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Switched Up
Will a luggage mix-up ruin Sterling's fun in the tropical sun?
Sterling Towne decided to take a last-minute vacation to a sunny paradise to cheer herself up after her divorce. When the airline misplaces her luggage, she thinks it's just a typical airline snafu until she gets the wrong luggage returned to her. The suitcase belongs to someone who thought it was a good idea to transport a gold Buddha statue via commercial airlines in a checked bag.
Sterling turns the statue into hotel security for safe keeping, but then her room is ransacked. She’s also pretty sure there was someone following her in town. Does the owner of the statue think she still has it? But if so, why not just ask? She’s getting nervous, and even her new friend, Steve, thinks she might be in danger.
Is she? Or is her imagination just working overtime?
previously published under author name Laina Turner
Sterling Towne decided to take a last-minute vacation to a sunny paradise to cheer herself up after her divorce. When the airline misplaces her luggage, she thinks it's just a typical airline snafu until she gets the wrong luggage returned to her. The suitcase belongs to someone who thought it was a good idea to transport a gold Buddha statue via commercial airlines in a checked bag.
Sterling turns the statue into hotel security for safe keeping, but then her room is ransacked. She’s also pretty sure there was someone following her in town. Does the owner of the statue think she still has it? But if so, why not just ask? She’s getting nervous, and even her new friend, Steve, thinks she might be in danger.
Is she? Or is her imagination just working overtime?
previously published under author name Laina Turner
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2015
About the author
Laina Turner
133 books337 followersLaina Turner writes clean small town romance and cozy mysteries with heart, humor, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her sweet romance novels feature mature, relatable characters finding love in charming small town settings. Her cozy mystery series stars quirky, lovable sleuths and their unforgettable pets.
A college professor by day and storyteller by night, Laina has been publishing feel-good fiction since 2009. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three dogs, and one cat who believes she is in charge.
If you love sweet romance, cozy mysteries, or just books that make you smile, follow Laina to be the first to know about new releases and deals.
Her sweet romance novels feature mature, relatable characters finding love in charming small town settings. Her cozy mystery series stars quirky, lovable sleuths and their unforgettable pets.
A college professor by day and storyteller by night, Laina has been publishing feel-good fiction since 2009. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, three dogs, and one cat who believes she is in charge.
If you love sweet romance, cozy mysteries, or just books that make you smile, follow Laina to be the first to know about new releases and deals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 9, 2020
It's time for a do-over and newly divorced Sterling Towne heralds this by heading off on a solo adventure - a fantastic trip to an idyllic Caribbean paradise. Right off the plane, things go wrong: her luggage is missing then one bag returns while another is replaced with someone else's lost goods. After opening a parcel in the incorrect carry-on, she realizes she's in possession of an expensive item and a heap of trouble. Sterling's room is ransacked, she's dogged by strange men and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily, she's made some good friends to help see her through.
I really liked Sterling. Life was pelting her with lemons and she was taking time to bemoan her fate and then move on. Strong in some ways, fragile in others, Sterling has the potential to be a winner of a main character. That's not to say that she didn't make some questionable choices, but she was under pressure!
I really hope this turns into a series. Sterling deserves that.
I really liked Sterling. Life was pelting her with lemons and she was taking time to bemoan her fate and then move on. Strong in some ways, fragile in others, Sterling has the potential to be a winner of a main character. That's not to say that she didn't make some questionable choices, but she was under pressure!
I really hope this turns into a series. Sterling deserves that.
August 22, 2015
This is the first book I have read by this author. I loved every minute of it. I hope there are many more to come. I liked it so much I can't wait to read her other books. I already own the first book in her Presley Thurman mystery series. I can't wait to get started in reading that series.
“Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”
“Disclosure: I received this book free of charge from the publisher. This review is my honest opinion, and is in no way influenced by the author or publisher.”
August 28, 2015
Another author I'd not read before now. I've added her to my list of favorites! This was a great all around beach read. It held my attention while not being overly plotted. I love the characters and that the plot revolved around an airline luggage mixup. I don't think I've ever read anything quite like it. Thank you NetGalley and Mark My Words Book Publicity for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 21, 2015
Vacation alone? Maybe not. A trip to paradise is marred by lost suitcases and then the fun ensues. Entertaining and quite the page turner. Since I put everybody on the suspect list, even the good guys, I was pleased with the ending. Not everyone has evil intentions. While this may be a standalone, I would very much enjoy reading more about these characters.
