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Samantha Sweet #4
Sweet Hearts
Things are crazy at the bakery, as Sam tries to replicate the magical chocolates that the quirky Romanian chocolatier introduced at Christmas-time. Meanwhile, there are lots of weddings, in addition to her own, and other pastry shop demands during this
romantic holiday week.
While Sam tries to keep up with it all, another mystery comes her way. Marla Fresques needs to find her missing son. The woman is dying and wants her son home to raise the daughter he left behind. When Sam learns that the authorities dropped the case years ago, she feels she must help. Can she find the missing man?
Or will she resort to using her uncanny healing powers to cure Marla's illness?
Through all this, Sam's life becomes further complicated by the fact that an ex-girlfriend of Beau's shows up in town, determined to win him back.
romantic holiday week.
While Sam tries to keep up with it all, another mystery comes her way. Marla Fresques needs to find her missing son. The woman is dying and wants her son home to raise the daughter he left behind. When Sam learns that the authorities dropped the case years ago, she feels she must help. Can she find the missing man?
Or will she resort to using her uncanny healing powers to cure Marla's illness?
Through all this, Sam's life becomes further complicated by the fact that an ex-girlfriend of Beau's shows up in town, determined to win him back.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2012
274 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Connie Shelton
94 books309 followersMy love of books started with weekly trips to the library as a child and from the moment I learned to read I can't remember a time that I didn't have at least one book going. For the past 25 years, that list has grown to include what I'm reading and what I'm writing at any given time.
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
I began writing my Charlie Parker series when my husband and I lived on Kauai, then continued them in my home state of New Mexico. Charlie lives in Albuquerque and manages to travel to a variety of locations, wherever her investigation business and her husband's helicopter business take them. My second series featuring Samantha Sweet, the 50-ish woman who breaks into houses for a living, is set in Taos, New Mexico.
In addition to reading and writing, I've traveled quite a lot, taught writing courses, and been a speaker at a whole lot of mystery conventions and writing conferences. In my spare time I also love to paint, draw, cook and spend time at the beach.
Series:
* Charlie Parker Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 15, 2018
Another good entry in the Samantha Sweet series. This time it's around Valentine's Day and Sam is super busy at the shop. She's trying to master the chocolates that Bobul created at Christmas and does have some luck with that. She also gets involved with a new bakery client and helps her with a cold case involving her son. I really like the characters in this series and hope things go well for Sam and Beau. Looking forward to the next one.
February 4, 2013
This story felt off, as if unresolved. Samantha Sweet gets involved with Finding a missing person, who has more secrets than she can imagine. Beau's ex shows up wanting him back. and, magical chocolates makes every one hook up for Valentine's day. the story seem to drag along as Samantha has unresolved issues, people trying to scare her off. Sam using her magical box to help a dying woman. or a Valentine's day story it seemed more depressing than happy
June 8, 2018
Not the best thus far in the series. There were too many plot threads that didn't fit together well. The 'magic" element felt misused at times. And the bad guys were telegraphed early and often. Also, so much had happened since the last book that, for the first several chapters, I kept thinking I'd missed one.
July 31, 2017
I love this series. I hate the wedding was postponed and that using the box didn't help her heal the woman with cancer. I hope Sam Sweet can find out more about the box and it's powers in the future books and marries Beau. I would like to see more of Bobul and find out who he is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2021
Valentine week and Sam Sweet's bakery is slammed. There's also the little matter of her own upcoming nuptials as well. But how can she refuse the request of a dying lady who wants to find her missing son?
As always, Connie Shelton spins an excellent tale. I'd kept this one aside for a rainy day - ironically, the reason I broke into it was that it was too hot and sunny to do anything but collapse on the sofa and read. What a treat! I did miss Sam's sideline of breaking into houses (legally for the USDA) but honestly, there was no room for it. The book was jam-packed with adventure and intrigue.
Loved this one.
Recommended.
As always, Connie Shelton spins an excellent tale. I'd kept this one aside for a rainy day - ironically, the reason I broke into it was that it was too hot and sunny to do anything but collapse on the sofa and read. What a treat! I did miss Sam's sideline of breaking into houses (legally for the USDA) but honestly, there was no room for it. The book was jam-packed with adventure and intrigue.
Loved this one.
Recommended.
March 5, 2021
This is the fourth book in the series, but the first I have read. I was trying to find a book for Bingo and came across this one in my TBR and on my kindle, so I decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did! I really enjoyed the characters, and the chocolate, oh so much chocolate!!!! I loved the story line and the setting. I want to go back and read the first three to see how Sam and Beau got together and how Sam's shop came about. The only reason I didn't give this one 5 stars was because some of the stuff surrounding the DEA was pretty unbelievable. I have no problem taking some liberties, but some were a little off. Regardless I will be reading ALL of these books!!
February 5, 2019
Connie’s books made this nonreader love book. my new found joy is letting alaxa read and I can crochet.
February 10, 2025
Sam Sweets adored patisserie Sweet’s Sweets, is a town fav and she is set to marry her love the sheriff, Beau Caldwell, on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is one of the bakery’s biggest money making days and Sam is already overwhelmed prepping for her wedding and juggling her clients scheduled events and baking needs also around that critical day, so Sam is a high pressure cooker that might explode.
Add to that an unexpected request from Maria, a precious cancer client with very little time left on earth, to find her missing son. Oh, and be sure to pile on the gorgeous pure evil shedevil ex girlfriend Felicia Black, who has strolled back into town and decided she wants her ex back, Sam’s fiancé, Beau. Yup.
With all the craziness happening, Sam and Beau delay the wedding for a few weeks. Sam’s compassion pushes her to help Maria before she dies and so she begins to quietly investigate the cold case of Maria’s son, begins to contact his old coworkers and starting a chain of events that will have consequences.
The adorable and feisty heroine contrasts sharply with the detestable Felicia (I wanted to flatten her with momma’s cast iron skillet for all us girls, what a heifer from Hades!!!) Entertainment and suspense are skillfully interwoven.
This was a superbly written novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Valentine’s Day is one of the bakery’s biggest money making days and Sam is already overwhelmed prepping for her wedding and juggling her clients scheduled events and baking needs also around that critical day, so Sam is a high pressure cooker that might explode.
Add to that an unexpected request from Maria, a precious cancer client with very little time left on earth, to find her missing son. Oh, and be sure to pile on the gorgeous pure evil shedevil ex girlfriend Felicia Black, who has strolled back into town and decided she wants her ex back, Sam’s fiancé, Beau. Yup.
With all the craziness happening, Sam and Beau delay the wedding for a few weeks. Sam’s compassion pushes her to help Maria before she dies and so she begins to quietly investigate the cold case of Maria’s son, begins to contact his old coworkers and starting a chain of events that will have consequences.
The adorable and feisty heroine contrasts sharply with the detestable Felicia (I wanted to flatten her with momma’s cast iron skillet for all us girls, what a heifer from Hades!!!) Entertainment and suspense are skillfully interwoven.
This was a superbly written novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
January 10, 2025
Quite the engaging read!
MarlaJolieThis story gives all the feels with plenty of surprises! Sam's break-in job is scarcely mentioned; this leaves more space for the mystery, and the space is used well.
Samantha's interactions with Marla are touching from their first meeting in the bake shop. Sam pulls her sheriff fiancé, Beau, into the cold case investigation when she has more than enough to deal with that includes the normal Valentine rush at her business, and her own pending nuptials within the week. The missing person mystery is intriguing, and the personal elements are written to wrench the heart, especially the introduction of young Jolie and what she's already experienced in her twelve years. Marla's granddaughter is a touching character whose strength adds to the emotional impact of this story.
Sam's choices regarding her relationship with Beau are a real headscratcher, frankly, and an unnecessary distraction from the main storyline. The ex is handled in an unbelievable and throwaway fashion, and the ending is a noncommittal disappointment.
This reader would like more information about the box; I was quite surprised by the magic and am interested to learn the parameters of its power and what role the enigmatic chocolatier has.
MarlaJolieThis story gives all the feels with plenty of surprises! Sam's break-in job is scarcely mentioned; this leaves more space for the mystery, and the space is used well.
Samantha's interactions with Marla are touching from their first meeting in the bake shop. Sam pulls her sheriff fiancé, Beau, into the cold case investigation when she has more than enough to deal with that includes the normal Valentine rush at her business, and her own pending nuptials within the week. The missing person mystery is intriguing, and the personal elements are written to wrench the heart, especially the introduction of young Jolie and what she's already experienced in her twelve years. Marla's granddaughter is a touching character whose strength adds to the emotional impact of this story.
Sam's choices regarding her relationship with Beau are a real headscratcher, frankly, and an unnecessary distraction from the main storyline. The ex is handled in an unbelievable and throwaway fashion, and the ending is a noncommittal disappointment.
This reader would like more information about the box; I was quite surprised by the magic and am interested to learn the parameters of its power and what role the enigmatic chocolatier has.
February 13, 2021
Just a quick review, may or may not do a more detailed review later.
Out of the three books I’ve read in this series, I liked this one the most. There was a good mystery. The suspense was there. I liked how they came about solving the murder at the end that really engaged me and kept me wanting to go on. I liked the whole magical chocolates made for some funny moments. Perfect for Valentine’s Day when this story took place. It was interesting when Beau’s ex showed up and just all sneaky tricks she tried. It did drag though especially in the beginning and middle. I just didn’t care about all the detail surrounding the baking just like the other books that I had read in the series. I didn’t care about the business either. There was just too much of that. The intriguing ending was what made me give this a four stars with cracking the code, the suspense at catching the bad guys, and just solving the case. The ending was a little emotional and heartbreaking. Poor Jolie. Overall the ending made this story worth reading in the end.
Out of the three books I’ve read in this series, I liked this one the most. There was a good mystery. The suspense was there. I liked how they came about solving the murder at the end that really engaged me and kept me wanting to go on. I liked the whole magical chocolates made for some funny moments. Perfect for Valentine’s Day when this story took place. It was interesting when Beau’s ex showed up and just all sneaky tricks she tried. It did drag though especially in the beginning and middle. I just didn’t care about all the detail surrounding the baking just like the other books that I had read in the series. I didn’t care about the business either. There was just too much of that. The intriguing ending was what made me give this a four stars with cracking the code, the suspense at catching the bad guys, and just solving the case. The ending was a little emotional and heartbreaking. Poor Jolie. Overall the ending made this story worth reading in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2017
I love Connie Shelton and her Samantha Sweet books! I had read this book few years ago, and it was definitely worth reading again. This book is just the epitome of a good "cozy mystery"! Nice, clean fun with mystery and intrigue and of course some romance and drama thrown in. And with Samantha Sweet, just a little touch of magic. That's part of what makes her and her bakery so successful.
This is the fourth book the that series and follows Sam, Beau, Kelly, Jen and the other friends in Taos. Sam and Beau have their wedding set for Valentine's Day, but with all the craziness around that holiday, will Sam be able to pull it off? And then a customer comes in who starts the mystery...Marla's son has been missing for ten years. She needs her son home to take care of his daughter, Jolie, her granddaughter. Marla is ill and Jolie is only twelve. Will Sam be able to help find her son? And what kind of adventure will this be for Sam?
Nice to read a well written and well edited book! I think I'll just go back and re-read the whole series!
This is the fourth book the that series and follows Sam, Beau, Kelly, Jen and the other friends in Taos. Sam and Beau have their wedding set for Valentine's Day, but with all the craziness around that holiday, will Sam be able to pull it off? And then a customer comes in who starts the mystery...Marla's son has been missing for ten years. She needs her son home to take care of his daughter, Jolie, her granddaughter. Marla is ill and Jolie is only twelve. Will Sam be able to help find her son? And what kind of adventure will this be for Sam?
Nice to read a well written and well edited book! I think I'll just go back and re-read the whole series!
January 26, 2023
This installment of the Samantha Sweet series focuses more on the bakery, as Sam works to handle the Valentines Day demand for romantic cakes, as well as planning her own wedding, scheduled for Valentines Day itself. Add in a dying woman who needs to find her son, who went missing 10 years ago, and Sam really has her hands full.
I don't know how realistic the mystery part of the story is, but in a series with an energizing and healing wooden box, chocolates that are literally magical, and the mysterious chocolatier who shows up exactly when Sam needs him - I'm not sure it really matters if the real world stuff is realistic or not. These are fun books that don't need to be taken too seriously.
I don't know how realistic the mystery part of the story is, but in a series with an energizing and healing wooden box, chocolates that are literally magical, and the mysterious chocolatier who shows up exactly when Sam needs him - I'm not sure it really matters if the real world stuff is realistic or not. These are fun books that don't need to be taken too seriously.
May 14, 2024
free ebook, i like this series
she is a baker and opened her own shop. her boyfriend is a sheriff
a lady is sick with cancer, raising her teen granddaughter. the mom died and the dad, the grandmas son, disappeared. turned out he was a dea agent and was killed. they used dna and confirmed his body. the grandma had a funeral for him and she died days later.
the baker found his letters and turned them over to the fbi who found out who the moles in dea were. they were arrested
the daughter moved in with his friend
the baker was so busy during valentines and delayed her wedding to the cop
it was good, i would read more of this series
she is a baker and opened her own shop. her boyfriend is a sheriff
a lady is sick with cancer, raising her teen granddaughter. the mom died and the dad, the grandmas son, disappeared. turned out he was a dea agent and was killed. they used dna and confirmed his body. the grandma had a funeral for him and she died days later.
the baker found his letters and turned them over to the fbi who found out who the moles in dea were. they were arrested
the daughter moved in with his friend
the baker was so busy during valentines and delayed her wedding to the cop
it was good, i would read more of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2018
Samantha Sweet is supposed to be getting married on Valentine's Day, but she keeps adding things to her already full schedule as the day approaches. She meets a woman named Marla and gets involved in Marla's search for her son Tito who disappeared ten years ago.
Beau is a very patient man and they postpone the wedding and spend time trying to figure out what happened to Tito. In addition, one of Beau's old girlfriends is in town and she wants Beau back. She's a model so it takes a lot for Sam to keep believing in Beau and his love for her.
Beau is a very patient man and they postpone the wedding and spend time trying to figure out what happened to Tito. In addition, one of Beau's old girlfriends is in town and she wants Beau back. She's a model so it takes a lot for Sam to keep believing in Beau and his love for her.
February 12, 2025
Samantha's bakery is busier than ever right before Valentine's Day. Why did she pick that day to get married? When a woman comes in requesting a special cake for her son who has been missing for 10 years, Samantha agrees, even though she's swamped. When she delivers the cake to Marla, she learns that after Tito disappeared, the police just said he left and they couldn't do anything. Of course, Samantha goes to her sheriff fiancé Beau and looks into the case further. Then there's the matter of the magic box and the love potion chocolates--fun mysterious twists to this entertaining story.
December 31, 2017
Wedding bells are ringing
Samantha and Beau are getting married on Valentine's Day.......but as time gets closer to say I do, things aren't looking too good. Between my h more business at the bakery than normal and a new mystery there just does seem like time. Will they walk down the isle, put the wedding off,or call it off completely? What a great book to read on these cold winter days.
Samantha and Beau are getting married on Valentine's Day.......but as time gets closer to say I do, things aren't looking too good. Between my h more business at the bakery than normal and a new mystery there just does seem like time. Will they walk down the isle, put the wedding off,or call it off completely? What a great book to read on these cold winter days.
July 6, 2017
As always, Connie Shelton entertains while making you hungry for chocolate. In Sweet Hearts Sam's wedding day is fast approaching, but so are her doubts. Plus there are chocolate pastries, cakes and candies to make. Oh my what's a baker to do besides solve the mystery of a missing man, and possibly get married.
April 28, 2021
This book has the elements of a cozy mystery - lots of family, friends, and everyday happenings - along with the plot of a more complex story. The paranormal elements contribute an added element that makes for an overall enjoyable read. I would not describe this book as a “fun” story, but it was another well written addition to the series.
March 29, 2022
I liked the story although I figured out the deputy was one of the bad guys early on and wondered why Sam didn't say anything to Beau after running into him twice where he shouldn't have been. What I didn't like was it seemed like most of the characters were sleeping with someone. It was behind doors, but it made me cringe when some of the women had only known the guy 2 weeks or less.
