A Vineyard Crossing

Vineyard #4

by Jean Stone

Martha’s Vineyard may be picturesque and peaceful, but even there, happily-ever-after has its dark side . . .

Annie Sutton is not only a bestselling mystery author, she’s the proprietor of the newly opened Vineyard Inn. Recently engaged to local police sergeant John Lyons, instead of making wedding plans, Annie’s fighting with him about his older daughter, a troubled teen who has moved home—bringing chaos in her wake. With Annie’s beloved brother away on a troublesome journey of his own, Annie needs a friend. She begins to confide in one of the Inn’s guests, a mysterious stranger named Mary Beth Mullen. Her mix of kindness and vulnerability makes Annie trust her—until Mary Beth shares a secret that leaves Annie torn between family loyalty and a promise she made.

When a handsome, internationally acclaimed journalist checks into the Inn, he too unpacks a boatload of trouble for Annie, triggered by a provocative photo, covertly snapped—and posted on the internet. Intrigued, as tensions mount between her and John, Annie decides to eschew the police and get involved herself—enlisting Mary Beth’s help. But Annie is soon questioning whether anyone on the Vineyard this season is who they seem—and realizing that any chance of happiness rests in finding out just who her real friends are . . .

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Womens Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2021

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: It wasn't going to work. Annie sat in the jeep that she'd parked on the clamshell driveway once she was back at the Inn. From there she could see two gray-haired ladies on the patio chatting with the young honeymooners, all of whom were drinking what looked like lemonade, all gazing toward the harbour and the sailboats and the lighthouse and it's beacon that blinked red every sixty seconds. From where she sat, she could tell that the conversation was upbeat, the pleasant white noise of summer vacation.

But Annie wasn't on vacation; this was her life. And she knew that her plan to focus on her book promotions, at the exclusion of her other responsibilities, simply would not work. Not this week, anyway, which promised to be as busy as the week of the 4th of July, with its pulse set to quicken the next day when Simon arrived. He and his assistant (whoever it was) would total seven guests, with the honeymoon couple, Mary Beth Mullen, and the Indiana sisters. Adding the four year-round tenants - two singles and one couple - the count increased to eleven people who'd be depending on Francine by day and Earl by night - both of whom, of course, must be worn out by now. Annie wished she'd paid closer attention to the state of their wellbeing.

And as upset as she was about Kevin having taken off, she suddenly realised that she hadn't been carrying her share of the load, either; she'd selfishly expected that the place would run smoothly with her barely lifting a finger.

Shutting off the ignition, she faced the facts. The Inn was thriving, but she could not sit back while two people she loved were being run into the waterfront property ground. Her writing life would never - could never - be more important than her Island family.

ABOUT 'A VINEYARD CROSSING': Martha’s Vineyard may be picturesque and peaceful, but even there, happily-ever-after has its dark side . . .

Annie Sutton is not only a bestselling mystery author, she’s the proprietor of the newly opened Vineyard Inn. Recently engaged to local police sergeant John Lyons, instead of making wedding plans, Annie’s fighting with him about his older daughter, a troubled teen who has moved home—bringing chaos in her wake. With Annie’s beloved brother away on a troublesome journey of his own, Annie needs a friend. She begins to confide in one of the Inn’s guests, a mysterious stranger named Mary Beth Mullen. Her mix of kindness and vulnerability makes Annie trust her—until Mary Beth shares a secret that leaves Annie torn between family loyalty and a promise she made.

When a handsome, internationally acclaimed journalist checks into the Inn, he too unpacks a boatload of trouble for Annie, triggered by a provocative photo, covertly snapped—and posted on the internet. Intrigued, as tensions mount between her and John, Annie decides to eschew the police and get involved herself—enlisting Mary Beth’s help. But Annie is soon questioning whether anyone on the Vineyard this season is who they seem—and realizing that any chance of happiness rests in finding out just who her real friends are . . .

MY THOUGHTS: Although this is #4 in the Vineyard series, and I have read none of the previous three books, I had no problem, I had no problem with character backstories, or plot development. A Vineyard Crossing can easily be read as a stand-alone.

This is a wonderful summer read set in the renowned Martha's Vineyard, a place I long to visit. The main characters are fully fleshed out, interesting, vibrant and very realistic. There are squabbles, jealousies, mysteries and
secrets. There is romance, but this is secondary to the mystery and family relationships.

