Really enjoyed this book. Great plot and engaging, believe characters. I was drawn right into the story. Would definitely recommend.

In this cozy mystery, we follow a 50-something main character named Lois, who is trying to solve a theft of a valuable watch in a small town she has recently moved to. The story had some interesting elements like a piping competition (I personally don't like the sound of pipes much but you don't see it in books every day) and some Titanic historical content. I quite enjoyed the atmosphere of the small town and all the food references. There's even a hint of some paranormal presence in the book (which doesn't impact the story much, in case you're wondering).

Unfortunately, the mystery itself was incredibly weak. I don't even usually guess correctly who the culprit is but this was just too obvious. Pretty early on, evidence and hints started piling up against a character so I assumed it was a red herring and there was a plot twist coming but it never came. In the end, it seemed like the amateur investigator didn't actually solve much - the final reveal even came about mainly because someone else (a man) joined the investigation. The writing was a bit repetitive with some of the dialogues and sentences being repeated almost verbatim several times.

Overall, I didn't hate this book but it was disappointing as a mystery.

I found the main protagonist intriguing. She is resilient and intelligent. This cozy is a bit unusual as there is no murder. The mystery is a little slow but steady with a few twists along the way to the reveal. I am interested in seeing how this series develops over time.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

A Timeless Celebration by Dianne Ascroft is the 1st book in the Century Cottage Cozy Mystery series, and my first book by this author.

I found the book quite slow and almost dfn'd it at about the 40% mark. I am glad that I stuck with it to the end but I will not be continuing the series.

Received a review copy from the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

#AtimelessCelebration #NetGalley

Princess Fuzzypants here: It’s fun at times when you read fiction that is so familiar in time and place. The setting of this book resembles Fergus Ontario so much that its settings become more real. The story revolves around an ex-pat from Toronto who has followed her friend into rural realms. In order to introduce her to as many townsfolk as possible, her friend enlists her help in the town’s Highland Games where a relic from the Titanic is being donated to the local museum..
It is all going swimmingly until the antique watch disappears. Lois and her friend are frantic and decide they must find the stolen item before the official presentation. Up to that point, I was drawn in. But I do hate when my heroes or heroines do things that make little or no sense. The argument that somehow the disappearance will hurt the museum long term and put her friend in the cross-hairs of suspicion just do not ring true. As the ladies investigate and are put in danger, neither one speaks to the local authorities. Once they delay, it becomes impossible for them to do so without making them look guilty.
I know it is a niggly point. But it is just enough to reduce my enjoyment of the story as does a truly obvious villain. There was never any doubt who stole the item. What was doubtful was how the heroine could not see it. His means of hiding the watch however was unique so it earned some points back.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating because it has some really good things. But I must give it three and a half purrs and one paw up.

This is the first book in the new series, Century Cottage Cozy Mystery series by Diane Ascroft. I saw this in the read me now section after publication. I was intrigued by the cover and the description.

What I liked was this mystery did not refreshing involve a death. Instead it is about the disappearance of a watch which was being held by Marge Kirkwood. This missing watch places her job at the museum in jeopardy. Lois Stone, our amateur sleuth and Marge’s BFF, has relocated from Toronto to Fenwater, Canada after the death of her husband. Lois offers to help Marge in the recovery of the watch.

I was disappointed that the theft was not completely resolved.

A cozy mystery that has a twist of the paranormal present. It is unusual as there is no murder and police present. The mystery involves The disappearance of woman's golden watch that has been donated to the local museum. Lucy feels she can find it before the official public presentation to the museum at the 150 celebration. This watch was on the Titanic when the ship went sank. The ghost is unusual and shows itself whenever Lucy Stone is endangered. This a new author for and the first book of the Century Cottage series. I will read this author again. I recommend this book.

Disclosure: Thanks to for a copy Books Go Social through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

I have not read a Dianne Ascroft book before. I love reading stories set in small towns. The towns usually have many quirks that I find fun to read. Lois Stone has moved to Fenwater in order to get away from the big city. However, when her home is burglarized and an ancient artifact is stolen, she must find the thief in order to clear her best friend's name. With too many possible thieves and too little time, can she find who stole the watch? I love how the characters came together. As with any small town, each character had their own personalities. Some were a bit standoffish and others were quick to want to help. I look forward to the next mystery. I received a copy from Netgalley. A review was not required.

A Timeless Celebration is a well written book. I enjoyed the plot, setting and the author’s writing. I recommend this book.

“A Timeless Celebration” is the first book I read by Dianne Ascroft, and the first in this series. I absolutely loved the main characters Lois and Marge. However, the plot seemed to plod in some spots, and I guessed the culprit early on in the book. I was amazed that the lady sleuths could not see it! In addition, they did not go to the police upon discovering the theft of the antique watch, but tried to solve it themselves. This was a real strain of credulity. The final wrap up scene in which the culprit was caught was way too long and drawn out. I also had a hard time keeping track of the characters at the beginning. A list of them and their roles would help.

I liked the small town setting and basic storyline, as well as the characters and the set up for future novels in the series. I just hope the writing is better.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

I loved everything about this new cozy series ! This has a unique setting, a wonderful set of rich charcters and a great sleuth with fun historical information included. The author has a winning formula . I look forward to the next in series.
A Timeless Celebration by Dianne Ascroft is the first novel in A Century Cottage Cozy Mystery. Lois Stone and her two cats have moved to Fenwater, Canada into a stone home that is over a hundred years old and haunted by a friendly ghost. She left her former home after her husband's death and wanted a fresh start. Lois has moved to Fenwater Canada to be close to her best friend Marge Kirkwood . I have never read a cozy set in Canada and this was fun to explore the location and culture of the small town., Fictional or not it was a fun location to read about !

Marge has invited Lois to the opening ceremony of Fenwater’s Sesquicentennial Celebration Week at the museum where she works. The museum’s latest donation which is an antique watch that had belonged to a Titanic survivor. The watch will be presented and put in a special display case. Marge is responsible for the watch. (trouble is coming!) . After the ceremony the watch is missing and Marge may lose her job.
Lois decides to work to clear her friends name and discover who stole the valuable watch. She has no problem asking questions of the local people and soon has a set of clues with a surprising set of circumstances.

Lois Stone is in her 50s and kudos to the author for writing of a senior protagonist who is smart, savvy and independent ! Lois is a refreshing and smart protagonist . A Timeless Celebration leaves opening for the next adventure of Lois, her friend Marge and the wonderful supporting charcters including the friendly ghost and her cats. I enjoyed reading this so much . Thank you for the ARC. My opinion is my own. This is a cozy series I highly recommend.

A Timeless Celebration by Dianne Ascroft is the 1st book in the Century Cottage Cozy Mystery series, and my first book by this author. I enjoyed this book, but found it very slow. I really had to concentrate to get through this book. I plan on reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, give this book a try.

I was given a copy of this book for a fair and honest review.

"A Timeless Celebration" is a fun, easy read. I definitely agree that it's a cozy mystery. The story drags in places, though, and the concept of a ghost was confusing. I did like learning more about bagpipes and Scottish traditions. Also, middle-aged heroines Lois and Madge stole the spotlight!

cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth, women-sleuths, theft, the-pipes, Canada

Marge and Lois are good friends and I'd love to meet them! The publisher's blurb covers the early basics of the plot, so there's no need to repeat it only to add this Canadian town was settled by Scots and I love that there is a bagpipe band. The pace of the book is rather deliberate rather than the frantic pace I might prefer at another time, and the hints of supernatural activities don't beat one over the head trying to prove something. Bottom line is that I loved it, don't do spoilers, and will look for more by the author!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley. Thank you!

Truly enjoyed this mystery. I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the plot line. Dianne Ascroft did a great job writing this one. I look forward to reading more in the future.

Another delightful read from Dianne 🙂.

I really enjoyed the setting and the main characters of Lois and Marge, embroiled in finding the theif of a stolen watch from the lical museum, donated by the family of a passenger lost on the Titanic.
A mixture of humour, sleuthing, cinnamon muffins, breakins and Beldie the ghost!!
As usual a solid storyline, good detail and a positive ending 🙂.
Thank you Dianne... Looking forward to the next one 😉

Interesting storyline, the characters were likeable and a well thought out plot.Thought ghosts were not needed but liked cats.

Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book it was a cozy mystery love these kind of books

What a good start for a new series!
This cozy mystery was enjoyable and entertaining.
I liked the cast of characters, well written and likable.
The plot was engaging, no plot hole, and it keeps guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC