May 2020 Cozy releases

Thank you to NetGalley and various publisher for an ARC to read and review. These are honest reviews in exchange for the opportunity to immerse myself in a pleasant distraction.

A Call for Kelp
By Bree Baker
Published by Kensington Publishing

Are you wanting to take a trip to the Outer Banks but are unable? Pick up the newest Seaside Cafe Mystery while you soak up some sun at home. Be sure to check out the recipes at the back so you have something to much on while lounge chair detecting.  Bee sure to pay attention to all the clues, for example, how is that Denise seems to pop up right when Everly needs a friendly face. Of course, Everly isn't the only one who needs some cheering up after Hollywood  star Mitzi turns up dead while beeing the bee documentary narrator for the Aunts. Turns out Mitzi knew Everly's Grandma back in the day and was ready to share all sorts of wonderful stories, prompting Everly to do her best to help Detective Grady Hays. Not that Everly needs to bee sweet talked into helping anyone in the Hays' household for that matter. Although it does seem like they are always at the ready to help her, sometimes even in dire situations when she should bee careful. There is so much charm to both the people and the town of Charm, they are absolutely  the bee's knees. So how could anyone think that Mr. Butter, local artist and father to Everly's best friend Amelia, have anything to do with Mitzi's death? So many suspects, from a Canary, to former family, not to mention the folks with the documentary. Ray the reporter adds a nice touch of sarcastic satire and Wyatt continues to show us that people can change and grow and maybe even have their wild mustang heart tamed, by the right filly. As usual, you do not need to be familiar with the characters or the past three stories to bee able to follow along with A Call for Kelp, but you will want to because each and every story is a honey of a tale.

Marshmallow Malice (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery)
By Amanda Flower
Published by Kensington Publishing

It's  finally here, Juliet and Reverend Brooks' wedding day, complete with an incredible cake decorated in marshmallow frosting (oh how I would have liked to have seen at the back of the book). But with the sweet comes the sour, like the attitude of o e strange lady who busts in on the wedding ceremony and screams that the good Reverend is a traitor. Normally one would expect a wedding to be I terupted with an unexpected declaration of love. Turns out that there is more to this story than just marshmallows and murder. Who would have guessed that the Amish were customers of the local, and very not legal, moonshine operation taking part in Harvest Woods. Bailey has so much on her plate already, with the candy shop, the 4th of July festival, her TV show's debut, watching Jethro the comfort pig while Juliet is on her honeymoon, and her growing relationship  with Deputy Aiden. Bailey doesn't need distractions such as a troubled Juliet insisting that Bailey help with the investigation or Aiden's ex-girlfriend Kayla and her mother poppping up at the wedding insistng that Aiden make good on a promise made 15 years prior. Thank goodness Bailey has gal pal Cass to help her with these sticky situations. Another insightful story with some great plot twists and multiple story ingredients that make up a wonder recipe for mystery with a side of romance and a dash of sugary goodness. After all isn't every better with chocolate!

Southern Sass and a Crispy Corpse ( A Marygene Brown Mystery Book 2)
By Kate Young
Published by Kensington Publishing

No less than SEVEN sensational southern recipes to sample. I suggest starting at the end of the book so you can make yourself some Cheddar Biscuits to snack on while reading and then take a break to cook some Roadkill for dinner followed by Lime Cream Puffs for dessert while you relax and read some more. Marygene is back and you don't have to be familiar with her first adventure to be able to get into the second one. Something to know about Marygene's life that is paramount involves her deceased Mama, Clara Brown, who has some attoning to do and apparently Marygene is a magnet for the unsetteled dead on the island, and apparently for the dead in the waves just off the beach. Marygene is the epitome of a southern gal, from her ability to bake a biscuit to her sassy sophistication while catering for Yvonne's showing. After all there isn't anything that Marygene wouldn't do for friend or family. Much to her Daddy's chagrin, being the Sheriff and all, he often finds her in situations that he would rather not as it seems to wear on him a bit. Not that he doesn't have a plate full of troubles all his own since the cold case of missing twins from 20 years ago is about to get hot as a jalepeno. Speaking of latin spices, the new deputy sheriff seems to leave a bad taste in Marygene's mouth every time they meet. That could be as a result of meeting her in an interrogation room and asking he ridiculous questions, but bless his heart he obviously is new to the southern way of doing things. Deputy Alex isn't too pleased with Deputy Javier either but that is for a completely different reason. Last but not least is Marygene's Mama, who didn't last as long as Marygene would have liked and Marygene is not the least bit fasted at this point that her Mama is the ghostly messenger helping to guide Marygene to answers needed for the twins to find their peace. Marygene and her crew continue to illustrate exactly what it means to be a Steel Magnolia and I can't wait to try those recipes.

Evil by the Sea (A By the Sea Mystery)

By Kathleen Bridge

Published by Lyrical Press

Who wouldn't like to attend a Mermaid Festival, or better yet, a wedding at the Indiatlantic Hotel during the Mermaid Festival.  Novelist Liz Holt's Great-Aunt Amelia is all ready to give her tarot card reading, ferret loving, well to do friend Dorian a wedding to remember. It will surely be one for the books as Dorian is set to marry a Wiccan man whom she has only known for 6 months. HMMM you say? I agree, there is bit more going on than just a May-September romance. Dorian's adult children are not to keen on the idea, although her son did introduce the lovebirds. Dorian's long time financial advizor is aslo a bit scepticle as well. One this that stands out the Liz is that white warlock Julian Rhodes is not very nice and seems down right rude. Which is probably why he ends up dead. So many people to suspect and all Liz wants to do is help poor Dorian, long time family friend and bestie to Aunt Amelia.

