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Hearth & Cauldron Mysteries #3
Hearth Baked
The scent of cookies, scones, and waffle cones fills the air around Whispering Pines’ bake shop. Usually. Kitchen witches Sugar and Honey Graham have suddenly lost their touch. Sugar’s pastries come out all wrong, and Honey’s ice cream is awful.
Positive they’ve been cursed, the sisters turn to their coven’s high priestess, Reeva Long, for help.
Reeva, however, is busier than ever at her shop, Hearth & Cauldron. Add a crabby teenage tenant, a mysteriously moody best friend, and a new boyfriend (err . . . manfriend?), and Reeva’s plate goes from full to overflowing. How can she possibly squeeze in tracking down a hexing witch?
But then a tourist is found dead, and Reeva knows the village has bigger problems than icky ice cream. She and Ruby set everything else aside and put their sleuthing skills to the test to catch the killer.
Positive they’ve been cursed, the sisters turn to their coven’s high priestess, Reeva Long, for help.
Reeva, however, is busier than ever at her shop, Hearth & Cauldron. Add a crabby teenage tenant, a mysteriously moody best friend, and a new boyfriend (err . . . manfriend?), and Reeva’s plate goes from full to overflowing. How can she possibly squeeze in tracking down a hexing witch?
But then a tourist is found dead, and Reeva knows the village has bigger problems than icky ice cream. She and Ruby set everything else aside and put their sleuthing skills to the test to catch the killer.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2023
62 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Shawn McGuire
79 books821 followersMystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 12, 2023
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
I always look forward to a new Shawn McGuire release, for my comforting dose of cosy small community atmosphere, Wiccan light and a touch of murder and malice lurking beneath!
This latest instalment in the Heath & Cauldron series – a spin-off from the long-running Whispering Pines books – sees Reeva immersed in the kitchen-witchery scene as baking goes bad all over the place. Is it the Instigators back for more covert attacks on the peace of the village? Or is it related to Rourke’s waspish visitor, Isobel, who is really not happy about her stay and is making sure everybody knows it?
Add in Keiko being more moody than usual, and Reeva’s partner-in-crime-investigations Ruby hiding a secret of her own, and Reeva has her work cut out for her trying to keep the peace. Luckily, her romance with a certain Viking and his latest business venture provides some light moments as the darkness begins to close in around her. As usual with Whispering Pines, the surface is warm and cosy but buried tensions are building up steam.
I love everything about these stories, from the characters to the setting, to the handy hearth witch tips scattered throughout. All the familiar characters from previous books are here, but the focus is very much on Reeva, Ruby and Keiko as they navigate their shifting friendships and working relationships, and try to work out what is going wrong in the kitchen community.
The immediate problem is resolved by the end of this book but the issue of the ‘Gators and their troublemaking continues and I cannot wait to find out what they get up to next, who they are, and how they will eventually get their comeuppance.
If you enjoy your cosy mysteries firmly embedded with a small community atmosphere and a touch of woo-woo magic than you will love this series. Do read them in order for best results, and don’t read them when hungry as they are packed with delicious foods that will make your mouth water as you read!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
I always look forward to a new Shawn McGuire release, for my comforting dose of cosy small community atmosphere, Wiccan light and a touch of murder and malice lurking beneath!
This latest instalment in the Heath & Cauldron series – a spin-off from the long-running Whispering Pines books – sees Reeva immersed in the kitchen-witchery scene as baking goes bad all over the place. Is it the Instigators back for more covert attacks on the peace of the village? Or is it related to Rourke’s waspish visitor, Isobel, who is really not happy about her stay and is making sure everybody knows it?
Add in Keiko being more moody than usual, and Reeva’s partner-in-crime-investigations Ruby hiding a secret of her own, and Reeva has her work cut out for her trying to keep the peace. Luckily, her romance with a certain Viking and his latest business venture provides some light moments as the darkness begins to close in around her. As usual with Whispering Pines, the surface is warm and cosy but buried tensions are building up steam.
I love everything about these stories, from the characters to the setting, to the handy hearth witch tips scattered throughout. All the familiar characters from previous books are here, but the focus is very much on Reeva, Ruby and Keiko as they navigate their shifting friendships and working relationships, and try to work out what is going wrong in the kitchen community.
The immediate problem is resolved by the end of this book but the issue of the ‘Gators and their troublemaking continues and I cannot wait to find out what they get up to next, who they are, and how they will eventually get their comeuppance.
If you enjoy your cosy mysteries firmly embedded with a small community atmosphere and a touch of woo-woo magic than you will love this series. Do read them in order for best results, and don’t read them when hungry as they are packed with delicious foods that will make your mouth water as you read!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 1, 2023
I enjoyed this visit to Whispering Pines even more than the last one. I learned more about Reeva and Ruby as another murder in the Village led them into another investigation. The victim was an obnoxious tourist that had offended or insulted most everyone in the Village, so there was no lack of suspects. The ladies' investigative procedures led me deeper into this mystery that kept me guessing. Reeva described them as a somewhere between Mata Hari and Miss Marple. a very apt description. Ms McGuire's books are full of descriptions that make you feel you are there in the Village walking down the Fairy Path. The characters feel like friends, and we learn more about them all with each book. The descriptions of Wiccan beliefs is quite interesting if the reader is open-minded enough to appreciate them. I look forward to another visit to my friends in Whispering Pines again soon.
April 29, 2023
There are always mysteries brewing (or should I say baking) in Whispering Pines. This adorable village in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is a joy to visit and its residents pull you right in. This story grabs your attention from the start. In addition to being completely entertained by the story, I personally would want to move to Whispering Pines if it truly existed. It’s a talented writer who can make her readers feel that way.
I have read and enjoyed every book Ms. McGuire has written about Whispering Pines, as well as her other series. I enjoy her style of writing. The author is very good at describing her characters to the point you can picture them in your mind. I always appreciate that in an author.
Although this is part of a series, it is a stand-alone and won’t leave you with a cliffhanger. But you will want to read the next one, I’m sure! I received an ARC from the writer.
I have read and enjoyed every book Ms. McGuire has written about Whispering Pines, as well as her other series. I enjoy her style of writing. The author is very good at describing her characters to the point you can picture them in your mind. I always appreciate that in an author.
Although this is part of a series, it is a stand-alone and won’t leave you with a cliffhanger. But you will want to read the next one, I’m sure! I received an ARC from the writer.
May 13, 2023
This is the third book in this fabulous series by Shawn McGuire. While you probably could read it as a stand alone, there is so much built upon the previous two books, I highly recommend reading those first.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I feel like books series are almost like a series of dates. The first is the getting to know each other phase, which is true for this series as well. You get to know these characters a bit more than you have before from reading the Whispering Pines series, which I also highly recommend btw. The next book draws you deeper into the characters and their world. By the third book, they feel like old friends and you get to know more secrets, and there are secrets within this series, which is part of its charm, and mystery. I loved how Jayne is included more in this book and still just as delightful but definitely doesn't take over the book or overshadow our main characters. That's a common problem with some spin off series, yet Shawn McGuire deftly weaves Jayne into the story without taking away from anyone else!
There is a bit more romance in this book between Reeva and Jozef, which I enjoyed, but the primary focus is on the mystery of what's happening in our beloved village. I realize some may be frustrated that Reeva and Ruby didn't catch an important clue early on, but I appreciate that they are not professional sleuths and probably wouldn't have caught it if this were real life. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I am loving this series more and more as we go along, from the quirky characters to the community of witches to the fun sleuthing to the secrets yet to be revealed!
This series just keeps getting better and better. I feel like books series are almost like a series of dates. The first is the getting to know each other phase, which is true for this series as well. You get to know these characters a bit more than you have before from reading the Whispering Pines series, which I also highly recommend btw. The next book draws you deeper into the characters and their world. By the third book, they feel like old friends and you get to know more secrets, and there are secrets within this series, which is part of its charm, and mystery. I loved how Jayne is included more in this book and still just as delightful but definitely doesn't take over the book or overshadow our main characters. That's a common problem with some spin off series, yet Shawn McGuire deftly weaves Jayne into the story without taking away from anyone else!
There is a bit more romance in this book between Reeva and Jozef, which I enjoyed, but the primary focus is on the mystery of what's happening in our beloved village. I realize some may be frustrated that Reeva and Ruby didn't catch an important clue early on, but I appreciate that they are not professional sleuths and probably wouldn't have caught it if this were real life. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I am loving this series more and more as we go along, from the quirky characters to the community of witches to the fun sleuthing to the secrets yet to be revealed!
