I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love this series! The plots are superb, the writing is absolute, and th are you amazing. I just want to hop into this book and live at Storyton Hall forever. This is an interesting and easy to read book that I highly recommend. Enjoy! 📚

Great Googly Moogly.
This, in my opinion, was not a cozy. I have found this to be true with other series' by this author [who I really like, for the record]. This was too dark and deeply disturbing and sad to be classified a cozy.

So. Much. Sadness. With touches of racism, theft, grief left unattended and the lust for power and control, this book runs the gamut of feelings and emotions. And even though the "bad guys" get caught in the end, there is little peace for the reader as they try and absorb all they just read. And the end is supposed to be beautiful and lovely, and I really struggled to find the happiness as I was still reeling from all that had just happened and what had been revealed.

This IS an excellent book - it is well-written and if you are not feeling all that you are supposed to be feeling in this book, you need to check both your pulse and your empathy meter. You are absolutely supposed to feel all the things I felt. It was just shocking and jarring to have this in something classified as a cozy mystery [and before the naysayers jump in here - I read ALL kinds of mysteries, not just cozies so I am not "sensitive" because I only read one genre] when the past books were much more suited to the genre. Again, that does not mean this wasn't an excellent book - it absolutely it. It was almost a 5 star read for me. And I will absolutely keep reading this series, as I love it [and the extra tidbit at the end makes me very, very, excited]. It was just very, very unexpected and it took me a night of restless sleep and a day of reflection to even be able to write this much of a review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Murder In The Storybook Cottage is the sixth book in the A Book Retreat Mystery series.

I have been reading Ms. Adams' books from the beginning of writing career and consider her the best author in the cozy mystery genre. She skillfully writes a wonderful story focusing on human interest and writes about murders with the greatest finesse.

Jane Steward has had enough threats on her life and her family because of the family’s secret library has been selling off some of the items. Jane is putting the final touches on this weekend's Family Valentine’s Celebration, it is being held in conjunction with the appearance of Peppermint Press, publisher of children’s books, and the opening of Storyton Halls Fairy Tales Forest. She has also selected one family as the Golden Bookmark winners. This family has experienced difficult times and would not be able to afford to stay at the Storyton, otherwise.

Jane is hosting her book club, the Cover Girls, and has planned a special surprise for them, a sleigh ride visit to the, yet unopened, Fairy Tale Forest. As they are touring the Fairy Forest they come across the body of a young female dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, with a very valuable book of fairy tales in her hands. The body has no identification and no one knows who she is. Jane gathers her Fins, employees of Storyton Hall and guardians of the family, and set off to identify who she is and why she was at Storyton. Before they can learn who the young lady was, a guest, Gloria Ramirez, has gone missing. Ms. Ramirez who currently works for Baxter Books, but had previously worked for Peppermint Press, has not been seen since her arrival. Soon, Mr. Lachlan, Head of Recreation, finds Ramirez in a field on Hall’s property. She is also found lying on her back and clutching a very valuable book of fairy tales. Jane hopes that she and the Fins will be able to find the killer before any more lives are lost.

Another well-written and plotted story from Ms. Adams. The book has a well-developed and believable cast of characters who I would love to call my friends. There were enough red-herrings in the book to keep me guessing until the end.

I am anxiously awaiting the next book. I’m looking forward to seeing what my favorite character from another series is doing with herself.

Who killed “Red Riding Hood” and “The SnowQueen”? As Jane and staff prepare for book publishers’ conference, they also must solve brutal murder of two costumed women in Storytown. Jane, smart, loyal and determined, deals with grief, blame, vengeance and pride in this excellent story. Especially liked all the literary allusions and warm characterization of staff and friends. I would be more likely to purchase this book if there were a few recipes at end. Thanks to #NetGalley and #MurderInTheStorybookCottage for advanced digital copy.

As I hoped, Adams comes through again with a palate cleansing cozy mystery. The Book Retreat series has been my favorite of hers and this one doesn’t disappoint. I loved the children’s book conference that takes place throughout and everything about the setting made me want to visit and spend a week relaxing there. Pick this up as a breath of fresh air.

Storyton Hall is the location for Peppermint Press Children’s Book Publishers Conference. Jane Stewart believes this is the perfect time to open the resorts Fairy Tale Forest for the children of the guest. She takes her best friends on a pre-view tour of the forest only to find the body of a real-life Red Riding Hood. As in the children’s fairytale “Red” met with an unsavory character in the forest. This mysterious young lady is not a guest of the resort and Jane can not figure out why she is in one of the cabins. Jane and the Fins need to discover why this lady was found at the resort and why someone would want to kill her.

I love this series and this book is my new favorite. Every time I read one of these books, I want to visit Storyton despite the murders. Author Ellery Adams is wonderful at describing the setting. You feel as if you are transported to the resort. When I went to college, I studied elementary education. My favorite class was Children’s Literature. This conference would be one I would love to attend (second only to a mystery conference). Jane, her friends, and the Fins are wonderful characters. I love how they help one another and support each other through good and bad times. I feel as if I am reading about a group of my beloved friends. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next.

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

Murder in the Storybook Cottage by Ellery Adams is the 6th book in the Book Retreat Mystery series, and another fun addition. This is only the second book in this series that I have read. I really enjoyed this book, there were times I felt a little loss, but I plan on going back and reading the first four books in the series. Ms Adams is such a talented writer, my favorite series is the Secret, Book & Scone Society series. Ms. Adams writes so many different series, I don't know how she does it. Jane Steward is busy hosting the Peppermint Press children's book conference. Unfortunately there is a killer on the loose, and Jane is determined to find the killer. The plot and characters are well developed, and full of twists and turns. I recommend this book/series for all cozy mystery lovers, you won't be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I have to admit to absolutely loving this series. The setting, a resort for bibliophiles, is a dream location for me. And, to have mystery, and intrigue mixed in makes for an enjoyable read. This new edition to the series is a home run right from the start. As the title implies, a murder takes place in a cottage that is to be a new children’s section of the resort. The owner of the resort, along with the help of the local police, her friends, and her staff, try to help find solve the murder; all the while trying to navigate a book publishing conference, and a family story themed event.

The thing I love most about this series is the characters, and how well they are written. Even the minor characters, and the one that are brief for the story, are very well rounded, and full of life. I feel as if I am having a reunion of good friends every time I delve into the author’s works.

If you have not read the others in this series, I would highly recommend that you do. Although you could read it as a stand alone, there are many nuances to the characters and their previous background that really needs to be read before you tackle this one. If you love this author’s other series, I highly suggest you give this one a try, as you will be delighted by this cozy. And, if you have read the others inThe Book Retreat series, run, do not walk to your nearest bookstore, or library and grab a copy. You will not be disappointed.

3 stars
This book is hard to follow and hard to get interested in. I expected more from this author. Ellery Adams usually writes such good books, sadly this is not one of them

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

While Storyton Hall is preparing to host families for the opening of their Fairy Tale Forest, they are also in the midst of a gathering hosted by a children's book publisher, so the staff is busy – only to get busier when a women dressed like a fairy tale character is found dead near the Storybook Cottage. When another body is found, also posed as if straight out of a fairy tale, Jane must take the time to help with the investigation, before someone near and dear to her ends up as the next victim.

This series has grown on me as it has continued, and I was glad to learn that there would be another installment. Events in the previous book left many readers, myself included, wondering if the series would continue. The setting sounds idyllic, even in the winter, and I would love to be a guest at or employee of the Hall. The characters are, for the most part, people I would love to have as friends and family, and I really appreciate the way they're there for one another, no questions asked. I have enjoyed watching relationships develop throughout the series, and a couple of personal events in the book made me quite happy. The mystery was a good one, and although I suspected the person who ultimately ended up being the responsible party, I wasn't entirely sure until close to when it was revealed in the book. I am eager to read the next book in the series so I can follow up on some of the events in this one.

