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Mystic Cafe #2
Pies and Potions
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
Elly's back and dishing up more magic!
Elly Blair is finally getting the hang of her magic skills. That is, until the National Organization for Magic introduces her to a new type of magic: potions.
Each year before the fall equinox, a special potion must be given to the residents of Mystic Hollow, Kentucky. But when the spell goes awry, Elly fears she's to blame.
Handsome investigator Tom Owenton is back in town, but this time he's been stripped of his badge. With Tom's arrival in Mystic Hollow, the Organization steps in and decides to shut down the entire town.
When Elly and Tom team up to help solve the mystery of the spell gone wrong, the Organization isn't the only unhappy party. Elly's boyfriend, Rory Covington, is concerned about how close Elly and Tom are becoming.
But a bad spell isn't Elly's biggest problem. A body is found at Mystic Cafe, plunging her into a murder investigation. And the killer might be closer than she thinks. Elly must solve the crime or the murderer will make Elly hang up her apron forever.
Elly's back and dishing up more magic!
Elly Blair is finally getting the hang of her magic skills. That is, until the National Organization for Magic introduces her to a new type of magic: potions.
Each year before the fall equinox, a special potion must be given to the residents of Mystic Hollow, Kentucky. But when the spell goes awry, Elly fears she's to blame.
Handsome investigator Tom Owenton is back in town, but this time he's been stripped of his badge. With Tom's arrival in Mystic Hollow, the Organization steps in and decides to shut down the entire town.
When Elly and Tom team up to help solve the mystery of the spell gone wrong, the Organization isn't the only unhappy party. Elly's boyfriend, Rory Covington, is concerned about how close Elly and Tom are becoming.
But a bad spell isn't Elly's biggest problem. A body is found at Mystic Cafe, plunging her into a murder investigation. And the killer might be closer than she thinks. Elly must solve the crime or the murderer will make Elly hang up her apron forever.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2012
186 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Rose Pressey Betancourt
73 books1,384 followersRose Pressey Betancourt is a USA Today Bestselling author. She enjoys writing quirky and fun novels with a paranormal twist. The paranormal has always captured her interest. The thought of finding answers to the unexplained fascinates her.
When she's not writing quirky and fun mysteries, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties.
Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky.
When she's not writing quirky and fun mysteries, she loves eating cupcakes with sprinkles, reading, spending time with family, and listening to oldies from the fifties.
Rose lives in the beautiful commonwealth of Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 14, 2014
I like this series much more than the author's "How to Date a.." series. The characters were a bit more fleshed out and less annoying, and the whole thing felt more...cohesive.
There were still some writing/editing issues that stood out to me and kept yanking me out of being immersed in the story
"Her callous words made my stomach turn. How could she be so cold and evil? My stomach turned."
Repetitiveness from sentence to sentence drove me batty. At least use some other phrase to describe what you're describing, if you feel the need to repeat it.
I also was sad that the character descriptions were basically copied and pasted from the first book. Her best friend who helps her run the cafe had no new introduction at all, just the few sentences about her crazy hat collection that we had read before. I understand the need to catch the reader up in case they missed the first book- but I felt like it was a cop-out not to do a few new sentences.
Lines I liked:
"That girl is one relationship disaster away from her fourth cat."
HA!
Still rooting for Ellie, till curious about Tom- I will read the next one, and continue to try to ignore the writing style
There were still some writing/editing issues that stood out to me and kept yanking me out of being immersed in the story
"Her callous words made my stomach turn. How could she be so cold and evil? My stomach turned."
Repetitiveness from sentence to sentence drove me batty. At least use some other phrase to describe what you're describing, if you feel the need to repeat it.
I also was sad that the character descriptions were basically copied and pasted from the first book. Her best friend who helps her run the cafe had no new introduction at all, just the few sentences about her crazy hat collection that we had read before. I understand the need to catch the reader up in case they missed the first book- but I felt like it was a cop-out not to do a few new sentences.
Lines I liked:
"That girl is one relationship disaster away from her fourth cat."
HA!
Still rooting for Ellie, till curious about Tom- I will read the next one, and continue to try to ignore the writing style
March 17, 2012
PIES AND POTION is a"GREAT READ" !!!!!!The book kept me interested from the first word til the last. I loved the storyline, that ELLY is so funny and at the same time crazy as heck. I definately wanted some cherry pie through out the book.
Elly and Rory's romance is nice but I think that Elly's true love may be Tom or just wishful thinking on my behalf.
ROSE PRESSEY MY DEAR YOUR A GREAT WRITER WHO JUST KNOWS HOW TO KEEP US GLUED TO YOUR GREAT BOOKS!
LOVED IT!
Elly and Rory's romance is nice but I think that Elly's true love may be Tom or just wishful thinking on my behalf.
ROSE PRESSEY MY DEAR YOUR A GREAT WRITER WHO JUST KNOWS HOW TO KEEP US GLUED TO YOUR GREAT BOOKS!
LOVED IT!
August 20, 2016
Lovely
The story goes on with the cafe and now Elly looks like she is just a magnet for bad luck. While some of her naivety comes across as too much it still makes for a good read
The story goes on with the cafe and now Elly looks like she is just a magnet for bad luck. While some of her naivety comes across as too much it still makes for a good read
December 12, 2019
Still in the learning phase Elly is caught up in another mystery after her grandmother retires and turns over the cafe to her. Caught between two men and learning to use potions Elly is almost ready to give up the cooking but her feisty spirit won't allow her to go down without a fight as she realizes that she is home and where she belongs.
January 20, 2018
More magic and mystery at Mystic Cafe
Besides dealing with two men that want her, Elly has to deal with a murder and bad magic in the second book in the series. I enjoyed this book very much and am off to read book 3!
Besides dealing with two men that want her, Elly has to deal with a murder and bad magic in the second book in the series. I enjoyed this book very much and am off to read book 3!
May 12, 2019
Cute, easy to read story. However, I did feel like I didn’t actually get to the story until I was halfway into the book. The first half of the book had a lot of filler info. Some review from the first book is good, but it seemed to be a little bit too much.
February 11, 2021
Fun magical mystery
I enjoyed this book. Lots of magic, who done it mystery, sexy men, death and red velvet cake and so much more. Likeable characters, good story line. Worth reading. Quick read.
I enjoyed this book. Lots of magic, who done it mystery, sexy men, death and red velvet cake and so much more. Likeable characters, good story line. Worth reading. Quick read.
December 26, 2017
too much filler parts in the story. The story could very well have been 50% shorter
November 6, 2017
Pies and Potions (Mystic Cafe Series Book 2
Ms. Pressey, has another winner. Kelly and friends are a good read. I recommend this series, and look forward to more installments
Ms. Pressey, has another winner. Kelly and friends are a good read. I recommend this series, and look forward to more installments
February 24, 2018
Mindless read
Cute story, easy to read, predictable heroine bests evil adversary. Two love interests. Enjoyable but not great reading. Just okay
Cute story, easy to read, predictable heroine bests evil adversary. Two love interests. Enjoyable but not great reading. Just okay
July 2, 2018
Needs a lot of editing. Especially for thingslike this.
June 4, 2019
Another great read!
September 21, 2023
It was ok.
March 7, 2017
I like the authors writing style. Cute, not-to-heavy reads for when you want entertainment. I loved the idea of the organization of the magical world in this series.
September 4, 2012
Grandma Imelda has come home for a bit to teach Elly about potions in this next installment of the Mystic Cafe Series, Pies and Potions by Rose Pressey! While Elly may finally feel a bit more comfortable with spell casting, potions are a whole other thing. It's a good thing that she can bake though, because that's where the potions are going!
Things are going so much better for Elly than the last time we met her. And the autumnal equinox is almost upon us when the entire town gets the special annual potion. But there wouldn't be a story and it wouldn't be Elly if all went well. This time, the entire town starts acting a bit loopy! Seriously though...it's not Elly's fault and she has to find out what happened and how to fix it.
Unfortunately she's going to have even less help this time because Tom might be back from the Organization but he's lost his investigator privileges. Now the big boss is on his way with the new protege and it looks like the whole town might be shut down...for good. Oh and let's not forget Rory...he thinks that Tom only has eyes for Elly and feels the need to keep a close eye on him.
Another fun and light book to read. I even enjoyed the bit of extra mystery added to the mix. It kept me on the edge and wanting to read more. Hopefully Ms. Pressey will write book 3 soon so we can find out what
happens to Elly and Rory next!
Things are going so much better for Elly than the last time we met her. And the autumnal equinox is almost upon us when the entire town gets the special annual potion. But there wouldn't be a story and it wouldn't be Elly if all went well. This time, the entire town starts acting a bit loopy! Seriously though...it's not Elly's fault and she has to find out what happened and how to fix it.
Unfortunately she's going to have even less help this time because Tom might be back from the Organization but he's lost his investigator privileges. Now the big boss is on his way with the new protege and it looks like the whole town might be shut down...for good. Oh and let's not forget Rory...he thinks that Tom only has eyes for Elly and feels the need to keep a close eye on him.
Another fun and light book to read. I even enjoyed the bit of extra mystery added to the mix. It kept me on the edge and wanting to read more. Hopefully Ms. Pressey will write book 3 soon so we can find out what
happens to Elly and Rory next!
March 17, 2012
Cute, quick read. I love that Tom is back - he's a much more interesting character than Rory (who is basically just hot. He has no other characteristics that I could see). It was pretty obvious that something was up with Sydney, but the predictability didn't bother me much. And even though Elly waits too long to ask for help and can be a bit oblivious sometimes, I do like her. Again, she should totally ditch Rory for Tom. Just sayin.
Things I didn't like. There were a lot of errors that the editor should have picked up on (and although this was self published, the author did thank her editor, so there was one). The chapter breaks came at really weird times that didn't make any sense. Elly does have, on occasion, too dumb to live syndrome (another favorite character of mine, Cassandra Palmer from a Karen Chance series, has this from time to time as well). It doesn't happen enough to turn me off from her character altogether, but she really should have learned a few things by this point, you know?
Um, I know there was more (I should start taking notes when I read or something) but I finished this yesterday and I'm sick and sort of fuzzy on the details. Anyway, I've read at least the first book in the author's other series and this series is my favorite of hers by far.
Things I didn't like. There were a lot of errors that the editor should have picked up on (and although this was self published, the author did thank her editor, so there was one). The chapter breaks came at really weird times that didn't make any sense. Elly does have, on occasion, too dumb to live syndrome (another favorite character of mine, Cassandra Palmer from a Karen Chance series, has this from time to time as well). It doesn't happen enough to turn me off from her character altogether, but she really should have learned a few things by this point, you know?
Um, I know there was more (I should start taking notes when I read or something) but I finished this yesterday and I'm sick and sort of fuzzy on the details. Anyway, I've read at least the first book in the author's other series and this series is my favorite of hers by far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2012
I liked the book, it was a quick and easy read, however as for the mystery, it was a bit too easy of a guess, so not much of a who-dun-it. I love the characters, but the romantic interest between the main character and the two guys is getting a bit over done and is laid on too thick in this one. I would have liked to have seen the author go into more detail on the crazy reactions of the town inhabitants and a little less on the poor attempt of the romantic interlude between Elly and Rory.
All in all I liked the characters, though the plot needed some work and the action needs a bit more work. I look forward to the next book in this series and hope it gets a bit more interesting than
It did have a recipe for the red velvet cake... which I might try minus the red since I am allergic LOL
All in all I liked the characters, though the plot needed some work and the action needs a bit more work. I look forward to the next book in this series and hope it gets a bit more interesting than
It did have a recipe for the red velvet cake... which I might try minus the red since I am allergic LOL
October 16, 2012
*Small Town Romance Meets Quirky Paranormal*
A review of Pies and Potions by Rose Pressey
I love the small town romance and paranormal genres equally. This book delivers both genres in perfect portions and topped with a good dollop of whipped cream! If you want to escape into a world of humor, magic and small town nuances, then this is the book for you! Rose Pressey delivers lighthearted books with charming, quirky characters that doesn't take being supernatural or the paranormal too seriously - so it provides escapism without being heavy. In comparison to the first book in the series, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed it as well, this one has evolved - the plot is becoming more layered and there's some heat in this one, which is an added bonus!
