's birthmother, Donna, but for Annie, the jury is still out on how she feels about this woman she has only recently come to know at all. Donna had relinquished her for adoption when she was a baby. Meanwhile, Annie is growing more attached to John Lyons, the local police officer whose parents, Earl and Carl, have been welcoming to Keven, offering him a place to stay and a job. Johns, teenaged daughter has moved to the Vineyard, as well, after a rough go in the last novel.
Annie enjoys Lucy Lyons, John's daughter, recognizing that the girl is quite bright, even if sometimes baffling, as many teenagers can be. One day, Annie and Lucy are on the beach when they discover a skull. A human skull! Could it be the skull of the young man Vineyard resident Taylor loved, who drowned one day when the two were on the water. Taylor was young and pregnant, and claims she wanted to marry him, but Annie hears talk that Taylor wanted the young man's family money, not him. The baby, a boy, is now an adult, living on the island, having been raised by grandparents. He only recently learned the identity of his mother, and now is hearing gossip that his mother may be a murderer, and we have to wonder, could the skull on the beach be that of his birthfather who died more than 20 years earlier?
A monkey wrench is thrown into the plans to build the inn. IF the skull is found to be that of a Native American, no one will be able to build an inn there, and the property will be deemed sacred. Annie is determined to discover the truth, so determined that she forces herself to reach out to the best friend of ex-husband, a man who abandoned her years ago, leaving her in steep debt. That phone call has a result that brings Annie face to face with a man she now loathes, and who is the last person from whom she would want help.
Then there is Donna, Annie's birthmother, who decides to come to visit her children on the Vineyard. Annie is not thrilled, but she figures a few days will not matter. If only Donna were just making a quick visit, but she arrives with several large suitcases, looking thin and unwell. She has a sad secret to tell her children that will change their lives. Annie lets her move into her cottage, and she goes to stay with John, sometimes, and with John's parents other times. Meanwhile, she is trying to write her next book, solve multiple mysteries, and find time to spend with John when Lucy is not around!
By the end of the novel there is a major twist, and no, it is not about the identity of the skull, but rather one I never saw coming! Kudos to the author for pulling that off so well! As the pages pass (I listened to this one, so I should say "As the hours passed," we learn more and more about each main character, and by the end readers will be excited to read the fourth entree in the series.
What I like about Jean Stone's writing is that even though her books all have a mystery woven through the plot, they are not gruesome or scary. Whatever happened was in the past, so I follow along, not worrying that a gruesome or violent scene will occur "in front of me," so to speak.
The narrator of the audiobook, Alyssa Bresnahan, has narrated hundreds of book, which boggles my mind, since her mispronunciation of words never stops. She has no clue where to put emphasis on a multi syllable-word, nor in 2 words where the first word is an adjective modifying the next word (the noun). Listening to her way of speaking drives me crazy, but I put up with it as the books in this series are readily available as audiobooks from my library, and that is not true for many books I want to read. I always like to have a physical book in my hands and one I have downloaded to enjoy while doing other things where I cannot sit down and read with my eyes. Great book, lousy narration, thus 4 stars.
Annie enjoys Lucy Lyons, John's daughter, recognizing that the girl is quite bright, even if sometimes baffling, as many teenagers can be. One day, Annie and Lucy are on the beach when they discover a skull. A human skull! Could it be the skull of the young man Vineyard resident Taylor loved, who drowned one day when the two were on the water. Taylor was young and pregnant, and claims she wanted to marry him, but Annie hears talk that Taylor wanted the young man's family money, not him. The baby, a boy, is now an adult, living on the island, having been raised by grandparents. He only recently learned the identity of his mother, and now is hearing gossip that his mother may be a murderer, and we have to wonder, could the skull on the beach be that of his birthfather who died more than 20 years earlier?
A monkey wrench is thrown into the plans to build the inn. IF the skull is found to be that of a Native American, no one will be able to build an inn there, and the property will be deemed sacred. Annie is determined to discover the truth, so determined that she forces herself to reach out to the best friend of ex-husband, a man who abandoned her years ago, leaving her in steep debt. That phone call has a result that brings Annie face to face with a man she now loathes, and who is the last person from whom she would want help.
