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: A Potion to Die For

Carly Bell Hartwell makes healing potions. She's more in demand than ever until a dead body turns up in her shop with an empty potion bottle in his hand.

Now Carly's looking to clear her name and get her reputation back. In between asking questions, snooping, and breaking and entering - she has her hands full with family and relationship drama. Can she figure out the murderer before her reputation dies?

My Thoughts:  a strong start to a new series. I liked the small town charm and how quickly gossip spreads. I liked the unfinished business between Carly and Dylan (the lead investigator for the case, who happens to be her ex-finace). I really liked the relationship between Carly and her cousin Delia. I can't wait to see what kind of trouble they get into next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Murder with Ganache

 * 4th book in the Key West Food Critic Series * 

Hayley's BFF is getting married this week. As Maid of Honor, she has a lot on her plate - not to mention hanging out with her family and meeting deadlines for work.

Her stepbrother ditches the Jack and Jill wedding shower to explore Key West. When he doesn't return at the appointed hour, Hayley starts to worry.  When her test and calls go ignored, she starts looking for him.

She finally finds him the next morning, badly hurt with defensive wounds.  When a girl's body turns up, Rory becomes the prime suspect.  While he's still recovering from his injuries, unconscious, can Hayley figure out the events of that night?

My Thoughts: I really liked this book - I enjoyed getting to know Hayley's family more - even though she had to play referee several times. While I liked watching everyone getting ready for the wedding, I felt terrible for Ray and Connie for all the family drama. I hated how Rory was pulled in two direction and not told the truth about his family, but the hospital scenes were touching. I Loved Jai and the work she did helping the teens and creating a safe space for them. My heart went out to all of them, searching for a better life or searching to find themselves. I love how it ended and I can't wait to see what happens next. A fantastic addition to this charming series with just the right amount of work, family, and relationship drama. 

Cover Thoughts: Really Cute
Source: Sent for review

Mysterious Saturday Review: Sleeping with Anemone

Abby get herself noticed by the bigwigs at the company she's protesting against their use of hormones. At first, they attempt to scare her off, but soon matters escalate. A brick sails through her window at her flower shop with a warning attached. Next, in cases of mistaken identity, someone kidnap three people close to her in an attempt to grab her.

Her whole family is freaked out, but Marco's there protecting her every inch of the way. He's not letting her out of his sight unless someone else is with her. While she loves spending time with her boyfriend, almost finance, she hates the loss of her independence. With this forced time together make her second guess her choice of men? Can she discover why the bigwigs are still after her when she's ceased speaking out against their company before something deadly happens?


My Thoughts: This is the Ninth book in the Flower Shop mystery series (Mum's the Word is the first one) - still fresh, cute, and enjoyable. I love Abby's feisty spirit and her stubborn streak. Add in one crazy family, sweet co-workers, and a lovable roommate to this blend of fun, danger, and romance.

The 10th book - Dirty Rotten Tendrils comes out in October

Fun Fact: Kate Collins has a section on her website entitled What Abby Doesn't Know - fun details about other characters.

The Cover: Cute and perfect for Spring

Source: My Library