August 23, 2015
This is a quick, entertaining read. It is fast paced and kept me interested. The downside is that it is very predictable. I also don't care for the title at all.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2019
Sterling Towne is just finalizing her divorce from her husband. When he told her he was filing for divorce, he revealed he had been seeing his girlfriend for four years. He was just delaying until the kids were both out of school before separating .
Sterling decides a vacation is in order, and books a flight to Bimini. She has been working at the new company she started when Brain gave her his newsflash for the last year. Time for a bit of a break, and maybe some beach time instead of mid-west snows.
She misses she her kids as expected for the holidays - they say they are worried about missing a planned ski trip with their friends. Yup, she figured something might be up too, but with no exact idea what.
Things get a bit exciting for Sterling - her luggage disappears en route to her island destination. Festive t-shirt and too tight shorts are an uncomfortable first night outfit - and only one of her bags arrives - the second seems to belong to someone else.
Surprise contents lead to several near lethal exchanges - which the police do not seem to take seriously.
That is until sh is confronted by two armed men, guns drawn.
Will a shuttle bus driver be able to get help to her in time? Or will the baddies get what they seems to want? Can she come out relatively unscathed either way?
Ex husband has more relationship surprises on the way, which she hears from her lawyer, not him - so not emotionally unscathed either way.
Suspense, action and travel. What more could a gal ask for from a good Kindle read?
hmmmmm maybe some awkward new romance?
mid-life crises for ex husband, fresh start with wild and wacky adventures for Sterling . I am in!
Lots of fun inside this book!
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read the book on Kindle Unlimited.
I am thoroughly enjoying reading unexpected materials from a favorite author!
Sterling decides a vacation is in order, and books a flight to Bimini. She has been working at the new company she started when Brain gave her his newsflash for the last year. Time for a bit of a break, and maybe some beach time instead of mid-west snows.
She misses she her kids as expected for the holidays - they say they are worried about missing a planned ski trip with their friends. Yup, she figured something might be up too, but with no exact idea what.
Things get a bit exciting for Sterling - her luggage disappears en route to her island destination. Festive t-shirt and too tight shorts are an uncomfortable first night outfit - and only one of her bags arrives - the second seems to belong to someone else.
Surprise contents lead to several near lethal exchanges - which the police do not seem to take seriously.
That is until sh is confronted by two armed men, guns drawn.
Will a shuttle bus driver be able to get help to her in time? Or will the baddies get what they seems to want? Can she come out relatively unscathed either way?
Ex husband has more relationship surprises on the way, which she hears from her lawyer, not him - so not emotionally unscathed either way.
Suspense, action and travel. What more could a gal ask for from a good Kindle read?
hmmmmm maybe some awkward new romance?
mid-life crises for ex husband, fresh start with wild and wacky adventures for Sterling . I am in!
Lots of fun inside this book!
I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read the book on Kindle Unlimited.
I am thoroughly enjoying reading unexpected materials from a favorite author!
April 8, 2019
After 22 years of marriage and two kids, Sterling Towne’s husband comes home and announces he met someone else and wants a divorce. Sterling is blindsided by the situation but takes things in stride. When her best friend tells her to take some time off from her life, Sterling decides to book a 10-day trip to the Bahamas. That is where the adventure begins. She soon discovers her luggage hasn’t arrived at its destination and when it finally does there is something in her suitcase that doesn’t belong to her. Now she is being trailed by unknown individuals trying to get their hands on a statue filled with diamonds.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the character of Sterling. While others might get caught in the same situation and bury themselves in the sand, she picks herself up and doesn’t dwell on the past. I also liked that it was filled with lots of adventure, mystery, suspense, and intrigue which kept my interest from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What I enjoyed most about this book is the character of Sterling. While others might get caught in the same situation and bury themselves in the sand, she picks herself up and doesn’t dwell on the past. I also liked that it was filled with lots of adventure, mystery, suspense, and intrigue which kept my interest from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2024
Sterling Towne is leaving the wintery Midwest behind for a post-divorce trip to Bimini, Bahamas. With her stationary business in good hands with her assistant, all she needs to do is pack her bags. Little does she know that the airline will lose one of her suitcases, and the wrong bag will be returned to her the next day. She is surprised to discover a gold Buddha statue instead of her sandals. Not wanting an unknown object in her room, she turns the statue in to the hotel. Shortly after, her room is ransacked, and she notices a man following her around town. Is she just being paranoid, or is Sterling in some kind of danger?
