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Havenwood Cozy Mystery #3
The Secret of the Silver Serpent
Jingle spells, stolen jewels, and a Christmas ball that sleighs!
'Tis the season for silver serpents, snowstorms, and surprises! Harper Sullivan is excited for her first Christmas Ball in the enchanting town of Havenwood. However, her magical holiday takes a mysterious turn when a priceless necklace disappears amidst the festivities. With holiday cheer at stake, Harper springs into action to help crack the case.
Teaming up with the spirited Isadora Silverthorne, Harper embarks on a winter wonderland quest in the middle of the largest snowstorm of the decade. But with time ticking away and the promise of a thaw on the horizon, the chance to recover the missing jewels is as fleeting as snow in the sun. Will they unveil the thief's identity, or will Havenwood's holiday sparkle be tarnished forever?
'Tis the season for silver serpents, snowstorms, and surprises! Harper Sullivan is excited for her first Christmas Ball in the enchanting town of Havenwood. However, her magical holiday takes a mysterious turn when a priceless necklace disappears amidst the festivities. With holiday cheer at stake, Harper springs into action to help crack the case.
Teaming up with the spirited Isadora Silverthorne, Harper embarks on a winter wonderland quest in the middle of the largest snowstorm of the decade. But with time ticking away and the promise of a thaw on the horizon, the chance to recover the missing jewels is as fleeting as snow in the sun. Will they unveil the thief's identity, or will Havenwood's holiday sparkle be tarnished forever?
Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2024
About the author
L.L. Gray
19 books60 followersL.L. Gray writes captivating, fast-paced fantasy full of wit, warmth, and magic. Her books transport readers to charming, cozy worlds brimming with lovable characters and whimsical adventures. A lifelong enthusiast of fantasy and myths, L.L. Gray blends humor and heart, inviting readers to escape into her spellbinding stories that feel like home—cozy, magical, and impossible to put down.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
December 16, 2024
I really liked this book! It's got all the heart-warming magic and whimsy from the first one, an interesting self-contained mystery, and more clues about the town's history.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The mystery is really good in this one. There's enough detail to figure out at least one bad guy easily if you want to, but it's not super obvious. It's engaging, interesting and I enjoyed the whodunnit.
Harper has grown into herself a lot. She's finally starting to realize she is competent and smart, so her thoughts and feelings are ... more interesting to read now. I like how she's more confident in her friends and herself. Isa is a great new character, and I'm loving how we're getting to know the Silverthornes.
Potential spoilers below re: the romance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The mystery is really good in this one. There's enough detail to figure out at least one bad guy easily if you want to, but it's not super obvious. It's engaging, interesting and I enjoyed the whodunnit.
Harper has grown into herself a lot. She's finally starting to realize she is competent and smart, so her thoughts and feelings are ... more interesting to read now. I like how she's more confident in her friends and herself. Isa is a great new character, and I'm loving how we're getting to know the Silverthornes.
Potential spoilers below re: the romance
November 24, 2024
ARC review, book out Dec 3rd.
What a great book! I loved every word.
Harper with her sentient bookstore, the familiar rabbit Luna (who is hilarious), and all of her interesting friends make this a very enjoyable read.
Invited to the Silverthorn Christmas Eve ball, Harper is supplied a dress by Isador for her help in the previous book. Thinking to ask Finn as her plus one, she is torn when his ex shows up, an extremely nice elf jeweler. Not sure what to do, she goes to the party alone.
This book is mainly about the Christmas Eve ball at the Silverthorne manor. Besides being the party that everyone who’s anyone must go to, this party is also to showcase some amazing jewelry. But there have been some jewelry thefts happening so everyone is on their toes.
Harper is given a silver serpent necklace to wear that accentuates her power although she doesn’t realize it to start. After a blackout where jewelry is stolen the mystery really starts.
Along with Gabriel Silverthorne, Harper starts investigating.
This is a good mystery with multiple suspects, twists and turns, unusual magic, excitement, humour and everything else.
It is a easy, quick, fun read and I highly recommend this as well as anything else L L Gray has written.
What a great book! I loved every word.
Harper with her sentient bookstore, the familiar rabbit Luna (who is hilarious), and all of her interesting friends make this a very enjoyable read.
Invited to the Silverthorn Christmas Eve ball, Harper is supplied a dress by Isador for her help in the previous book. Thinking to ask Finn as her plus one, she is torn when his ex shows up, an extremely nice elf jeweler. Not sure what to do, she goes to the party alone.
This book is mainly about the Christmas Eve ball at the Silverthorne manor. Besides being the party that everyone who’s anyone must go to, this party is also to showcase some amazing jewelry. But there have been some jewelry thefts happening so everyone is on their toes.
Harper is given a silver serpent necklace to wear that accentuates her power although she doesn’t realize it to start. After a blackout where jewelry is stolen the mystery really starts.
Along with Gabriel Silverthorne, Harper starts investigating.
This is a good mystery with multiple suspects, twists and turns, unusual magic, excitement, humour and everything else.
It is a easy, quick, fun read and I highly recommend this as well as anything else L L Gray has written.
December 19, 2024
The third book in the mystifying, fast paced Havenwood series, this story revolves around the christmas season and the mayhem and mystery that comes with it.
This was my third foray into L.L.Grays writing and it had me hooked from start to finish- I read it in three sittings and cannot wait to read the next adventure of Harper in Havenwood.
This was my third foray into L.L.Grays writing and it had me hooked from start to finish- I read it in three sittings and cannot wait to read the next adventure of Harper in Havenwood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2024
This was my favourite one so far! I could not put it down! The mystery was engaging and kept me guessing until the end!
November 22, 2024
This is the 3rd installment of the Havenwood Cozy Mystery Series and the books get better with every turn! After the wild goings-on in the last book, our heroine Harper is ready for life to settle down as she continues to build her business at Spellbooks, the bookstore she inherited from her great-grandmother. Excitement is in the air as Christmas approaches, the snow is falling lightly, and she has received an invitation to the annual Christmas Eve Ball thrown by the Silverthornes, the town of Havenwood’s wealthy and influential family. After a couple of tense run-ins with Vivienne, the matriarch of the Silverthorne family, Harper might be reluctant to accept the invitation, but she has since made friends with Isadora, Vivienne’s daughter, and is excited to be invited. Harper also finds out that Isadora’s brother Gabriel may have feelings for Harper. Harper has – something – for her next door neighbor Finn, but isn’t sure what. Then along comes Finn’s ex, Seraphina, who left Havenwood for New York as she grew her jewelry business but is considering moving back to Havenwood. And I haven’t even got you to the actual ball yet, where so much happens that to tell you any of it might give away too much! Let’s say that there is much magic happening, some for the better, some for the worse, with red herrings galore as Harper, Gabriel, Harper’s best friend Bella and her beau Alex all work with Vivienne and Gabriel’s brother Lucas to figure it all out and save the ball and the Silverthornes’ reputation. Finn and Serphina play a role also, but romantically, you’ll have to read the book to see how it all works out. The story is complete, and you don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but I highly recommend you read the first book, The Mystery in the Margins, if you can. Much is revealed in the first book that will help you make better sense of the subsequent books.