October 16, 2022
With Valentine's Day and her own wedding pressing down on her, Sam Sweet and Beau decide to put off their special day. A frail, elderly dying woman asks Sam to find her son who has been missing for years so that he can get home to be reunited with his daughter and provide care after the woman's death. The case leads to cartel's and drugs and an unexpected involvement by someone on the case.
September 29, 2023
Whatever made Samantha Sweet think she could pull off her own wedding on one of her busiest days of the year?
The mystery itself was very sad. It literally had me in tears by the end of the book, and it's extremely rare when a book makes me cry!
The mystery itself was very sad. It literally had me in tears by the end of the book, and it's extremely rare when a book makes me cry!
October 31, 2018
Samantha Sweet is incredible!
Samantha is one loveable character. She seems so real that I want to go to her bakery for a decadent dessert. Terrific plots with little twists that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend this series - Book 5 is next for me!!
Samantha is one loveable character. She seems so real that I want to go to her bakery for a decadent dessert. Terrific plots with little twists that will keep you guessing. I highly recommend this series - Book 5 is next for me!!
August 30, 2019
Sweet hearts. Server's sweets bakery mystery
Another great book. Makes me hungry just reading about everything she makes. Best part though is her interaction with Beau. Keeps you guessing almost to the end. Thanks connie!
Another great book. Makes me hungry just reading about everything she makes. Best part though is her interaction with Beau. Keeps you guessing almost to the end. Thanks connie!
September 19, 2021
Turmoil
This series gets better and better with each book. Sweet Hearts is filled with intrigue, deception, love and strong bonds. Also lots of baking, my sweet tooth enjoys that part, no calories in reading. Enjoy
This series gets better and better with each book. Sweet Hearts is filled with intrigue, deception, love and strong bonds. Also lots of baking, my sweet tooth enjoys that part, no calories in reading. Enjoy
March 30, 2022
Murder ,dea, and love
Samantha and Beau. She a baker him the sheriff. Find themselves looking for a man,because his mom asked. Posts of twists. But I could not put the book down. I needed to see what happened. Please read, it is truly a good book
Samantha and Beau. She a baker him the sheriff. Find themselves looking for a man,because his mom asked. Posts of twists. But I could not put the book down. I needed to see what happened. Please read, it is truly a good book
March 14, 2023
Fast Read
Let me say, I am enjoying this series. This book started off much better than some of the others. However, Sam has some definite issues an does not put two and two together as quickly as she should.
Let me say, I am enjoying this series. This book started off much better than some of the others. However, Sam has some definite issues an does not put two and two together as quickly as she should.
April 15, 2023
SAMANTHA SWEET
SAM AND BEAU LIVE TOGETHER AND OWN A BAKERY TOGETHER. IN THIS MYSTERY NOVEL BY CONNIE SHELTON, THE PAIR ARE RIVALS AND FRIENDS TO OTHERS WHO DISAPPEAR FROM THE SWEET SUCCESS FASTER THAN KNEADING A BAKER'S DOZEN. NO ONE EVER SAID IT WASN'T PALPABLE.
SAM AND BEAU LIVE TOGETHER AND OWN A BAKERY TOGETHER. IN THIS MYSTERY NOVEL BY CONNIE SHELTON, THE PAIR ARE RIVALS AND FRIENDS TO OTHERS WHO DISAPPEAR FROM THE SWEET SUCCESS FASTER THAN KNEADING A BAKER'S DOZEN. NO ONE EVER SAID IT WASN'T PALPABLE.
March 22, 2024
Samantha Sweet is busy with her new bakery. It is nearly Valentine’s Day after all. That does not stop her from getting involved in trying to help an elderly woman find her son who has been missing for years. The elderly woman is dying and needs her son to return to care for his daughter.
March 17, 2018
Another good mystery
This one deals with love, loss and figuring out future plans. It is riveting and exciting. The characters are well thought out and described.
This one deals with love, loss and figuring out future plans. It is riveting and exciting. The characters are well thought out and described.
June 11, 2018
Yummy
Romance
Bobul
Mystery and death
And LOVE
What more could you ask for in a Samantha Sweet yummy cozy mystery?
Romance
Bobul
Mystery and death
And LOVE
What more could you ask for in a Samantha Sweet yummy cozy mystery?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews