Blessedly just as I desperately needed one, I had a long weekend away from work. In between being a responsible grown-up and completing such glamorous tasks as cleaning my oven, I got some reading done. I've read some good books this year, but honestly 2023 has been a struggle reading-wise. I'm either devouring books or slogging through them. This post features an example of both.>Fun fact: I went to high school with Cynthia Ellingsen. She's a couple years younger (I was friends with her older sister...) but both Cynthia and I were Band Kids. A Play for Revenge is the fourth book in her Starlight Cove series for Amazon's Lake Union imprint (which means it's available via Kindle Unlimited) and stands alone fairly well (I've read book 1, but 2 and 3 are still in my TBR).

Lily Kimura is fresh off a divorce and has returned to her small Northern Michigan hometown of Starlight Cove to work for the tourism bureau. Once upon a time, her grandmother (an actress) ran the local theatre, staging various summer stock productions that brought in some high profile names to star in plays. But several years ago the theatre caught on fire, a young actress died, and it stayed closed - until now. A mysterious benefactor has poured money into remodeling the theatre and a production of Chicago starring Hollywood heartthrob Arlo Majors is the first show of the season. Unfortunately it turns out not everybody is happy about the theatre reopening. A mysterious play is found in the orchestra pit, there's sinister noises that have the young actors tittering about ghosts, and Lily is getting sinister emails.

This book is like a small town romance women's fiction novel had baby with a cozy mystery and unfortunately it gives the story a very scattered feel. I was all in on the mystery of the theater fire and the actress's death. Unfortunately it takes a back seat until the second half the book. Prior to that we're regaled with Lily navigating her life post-divorce, dealing with her ex (who has moved on) and his slipping relationship with their daughter. Lily's parents, former small business owners, have retired but now when they should be enjoying their lives post-retirement, their marriage is showing signs of cracking. Then there's the flirtation with Arlo Majors, which is welcome but complicated. Her ex has already remarried (with a woman he "met" while married to Lily) and Lily is concerned about her daughter. This last storyline is the traditional set-up for a romance, but it doesn't play out that way by the end. Granted, Lily shouldn't end up with Arlo, but the other natural pairing with Dean Harrington (a local police officer) is given such short shift, I didn't buy that either. In the end it's about Lily's journey, and since I really only cared about the dead actress and the fire....meh, on Lily's journey.

Fans of the light mysteries on the Hallmark Channel should check out this series, but for me this one felt too all over the place and the first half was a bit of a slog for me.

Final Grade = C

A Play for Revenge by Cynthia Ellingsen is a Starlight Cove Novel. This book was not what I expected— it was so much more! I loved the characters and their circumstances. Everything about this book from the setting and the history— all of it pulled me quickly into the story. This author is new to me and I hope to read more from her soon. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this story. I’ve become a fan of this author’s writing! It was a perfect easy read cozy mystery with a bit of romance and family included. I didn’t realize this was part of a series but it didn’t affect the story. I’ve added the previous books into my “want to read” list though.
The only thing that stopped me from giving 5 star is I was hoping Lily would have ended up with the right guy. Hopefully we’ll see that in future books in the series.
Thanks much!

I really wanted to enjoy this one as it is based in a theatre, however the mystery wasn't enthralling enough for me.

It has been a long time since I visited this town and the author who created it. I spent a long time here in my early days with Kindle Unlimited. I have read and reviewed several books set in the location, and they all are a very mixed bag in terms of genre.
They have a family drama/romance angle while also uncovering some long-dormant secrets that have been causing some trouble in the current time. There may not be a murder involved as such, meaning it does not come under the cozy mystery setup, but it does not stray too far from that point.
I liked the author's writing style before and enjoyed it this time around. It is because I had read her works before that I had higher expectations with this one and ended up wanting more from it.
Lily is part of bringing an old town theatre to life. She has several personal issues to tackle, and her workload with her official roles is only set to increase. The book is mostly about Lily trying to balance the two halves of her life as she tries to move past her divorce.
The mystery part is entirely straightforward, with the author providing enough details to let the reader come to the right conclusions. I was not as impressed with her personal journey, even if it is probably more realistic than some romance novels I have read.
I would recommend this book to readers who want something that is both light and has a bit of pacing behind the narrative, and although you do not need to read about the town to understand anything here, I would actually recommend the other books in the series with more enthusiasm.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I really wanted to get into this but I have a personal block with series. I feel this need to read them in order and when I don’t, I get anxious and don’t enjoy what I’m reading. It’s a me thing. I need to pay more attention.

Yawn. ⭐️⭐️ I really wanted to like this book. A small town theatre with a tragic past that is now haunted by a mystery? Yes please. Main character who is trying to figure out her midlife chapter with many familial compications in mind? Cool. But the writing was lackluster, the ‘Hollywood storyline’ unappealing, and there really was no mystery to this story, only me being annoyed that I took so long to finish it instead of DNFing it. Just wasn’t for me - areal dramatic tragedy.

I really enjoyed this book. Easy cosy mystery read with a small-town community feel. I love the theatre so always love a book involving it, especially one with intrigue intertwined. Definitely worth a read.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

"A Play for Revenge" by Cynthia Ellingsen promises an intriguing blend of mystery, family dynamics, and the revival of a town theater, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy heartwarming stories with a touch of suspense.

The story introduces us to Lily Kimura, a newly divorced single mother, who returns to her hometown with her daughter and retired parents. Her commitment to rebuilding her life leads her to a new job as the manager of the Starlight Cove Playhouse, a theater that has been closed for years due to a tragic fire. The premise of a single mother embarking on a fresh start and rediscovering her passion for theater is both relatable and inspiring.

The mystery surrounding the theater, from strange noises to sinister messages and a hidden play, adds a layer of suspense and intrigue to the narrative. Readers are likely to be drawn into the puzzle of why someone is so determined to keep the playhouse closed.

The unexpected connection between Lily and a visiting movie star, along with her partnership with an old friend turned local police officer, Dean Harrington, promises interesting character dynamics and potential romantic elements.

What makes this story particularly compelling is the theme of community and the town's collective effort to revive the theater. The idea of a small town coming together to overcome obstacles and rediscover the magic of the stage is heartwarming and relatable.

Overall, "A Play for Revenge" appears to be a delightful blend of mystery, romance, and community spirit. It offers readers an opportunity to explore themes of resilience, second chances, and the enduring power of the arts in a small-town setting.

In this emotional story from Starlight Cove, a single mother must solve the mystery of the town theater to learn why it was shut down and stop the unknown forces trying to keep it closed. Newly divorced Lily Kimura returns to her hometown to start fresh with her daughter and her recently retired parents. She’s committed to rebuilding her life, starting with a new job at the town theater. The Starlight Cove Playhouse has been closed for years, ever since a tragic fire took the life of the lead actress. Now, thanks to an anonymous donor, the town is finally ready for a revival. So is Lily, who wholeheartedly dives into her new duties as theater manager, including an unexpected connection with the visiting movie star playing the lead. But strange noises, sinister messages, and a mysterious play hidden in the rafters soon make it clear that not everyone is keen to move on. Someone wants the playhouse closed for good. With the help of an old friend turned local police officer, Dean Harrington, Lily digs into the truth behind every question, threat, and possibility presented to her. She’s just not sure if Starlight Cove will be ready for the answers, or if, as they say, the show will go on.

I love a good thriller and this definitely does not disappoint. Will recommend to others.

I like how this story makes me feel. It looks like a simple theater play from the way it started then it gradually turns into a striking and intriguing one. It makes you curious to know what happened in the past. It definitely excites me to read and finish it immediately.

I gladly recommended it to read. It literally shows how great, parents love their children. This play was a beautiful revenge!

Lily has come home with her daughter to rebuild her life. And, as it turns out the town theater where a tragedy occurred years ago. This mystery of secrets and lies (and revenge) is also a story of second chances. Lily is well drawn as are the other characters, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, A good read.

With my love of all things Theatre I knew this book was for me and I was not disappointed! “A Play for Revenge” by Cynthia Ellingsen was a sheer delight. The story is about a recently divorced woman with a young teenage daughter who returns to her small home town to rebuild her life, and help reopen the recently remodeled theater that was destroyed in a suspicious fire. The theatre is part of her family legacy as her famous grandmother was the founder.. We meet all her family members one more delightful than the other, and the famous Hollywood actor who agrees to be the lead in the seasons first show. This book was a fun mystery, a quick read that had me smiling the whole time.
Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author for allowing me to review this book.

The beginning of the book is so intriguing and mysterious. The characters have a mysterious demeanour too. I liked how the author has narrated the story. It’s written in first person. I felt sorry for Lily’s daughter that in such a young age, she has to go through such heartbreaking things. The ending shook me. The revelation at end surprised me. The writing is compelling. It’s a little rhapsodic too. There is also a hint of romance.

•Secrets and Tragedy
•Small Town Mystery
•Hidden Identity
•Newly divorced & Single Mom
•Mystery of an old Theatre
•Suspenseful

Thank you Netgalley, Author and Publisher

Really enjoyed this book. It was an easy, engaging read with a wholesome family feel to it. I love it when a small town/community all look out for one another. It had me on my toes throughout thinking who was behind all the mysterious happenings. I love the theatre so this was certainly one for me. Definitely worth a read and i will undeniably pick another book by this author.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advanced copy to read in exchange for my open and honest review. As always, my reviews will also be posted on Amazon, Goodreads and Waterstones and interaction on Facebook and instagram where possible.

What makes a book pull your emotions, and in the end makes you happy? I don’t have an answer, except to say this book did that for me. This is a small town America cosy murder mystery, that has family lives and issues at its heart. Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

Name of Book: A Play for Revenge
Series: A Starlight Cove Mystery
Author: Cynthia Ellingsen
Publisher: Lake Union Publishers
Genre: Mystery, Women’s Fiction
Pub Date: September 12, 2023
My Rating: 4+ ⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Pages: 316

Lily Kimura is excited about and her position as director of the Tourism Council thus the theater manager, at “The Starlight Cove Playhouse’ which was founded by her grandmother in 1965 but has been closed as a tragic fire took the life of the lead actress.
However, an anonymous donation has been made with the intention of bring the theatre back to life. Lily is even more excited about movie star Arlo Majors who will be playing the lead.
The plan is to have a press conference and then a tour of the theater; Lily will introduce Ario Majors. However when it is time to introduce him she becomes star struck which actually turned out humorous and the beginning of a great opening.

However it appears that not everyone wants the playhouse to reopen.
As Lily checks around the playhouse she find unopened boxes that reveal secrets as well as questions ~ Is there a connection with Benjamin Hamilton’s daughters both dying in accidents? Lucia died in the bridge collapse and three years later Belinda died in the fire at the playhouse. The collapsed bridge was supposed to be due to a structural design flaw….Hmmm

This was such an e GREAT as well as Enjoyable read!
My first author, Cynthia Ellingsen and I am looking forward to another

Want to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 12, 2023.

With characters it is so easy to fall in love with, and an incredibly engaging mystery, A Play For Revenge had me easily hooked, and unable to stop reading as I tried to puzzle out all the different questions I had. From beginning to end the characters had me enthralled and wanting to know what would happen to them next. I found myself caring for them greatly, and, beyond that, incredibly intrigued by the mystery they were trying to solve, along with all the interpersonal situations they had. My only complaint with this book is that I wish there was more of it! I would love to explore these characters more, and have a chance to see them grow in the future. Highly recommend for any fiction or mystery lovers who enjoy a small town cozy feel to their books!

I just finished this delightful novel and wow! What a great novel from a new to me author!
With my love of theater and music I thought I would enjoy this one and were my instincts right! I was in love since page 1!
I connected to these characters right from the start because of the theater.
Lily is a wonderful character and one that I enjoyed in getting to know.
My favorite thing about this book is the story was told from Lily's point of view.
Her grandmother in my opinion is a special character. I felt like she was my own.
There are some well written twists and turns that kept me glued to the book until Lily's story was finished.
The cover is beautiful and made me want to jump right into it!
I highly recommend this book.
Here's a favorite quote from this story and I really agree with it but sometimes it's very hard to for some people. I have a hard time because I don't do well with certain changes, but I know that they have to happen.
“You can’t change the past,” I told Kaia.
“We learn, and we move on. It’s when you can’t let go that it’s hard to live in the here and now.”“Well, I’m definitely living in the here and now,” Kaia said, her voice dry..“Wishing to speed up this chat and get to the future.”
5 stars for a job well done!
I'll be looking for more by this author.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.