There are several things I really like about this series. The stories are told in such a warm, friendly way that reading a Havenwood mystery is like getting a long letter from a good friend whom you haven’t heard from in a while. Ms. Gray draws you into Harper’s life and life in Havenwood, which is a haven for folks with magical abilities. While the mysteries can be complex – let’s face it, when you throw in magic, you can do just about anything – there are no murders (common in so many cozy mysteries) and everything is sorted in the end to the characters’ and the reader’s satisfaction. I did wish that Luna, Harper’s talking rabbit whom she inherited from her great-grandmother, was in this book a little more. Luna has a sharp wit and a sharp tongue to go with it but she means well and in the end, is protective of Harper. There is humor in all the books, much of it provided by the Puddletons, the obnoxious couple who own a bookstore that competes with Harper’s Spellbooks. Harper’s friends are delightful, and I like the possibility of a romance between Harper and Gabriel, who seems much more sure of his feelings for Harper than does Finn – or is it just hard for Finn to express his feelings? Mostly I like that almost all of the characters are so likeable that you want to be friends with them and visit them in Havenwood! Even Vivienne Silverthorne has wiggled her way into my heart – a little, at least.
The Havenwood books are easy to read and move along quickly, with good character development and an excellent sense of place. I hope you’ll give these books a try!
I received a free advance review copy from the author. I leave this review voluntarily and with the greatest pleasure!
There are several things I really like about this series. The stories are told in such a warm, friendly way that reading a Havenwood mystery is like getting a long letter from a good friend whom you haven’t heard from in a while. Ms. Gray draws you into Harper’s life and life in Havenwood, which is a haven for folks with magical abilities. While the mysteries can be complex – let’s face it, when you throw in magic, you can do just about anything – there are no murders (common in so many cozy mysteries) and everything is sorted in the end to the characters’ and the reader’s satisfaction. I did wish that Luna, Harper’s talking rabbit whom she inherited from her great-grandmother, was in this book a little more. Luna has a sharp wit and a sharp tongue to go with it but she means well and in the end, is protective of Harper. There is humor in all the books, much of it provided by the Puddletons, the obnoxious couple who own a bookstore that competes with Harper’s Spellbooks. Harper’s friends are delightful, and I like the possibility of a romance between Harper and Gabriel, who seems much more sure of his feelings for Harper than does Finn – or is it just hard for Finn to express his feelings? Mostly I like that almost all of the characters are so likeable that you want to be friends with them and visit them in Havenwood! Even Vivienne Silverthorne has wiggled her way into my heart – a little, at least.
The Havenwood books are easy to read and move along quickly, with good character development and an excellent sense of place. I hope you’ll give these books a try!
I received a free advance review copy from the author. I leave this review voluntarily and with the greatest pleasure!
December 31, 2024
A cozy Christmas mystery!
I loved that all the girls are great friends now and got to dress up all fancy together! I had a feeling at the end of The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch when Harper got the invitation to the Silverthorne's Christmas Eve Ball that there would be an uncomfortable moment where she had to pick between Finn and Bella about who to bring with her. I was pleasantly shocked when so many of the characters we have grown to love turned out to be invited to the ball!
I was outraged along with Harper when she saw Finn with Serafina. The romance between Harper and Finn seemed to be developing nicely and I was on board the Harper and Finn train, ready to see how things would develop next. Then the train came to a full stop. It was so aggravating at the start of the book when Harper just wouldn't tell Finn how she felt. Then Gabriel kept popping up and I was annoyed because he seemed to like flirting with Harper and I was disappointed that Finn seemed to be slipping away again right when they were in a place where it seemed like things were developing.
Gabriel is also a more take charge man where Finn was not. Harper and Finn also seemed to be slipping away from each other because neither of them wanted to address what they were and act on anything. So I guess if Harper ends up with Gabriel they seem good together too. He’s already made her blush and giggle and that was exciting to see. I hope things develop with Gabriel now and this is not more teasing. I think Gabriel would be good for Harper too, he seems to like spoiling her and enchanting her with surprises and excitement.
Onto the mystery! I liked that the whole book was focused on solving the mystery in one night. I liked the different setting compared to the last book where we got bits and pieces popping up in different parts of the festival. With this being centered around a ball it all happened in one night. I love that the events are different in every book and that changes the way the mystery unfolds.
I thought something was fishy about one of the suspects from the beginning, but I never expected all the twists and turns. Every time the evidence pointed at someone, they had an alibi or their explanation would help point the finger at someone else. The guilt was always changing onto other people. I was glad Harper was never quick to judge though, especially when Gabriel's brother wanted to drop the hammer on anyone that seemed the tiniest bit suspicious. Harper kept her head, and Gabriel was quick to trust her judgement. They worked together as an excellent team and I look forward to seeing what adventures they get up to next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved that all the girls are great friends now and got to dress up all fancy together! I had a feeling at the end of The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch when Harper got the invitation to the Silverthorne's Christmas Eve Ball that there would be an uncomfortable moment where she had to pick between Finn and Bella about who to bring with her. I was pleasantly shocked when so many of the characters we have grown to love turned out to be invited to the ball!
I was outraged along with Harper when she saw Finn with Serafina. The romance between Harper and Finn seemed to be developing nicely and I was on board the Harper and Finn train, ready to see how things would develop next. Then the train came to a full stop. It was so aggravating at the start of the book when Harper just wouldn't tell Finn how she felt. Then Gabriel kept popping up and I was annoyed because he seemed to like flirting with Harper and I was disappointed that Finn seemed to be slipping away again right when they were in a place where it seemed like things were developing.
Gabriel is also a more take charge man where Finn was not. Harper and Finn also seemed to be slipping away from each other because neither of them wanted to address what they were and act on anything. So I guess if Harper ends up with Gabriel they seem good together too. He’s already made her blush and giggle and that was exciting to see. I hope things develop with Gabriel now and this is not more teasing. I think Gabriel would be good for Harper too, he seems to like spoiling her and enchanting her with surprises and excitement.
Onto the mystery! I liked that the whole book was focused on solving the mystery in one night. I liked the different setting compared to the last book where we got bits and pieces popping up in different parts of the festival. With this being centered around a ball it all happened in one night. I love that the events are different in every book and that changes the way the mystery unfolds.
I thought something was fishy about one of the suspects from the beginning, but I never expected all the twists and turns. Every time the evidence pointed at someone, they had an alibi or their explanation would help point the finger at someone else. The guilt was always changing onto other people. I was glad Harper was never quick to judge though, especially when Gabriel's brother wanted to drop the hammer on anyone that seemed the tiniest bit suspicious. Harper kept her head, and Gabriel was quick to trust her judgement. They worked together as an excellent team and I look forward to seeing what adventures they get up to next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2024
The Secret of the Silver Serpent, by L.L. Gray
The next installment in the Havenwood series continues with Harper in the middle of the crime and mystery that unfolds. In this installment, we see the continuation of L.L. Gray’s incredible imagination at work with her detailed descriptions. From the inside of the Silver Needle dress shop, its owner and designer, to the luxury of the Silverthorne manor and the stunning Christmas decorations and luscious sounding food, she excels. The ball gown descriptions made you want one of those gowns to pretend you were Cinderella just for one evening.
In this edition we see some substantive changes in the writing style and growth of the main character, Harper. We’re sliding from just a cozy magical mystery with a heroine that is uncertain of herself, skills and sense of belonging, to someone who is maturing, coming into more self confidence with her magic and powers of deduction and less inclined to jump to conclusions.
As much as I like having a talking animal character in a story, as a supportive or challenging sidekick, I find Luna the rabbit, to be a pretentious, brash voice and I was happy to have her character relegated to very little involvement in this story. I’m sorry, but I find the bunny quite annoying, but would love to see the sentient bookshop have a greater roll to help Harper grow and become even more self confident.
This story revolves around Harper’s attendance at the Silverthorne’s Christmas ball. From the gown, to her date, to attending with her new friends, to the glamour of the ball itself it’s all fun until the lights go out! One of the exciting features planned for the attendees is magical jewelry that each guest will be assigned for the evening. And this is where the intrigue and mystery really begins.
As the story progresses Gray has introduced much more intriguing magic which starts to make the story speed along as Harper and her friends try to figure out the mystery and solve the crime. Along the way Harper has to confront and sift through her feelings for Finn and her new feelings for Gabriel. You’ll have to read to find out where her sentiments ultimately lie.
The best summary of this book and Harper’s growth is found in her own words toward the end of the book. “I wanted to be like a good book, filled with warmth, wisdom, and a little bit of magic, leaving others better for having crossed its pages.”
The next installment in the Havenwood series continues with Harper in the middle of the crime and mystery that unfolds. In this installment, we see the continuation of L.L. Gray’s incredible imagination at work with her detailed descriptions. From the inside of the Silver Needle dress shop, its owner and designer, to the luxury of the Silverthorne manor and the stunning Christmas decorations and luscious sounding food, she excels. The ball gown descriptions made you want one of those gowns to pretend you were Cinderella just for one evening.
In this edition we see some substantive changes in the writing style and growth of the main character, Harper. We’re sliding from just a cozy magical mystery with a heroine that is uncertain of herself, skills and sense of belonging, to someone who is maturing, coming into more self confidence with her magic and powers of deduction and less inclined to jump to conclusions.
As much as I like having a talking animal character in a story, as a supportive or challenging sidekick, I find Luna the rabbit, to be a pretentious, brash voice and I was happy to have her character relegated to very little involvement in this story. I’m sorry, but I find the bunny quite annoying, but would love to see the sentient bookshop have a greater roll to help Harper grow and become even more self confident.
This story revolves around Harper’s attendance at the Silverthorne’s Christmas ball. From the gown, to her date, to attending with her new friends, to the glamour of the ball itself it’s all fun until the lights go out! One of the exciting features planned for the attendees is magical jewelry that each guest will be assigned for the evening. And this is where the intrigue and mystery really begins.
As the story progresses Gray has introduced much more intriguing magic which starts to make the story speed along as Harper and her friends try to figure out the mystery and solve the crime. Along the way Harper has to confront and sift through her feelings for Finn and her new feelings for Gabriel. You’ll have to read to find out where her sentiments ultimately lie.
The best summary of this book and Harper’s growth is found in her own words toward the end of the book. “I wanted to be like a good book, filled with warmth, wisdom, and a little bit of magic, leaving others better for having crossed its pages.”
December 7, 2024
The Secret Of The Silver Serpent is the third book in Gray's delightful Havenwood series. These are cozy mysteries featuring Harper Sullivan, and this one has an added holiday element making it a perfect seasonal read. These are wonderful books and I'm hoping the author has many more planned for us.
In this book, Harper is invited to attend the renowned Silverthorne annual Christmas Ball. Isadora Silverthorne ensures Harper is appropriately attired for her family's event and the guests of honor, Seraphina Everbright and Dominic Umbra, the partners behind Starlight Treasures, bedazzle the guests in beautiful pieces of jewelry. Seraphina selects Harper to wear the silver serpent necklace which has been enchanted to made her evening unforgettable.
While Mystique, a very talented illusionist, entertains the guests, the lights go out and many of the very valuable pieces on loan from Starlight Treasures are stolen directly off the guests. Harper's neck bears the evidence of the thief attempting to unsuccessfully remove it from her neck.
With the help of some old friends, and new ones, Harper endeavours to identify the thieves and locate the beautiful jewelry before the evening ends and they criminals get away. We also see Harper get pulled into a bit of a love triangle, where she needs to sort out her feelings for Finn and for Gabriel, a potential new love interest.
I had a lot of fun with this one. There were many twists and turns as we join Harper in this adventure. I appreciate how the author mixed the magical with the mundane, keeping readers with a foot in the fantastical and the other grounded in reality. I loved how Harper was able to use her magic, an ability she doesn't usually share with others, as well as her knowledge and experience with skills instilled in her by her parents.
While we didn't get to spend as much time with Spellbooks, Luna or Mr. Wigglesworth, Gray ended the story pulling in these beloved characters and reinforcing Harper's found family.
I have seen that there are additional books already planned, and I am beyond excited. These books are easy to fall into, getting lost in a wonderful tale that elicits a bevvy of emotions and always leaves me smiling. Do yourself a favour and pick up the first book, The Mystery in the Margins, and enjoy the warmth and wonder these books offer.
In this book, Harper is invited to attend the renowned Silverthorne annual Christmas Ball. Isadora Silverthorne ensures Harper is appropriately attired for her family's event and the guests of honor, Seraphina Everbright and Dominic Umbra, the partners behind Starlight Treasures, bedazzle the guests in beautiful pieces of jewelry. Seraphina selects Harper to wear the silver serpent necklace which has been enchanted to made her evening unforgettable.
While Mystique, a very talented illusionist, entertains the guests, the lights go out and many of the very valuable pieces on loan from Starlight Treasures are stolen directly off the guests. Harper's neck bears the evidence of the thief attempting to unsuccessfully remove it from her neck.
With the help of some old friends, and new ones, Harper endeavours to identify the thieves and locate the beautiful jewelry before the evening ends and they criminals get away. We also see Harper get pulled into a bit of a love triangle, where she needs to sort out her feelings for Finn and for Gabriel, a potential new love interest.
I had a lot of fun with this one. There were many twists and turns as we join Harper in this adventure. I appreciate how the author mixed the magical with the mundane, keeping readers with a foot in the fantastical and the other grounded in reality. I loved how Harper was able to use her magic, an ability she doesn't usually share with others, as well as her knowledge and experience with skills instilled in her by her parents.
While we didn't get to spend as much time with Spellbooks, Luna or Mr. Wigglesworth, Gray ended the story pulling in these beloved characters and reinforcing Harper's found family.
I have seen that there are additional books already planned, and I am beyond excited. These books are easy to fall into, getting lost in a wonderful tale that elicits a bevvy of emotions and always leaves me smiling. Do yourself a favour and pick up the first book, The Mystery in the Margins, and enjoy the warmth and wonder these books offer.
November 29, 2024
By the hoppy haunches of Thumper the Loud was this book GOOD!
