I was just a few pages into From Beer to Eternity and I thought so far, so fabulous. What an absolutely fantastic start to a new series. This is the first book by Sherry Harris I have read, but it will not be the last. I already cannot wait for the second book in this series, and I am going to read her Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series and anything else she’s written. Yes, From Beer to Eternity was that good.

I loved Chloe from the start. She’s a librarian, so there’s that, plus she’s the best friend anyone could ever hope for. Before her long-time best buddy Boone left for military service in Afghanistan he asked her to promise that if the worst happened and he didn’t make it back, she would go to Emerald Cove, Florida and help his grandmother Vivi run the Sea Glass Saloon. Well, the worst has happened. Boone is dead. So here’s Chloe, in the Florida Panhandle, a far cry from Chicago “helping” Vivi, who doesn’t seem to need or want any help. Chloe doesn’t want to tell her of the promise she made to Boone so makes up an excuse and gets hired on as a waitress. She’s not really sure what Boone had in mind but she is bound to keep her promise, plus there are a lot of odd characters hanging out at the bar – and this guy who keeps showing up when she least expects it.

One of those odd characters get murdered right behind the bar, Vivi seems to be the main suspect, and there’s something going on that Chloe can’t quite figure out. Everybody seems to have a secret or two. Chloe is fearless. Maybe not always as cautious as she should be, be loyal and determined. It was a joy to watch her plot to discover the murderer unfold. Gets knocked down, gets right back up.

The location, plot and characters are so deep and well developed that I felt I was right there, in the Florida humidity, amidst the tourists, running in the sand. Chloe’s memories of Boone are so vivid that I had to keep reminding myself that Boone wasn’t just going to show up.

The writing is superb and just flows along, taking you with it. The references to books and movies and past events all resounded with me. Chloe made me laugh out loud with her antics and her asides to herself, and made me cry by how much she honored and missed Boone. There are good guys and bad guys and some just weird guys ( well, women too). There’s a hint of romance and a promise of friendship, and some real danger all wrapped up in a good, solid mystery.

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I loved this story and recommend it without hesitation.

I really loved this book's awesome setting and could just picture all those little shops and the marina where Chloe slept. Vivi wasn't quite the loving grandmotherly person I might have expected, but I think by the end of the book, she was definitely coming around. She could just be someone who isn't into warm hugs, but she does seem to be fond enough of Chloe seeing how Chloe's reason for even being there was keeping a promise to her best friend who was Vivi's grandson, killed in battle. I think my fave character was Joaquin who was the bartender. He's such an awesome new friend to Chloe. I also hope there's a future for her of some kind with gorgeous Rhett! I loved the little references comparing the Emerald Coast to Emerald City and how Joaquin was like one of those beloved characters.

There were definitely a lot of suspects and some great red herrings. I got a little sneaky feeling about one of them, and I ended up being right. I enjoyed this author's fun style so much that now I'm determined to get around to the other series she wrote (which I've been collecting-all part of the too many books, too little time thing.) I liked the showdown and how Chloe was able to use something she'd learned in basic self-defense as a librarian. She was very fortunate she was used to running the beach! I'm super anxious now for the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

As usual, I must thank the publisher and NetGalley for giving me access to the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. Let's get to it!

From Beer to Eternity follows Chloe Jackson as she takes some time off from her library job in Chicago to fulfill a last promise to her best friend Boone who died. She goes to his hometown in the Florida panhandle and gets a job at his grandmother's bar. The only problem is that Vivi, his grandmother, doesn't want or seem to need help. Throw in a murder, a hot mystery guy, and a few attempts on Chloe's life and Chicago just keeps looking better and better. Unfortunately, Chloe keeps her promises, so she can't run away. Instead, she dives head first into a murder investigation like anyone would. No? Just her? Okay then.