May 16, 2023
HEARTH BAKED is the third installment in the Hearth & Cauldron Mysteries series by Shawn McGuire. Ms McGuire has a knack of describing the characters that will leave you feeling like you know them. This well written and page-turning series is set in the Village of Whispering Pines and involves many of the characters we met previously.
Everybody is preparing to share their crafts and food with the tourists and citizens during the upcoming Lammas celebration. Well, all but one of the tourists. She's not happy with anything and lets everyone know it - a real Debbie Downer.
Just in time for Lammas, the specialty treats from Treat Me Sweetly are not making it past the first taste. Neither Honey nor Sugar can figure out what went wrong with their recipes. Is this more chaos from those not happy with Reeva as the High Priestess?
Then there is Reeva. She is getting stressed juggling a moody teen, her best friend is not herself and her new boyfriend could be the reason for it all. If that's not enough there is another murder.
This story had me from the beginning to the end. Now I'm looking forward to finding out what the gator's end game is.
The Hearth Witch Tips, sprinkled throughout the book, are useful and informative. Blessed Be!
I did receive an Advance Readers Copy from the author. The above is my freely given review.
Everybody is preparing to share their crafts and food with the tourists and citizens during the upcoming Lammas celebration. Well, all but one of the tourists. She's not happy with anything and lets everyone know it - a real Debbie Downer.
Just in time for Lammas, the specialty treats from Treat Me Sweetly are not making it past the first taste. Neither Honey nor Sugar can figure out what went wrong with their recipes. Is this more chaos from those not happy with Reeva as the High Priestess?
Then there is Reeva. She is getting stressed juggling a moody teen, her best friend is not herself and her new boyfriend could be the reason for it all. If that's not enough there is another murder.
This story had me from the beginning to the end. Now I'm looking forward to finding out what the gator's end game is.
The Hearth Witch Tips, sprinkled throughout the book, are useful and informative. Blessed Be!
I did receive an Advance Readers Copy from the author. The above is my freely given review.
May 12, 2023
This is the third instalment of the Hearth and Cauldron series and I have to say it’s my favourite one so far. I would have finished it in one sitting if life didn’t have to happen!
It’s everything you’d expect from a book set in Whispering Pines but there are so many twists and turns to keep you guessing. We learn more about Ruby as well as gaining a better understanding about Keiko. I loved that Tripp, Jayne and Meeka had bigger roles in this book as well as seeing more of Josef. There also an almost-cliffhanger to set up the next in the series!
If I have one quibble it’s that the timelines don’t seem to match up. It seems like this book is set a year after all the events in the Whispering Pines series, but also that all the events in those books took place over a short period of time. I thought, perhaps mistakenly, that the Whispering Pines books were set over a couple of years. This series definitely starts after Flavia’s imprisonment but references events as though they’ve just happened very recently. A minor point though and, although it made me pause at times, it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story.
I’m looking forward to the next in this series to see what will happen with the Gators!
It’s everything you’d expect from a book set in Whispering Pines but there are so many twists and turns to keep you guessing. We learn more about Ruby as well as gaining a better understanding about Keiko. I loved that Tripp, Jayne and Meeka had bigger roles in this book as well as seeing more of Josef. There also an almost-cliffhanger to set up the next in the series!
If I have one quibble it’s that the timelines don’t seem to match up. It seems like this book is set a year after all the events in the Whispering Pines series, but also that all the events in those books took place over a short period of time. I thought, perhaps mistakenly, that the Whispering Pines books were set over a couple of years. This series definitely starts after Flavia’s imprisonment but references events as though they’ve just happened very recently. A minor point though and, although it made me pause at times, it didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story.
I’m looking forward to the next in this series to see what will happen with the Gators!
May 12, 2023
Welcome to Whispering Pines! Busy time ahead as preparations for the Lammas Festival, one of the eight sabbats, is underway.
So much happening - Curses, secrets, disgruntled shop owners and a disgruntled visitor who seems to upset the bulk of Whispering Pines. She is a visitor with a very nasty attitude and complains about everything and everyone she meets. Then there's crabby and moody friends and roommates who add a bit of realism to the book and to the lives of the characters.
A new restaurant opening up and the Viking is back! A few upset business owners who are afraid that the new restaurant will take business away from them.
Who is reeking having with supplies at Treat Me Sweetly, the local village bakery owned by Honey and Sugar. Nothing seems to be going right for Sugar.
Another murder - who could be responsible? Will the Private Investigators [Long & McLaughlin] help catch the murderer?
