Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
by Heather Day Gilbert

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!

I am excited to share my thoughts
about Trouble Brewing today!

About Trouble Brewing 

Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ WoodHaven Press (October 18, 2021)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 200 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0916DR5WL

Convinced that the elderly lady in her care didn’t die of natural causes, Macy’s friend Della determines to look into the broken relationships surrounding the woman. She books a Halloween-themed getaway at a local inn and talks Macy into coming along with her to spy on her prime suspect.

As they join a ghost tour of the candlelit town, Macy and Della feel their guide is a little too fanatical as he shares his spooky tales. He tells the story of the Greenbrier Ghost, a newlywed who supposedly came back from the grave to tell her family that her husband murdered her.

When a disturbing apparition makes its presence known, guests at the inn become apprehensive…and for good reason, because soon after, a young bride turns up dead. Although everything points to a copycat killer replicating the historical Greenbrier murder, Macy has her doubts. She’s discovered that the inn harbors secrets of its own, and when she pokes into one darkened corner too many, she might not stand a ghost of a chance.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Macy’s friend Della has been caring for Lorraine Rossi for a few months and sadly Lorraine passed away when Della wasn’t present. Della feels there was just something off about the death. The woman’s family was around but they may have ulterior motives. Lorraine told Della about one of her valuable possessions that she had hidden away. She wanted Della to have the item instead of it going to her “greedy” children and she has put her wishes in her will too. So Della talks Macy into going to a Halloween event being held at the Greenbrier Inn owned by Lorraine’s daughter to see if they can keep an eye on members of the family and maybe even find the valuable possession left to Della.

The weekend is filled with spooky events including a ghost tour with stories about the Greenbrier Ghost and other notable ghouls. The Greenbrier Ghost appears back at the inn and frightens the guests but when a young newlywed is found dead the next morning killed in a similar fashion as the ghost Macy knows she needs to dig in the guests herself. One of them is a killer. She realizes the inn and its guests all seem to be harboring secrets but what drove one of them to kill. She hopes to find out before her haunted weekend comes to an end.

This series is so much fun. While the mystery takes place away from Barks & Beans we still get to check in with the adoptable pooches and the beaming baristas. This time Bo is taking care of Macy’s Great Dane Coal returning the favor of Macy’s taking care of his kitty Stormy when he was recently out of town.

The author creates such marvelous characters, humans, canines, and felines. They are all well developed. I enjoyed the introduction of Della. It takes a special person to care for people at the end of their lives and it was easy to see that she has a huge heart and was well-suited to be a caregiver. She is also ready to open her heart in another way and that little subplot added to the intrigue and touched my heart too.

We were also introduced to Lorraine’s family. Wow, what a group. Ms. Gilbert did an excellent job with those characters as well. Some got my hackles up early, others took a little time but all had me questioning their motives regarding the deaths that occurred. I loved all the twists and turns.  The Greenbriar Inn and its grounds was a fantastic setting for this story.  I had a great time tagging along with Macy even into some really spooky places.

The author does an admirable job of blending everyday activities, special events, and stellar mysteries together for a well-rounded read. In Trouble Brewing readers are treated to a subplot that features a very special adoption. I challenge you not to have a tear in your eye.

I have become a big fan of Heather Day Gilbert. This cozy series is one I find so entertaining and I highly recommend them all. Wonderful characters, lively mysteries, and a big Great Dane that had me from the moment he entered the scene keep me coming back for more.  Cold Drip hits bookshelves May 24, 2022. I can’t wait for my next visit to Barks & Beans.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Heather Day Gilbert

Award-winning novelist Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather’s realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she’s not plotting stories, this native West Virginia gal can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Author Links – Website – Facebook Author Page  – Bookbub  – Goodreads

Twitter: @heatherdgilbert    Instagram: @heatherdaygilbert

Purchase Link: Amazon

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Great Escapes Praise for Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery)
by Heather Day Gilbert

. . . the best thing about Trouble Brewing is the mystery! There are lots of clues for us to follow through many lead to dead ends. Quite literally on occasion. I didn’t know who the culprit was until almost the very end! It’ll keep you guessing.
~Christy’s Cozy Corners

I really enjoyed this book! I have not read any of the Barks and Beans series prior to this and it did not affect my read of this book. In some cases, it can be difficult to jump in mid-series, but I did not find that to be the case with this book.
~Nellie’s Book Nook

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
October 25 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 25 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW
October 26 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
October 26 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 27 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 27 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – REVIEW
October 27 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
October 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 28 – Novels Alive – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 28 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT
October 28 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 29 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
October 29 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 29 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT
October 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
October 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
October 30 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 30 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 31 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 31 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
October 31 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 1 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 1 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
November 1 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
November 1 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Getaway With Murder: The Mountain Lodge Mysteries
Cozy Mystery
Brand New Series
Setting – North Carolina
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250815975
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250815972
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08R2L2ZJL

Getaway With Murder is the first in a cozy series from Diane Kelly set in a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where secrets hide behind every hill.