This was such a cute, quick mystery. Despite the short length, Sterling’s story was well-developed, and I enjoyed watching her make friends at the resort, including Wendy who never failed to have a bottle of wine in her purse, and Steve who wasn’t shy about asking her to coffee each morning. I wish the ending would have showed what happens between them in the future, but I’ll have to use my imagination.
This was such a cute, quick mystery. Despite the short length, Sterling’s story was well-developed, and I enjoyed watching her make friends at the resort, including Wendy who never failed to have a bottle of wine in her purse, and Steve who wasn’t shy about asking her to coffee each morning. I wish the ending would have showed what happens between them in the future, but I’ll have to use my imagination.
May 24, 2019
Sterling Towne is recently divorced. In an attempt to cheer herself up, she takes a trip. Then the airline misplaces her luggage....not exactly a good start for a cheer-up vacation. When her luggage does arrive in her room, she finds out it isn't hers. There is a gold Buddha statue inside! She has the hotel put it in the safe, but now she feels like she is being followed. Are her nerves over-reacting or is there really someone following her? Her new friend Steve thinks she might even be in danger. So who is the owner of the 'luggage'? Why are they following her instead of just asking about the luggage? You will need to read the book for the answers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
January 1, 2025
Switched Up is a cute romantic suspense mystery. After twenty-two years of marriage, Sterling Towne's husband Brian, wants a divorce. Seems he has been carrying on with his financial planning colleague for the last four years! Their kids Jaime and Joanna are in college so Sterling decides to go on a vacation by herself. She leaves her business, Sterling Creations (custom stationery boutique), with her employee Cathy and takes off on a ten day trip to Bimini in the Bahamas. Although she is enjoying her vacation and making new friends, her luggage is lost, she got someone else's luggage by mistake, and someone seems to be following her. I liked that the main character was pushing fifty. I rooted for Sterling and enjoyed reading her story.
April 29, 2019
Laina Turner does a good job writing stories that are fun to read, hold your attention and have good story lines. She's done it again with Switched Up. Sterling Towne is in the process of getting her divorce finalized and after being married for 20+ years she's decided a vacation is in in order. Her luggage getting lost, the wrong luggage being "returned" to her and an item in the luggage all create a situation that doesn't lend to a nice relaxing vacation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2024
⭐️⭐️
Look, I’m not sure why this has a 4+ star rating on Goodreads, but I am at least happy to see this time that I’m not the only person giving it a lower rating. I don’t want to be rude to the author; I know how it is to put yourself out there and that alone deserves some praise.
It was…fine? Boring. Aside from questionable judgement from our MC, it just wasn’t that memorable. Some aspects of the story felt random; they added no value, but I’m guessing the author intended it as a red herring…and it served no purpose. And the dialog…meh.
Look, I’m not sure why this has a 4+ star rating on Goodreads, but I am at least happy to see this time that I’m not the only person giving it a lower rating. I don’t want to be rude to the author; I know how it is to put yourself out there and that alone deserves some praise.
It was…fine? Boring. Aside from questionable judgement from our MC, it just wasn’t that memorable. Some aspects of the story felt random; they added no value, but I’m guessing the author intended it as a red herring…and it served no purpose. And the dialog…meh.
July 21, 2024
That was a rather sudden stop at the end.
I expected more of a aftermath with Sterling going back home, her family, anything with her new friends or Steve, anything. But it gave absolutely nothing. Huh.. weird.
This novel follows a woman pushing 50, a year after her divorce. She chooses to go on vacation to escape the cold December weather and spend Christmas with water, sand and sunshine.
It's a very fast-paced beach read, with plenty of absurdities.
I am not... entirely sure who the target audience is.
I expected more of a aftermath with Sterling going back home, her family, anything with her new friends or Steve, anything. But it gave absolutely nothing. Huh.. weird.
This novel follows a woman pushing 50, a year after her divorce. She chooses to go on vacation to escape the cold December weather and spend Christmas with water, sand and sunshine.
It's a very fast-paced beach read, with plenty of absurdities.
I am not... entirely sure who the target audience is.
