Cozy Review: Silence of the Flans

 *Book 2 in the Emergency Dessert Squad series*

In a moment of kindness, Winnie offers to take an apprentice to help her boyfriend keep a student in good standing. The girl shows up one day and it turns out to be a disaster of a day. The one delivery of the day yields a murder - and the weapon just might very well be the dessert Winnie delivered.

She's just getting back on her feet after her failed bakery attempt due to high rent and she's not about to go down without a fight. But the next few days are silent with no phones ringing.Winnie's determined to figure out what happened to the college student and clear her business's name.

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love the unique twist on the bakery idea with the ambulance and the delivery system. I really like Winnie and her friends, especially Mr. Nelson. And Lovey the cat adds a little humor to the story. I like the relationships in this series. The banter between them adds to the story. I love the twists and turns of the plot. Plus the desserts in this book make my mouth water. Another sweet addition to the series. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Fun Fact: Laura Bradford is coming to my library for an event on Tuesday!

Library Recommendation: A great cozy series just perfect for foodies. Highly recommended for your public library. 

Cozy Review: Caramel Crush

*  Book 9 in the Cupcake Bakery series *

An old friend from Mel's college days appears asking for a debt to be settled - she wants cupcakes baked for her soon to be ex fiance. She wants to be on the phone with Mel when they are delivered. Except when Mel finally tracks him down, he's been murdered.

Of course, Diane is the number one suspect. She begs Mel to figure out the murderer and then they will be square. Mel isn't thrilled with the plan, but she goes along with her old friend.

What she uncovers makes her remember why they're no longer friends - she doesn't belong in that world. 

My Thoughts: I adore this series; I enjoyed this addition to the series. I loved Angie as bridezilla. I loved her and Mel's interactions will all the wedding talk. I loved more of Mel and Joe. I'm so looking forward to the next book, all about weddings, in this series. Another scrumptious read from Jenn McKinlay. 

Cover Thoughts: Yummy! Is is wrong that I want to gobble those up?
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Serve these up at your library, your patrons will thank you

Cozy Review: Assault and Beret

 * Book 5 in the Hat Shop Mystery series *

While Vivian teaches a hat making workshop in Paris, Scarlett noses around trying to find her cousins husband. Vivian plans on having her marriage annulled, Scarlett is only too happy to help locate William. When she finds him, she hears his side of the story. Struck by the romance of it all, Scarlett convinces her cousin to have dinner with him.

After the three of them eat, William insists on showing them something work related that Vivian will appreciate. Outside his office, he's kidnapped. Vivian's beside herself. Scarlett vows to uncover the truth about William's kidnapping and the stolen painting. 

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I loved the setting. I enjoyed learning more about Vivian and William. I'm glad that Scarlett's friends came by to help, especially Harrison. I loved the romance of this one, especially when Scarlett was able to confront her past. I liked the mystery surrounding this book, especially the art aspect. I'm sad this is the last one of the series, I would have read Many More of these. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable and perfect
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for cozy sections of your library - highly recommended!

Cozy Review: Better Late Than Never

 * Book 7 in the Library Lovers Series *

Much to the dismay of Miss Cole, Lindsey decides to host an Amnesty Day at the library. People are returning tons of books. When a copy of Catcher in the Rye turns up after twenty years, the staff is pleased with the condition - until Miss Cole realizes who checked out the book.

It was checked out by a local teacher - on the day of her murder twenty years ago. More than a little curious, Lindsey takes the book the police, wondering if the clue can help solve a cold case. She's not above asking questions and sniffing out answers.

But could twenty years be too late? Or is the returning of the book proof that the murderer is back in town?

My Thoughts: I loved this book - for the library scenes, for the Nancy Drew mention, for the Cupcake series  shout out, for the friendships, and for the romance. I love the characters in this book series, especially the library workers. They complete the series for me. I loved the plot line of a twenty year old book reopening a murder case. I love how Lindsey searched for clues with the help of Robbie. I loved meeting the high school librarian (and her flirtation). I loved the moments between Lindsey and Sully. This series is always entertaining and enjoyable reads. I can't wait for the next one.

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for all cozy collections.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Eclair and Present Danger

* First Book in a New Series *

Winnie's bakery can't survive much longer. She's hoping an inheritance will save her, but she soon learns that she gains a cat who hates her and a vintage ambulance. Her heart sinks as she realizes she'll have to close her bakery, but she makes one final delivery of peach pie.

At the delivery site, she discovers a dead body. Winnie takes cover with her friends, an elderly bunch. There she comes up with an idea of an emergency dessert delivery service, using her new vintage ambulance.

Without faith in the small police department, Winnie decides to poke around and see if she can discover the identity of the murderer.

My Thoughts: I adored the first book in this series. I'm so intrigued by the emergency dessert squad. I loved learning about the business idea, the clever dessert names, and the presentation of the desserts. I liked that Winnie lived surrounded by older people. I liked her going out on dates. I liked her delivering her baked goods. She dug into Bart's past and came up with a few suspects, but those were crossed off quickly. I like how the mystery unfolded. I liked how there wasn't a police detective in the loop. I liked how Winnie's friends look out for her and each other and the banter between them. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Perfect for public libraries with strong readership in foodie cozies (basically all public libraries)

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Sees Red

 * Book 7 in the Manor House series *

Grace's day changes the minute her assistant Frances calls her asking for help. Grace doesn't know much about Frances outside the office, but she drops everything to help.

Frances's ex husband lives in an upscale assisted living complex. One of his roommates has died. The police think it very likely that he's been murdered. Frances is their key suspect.

Grace starts investigating herself, hoping to clear her assistant's name. She knows Frances wouldn't kill anyone, even if she was arguing with the person just before he died.  But will the police listen to her?

My Thoughts: I really adore these books. I liked learning more about Frances and her life outside of work. I was impressed with her. I felt terrible for Bruce and Scott and the future of their business. I liked how this book took place in an alternative location - with a different police force. Although, I enjoyed the cameos by the police force and the medical examiner. Plus, I love learning more about Bennett and the mansion. The cast of familiar characters makes me feels as though as I'm catching up with old friends. While the new characters intrigue me and make me curious about them. I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming - but it doesn't match the book
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series to public libraries for their cozy collection.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Premonition of Murder

 * Book 3 in the Dream Club Mystery series *

When Taylor and Ali are invited to lunch at the famous Beaux Reeves mansion, they couldn't be happier. Unfortunately, they're only shown the outside of the house. It's reclusive heiress wants to pick their brains.

She's had a premonition of her death. The sister reassure her that dream interpretation can take on many forms. Relief eases the heiress's mind.

However, her dream becomes reality. Ali and Taylor are heartbroken and determined to discover the culprit. Could this death be connected to the past?

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the Southern mentions, the candy shop, the sisters, and the dream club. I love that differences between the Dream Club members. I adored learning more about the displays in the candy story. Dana is amazing! I loved learning more about the mansion and items inside. I enjoyed the moments with Noah. Of course the food mentioned at the dream club meeting make my mouth water. Looking forward to the next addition in the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Recommended for your cozy section

Mysterious Saturday Review: Vanilla Beaned

* Book 8 in the Cupcake Bakery mystery series *

Against her better judgement, Mel decided to look into the possibility of franchising her bakery. She and Angie and Tate are headed to Vegas to check things out.

Only Tate and Angie miss the first meeting. It ends quickly as the building blows up killing one person and injuring another. That's all it takes for Mel to want to back out of the whole idea (besides the fact that Holly looks nothing like a baker.)

When they look at a shop the next day, another accident happens. At first Mel thinks it's just a coincidence, but then she's not too sure. Someone doesn't want this deal to go through...

My Thoughts: I love this series! I really liked the field trip to Vegas and the idea of opening a new bakery. I loved meeting Holly - I like how she explained her life and how she saw the bakery as a opportunity to be a better parent. I really loved her daughter Sydney. She was adorable, sassy, and smart. Of course I love the baking moments. I adored that ending - both the sweet and the cliffhanger. Now I need the next book immediately!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're a cozy reader and you haven't read this series yet, get yourself to a library and grab these mouthwatering reads. You won't regret it!

Books and Treats (6)

A new blog idea inspired by Andi @ http://andiabcs.com/2014/08/01/pub-date-1/ with the Pub Date where a few bloggers share book and beer pair ups.  Andi states that the idea is the brain child of Brittany at The Book Addict’s Guide.

Fun books series and great cheese. This book series made me more cheese adventurous. I went looking for a different type of cheese. I'm a big fan of cheddar cheeses and Asiago cheeses. 

In the books, Charlotte owns a cheese shop where she talks about various cheese and what to eat in combination.

This cheese was delicious! Simply perfect.

Check out my review of the final books in the series. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: For Cheddar or Worse

 * 7th and final book in the cheese shop mystery * 

The cheese festival in Ohio this year, features a conference for cheese makers, cheese sellers, journalists, and even a snobby well known cheese critic.

Tensions run high at the event. It's no surprise when the cheese critic who has several enemies turns up dead - murdered.

Except her door was locked from the inside and there's no other way inside. The murderer had to be someone from the conference. With several suspects, it will be hard to narrow them down.

My Thoughts: Although I'm sad that this series is ending, I love how everything turned out. I loved seeing Charlotte and Jordan in their life together. I will miss the cheese shop and all the cheese descriptions. This series influenced me to branch out and try other cheese and visit a few cheese shops. Lots of turns and twists trying to figure out the murderer. A fantastic series that will be missed.

Cover Thoughts: Cute!
Source: I won a copy of this book.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Killer Takeout

* Book 7 in the Key West Food Critic series *

It's that time of year in Key West: Fantasy Fest. Hayley Snow has a full week. She has to report on several parties, test out some takeout places for her food critic article, and her mother's getting married.

But the fun goes sideways when she stumbles across a body during a zombie bike ride. The woman dies. At first no one knows either her identity nor how she died, but murder isn't ruled out.

One of Hayley's co-workers didn't get along with the woman who died. Before long, the police are taking a serious look at Danielle for murder.

Hayley knows she must get to the bottom of this, but in a zombie parade, it's hard to search for clues or anything out of place. On top of everything else, a hurricane threatens the island. This death needs to solved quickly.

My Thoughts: I really love this series and I was excited to read more about Fantasy Fest. I know a few people who have attended (no body paint for them), so it was fun to read about it and have stories from friends. I really liked how Hayley's grown as a character since the series started (and not just in terms of sleuthing).  I love reading more about her housemate. I loved the addition of the hurricane and how that threatened and hurried along the murder investigation - but Love how the hurricane worked out as well. I can't wait to read more in this series!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: Book sent for review
Fun Fact: If you live in CT, Lucy Burdette will be at RJ Julia's next month (May 4th)

Final  Thoughts: If you haven't read Hayley Snow yet,

Mysterious Saturday Review: Dream A Little Scream

 * Book 2 in the Dream Club Mystery series *

Taylor and Ali can't believe their good fortune when celebrity chef Sonia Scott is forced to stay in town one more day and wants to do a book signing at their shop. They're excited for the publicity the event will bring - until Sonia dies in a horrible manner.

At first, it appears she died from an allergy attack, but as the clues separate, it appears that someone deliberately murdered her. Now Taylor and Ali attempt to pick up the pieces of their store's reputation by solving the murder so their live can return back to normal.

With a few dead ends, it's time to call their dream club in to help figure out what really happened that morning.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the second book in this southern series. I liked the questions surrounding the death or celebrity chef and learning more of her background. I loved learning more about the candy shop and their plans to drum up business for the future. Of course I love reading about the desserts the dream club eats. I really like learning more about dreams and their meanings. I wouldn't mind attending one of these sessions, just as long as my life isn't in danger. So looking forward to the next book in the series!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another mouth watering read filled with friendship, family drama, a little romance, and of course murder. Be sure to add this one to your list!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Death is Like a Box of Chocolates

* First Book in a Series * 

Michelle and Erica got roped into hosting the Great Fudge Cook-off - partly to promote the town and partly to promote their combine chocolate and bookstore business.

When a body is discovered inside the shop with a chocolate stuffed in the victim's mouth - everything could change in a heartbeat.

Michelle's worried that her shop won't last and that her business customers will cancel their orders. Just as she's finally found herself, she faces losing everything.

Michelle starts looking into the murder in order to get her life back on track.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery with the small town charm, the chocolate and bookstore business, the friendships, and the potential romance. I loved learning more about Michelle and her chocolate making - this book made my mouth water. I craved chocolate while reading it (who wouldn't). I liked both Michelle and Erica's brothers and I'm interested in learning more about them. I really enjoyed the Great Fudge Cook-off and how it came together. I'm looking forward to learning more about these characters. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you're looking for a fun mystery with lots of chocolate and great friends, look no further. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Crowned and Moldering

* Book 3 in the Fixer-Upper Mystery series *

Shannon finally starts work on the historical lighthouse that her mystery thriller novel writing friend purchased. During the walk through, Shannon discovers the remains of a body in the dumbwaiter.

The body turns out to be Lily Brogan, a young girl who disappeared fifteen years ago. The police assumed she run away, but her brother kept looking. Now Sean learns that his sister has been murdered.

Sean's a member of Shannon's crew and a friend. Shannon wants to help him find justice and learn the truth once and for all about his sister's death.

When the past rears it's ugly head, will the truth finally come out?

My Thoughts: I love this series - Shannon is a tough, strong, loyal character - but she tends to react emotionally.  I like how the past came to the future in this murder and how Eric needed Shannon's knowledge of her hometown. I liked learning more about Sean - even though his history was terrible. I have high hopes for his future. I loved the addition of Callie - it would be nice to see her more in future books. 

I loved seeing the inside of Mac's house. I can't wait to see how it develops after the crew works on it!

Plus I like seeing Mac and Shannon's relationship develop a bit more...

I can't wait to see what happens next in this series.

Cover Thoughts: Delightful
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you like strong women, great friendships, small town, and a good murder - then this cozy series is perfect for you!

Mysterious Saturday Review: A Likely Story

* Book 6 in the Library Lovers Mystery Series *

On her way to an island to deliver library books to two isolated brothers takes a deadly turn. When Stuart fails to meet them on the dock, Lindsey and Sully get nervous. They make their way to the house - avoiding all the booby traps.

In the house, they discover one brother missing and one brother murdered.

There's not much evidence, but it points to Stuart. Lindsey knows that he wouldn't kill his brother, but with him missing, he looks guilty. Lindsey hopes to find him and uncover the truth before it's too late for both brothers.

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the inside look at libraries, library co-workers, and love of books. 

I love the small town and the people of the town - reading a new installment is like visiting old friends.

I liked learning more about the islands and the history of the town. I felt horrible for the brothers and for all they went through. I can't imagine living isolated on an island for my whole life and rarely seeing people. 

I really enjoyed watching Beth start to date again - I hope that works out this time. Her story line provided humorous moments.

Of course, I enjoyed Mrs. Cole and look forward to seeing new developments in her story in regards to the new hire. 

I can't wait to read what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: ARC sent for review

Final Thoughts: A perfect story for this series full of danger, suspicion, friendship, and romance. 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Bodice of Evidence

 * Book 2 in the Perfect Proposals series *

Pepper's sister is getting married and she's looking for the perfect dress. After three shops, Felicity is feeling discouraged. The sisters and their mother take a quick break before heading to their last appointment.

When they arrive late, they're surprised to see no one in the shop. Pepper goes searching for anyone to help them and discovers the owner lying in the alley - murdered.

She struggles to understand the reason for the murder. Pepper convinces her sister to return to the store for another appointment. She has some questions to ask.

With Pepper's new business starting to take off, she doesn't have much time for snooping, but she doesn't let that stop her. Could she find out something that will land her in hot water?

My Thoughts: I really love this series. I love the relationship between Pepper and her sister. I liked seeing the women of the family shop for wedding dresses together. I love that Pepper's starting up her own business and I love watching it grow. It was interesting to see the wedding business from both the dress side and the proposal side (maybe the next one will take place in a bakery). I enjoyed the relationship that Pepper has with the police detective and wonder how that will start to change. I really like Gage and watching his relationship with Pepper grow. He seems smart, sweet, and willing to wait for her to find herself. I love that she's not just jumping into another relationship, that she's taking some time to find herself after her last relationship. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A great new series to start with a young character finding her way in the world, one wedding proposal (and murder) at a time.

Mysterious Saturday Review: As Gouda Dead

* Book 6 in the Cheese Shop Mystery series *

It's coming up on Valentine's Day; the perfect time for a wedding. Charlotte and Jordan will be tying the knot. The night of Charlotte's surprise bachelorette party brings things to a screeching halt.

A phone triggers a search for Tim (owner of the bar.) Charlotte and Deputy Devon O'Shea find him dead on Jordan's farm. He's been murdered.

With the death in the community, the two love birds decide to postpone their wedding. Unhappy at the postponement, Charlotte can't help to theorize about Tim's murder. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. It does make my mouth water too. I love the bits in the cheese shop, learning about cheeses and talking about food.  I loved the day dates Jordan planned out and the notes he left for Charlotte. He really is a sweetheart! I liked Rebecca branching out a bit - especially with the play. I think she's one of my favorite characters of this series.  The list of suspects for the murder grows with each person Charlotte talks with, making it hard to discover the real murderer. Another great installment for the series.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Diva Steals a Chocolate Kiss

* Book 9 in the Domestic Diva series *

Sophie's helping out with Amore Chocolates 50th Anniversary party. She's in charge of making sure things run smoothly with all the contest winners.

When the CEO, Joe Merano goes missing, the family asks Sophie to look for him. He would never miss his party - unless something was really wrong.

When she discovers the body of their main competition after one event, things start getting ugly. As Sophie digs around, she uncovers some family secrets that might have been better off hidden...

My Thoughts: I really love this series! This new addition didn't disappoint; it's perfectly fantastic centered around a chocolate festival. I loved learning more about the chocolate business. 

I felt bad for the Merano family - they had so many secrets and terrible things that happened between them. My heart went out to all of them.

I liked the new addition to the usual crew with the contest winners in town - especially the former police woman. She and her friend livened up the story. 

As usual, I had mixed feelings about both Mars and Natasha. I can never decide if I feel sorry for them or if they bring everything upon themselves. Still, they lighten the plot and add humor to the story...

Cover Thoughts: Charming as always
 Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Great addition to this fantastic series with fleshed out secondary characters, friendship, a dash of romance, recipes, and of course murder.Check out this series immediately if you haven't read it! 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Cries Uncle

 * Book 6 in the Manor House Mystery series * 

Grace has finally agreed to DNA testing to prove if she and her boss are in fact related. Since she started work at Marshfield Manor, she's felt a connection to Bennett, but she isn't interested in being his heir. She doesn't want anything to change, but she would like to keep this information private.

With people showing up at the house asking questions, Grace becomes uneasy, especially when one of them turns up murdered behind her house.

So she's thrown for a loop when out of the blue her estrange sister appears on her doorstep. Liza claims that she left Eric (the man who was once engaged to Grace) and needs a place to stay. Grace reluctantly allows her sister to stay with them. Could her sister have something to do with this mess?

My Thoughts: I adore this series. I love the connection between Grace and Bennett. In this addition to the series, I enjoyed getting to know Liza. I was surprised by her and a little stunned by her actions. I hope we get more details in the next book.

I really enjoy the secondary characters - especially Frances (she's smart, sarcastic, almost thoughtful, a gossip, and loyal.) I admit even Hillary is growing on me. 

This book took a turn I didn't expect, which intrigued me all the more. I can't wait to see what happens next and how everything shakes out.

Cover Thoughts: Love this cover!
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Another win for Julie Hyzy. I love this series - great characters and enough actin and danger to keep me quickly turning the pages. If you haven't started this series, get on it!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Fatal Reservations

* Book 6 in the Key West Food Critic series *

Trouble's brewing in Key West between the police and the community. Things aren't so happy between the street artists either. There have been a string of burglaries and when a performer is murdered, Hayley's friend Lorenzo becomes the prime suspect.

Hayley can't believe her friend's capable of murder. But when he runs, she has to admit it looks suspicious. Hayley can't help asking a few questions on behalf of her friend.

With work and relationship both on rocky terms, she could use a distraction. But the more she digs, the more she wonders if she could be wrong about her friend.

My Thoughts: Another great addition to this charming series. I loved learning more about Key West from the politics to the street performers and the hoops the restaurateurs have to jump through. I loved learning more from Miss Gloria's new gig at the cemetery. Lorenzo's been a key characters in these books, I liked learning more about his back story too. As usual, I love the moments where Hayley eats for her reviews or cooks up something delicious. Her troubles at work are better, but a new set of concerns has popped up. I learning about her writing process for her reviews, and how they're changing with new management. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: Sent for Review

Final Thoughts: Reserve your time to read this series, it's delightful. Fatal Reservations digs into the community to create an entertaining book full of characters that jump off the page and mouth-watering food.