New Writing Snippet

A few weeks ago, I shared this:

Here's the start of my newest WIP and to be honest, I haven't written many words on it lately

Chapter One: 

“You’ll never believe what happened,” I said as soon as my best friend picked up the phone.

“What?” she asked.

“They hired Victoria Stevens as the new library director.”

“Shut Up! They did not.”

We both let the news sink in.

“What are you going to do?”

“What can I do? I gave them my two-week notice.”

“Already?”

“As soon as they told me. You know I can’t work for her. You know what happened when I worked with her. I can’t imagine working for her.

“I’m so sorry; you loved that job.”

“I know. It really sucks. I can’t believe that’s who they picked to replace Brenda. What a nightmare.”

“Are you looked at any other jobs?”

“Not yet, but I will tonight. I’ll see what’s out there. Maybe I’ll take some time off, I have a bit of savings. I’ll get things in order at work and leave before she starts.”

“What did they say?”

I remember the look on the town HR Director’s face. She was dumbfounded. “They were shocked.”

New Writing Idea

 I had a new writing idea that I've been playing with here and there for a month or so. I don't have too much written as it's still percolating, but...

Book Spotlight: Homicide and Halo-Halo

 

About the Book:

Death at a beauty pageant turns Tita Rosie's Kitchen upside down in the latest entry (Book 2) of this witty and humorous cozy mystery series by Mia P. Manansala.

 Things are heating up for Lila Macapagal. Not in her love life, which she insists on keeping nonexistent despite the attention of two very eligible bachelors. Or her professional life, since she can't bring herself to open her new café after the unpleasantness that occurred a few months ago at her aunt's Filipino restaurant, Tita Rosie's Kitchen. No, things are heating up quite literally, since summer, her least favorite season, has just started.

 To add to her feelings of sticky unease, Lila's little town of Shady Palms has resurrected the Miss Teen Shady Palms Beauty Pageant, which she won many years ago—a fact that serves as a wedge between Lila and her cousin slash rival, Bernadette. But when the head judge of the pageant is murdered and Bernadette becomes the main suspect, the two must put aside their differences and solve the case—because it looks like one of them might be next.

About the Author:

Mia P. Manansala is a writer from Chicago who loves books, baking, and badass women. She uses humor (and murder) to explore aspects of the Filipino diaspora, queerness, and her millennial love for pop culture.

She is the winner of the 2018 Hugh Holton Award, the 2018 Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, the 2017 William F. Deeck-Malice Domestic Grant for Unpublished Writers, and the 2016 Mystery Writers of America/Helen McCloy scholarship. She's also a 2017 Pitch Wars alum and 2018-2019 mentor.

Doesn't this sound great?

Review: The Diva Serves Forbidden Fruit

 

* Book 14 in the Domestic Diva series *

Sophie's friends have just returned from a trip abroad - and just in time for the DIY festival Sophie's running. Sophie picks up her friend from the airport. Nina looks a mess and she isn't wearing any shoes. Clearly there's a story (or several) behind the trip.

The festival starts and one of the vendor's is missing her mother. When Sophie helps her out, investigating Lark's house, she stumbles across a body in the yard. The body's positioned to make the death look like an accident, but it doesn't feel like an accident. 

Lark traveled with Nina on the trip. Before long, Nina's house is burglarized in the middle of the night. Something strange is going on and Sophie's not going to rest until she solves this mystery.

My Thoughts: Another fun installment in this series. This series has been a long time favorite of mine and I'm always happy to catch up with the characters. The festival sounds really fun and I liked it as a way to introduce new characters and new people to this small town. I do love how Sophie and her friends rally around Nina. As always their cozy eating times makes my mouth water and I long to whip up a delicious dessert (good thing there are recipes in the back of the book). I didn't see the link between the two murders - so I was left guessing until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series

Cover Thoughts: Charming as Always

Source: My library

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: Newlywed Dead

* Book 3 in the Perfect Proposal series *

Pepper wants to make sure her sister has the perfect wedding - and she almost pulls it off. Luckily for her, the happy couple left before the bartender was murdered.

Pepper spent time talking with the bartender and she didn't seem disoriented. Yet when the tox screen comes back, it shows signs of drugs.

Pepper knows in her heart that Ashley was murdered - she just has to prove it.

My Thoughts: I really love this series - for the parties and proposals Pepper plans, for the relationships, and for the romance. I like how ethical Pepper is with her business and setting up people. I love how she plans parties for people - adding personal details to make it perfect for them. She has a kind heart, which allows her to make personal connections and great friendships. 

I like how she struck up a conversation with the bartender and how this murder became personal to her. I like her determination and her ability not to assume the worst of people.  I hope there are many more to this mystery series!

Cover Thoughts: Adorable
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Great series - recommended for the collection

Mysterious Saturday Review: Foreign Eclairs

 * Book 9 in the White House Chef Mystery series *

Strange events are happening to the White House staff. First a member takes personal time without an explanation. Ollie is mugged on the way home. Then there's news of a bombing of a federal prison - a prison in which a resident currently resides thanks to Ollie.

Soon it becomes clear that all three events are connected. Ollie's targeted in a revenge plot - someone wants her to pay. At first, the revenge plots start small, but quickly they escalate. Even Ollie isn't sure she's going to survive this one...

My Thoughts: I loved this series! This installment of the series reminds me of the show 24. I liked that every time they thought the revenge plot was finished, the book took another turn.  Lots of action, danger, and plot twists in this one. I devoured this book, not wanting to let go of the world and these characters. I needed to know what happened!

I liked how Gav and Ollie worked together to figure out and attempt to untangle this mess. 

As always, I love the background bits in the White House and I really enjoyed the search for a new chef. The interviews and candidates were entertaining. 

I really liked the scenes between Ollie and Josh. I like how she helped him and how he talked with his parents. I think being a kid/teen in White House would be very difficult. 

A wonderful series and as much as I want to know what happens next, I can imagine too.

Cover Thoughts: Love them
Source: Book sent for Review

For news about the series that's hard (but understanding to read) - here's the author to explain about the Ollie's future.

Final Thoughts: Reading this series is like getting together with old friends. I shall be very sad next January without them.

Mysterious Cozy Review: Malice at the Palace

* Book 9 in the Royal Spyness Series *

After returning from America, Lady Georgiana stays at her friend Belinda's place. Belinda's supposed to be in America still, but she comes home quite unexpectedly. Now Georgie's looking for a place to live again. Luckily she runs into her brother, who's in town. He insists that she stay with them.

Knowing that Lady Georgiana is back in London, the Queen invites her to the palace. She has a job for Georgie. She asks Georgie show Princess Marina of Greece the city of London before her upcoming wedding to Prince George. Georgie couldn't be happier. She moves into a palace straight away.

Unfortunately, she also stumbles across another body - outside the palace. Socialite Bobo Carrington used to roam in the same circle as the groom. Rumors of her fast life swirl as Lady Georgie attempts to discreetly determine if any of her peers could be the guilty party without derailing the royal wedding.

My Thoughts: I still love this historical cozy series and I love seeing more of the Royals. I especially love it when Lady Georgiana has to meet the Queen for tea. I liked seeing more of the princes this book as well.

I love these books also for the secondary characters and we see quite a bit of them in this book. New additions include Princess Marina, who was lovely. And Countess Irmtraut who didn't understand enough about the English language. She was always out of the loop and had no sense of humor. 

I liked how Lady Georgie poked around society looking for clues as to who could have wanted the Prince framed for murder so close to his wedding. I like how the police used her to ask questions delicately while still getting answers.

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Sprinkled with romance, danger, royalty, and historical moments, these ingredients blend together to create a perfect cozy series. Read one today!

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; Dark Chocolate Demise

* Book 7 in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series *

Mel and Angie are participating in the first annual Old Town Zombie Walk - in full costume. The day is going well, until disaster strikes. At first, Mel thinks Angie's playing a trick on her. Soon she realizes that the body in their coffin display isn't fooling around.

A sigh of relief goes around the bakery crew, when they realize Angie isn't dead. But someone who looks similar and dressed in the same costume is dead.

Now Joe and Angie's brothers have created around the clock surveillance on the bakery. The death could have been a mob hit and it could be in relation to the case Joe is currently working on. Could Mel and Angie be in danger or was this murder unrelated?

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the friendship, for the romance, for the quirky secondary characters, and for the cupcakes. Seriously my mouth waters every time I read one of these books and I always crave cupcakes.

I love the moments between Mel and Tate and Mel and Angie. They've funny, sweet, and supportive. Mel tries to calm Angie after the murder, even putting herself in danger to get answers.

I liked the return of Roach and his need for closure with Angie. His moments with Tate were priceless. The moments between Joe and Mel were both sweet and frustrating - I can't wait to see what happens next.

I really loved getting to know more of Angie's brothers. They added comic relief to the tension of the book. I hope to see more of them.

As usual, that ending makes me need the next book immediately. 

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Cupcakes, friendships, romance, and murder - how can you go wrong with this series? It's perfect. Pick up the first book and start reading. 

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: At the Drop of a Hat

* Book 3 in the Hat Shop Mystery Series *

Scarlett and Viv couldn't be more thrilled when a woman walks into their shop with an old hat designed by Mim. She needs it repaired for her upcoming wedding. The two cousins can't wait to get started, but when they don't hear back from Ariana, Scarlett goes to visit her office.

As soon as she arrives, Scarlett hears a scream. Following the noise, she rushes through the office to find Ariana leaning over her boss who fell from the roof. The police investigation quickly uncovers a motive for Ariana. She's soon arrested.

Deep down, Scarlett knows her new friend isn't a murderer and she's not about to let Ariana rot in jail while she has a wedding to plan.

My Thoughts: I love this series - for the hat shop, for the cousins, for the secondary characters, and for the investigations. I love the relationships in this series: between the cousins, between Ginger and Harry, between Scarlett and Andre and Nick, and between customers. I love how Scarlett embraces people and tries to help them. I love the setting. I love the differences in cultures - between Scarlett's American ways and Fee and Viv behaving more properly. A fantastic mystery filled with humor, intrigue, and a little danger. I can't believe the bombshell dropped at the end - and I can't wait to read more about that!

Cover Thoughts: Perfection
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: Reading a new hat shop mystery is like sitting down with your favorite cup of tea, always relaxing and enjoyable.

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: This Old Homicide

* Book 2 in the Fixer-Upper Series *

Shannon hasn't seen her next door neighbor in a few days. Uneasy, she uses her key to let herself into this house to check on him. The house is in a complete disarray. It's not long before she find Jesse's body.

At first, it looks like a heart attack killed her neighbor and her best friend's uncle. But Shannon isn't convince. Jesse would have never left his house in that shape. Could someone have tossed it?

What were they looking for? Jesse didn't have anything of value - except for that necklace he claimed to have recovered while diving. No one has seen the necklace. Or the new girlfriend he claimed to have. Everyone knows that Jesse loved telling stories - but could one of his stories have gotten him killed?

My Thoughts: I loved the second book as much as the first - with the small town charm and the characters. I really liked Jesse and was hoping to see him in many books to come, so I was saddened by his death. Although I did like how Shannon and Jane looked into this murder - how they didn't believe that he died of natural causes.

I enjoyed learning more about Jesse - from his tall tales to reality. I like how Shannon tried to include the police this time along with her mystery writer friend. I like how the two men play off each other - both as experts in the mystery world but also as romantic interests. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: Another fantastic edition to this series - if you haven't read it, what are you waiting for? It's got small town charm, romantic potential, friendships, and danger! I'm a big fan.

Mysterious Saturday Review: One Potion in the Grave

* Book 2 in the Magic Potion Mystery Series *

When an old friend comes into Carly's shop, she almost doesn't recognize her. Carly does however recognize the tingles of danger. Katie Sue followed her dreams and made them come true - at the expense of leaving everyone in the town behind, including her sisters.

Now, even when her sister's health is at an all time low, she's back in town for revenge. With a big wedding taking up Carly and her family's energy, she wants to help Katie Sue.

The closer they get to the wedding, the more things start to unravel. Carly's nervous about Katie Sue's talk of revenge. When she can't find her friend later in the day, the nerves start to grow. What should have been a happy moment in someone's life turned to murder and distrust. Carly desperately wants to figure out what happened to her old friend.

My Thoughts: Relationships make the book in this small town series - from Carly and Dylan to Carly and Delia, to Carly and her crazy family. I like the tension between Carly and Dylan and the slow burn of will they or won't they get back together. I like the new relationship between Carly and her cousin Delia - how they're learning to trust each other, how they're becoming friends, and how they're putting the past behind them. I really enjoy Carly's aunts - they lighten the book with their antics.

With the wedding in town, everyone's buzzing about the wealthy family and the girl who was once part of the town. The relationships intertwine and become heated with the desire for revenge. Not to mention the family that Katie Sue left behind in town - her family needs her. 

It's hard to imagine people's motives in heinous behavior, but this book showcases it all: revenge, greed, lust for power, the bond of family, and murder. An impressive feat for such an enjoyable book.


Cover Thoughts: Mysterious
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: A delightful second book in this magical series where relationships, gossip, love, and hope run the town that will make you smile and laugh and wish to spend a day or two in town.

Mysterious Saturday Review: High-End Finish

* First in a new series *

When Shannon's father had a heart-attack, she came home to take over his business. Business is booming and Shannon couldn't be happier. Until she's forced to go on a blind date. It doesn't end well and after she kicks him in the shin, she threatens to kill him if he comes near her again.

The next day she finds his body at one of her work sites. She calls the police who find the murder weapon to be a pink tool - one of hers. She's taken down to the station and interviewed for hours.

Shannon doesn't want to wait for the police to find her innocent, so she starts asking some questions. When more bodies pile up, all the evidence points towards her. Can she uncover the real murdered before her enemy ends her?

My Thoughts: I devoured this  book - it had everything: family, friendships, work details, small town charm, murder, danger, and a little romance. I'm excited to read more about Shannon's dad. He seems really fun and sweet. I love her group of friends and how they stuck by her and how they helped by asking questions around town. I love the people she works with and their banter. I liked learning more about construction. I loved the town - where secrets don't last long and everyone looks out for each other. I liked how Shannon's neighbor confided in the betting pool on her love life. 

After the first murder, I wasn't expecting more, but the plot twisted and I kept turning the pages faster to figure out the culprit. As the book continued, the danger increased for Shannon not only through her guilt by association, but also little incidents were starting to pile up. At first they were just inconvenient, but as she kept asking questions, they grew. 

I really loved meeting Mac - I loved that he was a writer of thrillers. He seemed to have a different way of looking at things than most people. He was charming and sweet but also preoccupied with his writing. I can't wait to read more about him.  The police chief was stern and serious but showed a softer side as the book progressed. He seems to have secrets from his past that I can't wait to uncover.

The relationships make the book - from family and friends to potential love interests. Everyone's connected.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: If you read cozies, add this new series to your list to read; it's fantastic!

Mysterious Saturday Review: All the President's Menus

* Book 8 in the White House Chef Mystery series *

Things have been quiet in the White House lately - a little too quiet for Olivia's taste.  So it's not surprise that she's happy (even though a little surprised) that visit to welcome the first woman Presidential candidate from Saardisca is still on - including hosting four top chefs.

Now the kitchen's humming with noise as the chefs attempt to learn from each other. The foreign chefs aren't used to working for a woman nor do they believe the truth about the events the kitchen's hosted. Culturally very different, Olivia's having a tough time hosting.

Things get worse when the pastry chef collapses.  He calls Olivia later, he thinks he might have been drugged. Marcel asks her to look into the matter - could it be someone in her kitchen?

My Thoughts: I adore this series for so many reasons. First the setting is amazing and I love learning more about the White House. The food always makes me want to cook up something fabulous. Plus I would LOVE a tour of the chocolate and pastry rooms!  The favorite secondary characters provide banter, comic relief, and tension.

In this addition to the series, I like how Ollie and Bucky attempt to share their knowledge with four nationally known chefs - but the reactions from the chefs themselves are priceless. They don't believe in working for a woman. They don't believe the White House hosts such elaborate events. They don't believe in taking time away from work. I'm impressed by how Ollie keeps her cool under these conditions and tries to show patience while learning about their culture. The differences between cultures were fascinating and I wonder if there are cultures who see American in this light. 


Ollie and Gav talk about their future and I can see this spinning into a whole different direction for the series - which would still be charming.

Cover Thoughts: Great!
Source: My Library

Overall Thoughts: Sink your teeth into this series, if you haven't done so already!

Similar Reads:

Mysterious Saturday Review: On Borrowed Time

* Book 5 in the Library Lover's Mystery series*

Lindsey's brother shows up unexpectedly at her library. He asks her if he can nap on the sofa. She agrees and leaves him be until the end of her crafternoon book club. When she returns to check on him, she discovers her brother missing and a man dead on the floor.

She's not sure what's going on, but until she knows her brother's safe, she's not about to share all her knowledge with the police. Lindsey doesn't want Jack becoming the prime suspect in a murder. She's also not giving up until she knows the truth about his whereabouts and how he's connected with the dead man in the library.

My Thoughts: I really loves this library mystery series, especially the scenes in the library - both the interactions with her coworkers and with the patrons.  I love the loyal friendships that Lindsey's found in this small town - even if they start taking sides about her love life. The love triangle she finds herself in the middle of becomes an area for humor as two men battle for her affections and try to one up each other. I liked meeting Jack - it's funny that danger runs in the family. I liked the strength of their bond. I love the idea of the crafternoons - book discussion and crafts. A great addition to the series set in a charming town full of great friendships, readers, and a spark of romance.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

Mysterious Saturday Review: Inherit the Word

* Book 2 in the Cookbook Nook series * 

The Cookbook Nook will be hosting the annual Grill Fest - a local cooking competition. Natalie's been the winner the past 8 years and she's looking for her 9th win this year.

During the first round of the competition, someone pulls the fire alarm in the building. Everyone evacuates the shop. When they return to the competition, it's clear that Natalie's missing. They find her body in the alleyway next to the store.

Jenna becomes involved in looking for clues when a close family friend becomes the prime suspect after fighting a day eariler with the deceased. Soon, Jenna's back to asking questions and trying to piece together the mystery of that day.

My Thoughts: Another winner in this series! I loved the cooking competition - so perfect given all the similar shows on TV. The grilled cheese combinations (among other treats) made my mouth water. i like that she's taking cooking lessons from her friends.  I loved the conversations about the long cookbook titles. I loved the talk of cozy mysteries, especially noticing the ones that I've read myself. I felt horrible for Jenna and dealing with her personal life. For the record, I thought something else happened entirely when I read that letter. Still I wasn't expecting that, I sympathized with Jenna. I'm glad she had the support of her friends and family plus that cute kitten of hers to keep her mind occupied.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: My Library 

Mysterious Saturday Review: Engaged in Murder

Pepper lost her job due to downsizing, so after she helps her sister's boyfriend plan the perfect proposal, Warren tells her she should open her own business for boyfriends everywhere.  After some thought, Pepper thinks it's a great idea; she loves planning parties and making other people happy.

Unfortunately, finding a body in the bathroom at the airport during her sister's proposal weighs on her mind. The police believe that Warren could be guilty of murder. After a few moments of doubt, Pepper believes in his innocence.

She's too busy planning her new business, her sister's engagement party, and trying to solve a murder to waste any time crying over the end of her long term relationship. She wants someone to love her the way Warren loves her sister - which is why she won't rest until the real murderer is caught.

My Thoughts: A great start to a new cozy mystery series. I really liked Pepper and her perspective on life. I really liked Felicity and Warren.  I like how her sister's happy relationship made her take a long hard look at her own relationship to discover what's missing. I liked her zest for life and her ability to throw herself into a new business. I loved reading about the details of her parties and how she tries to make the couple have the perfect moment. She's sweet, smart, and creative - which makes for a winning combination as a heroine.  I'm looking forward to reading more about her and her new adventure as a business woman - not to mention a new potential romance. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library