I haven't read Jean Stone before, but I really enjoyed her style of writing. It flows nicely, and I never lost interest in either the characters or the plot. I liked Annie's nosiness and her penchant for interfering.

I am keen to read this series from the beginning, and will definitely be requesting any further books.

⭐⭐⭐.7

#AVineyardCrossing #NetGalley

I: @kensingtonbooks

T: @KensingtonBooks

#contemporaryfiction #familydrama #mystery #romance #womensfiction

THE AUTHOR: With a career that has spanned over 25 years, Jean Stone is the author of 22 novels about the families, friends, lives, and lovers (who needs more?) of contemporary women that have been published by Kensington, Random House, and HarperCollins—10 of which take place on the celebrated island Martha’s Vineyard. A VINEYARD MORNING is the third book in her current Vineyard Series (A VINEYARD CHRISTMAS, A VINEYARD SUMMER). A fourth book in the series—A VINEYARD CROSSING—will be released in July 2021. All of her books are available in print and eBook versions; her Vineyard Series is also available in audio book format. From Germany to Japan, over a dozen countries around the world have purchased the subrights to her novels and translated them. Her titles have appeared on the USA TODAY bestseller list, Amazon eBook bestseller list, and one has been optioned for a Lifetime movie. Jean is a graduate of Skidmore College, has taught at a number of writers’ conferences, and has been a guest lecturer at many colleges and conferences. A native of New England, she has lived on Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod for several years.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Wendy W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vineyard Crossing is the fourth book in Jean Stone’s Vineyard series. It is a stand-alone book, but I believe you would get more out of the book if you read the series in order. This is a great summer book, set in the gorgeous Martha’s Vineyard, with lots of references to the Island, and the sea.

Annie has just re-opened her new Vineyard Inn in Chappaquidick, on Martha’s Vineyard, has wedding plans to make, and is busy writing her next mystery novel. It’s August on the Island, and everyone is busy. The inn is booked up, and her fiance, John Lyons is busy fighting crime at the busiest time on the Island, plus his oldest daughter is back along with all her chaos. When an unexpected celebrity guest needs a couple of rooms in her booked-up inn, Annie has to move out of her cabin, in order to accommodate the handsome, troubled guest and his assistant.

This book is full of mystery and secrets with many surprises. The writing is very good and I liked that I was reading through to get to the end to find out how these mysteries are resolved. The romance part was certainly secondary to the mysteries, but realistic too. The characters are well developed, and I especially liked Annie and emphasized with her busy schedule and dealing with all the drama from her guests, friends, and family.

The author described the beautiful inn, and the surrounding area very well and I felt like I was there with Annie, enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Martha’s Vineyard.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone is the fourth A Vineyard Novel. When I started reading A Vineyard Crossing, I felt like I was plopped in the middle of a book or, in this case, a series. I went online to learn that A Vineyard Crossing is the fourth A Vineyard Novel. I recommend reading the series in order because it will allow you to know the characters and their backstories. It is August in Chappaquiddick on Martha’s Vineyard where Annie is dealing with a full inn while her brother flies to Hawaii to be with his love interest. I found A Vineyard Crossing to be a slow starter as the author sets the stage for the various storylines. Annie has quite a bit going on in her life. Her brother flying off to Hawaii to be with his lady love during the inn’s busiest week (he is a partner in the inn), the inn is fully booked, Annie needs to finish her latest novel, it is a holiday week with several events going on in town, two guests with a link to Annie’s past, Annie’s love life is on the rocks, a celebrity guest and his assistant has Annie and her helper relocating for the week, John’s oldest daughter has arrived to live with him and her younger sister, and Annie must prepare for an upcoming book tour. There also seems to be a cookie shortage (let’s ask the teenage Lucy to make cookies for the guests). Annie is engaged to John, but she seems far from ready to marry. I did not feel the chemistry between the pair (where is the joy at seeing the man you love, dreaming of your life together, looking at your ring with a silly smile on your face). I did not like how John reacted to an incident. He did not give Annie a chance to explain. If I was Annie, this would have raised a major red flag. There seemed to be a lack of planning with regard to the inn. The three owners really need to have a business plan. I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard. It sounds like a beautiful place to visit and live. Little Bella was a cutie. After reading the book, I was surprised there was an Adirondack chair in the sand on the cover. Annie feels that Adirondack chairs belong on the porch or deck. Adirondack chairs do not belong on the beach especially the chairs on Annie’s porch that she painted herself (the finish will get marred). I was baffled how Annie had time to spend in traffic jams and on the ferry. Annie’s employee should get a major raise for all the work she does around the inn. Of course, I do not know how the woman got any work done with her child around. As you can tell, I had trouble with A Vineyard Crossing. I wanted to like it, but I could not get into the story. I believe the author crammed too much into one book. The detailed descriptions made the pacing sluggish (do we really need a detailed description of each person). I was not the right audience for this story. A Vineyard Crossing is a busy book with the sizzling summer sun, a full ferry, fun festivals, an absent brother, a fraught fiancé, cagy guests, and a weary writer.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summer in the vineyard, a wedding to plan, a new mystery to write, and Annie has just re-opened her Inn. Unfortunately, trouble is brewing in the form of secrets and surprises. It is a lousy week to visit the island as the Inn is booked, her brother is away, and her fiancé has his hands full with his daughter. But Annie manages to handle it all, from her schedule to the drama.

I enjoyed writing; the characters and the setting were vivid in my mind. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books; this is my voluntary review.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone is a story for summer, family connections, and a little mystery. Annie Sutton is part owner of a small inn on the peaceful shore of Chappaquiddick and she is also a best-selling mystery writer. All is going well until close to summer's end, she receives a request from a well-known journalist. He wants rooms for him and his photographer for several days. He gives Annie short notice, and this causes a problem because the rooms are all reserved. She juggles things and herself around and decides to let him have her personal cottage. I could not understand her being willing to move Francine and Bella and to also give up her personal cottage. If everything is booked up, tell him and let it be, but this is a book with layers of people, daily challenges, and conflict. A lot happens in this book.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. The main characters are written well. It is artful the way the author interweaves all the different personalities together to make for a very interesting story.
Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stelle e mezza
Non so in quale genere catalogare questa serie: non è un romance e non è un cozy mystery, ma ha spunti di entrambi e molto più. Forse "storia di una donna"? Mi sembra comunque riduttivo... Comunque sia, la serie mi sta piacendo molto e questo libro non ha fatto eccezione.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vineyard Crossing is a well written book that drew me in at the first sentence. I’ve spent several vacations on the Vineyard and enjoyed feeling part of the island culture as a reader. The characters are alive and vividly developed and I was happy to follow their story one summer weekend. I’m now a committed fan and will read anything that Jean Stone writes.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.
**
It is August in Chappaquiddick on Martha’s Vineyard where Annie is dealing with a full inn while her brother flies to Hawaii to be with his love interest.

Annie has quite a bit going on in her life. Her brother flying off to Hawaii to be with his lady love during the inn’s busiest week (he is a partner in the inn), the inn is fully booked,
Taylor is who is goes off with, she is a little rough around the edges, since she had a rough young adulthood.. She is Jonas Mother.
Annie needs to finish her latest novel, it is a holiday week with several events going on in town, two guests with a link to Annie’s past, Annie’s love life is on the rocks, a celebrity guest and his assistant has Annie and her helper relocating for the week. Simon is actually the young jounalist that was on this case where her first husband was killed by a drunk driver. That drunk driver was his younger brother.

John’s oldest daughter has arrived to live with him and her younger sister, and Annie must prepare for an upcoming book tour. There also seems to be a cookie shortage (let’s ask the teenage Lucy to make cookies for the guests). Annie is engaged to John, but she seems far from ready to marry.

I did not like how John reacted to an incident. He did not give Annie a chance to explain. Someone has taken a picture of Simon whispering in Annie's ear. It was planned as we find out his associate took it. The reason they came to the INN was to tell Annie what happened to Brian so far along ago. The pic was taken so Simon would not back out as he was starting to. Simon's wife was also in on this. They wanted him to tell her how bad his family acted and tried to cover it up including a hot shot attorney that was his uncle. John acted like a real jerk.
So he tells her he needs a break. During all this, his bratty oldest dtr tells Annie that he is planning to go back to her mom. LIAR..

There seemed to be a lack of planning with regard to the inn. The three owners really need to have a business plan. I enjoyed the author’s vivid descriptions of Martha’s Vineyard. It sounds like a beautiful place to visit and live. Little Bella was a cutie. vineyard Crossing is a busy book with the sizzling summer sun, a full ferry, fun festivals, an absent brother, a fraught fiancé, cagey guests,
**

[Marti]

A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone is the fourth book in the Vineyard Series. The series focuses on Annie Sutton, a cozy murder mystery author is a partial owner of Vineyard Inn. With her trusty group of family, friends and visitors, the Inn is a warm comfortable place to stay while on Martha’s Vineyard. The Inn located on Chappaquiddick Island has a limited number of rooms to rent during the summer. Annie lives in a small cottage on the property. Each novel has a number of conundrums that need to be resolved.

In this particular novel, Annie’s brother moves to Hawaii, which removes a huge helper from the Inn. Annie’s love interest John is inundated with his oldest daughter moving in and causing havoc however she can. To say John is overwhelmed, between his children and the huge number of hours he works while the summer people are there, is understated.

Then a surprise happens: a famous broadcaster shows up under the lie that he is investigating climate change. Another guest claims she is there to study leatherback turtles, but she doesn’t know much about the subject. Those two guests are just enough to add to all the struggles to make Annie overwhelmed.

I enjoyed the novel and found that I really liked Annie as a character - even if she didn’t know to stop being so nosy. I was disappointed in John (love interest) in this novel. I didn’t think he handled things well, but no one is perfect. It doesn’t hurt that you can pretend you are on Martha’s Vineyard while you are reading is an added bonus. A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone was a good read.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Jean Stone and even though this is the fourth book in this series, I didn’t feel lost. The author gives us enough information so we know what happened in the previous books. Annie Sutton is now engaged to John Lyons, although no wedding date has been set. Annie’s brother, Kevin, has gone to Hawaii to be with Taylor. When Annie gets a request for two rooms at the Inn by Simon Anderson, a successful journalist/tv reporter, she decides to give up her cottage to accommodate him. She’ll just have to find another place to work on the book she’s currently writing. Everything isn’t as it appears with Simon and it creates some angst between Annie and John. Also, it didn’t help matters that Annie saw him with his ex-wife, while she was having dinner with a guest at The Wharf, and he didn’t even acknowledge her. Is there trouble in paradise? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone is book #4 in the Vineyard series.
This book delves more into author & Inn Keeper Annie Sutton's past when in internationally acclaimed journalists checks into the Inn. With additional pressure put on Annie and her fiancé John, will they discover that the relationship needs a break, a break up, or a clean break from the past in order to move forward? And Annie discovers she's not the only one being haunted by her past… Annie's brother is in for a big surprise regarding his past but he also has a surprising announcement. Explanations and resolutions round out this book nicely. Set on Martha's Vineyard, this book has plenty of excitement taking place in this beautiful and tranquil setting.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's summer on Martha's Vineyard and the island is very busy. The Vineyard Inn has had a great first season so far. Annie Sutton, the main character, is manager and part owner of the Inn as well as a mystery writer with a book due soon. This story was filled with secrets, family drama, and mystery. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I loved learning more about the backstories of the characters and all of the wonderful descriptions of the island. This is the fourth book in the series and I have enjoyed them all. I feel that this could be read as a stand alone, but it's more enjoyable if you've read the other books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a relaxing, peaceful beach read, A Vineyard Crossing is not it. This book is heavy, deep, and involved. In one week, Annie will have more than enough to deal,with: a packed inn, new guests who both have important links to Annie’ s past and present; a rupture in her love life, and an upcoming book tour. It was almost too much of an involved plot. So much is thrown in I wanted to say enough. I do love the setting and all,the references to island hot spots. I am almost afraid to see want calamities await in the next book. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for the early read.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saga Continues
This book is part of a series. The author tries to keep the new reader with details as needed, but that really only goes so far. I have not read the earlier episodes and I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I was aware of all the interpersonal nuances. With all of that, this is a great story that keeps your interest. I found myself invested in the characters and emotionally responding to the twists and turns in the book. It will be an entire year before the next episode, I think I will have time to read the earlier books. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

[Kelli Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Vineyard Crossing is a wonderful installment in the Vineyard series, and my favorite so far. As Annie Sutton is running The Vineyard Inn over her first busy summer season, she encounters one thing after another that has to be dealt with. There is a lot going on in this story, but it reflects the messiness of real life. When we have family and friends, things happen, and I love that this book shows that. I also love the Martha's Vineyard setting ~ it's a perfect summer read! It definitely helps with background information if the books are read in order, but it can also be read as a stand-alone. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the advance digital copy. All opinions are my own.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Jean Stone and Kensington Books for the copy of A Vineyard Crossing. This is my personal review.
Annie Sutton is many things mystery writer and inn owner and friend . This book has so many levels to it – secrets, family, traditions, emotions and forgiveness, a hint of mystery, romance- it is all here for you to feel as you read.
I was drawn into the story and gave me so many things along the way as I read. The setting of the story is perfect for all that was going on in the book.

[Lilyane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all the books in this series - written about the Vineyard by an author who lives on the Vineyard - and will read the next one coming out this summer. The Vineyard is the home of my heart.

BUT, only three stars because: the editing was surprisingly sloppy and there was too much of it. Also, I find it strange that the cover depicts an Adirondack chair on the beach while the heroine is quite clear (on several occasions) that she wants those chairs left on porches and decks and out of the sand. Apparently Kensington's art department didn't read the book.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It should be a happy time for Annie- she's reopened her inn on Martha's Vineyard, she's engaged to John Lyons, and she's learned more about her bio family. However, there are problems, chief among them John's daughter and the fact that the Inn has been more or less invaded by a celebrity. The troubles here are of the personal sort in many ways. I like the Vineyard setting (so many real places) and the characters. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie and John are enjoying the summer, knowing that after Labor Day they can pick a date and plan their wedding. This is book 4 in the Vineyard series and it’s a wonderful read. With the Inn full and brother Kevin in Hawaii Annie is busy and next novel is coming out soon along with the book tour. Family is the theme of this great summer read and I can’t wait for Vineyard Wedding next year. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Bobbie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this fourth of the series, the Vineyard Inn is up and running, fully booked through the summer, everything a normal busy, until two separate guests arrive" Mary Beth Mullen, who keeps to herself while researching leatherback turtles, and well-known journalist Simon Anderson, who keeps popping up at odd times. Turns out that each of them is there under somewhat false pretenses.

The best of the series yet.

[Anna Ertl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book in the series was all over the place. Emotions ran high in this one. Annie trying hard to write a book, keep everyone from employees to the people who satay at the Inn happy. What about her happiness. Annie's brother takes off and she finds a secret about his ex-wife. John gets mad because of a picture, is their relationship going to last because of it. It all comes out in the end, but is everyone really happy.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is a captivating story of Annie Sutton, mystery writer and inn owner and her friends and family. It explores the concepts of family, keeping secrets, forgiveness, tradition, and does it all with plenty of emotion and sentiment. There was so much depth to the book, with a bit of mystery, romance, and drama. It is an excellent read!

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series and this one was no different. This is a series that you must read. You can read this book alone I would think you would get into it more. This series takes place in Martha's Vineyard.
This is about Annie Sutton and her opening the Inn and how everyone gets involved. Also, there is a Secret involved. This is a VERY GOOD READ.

[Joann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. Thank you Goodreads for this book. I just love the characters and the setting of this story. I look forward to the next book by Jean Stone. So I just have to read all the past books as I wait for the next new book.

[Paula Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trials and tribulations haunt author/innkeeper Annie in this heart strings tugging novel. Everywhere she turns, there are problems, secrets or mysteries. It is a god to read novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

This story is full of emotional issues and an inspiring journey to come. The characters are supportive and very likeable. I highly recommend this contemporary romance to all readers

[Diane Magiera · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are times when I want to strangle Annie. I want to tell her that secrets have been at the bottom of all her problems in all 4 of her books. When will she learn that it is not her place to decided why, when, where and how much to tell?

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved this book -looking forward to reading the next one. This is the type of story you can't put down

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do t need to read any others.

[Sparkie Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have not read the others in this series but I will. It is a nice read and had me thinking about the Vineyard in Summer while the temperature in western Massachusetts is 10 degrees. Sweet!