Chloe Jackson was devastated by Boone’s death; his wish that she stay for awhile with his grandmother, Vivi, in Emerald Cove and help with the running of Sea Glass, the bar which Vivi owned was an easy one to grant. Chloe was a librarian back in Chicago, but a leave of absence meant she was free to work with Vivi and Joaquin in the bar. She wasn’t exactly sure why Boone had wanted her presence, but she had promised him, so it was easy to fulfil.

When Chloe found a dead body around the back of Sea Glass early one morning, she recalled the argument the previous evening between Vivi and the victim. And when the police took Vivi in for questioning, Chloe wasn’t surprised, but knew she needed to find the killer to prove Vivi’s innocence. But Chloe’s questions to various people; her attendance at the many bars amid questions, stirred someone up. Secrets were obviously being kept - were Chloe and Vivi next in the firing line for the killer?

From Beer to Eternity is the 1st in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series by Sherry Harris and I quite enjoyed it. Light, entertaining, plenty of twisty bits – a nice start to a new cozy series, and also a new author to me. Thanks to a goodreads friend for the recommendation – I will pass that recommendation forward 😊

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

It's always a load of fun to start a brand new cosy mystery series and this one, From Beer to Eternity written by Sherry Harris, certainly did not disappoint!

The reader soon meets the star of the show, children's librarian Chloe Jackson who is waving goodbye to Chicago winters and heading to warmer climes. She promised her late friend Boone that she would help out in Boone's grandma's bar, the Sea Glass Saloon, in Emerald Cove, Florida. Chloe is surprised to find that bar owner Vivi Slidell is not the frail old lady she had envisioned, but a sassy, independent woman who is not impressed by Chloe's arrival. When an argument between Vivi and a Sea Glass regular reaches its peak and the angry patron is found dead behind the bar, the primary suspect is obvious.

I thought this was an excellent, really solid start to the series. I enjoyed reading the author's wonderful descriptions of the gorgeous beach setting, and I could almost feel the cool sea breeze. Emerald Cove sounded fabulous with its strong, vibrant touristy vibe. Sherry Harris has laid the the foundations of a delightful set of characters to whom the reader was gradually introduced. Apart from Chloe herself who I found to be intelligent, caring and smart, I also liked Vivi for her spirit and vivacity.

The writing was fast paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with abundant red herrings and twists to sustain my interest. All in all, a brilliant opening instalment with snippets of humour, and a great layered backstory as a cherry topping. I will certainly be returning to Emerald Cove to see what Chloe is getting herself into next.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Harris is a successful author of cozy mysteries, her first novel, Tagged for Death, was nominated for an Agatha award. The Sarah Winston Garage Sale series shows no signs of slowing down. Harris, has branched out, starting a new series, set in the Florida panhandle. From Beer to Eternity is book 1.

Emerald Cove is standing in for Destin Florida. This beach town affectionately known as part of LA -- Lower Alabama -- is undergoing a heated discussion between the owners of Heritage businesses, and land developers. For now, the heritage business owners are a few points ahead. This is Chloe Jackson's story, she promised her BFF Boone Slidell, to watch out for his grandmother if he didn't come back from his deployment in Afghanistan. Boone did not come back. A promise is a promise therefore, Chloe takes a leave of absence (she is a children's librarian in Chicago) and heads south in her vintage (read old) Volkswagen Beetle. Boone's grandmother? Not the doddering little old lady. Vivi is the owner of the Sea Glass a beach bar that caters to locals who need respite from the sunburned tourist hoards. Two weeks into her stay in Emerald Cove, Chloe now works for Vivi.

This may sound like a somber book. Absolutely not. Chloe is witty, and wise both in the ways of toddlers, and wayward drinkers. She even can shrug, when one regular starts wearing the shell of an armadillo as a hat. She can't shrug when said 'exotic' hat wearer is found dead. Behind the Sea Glass. After a nasty argument with Vivi.
How can she protect a murder suspect? If she does get involved will things become more difficult? There appears to be more than sand surf and beer going on in Emerald Cove.

I was very excited to have this opportunity to review From Beer to Eternity. I am a retired children's librarian. I live in Florida. I know nothing about the bar culture in the 21st century. I love a good cozy mystery. and this is certainly one of them. The characters are likeable, the pages turn quickly, and there is plenty of opportunity for other stories to grow from this first book.

Harris belongs to a blogging group called Wicked Authors. This reader agrees in the New England sense Harris is 'wicked' good. A must read for lovers of cozy mysteries, or those who like Florida fiction.