Things are really looking up for Harper, she's settled into her inherited sentiment bookstore nicely, she's enjoying being back in Havenwood, she has 2 wonderful friends, a snarky rabbit who's.... interesting and so so cool, a cat with a superiority attitude (complex just doesn't sound right 🤣) a romantic interest, although, she's not quite sure where THAT'S going and an invitation to a ball! Yep, she has all her ducks beautifully lined up... or has she? I really loved the cuteness of Harper, Bella and Isadora's friendship, the genuine affection they have for each other, their "I'll have your back no matter what" is fabulously brought alive.
So off to the ball our Cinderella goes, except, it turns into a heist, where once more Harper let's her detective juices out but golly did things escalate and fast! Not only the heist and who dunnit, the danger is real, the action was ferocious at times. The addition of a "complication", a Finn and Gabriel complication was so unexpected! I mean, Finn is super cool and I really like Finn but heck Gabriel is such a sweetie! I'm torn....no wonder Harper is too! The reason for the Finn saga is the appearance of Seraphina, although, I couldn't help but like Seraphina, ok, so she muddied the waters somewhat, threw a spanner in the works but she's so genuinely NICE! But there you have it, Ms Gray has me cheering and booing and oooing over the supposedly goodies and the supposedly baddies, enjoying every one of them equally.
This book and story was very cleverly crafted, the mystery woven in so subtly by the author, I wasn't really even aware it WAS a mystery until it almost got solved! Really well contrived, really well constructed plot and paced, so well cloaked, I had suspects lined up a mile long! I was stacking them like a line of dominos and as the first one fell, the others toppled one after the other until the last one standing was.... nah, can't say but gosh surprise must have been etched on my face at how it all came out! What a terrific read! Cozy, cute, mysterious, romantic interludes, all in a book that commanded my attention and sure as heck got it! I'm dying to know who will do what with whom and when! Next book please!
Things are really looking up for Harper, she's settled into her inherited sentiment bookstore nicely, she's enjoying being back in Havenwood, she has 2 wonderful friends, a snarky rabbit who's.... interesting and so so cool, a cat with a superiority attitude (complex just doesn't sound right 🤣) a romantic interest, although, she's not quite sure where THAT'S going and an invitation to a ball! Yep, she has all her ducks beautifully lined up... or has she? I really loved the cuteness of Harper, Bella and Isadora's friendship, the genuine affection they have for each other, their "I'll have your back no matter what" is fabulously brought alive.
So off to the ball our Cinderella goes, except, it turns into a heist, where once more Harper let's her detective juices out but golly did things escalate and fast! Not only the heist and who dunnit, the danger is real, the action was ferocious at times. The addition of a "complication", a Finn and Gabriel complication was so unexpected! I mean, Finn is super cool and I really like Finn but heck Gabriel is such a sweetie! I'm torn....no wonder Harper is too! The reason for the Finn saga is the appearance of Seraphina, although, I couldn't help but like Seraphina, ok, so she muddied the waters somewhat, threw a spanner in the works but she's so genuinely NICE! But there you have it, Ms Gray has me cheering and booing and oooing over the supposedly goodies and the supposedly baddies, enjoying every one of them equally.
This book and story was very cleverly crafted, the mystery woven in so subtly by the author, I wasn't really even aware it WAS a mystery until it almost got solved! Really well contrived, really well constructed plot and paced, so well cloaked, I had suspects lined up a mile long! I was stacking them like a line of dominos and as the first one fell, the others toppled one after the other until the last one standing was.... nah, can't say but gosh surprise must have been etched on my face at how it all came out! What a terrific read! Cozy, cute, mysterious, romantic interludes, all in a book that commanded my attention and sure as heck got it! I'm dying to know who will do what with whom and when! Next book please!
December 23, 2024
Harper is preparing to spend her first holiday season in Havenwood and Spellbooks. She gets an invitation to the Silverthorne Mansion for the annual Christmas Eve Gala. This is a very big event and everyone wants an invitation to it! We get to see Harper, and Bella along with their new friend Isadora go dress shopping at the most sought after dressmaker in Havenwood. We meet a few new and some newer characters we had just barely had an introduction to in Book 2. We find out that Harper has not just one but 2 possible men bidding for her attention. We get to see more of Gabriel, as he and Harper attend the Gala together. A misunderstanding causes some tension between Harper and Finn when Seraphina comes into the picture. We find out that the Gala has an odd rule - no jewelry. We meet the jewelry designers, Seraphina and her business partner, and they have some special jewelry for everyone in attendance at the Gala. Seraphina pairs Harper with the serpent necklace and that leaves Harper with some mixed feelings about everything. Despite everything, all of the friends are having a joyous time. However, in true Havenwood style, we soon find out that something is amiss at the Gala. When the lights go out someone tries to steal the necklace off of Harper's neck. When the lights come back on we find that several pieces of jewelry have gone missing from the guests in attendance.
Harper and her friends are once again on the case of figuring out what is going on and who stole the jewelry. But what happens when Harper and her friends start getting too close? There were a lot of twists and turns and unexpected outcomes.
The book does a really great job of bringing the mystery and suspense out in the book. This is just another wonderful addition to the Havenwood Mystery series by Author L.L. Gray. Make sure you grab a copy of the book to find out how it ends!
Harper and her friends are once again on the case of figuring out what is going on and who stole the jewelry. But what happens when Harper and her friends start getting too close? There were a lot of twists and turns and unexpected outcomes.
The book does a really great job of bringing the mystery and suspense out in the book. This is just another wonderful addition to the Havenwood Mystery series by Author L.L. Gray. Make sure you grab a copy of the book to find out how it ends!
November 20, 2024
OMG! I absolutely adore this series and this book was no exception!! After Halloween, all has been calm for Harper and friends. She has been looking forward to the annual Christmas ball put on by the Silverthorn's for months. But not everything is going as planned. Having put off asking Finn to be her plus one, now she is unsure where she stands with him with his ex Seraphina back in town for the ball. But Harper won't let that stop her from having a good time at the ball. Of course, the jewel thief may ruin her fun just a little!
This mystery takes place over the course of just one evening, so it was like a murder mystery dinner in a book! I had such a fun time trying to solve the case with Harper and friends. Harper is such an optimistic person, it's contagious! And it was fun getting to know Isadora and Bella a little better. And Gabriel was a surprise addition to the crime solving team! And it didn't hurt that he made Finn a bit jealous.
The list of suspects for the team is long and this book mostly kept me guessing until the end! When you think you've got it solved, there's a plot twist more than once! For every suspect they cross off, there's at least one more to take their place! And of course, the Puddleton's are back it trying to get Harper in trouble with the Silverthorn's and the town. I have to say I hope they get their come-uppance one of these days!
This was such a fun, quick holiday cozy book! It's easy to read and always puts me in the mood for delicious food and treats! And this book was also amazing with the wonderful fairytale dresses for all the ladies in the book. A wonderful combination for the winter season!
This mystery takes place over the course of just one evening, so it was like a murder mystery dinner in a book! I had such a fun time trying to solve the case with Harper and friends. Harper is such an optimistic person, it's contagious! And it was fun getting to know Isadora and Bella a little better. And Gabriel was a surprise addition to the crime solving team! And it didn't hurt that he made Finn a bit jealous.
The list of suspects for the team is long and this book mostly kept me guessing until the end! When you think you've got it solved, there's a plot twist more than once! For every suspect they cross off, there's at least one more to take their place! And of course, the Puddleton's are back it trying to get Harper in trouble with the Silverthorn's and the town. I have to say I hope they get their come-uppance one of these days!
This was such a fun, quick holiday cozy book! It's easy to read and always puts me in the mood for delicious food and treats! And this book was also amazing with the wonderful fairytale dresses for all the ladies in the book. A wonderful combination for the winter season!
December 5, 2024
Robin’s Review
5 Star Rating
The Secret of the Silver Serpent by L.L. Gray is a fun and magical Christmas mystery! 🎄✨ Harper Sullivan, who owns a magical bookstore 📚🔮, gets invited to the fancy Silverthorne Christmas Eve Ball 💃. It’s all glitz and glamour—until someone steals a bunch of expensive jewelry, including the magical silver serpent necklace 🐍💎 Harper is wearing.
Harper teams up with her friends, including the charming Gabriel Silverthorne 🕵️♂️, to catch the thief. Meanwhile, she’s caught in a love triangle ❤️🔥 with Gabriel and her neighbor Finn, especially with Finn’s ex back in town 😬.
Set in the magical town of Havenwood ❄️🏘️, the story is full of twists, humor, and holiday cheer 🎁😂. With a talking rabbit 🐇, nosy neighbors, and lots of festive fun, it’s a cozy mystery perfect for anyone who loves magic, romance, and Christmas vibes! 🌟💕
#CozyMystery #ChristmasReads #MagicalMystery #HavenwoodSeries #BookishVibes #HolidayCheer #LightheartedReads #ParanormalCozy #MysteryLovers #BookRecommendations #WhimsicalReads #SilverSerpent #FestiveBooks #MagicAndRomance #TalkingRabbit #HolidayVibes
Book Series Order
The Mystery in the Margins Published August 27, 2024
The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch Published October 22, 2024
The Secret of the Silver Serpent To Be Published December 3, 2024
The Riddle at the Revelry To Be Published February 1, 2025
The Heist of the Hidden Heart To Be Published May 1, 2025
The Mayhem in the Masquerade
The Legend of the Leaf
5 Star Rating
The Secret of the Silver Serpent by L.L. Gray is a fun and magical Christmas mystery! 🎄✨ Harper Sullivan, who owns a magical bookstore 📚🔮, gets invited to the fancy Silverthorne Christmas Eve Ball 💃. It’s all glitz and glamour—until someone steals a bunch of expensive jewelry, including the magical silver serpent necklace 🐍💎 Harper is wearing.
Harper teams up with her friends, including the charming Gabriel Silverthorne 🕵️♂️, to catch the thief. Meanwhile, she’s caught in a love triangle ❤️🔥 with Gabriel and her neighbor Finn, especially with Finn’s ex back in town 😬.
Set in the magical town of Havenwood ❄️🏘️, the story is full of twists, humor, and holiday cheer 🎁😂. With a talking rabbit 🐇, nosy neighbors, and lots of festive fun, it’s a cozy mystery perfect for anyone who loves magic, romance, and Christmas vibes! 🌟💕
#CozyMystery #ChristmasReads #MagicalMystery #HavenwoodSeries #BookishVibes #HolidayCheer #LightheartedReads #ParanormalCozy #MysteryLovers #BookRecommendations #WhimsicalReads #SilverSerpent #FestiveBooks #MagicAndRomance #TalkingRabbit #HolidayVibes
Book Series Order
The Mystery in the Margins Published August 27, 2024
The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch Published October 22, 2024
The Secret of the Silver Serpent To Be Published December 3, 2024
The Riddle at the Revelry To Be Published February 1, 2025
The Heist of the Hidden Heart To Be Published May 1, 2025
The Mayhem in the Masquerade
The Legend of the Leaf
December 7, 2024
A magical tale choc full of Christmasy goodness!
The Secret of the Silver Serpent is the third book in the Havenwood Cozy Mysteries series, and this one has a lovely Christmas theme. After the chaotic events at Halloween life has settled down for Harper and she’s enjoying running Spellbooks, her sentient bookshop, and hanging out with her friends.
There’s a lot of anticipation as Christmas draws near as she’s been invited to the Silverthornes’ Christmas ball, but it’s left her with a little problem - who does she invite as her plus-one? Amid the excitement of planning her ball dress with her friends Bella and Isadora she meets Seraphina, who’s recently returned to Havenwood. Unfortunately when she learns that Seraphina is Finn’s ex, and they appear to be rekindling their relationship, it leaves Harper both upset and unable to invite him to attend the ball.
Attending the event without a companion would have left Harper heartsick but the gallant (and handsome) Gabriel Silverthorne steps up and escorts her to the event of the year.
Of course things don’t stay merry for long…from an audacious crime, to the Puddletons’ malicious gossip, things get difficult for both Harper and her hosts - can Harper and her friends unmask the perpetrators and restore Harper’s good name?
I love Harper’s development throughout this story - I really felt for her when things between her and Finn became complicated and, with everything going on at the ball, she really comes into her own both magically and sleuth-ily!
This is a fantastic read and I thoroughly recommend it!
The Secret of the Silver Serpent is the third book in the Havenwood Cozy Mysteries series, and this one has a lovely Christmas theme. After the chaotic events at Halloween life has settled down for Harper and she’s enjoying running Spellbooks, her sentient bookshop, and hanging out with her friends.
There’s a lot of anticipation as Christmas draws near as she’s been invited to the Silverthornes’ Christmas ball, but it’s left her with a little problem - who does she invite as her plus-one? Amid the excitement of planning her ball dress with her friends Bella and Isadora she meets Seraphina, who’s recently returned to Havenwood. Unfortunately when she learns that Seraphina is Finn’s ex, and they appear to be rekindling their relationship, it leaves Harper both upset and unable to invite him to attend the ball.
Attending the event without a companion would have left Harper heartsick but the gallant (and handsome) Gabriel Silverthorne steps up and escorts her to the event of the year.
Of course things don’t stay merry for long…from an audacious crime, to the Puddletons’ malicious gossip, things get difficult for both Harper and her hosts - can Harper and her friends unmask the perpetrators and restore Harper’s good name?
I love Harper’s development throughout this story - I really felt for her when things between her and Finn became complicated and, with everything going on at the ball, she really comes into her own both magically and sleuth-ily!
This is a fantastic read and I thoroughly recommend it!
December 27, 2024
🎄 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕 by 𝑳.𝑳. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒚 ❤️💚
After being invited to the Silverthorne Christmas Ball, Harper expects to have the perfect night, with the perfect date, with the perfect setting, however, her magical holiday takes a mysterious turn when a priceless necklace disappears amidst the festivities. With holiday cheer at stake, Harper springs into action to help crack the case.
After The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch, I just couldn't wait to read more and more about Harper and her love interests!! 🤩 You have to bear with me... Last book gave me a little tension between Harper and a certain Silverthorne brother... 🩵
The writing is simple, involving us in a winter wonderland party, full of unique and spetacular people! 🩵
This book gave me a whole new perspective about Harper, her powers, her resilience, and her heart! I absolutely loved the friendship the girls have: Isadora, Bella and Harper are the perfect trio to fight criminals and still maintain their stylish clothes! ✨
"𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 ��𝒇 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔."
And right now... I'm starting to be team Gabriel... 😱 I'm so sorry Finn, but miscommunication trope is not my style at all! When you have secrets, or omissions with someone you like... I don't believe that can become true love! And that goes both ways, Harper! 😖😡
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't wait for the next one (The Riddle at the Revelry)… 💜 These books are a complete art! ⭐️ Hope I can get more Harper and Gabriel scenes (or how I call them Harpriel!! 🤭)
"𝑨𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎."
After being invited to the Silverthorne Christmas Ball, Harper expects to have the perfect night, with the perfect date, with the perfect setting, however, her magical holiday takes a mysterious turn when a priceless necklace disappears amidst the festivities. With holiday cheer at stake, Harper springs into action to help crack the case.
After The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch, I just couldn't wait to read more and more about Harper and her love interests!! 🤩 You have to bear with me... Last book gave me a little tension between Harper and a certain Silverthorne brother... 🩵
The writing is simple, involving us in a winter wonderland party, full of unique and spetacular people! 🩵
This book gave me a whole new perspective about Harper, her powers, her resilience, and her heart! I absolutely loved the friendship the girls have: Isadora, Bella and Harper are the perfect trio to fight criminals and still maintain their stylish clothes! ✨
"𝑯𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒂 𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒉 ��𝒇 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑰𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒐𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅, 𝒇𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔."
And right now... I'm starting to be team Gabriel... 😱 I'm so sorry Finn, but miscommunication trope is not my style at all! When you have secrets, or omissions with someone you like... I don't believe that can become true love! And that goes both ways, Harper! 😖😡
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't wait for the next one (The Riddle at the Revelry)… 💜 These books are a complete art! ⭐️ Hope I can get more Harper and Gabriel scenes (or how I call them Harpriel!! 🤭)
"𝑨𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒕, 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑰 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒔, 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒐𝒎."
January 15, 2025
The Havenwood Cozy Mystery Series just keeps getting better at every turn!
As you already know, I read the first book in the series ‘The Mystery in the Margins” back when it first came out in August of 2024, and ended up falling in love with Harper and Havenwood. And then I got to accompany Harper on her journey through the pranks in The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch.
And guess what? I loved this book as much as I loved the first two! This series was the first time I read a mystery that didn’t involve a murder. Excitement is in the air as Christmas approaches, and Harper receives an invitation to the annual Christmas Eve Ball thrown by the Silverthornes, the town of Havenwood’s wealthy and influential family.
So much happens at the ball! Ranging from magic shows and even a notorious thief! Harper, Gabriel, Bella and her beau Alex all work with Gabriel’s brother Lucas to figure it all out and save the ball and the Silverthornes’ reputation. While we don’t get to see much of Finn and Harper together but I loved seeing her with Gabriel! He’s much more sure of his feelings than Finn. I also missed Ignatius so much and I did wish that Luna was in this book a little more.
I can’t wait to see where Harper (and her cute little team) goes next!
Thank you to Book Sirens and Author L.L. Gray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨🫶
As you already know, I read the first book in the series ‘The Mystery in the Margins” back when it first came out in August of 2024, and ended up falling in love with Harper and Havenwood. And then I got to accompany Harper on her journey through the pranks in The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch.
And guess what? I loved this book as much as I loved the first two! This series was the first time I read a mystery that didn’t involve a murder. Excitement is in the air as Christmas approaches, and Harper receives an invitation to the annual Christmas Eve Ball thrown by the Silverthornes, the town of Havenwood’s wealthy and influential family.
So much happens at the ball! Ranging from magic shows and even a notorious thief! Harper, Gabriel, Bella and her beau Alex all work with Gabriel’s brother Lucas to figure it all out and save the ball and the Silverthornes’ reputation. While we don’t get to see much of Finn and Harper together but I loved seeing her with Gabriel! He’s much more sure of his feelings than Finn. I also missed Ignatius so much and I did wish that Luna was in this book a little more.
I can’t wait to see where Harper (and her cute little team) goes next!
Thank you to Book Sirens and Author L.L. Gray for the ARC in exchange for an honest review✨🫶
November 15, 2024
I am so happy that I got to start my holiday reading journey back in Havenwood! This was such a cozy mystery with a touch of romance. Harper finds herself in a love triangle between her neighbor Finn that she’s been on a couple dates with and Gabriel Silverthorne. Finn‘s ex is back in town for the Silverthorne Christmas ball and Harper finds herself hesitating to ask him to go with her. At the ball, she gets to spend some time with Gabriel and they have to solve a mystery together. There has been a jewel thief Stealing from high Society events, and they foolishly decided to try to steal from the silver thorn Christmas ball. I absolutely loved the addition of the new characters! I really enjoyed getting to learn more about the Silverthorne family as well. The descriptions of food and clothes in the story were amazing! I would love to wear one of the dresses made by Elliot, or eat any of those delicious treats that were available at the ball. It was really cool to see Harper get to use a little bit more of her magic as well. If you’ve read any of the other Havenwood books, you are going to love this one just as much as the others, and it is perfect for the winter/holiday season.
November 25, 2024
Thanks to LL Gray for adding me to her ARC team and sending me this advanced copy before the 3rd December publication date.
Havenwood is fast becoming somewhere you can’t wait to return to.
It’s the run up to Christmas and more excitingly the Christmas Eve Ball thrown by Vivienne Silverthorne, the queen bee of the most important magical family in Havenwood.
After helping and befriending Isadora Silverthorne over Halloween (book 2) Harper is given an invitation to the ball which states the theme to be Elegance and strictly NO JEWELLERY.
What follows is a classic Christie-ish one night locked in mystery. Jewel thieves strike at the ball and it’s down to Harper, Bella, Alex, Isodora and her handsome and debonair brother Gabriel to solve the mystery before the snow storm lifts. Most importantly who is after the necklace that Harper is still wearing which contains an enchantment to enhance magical ability?
This story is full of twists & turns, romance & jealousy and the power of trust and friendship.
I absolutely adored this book and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
Havenwood is fast becoming somewhere you can’t wait to return to.
It’s the run up to Christmas and more excitingly the Christmas Eve Ball thrown by Vivienne Silverthorne, the queen bee of the most important magical family in Havenwood.
After helping and befriending Isadora Silverthorne over Halloween (book 2) Harper is given an invitation to the ball which states the theme to be Elegance and strictly NO JEWELLERY.
What follows is a classic Christie-ish one night locked in mystery. Jewel thieves strike at the ball and it’s down to Harper, Bella, Alex, Isodora and her handsome and debonair brother Gabriel to solve the mystery before the snow storm lifts. Most importantly who is after the necklace that Harper is still wearing which contains an enchantment to enhance magical ability?
This story is full of twists & turns, romance & jealousy and the power of trust and friendship.
I absolutely adored this book and I can’t wait for the next instalment.
December 13, 2024
A Magical Christmas Indeed
Except that some of the magic at this Christmas party takes a dark turn. At one point quite literally as a complete lack of light descends on the party. And other dark magic is in play as jewel thieves make their move.