Then there is Donna, Annie's birthmother, who decides to come to visit her children on the Vineyard. Annie is not thrilled, but she figures a few days will not matter. If only Donna were just making a quick visit, but she arrives with several large suitcases, looking thin and unwell. She has a sad secret to tell her children that will change their lives. Annie lets her move into her cottage, and she goes to stay with John, sometimes, and with John's parents other times. Meanwhile, she is trying to write her next book, solve multiple mysteries, and find time to spend with John when Lucy is not around!
By the end of the novel there is a major twist, and no, it is not about the identity of the skull, but rather one I never saw coming! Kudos to the author for pulling that off so well! As the pages pass (I listened to this one, so I should say "As the hours passed," we learn more and more about each main character, and by the end readers will be excited to read the fourth entree in the series.
What I like about Jean Stone's writing is that even though her books all have a mystery woven through the plot, they are not gruesome or scary. Whatever happened was in the past, so I follow along, not worrying that a gruesome or violent scene will occur "in front of me," so to speak.
The narrator of the audiobook, Alyssa Bresnahan, has narrated hundreds of book, which boggles my mind, since her mispronunciation of words never stops. She has no clue where to put emphasis on a multi syllable-word, nor in 2 words where the first word is an adjective modifying the next word (the noun). Listening to her way of speaking drives me crazy, but I put up with it as the books in this series are readily available as audiobooks from my library, and that is not true for many books I want to read. I always like to have a physical book in my hands and one I have downloaded to enjoy while doing other things where I cannot sit down and read with my eyes. Great book, lousy narration, thus 4 stars.
January 21, 2021
Have not read the 2 prior books in this series and felt that I was a missing a few things.
Received this from Goodreads.com for an honest review.
I enjoyed the book though it felt a little slow at times. The main character is a likeable woman who was adopted and is just now reconnecting with her birth family. She is over 50 and has been through a lot in her life, including a disastrous marriage that left her with a lot of debt. She has overcome this and now is settled into a small island community and is helping her brother refurbish a place to run as an Inn. She is involved with the local police officer and his daughter. Her birth mother, Donna, decides to come to the island and adds a bit of stress as the plans for the Inn have been put on hold when she finds a part of a skull on the beach and construction is shut down until it can be determined if it is Native American and it is possibly an ancient burial site. There is also a question if it came from a man who fell off a boat many years before. His son is on the island with his mother and there is questions whether she was responsible for the man's death.
While all this is going on Donna reveals she has cancer and then later it is found out she is dying. Annie is a bit conflicted with regards to Donna and wants to know who her mother is but can't seem to get around to asking her. Her ex-husband shows up when she asks his friend to help with the identification of the skull. She finally has a talk with him and feels as if she gets closure. I didn't like the fact that she doesn't ask him to pay back the money he basically owed her. He left her with lots of debt and she paid it all over. She exhibits a lot of anger toward him but doesn't ask for the money and he just says he's sorry he left her with the debt but also doesn't offer to pay her back.
Lots of questions about whether the Inn will be allowed to be finished, what happens with her relationship with the local cop and her mother, will some of the problems with other people who live on the island be resolved. Definitely more of a relationship book then a mystery. Lot of feelings come up such as love, forgiveness, some anger and resentment, and how to deal with some buried pain.
Annie is very involved in the lives of others in the community and she does her best to help all of them. I did like the ending as some questions were resolved for her even if parts were a bit sad.
Received this from Goodreads.com for an honest review.
I enjoyed the book though it felt a little slow at times. The main character is a likeable woman who was adopted and is just now reconnecting with her birth family. She is over 50 and has been through a lot in her life, including a disastrous marriage that left her with a lot of debt. She has overcome this and now is settled into a small island community and is helping her brother refurbish a place to run as an Inn. She is involved with the local police officer and his daughter. Her birth mother, Donna, decides to come to the island and adds a bit of stress as the plans for the Inn have been put on hold when she finds a part of a skull on the beach and construction is shut down until it can be determined if it is Native American and it is possibly an ancient burial site. There is also a question if it came from a man who fell off a boat many years before. His son is on the island with his mother and there is questions whether she was responsible for the man's death.
