Book Review: A Vineyard Crossing by Jean Stone

by Jean Stone
Publication Date July 27, 2021
Published by Kensington Books
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Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Women
Format: ARC

Martha’s Vineyard may be picturesque and peaceful, but even there, happily-ever-after has its dark side . . .

Annie Sutton is not only a bestselling mystery author, she’s the proprietor of the newly opened Vineyard Inn. Recently engaged to local police sergeant John Lyons, instead of making wedding plans, Annie’s fighting with him about his older daughter, a troubled teen who has moved home—bringing chaos in her wake. With Annie’s beloved brother away on a troublesome journey of his own, Annie needs a friend. She begins to confide in one of the Inn’s guests, a mysterious stranger named Mary Beth Mullen. Her mix of kindness and vulnerability makes Annie trust her—until Mary Beth shares a secret that leaves Annie torn between family loyalty and a promise she made.

When a handsome, internationally acclaimed journalist checks into the Inn, he too unpacks a boatload of trouble for Annie, triggered by a provocative photo, covertly snapped—and posted on the internet. Intrigued, as tensions mount between her and John, Annie decides to eschew the police and get involved herself—enlisting Mary Beth’s help. But Annie is soon questioning whether anyone on the Vineyard this season is who they seem—and realizing that any chance of happiness rests in finding out just who her real friends are . . .

My Review:

A Vineyard Crossing is the fourth book in Jean Stone’s Vineyard series.  It is a stand-alone book, but I believe you would get more out of the book if you read the series in order.  This is a great summer book, set in the gorgeous Martha’s Vineyard,  with lots of references to the Island, and the sea.  

Annie has just re-opened her new Vineyard Inn in Chappaquidick, on Martha’s Vineyard, has wedding plans to make, and is busy writing her next mystery novel. It’s August on the Island, and everyone is busy.  The inn is booked up, and her fiance, John Lyons is busy fighting crime at the busiest time on the Island, plus his oldest daughter is back along with all her chaos.  When an unexpected celebrity guest needs a couple of rooms in her booked-up inn, Annie has to move out of her cabin, in order to accommodate the handsome, troubled guest and his assistant.  

This book is full of mystery and secrets with many surprises.  The writing is very good and I liked that I was reading through to get to the end to find out how these mysteries are resolved.  The romance part was certainly secondary to the mysteries, but realistic too.  The characters are well developed, and I especially liked Annie and emphasized her busy schedule and dealing with all the drama from her guests, friends, and family.  

The author described the beautiful inn, and the surrounding area very well and I felt like I was there with Annie, enjoying the gorgeous scenery of Martha’s Vineyard.  I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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