And somehow Harper is in the middle of it yet again. And it's not even because of anything she's done! But she's stubborn and always determined to do the right thing, even if she's not always sure what that is. She's also never met a puzzle she didn't want to solve. So having her at this party is a stroke of luck for the party hosts the Silverthornes, although not all the Silverthornes agree.
I'm very much enjoying learning more about Harper and watching her grow, both with her magic and as a person. And of course besting the bad guys time and time again! The author did a great job making me feel like I was right there, at the ball with Harper and her friends, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
Except that some of the magic at this Christmas party takes a dark turn. At one point quite literally as a complete lack of light descends on the party. And other dark magic is in play as jewel thieves make their move.
And somehow Harper is in the middle of it yet again. And it's not even because of anything she's done! But she's stubborn and always determined to do the right thing, even if she's not always sure what that is. She's also never met a puzzle she didn't want to solve. So having her at this party is a stroke of luck for the party hosts the Silverthornes, although not all the Silverthornes agree.
I'm very much enjoying learning more about Harper and watching her grow, both with her magic and as a person. And of course besting the bad guys time and time again! The author did a great job making me feel like I was right there, at the ball with Harper and her friends, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 31, 2024
The Secret of the Silver Serpent was amazing. I loved everything about it! A magical ball with a magical jewelry heist. A somewhat confusing new love interest for Harper which overall I think I’m definitely leaning towards team Gabriel. He has liked Harper straight from the start and made his feelings known. Where Finn just sort of seemed to go with the flow right until Harper made a choice because she misread a situation… Or did she really? It seems Finn might have some unresolved feelings that he needs to deal with and it looks like it might work out all around. Time will tell. In the meantime I absolutely adored seeing Harper puzzle out another mystery with a few new friends in tow as she saves the ball and has a night to remember after all. This book is so fun I just loved the holiday setting the elaborate ball and the fact the Harper is finally finding her place in Havenwood. It looks like the New Year is definitely looking up for Havenwood, Spellbooks, and Harper. Now if only she could have kept that serpent oh well probably for the best.
January 7, 2025
Harper is looking forward to attending the upcoming Christmas Ball with her new friend Isadora. But she still hasn't approached Finn about attending as her plus one. Would this change their relationship, whatever it is at this point, or will he refuse. In the meantime, Isadora's family have really stepped up security for this occasion, based on the increasing number of jewel thefts that have occurred in upper class events. Surely, no one would ever think of attempting a theft at this event. This was a wonderful addition to the Havenwood series, replete with not only tempting food delicacies, but exquisite personally designed ball gowns for Harper, Isadora and Belle (courtesy of Isadora as a thanks for Harper's assistance in the recent Harvest Festival incident). No more spoilers, just know that this story is filled with tons of exciting action, and the introduction of a new love interest for one of our main characters. Looking to see how things develop in the next adventure. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
November 15, 2024
Back to Havenwood I go!!!
I love being part of ARC, especially when I get to read all about Harpers adventures before anyone else!!
Our plucky heroine/bookshop owner, Harper, has been invited to the highlight of Havenwoods festive activities..... THE SILVERTHORNES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL
"To me, the invitation to the ball was a testament to the unexpected twists and turns life could take. For one, six months ago, I couldn’t have predicted that I would now live in Havenwood, running a magical bookshop, and talking to an irritable rabbit daily. But here I was"
There are adventures in shopping, peppermint mochas, pastries, confusion, crossed wires, a jewellery heist & loads of magic! My latest hobby is trying to figure out who has what powers
I've said it before & I'll keep saying it....this isn't like other cozy mysteries, there is no way to find "whodunit" as the millisecond you think you've got it figured.....LL Gray low sweep kicks the book in another direction
I love being part of ARC, especially when I get to read all about Harpers adventures before anyone else!!
Our plucky heroine/bookshop owner, Harper, has been invited to the highlight of Havenwoods festive activities..... THE SILVERTHORNES ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL
"To me, the invitation to the ball was a testament to the unexpected twists and turns life could take. For one, six months ago, I couldn’t have predicted that I would now live in Havenwood, running a magical bookshop, and talking to an irritable rabbit daily. But here I was"
There are adventures in shopping, peppermint mochas, pastries, confusion, crossed wires, a jewellery heist & loads of magic! My latest hobby is trying to figure out who has what powers
I've said it before & I'll keep saying it....this isn't like other cozy mysteries, there is no way to find "whodunit" as the millisecond you think you've got it figured.....LL Gray low sweep kicks the book in another direction
November 18, 2024
I would love to live in Havenwood, especially during a holiday like Halloween (did you read The Puzzle in the Pumpkin Patch?) or Christmas. It sounds like such a fun and festive place! While the last book puzzled around a bunch of events, this one centers on the annual Silverthorne Ball. The dresses and jewelry Harper, Bella, and Isadora wore were so beautiful, and all the food was described so well I got really jealous I couldn't eat any of it!
But it's not all food and dancing at the Ball - there's a mystery to solve! Who stole the jewelry, and can Harper and her friends figure it out before the weather lets up enough the guests start to leave? Harper uses ALL of her skills, magical and mundane, but it's still a race against time. I went to bed late two nights in a row because I just couldn't stop reading when bedtime came!
I'm really looking forward to Harper's next adventure with her growing circle of friends!
But it's not all food and dancing at the Ball - there's a mystery to solve! Who stole the jewelry, and can Harper and her friends figure it out before the weather lets up enough the guests start to leave? Harper uses ALL of her skills, magical and mundane, but it's still a race against time. I went to bed late two nights in a row because I just couldn't stop reading when bedtime came!
I'm really looking forward to Harper's next adventure with her growing circle of friends!
November 20, 2024
In "The Secret of the Silver Serpent", the Sullivan's yearly Christmas Eve Gala Ball is the highlight of the season for the residents of Havenwood. This year, an odd request to not wear any jewelry to the ball was understood by all, when they walked into the Sullivan's home and were given a beautiful & enchanted piece of jewelry to wear for the duration of the ball. Unfortunately, in the midst of an illusionists show that Vivian Sullivan brought to entertain her guests on this magical evening, a jewel thief brazenly struck at the ball. The thief also wants the necklace with the silver serpent that was lent to Harper. Now Harper & her friends are out to catch the jewel thief who will do everything possible to leave with Harper's necklace & all the stolen & enchanted jewels. Will Harper & her friends be able to follow the clues & discover who the culprit is, while keeping Harper safe, or will the beautiful, expensive & magical stolen jewels be lost forever?
December 1, 2024
Harper Sullivan is finally settling in to Havenwood with her best friend Beth and new friend Isadora by her side. She’s excited to attend her first Christmas ball but things take a turn for the worst when some priceless jewels mysteriously disappear during the festivities. Can Harper and her friends find the missing jewels before the largest snowstorm in a decade passes, and the thief gets away.
This is my favorite new cozy mystery series and L.L. Gray has easily become one of my favorite new authors. Ms. Gray excels at painting a vivid picture, allowing the reader to perfectly picture every detail she describes. There is plenty to appreciate here including strong friendships, familial bonds, a love triangle, and a locked room mystery. There are a few red herrings, some action, and an intriguing twist of an ending. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys an engaging, well paced, and enchanting cozy mystery.
This is my favorite new cozy mystery series and L.L. Gray has easily become one of my favorite new authors. Ms. Gray excels at painting a vivid picture, allowing the reader to perfectly picture every detail she describes. There is plenty to appreciate here including strong friendships, familial bonds, a love triangle, and a locked room mystery. There are a few red herrings, some action, and an intriguing twist of an ending. I definitely recommend this book for anyone who enjoys an engaging, well paced, and enchanting cozy mystery.
December 19, 2024
My Bookish Thoughts 💬
It always fun to be back in Havenwood with Harper, Luna and co. This time it was for the festive season, where Harper and Bella are invited to the family Silverthorne Christmas Ball by their new friend Isadora part of the powerful and affluent Silverthorne family.
This is definitely my favourite in the Havenwood series so far! It’s brimming with festive vibes, flowing ball gowns, sparkling jewels, and a generous dusting of mystery — not to mention a very handsome host.
I absolutely loved the Christmas Eve Ball, the descriptions so vivid and magical I felt like I was there 🎄
My favourite quote:
"I thought of Spellbooks — I wanted to be like a good book, filled with warmth, wisdom, and a little bit of magic, leaving others better for having crossed its pages."
I highly recommend curling up with this cosy mystery during the festive season.
Big thanks to the author for having me on your ARC team and for gifting me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It always fun to be back in Havenwood with Harper, Luna and co. This time it was for the festive season, where Harper and Bella are invited to the family Silverthorne Christmas Ball by their new friend Isadora part of the powerful and affluent Silverthorne family.
This is definitely my favourite in the Havenwood series so far! It’s brimming with festive vibes, flowing ball gowns, sparkling jewels, and a generous dusting of mystery — not to mention a very handsome host.
I absolutely loved the Christmas Eve Ball, the descriptions so vivid and magical I felt like I was there 🎄
My favourite quote:
"I thought of Spellbooks — I wanted to be like a good book, filled with warmth, wisdom, and a little bit of magic, leaving others better for having crossed its pages."
I highly recommend curling up with this cosy mystery during the festive season.
Big thanks to the author for having me on your ARC team and for gifting me a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2024
This book isn't something I typically gravitate towards. I really enjoyed the characters though and the friendship they share. Overall it was a fun read with a bit of magic, mystery and romantic turmoil.
Things to note:
✨ There are callbacks to her first book that I didn't understand since I haven't read it. While you don't necessarily need to read the first book before reading this one, I do think it would benefit the reader because it helps give you background information for the friendships formed between characters.
✨ I always enjoy a bit of mystery in my reading and trying to figure things out as I read the book myself. While this book lent a little bit of that, once the "villain" in the book is revealed to the reader - it's a little hard to keep reading as the main character tries to figure things out for themselves.
✨ I do enjoy a good ending that sets the stage for another book.
Overall, I give it 4 ⭐
Things to note:
✨ There are callbacks to her first book that I didn't understand since I haven't read it. While you don't necessarily need to read the first book before reading this one, I do think it would benefit the reader because it helps give you background information for the friendships formed between characters.
✨ I always enjoy a bit of mystery in my reading and trying to figure things out as I read the book myself. While this book lent a little bit of that, once the "villain" in the book is revealed to the reader - it's a little hard to keep reading as the main character tries to figure things out for themselves.
✨ I do enjoy a good ending that sets the stage for another book.
Overall, I give it 4 ⭐
January 3, 2025
I think this, book 3, is my favorite book in the series so far. A magical ball wearing a magical gown and getting to hang out with some good friends and a potential something more. Loved the story and the twists and turns to figuring out who stole the jewelry. An elf who can magically enchant jewelry to give a boost to the magic you already wield. But then there is a jewelry heist in the middle of the ball. One of the family members within the Silverthorne family creates a diversion by causing the nearby snowstorm to come and inundate the mansion where the ball is being held to detain the jewelry thieves. Problem is they don't know who the jewelry theives are and they spend the next several hours trying to work out who did it. Harper on a couple of occasions fears for her life. It is definitely an adventure Harper will never forget. If you are a fan of Harper's story in Havenwood then you will love this novel. I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
December 3, 2024
Thank you to the author for my free copy of the book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Harper Sullivan has been invited to the fanciest event of Havenwood, the Silverhorne Christmas Ball. She is excited to get a new dress, see the inside of Silverhorne mansion, and see the displays of magic that are sure to delight. And everyone gets a special piece of enchanted jewelry. During the entertainment the lights suddenly go out and when they turn back on, jewelry has been stolen. Now it’s a race against the clock, and the storm, to find the jewel thieves before they can leave the property. Can Harper and her group of old and new friends find the culprits in time?
This was such a fun and cozy Christmas book. I really want this town to be real so I can visit. The setting was whimsical and the mystery a good one. I loved the descriptions, especially of the dresses. It was nice to get more of the Silverhorne family too. I hope to see more of them. I did miss the little dragon in this one! Overall, if you need a fun, cozy Christmas book check this one out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Harper Sullivan has been invited to the fanciest event of Havenwood, the Silverhorne Christmas Ball. She is excited to get a new dress, see the inside of Silverhorne mansion, and see the displays of magic that are sure to delight. And everyone gets a special piece of enchanted jewelry. During the entertainment the lights suddenly go out and when they turn back on, jewelry has been stolen. Now it’s a race against the clock, and the storm, to find the jewel thieves before they can leave the property. Can Harper and her group of old and new friends find the culprits in time?
This was such a fun and cozy Christmas book. I really want this town to be real so I can visit. The setting was whimsical and the mystery a good one. I loved the descriptions, especially of the dresses. It was nice to get more of the Silverhorne family too. I hope to see more of them. I did miss the little dragon in this one! Overall, if you need a fun, cozy Christmas book check this one out!
December 1, 2024
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of visiting Havenwood and all of its inhabitants! Every story is nestled within the backdrop of a charming holiday or season, and every mystery feels like you’re solving it right along with the characters. The tension in this book was amazing. Harper is once again at the center of another town mystery, and not only does she have a thief to uncover, she has some romantic drama to sift through herself. I love the growth we’ve seen in Harper over these past few books. Every book she becomes a little more sure of herself and her place in Havenwood. I can’t wait to see what Harper gets herself into in the next installment, and I can’t wait to see where things go with a certain someone! As a note, I received an advance review copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 1, 2024
I waited until after Thanksgiving to read this holiday-themed book in the Havenwood Cozy Mystery series. And it was the perfect segue into December! Harper has been invited to the exclusive Christmas ball at the Silverthorne mansion. She is given an exquisite gown to wear, and the special guests of the evening will provide jewelry for the guests at the ball. It’s a magical setting, but when many of the jewels are stolen, Harper and her friends team up to solve the mystery.
Every book in this series has truly been a cozy, feel-good book, and this one lived up to expectations! I also enjoy reading timely holiday-themed stories. This book will be released on Tuesday and I highly recommend if you enjoy a good cozy mystery with a little bit of magic!
Release Date: 12/3/24
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own**
Every book in this series has truly been a cozy, feel-good book, and this one lived up to expectations! I also enjoy reading timely holiday-themed stories. This book will be released on Tuesday and I highly recommend if you enjoy a good cozy mystery with a little bit of magic!
Release Date: 12/3/24
**I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but all opinions are my own**
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