Truffle Trouble - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on Truffle Trouble by Amanda Flower. This book is the tenth Amish Candy Shop Mystery that will be released this week.

Blurb:

Horror d'oeuvres

Summer is finally upon the village of Harvest, Ohio, nestled in picturesque Amish Country, and folks are abuzz over their very own Bailey King’s upcoming June wedding. The Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets is marrying Holmes County Sheriff Aiden Brody. To sweeten the occasion will be a scrumptious giant chocolate truffle wedding cake, made especially for the happy couple by Bailey’s New York City mentor, Jean Pierre. Other than the risk of the ring bearer, Jethro the pig, taking a bite out of the confection, what could go wrong?

As it turns out, a food-related disaster does befall the day. But with Bailey in the mix, it’s nothing so pedestrian as a peckish pig. At the reception, a wedding guest dies after sampling the hors d'oeuvres. Café owner and new caterer Darcy Woodin, who made all the food except the desserts, is pegged by police as the number one suspect. Even more incriminating, the victim is one of Darcy's ex-boyfriends . . .
Still, Bailey is friends with Darcy, and she’s certain the young woman is innocent. Even before the first dance with her new husband, Bailey’s on the case. Can she help solve it in time for her honeymoon—or will a killer try to end her happily ever after before it’s even begun . . .?
 

To Slip the Bonds of Earth - A Spotlight

In honor of the Malice Domestic Mystery Convention help this past weekend I thought I'd shine a spotlight on the Agatha winner for best historical mystery. To Slip the Bonds of Earth by Amanda Flower is the first book in the Katharine Wright Mystery series.

 Blurb: 

December 1903: While Wilbur and Orville Wright’s flying machine is quite literally taking off in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with its historic fifty-seven second flight, their sister Katharine is back home in Dayton, Ohio, running the bicycle shop, teaching Latin, and looking after the family. A Latin teacher and suffragette, Katharine is fiercely independent, intellectual, and the only Wright sibling to finish college. But at twenty-nine, she’s frustrated by the gender inequality in academia and is looking for a new challenge. She never suspects it will be sleuthing…

Returning home to Dayton, Wilbur and Orville accept an invitation to a friend’s party. Nervous about leaving their as-yet-unpatented flyer plans unattended, Wilbur decides to bring them to the festivities . . . where they are stolen right out from under his nose. As always, it’s Katharine’s job to problem solve—and in this case, crime-solve.

As she sets out to uncover the thief among their circle of friends, Katharine soon gets more than she bargained for: She finds her number one suspect dead with a letter opener lodged in his chest. It seems the patent is the least of her brothers’ worries. They have a far more earthbound concern—prison. Now Katharine will have to keep her feet on the ground and put all her skills to work to make sure Wilbur and Orville are free to fly another day.

Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a new release that also happens to be a book in a series in which I am behind. Honeymoons Can Be Hazardous by Amanda Flower is the fourth book in the Amish Matchmaker Mystery series.It was released December 22, 2022.

Blurb:

Millie’s decidedly not Amish best friend, Lois Henry, is outspoken, colorful, and so hopelessly romantic, she’s had four husbands. Millie doesn’t judge, and she also doesn’t expect to run into Lois’s most recent ex, gambler Gerome Moorhead, in small-town Harvest, Ohio. With him is the very young, new Mrs. Moorhead, aka “Honeybee.” Lois is outraged, but Millie is completely shocked to learn the next day that Gerome is already a widower . . .
 
When a large wood carving at the cozy Munich Chalet falls on “Honeybee,” all eyes turn toward Lois. Who else would want a tourist—a complete stranger—dead? And half of Harvest witnessed Lois’s enmity toward the young woman. Suddenly Millie must put aside her sewing needle and flex her sleuthing skills. She’s no stranger to a murder investigation, after all, and if she doesn’t learn who killed Honeybee, Lois could go from Millie’s boisterous best friend to her horrified prison penpal . . .

Fatal Flowers - A Review

 Review

FATAL FLOWERS by Jess Dylan
The Third Flower House Mystery 

Always looking to expand her business, Sierra Ravenswood is pleased at the opportunity to provide the flowers for the wedding of the mayor's daughter. Shocked that the wedding is only a few weeks away and surprised that the bride appears blasé, Sierra nonetheless is excited to join in. While the bride and her mother are gracious Taz, the wedding planner, is arrogant and condescending. A meeting of the wedding vendors turns into a crime scene when Sierra finds his body. Known for her investigative talents as well as her flowers, Sierra will try to uncover the secrets Taz had as well as who had enough of the pompous wedding planner.

An unhappy bride, an insular group of wedding vendors, as well as the status of the wedding, make the story rife with drama, like a pressure cooker ready to pop open. Adding to the drama, someone appears to be targeting Sierra and she is questioning her relationship with Calvin. I admit that I am concerned about some of his ideas.

Appalachian folk wisdom is interspersed throughout the mystery bringing a wonderful sense of place. Combined with Deena's decadent floral themed treats and a sweet dog, I long to visit Aerieville and will have to content myself to waiting for the next book to be released.

FATAL FLOWERS is a smart engaging mystery that captivates with Appalachian charm, wonderful characters, and a clever plot.

Petals and Poison - An Interview & Review

I'm pleased to welcome Jess Dylan to Cozy Up With Kathy. Jess writes the Flower House Mystery series. PETALS AND POISON is the second book in the series.

Kathy: In the Flower House Mystery series Sierra Ravenswood finds herself back in her hometown of Aerieville, Tennessee. Did you ever move away, only to find your way back home?

JD: I haven’t moved back to my hometown, but I did leave my home state, only to return eight years later. After getting married, my husband and I moved from the Midwest to New York. We made some good memories there, but I missed my family and didn’t like being so far away. After having our child, we decided to move back to Illinois. Now we’re only a three-hour drive from my folks, instead of thirteen. Much easier!

Kathy: I love plants, but one of my cats makes sure I don't bring any inside. Sadly, I've let my outside garden go as well. Maybe this year I'll get back on track as I do love plants. Do you have a green thumb?

JD: I’d say I have a pale green thumb, if that’s a thing. LOL. I love plants too and always have a few houseplants, as well as flowers, herbs, and sometimes vegetables in the backyard in the summer. But I have to admit my success rate is mixed—some plants survive and others don’t. I keep trying, though!

 

Kathy: I love all kinds of plants and flowers from monkshood to fruit trees, lilacs, rose of sharon, chives, and more. My favorite flower is the violet. Do you have a favorite flower?

JD: Truly, I think I love all flowers! Lilacs and rose of Sharon are two of my backyard plants that luckily bloom each year. For outdoors, I also love roses, marigolds, geraniums, black-eyed Susans, and columbine. And of course tulips and daffodils in the spring! …But if I had to pick a favorite, I’d go with zinnias, because of their bright cheerful colors.

 

Kathy: In PETALS AND POISON Sierra creates a window display featuring plants and flowers that bring luck and prosperity. Have you ever utilized plants for purposes other than their beauty?

JD: In the past, I’ve used aloe vera for sunburns and minor skin irritations. And as a vegetarian, edible plants are a big part of my diet. J

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

JD: I’ve always loved mysteries, ever since I discovered Nancy Drew as a young child. As an adult, I think what first drew me to cozies was the fact that they are usually series books featuring an amateur sleuth—kind of like a grown-up version of Nancy Drew.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

JD: Not at the moment. It might be fun to expand my writing someday... But whatever I write, it will have to involve a mystery in one way or another!


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

JD: The Flower House Mystery series follows Sierra Ravenswood, a former singer-songwriter, who failed to hit the big time in Nashville and had to move back to her small hometown of Aerieville, Tennessee. She’s working part-time at Flower House floral shop, when her eccentric boss unexpectedly decides to take off— leaving her in charge. Sierra is an optimist, who believes things happen for a reason, but this attitude is constantly challenged when she keeps encountering murder and mayhem.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

JD: I spend the most time with the main character, Sierra, naturally, and she's a lot of fun. She loves to use the Law of Attraction and other self-help tools not only to make her dreams come true, but also to help solve mysteries. Her grandmother, Granny Mae, is my favorite secondary character. Granny believes in many of the old Appalachian superstitions and likes to impart her homespun wisdom, along with folk healing remedies and charms. From what I've heard, Granny is a reader favorite too!


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

JD: The flower shop theme was suggested by my editor, but the Smoky Mountains location was inspired by my first visit to the Gatlinburg area years ago. I think beautiful natural areas, especially woodsy mountains, make a nice, atmospheric backdrop for any mystery.

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

JD: Even as a child, I always loved to write. It never occurred to me that I could do it professionally until much later. I wrote my first complete book, Midsummer Night’s Mischief, just to see if I could do it. I was happy with the story I concocted, featuring a Wiccan amateur sleuth, and I thought others might enjoy it too.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

JD: Ooh, that’s a tough one! There are so many interesting possibilities. I think I’d start with four great 20th century women mystery writers, two English and two American: Agatha Christie, Mary Stewart, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and Elizabeth Peters.
 

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

JD: I always have a few different books going at once. At the moment, I'm reading IN THE COMPANY OF WITCHES by Auralee Wallace, GETAWAY WITH MURDER by Diane Kelly, and HAD SHE BUT KNOWN: A Biography of Mary Roberts Rinehart by Charlotte MacLeod.

 

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

JD: Besides reading and journaling, one of my longtime interests is practicing yoga. I recently recommitted to a daily at-home yoga practice, which has been so good for my body, mind, and spirit. (And, of course, a good counterbalance to all the sitting I do!)
 

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

JD: Cereal and coffee in the pantry, almond milk and frozen blueberries in the fridge. If all else fails, at least I'll have breakfast!
 

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

JD: I always have multiple plans for a variety of books and projects. Finding the time to follow through is another story... But I'll for sure keep writing! FATAL FLOWERS, Book 3 in the Flower House Mystery series, is available for preorder now and will be released in May. (For more info, visit https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250769527/fatalflowers.)


Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author? 

JD: I love the opportunity to use my imagination and creativity, to make up stories and share them with the world—or at least a little slice of the world! I feel lucky to be able to do it.

*********************************************************************

JESS DYLAN is an environmental attorney by day and author by night. A lifelong mystery lover, she’s thrilled to write fun cozy mysteries including the Flower House Mysteries and, as Jennifer David Hesse, the Wiccan Wheel Mysteries. Born and raised in Central Illinois, Jess now lives, works, and plays in "sweet home" Chicago. In her spare time, Jess enjoys hanging out with her family, hiking in the woods, practicing yoga, and reading old Nancy Drew books.

Visit Jess (and sign up for her newsletter for a host of freebies!) at www.jessdylan.com.

*******************************************************************************************

Review

PETALS AND POISON by Jess Dylan
The Second Flower House Mystery

Sierra Ravenswood is finally feeling at home managing the Flower House and she wants to make it succeed. To that end she's adding a cafe and creating a window display filled with plants that bring good luck and abundance. When a van full of college kids pulls up, instead of lots of paying customers, Sierra gets nothing but trouble. The college professor in charge is haughty and her delivery driver is not the only one giving him looks that could kill. However, it wasn't looks, but rather blunt force trauma that killed the man, leaving him in Sierra's storeroom. When the police start looking closely at Calvin, Sierra knows she has to find the real killer.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to the Flower House and intend to go back and read the first book in the series while waiting to enjoy the third. Sierra is a fine protagonist with a great outlook on life. I especially love Granny and look forward to learn more folklore from her. The relationship between Sierra and her family is honest and funny, as well as loving. All of the characters are multi-dimensional, with tons of backstory that is slowly revealed. The set up had me invested in both the characters and the shop. If I lived in Aerieville I'd be looking for reasons to go to the Flower House!

I found the mystery intriguing and had an inkling for the motive behind the killing by one clue; a unique and fascinating reason. I appreciate the way Sierra looked into the crime and her desire to help her friend. Here's hoping that her friendship with Calvin will develop into something more.

PETALS AND POISON brings in the laws of attraction and Appalachian wisdom to enhance a clever mystery.

Farm to Trouble - A Review

 Review

FARM TO TROUBLE by Amanda Flower
The First Farm to Table Mystery

Shiloh Bellamy has left life as a Hollywood producer to try to help her ailing father and save her family farm in Cherry Glen, Michigan. With a plan she's sure her father won't like, Shiloh finds an investor and agrees to a cutthroat agreement-if she doesn't turn a profit in two years she could lose the farm. What she doesn't know is that the investor is one of the most despised men in town. Buying up property left and right and almost owning the entire town already, he's seen as the devil incarnate. Shiloh also didn't know how bad the farm's condition truly was. Feeling she has no choice but to finalize her deal with the devil, Shiloh goes to meet him at the Farmer's Market only to find his dead body. With a less than stellar return home, Shiloh knows she'd better root out a killer, before she loses the farm!

Generally, cozy mysteries have a setting I want to spend time in and people with whom I want to hang out. I'm not sure I feel that way about Cherry Glen. The small town may have changed from run down to burgeoning, but the majority of its residents are unpleasant and downright nasty! I can't stand Shiloh's cousin, which is surprising as I'm a theatre person and adore the restoration of old buildings. Shiloh's father is a jerk, Quinn's mother is a shrew, and I have no words for Minnie! The good news is that I do like Shiloh, who is competent, hard working, and kind. I love Huckleberry, who is quite the character! There are some pleasant people in town and I hope they take on more prominence in future books.

The mystery itself was intriguing and well plotted, with almost everyone a possible suspect. I especially liked the fact that while the mystery was solved, there are ongoing issues to address and another puzzle to figure out. I also think a certain character may have a new role in the next book and I look forward to seeing if my hunch is correct.

With FARM TO TROUBLE Amanda Flower has planted the seeds of a richly satisfying mystery series. I look forward to watching the characters grow and flourish...and seeing who gets weeded out next!

 

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Farm to Trouble by Amanda Flower. This book is the first in the Farm to Table Mystery series and will be released next week.

Shiloh Bellamy has left life as a Hollywood producer to try to help her ailing father and save her family farm in Cherry Glenn, Michigan. With a plan she's sure her father won't like, Shiloh finds an investor and agrees to a cutthroat agreement-if she doesn't turn a profit in two years she could lose the farm. What she doesn't know is the investor is one of the most despised men in town. Buying up property left and right and almost owning the entire town already, he's seen as the devil incarnate. Shiloh also didn't know how bad the farm's condition truly was. Feeling she has no choice but to finalize her deal with the devil, Shiloh goes to meet him at the Farmer's Market only to find his dead body. With a less than stellar return home, Shiloh knows she'd better root out a killer, before she loses the farm!

Botched Butterscotch - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a new release. Botched Butterscotch by Amanda Flower is an  Amish Candy Shop short story.

Blurb:

A slice of intrigue. . .  

Mother’s Day is a sweet and busy time at the candy shop Bailey King runs with her Amish grandmother. This year is extra special, because Bailey’s parents are visiting Harvest, Ohio. Bailey’s father has rarely returned since leaving the Amish faith over thirty years ago, but Bailey is confident that the right treats can help sugarcoat any awkwardness. For Mother’s Day Tea at the local church, she’s whipping up her mom’s favorite: butterscotch fudge. All’s going well, until a sticky-fingered thief makes off with the money raised for a local women’s support group.

While Bailey tries to discover who stuck their fingers in the cookie jar, she encounters an assortment of suspects. It doesn’t help that Juliet, mother of Deputy Aiden Brody, is conspiring with Bailey’s mom to plan Aiden and Bailey’s wedding…though they’re not even engaged! Can Bailey find the culprit before events—both criminal and personal—boil over into disaster?
 
Recipe Included!

Matchmaking Can Be Murder - A Review

Review

MATCHMAKING CAN BE MURDER by Amanda Flower

The First Amish Matchmaker Mystery

Widow Millie Fisher has a special power, she knows when two people are meant to be together. She knows that her niece Edith should not marry Zeke Miller, who only wants her for her greenhouse business. But as she's considering how to convince Edith, Edith tells her she will not go through with the wedding. Millie is secretly thrilled, but knows she must be discrete. When the news breaks at her Quilting Circle Millie tries to stem the tide of gossip, but will her efforts be enough? And when Zeke is found dead in the greenhouse gossip spreads like wildfire, from both the Amish and the English!

What a fun mystery! Even after finishing the book I continue to visualize several scenes and start laughing. Phillip and Peter, Millie's two goats, are the obvious scene stealers. As I write this I picture them chasing Ruth and I start laughing again. Another cause for laughter is Millie's old friend and new sidekick Englischer Lois. What a hoot! Outlandish and brash, her street smarts and boisterous sense of fun and adventure are a perfect counterpoint to the more reserved Amish Millie. Not that Millie is some prim older woman. Our protagonist is caring, wise, and has her own good sense of humor. She is not perfect and she realizes it. I am also pleased with her reaction to the return of another old friend, Uriah Schrock, and see some romance on this matchmaker's horizon, for herself!

Beyond the giggles is a heartfelt story. It's a tale of redemption, regret, and wrongdoing. Past deeds, and miscommunication created rifts and how the people involved deal with those issues creates the drama here. The past can't be changed, but can hurts be mended or has the damage been done, never to be rectified? And can more problems ensue? I also like the modern angles showcased here and the Amish shown in a realistic light in today's world. I also really like the interaction between the worlds of the Amish and the English; how they interact and what happens when their worlds collide.

MATCHMAKING CAN BE MURDER is a funny yet touching start to a charming new series. While this series is a spinoff from Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop series, you don't have to know anything about that series to thoroughly enjoy this one.

Currently Reading...

I just started reading Matchmaking Can Be Murder by Amanda Flower. This book is the first in the Amish Matchmaker Mystery series and was released yesterday.

Widow Millie Fisher has a special power, she knows when two people are meant to be together. She knows that her niece Edith should not marry Zeke Miller, who only wants her for her greenhouse business. But as she's considering how to convince Edith, Edith tells her she will not go through with the wedding. Millie is secretly thrilled, but knows she must be discrete. When the news breaks at her Quilting Circle Millie tries to stem the tide of gossip, but will her efforts be enough?

2018 - A Year of Reviews in Review

As 2018 draws to a close I thought I'd take a look back at some of the great books I was privileged to read.

By the time the year ends I will have read at least 91 books. The most books I've read in a year, primarily due to me overextending myself...and also because so many interesting books are being published!

I was introduced to a lot of new series this year. I think my favorite is one that cannot fully be categorized. It's a historical, a paranormal, and a comedy all rolled up in a traditional mystery: the Barnabas Tew Mystery series by Columbine Noonan. I actually read the first two in the series this year. Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Missing Scarab and Barnabas Tew and the Case of the Nine Worlds are a delightful romp through mythology and great mysteries.

It should come as no surprise that I am partial to historical mysteries as well as paranormal ones.  MURDER ON MILLIONAIRES' ROW by Erin Lindsey also fits both of those categories. 

Vampires are quite popular and I was delighted to discover a Vampire Mystery series. THE VAMPIRE KNITTING CLUB is the first in this series by Nancy Warren. Other top paranormal entries this year include A MAGICAL MATCH by Juliet Blackwell, CLAIRVOYANT AND PRESENT DANGER by Lena Gregory, and the new Magic Garden Mystery series by Amanda Flower which starts with FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY.

I also love Gothics and THE BOOK OF THE BELOVED by Carolyn Haines fits that bill.

A historical series that really stood out for me is the Art Deco series by L. A. Chandlar. This series really should be read in order so start with THE SILVER GUN and continue with THE GOLD PAWN. Other historical mysteries that stood out this year include DEADLY FASHION by Kate Parker, MURDER, SHE REPORTED by Peg Cochran, and TURNING THE TIDE by Edith Maxwell. I also adore series that combines the present with the past. PAST AND PRESENT by Judy Sheluk is the second Marketville Mystery and I read all three of the Dr. Pimms Intermillennial Sleuth Mystery series by L.J. M Owen this year: OLMEC OBITUARY, MAYAN MENDACITY,  and EGYPTIAN ENIGMA.

The return I was most excited about was seeing Jack Shepard again. I waited ten years to hear from my PI and was thrilled for his return in THE GHOST AND THE BOGUS BESTSELLER by Cleo Coyle.

I also love food and was thrilled to find two new series showcasing Chinese and Mediterranean restaurants. I love Vivien Chien's Noodle House Mystery series, not only for her great characters and intriguing mysteries, but the setting, Cleveland, Ohio, where I once lived. Start with DEATH BY DUMPLING and continue with DIM SUM OF ALL FEARS. Baklava is one of my favorite desserts and, although known for their hummus bar, I might be able to find some in Tina Kashian's Kebab Kitchen Mystery series. Start with HUMMUS AND HOMICIDE and continue onto STABBED IN THE BAKLAVA. Want some breakfast? I love Sarah Fox's Pancake House Mystery series. The fourth book in this series was released this year, YEAST OF EDEN. She also started a new series, the Literary Pub Mystery series. I really enjoyed WINE AND PUNISHMENT. When speaking of food we can't forget beverages and I love the Whisky Business Mystery series by Melinda Mullet. DEADLY DRAM, the third book in the series, was released this year.

I'm fond of several religious mysteries and was delighted to discover Sister Agnes. You can find her in the Sister Agatha and Father Selwyn Mystery series by Jane Willan. Check out my review of the second book in the series, THE HOUR OF DEATH.

New books in favorite series also include LETHAL IN OLD LACE by Duffy Brown and TOUCAN KEEP A SECRET by Donna Andrews.

If you like short stories, you mustn't miss Gigi Pandian's THE CAMBODIAN CURSE & OTHER STORIES: A JAYA JONES TREASURE HUNT MYSTERY COLLECTION.

I read many more delightful mysteries and I know that I'm leaving out some great ones...but I hope you enjoy seeing some of the books that meant a lot to me this year. I'm certain that 2019 will bring even more great reading.

Flowers and Foul Play - Review

Review

FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY by Amanda Flower

The First Magic Garden Mystery

Fiona Knox's life has been turned upside down. Her beloved godfather, Ian, died, her flower shop went out of business, and her fiancee left her for the cake decorator! Fiona arrives in Scotland to Duncreigan, the cottage and garden bequeathed to her only to find more turmoil as she and her godfather's trusted friend and caretaker find the dead body of Ian's lawyer in the withered garden. The lawyer was  disliked by many, primarily due to his selling out the town to developers, but the Chief Inspector has pegged Hamish for the murder. Certain of his innocence, Fiona investigates the town and its residents, but will she find the murderer or will the murderer find her?

The first Magic Garden Mystery ticks all the requirements of a great cozy mystery. There's a sympathetic protagonist to whom we can relate, a quaint setting in a charming town, some adorable scene stealing animals, a possible love interest, and a touch of magic! Not only that, there's a well plotted mystery with lots of suspects along with some excitement.

There's just a hint of magic found here, which grows as the book progresses. Scottish lore plays an important role, both in securing the setting and adding charm and mystical possibilities. I look forward to Fiona discovering her true role as Keeper of the Garden and discovering, along with her, just what that entails. I was enchanted, not only by the mysterious garden, but by my two favorite characters, Duncan and Ivanhoe. The mischievous and fierce little squirrel and the regal and entitled cat are fully developed characters in their own right. I only hope they can declare peace with each other as I want to continue reading about both of them. 

FLOWERS AND FOUL PLAY is a great start to a charming new mystery series sure to delight readers.

Assaulted Caramel - Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a new release. ASSAULTED CARAMEL by Amanda Flower is the first book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and was released earlier this week.

From the back cover:

Sometimes you need a sweet tooth to take a bite out of crime . . .

Bailey King is living the sweet life as an assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey's up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather's heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.

She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen-with Jebediah King's chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .

Recipe Included!

Barton Farm Wedding Punch - Guest Post, Review, & Giveaway

Barton Farm Wedding Punch

By Amanda Flower

Spring is here and summer is right around the corner, so that means wedding season. If you are going to a wedding or just a fun party here is an easy punch recipe straight from Barton Farm, the living history museum and setting for The Final Vow, to wow your guest.

Barton Farm Wedding Punch

Prep time: five minutes

Ingredients:

1 two liter of ginger ale

1 two  liter of sprite or 7up

1 bottle of sparkling cider (hard or not-- depends on the party)

Rainbow sherbert

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl and enjoy!

*****

Amanda Flower, a national bestselling and  Agatha Award-winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling  author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio.

Follow Amanda on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

****************************************************************************

Review

THE FINAL VOW by Amanda Flower

The Third Living History Museum Mystery

With the fear of losing funding for the museum and custody of her son, Kelsey Cambridge has to put a smile on her face and play nice with her ex-husband's bridezilla and the wedding planner from hell. While she has to attempt to appease the women, Kelsey will not risk safety at Barton Farm and adamantly denies putting lights in the church's steeple. Yet Jason comes rushing to Kelsey's door saying he saw lights in the steeple and, when he went to check it out, a dead woman's body on the ground. Who was attempting to string lights after hours in defiance of Kelsey's edict? Was it an accident? Or did the shadow in the window indicate murder? 

The importance of family continues to be the prominent theme of the Living History Museum Family. Above all else, Hayden is Kelsey's primary concern. Her son's life and maintaining custody of him is what makes her do things she would never otherwise do-like host her ex-husband's wedding or investigate a murder. Yet, for better or worse, she is forced to do both.

THE FINAL VOW is a character driven mystery that explores the concept of family. A multitude of motives provide readers with several viable suspects and a variety of paths to explore as preparations for the wedding march on. With drama and humor Amanda Flowers provides readers with another enjoyable read.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading The Final Vow by Amanda Flower. This is the third book in the Living History Museum Mystery series and will be released May 8th.

With the fear of losing funding for the museum and custody of her son, Kelsey Cambridge has to put a smile on her face and play nice with her ex-husband's bridezilla and the wedding planner from hell. While she has to attempt to appease the women, Kelsey will not risk safety at Barton Farm and adamantly denies putting lights in the church's steeple. Yet Jason comes rushing to Kelsey's door saying he saw lights in the steeple and, when he went to check it out, a dead woman's body on the ground. Who was attempting to string lights after hours in defiance of Kelsey's edict? Was it an accident? Or did the shadow in the window indicate murder?

Buy a mystery and help feed a community! - Guest Post

Buy a mystery and help feed a community!

By Amanda Flower

Six years, twenty published books. It’s a staggering statistic for any author, and it’s still hard to believe that it’s mine. I’m living my version of a fairy tale. I’ve been lucky. I’ve been blessed. I’ve worked incredibly hard. But I wouldn’t be where I am without the kindness of others. My agent, my family, my friends, my editors, and my readers have all been on this incredible journey with me, and in honor of all those people, in honor of you, I’m giving back to a local food pantry with the release of my twentieth novel, Prose and Cons. I hope you will join me!

Pre-order or purchase any edition of Prose and Cons, the second novel in the Magical Bookshop Mystery Series, between now and Tuesday, December 20, 2016, and I will donate $1 for every book sold to a local food pantry, The Landing, located in Akron, Ohio.

My brother and sister-in-law, Andrew and Nicole Flower, manage the Landing in the basement of Akron Christian Reformed Church with a group of dedicated volunteers. The food pantry feeds over sixty families in its neighborhood on $200 a week.

Watch this Video for the Landing Story

The Learned Owl will donate $1 to the Landing food pantry for every copy of Prose and Cons it sells before or at my book signing there on December 10th in addition to the $1 that I will donating to the Landing for every copy of Prose and Cons sold by any bookseller by December 20th. For those of you who cannot make the signing, the Learned Owl is also selling PERSONALIZED AND SIGNED copies on the novel. They can ship anywhere.

  

PROSE AND CONS

RELEASE DECEMBER 6, 2016

Learned Owl | Amazon | B&N | Books-A-Million | CBD

Buy a mystery and help feed a community! And as always thank you for reading! I hope Prose and Cons brings a smile to your face.

Enter to win one of four $25 gift cards to Barnes and Nobel or Amazon. Winner’s choice. Visit http://www.amandaflower.com/giveaways.html to enter!

*****

Amanda Flower, a national bestselling and Agatha Award winning mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as USA Today bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is librarian in Northeast Ohio.

Follow Amanda on Social Media at: Facebook Twitter Instagram