July YA releases to read

Thank you to NetGalley and the various publishers for making ARC books available in exchange for honest reviews.

More than Maybe
By Erin Hahn
Published by Wednesday Books

Having been a teen during the time of John Hughes movies I am always on the look out for a little teen romance with a smattering of angst and a dash of the discovery of self worth. Be you 50 or 15 this story will make your heart sing and skip a beat. The back and forth  he said - she said chapter format gives a more well rounded story. And what a wonderful story it is, two hearts beating to a rich and melodic rythm created by the immensley tatented and modest Luke. Vada is his muse and she loves that he "gets her" when no  one other than her Mom's boyfriend Phil. Phil is the father that Vada should have had, but as he says, the drummer never gets the girl, or at least he didn't at first. At first it was Marcus, who doesn't deserve to have Vada for a daughter and you'll learn why as you read the book. Vada has the uncanny ability to sum up the level of talent that a band posesses after listening to them. She keeps a blog and aspires to be in the music business writing for Rolling Stone. She gets into UCLA and is working her plan. Her plan did not include Luke Greenly(although she has fallen for him so hard over the last three years that she falls asleep listening to his podcast) but plans can change, can't they? Luke is the son of a 90's British punk rocker and a mum who teaches liberal studies and fraternal twin brother of an extrovert with a point guard boyfriend  who is also luke's best friend Zack. Luke knows that Vada is the one girl who understands the brilliance that is Adam Duritz, after all he has been following her blog and insta accounts for three years. What's a little lurking between friends, right? Will they let fate take a hand or will they choose to write the lyrics themselves before their senior year is over.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story and in the texting format of Vada I must say YouTube: UB40 "Can't Help Falling in Love" with this book!

April 2020 Cozy Releases

Thank you to NetGalley and various publisher for an ARC to read and review. These are honest reviews in exchange for the opportunity to immerse myself in a pleasant distraction.

Cherry Slice
By Jennifer Stone
Published By Farrago

Cherry is a hoot and a half! If you are a Stephanie Plum fan you are going to devour Cherry Slice in the time it takes to make some scones because you will not be able to put it down. From the small town of Essex comes everything reality TV-related, including but not limited to: sex, drugs, subterfuge, caravans, love, getting "nicked", envy, and really good pastries. The titles the author comes up with for these fictional shows are HILARIOUS! This character's debut is sure to be just the first of many stories and I am hoping that as the characters develop, so will the recipes. As for the basic plot, there is nothing basic about it and it incorporates many of today's social norms even though some of the people do not seem very norm-al. Cherry is the sort of character that makes you laugh out loud, nod your head in agreement, and cheer silently as she picks herself up literally and proverbially, dusts herself off and soldiers on in spite of the media that won't seem to "let it go." The supporting roles/characters such as her nail artist and Instagram junkie Kelsey are spot on showing support as only a bestie can. Cherry's folks are typical parents as well, Mom wants her to be the best at whatever it is she is trying to be (but please stay out of the media and quite be involved in scandal), Dad is good with whatever Cherry wants. Oh, and there is the hot n cold relationship with Jacob. The history lesson that you are in for to be sure. You may find yourself shaking your head and talking out loud to the book at some point. All in all, I for one am inspired to try my hand at making a cherry bakewell. Hope to see the next installment soon!

Deep Fried Revenge (A Farm to Fork Mystery #4)
By Lynn Cahoon
Published by Kensington Publishing

A competition gone crazy and the winners become the losers. A fair should be fun with rides, wonderfully unhealthy foods, and an opportunity to win a prize either from the midway or from the competitions. The gang from County Seat have entered the Idaho State Fair's Boise's Best Restaurant Contest. The competition is fierce, if you come in last in a challenge you are eliminated and it seems that if you come in first you are also eliminated. Angie and her crew are working hard to win, while Angie is also working hard to figure out who did the deed. No need to have read a prior installment to figure out that Angie has an awesome dog named Dom, a chicken, and a goat or rather she has a menagerie at home and an awesome bloke who helps take care of the animals and of Angie. You also don't need to already know that the County Seat team is more than a group of coworkers, they are family and when they claim you, you're well taken care of. Much like the young runaway named Bleak, our new character learns as she becomes Ian's new project, his Aunt and Uncle's new ward, and the County Seat's new employee. Two different story lines keep this story going round and round like a carnival ride, but it is well worth it. Especially when you get to the end, and not just because of the big reveal but rather because of the mouth watering Shepherd's Pie recipe at the back of the book. 

This Magic Marmot (Abracadabra Mystery Book #5)
By Sharon Pape
Published by Lyrical Press

 A reunion gone wrong and sightings of a vengeful ghost on the prowl. But what we know of ghosts is that they are like Kailyn Wilde's mother and grandmother, silver clouds without real shape or form. A classmate died in an unnecessary and tragic accident on grad night and someone is not satisfied with the accident part. Was it an accident or was there more to it. Kailyn uses her special magickal talents to investigate when one of her high school besties dies from poisoning at the pre-reunion cocktail social. Those who were at the lake the night of the accident are seeing Scott's ghost and some are having near-fatal fallout from it. Kailyn, Travis, Aunt Tilly, and Merlin are doing their best to get to the bottom. Every time I read the title I find myself humming the song, "this magic moment," then I laugh because I find myself imagining Merlin's familiar, Froliquet the marmot.

The Stolen Letter (A Scottish Bookshop Mystery)
By Paige Shelton
Published by St. Martins Books (Minotaur Press)

Back from her honeymoon and ready to get to work, is greeted with a hugs and a mysterious town vote to close the Cracked Spine. GASP you say, as I was just as flumoxed as to who could possibly want this iconic and beloved store/warehouse shut down. The council cites that for reasons of safety and a failed buiding inspection that no one seems to remember taking place, and we all know that Rosie would have remembered even if Edwin did not. In addition to the mysterious vote is the mysterious Mary Stuart or should I say Mary "thinks she's the reincarnated Queen of Scots" Stuart, who incidentally could be Delaney's older doppleganger. There are strange forces at work here or stangers who are forcing things to not work. A car bombing provides the victim and even more strangeness to this already thrilling tale. I could not put the kindle down except to look up a recipe for Scottish Shortbread, a favorite of the Queen. I also stopped to look up the image of a casket that would have been used to house a Burgess ticket. I do love a good story that entertains as well as educates. The characters are well developed and you do not have to be familiar with them to be able to catch on quickly as to the relationships and going-ons in the story or with the crew of the The Cracked Spine. This is another winner!

Shredding the Evidence (Cookbook Nook Mystery #9)
By Daryl Wood Gerber
Published by Beyond the Page Publishing

It's Food Bowl Week in Crystal Cove and the town is a flurry or activity. Every where you turn there is excitement and the most tantalizing morsels you could ever imagine and Jenna Hart is busy planning her wedding, or at least she is trying to. Her fiance, Rhett is up to his elbows in work at his new restaurant, Intime and her best bud Bailey is busy dragging Jenna into a murder investigation to clear her husband Tito. Salad fixings and bowl ingredients aren't the only things that get shredded in this story. There are reputations, relationships, papers, and even a poor defenseless bandana, I mean banana that will never be the same again. Jenna was trying her best to keep her nose out of it  and keep her friend Cinnamon aka Chief Pritchett the local law inforcement from giving her "that look" . Unfortuneatly Tito, local investigative reporter, is seen having a very public disagreement with fellow reporter and food critic Kylie O. You can't help but wonder if maybe there is more than just one person who wasn't too fond of Kylie O and her caustic comments. There is plenty of suspicion to go around from food star Midge to Audrey Tinsdale, wife of the newspaper owner Eugene Tinsdale. The story had all the right ingredients mixed up in just the right way to add a little zest but not too much. Much like a dish with a secret ingredient, I did not figure out who had done it and why until the author wanted us to know. I'm not sure what I liked better, the incredible food descriptions that made my mouth water, the way Bailey was like a hound on the scent dragging Jenna along for the ride, or other little parts of everyday life of Crystal Cove that make the story so relatable. Of course the recipes at the end of the story are awesome as always and I can't wait to try my hand at the Mini Crab Cakes and the Cocoa Bliss Balls. YUM on all counts!

Botched Butterscotch
By Amanda Flower
Published by Kensington Publishers

Super cute novella that helps to progress the story line and introduce Bailey's parents to Aiden, his Mom and of course her service pig Jethro. This story is just sweet enough to get us through Mother's Day and ready for Marshmallow Malice. It is helpful to be familar with the cast of characters but since it is a novella it is enjoyable on its own as well. No violence or dead bodies but there is a wonderful butterscotch peanut bar recipe. Even though there is no murder there is still a mystery to solve in the way of a theft that takes place during a fundraiser of all things. So be sure to dust off your deerstalker cap and download this latest Amish Candy Shop mystery.

Sugar and Vice: A Cookie House Mystery
By Eve Calder
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks

Pastries and Pirates or is it Casanovas and a Corpse? It all started with a garden and Oliver the labradoodle finding a skeleton. The locals of Crystal Cay were excited thinking that the boot wearing skeleton was Gentleman George Bly or maybe one of his crew, only to learn that it wasn't that old, in fact it was in the ground, the sandy ground 4 feet deep for under a year's time. Out come the treasure hunters and phanatics for Pirate gold. Cate is hot on the trail of the unknown pirate while delving into Bly family history. All of this while doing her part as the 49% owner/baker of the Cookie Shop and holding a cookie of the day contest. Who would have ever guessed how time consuming a pecan praline sandie cookie could be or getting to the bottom of this mystery. Of course it doesn't help Kate one bit that her cheating EX-fiance is is town and offering the resources of his families foundation to further the research  into Gentleman George Bly or that he is going around telling everyone that he is back to win Kate over. Maxi is more than happy to do her friend a solid and "swat that mosquito" and does her best to run interference for Kate. Kate has a solid group of friends in Coral Cay and in such a short time, since she escaped there from Manhattan to enjoy a new start after the failed engagement and hectic lifestyle of a big city chef. No wonder Oliver the town pup has picked her to be his home base when he isn't out visiting the various businesses and families of Coral Cay.  This story offers all the ingredients that a cozy mystery needs to bake up an excellant plot with twists and turns that are like frosting on a cake or a large gingerbread doghouse. Did I mention that the new vet is available?

Pulp Friction (A Cider Shop Mystery #2)
By Julie Anne Lindsay
Published by Kensington Books

You never forget your first love, especially if they keep breaking into your home while hiding out from the police because they are the lead suspect in the murder of a groom on his wedding day. Meet Winnona Mae, or Winnie as everyone calls her, cider small business owner and incredibly curious citizen, much to the chagrin of Sheriff Colton Wise. Winnie and her Grannie are just starting to see the Orchard business make its way back into the black when an unfortuate turn of events turns deadly and there is now a possible black mark on the fledgling business's good name. Who would kill a guy on his wedding day? The groom was from out of town while the bride is a local and has gone catatonic over the whole thing. This is the second book in the series and it wasn't necessary to have read the first to be able to understand who did what to whom. Hank, a good ole boy and Winnie's high school sweetheart is a good ole pain in the patooty as far she is concerned. She is trying to not get involved with the exception of wanting her cider store to do well and then there's the fact that she knows that there is no way Hank would have killed anyone. She doesn't feel that way because of any feelings, in fact she is has a good mind to turn him over to Sheriff Wise. The ex-marine, former big city cop who worked with an FBI task force, and who recently has started acting cagey around her, yet never leaves her hanging. The plot moved along swiftly and the story did a great job of twisting and turning with an excellent build up at the end. In fact it was so much of a buildup, there is a cliff hanger epilogue. After the epilogue is my next to favorite part and that is a couple of pages of recipes. I for one am looking forward to trying the apple cider slushy this weekend! Look for me on Instgram with my drink and the book cover.

Divide and Concord (The Wine Trails Mysteries #5)
By J.C. Eaton
Published by Kensington Publishing

Norrie Ellington is about to have her worlds collide. It sounds like such a fun idea to anyone but scriptwriter Norrie, let the production company film a few scenes at the Two Witches Vineyard, which she is currently overseeing while her sister and etimologist  brother in law are in South America hunting for rare bugs. The timing could have been better, what with the Wine and Cheese Festival taking place at the same time, which means people everywhere and now there would be even more people showing up to catch a look at Hollywood stars in action.  I'm surprised that Norrie doesn't have a stroke with all that goes on in this latest book. The victim is an over the top director who can relate to the winery's name, this lady is definetly a wicked witch in the north east as far as her coworkers and soon to be exhusband are concerned. The there is the drama queen starlet and the overworked production assistant, the cameramen, and the even the Adonis like lead actor has nothing good to say about the lady. Even when she is found in an irrigation pond,dead, peole still can't find anything positive to say about her.  Norrie can't wait for her final two months of winery sitting is over as it seems that each event includes a dead body as part of the activities. Thankfully she has her fellow vineyard owners to help her with sluething as well as her staff, Godfrey her bug guy and of course the hunky lawyer Bradley whom she is dating. It seems that everyone but Norrie's staff and the other locals are the only ones who didn't have means, motive, and opportunity. Of course Norrie has to figure this one out because someone is trying to make her look like the murderer.  Another great mystery for arm chair detectives and wine lovers. I must agree with Theo and Don that prosciutto palmiers pair nicely with a Riesling. Clues galore and red herrings a plenty make this a twisting and turning plot with some crazy hijinks thanks to aura reading at the end. The only thing this book is missing would be a mac and cheese recipe at the end. Just a thought. 

March Cozy New Releases!

Thank you to NetGalley and various publisher for an ARC to read and review. These are honest reviews in exchange for the opportunity to immerse myself in a pleasant distraction.

Death of a Blueberry Tart (A Hayley Powell Food and Cocktails Mystery)
By Lee Hollis
Published by Kensington Books

Moms can be a friend and/or foe and sometimes both at the same time. Take Sheila for instance, Hayley Powell, food columnist and amateur sleuth. There are times when Hayley would very much like for someone to take her Mom, especially when she makes an impromptu visit on the eve of Sheila and Bruce's honeymoon. In the last book, which you didn't have to read to be able to follow along with this latest murder, Hayley and Bruce said "I do" out of the blue and most unexpectedly.  Having missed the wedding which technically  no one was invited to, Sheila shows up at the Bangor airport nursing a broken heart. Sheila's arrival sparks interest in a quick class reunion of anyone who is still in the area of Bar Harbor. Which is where the murder comes in. I think that the best part of this story is the friendships between mothers and daughters. Not one on one, but as a group. Hayley, Liddy, and Mona are set and their Moms are apparently the best of friends as well. So you can imagine how this is going to go when the class "tart" known for her blueberries is found strangled in the hotel room next to Sheila, and shortly after Sheila and her posse confront Caskie Lemon-Hogg about her wild ways from way back when to her current day tart-like behavior as well. Rumors are flying as both sets of trios are hot on the trail of the a series of clues and often stepping on each other's toes. As if it was a race or a competition the Moms and the Daughters are in the thick of it. It can be the best of times or the worst of times and Hayley both loves and sometimes loathes her Mom and her knit picking comments. But no one can stay mad at their mother forever, right? Highly entertaining hijinks from both groups and the recipes are amazing. I didn't realize there were so many yummy ways to enjoy fresh or frozen blueberries either as a baked good or as beverage. I look forward to following up my review with the blueberry tart recipe.  

Berried in the Past (Cranberry Cove Mystery)
By Peg Cochran
Published by Beyond the Page Publishing

This was my first Cranberry Cove mystery and I can honestly say that it will not be my last. Of the eastern shore of a very cold Lake Michigan there was so much warmth eminating from the main characters that you could not help but be drawn into the story. What would you do if a stranger showed up on your doorstep  confused and claiming that someone was trying to kill them? Newlywed Monica Albertson is not only a wiz in the kitchen, where she makes the most wonderful cranberry creations for the Sassamanash Farm store, but also when it comes to piecing together a mystery. Aided by her husband Greg, her stepmother Gina, and the mysterious Dana  Bakker, sister of the deceased. Several suspects from Marta's own family to ghosts from the past and all of this while Monica struggles to be supportive of her helf brother Jeff, who is thinking of selling the Farm to pay for a new experimental treatment to help his partially paralyzed arm, a result of his military service in Afghanistan. Not everyone is supporitve of the farm sale, especially since the developer has plans to build a mall. Sleepy and picturesque Cranberry Cove does not want or need a mall. As I said before this book kept pace as well it kept my attention and in no time Iwas to the recipes at the back of the book. I will make the bread in the fall but was inspired to try my hand at the wonderful cookies that were mentioned several times through out the story. Definelty a good read with all of the classic cozy requirements. 

Lavender Blue Murder (A Teashop Mystery #21)
By Laura Childs
Published by Kensington Books

Theo and the Indigo Teashop crew are back and serving up tea, scones, and suspense. This is the 21st book in the series and I can honestly say that you don't need to have read the other 20 to enjoy or understand who or what is involved. Theodosia is one well-rounded character and I must say that I learn something new about her in each book. I would never have guessed that she was such a crack shot with a hunting rifle. Her marksmanship skills are almost as good as her sleuthing skills. It also helps that her tea sommelier Drayton has slowly but surely become accustomed to these occurrences and is even getting into the act by assisting Theo, where once he was completely against her becoming involved. The tea shop crew of Drayton, Hailey, and Ms. Dimple actually brainstorm the list of suspects and possible motives.

As with all Teashop mysteries, there is a slew of recipes that I can't wait to try. One of these days I am going to make it to Charleston and see if there is a little teashop by chance. I must agree that the romance and sophistication of an afternoon tea sounds immensely inviting, especially if there were themed events such as the Gone With the Wind event described in our story. LVM has all the pieces of a perfectly cozy and makes for a great read by not only capturing your attention within the first chapter with the mysterious murder but also cements you to your kindle with the follow-up fire. All of this action takes place in less than 24 hours and there are suspects aplenty and all with completely different reasons to want Mr. Doyle dead. Was it over a diverted stream, an impending land development, an orphaned piece of land from the 1800s, a change in the will, or something else altogether?

I could go on and on, but wouldn't it be more fun for you to pick up this newly released book and read for yourself how the ever-inquisitive Theo manages to make time to run her tea shop, keep her detective boyfriend Riley from locking her up for her own good, and solve the crime. If I had to hazard a guess I would say that her Southern-style hygge helps her to unwind, relax, and ponder.

Death on the Page (A Castle Bookshop Mystery)
By Essie Lang
Published by Crooked Lane Books

Poor Cabana Joe just can't catch a break. He wasn't responsible for the death in the first book and now he is getting the blame for the death in the second one. A famous true crime author comes to town for a book signing at Bayside Books only to become the a true crime victim. There is no shortage of suspects from her fiancé to Cabana Joe (although no one has ever seen Cabana Joe or given reason to believe that there is in fact a ghost).It is all very mysterious and of course Shelby feels the need to get to the bottom of it in spite of pleadings from Aunt Edie, Michael Kessler the castle caretaker and fellow true crime writer, and especially Shelby's Coast Guard investigative agent boyfriend. The great thing about this story is that you do not need to be familiar with the previous plot to be able to tell the characters apart. They are developed just as well  in the second story are they were in the first. A very good story with a well developed plot that moves the story along and sets us up for the next installment, which cannot get here soon enough. 

Keto Cookbooks for the digital diet

Amazing Keto Casseroles
By Tibor Szentkiralyi

This cookbook offers some great "go-to" keto recipes that can be easily tweaked to include your choice of protein. For example, I am not much of a chicken leg person but I will happily munch on a thigh and when you wrap it in bacon it makes it that much better, am I right?! Each recipe also come with a picture like all good cookbooks should so you have an idea as to what your meal should at least somewhat resemble when you have prepped and cooked it. There is also a breakdown of the calorie content as far as the basics go so you know how many carbs net and total. One suggestion I would make is for the Cabbage Beef Casserole and that it can be made as a casserole or as cabbage rolls making it super easy to portion out for lunches. Also, as I do not weight my ingredients I prefer the recipes to have standard measurement values such as cups and tablespoons instead of ounces. These recipes would not only appeal to the Keto people but also to the busy folks who want a meal ready in 5 ingredients or less, which is what most of these recipes use. I look forward to seeing what my customers think of the recipes as I add them to my meal prep lineup.

February 2020 Cozys

Thank you to NetGalley and the various publishing houses for sharing these advanced released copies for review.

Southern Double Cross (A Southern B&B Mystery)

By Caroline Fardig

Published by Alibi

Best Bellandini sisters B&B mystery yet! Quinn gets dragged into yet another murder mystery because she did the right thing. What starts off as a charity event ends in tragedy or at least in murder with a side of larceny and fellow band member Pepper 's brother Parker is left holding the bag containing the bloody and expensive cat statue. Naturally, Pepper demands that Quinn makes it right and get Parker out of jail and off the hook for murder, larceny, well that is another story. Tucker, ever the southern gentleman respects Quinn's need to help but is even more worried this time around because one of the thieves could also be a murderer and the Bellandini sisters are sleuthing in all the scary places. Delilah, or D as Quinn refers to her, has decided that the less savory interviews will be her and Pepper's task, which leaves the social elite for Quinn to deal with, I mean to entertain. Are we sure that the killer is a hoodlum or might it be one of Mag's own frenemies since she seems to be keeping her friends close but her enemies close enough to stab her in the back. This is a great third book for this series and I very much like the blossoming romance and the realness of their disagreement and the way they work things out. Even D gets a taste of romance in this one. It definitely looks like Tucker Heyward is here to stay regardless of his Mother's foolish attempts to spread untruth's about their relationship status or the female sharks aka Savannah's social "sh"elite (debutantes). Best of all, I now have another scone recipe to try out!

Pies Before Guys

By Kristen Weiss

Published by Kensington Books

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a pie tin UFO! Charlene is a social media genius or a social media madwoman depending on who you ask. Oh but that is not all that Charlene and Val are up to, nope there is, of course, the usual mayhem this time it is in the form of a poetry slam hosted by Pie Town and Abril featuring various Lit department professors which results in a poet sliced. Sliced by his own saber, Professor Michael Starke is no more. Apparently, he was no more a professor, no more a poet, and no more a gentleman since he had a new female TA every year. So who done it? Was it a heart-broken TA, his ex-wife, her current boyfriend who was also a member of the Lit department, could it have been Abril? Of course, it can't be Abril and not just because Val's brother has a bit of a crush and wants Val to do her thing and keep Abril off the cops radar. Speaking of cops...Hunky Detective Gordon Charmichael, Val is convinced that they are in a honeymoon phase and he is looking at her with rose-colored glasses. because he isn't against the Baker Street Bakers meddling/investigating as much as usual. Great next story for this cast, I still can't complete visualize Val's little house but I am glad that she has one. The story was excellent and the red herrings were perfectly served up to keep one guessing as to the outcome. I was even guessing about Val and Gordon but was sure that it would all work out in the end. Cannot wait to make the apple pie recipe with a slight twist, I will be making hand pies.

Egg Drop Dead

By Vivien Chien

Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks

Lana Lee meets Crazy Rich Asians with a dash of homicide and egg drop soup. The Ho-Lee House of Noodles has added catering to its offerings and Lana and the crew gets a look at how the other half lives and how the other half's nanny dies. Oh, and having lots of money just means that your "friends" aren't necessarily mean to you but boy are they gossipy. This time she vows to not get involved but when Donna Feng, owner of the Asian Village and the host for their first catering gig, Lana can't say no. Oddly enough her boyfriend, Detective Adam Trudeau, is not the least bit surprised that she and her roommate Megan are "investigating" and is actually supportive. Of course, this could be because it isn't his case and he doesn't know anyone in the Westlake Police Department. I am really enjoying how the characters are in sync with each other and that Lana's investigating is being taken more seriously by her completely professional detective boyfriend.  There are several suspects and Lana and Megan work their way through the list sure that this is not a mob-style problem even if Donna swears up and down that her nanny's death was a warning to her. Lana even gets to work with an honest to goodness P.I. on this one ..and that is as far as I go with regards to spoilers. The only thing that would make this book any better would be to have some recipes waiting for me at the end of the story since I tend to get hungry reading about dim sum Sundays and all the wonderful menu items that Peter makes, or even one of Megan's Zodiac cocktails would be a yummy addition. As always, you don't have to read a previous Lana Lee book to get the awesome flavor of the storyline but as with most Chinese food, a little later you will be wanting more.

Coconut Layer Cake Murder (Hannah Swenson Mystery)

By Joanne Fluke

Published by Kennsington Books

The best part about a Hannah Swenson Cookie Jar mystery is that there are RECIPES! Not just two or three but multitudes! The only problem is that I feel the urge to stop reading and start cooking at the end of various chapters where the recipes are printed. Much like Hannah I feel torn. Of course, I'm torn between the mystery and the cooking while she is torn between Norman and Mike the two love interests who have been there since the early days. Personally, I say that there is no competition as I am a big fan of the dentist. But I digress and should be writing about this new release. Nice storyline! I like that so many people have come to recognize how good Hannah's deductive reasoning skills are and that they are only surpassed by her excellent cooking skills. If Hannah was a real person she is definitely someone you would want in your corner after all, how many people would fly back from sunny southern California at a moment's notice to help find a killer and exonerate their baby sister's boyfriend? Of course part of the draw is that Hannah likes the challenge and quite frankly there just weren't enough detectives to properly handle the investigation because one of their own has been made suspect numero uno. While I have been a huge Hannah Swenson fan for a decade and a half and know the backstories and all the shared drama, it isn't necessary information to be able to be drawn into this plot and keep track of who, what, where, when, or how. Each character had a chance to show you a little something about them so that you can really be immersed in the plot and feel like a part of it. I do believe that this is the first Hannah novel where I actually figured out the who, the why, and at least part of the how before the big reveal. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get busy trying out the mug cake recipe for my afternoon break at work.

Death By Chocolate Frosted Donut

By Sarah Graves

Published by Kensington Books

Pirates and pompousness descend upon Eastport, Maine for the annual Eastport Pirate Festival. The pirates are everywhere which is good for business at the Chocolate Moose bakery owned and operated by Jake (Jacobia) Tiptree and Ellie White. The pompous part is played by Henry Hadlyme, well-known food authority and TV personality. Hadlyme, much former resident of Eastport is back and making waves by making scornful remarks about several of the local eateries including the Chocolate Moose. To even insinuate that they used carob instead of the finest ingredients was mutinous. His haughty attitude does not help him one but and does nothing but rile up Jake when he dares to show up to tape a podcast segment at the shop. Unfortuneately for Jake and her proclivity to be fiercely protective of her own (business, family, friends, town) a very loud and public scene takes place. Next comes the finding of Hadlyme's dead body, in the Moose's cellar, skewered with Wade's  antique cutlass and adorned with Ephraim's plush parrot. Suspect #1 is Jake who is not going down this road again even though her good friend, police chief Bob, does not have her on his list, the State police just might. One thing to know about this book is that you are going to be craving chocolate before the end and wondering just how Jake gets herself into the positions/scrapes that she does. Oh wait, nope you'll quickly realize that she has a partner in crime, or rather crime-solving by was of her best friend and partner Ellie. It seems that there is more than one person who didn't like Hadlyme and they are actually locals. Old history and new motives will be discovered, sort of like the Double-Chocolate Ginger cookies (recipe at the end of the book) who would have though to make a wafer cookie with candied ginger and chocolate. The only thing more mysterious in this story than the sleek black pirate ship named the Jenny is the absence of the recipe for their chocolate donuts. This is a very entertaining story, it has several plot twists and keeps you going right up to the end. You do not have to be familiar with the characters and the author does a nice job of including a few pages of past history for Jake so you can read just how she ended up in Eastport, with the Chocolate Moose, a very large home, and a husband named Wade. Not to mention that any book with recipes is a winner and recipes featuring chocolate is treasure worth searching for.

Dressed Up 4 Murder (Sophie Kimball Mystery #6)

By J.C. Eaton

Published by Kennsington Books

Sketchy seafood and a canine costumes is a backdrop for the latest Sophie "Phee" Kimball mystery. This series has me laughing out loud, between Phee's Mom (Harriet Plunkett) and her dog Streetman and the Booked 4 Murder book group ladies these books are definite page-turners. It starts out with Streetman finding a dead body under the grill in the neighbor's yard, so now Harriet is sure that Streetman is well on his way to being a cadaver dog. Not to mention that Harriet is going to drive Phee crazy until Nate Williams (Phee's former coworker from Minnesota) and Marshall Gregory (also a former coworker and now her boyfriend) of William's Investigations sort the matter out since Harriet is sure the local police detectives are no different than the Keystone Cops. Truth be told, it does seem that they need to consult with William's Investigations more often than not. There are multiple suspects and multiple plots and in the middle of it all is a series of three canine holiday-related fashion shows that could rival the pomp and circumstance of Milan, not to mention the attitudes of the competitors. Thank goodness Phee is level headed and has a very supportive boyfriend to live with who is completely open to her brainstorming the case and coming up with very viable leads. I very much like the different qualities of the characters as well as the interpersonal interactions. This is a light-hearted and fun book much like the ones that came before it.

Murder Makes Scents
By Christin Brecher
Published by Kensington Books

I was really curious as to how the author was going to get Stella involved in a Parisian murder mystery. As it turns out, Stella and Millie brought a mystery and some very exotic scents back with them from Paris to Nantucket. Stella is a thoroughly engaging character who has an obvious love fo family, friends, and her hometown with all of its history. All of the characters are introduced and developed right along with the mystery, which keeps you engaged regardless of whether you have read the first book or not. In book 2, several out of towners including a few on hand for an auspicious and friendly get together with some of Millie's old high school classmates adds even more characters to this puzzle. Multiple parties and multiple suspects keep Stella on her toes, not to mention how oddly her beau Peter has been acting lately. Throw in a federal agent and you have the makings for a murder that might just make scents! Oh and I can't wait until cranberry season when I can try my hand at Gram Scully's Cranberry Pie, chances are I will make minis to give as gifts. The candle making tips are great for crafters as well and I am tempted to use some of my silicone baking molds to make some seasonal candles.

Murder in an Irish Cottage (Irish Village Mystery Book #5)
By Carlene O'Connor
Published by Kensington Books

Fiancés, Family, and  Fairies, and all at the same time. Oh my! Macdara is called in by his blind cousin to investigate the death of her Mom. That same death is being blamed on the fair folk rather than a person of flesh and bone easily found in the village near where the incident took place. Such superstitious beliefs are why cousin Jane does not even trust the local police force to get to the bottom of this mystery. Shiobhan, being the excellent guarda that she is will not hesitate to help Macdara as well as keeping an open mind about who or why the killing took place regardless of the ties that bind and sometimes blind. One does not have to be familiar with this storyline to be able to enjoin this next installment. I have only read the previous book in the series and it has no bearing on this one other than the engagement proposal. In addition to giving this Yank a look into the country Irish ways it also inspired me to make several Irish dishes to enjoy while reading the book. There are several possible suspects from the neighbors to a town councilman. Was it unhappy fairies or a greedy horde hunter?

On the Lamb (Kabob Kitchen Mystery Book #4)
By Tina Kashian
Published by Kensington Books

Sturgis goes to the Sea, or a much tamer title would be Bikers on the Beach. There must be something freeing about the feeling of riding on the back of motorcycle with the wind all around you as you speed down the coastline, almost as fancy free as getting your own place. Lucy moves out of home and takes up residence in a furnished upstairs apartment with a killer view, a very active senior landlady who is looking to fend off a greedy nephew bent on getting control of her beachfront home. No need to read previous Kabob Kitchen stories to be able to keep up with a current installment. Each book does a great job as a stand alone, as well as building a great series. Lucy is an excellent character with a great lineup of friends and a romance that is blossoming after having been nipped in the bud so many years ago. This current cozy has Lucy running around town with bikers, thanks to Michael (who is just a friend, no really, she is totally committed to her relationship with Azad) as well as investigating with her BFF Katie. There is no way that Melanie the sweet girl who makes those sweet treats could have possibly killed the creepy nephew (who was also her sleazy storefront landlord) even if he did choke on his words and her saltwater toffee. There are so many other suspects to choose from and Lucy is sure that she can find the right one and get Melanie out of this sticky situation. A page turner to be sure with a great storyline, fun and creative characters and best of all...RECIPES! Yay me for being able to try my hand at some lamb kabobs!  

Who's Dead Doc (A Jules and Bun Mystery)

By J.M. Griffin

Published by Kensington Books

Bun and Jules are back and this time the untimely death of everyone's NOT favorite person, Evelyn; takes place right next to a birthday party gig. No one saw anything, except that Jules noticed Evelyn and party hostess Carina having a very heated conversation before the start of the party. The only redeeming trait that Evelyn possessed was her love of rabbits and her excellent organization of the rabbit show taking place at the Windermere Exhibition Hall. As luck would have it, Jules is asked to be a judge. This gives her and Bun the opportunity to help a frazzled Carina as well as be the eyes and ears for Sheriff Jack Carver (at his request). You don't need to have read the previous book to be caught up with the "superpowered" Bun and Fur Bridge Farm owner Juliette Bridge. The story offers several viable suspects and I didn't even realize who the true villain was until the big reveal. The story moves along at a good pace, of course, part of that is due to Bun's desire to hop to it! I would like to see a romantic element added to the story just because I am a die-hard romantic cozy reader and figure that for all the times Officer Andy is looking out for Jules, there should be a little spark there, just maybe. A very good story that I hope, will keep multiplying just like rabbits!

A Crafter Quilts a Crime

By Holly Quinn

Published by Crooked Lane

Best one yet! Like a roller coaster, this story plunges you into a murder right off the bat and then twists and turns you through the suspects. No one would have expected the local yoga instructor to drop dead, and in a display window no less during the Fire and Ice event. Plus there are the S.H.E. girls who are ready to rumble when it looks like Emily's husband is a suspect. Of course Detective Nash repeatedly asks them to step back and let him do his job to the point where their friction is almost as apparent as their attraction.  I really enjoy reading about how close the three ladies are and how they have each others' backs no matter what. Last but not least I can't wait to make meatball soup and crustless quiche and am so glad that the author included these recipes. If I was a quilter I am sure that I would enjoy the Patched Flight lap quilt pattern.

In Cold Chamomile

By Joy Avon

Published by Crooked Lane Books

Callie Aspen and her Great Aunt Iphy are busy prepping for the big Valentine's event at Haywood Hall, comprised of sweet treats, sweet music, and maybe even some sweet sales after getting an expert appraisal for an old book or antique. The last thing Callie expected to be doing for Valentines was aiding and abetting her Aunt Iphy in a little bit of sleuthing. It was a lovely event until the appraiser winds up deceased and it looks like the mysterious and world-famous baritone singer from Iphy's past is the #1 suspect. Callie thinks the world of Aunt Iphy and there isn't anything she wouldn't do to help, but Iphy is putting Callie in a bad position when Detective Ace Faulk pleads with Callie to trust him and to stay out of the investigation. Maybe if Callie was more sure of where she stood with Ace, then she would be able to resist Aunt Iphy's fact-finding adventures. There is no way that Callie is going to let anything happen to Iphy, not if she can help it, even if Iphy isn't being completely forthcoming about the mysterious Sean Strong. You do not need to have read the previous books in the series to understand how important Iphy is to Callie or how close Callie wants to be to Ace. It certainly pulls on the heartstrings that Callie is having to make a choice between her heart and her heart. Callie has a great way of looking at things and has well thought out ideas. I only wish there were some pictures of Iphy's wonderful cake creations at the end of the book, what a masterpiece those would be to construct. Without giving away the story I am going to say that I can't wait for the next book because I was not quite satisfied with how this one ended. All in all, another excellent TeaBook mystery. 

Magic

The following unbiased reviews are given in exchange for early access by NetGalley and publishers.

Pawsitively Secretive (Witch of Edgehill Mystery #3)
By Melissa Erin Jackson
Published by Ringtail Press

Amber is back and this time her secret is pivotal in the recovery of her young friend and daughter of the mayor, Chloe. Secrets seem to be the central focus of this latest Witch of Edgehill mystery. The Here and Meow Event sounds like a blast and how creative is Ms. Jackson with all of the feline inspired event titles?!?! I think I might have actually  chortled when I read the words "Hair Ball." This book had me in complete suspense as Amber flexed her witchy muscles, with the help of cousin Edgar. Without spilling  spoilers I will go as far as to say that I much prefer the way this latest book ended in co parison to its predecessor. I will also point out that you do not have read the previous adventure to be able to follow along and understand why or how the characters develope and interact. I am already looking forward to the next one.

The Immortal City

By Amy Kuivalainen

Published by BHC Press

What an incredible story! A new telling of an old myth set in an exotic background with a diverse cast of characters. Dr. Penelope Bryne is not living her life the way her father would like or insists but she is living her life the way she dreams. Called to the seafloor by a mysterious force resulting in an amazingly historic find, Dr. Bryne is determined to find any trace of the fabled and mystical Atlantis. The last thing she expects is to be called by the Venice Polizia to consult on a ritualistic killing. Great story development which enabled me to lose all track of time, but in a very good way. This book has mystery, intrigue, romance, laughs, tears, history, and really good espresso (according to Penelope). Did I mention the romance, it teases with its magical, mysterious magician who can quite literally sweep Penelope off her feet and transport her to his tower. I eagerly await the next installment with much anticipation!