Who's watching Flavia? Hmmm.....
Shawn has done a great job of keeping the reader totally engaged throughout the entire book in trying to piece together the 'who done it'. There are so many different plots in Hearth Baked. Fun getting to the end of the book to find out who's who and looking forward to the 4th installment of another book.
So much happening - Curses, secrets, disgruntled shop owners and a disgruntled visitor who seems to upset the bulk of Whispering Pines. She is a visitor with a very nasty attitude and complains about everything and everyone she meets. Then there's crabby and moody friends and roommates who add a bit of realism to the book and to the lives of the characters.
A new restaurant opening up and the Viking is back! A few upset business owners who are afraid that the new restaurant will take business away from them.
Who is reeking having with supplies at Treat Me Sweetly, the local village bakery owned by Honey and Sugar. Nothing seems to be going right for Sugar.
Another murder - who could be responsible? Will the Private Investigators [Long & McLaughlin] help catch the murderer?
Who's watching Flavia? Hmmm.....
Shawn has done a great job of keeping the reader totally engaged throughout the entire book in trying to piece together the 'who done it'. There are so many different plots in Hearth Baked. Fun getting to the end of the book to find out who's who and looking forward to the 4th installment of another book.
May 4, 2023
This is the 3rd in the series and, so far, the most exciting, due to being difficult to figure out the whodunnit, how, and why. There is a group, amongst the locals, who think that Whispering Pines is changing, too fast in their eyes, and not for the better of all residents. Now the group seems to be targeting the bakery, Treat Me Sweetly, and one of the favorite restaurants, Triple G. How ruining their businesses helps the entire Village, no one is really sure about.
Some folks want to immediately blame Jozef, Reeva's new bow, and mainly for that reason, because Reeva is not well liked by "The Instigators" or "Gators" for short. Also, some folks think Jozef might be behind the "accidents" at the other food related spots, and trying to put them out of business, since he now has a new restaurant that River allowed in the Village.
Too many suspects, too many with alibis, how will Reeva and Ruby figure out the truth in it all???
There are, of course, Hearth Witch Tips throughout the novel, and so many great food items mentioned, a Whispering Pines Cookbook would be snapped up by fans, especially kitchen witches.
Some folks want to immediately blame Jozef, Reeva's new bow, and mainly for that reason, because Reeva is not well liked by "The Instigators" or "Gators" for short. Also, some folks think Jozef might be behind the "accidents" at the other food related spots, and trying to put them out of business, since he now has a new restaurant that River allowed in the Village.
Too many suspects, too many with alibis, how will Reeva and Ruby figure out the truth in it all???
There are, of course, Hearth Witch Tips throughout the novel, and so many great food items mentioned, a Whispering Pines Cookbook would be snapped up by fans, especially kitchen witches.
May 7, 2023
I received Hearth Baked ARC, I enjoy reading and learning all that is going on in Whispering pines, Hearth Baked talks a lot about cooking, and visitors, plus we get to learn what is happening with Reeva & Józef, we learn of secrets that Ruby and Kieko and holding close to them. I always enjoy reading what is happening to the Barlow’s, Jayne and Tripp and everyone in Whispering pines and this story will let me learn more about Honey and Sugar. There is a lot going on in Hearth Baked, on top of it all we must worry about what the Instigator’s (The Grator’s) are going to next to cause havoc to Whispering pines and how Reeva will handle all that is going on. The police department is shorthanded so they asked Jayne to come back as a deputy and her and Meika are out watching for the townspeople and trying to keep every safe. Each story in the Hearth & Cauldron only get better in the series. This one is interesting, to learn about different foods and about Józef’s new restaurant, you will have to read the story to find out who is murdered and who done it. Just set back and read and find out about Whispering pines, I read this story in one day, I just couldn’t put it. Enjoy!!
May 12, 2023
Resistance to change brings strife to Whispering Pines.
Initially, I never thought of the Whispering Pines series to be labelled as a “cosy” but this one fits the bill. I must say, although I prefer a more hardcore mystery genre, Whispering Pines and its residents have their own special charm. This story raised a whole lot of questions and focused more on figuring things out then on “witchy” spells and pagan traditions which pleased me. Of course, they are part of the unique town culture but the emphasis here seemed more personal regarding relationships and the big “who” in who-done-it.
Hearth Baked was a comfortable read for me since it is well-written and flowed and yet, I was disappointed by the fact that Reeva and Ruby overlooked a very obvious clue to a significant question at hand. However, that probably would have shortened the book by half had someone addressed it sooner. That said, more twists and turns would have made this mystery more intriguing – basically, one needs to accept it as a “cosy” and just get into the characters…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Initially, I never thought of the Whispering Pines series to be labelled as a “cosy” but this one fits the bill. I must say, although I prefer a more hardcore mystery genre, Whispering Pines and its residents have their own special charm. This story raised a whole lot of questions and focused more on figuring things out then on “witchy” spells and pagan traditions which pleased me. Of course, they are part of the unique town culture but the emphasis here seemed more personal regarding relationships and the big “who” in who-done-it.
Hearth Baked was a comfortable read for me since it is well-written and flowed and yet, I was disappointed by the fact that Reeva and Ruby overlooked a very obvious clue to a significant question at hand. However, that probably would have shortened the book by half had someone addressed it sooner. That said, more twists and turns would have made this mystery more intriguing – basically, one needs to accept it as a “cosy” and just get into the characters…I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
May 5, 2023
Hearth Baked opened with a dark warning that someone was going to kill a woman.
Isobel seemed the ideal woman with her insulting behavior that rubbed everyone the wrong way.
There was a belief that a curse was done to the Kitchen witches at Treat Me Sweetly because Sugar's pastries were bitter and Honey's seasonal corn ice cream tasted "icky."
With the celebration of the Lammas festival, new boyfriend, Jozef Lykke's opening restaurant and oven malfunctions at the Grapes, Grains and Grub or Triple G restaurant, Reeva's time was stretched thin.
Reeva was also pulled from concentrating on her shop, Hearth & Cauldron by a tourist murder, a crabby teenage tenant/employee problem, a mysteriously moody best friend, and a new boyfriend.
Reeva and her best friend, Ruby set everything aside and put their sleuthing skills to the test to catch the killer and the hexing witch.
Even though a person was caught by Reeva's fine tuned
interrogation, only one was singled out to be a "gater." So the reader was left with more "bad or evil magic" to follow.
Isobel seemed the ideal woman with her insulting behavior that rubbed everyone the wrong way.
There was a belief that a curse was done to the Kitchen witches at Treat Me Sweetly because Sugar's pastries were bitter and Honey's seasonal corn ice cream tasted "icky."
With the celebration of the Lammas festival, new boyfriend, Jozef Lykke's opening restaurant and oven malfunctions at the Grapes, Grains and Grub or Triple G restaurant, Reeva's time was stretched thin.
Reeva was also pulled from concentrating on her shop, Hearth & Cauldron by a tourist murder, a crabby teenage tenant/employee problem, a mysteriously moody best friend, and a new boyfriend.
Reeva and her best friend, Ruby set everything aside and put their sleuthing skills to the test to catch the killer and the hexing witch.
Even though a person was caught by Reeva's fine tuned
interrogation, only one was singled out to be a "gater." So the reader was left with more "bad or evil magic" to follow.
May 3, 2023
Shawn McGuire has done it again. She has given us another book that kept me wanting to read more and disappointed when I finished. I enjoyed going back to Whispering Pines and to the beloved characters that I wish I could know in real life. Hearth Baked gave us another mystery for our sleuthing duo, Reeva and Ruby, along with more personal insights into the other characters' lives. It's always a pleasure to see what the others are up to from the Whispering Pines Mystery series. Trying to solve the latest murder, peeking into the romance of our main character, and finding out more about our semi-main characters was a page-turner and I anxiously wait for the next book to see how everything develops and turns out. If you are looking for a mystery that you can't put down, I highly recommend this book, series, and the Whispering Pines mystery series. Until the next book, I will be re-visiting (re-reading) Whispering Pines again.
May 15, 2023
Hearth Baked #3 is a Great story and an easy, cozy mystery read. There has been a murder of a cantankerous visitor, and this occurred in Honey and Sugar's bakery- and Honey is a suspect. Going through the suspects provided insight on some regulars in Whispering Pines. Jayne and Meeka pay a visit in the book. Even she has a new role developing. It was a great to return back to the village and all the beloved characters. But, the ending felt to be a little rushed because it was all of a sudden there. That could have been because i didnt want it to end. However, I did love the further development of the characters, especially the relationship between Reeva and Keiko. I think they are good for each other and the issues they face are real that readers can so relate to. I love the Tips sprinkled throughout the book. Im gonna use some of those!!! I can not wait to read the next installment. Will Reeva and Ruby have a new profession on this path in life?
May 6, 2023
I don’t know how Shawn Maguire does it but this series just gets better! I read this in a matter of days torn between wanted to know whodunnit, and not wanting it to end. Whispering Pines is like a second home to me now, I swear my whole body relaxes when I open the first page of one of these books. I really liked how the main mystery was all wrapped up but the bigger ongoing one has become even more intriguing. It’s great to see the development of Reevas new relationship, as well as delving deeper into all the other Whispering pines favourites too. You can certainly read this as a stand alone, with the added bonus of having a back catalogue of books to work your way though. Lastly I will say this book made me hungry. So so so hungry! And not just for the sumptuous Whispering Pines delicacies…I’m so very hungry for the next Whispering Pines book!
May 7, 2023
Hearth Baked returns us to beloved Whispering Pines with Reeva and Ruby wearing their sleuthing hats once again.
When favorite bake shop treats turn foul, owners Honey and Sugar think they have possibly been cursed and turn to Reeva for coven solutions. While sleuthing out what could possibly have turned the sweets to sour, Reeva, her friend and sidekick, Ruby, are still in the midst of busy tourist season, running their own shops, sharing a cranky and secretive teenager as an employee.
Adding to the situation are Reeva's hunky beau and their growing attraction, possible jealousy from Keiko, Ruby being secretive and a tourist from hell that ends up dead. How does this all bake up in Whispering Pines?
This addition to the series is like being with old and new friends by a cozy fire, eating treats. Prepare to sit and enjoy the treat.
When favorite bake shop treats turn foul, owners Honey and Sugar think they have possibly been cursed and turn to Reeva for coven solutions. While sleuthing out what could possibly have turned the sweets to sour, Reeva, her friend and sidekick, Ruby, are still in the midst of busy tourist season, running their own shops, sharing a cranky and secretive teenager as an employee.
Adding to the situation are Reeva's hunky beau and their growing attraction, possible jealousy from Keiko, Ruby being secretive and a tourist from hell that ends up dead. How does this all bake up in Whispering Pines?
This addition to the series is like being with old and new friends by a cozy fire, eating treats. Prepare to sit and enjoy the treat.
May 13, 2023
Each book is more riveting than the last
As a long time reader and fan, Shawn McGuire never fails to deliver. Once again, we're reunited with old family members Reeva, Ruby, Kaiko, Sugar, Honey and even a quick visit from Jayne,Tripp and Meeka, and the Morgan/River clan. She continues to developed Kaiko's character, evolving her into a more complex and deep character. We get to know Reeva's love interest Jozef more as he becomes more a part of Whispering Pines. And we're introduced to another interesting and infuriating antagonist in the form of Isobel. And try as I might, I couldn't figure out who/what was trying to ruin Treat Me Sweetly until the very end. I love everything about this and every book in this and all her other series 🥰
As a long time reader and fan, Shawn McGuire never fails to deliver. Once again, we're reunited with old family members Reeva, Ruby, Kaiko, Sugar, Honey and even a quick visit from Jayne,Tripp and Meeka, and the Morgan/River clan. She continues to developed Kaiko's character, evolving her into a more complex and deep character. We get to know Reeva's love interest Jozef more as he becomes more a part of Whispering Pines. And we're introduced to another interesting and infuriating antagonist in the form of Isobel. And try as I might, I couldn't figure out who/what was trying to ruin Treat Me Sweetly until the very end. I love everything about this and every book in this and all her other series 🥰
May 15, 2023
This spin-off is getting better and better!
I love the Whispering Pines series, but was a little worried about a spin-off series. Will it be anywhere as good as the original? Will a bunch of new characters be as delightful as in the oribinal series? Will I even like it? Well, now with this 3rd in the Hearth & Couldron series, I can say YES! I do like where this is going! And now more of the 'original cast' are showing up with new duties, new parts to play. Even a new dog and cat! As in the WP series, there are plenty of mysteries and murders happening, calling on the Reeva and Ruby team. We get cooking lessons, Chef Tijps, teen angst and a new romance. Something for everyone.
I love the Whispering Pines series, but was a little worried about a spin-off series. Will it be anywhere as good as the original? Will a bunch of new characters be as delightful as in the oribinal series? Will I even like it? Well, now with this 3rd in the Hearth & Couldron series, I can say YES! I do like where this is going! And now more of the 'original cast' are showing up with new duties, new parts to play. Even a new dog and cat! As in the WP series, there are plenty of mysteries and murders happening, calling on the Reeva and Ruby team. We get cooking lessons, Chef Tijps, teen angst and a new romance. Something for everyone.
May 23, 2023
Another great visit to Whispering Pines
I always love to revisit my favorite fictional community of Whispering Pines. The Hearth series has different main characters than the original series but we do still see some of our favorite characters from the Whispering Pines series. I was glad to see more of Jayne in this book as Reeva and Ruby help a couple of favorite villagers figure out whether they are dealing with a curse or something much more straightforward. Reeva is busier than ever with her own shop hopping and her man friend opening a new restaurant and doing her best to help her rather flighty teenage tenant. But then a murder occurs and Reeva and Ruby can never resist investigating a murder...
I always love to revisit my favorite fictional community of Whispering Pines. The Hearth series has different main characters than the original series but we do still see some of our favorite characters from the Whispering Pines series. I was glad to see more of Jayne in this book as Reeva and Ruby help a couple of favorite villagers figure out whether they are dealing with a curse or something much more straightforward. Reeva is busier than ever with her own shop hopping and her man friend opening a new restaurant and doing her best to help her rather flighty teenage tenant. But then a murder occurs and Reeva and Ruby can never resist investigating a murder...
May 2, 2023
This is the 3rd book in the Hearth Series and again, it was not a disappointment. The author is so great about having characters with such great personalities, it feels like you know them. The descriptions in all her books make you feel like you are actually in the village.
There is another mystery for Reeva and Ruby to solve as well as building more on the characters lives. We also see a little more of Jayne is this book.
If you are a village fan, I'm sure you have eagerly awaited this book like the rest of us. Grab a coffee or tea, get cozy, and settle into the village once again. Blessed be!
There is another mystery for Reeva and Ruby to solve as well as building more on the characters lives. We also see a little more of Jayne is this book.
If you are a village fan, I'm sure you have eagerly awaited this book like the rest of us. Grab a coffee or tea, get cozy, and settle into the village once again. Blessed be!
May 13, 2023
This third book in the Hearth and Cauldron series is the best one yet, in my opinion.
It is now August in the village of Whispering Pines, and the village is full of tourists. A new restaurant has just opened, featuring Danish food and treats, and pizza. Someone is causing trouble, again; this time, the trouble is hurting the kitchen witches. Who is responsible? It's time for Reeva and Ruby to start investigating again.
I received an advance copy of this book, and I can honestly say that I highly recommend this book. It is a very enjoyable book to read, and it will leave you wanting more.
It is now August in the village of Whispering Pines, and the village is full of tourists. A new restaurant has just opened, featuring Danish food and treats, and pizza. Someone is causing trouble, again; this time, the trouble is hurting the kitchen witches. Who is responsible? It's time for Reeva and Ruby to start investigating again.
I received an advance copy of this book, and I can honestly say that I highly recommend this book. It is a very enjoyable book to read, and it will leave you wanting more.
May 14, 2023
Another fantawesome book by Shawn! Intriguing story, exceptional characters, the thrill of mystery, and spell binding magic- absolutely loved all of it!! My only regret is that I read it too fast when I wanted to savor this newest book in the series; it’s as though a spell was cast and I couldn’t stop reading!!
5+ stars (wish could give thousand though). Highly recommended for all those who love a good mystery and like to guess the culprit with each word.
Although this book is best enjoyed after reading the other whispering pines books (which I’m sure you already have many times), yet it is an excellent stand alone read too.
Eagerly waiting for the next one already!!
5+ stars (wish could give thousand though). Highly recommended for all those who love a good mystery and like to guess the culprit with each word.
Although this book is best enjoyed after reading the other whispering pines books (which I’m sure you already have many times), yet it is an excellent stand alone read too.
Eagerly waiting for the next one already!!
April 30, 2023
I LOVED this book! The characters are easy to love and in some cases easy to dislike. I find myself getting lost in the wonderful world of Whispering Pines. A not-so-nice tourist is found dead in one of the sweetest shops and Reeva and Ruby are determined to help their friend prove her innocence. In the process of their investigation we get to reconnect with our old friends, Jayne and Tripp, owners of the B & B, Pine Time. Secrets are revealed. New people are coming soon. (Book 4) So much to look forward to! I ABSOLUTELY enjoyed reading this book and I think you will too!
May 9, 2023
It always feels a bit like coming home when a new Whispering Pines story arrives. This one, like previous books, did not disappoint! There is a new character or two to keep things interesting and we get to see more relationship development between Reeva and Jozef. ❤️ I was particularly interested in the baking tips offered as part of Reeva’s classes and learning more about Wiccan beliefs and practices. Ms. McGuire’s use of imagery is simply spell-binding & I can’t wait for my next visit to this magical village.
I received an ARC from the author.
I received an ARC from the author.
May 12, 2023
Having received this from Shawn McGuire as part of her arc team, I can honestly say that I was not disappointed.
The twists and turns had me guessing throughout the book as to who the culprit was! Treat me Sweetly had problems which had Reeva and Ruby on the case! Long may their detective skills continue, that’s all I can say on that!
With The Viking back in the picture, Keiko acting up, Ruby being weird and a murder, Hearth Baked was definitely a book worth waiting for!
A great read and I look forward to reading the book4!
The twists and turns had me guessing throughout the book as to who the culprit was! Treat me Sweetly had problems which had Reeva and Ruby on the case! Long may their detective skills continue, that’s all I can say on that!
With The Viking back in the picture, Keiko acting up, Ruby being weird and a murder, Hearth Baked was definitely a book worth waiting for!
A great read and I look forward to reading the book4!
May 12, 2023
As always this Author takes you into a world where you don’t want to just visit but live! The Village is a beautiful place where most everyone lives with intention in their actions. The villagers become people you feel you know, and care about. I highly recommend this Author’s work, and especially the Whispering pines series and the Hearth spin offs. It was great seeing how Jane and Trip were doing and the new residents fitting into the village. I am looking forward to more about the mysterious River and his company. A great book.
May 13, 2023
I love dropping in on the Whispering Pines characters. They are people I would love to be friends with. Reeva and Ruby must put on their sleuthing hats when a nasty tourist gets murdered. There are problems all over and Reeva's plate is overfull. I like the interaction with all the characters who are relatable and likeable. The plot drew me in and kept me engaged, and the climax was a surprise. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of magic. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
May 14, 2023
WOW!!!!!
Once again Shawn has succeeded in captivating my attention! I finished this book in less than two days....would have been even less than that if Life hadn't interfered! I'm rather proud of myself that the perpetrator of this whodunnit was one of the choices on my final list of suspects but I will admit to a growl of frustration at the cliffhangers. How long must we wait for Book 4???
(Note to those who don't like cliffhangers: the main plot is completed, the cliffhangers involve side stories.)
Once again Shawn has succeeded in captivating my attention! I finished this book in less than two days....would have been even less than that if Life hadn't interfered! I'm rather proud of myself that the perpetrator of this whodunnit was one of the choices on my final list of suspects but I will admit to a growl of frustration at the cliffhangers. How long must we wait for Book 4???
(Note to those who don't like cliffhangers: the main plot is completed, the cliffhangers involve side stories.)
May 8, 2023
Whispering Pines is gearing up for the Lammes celebration. Treat Me Sweetly makes ice cream, cookies and scones. Honey is famous for her ice cream, but this batch is horrible. Sugar does the baking, but the latest batch is a disaster. It looks like someone tainted their ingredients. Honey comes to the shop early one morning and discovers a dead body. There was no sign of a break in. Honey is taken in and held. Someone is targeting them. A very enjoyable series.
May 10, 2023
A wonderful return to the quirky village of Whispering Pines! In the theme of ‘Murder She Wrote’ the inquisitive duo of Reeva and Ruby are determined to find out who sabotaged the treats from Treat me Sweetly and get their friend, Honey, out of jail and clear her name. Reeva must balance her store, friendships, family and a new love interest in order to expose whoever is behind the plot to destabilize the village.
May 14, 2023
Another visit to my favourite fictional village, and as always, the story never disappoints. I read this in one sitting and always get so immersed in this village (if only it was real!). I did get guess who the 'baddie' was this time, though it didn't detract from the storyline. I love the characters, the development of Reeva, Ruby, and Keiko, and I was pleased to see Jayne and Tripp make more of an appearance in this instalment. Can't wait for our next visit.
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