April 23, 2019
Wonderful Cozy Mystery in the Bahamas
This was a fun mystery to read. It is the first of a series that should be a hoot to read. There is a lot going on with our main character. I can't wait to see where this series goes. There is plenty of humor to offset the intrigue. This fun story could easily be turned into a movie. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts titled 'Switched Up, A Sterling Towne Cozy Mystery Book 1' and this is my honest review.
This was a fun mystery to read. It is the first of a series that should be a hoot to read. There is a lot going on with our main character. I can't wait to see where this series goes. There is plenty of humor to offset the intrigue. This fun story could easily be turned into a movie. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts titled 'Switched Up, A Sterling Towne Cozy Mystery Book 1' and this is my honest review.
April 23, 2019
This is a cute story, perfect as a read-at-the-beach book. Sterling's life just turned upside down and a 10-day vacation in the Bahamas seemed like a perfectly reasonable thing to do. Losing her luggage was just the beginning of an adventure she'd never forget. A little romance, a little mystery and a little fun. Who could argue with that?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2019
Sterling’s divorce took her completely by surprise but she picked herself up, started a new business, and carried on admirably. Since her kids were going to be busy during the holidays, she decides to go to Bimini. A luggage mixup creates a situation she could never have anticipated. Switched Up is an engrossing mystery which I can recommend. My hope is there will be further novels I may enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2019
This was a very realistic type of cozy. I’ve been through divorce and felt so much like Sterling did, it actually brought tears to my eyes! And then the whole mix-up with the luggage...yup...known that to happen too. I really enjoyed the story and how Sterling evolved in her feelings and reactions to things. Looking forward to more books!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 31, 2024
I felt like I just read a script for the show Murder She Wrote. :) The whoooolllleeee story was about Sterling eating and taking a shower. I bet every other page; she complained of being hungry. It was a cute little story. There was not much heft to the plot or actual writing, but it makes for an extremely easy read at bedtime. I will probably read something else from the author when I need a break from my normal heart racing mystery/thriller reads.
April 9, 2024
Great plot, easy-breezy read. The MC tries to enjoy a much needed vacation after her divorce and is surprised to attract the attention of two handsome men while at the resort. Unusual mystery in that she doesn't haphazardly and purposefully insert herself into discovering why she ended up with someone else's suitcase full of valuables, or why a strange man seems to be stalking her.
July 23, 2018
Laina Turner
7/20/2018
5 stars
An engrossing cozy mystery with more than a few red herrings, great characters and relatable dialogue that will keep you glued to your seat from cover to cover. Highly recommend.
7/20/2018
5 stars
An engrossing cozy mystery with more than a few red herrings, great characters and relatable dialogue that will keep you glued to your seat from cover to cover. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2019
Sterling got on my nerves. Who goes on vacation, meets absolute strangers and tells them all of your business? She was so naive, but Steve and Wendy came through in the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2019
Lots of mystery, great characters, and a wonderful storyline/plot all tucked in a compact read. Great for a long commute or a weekend read on the beach. Love the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 8, 2019
Lots of mystery, great characters, and a wonderful storyline/plot all tucked in a compact read. Great for a long commute or a weekend read on the beach. Love the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2025
Interesting vacation novel
Good plot. Makes you think about how you travel. What you say to others. where you go, how much you divulge about yourself could have dire consequences later. That all becomes very apparent in this book quickly. Read on to find out how and why. Enjoy!
Good plot. Makes you think about how you travel. What you say to others. where you go, how much you divulge about yourself could have dire consequences later. That all becomes very apparent in this book quickly. Read on to find out how and why. Enjoy!
November 6, 2019
Nice Read
A cute,funny and a different kind of story.Not sure that I liked it,but it was unusual and not what I'm used to.
A cute,funny and a different kind of story.Not sure that I liked it,but it was unusual and not what I'm used to.
January 6, 2021
This is a fab holiday read with plenty of excitement as Sterlings holiday sandals are replaced with gold and diamonds. Drama, Sun, Sea and mystery galore in this cozy mystery.
July 22, 2022
Fun and quick read I really enjoyed. Different storyline from a lot of the mysteries.
October 13, 2023
Enjoyable quick mystery on an island vacation with several mystery people.
November 3, 2023
ehhh
Sterling seemed to have lost some of her smarts once she got in the plane. It would have also been nice for more info on her and Steve.
Sterling seemed to have lost some of her smarts once she got in the plane. It would have also been nice for more info on her and Steve.
February 15, 2024
It was a nice mystery!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews