On Your Radar: The Diva Spices it Up (41)

Title: The Diva Spices it Up

Author: Krista Davis

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: April 28, 2020

Why It Should Be On Your Radar

* Fall Book

* Pumpkin and Apple Foods

* Mouth watering food shared

* Recipes

* Book Characters are like Old Friends

*Ghostwriting a Cookbook

* Mars is in trouble

* Fantastic Series

* Importance of Friendship

* Importance of Families

* Spies 

* Dead drops

* Good Neighbors

Another great addition to this charming series.

I love the cover!

** ARC sent for review

Upcoming Cozy Review: The Diva Sweetens the Pie

* 12th book in the Domestic Diva series *

In the middle of Old Town's annual Pie Festival, the celebrity judge falls face first into a pie. It's not a pretty sight; she's later declared dead. However, the festival must go on and the organizer asks Sophie to lend an even bigger hand.

The celebrity judge used to live in town before her rise to stardom. When Sophie's asked to look into a different matter, she wonders if the past is influencing the present.

When someone frames her for an act of violence, she's determined more than ever to uncover the truth before someone else gets hurt.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. It always makes me want to cook or bake something. This time, I wanted to eat pie. I loved catching up with the characters; they feel like old friends. With all the red herrings, it was difficult to uncover the truth about the murder. I like how Sophie gets pulled into investigating a side mystery. And the recipes! I can't wait to test out a few pies and a few cocktails. Another fun addition to this charming series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: April 30th
Library Recommendation: This series should be in your mystery section.

Holiday Book Review: Christmas Cake Murder

* A Hannah Swensen series *

Before Hannah had her bakery, she wasn't sure what to do with her life. After an incident sends her home, she's happy to be back in the small town. When her mother asks for her help - baking all the desserts for the Christmas Ball the town is throwing to honor an elderly woman.

While they're finding clothes to bring Essie in the hospital, they discover a journal of writing. With Essie's blessing, they take it home to read and discover a mystery about a woman fleeing her from past. The story's not finished but Hannah and her family begin to understand a bit more about Essie.

My Thoughts: While said to be the 23rd book in the series, it's actually a prequel. I loved learning about how Hannah opened the Cookie Jar. I liked seeing familiar characters in their younger years. I loved the preparations for the Christmas Ball, it sounds like a fantastic town event. As usual, this book made my mouth water and I wanted to bake cookies while reading this one.  Another fun chapter in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendations: This series is probably an auto-purchase for most public libraries - if not, it should be. 

Review: Raspberry Danish Murder

* Book 22 in the Hannah Swensen series *

After the cliff hanger in the last book, Hannah's still alone with no idea where her new husband could have vanished. With Thanksgiving drawing near, the cold is coming back to Minnesota. Hannah's trying to distract herself with work - and it's helping.

When her sister's friend and her husband's assistant dies on video, Hannah's more that interested in solving the murder. She also can't help but think the murder victim might have been her husband instead.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading one of these books always makes my mouth water and I want to bake something wonderful.  I felt terrible for Hannah, how she had to deal with her new husband's vanishing. I'm curious to see where that plot point goes given all the new discoveries this book and that cliff hanger ending making me want the next book immediately. I enjoyed seeing old favorite characters. I enjoyed watching the mystery unfold, though the murderer wasn't a surprise to me. Another fun book in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delicious
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A Great series for public libraries.

Adult Review: My Fair Princess

 * Book 1 in a new series *

Gillian, the daughter of an illegitimate prince, spent her youth in Italy. But after an incident, she's spent back to England to find herself a suitable husband. Due to the details of her birth, she's been kept out of polite society and allowed to grow up wild. Now she has to reign in her wildness and conform to society.

Her cousin, the straight laced Duke of Leverton, agreed to teach her the ways of society. But after a few blunders, the ton is talking. Instead, the family whisks away from London to the country where a few more lessons are in order.

