This book had everything I wanted in a summer story: big, rambling "cottages" on the Maine sea coast, with family and friends in and out all the time; a summer restaurant job; Fourth of July celebrations; a storm with a big build-up; a mix of locals and people from away. ( )

I received this book from Ellie Alexander, a mystery writer who was offering books in a contest she had.

Faith Fairchild is a caterer who's enjoying a summer vacation on Sanpere where she and her husband have a cottage but the cottage is being worked on so they are staying at a friends. She has two kids one of which is starting those "oh so fun for parents", teenage years. He's complaining about having to stay at the island but comes home one day to say he has a job. Faith is left to deal with the house and family while her husband goes to take care of his parents after his mother gets sick.

While hanging out Faith runs into Sophie who used to babysit for Faith's kids. Sophie is visiting because her aunt died and as part of her last wishes the family has gathered to have her Uncle Paul decide who would receive Birches, the family's cottage. Faith and the people she is staying with believe this can leave to problems, which it does. Each family member is trying to top the other in impressing Paul hoping to be the one to win. All that is except for Sophie who is only there at her parent's request. After Bev, a long time housekeeper suddenly dies of an apparent heart attack Sophie steps up to help with the management of the household. Faith feels bad for Sophie so brings food to help ease the burden. Meanwhile one of Ben's co-worker's, Mary, has disappeared after her violent father has died in a suspicious manner.

The way that Katherine Hall Page ties the story of Faith, Sophie and Mary works so well. I thought the story was great and I loved the characters. If you haven't read any of Katherine Hall Page's work, don't worry - while some of the other deaths/incidences are mentioned they don't confuse the reader or distract from this current story. Can't wait to read the previous books (and there's a lot, this is the 22nd in the series).

( )

The 23rd book in the popular Faith Fairchild mystery series, the caterer and amateur sleuth is back at home on Sanpere Island, Maine, for the July 4th weekend. After the celebrations are over, Faith discovers a body in the woods near The Birches, an early twentieth-century “cottage.” The body is identified as The Birches’ housekeeper, who seems to have succumbed to a heart attack. The death is only one of the dramatic events upending the historic house. A family gathering has been called to decide who will inherit the much loved, and very valuable, estate that has been in the Proctor family for generations. This is a fun series—but not one of my favorites. I prefer the series when Faith is dealing more with her Massachusetts home and neighbors. Also, this really had little mystery—and much more family drama—but for those that enjoy the series will probably still enjoy. 2 ½ out of 5 stars. ( )

A murder mystery centered on a bizarre final bequest. As a result, Faith's vacation is anything but the restful sojourn she was hoping for. ( )

Synopsis: It's supposed to be an idyllic summer on Sanpere, but the Fairchild's renovations still aren't finished and they are still living with Pix's mom. The owner of the Birches has invited all the relatives to his house to determine who will eventually inherit the estate; of course this leads to murder.
Review: While the main character isn't involved directly in the solving of the murder, this is still a fairly good book to read. It was a bit confusing with the myriad of characters introduced. ( )