From Beer to Eternity see’s Chloe Jackson move from her home in Chicago to small town Emerald Cove in Florida following a promise she made to her best friend Boone – he made her promise to look after his grandmother should anything happen to him whilst in Afghanistan.

Following the memorial for Boone Chloe comes up with some flimsy excuse to stay around and ends up getting a job at the Sea Glass Saloon to be close to Vivi. I had a bit of a problem with the excuse she gave to people for sticking around, whilst it may be believable for a few days it certainly wouldn’t have been one to stick to for much longer, and Vivi seemed to have a instant dislike towards Chloe from the get go for some reason, which I also couldn’t figure out – surely having someone who was so close to you dead grandson would be an blessing to have around?

Anyway apart from those two little irks (which got smoothed out as the book went on) I really enjoyed this story, filled with realistic characters, a wonderful setting with a side of shady dealings and murder!

I loved this cozy mystery and I am so excited to read more books in this series! I really enjoyed getting to know Chloe. She's a great mix of fierce and awkward and it fit really well. I also really loved the side characters! It's also fun to read about a setting so far removed from where I am and to read about a character who has to adjust to that new setting. I loved that Chloe was from Chicago trying to adjust to life in Florida, it made for a very interesting read. The mystery was well done, with plenty of twists and turns and overall it was just a great read. There was one scene that could have been left out and seemed improbable but I loved the rest enough to give it 5 stars despite that.

From Beer to Eternity by Sherry Harris has Chloe Jackson, a children’s librarian, visiting Emerald Cove, Florida for the funeral of her friend, Boone Slidell. Chloe promised Boone that if something happened to him, she would help his grandmother. The caveat is that she cannot tell Vivi, Boone’s grandmother, of his request. Vivi is not what Chloe expected. She is a stubborn, feisty, well-dressed woman in her seventies who has taken a dislike to Chloe. In order to stay, Chloe told Vivi that her car broke down and she needs to earn money for the repairs. Vivi reluctantly gave Chloe a job at her beach bar, the Sea Glass Saloon. One morning, Chloe discovers Elwell Pugh, a bar regular, dead behind the bar’s dumpster. Evidence points to Vivi as the killer. Chloe begins asking questions to learn who else could have wanted Elwell dead. The killer is not happy with Chloe’s nosy nature and sets out to eliminate her. From Beer to Eternity is the debut of A Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. I found From Beer to Eternity easy to read with steady pacing. Chloe Jackson lives in Chicago, Illinois where she is a children’s librarian. She has taken a leave of absence so she can keep her promise to Boone. I like that the author took the time to establish Chloe’s character as well as Vivi, Joaquin Diaz, and Rhett Barnett. I can tell Sherry Harris is familiar with the Florida panhandle from her descriptions of the town, bars, restaurants, and tourist attractions. I liked the number and variety of attractions that Chloe visited. I enjoyed the book references especially the Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. The mystery was thought out with multiple suspects. Chloe begins asking questions around town and eavesdropping so she can clear Vivi off the suspect list. Of course, the killer is not happy with Chloe’s sleuthing. I liked the unique murder weapon and the various nefarious activities. I was disappointed that the resolution was not concrete. I like the resolution to be based on fast instead of supposition. I would have preferred fewer references to Rhett’s looks and Chloe’s hormonal reactions. I enjoyed the humor scattered throughout the story. This cozy mystery will have you longing for the beach where you can relax with a good book and a cool drink. From Beer to Eternity is an engaging cozy mystery that will delight fans of Sherry Harris’ A Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series. From Beer to Eternity is a fun cozy mystery with stentorian snoring, the redneck riviera, flaming fires, deficient drinks, a horrid hat, and a bookish barmaid.

I loved this first book in Sherry Harris's new cozy mystery series! The main character Chloe was engaging and strong, and other characters were also interesting...can't wait to see how the series develops. The Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle and the Sea Glass Saloon made for fun settings; I love cozy mysteries set in quaint communities near the ocean. Another great cozy by Sherry Harris.

FROM BEER TO ETERNITY by Sherry Harris
The First Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery

Taking a leave of absence from her job as a children's librarian in Chicago, Chloe Jackson arrives in Florida to fulfill a promise to her late best friend. But helping his grandmother, Vivi, is not as simple as she thought. Instead of the shy and retiring lady she expected, Vivi is a brash spitfire who seems to hate her, although she allows Chloe to help out at her Sea Glass Saloon. Chloe stumbles upon one of the regulars, dead by the bar's dumpster, and Vivi is brought in for questioning...multiple times. A promise is a promise, and if helping Vivi means looking into the man's murder, so be it. Will Chloe be able to uncover the secrets of this close knit community in order to find a murderer? Or will she die trying?

