The Crime Brûlée Bakeoff

BOOK DESCRIPTION

An unexpected romance. A haunting mystery. Pastries to die for.

When Claire Walker is selected to be a contestant on the immensely popular cooking show, Britain’s Battle of the Bakers, she is thrilled. She can’t wait to spend eight enchanting weeks baking at the picturesque estate of Blackfirth Park. She can almost smell the fresh pastries wafting through the air as she and her fellow contestants use historical equipment to bring pre-1900s recipes to life. If she can win the fifty thousand pounds, she’ll be able to ditch her teaching job and launch her baking career.  

The Viscount of Colburn, Jonathan Ainsley, is the custodian of Blackfirth Park and an eligible bachelor. With his family’s income dwindling, he reluctantly agrees to host the entire production team, but he refuses to participate since he’s had enough of single women who see him as nothing more than a potential conquest. But when a contestant is found dead soon after filming begins, Jonathan is forced to get involved. To make matters worse, the baker’s death is eerily similar to the legendary death of the tenth Viscountess of Colburn two hundred and fifty years earlier, which sends rumors racing through the estate.

Even as suspicion falls on some of the bakers, a decidedly different kind of heat begins to simmer between Claire and Jonathan. If they are to have any hope of a future romance, they must first solve the mystery before the show gets canceled or someone else falls prey to the Blackfirth Park ghost.

AUTHOR BIO

Rebecca Connolly is the author of more than three dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She received a master's degree from West Virginia University, and is a hot cocoa addict. You can connect with Rebecca on her website RebeccaConnolly.com.

My Review: 

I loved the setting of a television baking contest as a whodunit. The Great British Baking Show has been a favorite of mine, so it was fun to imagine what it would be like if there was a murder that occurred during the taping. Ms. Connolly made the show come alive with the baking terms, the challenges the contestants faced, and having one of the contestants to help with the investigation. There are recipes in the back of the story, which is a delicious addition! 

I loved the detecting duo and budding romance of Claire Walker and the brooding viscount, Jonny.  With the old mill and an unsolved murder from centuries ago, you’re sure to enjoy unraveling the mystery yourself. I recommend readers from teens through mature readers grab your favorite baked good, a cup of tea, and this book for an enjoyable afternoon of mystery. 

I received a copy of this cozy mystery book from the publisher through AustenProse. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Good News! There is a Giveaway on my Instagram page to enter for a chance to a print copy of the book and a $20 Amazon gift card!  There are also two runner up prizes!  https://www.instagram.com/booklooks_lisa/

Whispers of Fortune

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

In a land of gold and grit, can two hearts uncover the true treasure?

In 1875 California, Brody MacKenzie arrives at the Two Harts Ranch on a mission to find his runaway brothers, worried they may have fallen into harm. Instead, he discovers them thriving at the ranch's school and orphanage under the care of Ellie Hart, a woman with a heart as resilient as the land she calls home. His options limited, Brody reluctantly takes on the role of ranch doctor, and he forms an unexpected bond with Ellie, who's kept a steady eye on Brody's two rapscallion brothers. When the boys show him a mysterious journal that has been guiding their travels and may hold the key to a lost treasure, Brody and Ellie are captivated by the possibility of a thrilling adventure.

With winter approaching and his brothers threatening to bolt again, Brody and Ellie race against time to decipher cryptic clues and unearth the hidden fortune. But along the way, old adversaries resurface, threatening their newfound affection and the safety of those at the ranch.

AUTHOR BIO

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series A Western Light, Wyoming Sunrise, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Learn more at MaryConnealy.com.

My Review: 

Armed with a map and lured by the promise of a treasure, teenagers Lock and Thayne MacKenzie have run away to follow the clues. Their older brother, Brody, must leave his newly founded medical practice to track them down and return home to the East Coast. It sounds straightforward, but things don’t always go as planned. I enjoyed this story as Brody reconnects with his brothers as well as meets the Hart family who have taken the boys into their care. I may never get to go on a treasure hunt, so it was fun to be a part of the search. 

Ellie Hart is one of the ladies who lives at the Two Hearts Ranch and has grown attached to the boys during their stay. I admired that even though she didn’t feel comfortable in the classroom, she was still willing to teach the children at the ranch. This showed that she would do her best in order to help the children succeed.

With descriptive scenes of the west and perils the group of treasure hunters faced, I was drawn into the story. The villains were portrayed well and provided a sense of danger and suspense. This story continues with book two, and I am looking forward to reading it to see what will happen with the search. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley and AustenProse. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

The Indigo Heiress

Description: 

In 1774, Juliet Catesby lives with her father and sister at Royal Vale, the James River plantation founded by her Virginia family over a century before. Indigo cultivation is her foremost concern, though its export tethers her family to the powerful Buchanan clan of Glasgow, Scotland. When the heir of the Buchanan firm arrives on their shores, Juliet discovers that her father has secretly arranged for one of his daughters to marry the Scot as a means of canceling the family’s debt. Confident it will be her younger, lovelier sister, Juliet is appalled when Leith Buchanan selects her instead.

Despite her initial refusal of him, an ensuing altercation forces Juliet to flee Virginia. Agreeing to marry, she sails with Leith to Scotland, hopeful of a better match for her sister, who accompanies her. But once in Glasgow and faced with the contentious, powerful Buchanan clan, she realizes that the man who saved her from financial ruin and scandal is the very one she must now save in return.

My Review: 

You will be caught up in the historical events of pre-revolutionary Virginia as Juliet Catesby navigates a world dominated by men. Bold and confident, you’re sure to love her as she stands her ground and represents her father’s interests in the tobacco industry. I loved seeing her grow in her opinion of herself and realizing that she is just as beautiful and gifted as her sister.

Leith Buchanan was a complex man with a past that haunted him. Being reminded of his failed marriage, he was somewhat like Jane Eyre’s Mr. Rochester. Even though Leith had a rough exterior, he was truly a caring and loving man. I was glad to see the way he came to trust Juliet with his business affairs and his family. 

Things to love:

Second chances

Juliet’s dresses

Ocean voyage

American/Scottish society

Mini portrait

The twins

Danger

Abolition

Mystery

Enemies to more

I highly recommend this book to those who love historical fiction. I learned a bit about the indigo industry and found it to be fascinating. The descriptive narrative of the fields, the dyeing process and the meetings with the tobacco lords and plantation owners made me feel as though I was part of the story and wishing I could stay longer.

I received a copy of the book from the Revell and NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Heart of the Glen

 BOOK DESCRIPTION

When Saoirse Fagan arrives to start her new job as housemaid at Drumboe Castle, she is dismayed to learn that the lord of the house passed away a week prior. Already running away from the tragedy that claimed the lives of her family members, Saoirse wanders the road with nowhere to go until Aileen McCready offers her a lift and possibly a place to stay for the night.

Sheep farmer and weaver Owen McCready is known for his intricate and impeccably woven tweed. But when he's injured in an attack by bandits, his entire livelihood is endangered. A new—and distracting—mouth to feed adds fuel to the fire, and Owen struggles to keep his family afloat. Though Saoirse is eager to help, even offering to learn the weaving craft, Owen is hesitant to accept aid from this strange young woman, no matter how inexplicably magnetic he finds her.

But Saoirse is not one to give up easily. It may take extra effort on her part, but she's determined to convince the McCreadys that they need her--perhaps as much as she needs them.

My Review: 

This was such a beautiful story of Saoirse Fagan finding her way back from a tragedy that she blames herself for happening. I loved Aileen and Owen McCready as they show kindness to her throughout the story. Initially, Owen wasn’t very happy to have Saoirse stay with them, but then she becomes an unexpected and tremendous blessing to them as they must fill a large order of woolen fabric.

Things to love: 

Irish landscape

grumpy MMC

learning about weaving

lessons of forgiveness

I highly recommend this book. You’ll be immersed in the village and the people of the glen. I received a copy of the book from the publisher and AustenProse. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

AUTHOR BIO

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance), The Lady of Galway Manor, The Maid of Ballymacool, and The Irish Matchmaker. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at JenniferDeibel.com.

A Year of Flowers

 

About the Book

Book: A Year of Flowers

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 18, 2024

In this collection of four heartfelt novellas, three former friends have found success in the floral industry, but happiness–and love–remain elusive.

In An Apology in Bloom, wedding florist Jaime Harper is on a meteoric rise, working for an event company led by a successful and way-too-handsome boss. When a letter arrives from her past mentor with an offer too good to pass up, will she stay or head back to her hometown?

In A Bouquet of Dreams, Claire Murphy has always dreamed of owning a flower shop, and when her employers hint at retirement, she believes her moment has arrived. But first she must confront her past–and the man who caused her to flee her hometown years ago.

In A Field of Beauty, Tessa Anderson has found an acre of farmland to start her flower farm and forget the past. She’s grateful for the help of two men–her boyfriend, Tyler, and a quiet soil specialist named Dawson. But as the farm finally starts to bloom, Tessa will discover something that challenges everything she’s built.

In A Future in Blossom, Jaime, Claire, and Tessa return to their hometown, finally ready to face each other and their beloved mentor, flower shop owner Rose Reid. As they unite to pull off an extraordinary wedding, amid the flurry of preparations they just may find their way to forgiveness.

 My Review: 

I loved this unique way of combining 4 short stories that all center around past friends, a tragedy, and the hope of a bright future for four friends and the men who become part of it. The novellas all revolve around the flower business. I enjoyed the different aspects of the industry that each story concentrated upon. My favorite was Tessa and her vision for a flower farm. She made her dream a reality, which is a great message to inspire others to try to do in their own life. 

Readers who enjoy authors such as Jan Karon will be happy to have another author like her to read.I received a complimentary copy of the book through the publisher, NetGalley, and Celebrate Lit. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol and Selah winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of more than forty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most friends act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young.

More from Suzanne

A Year of Flowers: Friendships in Full Bloom

If you’ve ever tended to a garden, you know that flowers and friendships have a lot in common—they both need a bit of love, attention, and sometimes, a good pruning. That’s the heart of my novella collection called A Year of Flowers, stories of three teenage girls who bonded over bouquets and blossomed into best friends under the guidance of Rose, the wise and wonderful flower shop owner.

But life, much like a garden, doesn’t always go according to plan. On one sweltering August day, something dreadful happens in the flower shop, and the girls, who once shared everything, suddenly vanish from each other’s lives.

Seven years later, we find out where each girl, now a young woman, has gone. Their love for flowers is still in full bloom. Jaime’s taken her talent to the big city, working as a floral artist for a high-end event agency in NYC. She’s turning heads with her extravagant designs, but something’s missing—maybe it’s the simple joy she once found in that small-town flower shop.

Claire has run off to Savannah, Georgia, where she’s knee-deep in blooms, working in a flower shop with dreams of running the place one day. She’s got her eye on the prize, but she’s also discovering that you can’t outrun the past, no matter how far you go.

Then there’s Tessa, who’s found solace in the soil of Asheville, NC, where she’s started a flower farm. It’s a peaceful life, but even in the quiet of the mountains, memories of that summer day haunt her like the mist that rolls over the hills.

As each story unfolds, we see that, like flowers, friendships need TLC. They can wilt easily without care and attention. And sometimes, a good pruning is necessary, to help it grow stronger.

In the final novella, the three young women are drawn back to where it all began—the flower shop, and to Rose. It’s time to dig up the past, clear out the weeds, and see if their friendship can bloom again. After all, just because a garden has been neglected doesn’t mean it can’t be revived with a little care and attention.

So, if you’re a fan of flowers, friendships, or happy endings, get a copy of A Year of Flowers. It’s a reminder that with the right care, both flowers and friendships can flourish, no matter how long they’ve been left untended.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 11

lakesidelivingsite, January 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 12

Book Looks by Lisa, January 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 13

Simple Harvest Reads, January 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

She Lives to Read, January 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 15

For Him and My Family, January 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16

By the Book, January 17

Wishful Endings, January 17

Texas Book-aholic, January 18

Pause for Tales, January 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Cover Lover Book Review, January 20

Lighthouse Academy, January 20

The Avid Reader, January 21

Stories By Gina, January 22 (Author Interview)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , January 23

Blossoms and Blessings, January 23

Batya’s Bits, January 24

Holly’s Book Corner, January 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54129

Escape from Nima

 

Description:

After successfully activating the Kaleidoscope to flee the desert land of Dara, Jack, a boy with pure white eyes, and his two sisters-Emma and Holly-bearing seven colored marks are thrust into the fiery Orange land of Nima.

They must navigate fields of lava and trek through dense jungles as they face new a monstrous beast, a religious cult, bounty hunters and a tyrannical Guardian bent on capturing them at any cost. With erupting volcanoes, the mysterious Greyl, and hordes of shards at the beck and call of Se’en-sii threatening them, the kids must risk everything to survive.

Aided by their trusted companions, new found allies, and growing powers, they seek a volatile flower of living fire, the next piece in the puzzle of their father’s Kaleidoscope. Pursued across the land, Emma, Jack, and Holly reckon with the lies their father told to protect them, while worlds away, Eli Waite desperately searches for a way to rescue his children from his past mistakes.

My Review: 

Things are cookin’ (pun intended) for Emma, Jack, Holly, and their companions as they navigate the new volcanic world of Nima to which they transported by way of the kaleidoscope. There is danger from several sources and they must navigate them as well as continue to learn more about the powers that have in these new worlds. I loved the characters they meet in this world. They are really going to add additional depth to the story. I also look forward to seeing how Professor Waite is going to be able to meet his children since this story ends on a cliffhanger.

Fans of science fiction and adventure will enjoy this second book in the Kaleidoscope Chronicles series. It can be read as a standalone, however, I highly recommend you read the first book in order to understand what has transpired on the other planet. I’m looking forward to reading book three.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

The Matter of the Secret Bride

 About the Book:

KingGeorge IV is petitioning Parliament for a divorce from his queen on the grounds of her adultery. But rumor has it that the king secretly married Maria Fitzherbert—long before he married the queen. Now Mrs. Fitzherbert has been robbed—and she’s frantically calling on Rosalind for help.

Because what those thieves took is proof that she and King George did really marry. That single piece of paper could destroy Mrs. Fitzherbert and her family—or it could prove the king guilty of bigamy.

Rosalind races to investigate. With her is ex-Bow Street officer, Adam Harkness, with whom Rosalind shares a complex and rapidly intensifying bond. But a case of theft soon turns to murder . . .

Josiah Poole, a disreputable attorney specializing in helping debtors—and who was seen entering Mrs. Fitzherbert’s house—is found brutally murdered. Mrs. Fitzherbert has debts. Could she have staged the theft, and employed Mr. Poole to sell the marriage certificate? Or is the truth even more complicated? Mrs. Fitzherbert’s daughters have secrets of their own. And Poole himself had no shortage of enemies.

With suspicious coincidences mounting, and more danger encroaching, Rosalind and Adam must move quickly to unravel a history-making mystery that might just lead them straight to the palace itself . . .

My Review: 

With the theft of a secret marriage certificate of Mrs. Fitzherbert and King George IV, Rosalind Thorne and Adam Harkness team up to locate it. If they don’t find it, the political atmosphere that is already rife with tension could become even more volatile. Rosalind walks a fine line between helping the noble families with their difficulties and earning a living. One false move or a slip of the tongue could ruin everything she has worked hard to obtain. I like that she is courageous and is determined to see this case through with all of its complexities. With several subplots and red herrings, you are given several possibilities as to what happened, which is what I liked about this mystery I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the relationship between Rosalind and Adam. He understands her better than anyone else, and they will be an even stronger detective duo in the future after solving this case. This is part of a series but the first one I have read. It can be read as a standalone without it affecting your understanding of the story. The author’s notes at the end were informative. I love history, so it was interesting to learn a bit about King George IV and his personal life that is central to the plot. I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.