This is a 3.5 star review. I have been reading this series since the beginning and this book was a nice ending. Caprice is getting married at a local winery and when one of the owners is murdered she sets out to solve he crime while getting ready for her wedding. This book was really more about the characters and relationships. The mystery was just in the background and was very weak. The solution and killer were an afterthought. Read this to complete the series not for the mystery. Enjoy

“Cut To The Chaise” by Karen Rose Smith is a cozy mystery that offers a pleasant and lighthearted reading experience. The book follows Caprice De Luca. An interior decorator with a knack for solving crimes. The small town setting and the charming cast of characters at a cozy atmosphere to the story. While the plot has its moments of intrigue, the pacing can feel a bit slow at times, and the mystery itself lacks the depth and complexity found in other novels of the genre. Additionally, the character development could have been further explored to create a stronger emotional connection with the reader. However, if you're looking for a cozy mystery that focuses more on the ambiance and the everyday lives the characters, “Cut to the Chaise” might be a satisfactory choice for a light and relaxing read

I really loved this book in a new to me author. The characters and location really and to the story. I can't wait to read the next one. This book keeps you guessing until the end.

This was a fun, cute cozy mystery! I love the theme throughout, and I will definitely be continuing with the series.

This is my first Caprice De Luca book and I picked it up from NetGalley as I was in the mood for cosy mysteries and it definitely won’t be my last.

In this book in the series, Caprice is organising her wedding reception at Rambling Vines Winery, as well as trying to help her friend out with her relationship and try to juggle her and Grant’s families throughout it all. And then a murder happens and Caprice is drawn into it through several connections.

I really enjoyed this book. This was the first one in the series I’m reading but I didn’t feel lost when it came to understanding what had happened in the last seven books, it was all explained clearly and concisely whenever something came up. I am curious to read the other books which came before this one but I’m wasn’t lost through Cut to the Chaise due to not reading the previous books. It took a little while for the murder to happen, so the first third of the book was focused on Caprice’s upcoming wedding, her in-law troubles and what was going on with her brother, but when the murder did happen, I liked how it was carried out.

There were a variety of different suspects, Caprice approached them all with questions people could get away with answering and when the ending did come about, it’s not because she had figured out something the police had missed. The plot was well-paced, though I do wish the murder had happened a little earlier in the book, and I read this in two sittings.

I did like Caprice as a main character, as well as all the supporting characters and the love interest. It was good to see conflict arise in a relationship where it wasn’t based on a big misunderstanding, though I did find Caprice’s reaction to it a little over the top. I found the variety of side characters interesting, though when it got to the end I found myself wishing the list of possible suspects was slightly less long because I got the characters confused more than once.

All in all, I found I liked pretty much all the characters, as well as the animals which kept coming up over the course of the book. It would definitely be a book I would recommend and a cosy mystery series that I hope to check out more in the future.

4 stars!

Who doesn't love wineries, weddings and murder? This book was full of suspenseful twists and turns that were intertwined in a well developed plot. The characters were well written and adequately developeeed throughout. I had no clue who the murderer who was until the end!

This is the 8th book in the Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery series, Caprice is finally getting married and is staging the venue for her reception at Rambling Vines Winery when one of the owners is found dead. SHe scrambles to solve the murder and save her wedding.

This is another great installment to a fun series.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Caprice DeLuca is finally going to be marrying the love of her life, but will the problems surrounding the reception venue be resolved in time? Having waited for the Grant's annulment to be finalized, now Caprice and Grant don't want to wait any longer, but trying to find an opening on the church calendar as well as a reception space was a bit tricky, The church had a cancellation and Caprice found that her former clients at the Rambling Vines Winery have an opening at their event center. Things seem to be working out until one of the owners is found murdered.

Can Caprice get the all clear for her reception or will alternative circumstances cause an end to this love story.

The characters and setting, background and pets make this one of my favorite series.

Caprice is finally planning her wedding and the newly designed winery is able to fit them in. Caprice redecorated the Rambling Vines Winery several years ago and it's become a hot spot. When one of the owners is murdered right before the wedding it's not clear if the reception can take place or not. Caprice begins to investigate and discovers missing money and some bad reviews that complicate the owner's death. Happy for the wedding and Caprice and George's romance. This is book 8 in the Caprice De Luca series and another good mystery for the gang to solve. Can be read as a stand alone but you'll want to catch up with the previous books. I received a copy of the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The eighth book in the Caprice de Luca Mystery series by Karen Rose Smith is Cut to the Chaise. Caprice wedding is fast approaching. She is planning a church wedding with a reception at a local winery. A murder and financial issues at the winery put her special day in peril. The story seemed to jump all over the place a bit. I enjoyed the mystery but found that I really had to concentrate on keeping everything straight. So much else was going on with family stuff, wedding issues, and other people's issues. This is a good addition to the series just not my favorite.