Loyalty is the hallmark of the first Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery. Chloe's loyalty to her friend, even after death, the heritage businesses loyalty to each other, and loyalty to Emerald Cove itself are integral facets to the mystery.

FROM BEER TO ETERNITY started out slow and I had a hard time getting into it, but by the end I was racing through, devouring every page. I like Chloe Jackson. Her quirks and backstory, along with her independence make her an appealing protagonist. Vivi is another story, as she is meant to be. Of course Joaquin is the perfect new friend and Rhett someone to smolder over. All of the characters come to life on the page and it's obvious they all had lives prior to the novel, bringing a ton of developed characterization with them. The references to GONE WITH THE WIND, the Wizard of Oz, and other children's books added a delightful element.

FROM BEER TO ETERNITY captures the beauty of the Florida coast, the refreshment of a well made cocktail, and the importance of friendship in a captivating mystery.

From Beer to Eternity is the first book in a new series by Sherry Harris. As a lover of all things Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mysteries, there was no way I was missing out on the first book in the Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. I was not disappointed at all. Chloe Jackson is everything I need in a cozy mystery heroine. She is likable (always important), realistic, imperfect - but the perfect person for this series, a little clueless, fiercely protective, and someone I would love to be my best friend. The story is not, however, all grins and giggles as Chloe tries to find out who murdered a long-time resident of Emerald Cove.

From Beer to Eternity is probably the most heart-wrenching cozy mystery I've ever read. The reason Chloe finds herself in Florida helping Vivi run the Sea Glass Saloon cause an emotional reaction in my that I never have happen with cozy mysteries - I cried. The author is such a wonderful writer and I love her ability to instill true emotional reactions in her readers, and not just shock, awe, and humor. This book has a theme threaded through it a lot of people have, are, or will work through at some point in their lives. Realism - that's where it's at for me in any book.

Chloe is actually in Florida under false pretenses. No one knows why she's staying in Florida while having an enjoyable career as a librarian in Illinois. When she finds the local resident dead behind the Sea Glass Saloon, Chloe knows she really can't go back home now until she tries to clear the police's number 1 suspect - Vivi Slidell. As a newbie to the town, Chloe stands out so sleuthing doesn't work as well for her as she would like.

Book 1 is a great start to a new series. I love the introduction of an assortment of secondary characters. Chloe considers several of the characters to be suspects, giving the reader several viable murderers. Her process of elimination leads to a twist I didn't see coming. The story is original and I was able to visualize the entire story as each scene played out. A fantastic story, a potential love interest, some tears, and a capable and competent main character make this 5 stars for me. The author has another hit on her hands!

From Beer to Eternity kicks off what is absolutely going to be a great series! It introduces us to main character, Chloe Jackson, with whom I quickly bonded. This is definitely not the case in all new cozy mystery series I start, so I’m always happy when it is! Chloe isn’t over the top like some characters can be nor is she boring. She’s “normal” like I am (okay, normal is a relative term). I just love her personality and moments of dry humor. She wants to be liked, loves books (her “real” job is as a librarian), loves running (yeah, no, not like me there), and she needs a pet! I made that last one up, but she does (hint, hint).

Vivi is one of the people Chloe wants to like her. After all, Chloe is there because of a promise she made to her best friend, Boone. He made Chloe promise that if anything happened to him, she would help his grandmother take care of her bar. So, what would you think if your best friend asked you to “help” their grandmother…you’d think she NEEDED help, right? Right. Well, Vivi doesn’t want or need Chloe’s help, and frankly, my dear, she seems to resent Chloe’s being in Emerald Cove. Vivi thinks Chloe should have gone back to Chicago by this time; however, Vivi doesn’t know about the promise. Plus Vivi has Joaquin, another hilarious and amazing character, to help her.

Speaking of frankly my dear (yes, we were speaking of it), another character I love is Rhett who may or may not become a love interest for Chloe. There are lots of fun, quirky characters in From Beer to Eternity. They’re so lifelike that you’ll just want to head down to the Florida panhandle and get to know them. Even if they were jerks, I’d want to head to Emerald Cove anyway…I’d just make different friends! The author’s descriptive writing will make you want to head there too. If I lived in Emerald Cove, I might be tempted to go on early morning runs like Chloe does. But I’d probably just walk and let my dog run.

Oh yeah! I almost forgot to mention the mystery! Well, you can see from the synopsis that someone ends up dead, and it’s a good thing for Vivi that she couldn’t chase Chloe back to Chicago! I loved solving this puzzling mystery with all sorts of suspects right along with Chloe and her friends.

Needless to say, From Beer to Eternity gets 5 stars from me, and I can’t wait to head back to Emerald Cove to spend more time with my new friends!

The first book in a new series is always a unique adventure for me. Will I like the characters? Does the premise work well? Will I want to read more adventures? I can honestly say that with Harris' From Beer to Eternity, ALL of those answers are a resounding yes!

The first tug at the heartstrings comes because Chloe is living up to a promise to a friend who has died and is pulling up stakes to go help his grandmother Vivi. Not the most grandmotherly grandmother, Vivi has a way about her that simply makes you like her regardless. She's fiercely independent and a force to be reckoned with - kinda like the 70yo I'd want to be. And you know that deep down she loves Chloe too.

This was my first book by Harris, but I am definitely looking forward to more of Chloe and Vivi's adventures.

[I received an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from NetGalley and the author but was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed above are entirely my own.]

From Beer to Eternity is a great first book in the new series Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon Mystery by Sherry Harris
Chloe Jackson is a children’s librarian in Chicago . She is in Emerald Cove to go to the funeral of her best friend Boone.
Chloe made a promise to him to help his Grandmother if anything ever happened to him.
Boone’s Grandmother Vivi is not at all what Chloe expected. She told Viv that she was having car trouble and asked if she could help her at the bar she owns the Sea Glass Saloon. She made a promise to Boone that she would not let her know he had asked her to look after his Grandmother.
Chloe finds a bar regular dead out behind the Saloon one day and this begins a tale you have to read. It is one of the best cozy mysteries I have read. It is fun and will make you look forward to the next book in the series
Thank you very much NetGalley, Sherry Harris and Kensington Books for the ARC. This is my personal review.

I loved this book!

Chloe Jackson promised her best friend that she would help his grandmother, Vivi run The Sea Glass Saloon if he didn't make it home from Afghanistan. When the time came, she was determined to keep that promise even when it seemed her help wasn't wanted.

Chloe finds a body near the bar's back door. As the police investigate, it becomes very clear that someone is trying to frame Vivi for the murder.

There are several side stories and an unexpected end which make this book a joy to read.

From Beer to Eternity was an enjoyable cozy mystery, perfect for the beach or any other time of year. The story centers around Chloe who goes to help a deceased friend's grandmother cope with his death and help at her bar. One she makes it to Emerald Cove, Florida to assist she finds out grandma Vivi does not need or want her help, but once a local is murdered near the bar, with Vivi being the prime suspect, Chloe puts her amateur sleuthing skills and her librarian research skills into action. From Beer to Eternity had everything one could want in a cozy mystery, likable yet eclectic characters, a quaint town, a budding romance, and a protagonist who cannot stay out of trouble, but I what I liked most was the unique reason Chloe came to Emerald Cove to keep a promise to her best friend Boone, that storyline drew me in as much as the mystery. This is a series I definitely will continue and library readers will gravitate to.

When Chloe Jackson promised her friend Boone she would help his grandmother, Vivi, if something happened to him, she never expected she’s have to follow through. But after his untimely death, she heads to Emerald Cove, Florida, to help her with her beach side bar. Things get complicated when Chloe finds one of the regulars dead behind the bar one morning. With the police looking at Vivi as a suspect, Chloe has to figure out what really happened. Can she do it?

Picking up this book, I was immediately transported to the beach, a place I love. The setting was fantastic, and I would love to visit in person. The mystery was a little slow to get going as we were introduced to the characters and setting, but once it did, I was fully engaged. There were plenty of twists along the way. The climax was a bit rushed, but it still answered all of my questions. There are several times where Chloe seemed to have more time in her day than normal, and one chapter with a wonky timeline, but none of this impacted the plot in a meaningful way. Chloe had been working as a children’s librarian before this story started, so I loved the occasional references to children’s books. She leads a group of fantastic characters, some of whom already feel like friends. I will definitely be back for the next round.

