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Village Flower Shop #1
Peony Dreadful
Witches, Murder and Flowers make quite the bouquet
Peony Bellefleur runs Bewitching Blooms, the charming flower shop in a picture-perfect Cotswold village in England. Her flowers seem to make the sick improve, wedding days happier, and birthdays more special because she infuses her bouquets with a little magic.
Peony’s a witch in a village that seems too perfect to be true. Probably because it is.
She’s got her hands full between running her flower shop, managing her mother, who’s a medium with a habit of conversing with the dead wherever she happens to be, and helping her protégé to embrace her newfound powers.
When someone dies, Peony suspects foul play. But can she solve the mystery before she’s the one pushing up daisies?
Find out in this brand new series of flower shop mysteries from a USA Today Bestselling Author.
Peony Bellefleur runs Bewitching Blooms, the charming flower shop in a picture-perfect Cotswold village in England. Her flowers seem to make the sick improve, wedding days happier, and birthdays more special because she infuses her bouquets with a little magic.
Peony’s a witch in a village that seems too perfect to be true. Probably because it is.
She’s got her hands full between running her flower shop, managing her mother, who’s a medium with a habit of conversing with the dead wherever she happens to be, and helping her protégé to embrace her newfound powers.
When someone dies, Peony suspects foul play. But can she solve the mystery before she’s the one pushing up daisies?
Find out in this brand new series of flower shop mysteries from a USA Today Bestselling Author.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2022
355 people are currently reading
2947 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Warren
359 books1,883 followersNancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels.
She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.
Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
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She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.
Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
www.facebook.com/groups/NancyWarrenKn...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
dnf
April 26, 2022I DNF'd this one at 17%
For some reason I couldn't get into the story. There was too much info dumping for my taste, lots of explanation about the house she lived in, the husband who died, how they got the shop, her roommate, her familiar etc. I like to learn about those things sprinkled throughout the book not all in the first chapter. The writing style didn't work for me even though I have enjoyed books by this author before, the way the main character seems to talk to reader and tell her story to the reader pulled me out of the story every time it happened. The whole book felt more that way too, not like a story you experience and see play out, but as someone telling me their story. It just didn't work for me.
For some reason I couldn't get into the story. There was too much info dumping for my taste, lots of explanation about the house she lived in, the husband who died, how they got the shop, her roommate, her familiar etc. I like to learn about those things sprinkled throughout the book not all in the first chapter. The writing style didn't work for me even though I have enjoyed books by this author before, the way the main character seems to talk to reader and tell her story to the reader pulled me out of the story every time it happened. The whole book felt more that way too, not like a story you experience and see play out, but as someone telling me their story. It just didn't work for me.
June 2, 2022
Outstanding first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors. This book is written as if the main character is taking you into her confidence and sharing info with you as if you are friend rather than a reader. It's a unique change from many books I read and I absolutely love it. I listened to this via audiobook and the narrator is fabulous as she truly brings the characters and plot to life making it more entertaining than you would think possible. I love that the main character is a strong female making a good and profitable life for herself after her husband's passing by running her flower shop and renting out rooms in her house while also managing to become an amateur sleuth with a bit of help from her friends! I can't wait to see or rather listen to what happens in the next book!
April 23, 2022
Peony Dreadful is the first book in the Village Flower Shop mysteries by Nancy Warren.
What an incredible start to a new book! I have been anxiously waiting for this book and it did not disappoint at all!
In this wonderful story we meet Peony Bellfleur who is the owner of a beautiful thriving flower/gift shop in the Cotswold village in England.
The descriptions in this book were absolutely breathtaking. From the flowers to the buildings to the town I felt as if I was totally immersed in the town of Willow Waters.
Peony is a witch who is such a wonderful character. She has had a hard road, but she is so positive and always wants to help people.
Peony is gracious and generous and a bit of a sleuth which comes in handy when there is a murder in the quaint village.
The mystery was so well done with little pieces of information dropped here and there.