While all this is going on Donna reveals she has cancer and then later it is found out she is dying. Annie is a bit conflicted with regards to Donna and wants to know who her mother is but can't seem to get around to asking her. Her ex-husband shows up when she asks his friend to help with the identification of the skull. She finally has a talk with him and feels as if she gets closure. I didn't like the fact that she doesn't ask him to pay back the money he basically owed her. He left her with lots of debt and she paid it all over. She exhibits a lot of anger toward him but doesn't ask for the money and he just says he's sorry he left her with the debt but also doesn't offer to pay her back.
Lots of questions about whether the Inn will be allowed to be finished, what happens with her relationship with the local cop and her mother, will some of the problems with other people who live on the island be resolved. Definitely more of a relationship book then a mystery. Lot of feelings come up such as love, forgiveness, some anger and resentment, and how to deal with some buried pain.
Annie is very involved in the lives of others in the community and she does her best to help all of them. I did like the ending as some questions were resolved for her even if parts were a bit sad.
January 30, 2021
The discovery of a skull sets off a chain of events that affects Annie Sutton and her friends and family. Annie is a mystery novelist and has come to Martha’s Vineyard after a devastating divorce. Her newly found younger brother Kevin is here, working on renovations to an inn. Annie lives on the property and Kevin hopes that the inn will support both of them. However, money is tight and construction is behind schedule so Annie is searching for local art to use to decorate the rooms. She’s looking for sea glass when she finds the skull. What follows is a painful, long wait while the skull is identified. If it is Native American and was buried nearby, the inn will not be allowed to open.
While Annie and Kevin are waiting for news, her birth mother Donna arrives for a visit. Annie, who was adopted, has only recently met Donna and has mixed feelings about spending time with her. Annie is in a relationship with the town police chief and is helping him deal with his teenage daughter. She’s also involved in solving a disappearance that happened decades ago.
Several long hidden secrets are revealed and a tragic event occurs before the conclusion of A Vineyard Morning.
I did not know that A Vineyard Morning was the third in a series. While I would enjoy the entire three volumes, I found it hard to read this book as a standalone. Characters and events from the previous books are referred to without explanation. However, the Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick locations are beautifully described so - 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Jean Stone for this ARC.
While Annie and Kevin are waiting for news, her birth mother Donna arrives for a visit. Annie, who was adopted, has only recently met Donna and has mixed feelings about spending time with her. Annie is in a relationship with the town police chief and is helping him deal with his teenage daughter. She’s also involved in solving a disappearance that happened decades ago.
Several long hidden secrets are revealed and a tragic event occurs before the conclusion of A Vineyard Morning.
I did not know that A Vineyard Morning was the third in a series. While I would enjoy the entire three volumes, I found it hard to read this book as a standalone. Characters and events from the previous books are referred to without explanation. However, the Martha’s Vineyard and Chappaquiddick locations are beautifully described so - 4 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Jean Stone for this ARC.
November 19, 2020
I really enjoyed "A Vineyard Morning", by Jean Stone. My only reason for holding back on a 5 star was the amount of time it took me to be pulled into the story. I actually didn't feel truly drawn in until I reached the 5th chapter. The beginning left me a little confused and struggling to figure out and remember who everyone was. However, once the story began to settle into a bit of a rhythm, I had a hard time setting the book down!