I have enjoyed the Sarah Winston Garage Sale mystery series written by Sherry Harris so, when I saw that she had started a new series, I was eager to get my hands on a copy. I was hooked in the first chapter. Sherry Harris has given Chloe a way with words and the turn of a phrase. From her odd patron with his own version of a tin foil hat to her comparing children in a library and the patrons of the Sea Glass Saloon, well I knew I was in for a fun read. Once the story started to unfold and various other characters were introduced, I was going to read it in one gulp.
Chloe is a fish out of water. She made a promise to keep an eye on a friend's grandmother, Vivi, down in Emerald Cove on the Florida Panhandle. True to her promise, she packs and leaves Chicago and her job as a children's librarian to take a job at the Sea Glass saloon. Boy, howdy, is she in for a surprise. Granny is no little old lady, that's for sure. She is outspoken, independent, grumpy and will tangle with anyone who crosses her. Chloe not only has to adjust to life in the Panhandle but she has to adjust to being a waitress in a bar. Talk about a learning curve.
Soon enough Vivi finds herself in a mess when a bar patron is found murdered on the premises and, with her past history with the victim, the police home in on Vivi as their prime suspect. Chloe had made a promise to Boone to help his grandmother but she never envisioned trying to keep her out of jail. She also had no idea that she'd be investigating a murder and trying to keep from becoming the killers next victim. But, hey, she's a librarian and she is on the case.
With humor, a bit of romance, some wonderfully drawn characters and a great setting, this well crafted mystery is a winner from beginning to end.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cozy Mystery On Florida's Emerald Coast
This book is the first in a new series. From reading this book, the rest of the series should be fantastic. It takes place on Florida's Emerald Coast which is the white sand beach that runs from Panama City to Pensacola. The area is full of military and tourists. There is a history of smuggling and bootlegging in that region. The story revolves around an old beachside saloon, its original owner, and a twenty-something from Chicago. This book sets the scene for the series. There is a very good murder mystery that I couldn't have figured in a million years, although all of the clues were there. I can't wait for the next book. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

This is the first in a new cozy series by Sherry Harris. I like that it’s set in a beach town. I’m not crazy about that town being set in Florida. I liked this story. The panhandle has plenty of small towns such as Destin, which I am familiar with.

Chloe Jackson has come from Chicago to help out a deceased friend’s (Boone) grandmother. The grandmother doesn’t feel she needs help but hires her temporarily as she believes Chloe needs the money for car repairs in order to leave the town. A bar patron is found dead behind the bar, Vivi, Boone’s grandmother is the prime suspect.

Chloe takes it upon herself to try to figure out who killed the patron. With plenty of twists, turns and surprises we board the rollercoaster.

I look forward to the next installment.

I was given an advanced reader’s copy. I am not required to leave a positive review.

What do you do when your best friend makes you promise to take care of their grandmother if something ever happens to them? If you’re Chloe Jackson, you pack up your classic VW Beetle and head to Florida’s Emerald Coast and do your best to keep that promise, even if grandma doesn’t seem to care for you.

Taking a job at the bar Boone’s grandmother owns allows Chloe to help Vivi as she promised. When a bar patron is found dead behind the bar the police build a case against Vivi and it looks like an arrest is imminent. But Chloe doesn’t believe the woman is a murderer and looks to clear her name, but soon finds herself a target on the murderer’s radar.

I’ve long enjoyed Sherry Harris’ Sarah Winston Garage Sale mysteries and was thrilled to see a new series from her. I’m loving the Florida location and found this first entry to be a real page turner. Looking forward To more in this series.

This is the first debut book in the exciting new cozy series "Sea Glass Saloon" by beloved cozy author Sherry Harris. I have read Ms. Harris other series "Garage Sale Mysteries" and loved them all.. I looked forward to reading this new series . Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.

We are introduced to our protagonist Chloe Jackson a former children's librarian. She is moving to the Florida Panhandle from Chicago to help her late friend’s grandmother Vive run the" Sea Glass Saloon" . Her friend was killed in the war and she had made him a promise to look after his Grandmother. Once she arrives she finds her friends Grandmother is feisty and quite capable on her own. Vive does not want Chloe's help and is cantankerous. Chloe finds a town embroiled in a fight with developers and strong opinions on both sides amid the white sand beaches and sunshine. She senses that trouble is under the surface and soon a murder occurs of a local Vive was last seen arguing with. Chloe wants to clear her name and find out the truth behind the murder as she suspects it may have to do with pending developments.

This is a winning debut cozy series ! I loved the rich descriptions of the Florida coast, the vibrant charcters and the sleuth that kept me guessing. Ms. Harris included many red herrings in the sleuth that was so well crafted I did not guess the ending. I look forward to the next in series and hope Chloe will stay at the bar in the panhandle and have many more adventures with Vive.