The author's writing style is one that is so excellent.
I definitely did not guess who the killer was, and I really loved the ending.
I cannot wait for Peony and her friend's next adventure.
Fantastic great book in a new series that I am sure fans of the author's other series will fall in LOVE with like I did.
What an incredible start to a new book! I have been anxiously waiting for this book and it did not disappoint at all!
In this wonderful story we meet Peony Bellfleur who is the owner of a beautiful thriving flower/gift shop in the Cotswold village in England.
The descriptions in this book were absolutely breathtaking. From the flowers to the buildings to the town I felt as if I was totally immersed in the town of Willow Waters.
Peony is a witch who is such a wonderful character. She has had a hard road, but she is so positive and always wants to help people.
Peony is gracious and generous and a bit of a sleuth which comes in handy when there is a murder in the quaint village.
The mystery was so well done with little pieces of information dropped here and there.
The author's writing style is one that is so excellent.
I definitely did not guess who the killer was, and I really loved the ending.
I cannot wait for Peony and her friend's next adventure.
Fantastic great book in a new series that I am sure fans of the author's other series will fall in LOVE with like I did.
August 28, 2024
Cute idea for a series, though I like Warren's Baking Show series better :0) lol.
The audio version of this one is nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy as well.
The audio version of this one is nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy as well.
April 12, 2025
4.25 Stars – A Cozy, Clever Treat with Witchy Whimsy
Peony Dreadful by Nancy Warren is another enchanting addition to her world of magical mysteries, and it doesn’t disappoint. Set in a charming village steeped in magic, secrets, and a bit of snark, this cozy mystery wraps you in a spell of clever plotting and irresistible atmosphere.
The story follows Peony Bellefleur, a witch with a green thumb and a knack for trouble, as she navigates a suspicious death that blooms into a full-blown murder mystery. Warren's signature blend of humor, supernatural intrigue, and heartfelt character development is in full bloom here (pun intended). Peony is instantly likable—relatable in her insecurities, resourceful in a pinch, and surrounded by a delightful supporting cast of quirky townsfolk and magical companions.
What sets this book apart is its tight pacing and clever twists. Warren keeps the stakes just high enough to be engaging, without losing that cozy, comforting feel her fans love. The magical elements are well-integrated, adding flair without overwhelming the mystery. There’s also a lovely thread of personal growth and community that ties it all together.
A quarter star off for a slightly predictable culprit and a few moments where the dialogue leaned a bit too cutesy—but overall, this was an absolute pleasure to read. Peony Dreadful is perfect for fans of witchy cozies, garden-based magic, and mysteries with a heart.
Peony Dreadful by Nancy Warren is another enchanting addition to her world of magical mysteries, and it doesn’t disappoint. Set in a charming village steeped in magic, secrets, and a bit of snark, this cozy mystery wraps you in a spell of clever plotting and irresistible atmosphere.
The story follows Peony Bellefleur, a witch with a green thumb and a knack for trouble, as she navigates a suspicious death that blooms into a full-blown murder mystery. Warren's signature blend of humor, supernatural intrigue, and heartfelt character development is in full bloom here (pun intended). Peony is instantly likable—relatable in her insecurities, resourceful in a pinch, and surrounded by a delightful supporting cast of quirky townsfolk and magical companions.
What sets this book apart is its tight pacing and clever twists. Warren keeps the stakes just high enough to be engaging, without losing that cozy, comforting feel her fans love. The magical elements are well-integrated, adding flair without overwhelming the mystery. There’s also a lovely thread of personal growth and community that ties it all together.
A quarter star off for a slightly predictable culprit and a few moments where the dialogue leaned a bit too cutesy—but overall, this was an absolute pleasure to read. Peony Dreadful is perfect for fans of witchy cozies, garden-based magic, and mysteries with a heart.
April 24, 2022
This is the first book in a new series by Nancy Warren and it is just as delightful as the rest of her books! The reader is introduced to a wonderful cast of characters, including a coven of witches, a medium full of eccentricities and a great familiar in the form of a Macaw.