First, the character development. I love Chloe. She's the first snoop I've seen in one of these books who actually acknowledges that she's bad at it and tries to come at things from different angles when she screws up. The only complaint I have about her is that she's overly dumb sometimes even though she's supposed to be smart. If multiple people start looking at you like you're nuts when you say someone is a handywoman, you inquire as to why they're looking at you like that, especially when no one actually told you her profession beyond "she fixes things." Don't be dense. Chloe's new in town, so there's no bestie to support her, but that means we get to see the budding friendship between her and Joaquin, the gay bartender. There's also the weird romance thing going on with Rhett, but Chloe's resistant to it for a couple of reasons (only one of which is acceptable to me). And of course there's the tension with Vivi. It all makes for some really nice development.

The setting is lovely. Harris does a wonderful job of depicting life on the Gulf. I love the beach imagery and the storms rolling in and even the bar. Everything is so vivid. All of the senses are utilized to create the whole picture. It's kind of an immersive experience, which is neat.

The plot and pacing is great for the most part. It kept me guessing until the end, but we didn't get to see much of the killer, so they basically flew under the radar. However, the last few chapters kind of went from a good and steady pace to a random avalanche. Throwing in that completely random and unfounded suspicion about Boone's death only made the ending convoluted. His death never seemed to come into question until that point, so it is jarring and distracts from what actually happened.

The writing is lovely, like I mentioned with the setting. Everything flows well and the imagery is gorgeous. Other than the pacing of the last few chapters, I can't find anything to complain about with the writing itself.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed From Beer to Eternity. I will definitely by picking up future books in the series and may even check out Harris's other cozy mystery series.

Overall, I gave it four out of five stars. If you enjoy a good cozy or want something quick and fun to read, it's worth picking up.

A promise to her best friend finds Chloe Jackson in Emerald Cove, Florida, tending bar. Her friend, Boone, dies in Afghanistan, so Chloe takes time off from being a librarian in Chicago to make sure Boone’s grandmother, Vivi Slidell, is okay. Very quickly, Vivi becomes the primary suspect in the murder of a quirky character who starts wearing an armadillo shell hat in Vivi’s bar, Sea Glass Saloon. Naturally, Chloe begins investigating, and the adventure begins.

A great start to a new cozy series, From Beer to Eternity, offers appealing characters, a fascinating community, and a nicely paced, complex mystery. This skillfully told story whets the appetite for more – hopefully soon.

What an engrossing, entertaining and mind-blowing cozy debut! I absolutely loved it!

From full-time librarian to part-time bartender, Chloe's moved from Chicago to Panhandle, Florida, to keep up a promise she made to her late friend Boone. Boone's grandmother Vivi runs a Sea Glass Saloon and Chloe's here to help. Vivi doesn't like Chloe sticking around but she chooses to keep mum. One morning, Chloe finds a bar patron dead behind the bar and all fingers point to Vivi. Chloe's certain Vivi's innocent so off she goes in search of clues, attracting the killer's attention.

With a dash or two of humor thrown in, this book is simply fantabulous! I liked Chloe. She's smart, dedicated, kind and one heck of an amateur sleuth. I am curious to see how her relationships with the rest of the characters develop as the series proceeds.

The ending was mind-blowing. Chloe's 'light-bulb' moment might bring her face-to-face with the killer but her quick-wit saves the day.

A picturesque setting, likeable characters, an intriguing murder mystery and a dash of humor make From Beer to Eternity an engrossing and delightful cozy mystery.

From Beer to Eternity by Sherry Harris is the first book in the new cozy Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book in this series will feature it’s own mystery that is fully solved within the book leaving each to be able to be enjoyed on their own. There will be character development that carries over from book to book however for those that enjoy the entire series from the beginning.

Chloe Jackson is a children’s libraian from Chicago who made a promise to her best friend when he enlisted in the military. If anything were to happen to him Chloe promised to head to Emerald Cove in the Florida Panhandle to see to it that his grandmother would be OK after his passing. What Chloe didn’t expect was the feisty Vivi Slidell who runs the Sea Glass Saloon. Being far from the elderly grandma Chloe thought she’d find she isn’t sure of staying on but a promise is a promise.

After the funeral Chloe came up with the small white lie that she was having car problems and needed to wait for a part to come in before she could head home. With this excuse Chloe managed to get Vivi to give her a job at the Sea Glass Saloon where she could keep an eye on Vivi. Unfortunately for Chloe one morning she stumbles upon the body of a patron out behind the bar, and not just any patron, one that Vivi had words with the night before making her suspect #1 leaving Chloe no choice but to investigate.

From Beer to Eternity was a lovely opener for this new quirky cozy series set in a wonderful location. The main character was actually rather likable and her personality fit that of an out of place libraian. They mystery in this opener was also a solid one to follow with Chloe not getting too far out of her element and remaining believable in her tasks. I’ll look forward to seeing what this series will bring to the readers in future installments.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

How far would you go to honor a friend's last request? Chloe takes a leave of absence from her job as a children's librarian and a cold climate to help her best friend Boone's grandmother when Boone dies while deployed. This story is so rich in emotion that I was sad one moment and laughing (there's more than one meaning to the word fixer LOL) the next with a bit of "hmmm" thrown in for good measure. An excellent bit of character developement and the diversity was perfect. From ViVi, the grandmother you didn't expect (except for the fact that she owns and runs a bar in Florida) with a bit of sass, Joaquin the bartender with a little latin flair, a handsome husband and an unexpected kind heart, and then there is the mysterious Rhett Barnett with green eyes (yep he does have a little bit of the Rhett Butler/Clark Gable thing going on). The last thing Chloe expected when she promised to look after Boone's grandmother if anything should happen to him, was to help her get off the suspect list when a local turns up stabbed by a bartender channel knife from her bar, The Sea Glass. You find yourself rooting for Chloe as she wades into the murky mystery and starts to "investigate" just who in the Hertitage Business group could be settig ViVi up to take a fall. Along the way, Chloe learns a few things that make her realize that she has been missing clues of a different kind from her own life. I really liked how this ended and I can't wait to reproduce Chloe's shrimp and pasta dinner with a nice bottle of Chardonnay. If only I had the view she now has from her front porch.

From Beer to Eternity by Sherry Harris is the first book in Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series.

Chloe's best friend Boone has been killed in Afghanistan and she has come to Florida, his hometown to attend his funeral. Before his deployment, he made her promise to help out his grandmother Vivi if something happens to him.
Chloe is trying her hardest to get Vivi to like her, but she is very distant. Chloe however manages to get a job at Vivi's bar and stay in Florida under the pretense of waiting for car parts.
When local man gets killed with Vivi's knife, Chloe decides to stick around and find out the truth.

As the first in the series it is a good start. However, I had issues with some of the things. First Vivi's dislike of Chloe for no apparent reason. Secondly, Chloe's somewhat flimsy excuse for staying and getting involved into mystery. She also behaved recklessly on few occasions which I really don't like when sleuths do.

On the other hand, I loved the setting. Florida beaches, with its crystal clear water and white send beaches.
Main heroine is a very likable character, I like that she is children's librarian. She is smart, resourceful and funny. Basically, most of the characters are quite delightful.
There is a possible romance angle as well.
All in all a good start of the series and I am looking forward to the next installment.

When Chloe takes a temporary leave from her job as a librarian to fulfill a secret promise to an old friend, she never planned on having to solve a murder. Elwell, a local business owner known for wearing an armadillo shell on his head as of late, is killed behind the bar and Vivi, Chloe's new boss, is a prime suspect. Chloe can't even mix drinks and now she may end up breaking her promise if she can't keep Vivi out of jail.

This series offers one twist after another, plenty of suspicious characters, and a surprise ending.

I particularily enjoyed the detail with which the author describes her characters and setting: "Joaquin's eyes were almost the same color as the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which sparkled across the wide expanse of beach in front of the Sea Glass." And the sense of humor sprinkled throughout: "Not even my dad, a retired plumber, had seen this many cracks at a meeting of the Chicago plumbers union." She also weaves in history of the area and the town really comes to life.

There are a couple points that I hope are delved further into in future books and I look forward to seeing how the relationships between Chloe and Vivi and Chloe and Rhett evolve throughout the series. I loved this first book and can't wait to read the next.

In this first installment in Sherry Harris's Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series, Chicago children's librarian Chloe Jackson has temporarily moved to Emerald Cove, Florida, to help her best friend Boone's grandmother, Vivi, run her business after his death in Afghanistan. Vivi is not the frail old lady Chloe had been picturing in her mind. She's attractive, feisty, and independent and wants nothing to do with Chloe. When a bar patron is found dead behind the bar, all signs point to Vivi being the killer. Chloe doesn't think that she is guilty and decides to do her own investigation, but soon becomes the killer's next target.

I thought this was a charming and entertaining read. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters, the plot, and the setting. The author's rich descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and made me feel like I was right there on the beach, and I could practically feel the sun on my skin and hear the gentle roar of the ocean waves and smell the salty air. Chloe was a very enjoyable character. She was smart, caring, down to earth, and strong. I felt an instant connection to her and was rooting for her. I can't wait to see what's in store for her and how her relationship with the other characters develop in the upcoming books, particularly with Vivi, Joaquin, Ann, and Rhett. The mystery was well-crafted, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep you engaged and guessing until the exciting reveal.
Overall, I absolutely loved this book and eagerly await the second book. This is a delightful cozy mystery, with a touch of humor, an intriguing and enjoyable cast of characters, and a gorgeous setting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 stars

This is the first book in a new series called Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon mystery, by Sherry Harris.

Chloe comes to Florida due to a promise she made to her best friend, Boone. She wants to make sure his grandmother’s business is up and thriving before she goes back to her Chicago home. Viv, however, isn’t really interested in Chloe’s help but allows her to stay on and assist the staff while she is in town. When a land developer is found dead behind the bar, Viv becomes suspect number one and this makes Chloe not want to leave town until this whole matter is straightened out.

This book really keeps you interested and there is no lag time to make you want to put it down. This was a great read. I completely enjoyed this setting and cast and am prepared to go the long haul with this series. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I keep hoping for a classic soap opera move and at some point discover that Boone isn’t really dead after all. This missed relationship really makes me sad for the character. Definitely a series to watch!

If you want to read a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

A nice start to a new series! Emerald Cove is not what Chloe expected, nor is the Seaglass Saloon. Most of all, Vivi is not what she expected to find when she promised her friend Boone she would make sure his grandmother is ok. Sadly, Boone has been killed in Afghanistan and Chloe is paying forward on her pledge. What she found was a feisty woman, a town filled with tourists and real estate issues, and a bar where there are regulars and a good team. She's not the best bartender but she gets help from Joaquin. AND then one day, she finds the corpse of Ellwell, a regular, behind the bar. She knows Vivi didn't do it and of course, as a cozy heroine, must investigate to find the truth. Cozy readers know the basic outlines but Harris has done a good job worldbuilding for the future and in crafting a mystery that's just crafty enough. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I sort of wish I'd read this in the depth of winter because it really brings you the sensation of being in Florida. AND now I'm looking for the next one.

Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington books for allowing me to read and Review this book.

Being a huge fan of the author's Garage Sale Mystery series, I was thrilled to learn of a new series and I was not let down. This was a great 1st in series and I'm sure it will be a fun series.

Reading this, you really feel like you are right in the beach setting; salty air, ocean waves, little shops, tourist activities and of course the Sea Glass Saloon. It was a mystery that had twists and turns as well as interesting characters. I can hardly wait for thev2nd in the series to go back to the Florida Panhandle.

