Holiday Review: Cup of Holiday Fear

* Book 10 in the Bakeshop Mystery series *

The holidays are in full season at Torte Bakery. So many delicious items are being prepared. With everyone working hard, Jules decides a night out is in order.  What better way to celebrate the season than the local inn's Dickens feast?

What starts out as a cozy night with snow falling, fantastic food, and wine flowing ends with disaster. The power goes out. The inn's owner is murdered. The new owner has already made a few enemies along the way.

Can Jules help figure out the murderer in time to enjoy the holidays

My Thoughts: Another fun edition to this great series. As always, my mouth watered while reading about all the treats Torte is cooking up. It was great checking in on favorite characters. I loved the holiday touches in this book - from the tasty treats to the Dickens feast to the carolers and to the holiday spirit. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: This series is perfect for your library's mystery section - great for cozy fans and great for foodie fans.

Cozy Review: Pumpkin Spice Peril

* Book 12 in the Cupcake Bakery series * 

Mel and Angie are serving cupcakes at their friend's art opening. But her friend's husband has a talk with Mel. He's worried about his wife. When Mel stops by the art gallery to talk about the cupcakes, things go terribly wrong.

Rene is not herself and it's more than just exhaustion from deadline. Mel starts to worry about her. And with good reason. She discovers that Rene's been murdered. And the list of suspects is long - and it includes her.

On top of that, there's someone in the Police Department who's questioning her involvement in previous cases.

My Thoughts: Catching up with old friends is always a treat! Even when those friends have big changes. Nothing will be the same after this book, which is both exciting and a little sad. Because change is hard. I loved the art talk in this book, especially the blown glass details. I felt terrible for Rene and everything that happened to her. Of course I wanted to test out all the cupcakes mentioned. This series always makes my mouth water - and makes me want to bake cupcakes. Can't wait to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect for Fall
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A fantastic series for your cozy mystery section - highly recommended.

Cozy Review: Coconut Layer Cake Murder

* Book 25 in the Hannah Swensen series *

Hannah's on a much needed vacation when her sister's boyfriend becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Because he's part of the police force, Michelle begs her to come home. The police need her help because many of the detectives have to recuse themselves from the case.

Hannah's ready to help; she knows Lonnie would never murder someone. She's more than happy to start bribing people with cookies for information. She never knows what someone might remember.

My Thoughts: I had to read this book based off the cliff-hanger from the last one. That part was mentioned and figured out in the first few pages. In this cozy series, the murder has become second place to the characters and their lives. I love reading about all the treats Hannah bakes for her cookie shop - it makes me want to bake. I did test out the mug cake recipe and it was pretty good!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Purchase for the collection where this cozy series is popular.

If you haven't seen the Hallmark movies based on this series - do check them out. They are pretty good. I hope they make more.