Ms. Warren has again written a book that describes the fictional village of Willow Waters in such a way that you can truly picture it in your mind. The main character, Peony Bellfleur, is a widow who owns a flower shop and has a compassionate heart for others. When a much loved member of the community dies unexpectedly, Peony just has to figure out what actually happened. The unfolding of the mystery is perfect for a cozy mystery and even though you think you know what happened, there are still plenty of twists along the way.
I truly loved the macaw, Norman, and Peony's mother, Jesse Raye. They both added a lot of humor to the story and kept things from ever getting dull! I look forward to many more books with this great group of characters. I would recommend this book (as well as others written by Ms. Warren) if you enjoy a fun cozy mystery mixed with a little magic.
Ms. Warren has again written a book that describes the fictional village of Willow Waters in such a way that you can truly picture it in your mind. The main character, Peony Bellfleur, is a widow who owns a flower shop and has a compassionate heart for others. When a much loved member of the community dies unexpectedly, Peony just has to figure out what actually happened. The unfolding of the mystery is perfect for a cozy mystery and even though you think you know what happened, there are still plenty of twists along the way.
I truly loved the macaw, Norman, and Peony's mother, Jesse Raye. They both added a lot of humor to the story and kept things from ever getting dull! I look forward to many more books with this great group of characters. I would recommend this book (as well as others written by Ms. Warren) if you enjoy a fun cozy mystery mixed with a little magic.
April 24, 2022
PEONY DREADFUL is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. There are no sexy scenes or colorful language so any age can read and enjoy. It is a fun entertaining read set in the Cotswold village of Willow Waters, England. A quite peaceful village that attracts the tourist during the season. Peony owns the local flower shop, Bewitching Blooms. Peony, 32 is an American witch from Maine. She moved to England with her young husband Jeremy. Unfortunately he was killed in a riding accident so for the past 3 years she has been a young widow. She lives in a huge farm house that she hopes to one day renovate and make it into a B&B.
A man has died and everyone but Peony thinks it was his heart that gave out. She is sure something is going on and she sets out to be sure the murderer doesn't get away with killing her friend. This story is introducing a number of new characters that are going to become part of our family of readers.
There is Alex! A bit mysterious. The local bachelor all the ladies are after. He isn't interested. He keeps to himself and has a low profile. I have my thoughts on just who and what Alex is. But what of the dogs he keeps! Something strange going on there. And then there is a new witch in town. Char!! She is denying she is a witch but the local coven is determined to convince her to learn to control her powers and do what is her destiny. Her familiar is a bit unusual. He is more fun and it will make everyone want one. His lines are so funny and he is quite the character.
And then there is Peony's weird but delightful mother. And her older, retired lawyer roommate. This story is bursting at the seams with new mysteries, spells, witches and questions. It looks to be a lot of fun. I have enjoyed Book 1 and am more than ready for Book 2.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 4/24/2022.
A man has died and everyone but Peony thinks it was his heart that gave out. She is sure something is going on and she sets out to be sure the murderer doesn't get away with killing her friend. This story is introducing a number of new characters that are going to become part of our family of readers.
There is Alex! A bit mysterious. The local bachelor all the ladies are after. He isn't interested. He keeps to himself and has a low profile. I have my thoughts on just who and what Alex is. But what of the dogs he keeps! Something strange going on there. And then there is a new witch in town. Char!! She is denying she is a witch but the local coven is determined to convince her to learn to control her powers and do what is her destiny. Her familiar is a bit unusual. He is more fun and it will make everyone want one. His lines are so funny and he is quite the character.
And then there is Peony's weird but delightful mother. And her older, retired lawyer roommate. This story is bursting at the seams with new mysteries, spells, witches and questions. It looks to be a lot of fun. I have enjoyed Book 1 and am more than ready for Book 2.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 4/24/2022.
September 18, 2022
Definitely loving this new series!💓
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Warren is great at crafting characters we can resonate with and cling to with a new sense of devotion. Adding Peony to my new fan favorite list. Loving Char and Norman. Just can't get enough. Peony sort of adopts Char who is looking to move to London but needs to make a few bucks first. Penny's mom sees nuns around the girl which is odd considering at first glance you wouldn't think nuns and Char would go together. Then Char 's wayward familiar shows up. Norman is a parrot who has a penchant for not mimicking others but outright talking. After all the Introductions the group stumbles upon a murder at a large estate. Definitely good stuff.
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect but was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Warren is great at crafting characters we can resonate with and cling to with a new sense of devotion. Adding Peony to my new fan favorite list. Loving Char and Norman. Just can't get enough. Peony sort of adopts Char who is looking to move to London but needs to make a few bucks first. Penny's mom sees nuns around the girl which is odd considering at first glance you wouldn't think nuns and Char would go together. Then Char 's wayward familiar shows up. Norman is a parrot who has a penchant for not mimicking others but outright talking. After all the Introductions the group stumbles upon a murder at a large estate. Definitely good stuff.
April 21, 2024
Soooo I've been working on finishing this book for a while but than other book caught my attention. I own this one but the other 3 in the series belong to the library and they are due back soon sooo I made my self sit down and finish. So i can get the rest done. I don't hate it but it's not my favorite. Peony kinds of annoys me. I don't hate her and I think she can grow on my but....I don't know.
It took about half the book for us to get to the murder but this is also the first book in the series so set up is a thing. Might be part of the reason I'm not into Peony. And to be fair other Warren books have been know to wait until halfway to get to the murder but in those ones I've read it wasn't book 1 so I already liked the characters
It took about half the book for us to get to the murder but this is also the first book in the series so set up is a thing. Might be part of the reason I'm not into Peony. And to be fair other Warren books have been know to wait until halfway to get to the murder but in those ones I've read it wasn't book 1 so I already liked the characters
September 8, 2022
3.75 stars
A great cosy mystery!
I was quickly charmed by the setting, the main character and the side cast. The mystery felt simple enough in the beginning, but I could smell the red herring and see the resolution coming. This, however, didn't take much, if anything, from my enjoyment of the book.
As a flower enthusiast I found the backdrop of a flower shop quite delightful.
The story is actually really well rounded for such a short book. I enjoyed it and will absolutely listen to the continuation sooner or later.
A great cosy mystery!
I was quickly charmed by the setting, the main character and the side cast. The mystery felt simple enough in the beginning, but I could smell the red herring and see the resolution coming. This, however, didn't take much, if anything, from my enjoyment of the book.
As a flower enthusiast I found the backdrop of a flower shop quite delightful.
The story is actually really well rounded for such a short book. I enjoyed it and will absolutely listen to the continuation sooner or later.
May 24, 2022
2022 bk 148. A delightful start to a new series. Another tale of an American in England, widowed Penny Bellefleur has adopted her husband's town as her own. Running a flower shop in a small town means that this witch learns early on the joys and sorrows of her community. When a customer and friend passes away, things do not add up and she, along with some friends investigates! Well done plot, characters, and read.
May 15, 2022
Wonderful new series
Nancy Warren has written another wonderful series. Can't wait to confirm Alex's little secret. I hope Char stays in town and it would be great if Blue could also talk. I think his conversations with Norman would be fantastic!
Nancy Warren has written another wonderful series. Can't wait to confirm Alex's little secret. I hope Char stays in town and it would be great if Blue could also talk. I think his conversations with Norman would be fantastic!
July 25, 2024
Village flower shop in a small town
Peony is the owner of the Village Flower shop. She is also the owner of a large house. She takes on a tenant in the form of a young girl who is also a witch but doesn't know it. There is the murder of a prominent resident. There are several suspects but who killed him and why. Peony and the others investigate. I love all the characters and the ultimate outcome was very unusual.
Peony is the owner of the Village Flower shop. She is also the owner of a large house. She takes on a tenant in the form of a young girl who is also a witch but doesn't know it. There is the murder of a prominent resident. There are several suspects but who killed him and why. Peony and the others investigate. I love all the characters and the ultimate outcome was very unusual.
November 6, 2024
2.5 stars
May 7, 2022
I love Nancy Warren's cozy paranormal mysteries. She writes about characters you would love to have as friends in a setting you would love to live in with plenty of twists and turns in both the mystery and the relationships to keep things interesting. I can't wait to see where she goes next with this new series.
October 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this, I think its going to be a fantastic series
June 5, 2022
Great read
Really enjoyed reading Peony dreadful, as much as I enjoyed the vampire knitting club series. Surprisingly I didn't figure out who done it till the very end
Really enjoyed reading Peony dreadful, as much as I enjoyed the vampire knitting club series. Surprisingly I didn't figure out who done it till the very end
May 5, 2022
I like these books, bit formulaic but I love her characters. I guessed a lot of this, but don't mind. Nothing in it to give you nightmares. Peony owns a flower shop. She works with local girl Imogen. Enter the romantic interest Alex. Mysterious man, I've worked out his mystery. Took Peony a bit of thinking to get there. Her mother also resides in the village, Jessie Rae. She runs a shop with crystals, chimes, smudge sticks and so on. There is a parrot familiar called Norman who also brings in a lot of comedy. Peony is a widow, lives in a farmhouse with a lodger Hillary. Who is not magical. New character Char turns up and waltzes into a job and into residing at the farmhouse with Peony. It looks like the new team has been arranged. Roll call: Peony, Char, Jessie Rae, Hillary,Alex, Norman and Blue (Peony's cat). Other characters also will appear. But that's your main team.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
PEONY DREADFUL is everything but dreadful. Another wonderful story in the Nancy Warren universe!! If you love her other books and series, you will surely love this one. Maybe even more?!
I loved getting to know the new characters and relationships in this book. I can tell Peony and the village of Willow Waters have many more stories to tell and I can’t wait! I have my hopes up for Peony and Alex!!
What a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series!!
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it)
I loved getting to know the new characters and relationships in this book. I can tell Peony and the village of Willow Waters have many more stories to tell and I can’t wait! I have my hopes up for Peony and Alex!!
What a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this series!!
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it)
May 2, 2022
Seems like a good start..
Peony, florist and witch, gets all caught up in solving a murder when one of her customers dies unexpectedly.
There's a lot of scene setting and over explaining, some of it drags a bit and appears to be there more to get the word count up.
A few errors including a repeated paragraph.. could do with a re-edit. She also needs to be careful with putting Americanisms into Brits mouths.
Definitely better than the awful baking series.. that was utterly dire.
Peony, florist and witch, gets all caught up in solving a murder when one of her customers dies unexpectedly.
There's a lot of scene setting and over explaining, some of it drags a bit and appears to be there more to get the word count up.
A few errors including a repeated paragraph.. could do with a re-edit. She also needs to be careful with putting Americanisms into Brits mouths.
Definitely better than the awful baking series.. that was utterly dire.
May 8, 2022
Decent cozy with unnecessary paranormal elements
The story is padded out with exposition on witchcraft even though every paranormal element could be removed and the story would work just as well. The time spent on asides about witchcraft could have been used instead to flesh out the characters and change them from fun enough to be interesting to real enough to be compelling.
The story is padded out with exposition on witchcraft even though every paranormal element could be removed and the story would work just as well. The time spent on asides about witchcraft could have been used instead to flesh out the characters and change them from fun enough to be interesting to real enough to be compelling.
June 24, 2022
What a delightful new series that will keep you intrigued. Lovely flower shop that makes everyone happy. It might just be ruined with a disaster. Need more.
June 22, 2022
The title tells you everything you need to know: Peony Dreadful. Dreadful quantities of exposition with a lot of careless writing made this book impossible for me to finish.