I found this book to be equal parts mystery and drama. I enjoyed the many layers of mystery that were presented throughout the book...from the skull on the beach; to the possible murder of the previous boyfriend of one of residents of the island; to the birth mother's insistent need to show up on the island in the middle of so much chaos; to the discovery of the identity of Annie's birth father. All of these items brought together a wonderful level of mystery and anticipation. I was truly grateful that I held on and continued reading until the story finally grabbed me! I will absolutely be watching for more stories by Ms. Stone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I found this book to be equal parts mystery and drama. I enjoyed the many layers of mystery that were presented throughout the book...from the skull on the beach; to the possible murder of the previous boyfriend of one of residents of the island; to the birth mother's insistent need to show up on the island in the middle of so much chaos; to the discovery of the identity of Annie's birth father. All of these items brought together a wonderful level of mystery and anticipation. I was truly grateful that I held on and continued reading until the story finally grabbed me! I will absolutely be watching for more stories by Ms. Stone!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 31, 2021
A Vineyard Morning by Jean Stone is the third book in the Vineyard series. Annie Sullivan is in her little cottage waiting for the Inn to open. Her life has settled down with her writing and soap making, but as we know settled down doesn’t last for long.
Annie finds a bone fragment on the beach that is obviously a skull. This starts a whole torrent of unexpected events. The work on the Inn must stop until the investigation has concluded until more information about the skull is figured out. This is cause for fear, fear that the Inn won’t open, that everyone has lost their money and home. Annie and Kevin’s mother insists on coming to Martha’s Vineyard to see her children and the progress of the Inn. However it is not quite as it is seen. To top it all off, Annie’s boyfriend, John’s daughter has managed to get embroiled in a thing that sets off other issues. And then there are secrets… more secrets.
A Vineyard Morning by Jean Stone is well written. The story line kept my interest. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. I enjoyed the prior book and will be looking forward to the next novel. A Vineyard Morning by Jean Stone is a good read.
Annie finds a bone fragment on the beach that is obviously a skull. This starts a whole torrent of unexpected events. The work on the Inn must stop until the investigation has concluded until more information about the skull is figured out. This is cause for fear, fear that the Inn won’t open, that everyone has lost their money and home. Annie and Kevin’s mother insists on coming to Martha’s Vineyard to see her children and the progress of the Inn. However it is not quite as it is seen. To top it all off, Annie’s boyfriend, John’s daughter has managed to get embroiled in a thing that sets off other issues. And then there are secrets… more secrets.
A Vineyard Morning by Jean Stone is well written. The story line kept my interest. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. I enjoyed the prior book and will be looking forward to the next novel. A Vineyard Morning by Jean Stone is a good read.
August 12, 2024
I had this in my Kindle and decided to read it as one of my summertime reads while I was at the beach. This is the 3rd book in the Vineyard series by Jean Stone. I haven't read the previous two, but the story can stand alone - even if there are inferences to the first two stories.
Vineyard Morning is an easy (and clean) beach read. I wouldn't call it a cozy mystery per se, but it is cozy. There's more about the MC heroine Annie's life than there is about the skull that her boyfriend's daughter, Lucy, finds on the beach while they're out beachcombing for natural beachy decor.
You do find out a lot about Annie's life - finding the skull presents a conflict with resuming construction on the inn she's building, her newish relationship with a half-brother, finally bonding with her birth mother and her current and previous relationships.
There is an interesting twist at the end with Annie's parents - adoptive and birth. The tone of the story is more subdued and almost sad in places.
The story had the rhythm of calmer ocean waves.
If you're looking for a beachy read that is just easy to read but without much tumultuous drama, this is a great pick.
Vineyard Morning is an easy (and clean) beach read. I wouldn't call it a cozy mystery per se, but it is cozy. There's more about the MC heroine Annie's life than there is about the skull that her boyfriend's daughter, Lucy, finds on the beach while they're out beachcombing for natural beachy decor.
You do find out a lot about Annie's life - finding the skull presents a conflict with resuming construction on the inn she's building, her newish relationship with a half-brother, finally bonding with her birth mother and her current and previous relationships.
There is an interesting twist at the end with Annie's parents - adoptive and birth. The tone of the story is more subdued and almost sad in places.
The story had the rhythm of calmer ocean waves.
If you're looking for a beachy read that is just easy to read but without much tumultuous drama, this is a great pick.
January 17, 2021
This is an interesting combination of a cozy and the story of finding family. Annie has had a lot of loss in her life but she's feeling good about her life on Martha's Vineyard. She's an author, she's got a new small business, and she's establishing a love relationship with Sergeant John Lyons, as well as a good one with his daughter Lucy. The arrival of her bio-mom Donna throws much off, though. A walk with Lucy should have been soothing but they discover skeletal remains, which sets off a hunt for answers. The revelation by Donna of Annie's bio-dad is unsettling but Annie's a strong woman. She's also got a good support network which means a lot these days. I liked the characters, enjoyed the setting, and found the mystery just twisty enough. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me for this good read.
November 18, 2020
I started reading 'A Vineyard Morning" having no idea it was book 3. Feeling that something was missing, I searched & found books 1 & 2 on our library as e-books. Caught up quickly & book 3 made so much more sense (started to re-read from the beginning). Addie & her half-brother are getting ready to finish up their inn, when part of a human skull is found, along with their biological mother calling to announce she is coming to visit. As a cozy mystery reader, this book could also fit the bill. A fast read, ties the stories together with a satisfying outcome. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. Thanks to NetGalley & Kensington Books for the chance to pre-read the e-book in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2022
Annie has come a long way since she arrived on Martha's Vineyard. She has made friends and become a part of the community. She is working on her latest novel and has moved into her new cottage on the grounds of the inn that she will be managing once it is open. However things at the inn hit a snag when a partial skull is found on the beach in front of the inn and all renovations must be halted until it can be determined if it is human and is part of a crime. Annie's life is also a little unsettled. Her birth mother wants to come for a visit and Annie isn't sure if she is up for it with everything else going on. I am always rooting for Annie and for things to work out for her. I love the island setting and the descriptions make me feel like I am there. Wonderful beach read.
March 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for kindly providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.
This book was a bit of a slow start for me but by half way the author had worked her magic and I was really invested in the characters and the storyline. It’s definitely more of an emotional investment read rather than an action packed plot heavy book. Although there is a small mystery element with the discovery of a skull and the possibility that it could be a murder victim.
I think people that have been reading the series through will not be disappointed with this next instalment. And people, such as myself, who are new to the series will find it a fulfilling stand alone read.
This book was a bit of a slow start for me but by half way the author had worked her magic and I was really invested in the characters and the storyline. It’s definitely more of an emotional investment read rather than an action packed plot heavy book. Although there is a small mystery element with the discovery of a skull and the possibility that it could be a murder victim.
I think people that have been reading the series through will not be disappointed with this next instalment. And people, such as myself, who are new to the series will find it a fulfilling stand alone read.
January 7, 2025
While beachcombing for shells and seaglass to decorate the new inn she'll soon be opening, Annie discovers a partial skull tangled up in seaweed that's washed up on shore, forcing all construction on the inn to stop while the authorities investigate. Delaying the renovation could cost a lot of money, and maybe even the inn itself if the skull turns out to be from a member of the Wampanoag tribe who can then lay claim to her property as sacred land. Then suddenly her birth mother, whom she only recently met, decides to come for a visit, which turns out to be far more than just a social call.
Best of the series (which is best read in order) so far.
Best of the series (which is best read in order) so far.
February 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the third book in this Vineyard series. It picked up right where the last book left off with what is going on with Annie and there were some surprises revealed about her that I did not see coming. The setting on Chappy is near and dear to my heart and with the local references I feft like I was there while reading on these chilly February days! I can't wait for the 4th and final book, A Vineyard Crossing! Meanwhile I look forward to seeing Jean by Zoom with a book discussion on February 16th courtesy of Edgartown Public Library.
March 21, 2021
This is book 3 in the Vineyard series and can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the previous books. Annie is an author and lives on Martha's Vineyard part owner with her brother and friend of an inn they are restoring. Annie was adopted as a baby and has established a relationship with her brother Kevin. Now their mother is coming to the island and it's bad news for all. A great story of emotional moments about family and adoption. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 24, 2021
This is book 3 in the series and the first one that I have read. That being said, I had no trouble reading it as a standalone ( I will be going back to read books 1&2). I anticipated that this would be more of a cozy mystery, I was wrong, it's definitely women's fiction with a small amount of mystery. The book is poignant and beautifully written. The characters and dynamics are interesting and the descriptions of Martha's Vineyard are breathtaking. This is a book based on family, forgiveness, moving on and love. I highly recommend this book! It's a perfect beach read.
October 4, 2020
This is a touching story, full of emotion, laughter, tears, frustration, sadness, joy, and heartwarming moments. Although reading the first two books in the series isn’t necessary before reading this one, reading them in order does offer a complete story, This is the story of family, biological and those chosen to fill that role, of island life in Martha’s Vineyard, of letting go and moving on. It is a moving and engrossing story and I loved it!
January 10, 2021
A delightful visit to Martha's Vineyard. Things are not so wonderful for our lovely protagonist after she finds a bone on the beach. Family issues, along with some secrets are revealed. I have read at least one of the previous books in this series and as characters are mentioned situations are brought back to mind. Not necessary to have read either of the previous ones, but will make this one even more enjoyable if you do. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.
January 25, 2021
The 3rd book in the Vineyard series can be read as a standalone. Martha's vineyard Just prior to the season getting started finds recently reunited siblings Kevin and Annie trying to get there in finished and ready to open in time for the summer season. Complications and delays arise, and their mother arrives. Amidst past & present secrets comes discovery and healing. Joy and sorrow, sorrow and joy. A beautiful story 💕
January 26, 2021
This is the third in a series about writer Annie Sutton and her life on Martha's Vineyard. I really liked the first two books, but had a little harder time getting into this one. The storyline and character development seemed a little slower in this book than in the others. I'm glad I kept reading, as I felt more connected to the story by the end, and I liked the way it wrapped up. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy!
February 12, 2021
Really enjoyed this story. Kevin is her half brother and the are opening an in on the Vineyard. Then Donna mother to both Kevin and Annie. See why she is coming to stay and does Annie find out who her father is. Annie finds a skull on the private beach. Find out if she is even able to open the Inn. There is not a lot that I can say unless I spoil it for you. So the only thing I am going to say is that it is a VERY GOOD READ.
January 30, 2024
This was a book that was in the sale section at the bookstore and I needed some books to read so it was one I picked up just cause it seemed interesting. It was good but also just a very ehh read… This seems more for an older audience and not really for people my age. I enjoyed it but to me it was a little boring and slow. I liked the mystery but it all kind of felt a little flat with the discovery at the end but the writing was great!
September 27, 2024
This book was really hard to get into. The main character seemed emotionally pathetic and not very bright. While the last chapter was nice, I felt like it took me a long time to get there because I didn’t really connect with the storyline or characters throughout the book and had negative thoughts about much of it as I was reading. Grateful to have gotten this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Happy I didn’t buy the previous 2 in the series.
August 10, 2022
Wanted a light-hearted read. This was anything but that. The story is hard to get into because the main character is such a pretentious b****h, and as if her attitude isn't bad enough, this book has somebody dying from cancer. Does the author not think we have enough of that loss and pain in our lives that we want to read about it also?!
April 27, 2023
This book was really slow going and full of details I don’t believe add to the story. It was so hard to finish the book. I also feel that I may have liked it better if I read the prior books. Some of the things that the author built up to were very lackluster. I had a hard time connecting with the characters. It wasn’t the worst book I read though. Two stars for an okay story.
January 5, 2025
Annie, trying to get the Inn up and running, finds part of a skull and the Inn grinds to a halt. She also has to put up with her birth mother, Donna McNeish, who has more than one secret. She loves her half brother, Kevin.
Everything gets back to order and the Inn gets to open. She gets engaged to her police sergent, Tom. She even gets along with his daughter Lucy.
Everything gets back to order and the Inn gets to open. She gets engaged to her police sergent, Tom. She even gets along with his daughter Lucy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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