Princess Fuzzypants here: You know with Caprice’s talent and panache every detail of her fairytale wedding will be perfect. It is all coming together beautifully until the owner of the vineyard venue is murdered and his wife is suspect number one. Further complicating things is the widow was a former girlfriend of Caprice’s brother Vince, who rushes in to help her legally. This does not make Roz, Caprice’s best friend, maid of honour and Vince’s live in love happy. She is not the only one out of sorts as the nuptials fast approach.
Will the wedding go off without a hitch or will it be a total disaster?
The course of true love is not running smoothly as Caprice attempts to determine who committed the murder while putting together all the last minute pieces. It is a good story with some lovely bits, especially the adoption of a schnoodle where all the parties rescue each other. The bad guy was a total surprise and of course, things worked out in the end.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.

Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith is the 8th book in the Caprice De Luca mystery series. Caprice makes a living by staging homes to help them sell faster, and she is very successful at it. Caprice is busier than ever getting ready for her wedding, only weeks away. Caprice is having doubts about her reception location, Rambling Vines Winery, with all the mishaps happening. When Caprice's friend, Michelle's husband is murdered, Caprice is on the case. Caprice is quirky and fun and the story line is always well developed full of twists and turns. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will love this book and the series. I recommend this book/series.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Caprice is ready to walk down the aisle but having the venue for the reception become a crime scene was not in her plans. Crime scene tape is never a good wedding decoration. Add to that the murdered man's widow has history with Caprice's brother and requests his legal help should she be arrested. Oh, what a tangled mess that needs to be straightened out ASAP. Pre-wedding jitters are just the beginning and each character brings a host of emotions to the situation.
The mystery is well developed as are the characters the fans of this series have come to love. There are enough twists, turns and blind alleys to keep the reader guessing. I was enjoying it so much I read it in one sitting and now I have to wait for the next one. Or I could go back and reread one or two while I wait.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I have to say, after reading the previous book in this series I wasn't really digging the idea of this one, but I decided to give the author another chance. Then, to my surprise, the things that annoyed me in the last book were massively toned down in this one! Perhaps the Christmas theme didn't work for me last time, and the wedding theme was better. While I still don't like Caprice as a character, she was better this time around too. Even the dogs and cats make more of an appearance!

A definite improvement, I'm even looking forward to another book. Four stars

Caprice has a lot going on planning her wedding and her home staging business is booming. When a murder happens in the place where she plans to have her reception she is now solving a new crime. Not only is this murder getting in the way of her wedding, but also the normal stresses of marriage and family issues. As usual Caprice handles everything like a charm.

** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review*

Caprice is preparing for her wedding. When she goes to the winery to finalize the details for her reception, she can tell that something is wrong. The couple who own the venue are on edge. When Travis is murdered, Caprice knows that she must help Michelle prove her innocence. Can she do this with her wedding mere days away? Caprice is a charismatic character. Her love of animals shines through. It's perfect that her fiancé and family share her passion. She has her own unique style and works hard with her home staging business. I enjoy a fearless, capable woman. Grant is a understanding man who supports Caprice. I love that he has her back. I felt right at home with the De Lucas, their friends and pets. It's nice to catch up with familiar characters. Their interaction adds so much to the story. Karen Rose Smith has written a suspenseful mystery. I was on the edge of my seat. There were so people who had a reason to murder Travis Dodd. I was in the dark. I couldn't guess who the killer was until the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Cut To The Chaise. With Caprice and Grant's wedding and a murder there is plenty of action in this cozy. Karen Rose Smith has done herself proud.

Caprice De Luca is getting married. The reception is planned down to the tiniest detail. It is to be held at the Rambling Vines Winery – or is it? Will a murder within weeks of the wedding date cause the reception to be held elsewhere or the winery to close permanently? If bad press means anything, Caprice and Grant Weatherford should be scoping out a new venue. Unless Caprice can solve the murder before then, that is.

This is an enjoyable, easy to read mystery. The characters are likeable, the dialogue engaging. While clearly solving the mystery is the best part of the book but if there is a close second, it is the vivid descriptions that the author uses. The character of Caprice is quite a character, at that, and is a throwback from the 60s and 70s. Her fashion sense, decorating style and personal items are described in such as the her living room: “. . . the sixties-chic living room decorated with bright colors in geometric shapes . . . the sofa that was striped in purple and lime and fuchsia to compliment the sixties décor of the room that included a lava lamp. . . . the seventies, pop-art, psychedelic framed print on one wall.” Can’t you just picture it? The character appears fun and easy-going without one word about her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for a quick holiday read or something to take to the beach.


I received an eBook ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is no way affects my opinion or ratings of this book.

Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith takes readers to Kismet, Pennsylvania. Caprice DeLuca is finalizing the plans for her wedding to Grant Weatherford now that his annulment has finally come through from the Catholic Church. They are having their reception at Rambling Vines Winery who happened to have a last minute cancelation and Caprice had redecorated their tasting room for Travis and Michelle Dodd who own the winery. The wedding is coming together with Bella making her dress, a last minute opening at St. Francis Catholic Church and Nikki agreeing to cater the reception. When Caprice starts hearing rumors about Rambling Vines having financial problems and unhappy clients, she wonders if they made the right choice for their reception. It does not help matters that Michelle Dodd once dated Vince and he failed to tell Roz about the relationship (awkward). Then Travis Dodd is found stabbed in the neck with a cheese knife on the teal chaise in the tasting room. Michelle is the prime suspect and requests Vince represent her. Caprice sets out to identify the culprit, so she can prove Michelle’s innocence, get Vince away from Michelle before his relationship with Roz implodes and clear the bad karma from Rambling Vines. Time is of the essence with her wedding just around the corner. Can Caprice wrap up the case before she walks down the aisle?

