Good, lighthearted read

I was looking for a short, quick book to read that would be fun and lighthearted. This was just what I wanted! Just enough mystery to stay engaged, without a lot of suspense to stress me out. ( )

I was so lucky to win an Amazon gift card from the author I decided it was the perfect time to begin reading the 1st story in "The Inn at Holiday Bay Series" that has been on my wish list to read. My capsule review is to share I loved it!

How will Abby Sullivan move forward from her grief over the loss of her husband, Ben, and her infant son in a fatal automobile accident? An ad grasps Abby's attention for a run-down old house on a bluff overlooking the sea. Moving across the United States from California on the west coast to the small town of Holiday Bay on coastal Maine seems like the correct answer for Abby. From the moment Abby arrives and tours the home, her new adventures begin. One of the most charming aspects of the property is a separate guest cottage that has been recently renovated. As a mystery writer and a homicide detective's widow, Abby is one of the most credible and compelling amateur sleuths I've read in a cozy series.

This novel is not only an interesting cozy mystery but inspirational in finding new beginnings after such a devastating loss. The descriptions of the setting transported me to the coastline triggering fond memories of my exploration of small coastal towns in Maine. I particularly loved reading about the plans for transforming the run-down house originally built in 1895 and the small interior changes to the cottage as Abby's home nest and writing studio.

In visiting the author's website I learned, "She has authored more than a hundred and fifty books in fourteen series set in thirteen different states. Kathi enjoys traveling to the locations she writes about to generate inspiration and add authenticity to her descriptions." There are so many avenues of exploration I could read this author's novels all year but I think I'll stay in Holiday Bay for now. ( )

Long time readers of Kathi Daley are excited about her new series. This first book is interesting, exciting and shows much promise for another quality experience.
Ms Daley writes characters you want to know in real life, who also become best friends in your reading life.

After a personal tragedy, Abby Sullivan is ready for a fresh start.
Leaving behind her sister, the only family she has, and who is not supportive of Abby's move and ideas, Abby moves to a town that is dedicated to tourists and cerebrating holidays.
Her vision will take time and money, but Abby feels this is exactly what she needs.
Shortly after arriving, and in looking just to make her new home livable, Abby makes a new friend who fuels her vision of restoring a neglected house and expands her dreams into creating a business.
As this dream unfolds, Abby makes new best friends, acquires roommates, some a furry variety, and gets involved in the community. She also becomes involved in some local crime and mystery.

This is a clean, not graphic offering. Figuring out how to solve a mystery when you are new in town and don't know any of the people involved is more difficult than having something happen to someone you know or have even heard about. However it can be just as emotionally draining.

While not a cliff hanger ending, not everything is all wrapped up neatly, giving us something to look forward to next time. ( )