Description
Storyton Hall, Virginia, is a top travel destination for book lovers and the perfect spot for literary events. But as a children’s book publisher hosts a gathering there, some folks aren’t going to live—happily ever after or otherwise . . . Jane Steward’s resort is hopping—not only is Peppermint Press’s conference in full swing, there are also lots of families staying on the premises, bringing their kids to events like a scavenger hunt through the Fairy Tale Forest. Then a woman dressed like Little Red Riding Hood is found dead from a plot device straight out of a fairy tale—with a rare and valuable copy of Grimms’ Fairy Tales in her basket. Not long after, a second victim is killed, with yet another treasure nearby—a volume by Hans Christian Andersen worth thousands of dollars. It looks like a big bad wolf may be lurking among the guests, and Jane can’t just wait for a handsome prince to come to the rescue . . .

My Review:
Alright folks here it is the 6th book in the Book Retreat Mystery Series. Murder in the Storybook Cottage is one of those enchanting cozy mystery novels that grabs you and keeps you guessing until the very end.

Ellery Adams has done it again! She is a master writer and if you have not read any of her books then stop what you are doing and pick up your cozy you will not be disappointed.

The story-line is set in the enchanting Storeyton Hall where families come together to celebrate Valentine's day. Of course things do not go as planned and soon there are two murder that the gang needs to solve. Will they succeed? You will just have to read it to find out, I promise you will enjoy reading Murder in the Storybook Cottage it as much as I did.

The ARC was provided in exchange for my honest opinion and I can tell you I give it a 5 Star.

This is the sixth installment in the Book Retreat Mystery series by Ellery Adams following Jane Steward, her sons, and her loyal friends and staff at Storyton Hall. I discovered this series a few years ago after devouring Adams' Books by the Bay series and fell instantly in love with the book-themed resort located in the mountains of Virginia. This book restored my faith in the series after a somewhat disappointing (in my opinion) 5th book.

We join the action as Jane prepares Storyton Hall to host a children's book themed weekend for both book industry insiders and families. She is especially excited to be hosting her first Golden Ticket family, a program Jane initiated to bring a deserving family to Storyton who would not normally be able to afford a vacation to Storyton. Things are going well for Jane and her friends, especially as she continues to sell off the contents of the secret library in order to keep her family safe. All seems well as Jane and the staff prepare for a magical weekend, but even with their efforts to mitigate the danger at Storyton, a Rip Van Winkle (code for a deceased guest) is found on the property. The victim is unknown to Jane, her staff, or seemingly any of the arriving guests, which complicates the efforts to explain this death.

Adams has taken this series in a completely new direction with this addition and I am completely supportive of it. Jane is a strong woman, managing a business, taking care of two boys, and setting boundaries on her relationship. But this time, we see the toll that so many years of fighting to protect everyone in her life has taken on her. Jane wants nothing more than for everyone to be safe at Storyton, and she can't believe that even with all of her efforts, there is still danger afoot. Fortunately for Jane, she never has to stand alone. With her friends the Cover Girls, her steadfast Fins, and her family surrounding her, we know that she will get to the bottom of the mystery while ensuring that all her guests have a weekend they will never forget.

The shining star of this series is truly the setting. When I get to the end of each story and remember that Storyton Hall is not a real place, I am always disappointed. Adams has designed a world that cherishes readers in all forms and she introduces characters that represent the diversity of literature. The books don't shy away from the tough subjects: this one addresses racism and the lack of diversity in children's literature. I am really looking forward to seeing where this series will go next...especially with the information that was set up in the epilogue! I can't believe I have to wait to see how two of my favorite series are going to come together.

Murder in the Storybook cottage is an enchanting installment in this series. Set in the magical Storeyton Hall, a mansion turned book lovers resort, children and their families gather to celebrate a whimsical fairy tale of a Valentine's day. While love may be in the air, two creative killings are afoot. Jane, Edwin, and the Fins work together with a little help to solve the murders. Ellery Adams is a master of cozy mysteries and this one will delight all the book lovers

If it wasn’t for all the murders that surround Storyton Hall, in the mountains of Virginia, I would assume this to be the perfect book-cation. That place you want to escape to for some downtime with no electronics and no demands. Unfortunately, death and escapades seem to be on the daily menu along with monthly events and delectable themed meals. This month, Jane Steward and the Fins, are hosting children’s book publisher Peppermint Press in addition to families needing a getaway.

Jane has a new attraction for her guests. A set of cottages with fairy tale themes where the children can dress up and craft their way through a day of dreams and fantasy. What Jane didn’t anticipate was a dead woman, dressed as Little Red Riding Hood to spoil the opening day carrying a valuable copy of Grimms’ Fairy Tales in her basket. If this were a one and done, that would be one thing, but quick on the heels of the first is a second which has Jane giving side-eye to some not so nice guests and wondering what, and who is behind the deaths.

Ellery Adams does a good job in distracting the reader. Like any good scavenger hunt, there are clues sprinkled around and interesting characters to meet. By the end, though not a happily ever after for all involved, does lead to a happy ending for two couples that the reader has been cheering along.

I always look forward to the books in this series. The setting, Storyton Hall, is a paradise retreat for book lovers. In this book there is a children's book conference taking place with authors, illustrators and publishers in attendance. Ms. Adams has such a wonderful imagination and comes up with wonderful ideas, such as a paint-off in this book, where the illustrators have 1 hour to create a painting with a theme that is chosen by two special guests that are children. The paintings will then be auctioned off for charity. And Jane is also opening a fairy tale village on the grounds of the resort for children called Storybook Village. Of course there is a mystery along with the great story that always keep me guessing. I loved the ending of this book and can't wait for the next one!

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

Jane and her team have built the Fairy Tale Forest for the group of families coming to the resort. As she shows who book club and best friends around they find a dead body. No one knows who the woman was or why she is there. As guests arrive more issues and clues come about. The victims are dressed like Grimm Fairytale characters, holding valuable books.
Goodreads

Another visit to Storyton, Virginia, leads the reader into mystery, murder, revenge and romance! While hosting a conference for a children's publishing house, Jane finds herself trying to root out a storybook killer while keeping those she loves safe.

I loved the winter/Valentine's Day theme of the book! The descriptions of Storyton Hall and the events were as magical as ever. The murder mystery was fast-paced and kept me reading into the night! The Fins and staff were excellent, as usual, and Jane's friends, "The Cover Girls" (book club) were supportive, funny and ready to help bring a murderer to justice. I especially liked the surprises at the end of the book!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are my own.

Murder in the Storybook Cottage begins as Storyton Hall resort owner Jane is preparing to host a children's book conference. When a dead body turns up in the new storybook village on her property, Jane has to work to keep her guests safe (and unaware) and help solve a murder.

This was the first book I've read in the Book Retreat series - it was a cute, cozy read. I'm considering going back to the beginning to read the first five books.

EVERYTHING in this town is book-themed. EVERYTHING. It's a book for book lovers - there are so many cute little literary references and it feels like a bookish Stars Hollow. There's somewhat of a fantasy-ish element to this book - it's revealed early on that Jane is the Guardian of a secret library. It seems like many people (both good and bad) have shown interest in what the secret library holds, with some dangerous consequences. Many of Jane's staff at Storyton Hall serve dual purposes - they might run something at the resort, but they also might be one of her team of security to help protect and defend the secret library.

The murder in this book is pretty dark (for a cozy) and there is an underlying feeling of unease throughout the book - the danger that Jane and her friends and family could be in seems very real.

Jane thought a children's book event at Storyton Hall over Valentine's Day would be fun. She wasn't expecting a murder, much less two of them! Jane, her aunt and uncle, and her twin boys, run the delightful Storyton- a resort which stresses books (I'd love to visit). This time out- and don't worry oof you haven't read the earlier ones- there's someone out there who is committing murder in the resorts new Storybook Villages. There's a fairy tale theme here (and you, like me, might find yourself revisiting some of them). It's a fun, clever read with good characters and a mystery that's just twisty enough. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans.

Wonderful as always!

I received an Advanced Copy in exchange for a honest review. I blew through the book in one day! In this story, Jane is organizing a children's book conference at Storyton Hall. Again, Jane faces the challenge of protecting her guests while trying to solve the murders with the help of the Sheriff and the Fins.