Cut to the Chaise is the eighth A Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery and it cannot be read alone. This is one series that you need to read in order. Each book builds upon the previous one. Caprice’s business is successful, she has a wonderful relationship with her family, and is marrying the man she has loved since the moment she met him. Caprice and Grant were waiting for the annulment from the church before planning their wedding. Now that the annulment has come through, they are wasting no time in getting married. A Caprice De Luca Home Staging Mystery series is a character driven series. There is Caprice’s large family which includes Vince, Nikki and Bella along with their wide circle of friends. Unfortunately, Grant’s family is not as warm and friendly as Caprice’s which creates tension. I like the author’s conversational writing style. It has an ease to it which makes Cut to the Chaise easy to read and enjoy. The mystery is not the focus of the book, but it was intriguing. The fast paced mystery has a couple of suspects along with misdirection to throw you off the track of the real killer. There are many lovely cozy and romantic moments in Cut to the Chaise and fans of the series will be thrilled with the wedding. Caprice helps a sweet dog find a forever home plus Grant’s and Caprice’s dogs are featured along with the families’ other pets. I am giving Cut to the Chaise 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). There are recipes at the end for the enticing dishes featured in the story.

Cut to the Chaise by Karen Rose Smith is the eight installment in this series but can be read as a standalone. However as with every series it is always better to read in order so readers can follow character development.
Still I had no trouble getting into the story even though I haven't read any previous books.

Caprice is home stagger who is getting married in just a few weeks to the love of her life. She is in a rush to organize every detail of her wedding and choose a winery she decorated some ago for her wedding reception. Almost immediately rumors start flying that winery is in some serious trouble but worse is yet to come when the owner is found dead. She has no choice but to find out the culprit so her wedding goes as perfect.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Many suspects, plenty of twists and turns and a clever story make this such a fine cozy. Yet a realistic portray of before the wedding stress and inner family relations, as well as many charming yet mischievous pets add to its charm and make it impossible to put down.
Ms.Smith is a masterful storyteller.

This Caprice De Luca mystery has been well worth waiting for; I loved it! Caprice is joyfully planning her wedding. This is a relationship novel on many levels, from Caprice with her family, to her fiancé, friends, pets, and soon-to-be in-laws. The mystery is a tough one, especially the location. For those who read earlier mysteries in the series, it is a treat to see the pets that Caprice has rescued and found homes for.
Caprice and her fiancé contracted with Rambling Vines Winery for their wedding reception. Caprice redecorated parts of the winery and part of the main house in which the owners live, so she is familiar with the owners and facility. Caprice’s best friend, Roz, who lives with Vince De Luca, is uncomfortable when she learns that Vince used to date Michelle Dodd, who owns the winery with her husband Travis.
Caprice begins to hear less-than-favorable gossip about the Winery, including possible financial problems and how recent weddings were not done as contracted for. Her sister Bella will help by making sure the decorations and flowers are what she orders, and Bella, an accomplished chef, is catering this very special event. New rumors about staff being let go as the winery couldn’t make payroll arise. Against everyone’s advice to move to another venue, Caprice chooses to stay with the Dodd’s.
After a day out of town to plan staging for a contractor’s model homes, Caprice returns to a crisis. Travis Dodd had been found murdered in the tasting room at the winery. Michelle was at the police station for questioning, so Vince went to the station to help her. Roz flounders at this turn of events, with Vince’s ex-girlfriend calling him frequently about the case.
Caprice and her fiancé are experiencing growing pains while preparing to live in the same home, in this case Caprice’s home to which they are adding an office so her hubby can work from home. They also are struggling with his parents’ perception of her and whether they will accept her. Caprice is determined to ask questions to see if she can help solve the murder so Roz and Vince can go forward and so her reception doesn’t have to be moved, and learns more than anticipated.
The characters are very well-drawn and three-dimensional, most of whom are strong and self-confident. Caprice makes new friends every time, this time befriending a couple who didn’t want to talk with her at first. Her cocker spaniel, Lady, frequently helps pave the way. She and her fiancé have made a special choice while dating that I respect, especially in today’s culture. I enjoy how most of the characters relate to each other; dialog is realistic and has depth.
I appreciate the antics of the pets of Caprice and others, including the Schnoodle who has made himself comfortable at the Winery. Plot twists serve to add or remove suspects from Caprice’s list, especially as she learns more about Travis’ family and business dealings. As the wedding day nears, the murderer is no closer to being found. When the killer is ready to show off, it is loud and potentially deadly. I was stunned at who the murderer is! I had not even considered the person in passing. There are many surprises to be had as the novel ends, making it a delightful read. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, filled with good friends, close family, suspense, and romance, and can’t wait to for the next one!

From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this e-Arc from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.