As if hitting the half-century mark wasn’t enough, Misty Murphy celebrated her landmark birthday by amicably ending her marriage and investing her settlement in a dilapidated mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the old inn teetering on both a bluff and bankruptcy, she must have lost her ever-loving mind.

Luckily, handyman Rocky Crowder has a knack for rehabbing virtual ruins and for doing it on a dime, and to Misty’s delight, the lodge is fully booked on opening night, every room filled with flexible folks who’d slipped into spandex and ascended the peak for a yoga retreat with plans to namastay for a full week. Misty and her guests are feeling zen—at least until the yoga instructor is found dead.

With a killer on the loose and the lodge’s reputation hanging in the balance, Misty must put her detective skills to the test. Only one thing is as clear as a sunny mountain morning—she must solve the crime before the lodge ends up, once again, on the brink.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Misty Murphy celebrates her 50th birthday in an unusual way. She signs divorce papers and moves to the inn she has purchased at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While the inn needs a considerable amount of help, the divorce does not. She and her husband have parted amicably and remain friends.

After a misstep with one contractor, Misty meets Rocky Crowder. He gives her a bid for the work needed that won’t break her budget while adding a fantastic new space and even better he can start the work immediately.

Rocky’s speedy maintenance and construction and Misty’s new hire Brynn allow her to host a yoga retreat that fills every room for the whole week. But the week doesn’t go smoothly as the yogi instructor is found murdered. This isn’t good for Misty or her business. She didn’t know she was going to have to add detective to her innkeeper skills but with the yogis set to leave in just a few days, she is going to have to catch a killer before the bus arrives to take them back down the mountain or die trying.

I really enjoyed this story.

It is so great to have a protagonist leave a marriage and both parties are happy and remain friends both for themselves and the college-age sons. There is no tension and no animosity. In fact, her husband sends her a wonderful gift and offers his help after the murder. This all means Misty Murphy is comfortable in her own skin and ready to take on the huge venture she has ahead of her.

I also am very happy with Rocky Crowder, like Misty, he has grown children he spends time with but his wife is out of the picture. This leads he and Misty to make an unusual arrangement that works for both of them with the promise of their relationship growing in interesting ways.

Misty’s assistant Brynn is more of a wild card as she didn’t reveal some things about herself during the interview. Misty also makes quick friends with the diner owner, Patty, across the parking lot.

All these characters are believable and well fleshed out for the first book in the series. Misty has a connection to the inn from her childhood too which makes her huge move and purchase very understandable.

The guests are a diverse group and barring that someone traveled literally over hill and dale to kill Sasha Ducharme Carlisle one of them is a killer. So Misty has access to all the suspects and the rooms in which they are staying. I enjoyed the way she handled her investigation by getting to know her guests. She took part in some of the yoga sessions and observed them during breakfast and their downtimes in the evening. At one point, I took a little break to formulate my own suspect list more formally because I was as in the dark as Misty and the police. The author was very tricky. She gave an excellent clue to the culprit that I totally dismissed.

Diane Kelly really took her time describing the location of this inn including Misty’s trek up the mountain, and when the guests took a hike. I loved that. She painted wonderful pictures of the area for someone like me that has never had the pleasure of traveling the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Another element that I really enjoyed was that Misty has a cat named Yeti and Yeti gets to pen some short chapters from his point of view. Knowing what a cat is truly thinking is never really possible but the author really captured this cat’s catitude really well. They are also good for a chuckle or two.

Getaway with Murder was such a captivating mystery. I had a hard time putting it down when I had to close my eyes to sleep. I did that one more chapter thing until my Kindle fell to the floor as my eyes slid shut and my hand let it go. The next day I hurried through my work so I could get back to it.

This book has everything I look for in a Perfect Escape – Strong characters that are easy to become invested in, a setting I loved to visit and want to visit again and again, and a mystery that tests me by being well-plotted.

I am excited about this series. The author needs to tread carefully because while an inn brings in a new set of guests for each installment, she can’t kill too many people on the premises because tourists will not want to stay there. It will be fun seeing how the series continues.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

Diane Kelly writes stories that feature feisty female lead characters and their furry, four-footed friends. Diane is the author of over 30 novels and novellas, including the Death & Taxes, Paw Enforcement, and House Flipper mystery series. In 2021, she’ll launch two new series, the Southern Homebrew moonshine series and the Mountain Lodge Mysteries.

Author Links: 

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Also by Diane Kelly

Find More Books by Diane Kelly Here

Click on covers for more book information or to order from Amazon.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

When the tour for this book stopped here on October 13
medical appointments didn’t allow me to get my review written
so I am posting it today.

Deep Green Envy (Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
Setting – Wisconsin
3rd in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ten16 Press (September 21, 2021)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645382931
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645382935
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CMX8S6W

Summer in Deep Lakes sprouts a homegrown murder on the O’Connor farm. Frankie Champagne’s hunt for clues lands her deep in sheep doo-doo, especially after rare stones surface in unexpected places. Crime-solving is no picnic for the baker/vintner as she hops from farm to field to bakery, trying to keep up with the tourist season and track a killer, too.