June 23, 2022
It's a Nancy Warren book, so it's like reading cotton candy but when I want something entertaining with murder, mystery, and magic, I pick up her latest. The talking parrot was a bit much, though.
May 21, 2025
Nancy always delivers.
She's officially given us a food series, a knitting series and now a gardening series.
She's officially given us a food series, a knitting series and now a gardening series.
April 26, 2022
I am huge fan of Nancy Warren’s books. It al started with the wonderful series of The Vampire Knitting Club and from then I was hooked! What I like most about her books is her great writing style, the friendliness and kindness you find in her books and the wonderful way she is able to describe everything so that you get to have the feeling of being there yourself!
This 1st book in the Village Flower Shop cosy mystery series is officially my new favorite in all of Nancy’s series collection. When you read a book of Nancy Warren you know you are going to get a wonderful setting with great characters you just want to meet yourself, and this time it is not different!
The new series is set in a charming Cotswold village where you will get to know the lovely and kind Peony Bellefleur who runs Bewitching Blooms. She is a recently widowed witch who runs a flower shop with just that little extra sparkle. Nobody except her own coven knows she delivers more then just already charming flowers! She also adds a tiny bit of her magic to make life more easy and beautiful for those who need it.
Peony has her big heart in the right place, and while part of her B&B dream didn’t come true yet, this with the recent loss of her husband, the stil young widow will find something even more gratifying and precious to do with the many rooms left in her house. Of course no small village isn’t always what it seems! So somebody unexpectedly dies and secrets will have to be unraveled and discovered.
With the help of an unexpected new formed group led by Peony, will this mystery be solved in time before other casualties will be made? And who is this awesome bachelor who lives in a castle? Peony is in for a ride and some magical changes in her life!
An absolutely must read if you not just love a cosy mystery, but also one that will make you forget about everything else and will leave you relaxed and wanting to be in the Cotswolds yourself! Just grab yourself a good cup of what you like and start to read! I truly recommend!
This 1st book in the Village Flower Shop cosy mystery series is officially my new favorite in all of Nancy’s series collection. When you read a book of Nancy Warren you know you are going to get a wonderful setting with great characters you just want to meet yourself, and this time it is not different!
The new series is set in a charming Cotswold village where you will get to know the lovely and kind Peony Bellefleur who runs Bewitching Blooms. She is a recently widowed witch who runs a flower shop with just that little extra sparkle. Nobody except her own coven knows she delivers more then just already charming flowers! She also adds a tiny bit of her magic to make life more easy and beautiful for those who need it.
Peony has her big heart in the right place, and while part of her B&B dream didn’t come true yet, this with the recent loss of her husband, the stil young widow will find something even more gratifying and precious to do with the many rooms left in her house. Of course no small village isn’t always what it seems! So somebody unexpectedly dies and secrets will have to be unraveled and discovered.
With the help of an unexpected new formed group led by Peony, will this mystery be solved in time before other casualties will be made? And who is this awesome bachelor who lives in a castle? Peony is in for a ride and some magical changes in her life!
An absolutely must read if you not just love a cosy mystery, but also one that will make you forget about everything else and will leave you relaxed and wanting to be in the Cotswolds yourself! Just grab yourself a good cup of what you like and start to read! I truly recommend!
May 11, 2022
Murder and mayhem and.....flowers?
Nancy Warren is back with a new copy mystery series, this time set in a florist shop in rural England. Peony is a witch who seems to be top notch with growing things. After the untimely death of her British husband, American Peony decides to stay in England and run a florist shop, to nurture her love of growing things. She lives in a drafty old barn of a house with a roommate to help pay the mortgage. When a young witch- to-be comes to town, Peony decides to take her under her wing and teach her the ropes.
Trouble comes when the most respected man in town suddenly dies without warning. Peony is immediately suspicious, as she'd just seen the man the previous day, and he'd been getting better. Sure enough, the man was murdered. But just, exactly, whodunit? Read on to find out.