FROM BEER TO ETERNITY is the first in the brand new Chloe Jackson, Sea Glass Saloon Mystery series by Sherry Harris. This book could be used as a stellar example on how to hook a reader and I found myself totally immersed from the very first paragraph! Delightful, well-developed characters kept me turning pages because I couldn’t wait to get to know them and find out what happens to them. The setting of the Sea Glass Saloon in Emerald Cove, Florida is all about location, location, location and brought tantalizing vacation vibes to the story… er, except for the murder. The protagonist, children’s librarian Chloe Jackson, is entertaining and relatable. I loved the use of references to well-known books throughout the story to fit a variety of situations and settings which fit in with Chloe’s former career. The mystery itself was well-plotted with a steady pace. With plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing, Ms. Harris planted clues so a sharp reader could follow along with Chloe. I’ll admit I didn’t guess who the killer was because I was too engrossed in the engaging read and wanted to sit back and enjoy the ride. I simply cannot wait for the second book in this highly entertaining series!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for an advance copy.

New series from a great cozy mystery author. Loved this one and am eager to read more of Chloe Jackson's adventures. She is very relatable and engaging. Sweet back story as to how she goes from Chicago to Florida.

Chloe has lost her best friend Boone and headed to Florida to be with his grandmother. Emerald Cove is a world away from Chicago. She begins working in Boone’s grandmothers bar, meeting his friends and all while doing her best to keep his grandmother out of jail for murder.
Great start to the series. I enjoyed the characters, setting and mystery.
#FromBeertoEternity #NetGalley

I enjoyed being introduced to this new series by Sherry Harris. A lot of likable characters and settings. Many twists and turns that kept me guessing. A fun and exciting read and I look forward to future books in the series.

This is the first book in a new series by Sherry Harris. We’re introduced to Chloe Jackson who has come to the Florida panhandle to help out her best friend Boone’s grandmother after his death in Afghanistan. Her relationship with Vivi is rocky, but she’s determined to stay and fulfill her promise to Boone. A local man is murdered outside the bar that Vivi owns and she becomes the primary suspect. Chloe is determined to clear Vivi’s name.

This is a solid introduction to the series. The characters are well developed and interesting. Chloe’s investigation was sometimes a little scattered and she seemed to suspect almost everyone at one point or another. Hopefully future installments will have a bit more development in this area. All in all I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in this series.

I great beginning to a hopefully new cozy mystery series! One thing I love about cozies is that it is always nice to return to the small town and its quirky people. This one has that sea salty tasting, sunny Florida small town vibe, and most definitely quirky people.

Chloe takes a short leave from her job as a librarian in Chicago to help out her deceased friend's grandmother run a bar. A local man ends up being murdered. Chloe finds out there is a lot of weird things going on in the small community. She does not know whom she can trust. She is the newcomer, so people do not trust her. Her late friend's grandma does not like her, but a local man seems to be a bit too interested in her.

Chloe is a likable person and a good sleuth. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries. I look forward to the next book!

I enjoyed the author's Garage Sale series and decided to give this one a try.

Pluses: appealing Florida Panhandle setting, likable characters. Minuses: plot inconsistencies and some head-scratching logic from the main character.

Chicago children's librarian Chloe Jackson turns up in Florida to fulfill a promise made to her best friend Boone, who was killed by a sniper in Afghanistan. Boone's grandmother Vivi owns a bar and Boone wanted to make sure someone was watching out for Vivi if anything happened to him.

But Vivi is anything but a helpless elderly woman. She is attractive, energetic, stubborn, ornery, and independent and doesn't want anything to do with Chloe. Even when a local businessman is found murdered behind the bar and Vivi is the chief suspect.

While Chloe is amiable enough, her ham-handed investigating isn't particularly convincing. This is a pleasant enough read, but the plot doesn't hang together very well. But it is the set-up book for the series, so perhaps once the back story is out of the way, things will improve.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.