Dollycas’s Thoughts 

There is nothing better than summer in Wisconsin but Frankie Champagne’s sunny weather is marred by yet another murder.  This time her business partner Carmen’s life could be in jeopardy when a dead man is found on her farm. All the farmhands are questioned.  Carmen and her husband are questioned. But this murder has a far reach and involves more than a little sheep manure.

Frankie and her BFF Carmen own and operate Bubble and Bake, a bakery during the day, and a wine bar at night. Frankie also owns a winery and Carmen and her husband own a sheep farm. The farm provides fertilizer/manure for the vineyard. This all comes into play during this 3rd installment of the Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series. Frankie is like the energizer money, always in motion, and when a murder involves her best friend she rachets that up to an even higher level. She just can’t get the murder out of her head. I think I liked Frankie best in this book over the other two. She really took her investigative techniques to new levels and even got some help from her favorite coroner. She has upped her amateur sleuthing game and I loved it.

This mystery was fun to solve after the story literally started with a gunshot and stayed at a quick clip until the very satisfying ending. The author’s descriptive writing style shined within these pages made every element of this story very easy to picture in my mind.

Deep Green Envy was a real treat to read. Set in my home state of Wisconsin, I love all the familiar references. With each book in this series, I feel more and more at home. I am excited for the continuation of the series and the hijinx the characters will get involved in.

*Note – There is a novella – Deep Lakes Christmas that was released last year that I have not read yet but hope to read over the holidays.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Joy Ann Ribar

Joy Ann Ribar lives in central Wisconsin with her business partner-husband, John. She writes the Deep Lakes Mystery Series, starring baker/vinter and all-around spitfire, Frankie Champagne. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons and local flavors, which she hopes to promote for all to enjoy.

Joy is a member of Sisters in Crime, Midwest Independent Booksellers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.  She enjoys researching viticulture at area wineries, birding, hiking, and chatting with readers.  Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is a little proud to have two bestsellers with Orange Hat Publishing: Deep Dark Secrets (2019) and Deep Bitter Roots (2020), under the Ten16 Press imprint of Orange Hat.

Author Links 

• • Website
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Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N –

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery
by Heather Weidner

I am very disappointed that my reading calendar was full so I can’t review this book right now but am happy to have Heather Weidner return to Escape With Dollycas for another interview.

Hi Heather.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m Heather Weidner, and I write the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries and the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries. By day, I’m an IT manager, and I live with my husband and a pair of crazy Jack Russell Terriers in Central Virginia.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

Surprisingly, a lot of research goes into writing mysteries. I want to make sure that I get the details right. For this series, I did a lot of background research on vintage trailers and tiny houses. I am fascinated by both, and they give Jules an opportunity to show off her decorating skills as she themes each to add to her resort.

Do you ever suffer from Writer’s Block?

Sometimes, but I do a detailed outline for each book, and that helps me as I’m writing. I have an idea of what goes in each chapter. It also helps me not to get bogged down or stuck in the book’s saggy middle. (It also makes it easier when I write the book’s synopsis.)

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Writing is a lot of work. If you want to be published, you need to be persistent. Make sure that you put the time in to learn your craft and genre, build your author platform (website, email list, social sites), and build relationships.

When you are not writing what do you like to do?

I love to read and kayak at the reservoir near my home. I also love to travel and see new sites. I live in Virginia, so there are so many daytrips to see the sights and taste some amazing food.

How has the COVID pandemic affected you and you’re writing?

It has been a crazy time, but it has also been productive for me. At the beginning when we switched to work-from-home, I committed my daily commute time and lunch to writing (about 2 to 2.5 hours a day). I finished 4 novels, 1 novella, and 2 short stories.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would love to go to Scotland and Ireland with a stop on the way back in Iceland. I’ve been working on my family’s genealogy over the years, and I would like to see where my ancestors came from. Hopefully, we’ll get to travel again soon.

What is next on the horizon for you?

I have finished the next two books in the Jules Keene Glamping series, Film Crews and Rendezvous (October 2022), and Christmas Lights and Cat Fights (October 2023). I’m working on a new series set in a beach community, and the fourth Delanie Fitzgerald mystery should be out next year.

Thank you Heather for visiting today! I hope to read Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers soon.

About Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers

Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers – A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (October 19, 2021)
Digital – ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09GGBFWT5

There is nothing like finding a dead body, clad only in red satin thong, on your property to jolt you from a quiet routine. Jules Keene, owner of the posh Fern Valley Camping Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is thrust into the world of the Dark Web when one of her guests, Ira Perkins, is found murdered in the woods near her vintage trailers. Jules quickly discovers that the man who claimed to be on a writing retreat was not what he seemed, and someone will go to any length to find what he left at her resort. Jules, along with her Jack Russell Terrier sidekick Bijou, has to put the rest of the missing pieces of a blackmailing scheme together before her business is ruined.

 

Jules’s resort, set in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville in the quaint town of Fern Valley, offers guests a unique vacation in refurbished and upcycled vintage trailers. Hoping to expand her offerings, she partners with her maintenance/security guy to create a village of tiny houses, the latest home DIY craze, but a second murder of a reporter interrupts Jules’s expansion plans. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she steps up her sleuthing to find out what Ira Perkins was really doing and what he hid at her resort.

 

More About Heather Weidner

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers is the first in her cozy mystery series, the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries. She also writes the Delanie Fitzgerald mystery series set in Virginia (Secret Lives and Private Eyes, The Tulip Shirt Murders, and Glitter, Glam, and Contraband).

Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and her novellas appear in The Mutt Mysteries series.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime – Central Virginia, Sisters in Crime – Chessie, Guppies, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Author Links

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Also by Heather Weidner

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 19 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 21 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST
October 21 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 22 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
October 23 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, GUEST POST
October 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 
October 24 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 25 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
October 27 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 28 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST
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Mistletoe Cake Murder (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
by Lena Gregory

About Mistletoe Cake Murder

Mistletoe Cake Murder (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – Florida
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyrical Press (October 12, 2021)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 219 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08T6JHSZT

’Tis the season for celebrating when Gia Morelli’s holidays include both a wedding and yuletide festivities. Until someone naughty delivers a most unwanted Christmas gift—murder. . .

For a native New Yorker, palm trees and warm temperatures don’t equal winter, much less Christmastime. Nevertheless, Gia Morelli’s friends have decked the halls and trimmed the trees to truly welcome her into their “family” with an old-fashioned Boggy Creek, Florida holiday season. Even more joyous, Savannah Mills is getting married on Christmas Eve—the greatest gift Gia could ever wish for her best friend.

But when Gia and Savannah stop by the caterer for a final tasting a week before the wedding, they overhear another bride arguing with her son about her husband-to-be. Moments later, the woman is sampling a piece of wedding cake—gorgeously decorated with mistletoe frosting—then suddenly dies.

Now Gia’s caterer friends are the prime suspects in what appears to be murder by poisoning. To clear their names and ensure Savannah has a merry matrimony will require Gia to conjure up a Christmas miracle . . .

Includes recipes from the All-Day Breakfast Café!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

You may hear New York native Gia Morelli humming Let It Snow but the only snow falling Boggy Creek, Florida will be of the artificial variety courtesy of her friend Trevor Barnes who has gone all out decorating his home for the Christmas Eve wedding of Gia’s best friend Savannah Mills. Gia and Savanah are finishing up all the details for the nuptials and that includes the final tasting with the caterer. When they arrive they overhear another bride embroiled in an argument with her son. He is definitely not on board with her getting married. A short time later Gia and Savannah hear a bloodcurdling scream. When they rush to see what is happening they find the other bride dead after sampling a piece of wedding cake. The cake was beautifully decorated with fondant mistletoe and berries and the same cake Gia and Savannah had just sampled too. Savannah loved it so much she wanted to switch the cake she had chosen with this mistletoe cake.

Gia and Savannah are clearly alive and well as were all the other people that had a piece of the deadly cake. It is also clear that the bride’s slice of cake contained some type of poison. Of course, the caterers are the number one suspects but Gia just can’t wrap her head around them killing one of their customers. She also wants to be sure Savannah’s big night is marvelous and merry so she is going to be sure this murder investigation is wrapped up before Savannah walks down the aisle.

I loved this story. This is the second book I have reviewed this week that had a great mystery set during the holiday season where the characters created by the author are the reason I couldn’t wait to read this story. Gia and Savannah have such a strong friendship, it is what brought Gia to Florida. They are also in strong romantic relationships. Savannah and Leo are getting married on Christmas Eve at Trevor’s opulent home. Gia’s relationship with Hunt is progressing comfortably. Their jobs sometimes get in the way but they work hard to spend time together even if it is just a few minutes at a time.

Sadly all this romance is marred by a murder. A murder that could blow up Savannah’s wedding plans. I really enjoyed the way the mystery was plotted out. I had theory right away but the author provided several clues that changed by theory time and time again. It was not the easy solve I had first imagined. Finding the right person with the right motive is key and I didn’t find it until Gia did.

I really love Lena Gregory’s writing style. Her in-depth descriptions are well placed and she knows when to pull back and let the characters drive the story. I was so thankful for her detailed description of the magic Trevor created for Leo’s and Savannah’s wedding. I had my virtual invitation and I was able to feel like I was right there. He created a winter wonderland and all the characters we have grown to love were in attendance. And when the clock struck midnight . . . nope you have to read the book yourself.

Mistletoe Cake Murder was a wonderful Christmas gift for readers. Lena Gregory never disappoints. The characters in this series are absolutely delightful and some of my cozy faves. I am so excited to see what happens next for them. I am so glad the future of this series is merry and bright.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Lena Gregory

Lena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, but she recently traded in cold, damp, gray winters for the warmth and sunshine of central Florida, where she now lives with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Her hobbies include spending time with family, reading, and walking. Her love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn’t sleep through the night. She works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor and is a member of Sisters in Crime.

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Great Escapes Praise for Mistletoe Cake Murder (All-Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery)
by Lena Gregory

The story moves at a good pace, with tension, twists, and turns. The characters are wonderful, with a few exceptions, and the mystery unfolds to a logical conclusion . . .
~Christa Reads and Writes

The mystery is well paced with plenty of clues and interesting people popping into the story to provide them. There are wonderful wrong directions to look in and plenty of suspects, most of whom I would vote for locking up, just to make the world a nicer place whether they are the murderer or not.
~I Read What You Write!

This was a really quick read for me because it kept me turning the pages with interest. I still love the Boggy Creek, Florida setting, though I do think I’d briefly miss snow at Christmas . . . The family atmosphere in the cafe and among the friends definitely adds to the coziness of this book.
~Christy’s Cozy Corners

MISTLETOE CAKE MURDER delightfully blends the Christmas holiday, a beautiful wedding, and all of the feels to create a wonderful mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Gia and Savanna are the best of friends, as close as sisters. I really enjoy spending time with them, they are so much fun.
~mjbreviewers

. . . a fabulously fun read that makes you feel at home. A wonderful addition to what has become one of fave series! A total must read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

I found the characters in this book to be well-developed, likable, and believable. The pacing of the story was good throughout.
~Nellie’s Book Nook

There is a good flow to the story, and it’s a quick read as I kept turning the pages. There is nice closure and a happily ever after along with another in the offing.
~Dayna for Novels Alive

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 11 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 11 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW
October 12 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST
October 12 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW,
October 13 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT
October 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews -SPOTLIGHT
October 14 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
October 14 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
October 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
October 15 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW
October 15 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
October 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 18 – Nellie’s Book Nook – REVIEW, GUEST POST
October 18 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT
October 19 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 19 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
October 20 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
October 20 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
October 21 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 21 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
October 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW
October 22 – My Journey Back – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 23 – Diane Reviews Books – GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
October 24 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  
October 24 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!

I am so happy to share my thoughts today
about The Enemy You Gnocchi by Catherine Bruns!

The Enemy You Gnocchi: A Christmas Cozy Mystery
(Italian Chef Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Poisoned Pen Press (October 26, 2021)
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1492684317
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1492684312
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VYFC2VJ

A delicious new holiday mystery from USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns! It’s Christmas time in Harvest Park, so grab your cocoa and sleuthing snow boots for a Christmas cozy mystery sure to sleigh!

It’s the deadliest thyme of the year…

With snow dusting the ground and sauce sizzling on the stove, local chef Tessa Esposito is ready to serve up some holiday cheer. And with the annual Festival of Lights underway, it seems nothing can dim her spirits. Not even Mario Russo, the newest scrooge in town whose espresso bar has been quickly disrupting businesses and stealing customers from Harvest Park’s favorite coffeehouse.

But when Mario is discovered at the festival’s opening, face down in a Santa suit, Tessa realizes the bah humbug runs deeper than she could have imagined. And when one of her dearest friends is implicated in the crime, she must make a list of Mario’s enemies, check them twice, and discover the cold-blooded killer. Especially before they can sleigh again.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Anything’s Pastable (I love that name) is open and owner and chef Tessa Esposito is ready for the holidays. She is baking tons of cookies to be served at Harvest Park’s annual Festival of Lights and getting ready for her Breakfast with Santa on Christmas Eve morning. She is also serving delectable meals at the restaurant on a daily basis. Working long 12 hour days are tiring her out but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Harvest Park newcomer Mario Russo has become a daily customer who appears to have a crush on Tessa and most of the other women in Harvest Park. He opened The Expresso Lane, a coffee bar, about 3 months ago directly across the street from the beloved Archie Fenton’s Java Time. He is a pushy deplorable man that turns off Tessa in every way possible, plus his business is putting a huge dent in Archie’s business and several other Harvest Park businesses. Tessa tries to keep the Christmas Spirit but the man sure does not make that easy.

The first night of the Festival of Lights appears to be a grand success until Marco Russo’s dead body is found outside The Lake House where refreshments were being served and where kids could visit with Santa, the aforementioned Mario Russo. Sadly, the police have pegged Archie Fenton as their prime suspect but Tessa knows the list of Mario’s enemies in long and while most may be nice, someone was naughty and decided Mario would not be brewing another cup of coffee or listening to any more children’s wishes. Tessa with the assistance of her cousin Gabby hopes to identify the killer who will be getting the coal in their stocking behind bars.

This story contains a fabulous mystery set during the holiday season but it is so much more. Catherine Bruns has created characters that I have genuinely grown to enjoy following through their daily joys and trials. Tessa is an excellent protagonist. She has a curious nature and a huge heart. Her best friend Gabby makes an excellent sidekick and will support Tessa in any way she can. Gabby’s brother Gino is a cop who begs them both to stay in their lanes and let the police handle the investigation. Tessa’s landlord Vince is much more than he originally seemed and that made me happy. Firefighter Justin was Tessa’s husband’s best friend. Since her husband’s death, he has helped her in any way he can and has admitted that he does have feelings for her. She also has feelings for him but never wants to lose the friendship they have built so she is afraid to take their relationship to the next level. These characters are very likable and true to life. They face some very dramatic/dangerous situations but they all have each other’s back and will always be there for each other.

The author also includes a wonderful supporting cast that are believably connected and have purpose that adds to the story. Both the core and supporting characters are developing at a reasonable pace. She also created the swarmy Mario and gave this reader plenty to hold against him which led predictably to his death.

This mystery was a lot of fun because there were a lot of suspects. The plethora of suspects added several exciting moments. I just couldn’t zero in on the actual killer so the reveal was a thrilling surprise.

The Enemy You Gnocchi was a fantastic read. I love the way this author blends mystery with just the right amount of romance. The story is also written to draw the reader in and hold on tight. The main mystery is joined by delightful subplots and flows flawlessly. It truly was a Perfect Escape. I can’t wait to return to Harvest Park to see what these characters get into next.

Note – Ms. Bruns has included some marvelous recipes. You will want to try all of them before, during, and after reading this story, so plan ahead.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About the Author

Coming October 26, 2021

Also by Catherine Bruns

I am giving away my ARC Paperback Copy!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

A Brush with Murder: A Paint by Murder Mystery
by Bailee Abbott

About A Brush With Murder

A Brush with Murder: A Paint by Murder Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – New York
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crooked Lane Books (October 12, 2021)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643857746
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643857749
Digital – ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08SVXS4J3

A quiet lakeside town in western New York state is the new home of Manhattan artist Chloe Abbington and the backdrop for murder in this series debut by Bailee Abbott.

For Chloe Abbington, the transition from a fine art painter in New York City to a painting-event business owner in charming Whisper Cove is more than a little jarring. But when poison-pen journalist Fiona Gimble writes a viciously negative review of the newly opened Paint with a View, Chloe learns that critics are the same everywhere. And when she finds Fiona’s body behind her shop with a painting knife in her neck, Chloe realizes that this picture-perfect town offers anything but peace and quiet.

Suddenly, bustling Artisan Alley is a crime scene, and Chloe is the prime suspect. Her sister and business partner, Izzie, isn’t much help–she’s busy running the shop, and besides, she has secrets of her own. As shrewd Detective Barrett tries to paint her into a corner, Chloe soon finds that Fiona had plenty of enemies. The Whisper Cove Gazette columnist wielded her pen like a sword, slicing and dicing just about every shop owner in the lakeside town.

Chloe sets out to prove that she’s been framed for Fiona’s murder. But she’d better learn the fine art of detection quickly before the real killer paints the town red again. Otherwise, she may end up trading in her paint smock for an orange jumpsuit…or a green burial plot.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Chloe Abbington has returned to Whisper Cove to help her sister open her new business, Paint with a View, a painting event shop. Chloe isn’t sure when or if she will return to New York, right now she is just going to do her best to make her sister Izzie’s shop a success.

Journalist Fiona Gimble is not a nice person. She has negatively reviewed almost every place in Whisper Cove and enjoyed doing so. Izzie tried to do the right thing by inviting Fiona to her opening night event. Instead, the woman flung one-liners at Chloe during the event and stated she doesn’t know when she will run the article about Izzie’s shop as she hightails it out the door.

As Chloe finishes cleaning up she goes to take the trash out to the dumpster and finds a very dead Fiona Gimble with a painting knife in her neck. Of course, Chloe is the prime suspect, but she really doesn’t have much history with the victim. She needs to convince Detective Barrett there are plenty of other viable suspects while working to clear her name too. The only thing Chloe would want to be framed is her artwork, not herself for a crime she didn’t commit.

In Brush with Murder, author Bailee Abbott introduces us to Chloe, Izzie, and her parents along with Izzie’s employee Willow and some other friends. I really enjoyed meeting Chloe. She really puts her sister’s interests first. Willow is also a hard worker which is a good thing because Izzie’s interests are clearly divided giving me a negative feeling about her. She pushes a lot off onto Chloe’s shoulders and not the way I would expect someone to act when opening their dream business. Some of the tasks Izzie’s came up with to promote her business felt off too, but those issues were minor. Their parents seem to be the quirky characters a mystery like this needs. Mom is pretty set in her ways and Dad is the cuddly guy that tries to smooth everything out. A surprise appearance by Chloe’s ex shakes up the story in a fun way. I felt the author did a nice job of presenting the core characters, but I hope Izzie grows quickly as the other characters evolve at a reasonable pace. Check out the cute puppy on the cover. That is Chloe’s dog Max, lovable from the very start.

The mystery was complicated by the victim’s own actions. She was a ruthless individual leading to a vast number of suspects in her death. The author drops some clear clues but it took me some time to catch on. When I did my thinking was still diverted by some turns and twists perfectly placed by the author. By the end, the guilty party was at the top of my personal suspect list but there were a couple of others still on the list too. I think Ms. Abbott penned a very interesting mystery that kept me on my toes.

The event painting theme was fun. I really liked the painting your pets event and would love to do something like that for my own pets. It seemed to be set up for novice painters which I truly am.

Brush with Murder was a really good first installment for this series. I hope Izzie grows on me in the next installment because I truly like the other characters and think the series has a lot of potential.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Bailee Abbott

Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Visits to Bemus Point, a town along the Chautauqua Lake in southwest New York inspired the setting for the PAINT BY MURDER mystery series. She also writes the SIERRA PINES B&B mystery series under the name Kathryn Long.

Author Links

 Author Website   Facebook Page     Twitter    Goodreads  

Purchase Links

– Amazon     Barnes & Noble    Kobo      Apple  

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Great Escapes Praise for A Brush with Murder: A Paint by Murder Mystery
by Bailee Abbott

A Brush with Murder transports readers to Whisper Cove where there is a wrathful departed reporter, pleasurable paint projects, shop owner suspects, a cuddly canine, a determined detective, a bothersome ex-beau, and a curious Chloe.
~The Avid Reader

I loved the characters and the backdrop of painting was so entertaining.
~Moonlight Rendezvous

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 11 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 11 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
October 11 – Novels Alive – SPOTLIGHT
October 12 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 12 – Moonlight Rendezvous – REVIEW  
October 13 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – GUEST POST
October 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 14 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 14 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
October 15 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 17 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 18 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
October 20 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  
October 20 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On Flashback Fridays I will share with you
the books I was not able to review
when they were first released that have been screaming at me
from my To-Be-Read bookshelf.

Howloween Murder (A Melanie Travis Mystery)
Cozy Wednesday
26th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kensington (August 25, 2020)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496730577
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496730572
Paperback ‏(August 24, 2021) : ‎ 192 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1496730585
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1496730589
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082WRWK5X

As the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, counts down to a spooky celebration on October 31st, a horrifying murder leaves Melanie Travis pawing for clues in a hair-raising game of trick-or-treat . . .

With just a few days left before Halloween, everyone at Howard Academy is anticipating the guaranteed sugar high they’ll experience from gorging on Harriet Bloom’s famous marshmallow puffs. The school’s annual costume party revolves around the headmaster’s assistant and her seemingly supernatural batches of gooey goodies. So, it’s a shock when Harriet’s elderly neighbor is suddenly found dead with the beloved dessert in his hand.

Melanie knows her tenured colleague would never intentionally serve cyanide-laced puffs to a defenseless old man. But as explosive neighborhood gossip reveals a potential culprit, it also brings her closer to sealing her own doom. Because on an evening ruled by masked revelers, Halloween might just be the perfect opportunity for a cold-hearted killer to get away with murder once again—this time sending a nosy, unsuspecting sleuth to an early grave!

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Howard Academy is getting ready for their annual Halloween costume party complete with the headmaster’s secretary’s marshmallow puffs. Harriet Bloom has been providing the treats for years and she even shares them with her neighbors. Everyone looks forward to these delightful puffs of marshmallows. But this year the treats appear to be the vehicle used to poison her elderly neighbor, Ralph Penders. So while everyone knows Harriet wouldn’t poison anyone the police have confiscated all the puffs made for the party.

Melanie is worried Harriet may be convicted of a crime she didn’t commit so she agrees to collect the marshmallow puffs from Harriet’s neighbors while trying to find out more about Mr. Penders and who may have wanted him dead. But not everyone is anxious to answer her questions. She may have even put herself on the killer’s radar sealing her own howloween fate.

I do love visiting Melanie, Sam, Davey, Kevin, Aunt Peg, and all their dogs. Faith is truly a special poodle, I love her empathic nature and the way she helps with Melanie’s students. I also love the relationship between Sam and Melanie. They truly are a perfect match and their love just shines in every interaction. Aunt Peg played a smaller role in this story but she does play a huge role for a special family. Almost all the characters Ms. Berenson creates are genuine and true to life. Even the dogs each have their own personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Of course, she has to create a few people as suspects with questionable traits but she gives them layers to work through to reach their motives. I will say my heart was touched by the elderly victim and his circumstances.

I really enjoyed the Halloween theme as a background to the mystery. While Kevin tries to decide on a Halloween costume and she continues to work with her students Melanie divides her time up to include questioning likely suspects. The author blends it all together with a balanced hand. She drops the clues and inserts twists like the pro she is. I found myself leaning toward a certain character but it sure was fun to follow Melanie along step by step as she honed in on the killer and proved me right.

You really can’t go wrong with any book in this series. All are well-plotted and written. The characters are easy to become invested in too. The author does write each book to be read on its own so you can jump in anywhere. Howloween Murder was a fun and entertaining read perfect for this time of year. It was a howling good time.

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About This Author

Laurien Berenson is an Agatha and Macavity Nominee, winner of the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and four-time winner of the Maxwell Award, presented by the Dog Writers Association of America. She and her husband live on a farm in Kentucky surrounded by dogs and horses.

Find out more about her and her books on her webpage here. Find her on Facebook here and on Twitter here.

THE REST OF THE SERIES

Deep Green Envy (Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series)
by Joy Ann Ribar

Welcome to Cozy Wednesday! 

I am very happy to feature Deep Green Envy today!

About Deep Green Envy

Deep Green Envy (Deep Lakes Cozy Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
Setting – Wisconsin
3rd in Series
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ten16 Press (September 21, 2021)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1645382931
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1645382935
Digital Print length ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09CMX8S6W

Summer in Deep Lakes sprouts a homegrown murder on the O’Connor farm. Frankie Champagne’s hunt for clues lands her deep in sheep doo-doo, especially after rare stones surface in unexpected places. Crime-solving is no picnic for the baker/vintner as she hops from farm to field to bakery, trying to keep up with the tourist season and track a killer, too.

Dollycas’s Thoughts – Review Coming Soon! 

About Joy Ann Ribar

Joy Ann Ribar lives in central Wisconsin with her business partner-husband, John. She writes the Deep Lakes Mystery Series, starring baker/vinter and all-around spitfire, Frankie Champagne. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons and local flavors, which she hopes to promote for all to enjoy.

Joy is a member of Sisters in Crime, Midwest Independent Booksellers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.  She enjoys researching viticulture at area wineries, birding, hiking, and chatting with readers.  Joy and her husband, John, someday plan to sell their house, buy an RV and travel around the U.S. spreading good cheer and hygge! Joy is a little proud to have two bestsellers with Orange Hat Publishing: Deep Dark Secrets (2019) and Deep Bitter Roots (2020), under the Ten16 Press imprint of Orange Hat.

Author Links 

• • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N –

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 4 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 4 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 5 – Novels Alive – GUEST POST
October 5 – Baroness’ Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT
October 6 – Reading Authors Network – RECIPE
October 6 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW
October 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 7 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
October 7 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
October 8 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
October 9 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 9 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT
October 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 11 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT
October 11 – Novels Alive – REVIEW
October 12 – My Journey Back – CHARACTER GUEST POST
October 12 – Mysteries with Character – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 12 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
October 13 – BookishKelly2020 – SPOTLIGHT  
October 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Wedding Soup Murder
by Rosie Genova

About The Wedding Soup Murder

The Wedding Soup Murder (An Italian Kitchen Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
Reissue 2nd in the Series
 Two Roses Books; 2nd edition (October 3, 2021)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 275 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HRFTX69
Setting: A seaside town at the New Jersey shore

A wedding with all the trimmings—and death as an unexpected guest…

Victoria Rienzi came home to the Jersey shore to research a new book and perfect her cooking skills at her family’s seaside restaurant, the Casa Lido. But when Vic’s exacting nonna puts her in charge of catering the soup course for a wedding at the exclusive Belmont Country Club, it’s not long before trouble is simmering in the kitchen. Three temperamental chefs are butting heads, their sous chefs are throwing punches, and the formidable club president, Elizabeth Merriman, antagonizes everyone around her.

Elizabeth, aka “The Iron Lady,” has made her share of enemies, including the father of the bride, who was caught embezzling from the country club. She threatens to fire the famous pastry chef in charge of the wedding cake, who doesn’t bother to hide her hatred of Elizabeth. And who is the mystery man in dark glasses, who never leaves the older woman’s side?

Though the wedding goes off without a hitch, by the time the happy couple and their guests depart, Elizabeth Merriman is missing. When her body is found on the beach the next morning, it appears that the country club president slipped from the top of the seawall, but Vic isn’t convinced. Did The Iron Lady finally push someone too far? And did that someone push her back—into the arms of death?

Rosie Genova is re-releasing her Italian Kitchen Mysteries.
This review was posted for the original release back in
September of 2014.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Another winner from this author.  I was spoiled by being to read both books in this series back to back.

I have fallen hard for the whole Rienzi family.  They are all back.  The romantic triangle/tension continues to evolve between Vic, her old boyfriend Tim, and carpenter Cal. Nonna is still keeping her family in check and strongly guiding them to her way of thinking. All the characters are growing as we get to know them better.

In this installment, we meet the chefs at the Belmont Country Club, and let’s just say I would rather spend time with chef Gordon Ramsey:) These chefs are extremely temperamental and are not happy having outsiders in their kitchen.  When the Club President is found dead there are plenty of suspects including the chefs and the father of the bride.

I was very impressed with the way Genova weaves the mystery into the Rienzi family subplots. It is seamless. Having a mystery writer as the protagonist just blends everything together deliciously, like a masterful piece of Italian lasagna, with plenty of layers. This breathes life into the characters and makes them jump off the pages.

As with the first story the descriptions and talk of the food made me so hungry. Again I appreciate the recipes included in the back of the book.

The only part I don’t like is that now I have to wait for a whole year to visit this wonderful Italian family. Ciao Rienzi Family! I can’t wait until we meet again!!

Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent

About Rosie Genova

Bestselling and award-winning author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. The inspiration for her cozy series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, comes from her deep appreciation for Italian food, her affinity for the New Jersey seaside, and her love of classic mysteries from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. A former journalist and teacher, Rosie also writes women’s fiction and suspense. The proud mama of three grown sons, she still lives in her favorite state with her husband and a charming mutt named Lucy.

Author Links  – Webpage    Amazon Author Page     Facebook    GoodReads    BookBub

Purchase Links – Amazon –

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
October 11 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – REVIEW*, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
October 11 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT
October 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, RECIPE
October 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW*
October 13 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT
October 13 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT
October 13 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
October 14 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
October 14 – Celticlady’s Reviews – RECIPE, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY
October 15 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
October 15 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT
October 16 – I Read What You Write – GUEST POST
October 16 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”