For some unknown reason, I had some difficulty warming up to the characters in this story. Most of them seemed kind of hippy-dippy-trippy to me, which I didn't get from The Vampire Knitting Club or The Vampire Book Club. No, I don't think it has anything to do with lack of vampires(actually, I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a werewolf in this book!), but that the characters don't feel as fleshed out as they did in the previous two series. Perhaps that will change as I read on. I'm sorry to say, I'm not particularly fond of Peony's mother, Jessie Rae. I think people who refer to themselves in the third person are extremely pretentious and one dimensional.
Still and all, I think the series has potential, and I do look forward to reading future books.
Nancy Warren is back with a new copy mystery series, this time set in a florist shop in rural England. Peony is a witch who seems to be top notch with growing things. After the untimely death of her British husband, American Peony decides to stay in England and run a florist shop, to nurture her love of growing things. She lives in a drafty old barn of a house with a roommate to help pay the mortgage. When a young witch- to-be comes to town, Peony decides to take her under her wing and teach her the ropes.
Trouble comes when the most respected man in town suddenly dies without warning. Peony is immediately suspicious, as she'd just seen the man the previous day, and he'd been getting better. Sure enough, the man was murdered. But just, exactly, whodunit? Read on to find out.
For some unknown reason, I had some difficulty warming up to the characters in this story. Most of them seemed kind of hippy-dippy-trippy to me, which I didn't get from The Vampire Knitting Club or The Vampire Book Club. No, I don't think it has anything to do with lack of vampires(actually, I have a sneaking suspicion that there is a werewolf in this book!), but that the characters don't feel as fleshed out as they did in the previous two series. Perhaps that will change as I read on. I'm sorry to say, I'm not particularly fond of Peony's mother, Jessie Rae. I think people who refer to themselves in the third person are extremely pretentious and one dimensional.
Still and all, I think the series has potential, and I do look forward to reading future books.
August 16, 2022
Great cozy mystery with a unique setting
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery, witchy paranormal
💻 Kindle Unlimited: Yes, the entire series.
💕 Positives:
* Her writing style is very casual. It feels like a friend telling you about her day.
* I loved learning about flowers throughout this book. It took me a few google searches to match the name to the flower, but it was nice to learn about it.
* The sassy parrot is quite literally a hoot. 😂
* The ending was perfect! I had ideas about the mystery, but I wasn't spot on.
🚫 Negatives:
* There are some grammar errors. It might help the author to use a software program, editor or proof reader next time. It wasn't enough to warrant a DNF though.
* It takes quite a long time to get to the mystery. Most of it is setting the scene and backstory but it's understandable for the very first book in a series.
🌩 Content Warning: Widows, a drunk and a funeral are mentioned a good bit within the book. Not exactly a trigger, but some people (especially those currently dealing with death) like to avoid it.
🌟 Overall, I warmed up to this book. It took a bit to get used to the writing style since it's very much like a best friend telling you about her day (rather than being proper), but I enjoyed that. The mystery was great and the cast of characters were well written. I binge read this book within 2 days, so I'll definitely check out book # 2 in the series next.
If you enjoy paranormal cozies and flowers, this is an excellent book for you.
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery, witchy paranormal
💻 Kindle Unlimited: Yes, the entire series.
💕 Positives:
* Her writing style is very casual. It feels like a friend telling you about her day.
* I loved learning about flowers throughout this book. It took me a few google searches to match the name to the flower, but it was nice to learn about it.
* The sassy parrot is quite literally a hoot. 😂
* The ending was perfect! I had ideas about the mystery, but I wasn't spot on.
🚫 Negatives:
* There are some grammar errors. It might help the author to use a software program, editor or proof reader next time. It wasn't enough to warrant a DNF though.
* It takes quite a long time to get to the mystery. Most of it is setting the scene and backstory but it's understandable for the very first book in a series.
🌩 Content Warning: Widows, a drunk and a funeral are mentioned a good bit within the book. Not exactly a trigger, but some people (especially those currently dealing with death) like to avoid it.
🌟 Overall, I warmed up to this book. It took a bit to get used to the writing style since it's very much like a best friend telling you about her day (rather than being proper), but I enjoyed that. The mystery was great and the cast of characters were well written. I binge read this book within 2 days, so I'll definitely check out book # 2 in the series next.
If you enjoy paranormal cozies and flowers, this is an excellent book for you.
April 28, 2022
Nancy Warren is a master storyteller whether it is contemporary romance, comedy romance or as she is writing now paranormal cozy mystery. Her latest book, Peony Dreadful is the first in the new Village Flower Shop Series. It was a hit with me. Peony Bellefleur is easy to like with her flowers that helps makes good days grander and bad days easier. Life has not always been kind to Peony, a young widow, but she is an upbeat optimistic character.
Being the first book I expected to meet many of the supporting characters beside the main one, Peony. They are certainly an unusual bunch being remarkable in some cases. Peony’s mother is one of the most unique ones. Leave it to Ms. Warren to make the supporting cast as interesting as the lead character. There is a murder to solve with Peony being the only one at first to believe that there has been foul play involved in the death. Clues are there but the guilty party was not easy for me to spot. I solved it about the time that Peony did. I look forward to more stories from Peony in the Willow Waters area.
Marvelous start to the series. All armchair sleuths will enjoy Peony Dreadful. Check it out today.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Being the first book I expected to meet many of the supporting characters beside the main one, Peony. They are certainly an unusual bunch being remarkable in some cases. Peony’s mother is one of the most unique ones. Leave it to Ms. Warren to make the supporting cast as interesting as the lead character. There is a murder to solve with Peony being the only one at first to believe that there has been foul play involved in the death. Clues are there but the guilty party was not easy for me to spot. I solved it about the time that Peony did. I look forward to more stories from Peony in the Willow Waters area.
Marvelous start to the series. All armchair sleuths will enjoy Peony Dreadful. Check it out today.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 27, 2022
"Willow Waters had always felt like a safe haven."
Peony Bellefleur runs Betwitching Blooms in a small village in the Cotswolds where she and her husband had settled. Unfortunately, Jeremy was killed in a freak accident a few years back, leaving Peony with a half finished renovation and the flower shoppe she'd always wanted . Peony loved her work and she was good at it.
Her "crew" included her mother Jessie Rae, her housemate and her familiar. But things were changing when a young woman lands in her life. Char is going to change things. And who on earth would have guessed that her familiar, a parrot named Norman, would be the one to choose her. Char had no clue what being novice witch might bring .
What happens changes things big time when the richest man in Willow Waters dies. Was it natural or murder? And it seems to set off a series of unfortunate events that needs resolution quickly if the tiny village will survive.
I simply love Nancy Warren's writing and I'm settling in for another series where I am going to learn new things. I am continuing to learn about Great Britain and it's quirks and can hardly wait for new books to drop from this gifted writer. Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntary read and reviewed it]
Peony Bellefleur runs Betwitching Blooms in a small village in the Cotswolds where she and her husband had settled. Unfortunately, Jeremy was killed in a freak accident a few years back, leaving Peony with a half finished renovation and the flower shoppe she'd always wanted . Peony loved her work and she was good at it.
Her "crew" included her mother Jessie Rae, her housemate and her familiar. But things were changing when a young woman lands in her life. Char is going to change things. And who on earth would have guessed that her familiar, a parrot named Norman, would be the one to choose her. Char had no clue what being novice witch might bring .
What happens changes things big time when the richest man in Willow Waters dies. Was it natural or murder? And it seems to set off a series of unfortunate events that needs resolution quickly if the tiny village will survive.
I simply love Nancy Warren's writing and I'm settling in for another series where I am going to learn new things. I am continuing to learn about Great Britain and it's quirks and can hardly wait for new books to drop from this gifted writer. Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntary read and reviewed it]
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