The more time Gillian spends with the Duke, the more she wishes her life could be different. She loves making him laugh. She loves making him forget about all those rules. Could there be something between them?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this romance. I loved Gillian and her wild ways. I adored her scandalous behavior. I loved the banter between Charles and Gillian. The moments in London were highly entertaining. I felt bad for Gillian and her family life. I enjoyed Grace's half-borther, it seems as though he has a previous book of his own. I liked how Gillian wasn't afraid to take matters into her own hand. I like how she has the skill set and the intelligence to do waht needs to be done, even if the aaction is risky. I really liked the young boy who wasn't afraid to help her out. An enjoyable read with a My Fair Lady plotline. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: Gifted to me by Secret Sister
Library Recommendation: Recommended for public library

Christmas Book Review: Christmas Caramel Murder

* Book 20 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah recounts the story of last Christmas, the chocolate caramels, and of course murder to her new husband. The death of Herb's high school sweetheart, who may or may not have been making a play for him creates havoc for Lisa. She's seen as the prime suspect after her suspicions and jealously. Of course Hannah digs into the murder to help out her friend.

My Thoughts: A cute short novel. I like how the Christmas Carol was woven into the story. I liked learning more about Hannah's father. I liked learning more about Lisa and Herb and their past together. Of  course the treats they bake at the shop always make my mouth water. I was a little disappointed not to get much of Ross, but the next book is out just around the corner at the end of February. This was a fun seasonal read.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase where this series is popular

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Reunion

* Book 21 in the Savannah Reid series * 

Savannah goes back home to attend her high school reunion. She's not thrilled at seeing her old classmates, but she's happy to see her family, especially her grandmother.

When her childhood nemesis engage she, Savannah looses her cool. At the end of the night, she slaps her.

When Jeannette goes missing, Savannah's the first suspect. She has the support of her family behind her, but plenty of people don't mind seeing her in trouble.  When a body is found, Savannah finds herself in a heap of trouble.

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I enjoyed learning more about Savannah's life as a teenager and her hardships, especially knowing how she left most of them behind. I liked meeting Tommy and watching him interact with Dirk. I thought Savannah was brave going back to her high school reunion - I'm not sure I would have if I had been in her situation. I enjoyed the ending moment with her sister. Of course I loved that moment where Savannah found peace in the library.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase where this series is popular

Final Thoughts: With that ending, I'm so looking forward to future books!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Wedding Cake Murder

 * Book 19 in the  Hannah Swensen series * 

Hannah's getting married and competing in a dessert food challenge on television. It's hard juggling both, especially when the dessert challenge reschedules for an earlier date.

Hannah and Michelle (her sous chef) come up with a plan for the competition. They fly to New York City for the first leg. Whoever wins the first competition, will have the competition moved to their town.

When one of the judges dies - murder, the heat is on to catch a killer and to finish the competition to the best of their abilities. With everything going on, it will be a miracle if everything works out.

My Thoughts: I really like this series (and the movies based on the series). I loved the food competition of this novel - seeing the other contestants interact, watching the food entries, and watching the judges reaction to their tastings. I loved the conversations revolving around Hannah's dessert entries. 

I wish we learned a little more about Ross. I hope that he comes up more in the next few books. I feel like we have limited knowledge of him and I'm not sure if I actually like him. The relationship between him and Hannah seems based in the past. They don't have the best communication moments...yet. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another fun read in this series with small town charm and amazing baked goodies. 

Upcoming Mysterious Saturday Review: Fogged Inn

* Book 4 in the Maine Clambake series *

Julia and Chris have their new adventure up and running - until one foggy night. A car crash blocks the street, keeping diners in their restaurant longer than normal. In the morning, Gus discovers a stranger in the walk in fridge - murdered.

Julia and Chris identify him as being in the restaurant last night. But they're not aware how he manged to get back inside or how he died.

Still the death effects their business and Julia can't help but look into the murder. She realizes that all the couples at the restaurant that night paid with a gift card. Could someone have wanted them all in the room at the same time?

Julia's not resting until she solves this murder and things go back to normal.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - it makes me long to visit Maine and to eat good food! I really like how things have evolved with Chris and Julia. I love their new adventure into the restaurant business.

I love how the story wove together between the past and the present. Those past summers sounded magical - great friends and lots of fun. But the horrors the group went through was really very sad.

I like how the fog rolls into town and everything seems a little quieter without the summer tourists. It's fun reading about a small town throughout the seasons. 

I'm quite looking forward to what happens next in Busman's Harbor...

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: ARC sent for review
Release Date: March 2016

Final Thoughts: A fantastic slice of life in Maine with great food and good friends - you can't go wrong with this cozy series!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Musseled Out

* Book 3 in the Maine Clambake Mystery series *

Julia isn't sure which direction her life will take her - should she move back to New York now that the family business is back on her feet? Should she take an apartment for the winter?  She has big decisions to make and little time to make them.

The family business now has competition - until the man turns up dead. Sonny (Julia's brother-in-law) hasn't held back his opinions of the man. He's also not telling the truth about where he was on the day of the murder. Julia's sister asks her to look into the matter and Julia can't say no. She has no idea what she uncovers could backfire on her own personal life.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the small town Maine setting, the characters in town, and the food.

The small town is the perfect setting for this series - lots of gossip, lots of people who never moved away, and lots of tourists.

I love getting to know more of the townspeople - especially Gus and Mrs. Gus. I enjoy Julia's chats with Quentin - even though they don't often go the way she expects them to go.  I liked learning more about Sonny and Livvie, even though I felt really bad for them too. I liked learning more about Chris - from his past to his secrets.

The food in this series always makes me hungry from the clam bakes to the dishes cooked.  I'm impressed with Chris's talent.  I loved learning about Genevieve's chef story. I love the crowd and the moments in Gus's place. I love how food brings people together in this series. 

I really liked the ending and can't wait to see where it leads.  

Cover Thoughts: Lovely - simple and mouthwatering
Source: ARC sent for Review

Final Thoughts: A great mystery with plots twists, small town charm, and well rounded secondary characters. This series is a real treat!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Double Fudge Brownie Murder

* Book 18 in the Hannah Swenson series *

Hannah's mother is getting the surprise of her life. Her fiance is whisking her and her daughters off to Vegas for a marriage ceremony. Then he's taking his new bride on a cruise. She knows nothing about it and couldn't be happier when she discovers the truth. Hannah is also surprised by the identity of the best man, who could be the man on her dreams.

When she returns to town, she begins to focus on her trial. Unfortunately, she's called in to court. As she's waiting, she hears a thud. When she goes to investigate, she finds the judge presiding over her case murdered in his chamber.  Now she's suspected of murder and must clear her name - twice over.

My Thoughts: I really like this series - reading about the characters are like visiting with old friends. I loved the surprise Doc cooked up for his bride to be; it was a wonderful trip. Reading about sitting poolside while in the winter made me envious. I liked learning more about Hannah's case and the eventual outcome. 

As usual, I loved the baking moments in the book. They always make me crave something sweet and I long to experiment with a recipe from my Pinterest board. 

I'm also happy that the love triangle could be at an end - especially since one of the men has been bothering me for a few books now. 

A fun mystery with old friends and yummy treats!

Cover Thoughts: Cute and goes along with the brand.
Source: My Library

Final  Thoughts: If you like mysteries in small towns and conversation about baked goods - then this series is perfect for you!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Boiled Over

* Maine Clambake series book 2 - Book 1 Review *

Julia Snowden wants to belong to Busman's Harbor. After leaving for college and then finding a job in New York City, she's always felt like an outsider when she returns home. Now that she's back living in Maine, she decides that something needs to be done. She joins the Founder's Day Committee.

The festival's off to a great start until a body's discovered in the clam bake oven.

One of Julia's workers was seen fleeing the scene. N one can find him. Julia was so desperate to hire someone, she failed to complete the proper background check. As a result, they know next to nothing about Cabe.

Julia refuses to believe that Cabe murdered someone. The more she digs into his background, the more questions arise. 

My Thoughts: The second book in the series doesn't disappoint. I love the setting - it's both beautiful and believable with the small town charm and also the gossip grapevine.  I like how there are lots of secrets and the town protects their own. Plus, everyone has an opinion about your life.  I love the food - you can almost smell the goodies; it makes my mouth water. I love the plot twists. I appreciate how Julia's trying to become part of the community. Mystery blends with the romance, making me anxious for the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: my Library 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Physique

*19th Savannah Reid Mystery*

Savannah and Dirk have  been married just a few weeks when his parents come to visit. Dirk is so happy but nervous to be meeting them for the first time. Savannah's trying to get the house in order, while attempting not to kill her new husband for his lack of housekeeping skills.

They get a rare opportunity to attend a Hollywood movie premiere with John and Ryan who have a friend starring in a summer blockbuster movie. But hours after the event, Jason turns up dead.

It is soon common knowledge that he was using steroids. The ME can't find anything that would cause his death but the Moonlight Magnolia gang's convinced that death is a result of foul play.

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series - for the humor, the mystery, the friendship, and the loyalty. In this volume, I liked learning more about Dirk and his habits and his feelings. I loved watching Dirk meet his parents for the first time and how they interacted with each other. I smiled over Tammy and her new love interest. An interesting topic for a mystery novel - the celebrity world and how it changes how people look at you. I'm glad that the Moonlight Magnolia's didn't stop looking into the death because of the lack of evidence. It's not my favorite of the series, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. 

Cover Thoughts: Meh
Source: my Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Clammed Up

Julia put her life on hold in Manhattan and came back to Maine in an attempt the family business. She whipped up a business plan for the summer in an attempt to save her mother's house, the business, and her mother's family island.  The first even of the clam baked summer is a wedding on the island.

It's a disaster. The best man's murdered in the mansion on the island. Just as the police let Julia's business back running, a fire breaks out. Now the business is closed indefinitely until the culprit can be caught. The bank's not happy. If Julia doesn't help figure out the murderer, her family could lose everything.

My Thoughts: The first in a new series made me crave seafood and the Maine coast in this delightful start to a new series. I loved hearing about the clambake and the food served  - seemed like a perfect outing (minus the murder and the fire). I loved the small town charm - especially Gus's. The island seems like a perfect place to play as a kid. So looking forward to seeing what happens next to Julia and her family. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Blackberry Pie Murder

* Book 17 in the Hannah Swensen series* 

On a rainy day, Hannah and Lisa are having trouble seeing the road. Due to lightning, Hannah wants to make it around the bend where there is some cover before pulling off the road until visibility improves. A branch in the road makes her lose control. She swerves and accidentally hits a man.

Devastated, Hannah knows that while it was an accidents, she's still responsible. With no ID on the man, she's curious to his identity and why he was in town. Can Hannah uncover more about this past to understand his injuries that don't match up with those made by her cookie truck?

My Thoughts: I love this series - but in no way did I expect this turn of events. I love how everyone rallies around Hannah. What an awful thing that could happen to anyone. I felt horrible for Hannah - for her heartache and all that guilt. I love the baking scenes, the Moishe scenes (especially with him and the treadmill), and the conversations about the wedding. I can't wait to read the next book to see how it all turns out.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: All Fudged Up

Allie's Grandfather died, leaving her the family business - a hotel and fudge shop. She needs to overhaul the hotel, but the renovations come to halt when she finds a dead body in her utility closet.

The man's identified as an enemy of her grandfather's (they had a long running history of pranking each other), leaving Allie as a suspect.  Now the town's taking sides and Allie's working hard to get to hotel ready in time - but things have a way of popping up making it difficult for her.

Will she get the hotel up and running on time and solve a murder before this small knit community runs her out of town?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this debut cozy series. I loved the fudge making and the idea of "adult" fudge. I enjoyed meeting the meeting in the small town -where everyone knows you and everyone has an opinion. I liked exploring the hotel and seeing the secrets hidden away. I really liked Allie for her determination and strength. I liked Jen - she plans awesome parties. I loved the open house idea and how it all came together. The secondary characters were fun and quirky. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: my Library
Book 2 comes out early September.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Honeymoon

*Savannah Reid Series #18*

Savannah and Dirk finally have a moment of peace and quiet to themselves after a crazy time getting married. Now they're spending their honeymoon on an island. Savannah gets a note from Ryan and John. They've book Savannah and Dirk a cottage and lighthouse for their romantic vacation.

On the first trip up to the lighthouse, Savannah notices a woman racing down the beach. Immediately her curiosity kicks in.

She convinces Dirk to go investigate with her. They hear her scream followed by bullet shots. Savannah goes towards the woman while her husband heads towards the trees where the gun was fired. The woman dies in Savannah's arms, bringing back painful memories for her.

Neither Savannah nor Dirk are impressed with police procedure following the death. When Savannah recognizes the woman as a TV anchor, who's death is deemed an accidental drowning, she vows to uncover the truth behind her murder.

My Thoughts: I really adore this mystery series. I love the characters and the banter between them. I love reading about Savannah's family. Even though their past wasn't pleasant, they found love with their grandmother. I was happy to learn more about Dirk's family life, even though, he too had a rough childhood. I can't wait to learn more about his family. Even though the two were on their honeymoon, they seem to have a hard time relaxing. The island seemed charming, ideal for a honeymoon or a vacation. I liked reading about the politics of the island. I'm interested to see how the series will change now that Dirk and Savannah are married.

Cover Thoughts: Fun

Source: My Library

Review: Dark Frost

 * third book in the series - read my review for Kiss of Frost *

When Gwen and her friends are visiting an exhibit for a homework exercise, they're attacked by Reapers. Gwen knows the Reapers are looking for the Helheim Dagger; she doesn't know they suspect the dagger to reside in the library.

As Nike's champion, Gwen's also been looking for the dagger. She needs to keep it out the enemy's hands. The dagger is the only thing keeping Loki locked in his prison. He's so close to escaping and sending the world into chaos.

Gwen's also looking out for Loki's champion - the girl who murdered her mother. Gwen seeks revenge upon her, but will her thirst for revenge blindside her from the truth? 

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the mystery, the mythology,  the ancient artifacts, the awesome library, and the relationships. It's hard to describe all my thoughts for this book.There's angst, death, loss, friendship drama, romance, and hot kisses. The danger, the action, and the romance were all amped up in this addition to the series. 


I love the characters in this series; Gwen, her grandmother, the librarian, Logan, and Daphne.  Gwen struggles with her relationships. I loved how the wolf came back. I loved the protectiveness and it's loyalty to Gwen. 


While I hated all that Gwen went through in this book, it makes me more eager to read the next installment. 

Cover Thoughts: I love it - I love how they included the necklace.
Source: my Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Buried in Buttercream

*17th in the series*

Savannah's recovering from her previous adventure where five bullets entered her body. She still gets tired. She still has the scars. She's still angry.

Despite that, she's ready to live her life in a big way. She's finally getting married to Dirk. Unfortunately, on their wedding day, the venue burns down.

Their next wedding day, Savannah discovers their wedding planner dead moments before the ceremony. It seems that everybody had a reason to hate the wedding planner from her ex-husband to her former business partner to her ex boyfriend's wife. Finding the murderer isn't easy.

Finding another wedding venue proves much harder. With Savannah's family all staying with her in her little house, she's feeling pressure from all sides.

My Thoughts: I love this series. This addition was lighter than the previous book, but still contained the weight of the matter as Savannah goes through recovery - both psychical and emotional.   I loved the sweet moments between Savannah and Dirk. I enjoy Savannah's crazy family - they're entertaining for sure. I love their Southern language.   The identity of murderer kept me guessing until the very end. I can't wait to read the next one to find out if life changes for Savannah and Dirk. 


Cover Thoughts: Love it, especially the skeletons!


Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Cinnamon Roll Murder

*15th in the series*

A Jazz band comes into town during wintry weather.  As
Hannah and her sister drive to the inn to deliver the cinnamon rolls for the festivities, they come across an accident along the road.

They call for help, but they know the ambulances will have a hard time getting to the vehicles. So they decide to help out. They climb inside a van, which belongs to the band playing over the weekend. They discover the driver is dead, but everyone else only has minor injuries.

They travel to the hospital with the band to be useful. There, they find one the musicians dead - with scissors sticking out of his chest.

Hannah's glad to focus on a case instead of Norman's upcoming wedding.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I love the parts within the bakery and reading about all the goodies they have available. I love Lisa's big moment after a death. I just love the characters in this series.  I didn't' know that Mike and Norman were best friends. I just thought they were friendly.  I love the romance subplot - it's perfect. These books end similarly to the Stephanie Plum series - where you always want the next book immediately because of the romance cliff hangers.  A delicious addition to this wonderful series.


Cover Thoughts: Yummy!


Source: My Library