Reviewed by Aneesa Price, author and member of WaAr
A review of Pies and Potions by Rose Pressey
I love the small town romance and paranormal genres equally. This book delivers both genres in perfect portions and topped with a good dollop of whipped cream! If you want to escape into a world of humor, magic and small town nuances, then this is the book for you! Rose Pressey delivers lighthearted books with charming, quirky characters that doesn't take being supernatural or the paranormal too seriously - so it provides escapism without being heavy. In comparison to the first book in the series, whilst I thoroughly enjoyed it as well, this one has evolved - the plot is becoming more layered and there's some heat in this one, which is an added bonus!
Reviewed by Aneesa Price, author and member of WaAr
April 21, 2012
Great follow-up to No Shoes, No Shirt, No Spells. Rose Pressey continues to provide us with great characters and entertaining stories. Once again, Ms. Pressey does it; she keeps me hooked from beginning to end. I'm glad to see Elly is slowly warming up to her abilities to create spells; her confidence is growing at a pace that is believable and enjoyable to the reader. I appreciate that the ending wasn't predictable and that I didn’t know what would happen until the very end. I have read everything that Rose Pressey has published and I love them all! Anything Rose Pressey is always a fun read! Thank you, Rose, for another wonderful book and series. :)
April 17, 2012
Another cute story in this series. A quick, easy, and light read. Again if you are looking for a lot of character development and plot, this is not for you. But if you are looking for easy and fun, don't be afraid to pick this up. It seems as though time moves in fast forward in the town. What would take everyone else weeks to discover to accomplish, these residents can do so in a matter of hours. That would be my only complaint.
January 24, 2013
Just when Elle gets the hang of the cafe Grandma Imelda arrives up with another challenge - one which seems to go in a direction totally different to expected.
This second book is a little darker with an actual dead body but still flows in a delicious pattern. It's nice that Rory gets a chance to play hero and help Elle forget Tom's brooding features.
Of course I'm constantly hungry reading these books and only a slice of red velvet cake can cure my ills. But no magic potion please.
This second book is a little darker with an actual dead body but still flows in a delicious pattern. It's nice that Rory gets a chance to play hero and help Elle forget Tom's brooding features.
Of course I'm constantly hungry reading these books and only a slice of red velvet cake can cure my ills. But no magic potion please.
March 17, 2012
A huge fan of Rose's work, I was reluctant to finish this fun book. I never like coming to the end of a good read!
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters that bit better, and once again thought that the delicious love triangle was well developed and exciting.
Pies and Potions was a great mix of investigative action, humour and romance all with a little bit of magic thrown in.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters that bit better, and once again thought that the delicious love triangle was well developed and exciting.
Pies and Potions was a great mix of investigative action, humour and romance all with a little bit of magic thrown in.
August 16, 2012
I just really love this series. The story is fun to read and I quickly devoured it. I love a book that I absolutely do not want to put down for any reason at all. I thought some parts went into too much detail while others didn't have enough. Overall, I really enjoy this series and hope that she gets the third book out soon.
March 25, 2013
More for the teens and pre teens. A magical town where only happy stuff is suppose to happen. Exceptt a person seeking revenge has come into town to use Ella Blaine to get at Tom. It has lots of filler to distract the reader from the actual mystery as Ella pines over two men. It is easy to realize who the killer is and shut the book then, instead of reading the rest of the dribble.
June 29, 2013
The second book in the Mystic Café series is just as good as the first. The handsome hunks are back and so is the Organization. What happens when the organization shows up during another magic mess-up is a must read situation. Can Elly Blair save her mystical café again? Will she be shut down for good? Guess you better read the book and find out. I'm already looking forward to the next one.
September 5, 2012
Fabulous! I adored these quirky southern paranormal cozies!
March 12, 2012
Fun and entertaining. Love Rose Pressey's books. Paranormal fun,
with some mystery, suspense and hot guys.
with some mystery, suspense and hot guys.
April 23, 2012
I really didn't like this book all that much. was a tad boring. I will still buy the third in the series though. I
April 11, 2012
Nice story-line. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
May 27, 2012
Second in the Mystic Cafe series, it picks up where No Shoes, No Shirts, No Spells leaves off. Elly Blair in trouble again. Another fun whodunit with a great cast of characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews