What do you think?
Rate this book
Magical Bakery Mystery #3
Charms and Chocolate Chips
Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won't be as easy as whipping up a new recipe-especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie's mystical senses tell her that there's more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly... or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
202 people are currently reading
2586 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
October 10, 2017
Now I want a scone, with some extra herbs in it for prosperity....
Katie seems to keep running across dead bodies, part of this is because she is a catalyst, and part of this is because she is a light witch....Katie is also a fun witchy character;With a feisty eclectic coven.... The coven is definitely part of the strength of this series, this group of witches are all so different, but are able to work so well together.... another major strength is the bakery, I love the atmosphere of this bakery it just seems so cozy..... The real problem I have with this series is the love triangle, especially because it seems as though Katie is not with the person she wants to be with, and that just makes me feel bad for that guy, it is just so wrong.... i’m not sure why so many authors seem to love the love triangle, it just is annoying and takes away from the enjoyment of the book.... occasionally it will work, but it is not working for me in this series, I’d rather Katie have a single love interest or no love interest, it would just be so much more enjoyable....
*** narration: Amy Rubenate is one of my favorite narrators, and she definitely did not disappoint in this book💛
Katie seems to keep running across dead bodies, part of this is because she is a catalyst, and part of this is because she is a light witch....Katie is also a fun witchy character;With a feisty eclectic coven.... The coven is definitely part of the strength of this series, this group of witches are all so different, but are able to work so well together.... another major strength is the bakery, I love the atmosphere of this bakery it just seems so cozy..... The real problem I have with this series is the love triangle, especially because it seems as though Katie is not with the person she wants to be with, and that just makes me feel bad for that guy, it is just so wrong.... i’m not sure why so many authors seem to love the love triangle, it just is annoying and takes away from the enjoyment of the book.... occasionally it will work, but it is not working for me in this series, I’d rather Katie have a single love interest or no love interest, it would just be so much more enjoyable....
*** narration: Amy Rubenate is one of my favorite narrators, and she definitely did not disappoint in this book💛
August 27, 2019
..
Charms and Chocolate Chips is the third book in Bailey Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery series by by Bailey Cates.
I feel like I missed something between the previous installment and this one unless my mind totally blocked out an important fact. In the previous books, there were two fellows (a fireman and a male witch) vying for the heroine's attention throughout the entire thing. However, this book starts out with the heroine in the depths of a solidified relationship with the fireman.
Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won't be as easy as whipping up a new recipe-especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.
This cozy paranormal series provides light and quick reads without much depth in characters or plotlines. Kate's aunt, along with the rest of her book club is helpful in many ways after she stumbles over another dead body. The magic in this story is another added layer that was somewhat unique, yet entertaining never ot the less.
When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie's mystical senses tell her that there's more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly... or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.
Each installment is able to stand on its own. However, you will be introduced to the characters that remain from book to book and experience the development of the story much more clearly if you read the entire series in order.
Charms and Chocolate Chips is the third book in Bailey Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery series by by Bailey Cates.
I feel like I missed something between the previous installment and this one unless my mind totally blocked out an important fact. In the previous books, there were two fellows (a fireman and a male witch) vying for the heroine's attention throughout the entire thing. However, this book starts out with the heroine in the depths of a solidified relationship with the fireman.
Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won't be as easy as whipping up a new recipe-especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.
This cozy paranormal series provides light and quick reads without much depth in characters or plotlines. Kate's aunt, along with the rest of her book club is helpful in many ways after she stumbles over another dead body. The magic in this story is another added layer that was somewhat unique, yet entertaining never ot the less.
When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie's mystical senses tell her that there's more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly... or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.
Each installment is able to stand on its own. However, you will be introduced to the characters that remain from book to book and experience the development of the story much more clearly if you read the entire series in order.
February 13, 2017
Katie Lightfoot (yes, I kind of hate her name too) thankfully wasn't too dampered by the previous diagnosis of what a unique witch she was at the end of the second book. While she's settling in with her powers in general, she makes sure to still keep her nose in crimes that keep popping up in her small town. This time it involves a weird tree, conservation morals, and another mini showdown between the female and male witches/warlocks/shamans/whatever.
Unfortunately the love triangle is still drawn, and sadly the edges of the triangle are still too clearly felt and seen. There's glimpses of hope around the corner sometimes that it may end and she'll end up with one guy for good, but you never know. It kind of looks like she makes her decision finally, but of course it's the wrong guy no reader wants her to end up with anyway, so does that really help things? NO.
Besides the return of the fun coven who complement each other because they dare to be different from each other, Katie's mother visits and it turns out fun. She was made to sound like a harpy in previous phone calls from the other books, but in person? A sweet old lady shooting out overprotective mothering and wise womanly vibes.
I'd love to visit a bakery like the one in these books. It comes across so cozy and makes me crave herb-filled scones, jam filled croissants, and a whole bunch of other things my waist doesn't need. The trick of putting herbs and spices designated for certain magical intentions in the food brings its own charm. The mystery is the front focus of the book, but the setting of the bakery helps make the cozy vibe feel sensational, and the side stories of her relationships with others in the small town makes it more interesting.
Unfortunately the love triangle is still drawn, and sadly the edges of the triangle are still too clearly felt and seen. There's glimpses of hope around the corner sometimes that it may end and she'll end up with one guy for good, but you never know. It kind of looks like she makes her decision finally, but of course it's the wrong guy no reader wants her to end up with anyway, so does that really help things? NO.
Besides the return of the fun coven who complement each other because they dare to be different from each other, Katie's mother visits and it turns out fun. She was made to sound like a harpy in previous phone calls from the other books, but in person? A sweet old lady shooting out overprotective mothering and wise womanly vibes.
I'd love to visit a bakery like the one in these books. It comes across so cozy and makes me crave herb-filled scones, jam filled croissants, and a whole bunch of other things my waist doesn't need. The trick of putting herbs and spices designated for certain magical intentions in the food brings its own charm. The mystery is the front focus of the book, but the setting of the bakery helps make the cozy vibe feel sensational, and the side stories of her relationships with others in the small town makes it more interesting.
February 14, 2017
Katie our heroine and baker deluxe has once again stumbled on a dead body. This time it is somebody she knows an worked with. She soft of pretends like she might stay out of it but that goes against her nature and she dives in. This is not the only upset in her life, her mother shows up unexpectedly and there are some issues that need faced. There is a swamp, snakes, powerful trees, lawyers, ex's, powerful spells and some deviously yummy baked goodies.
Negatives: This one had a slow start for me the first 1/4 was just going nowhere slowly. There is some drama going on with her coven friend Cookie which just didn't fit in the story at all for me, it felt like the author wasn't sure what was going on either so she through something in real quick. I also miss the relationship triangle. it doesn't help that I think she is with the wrong guy !
Positives: 3/4 of the book was great fun, hard to put down or had me drooling for sugary snacks. The gingerbread recipe was one of the best I've ever eaten. I made it twice, enough my pants feel a little snug. LOL Katie is moving forward, growing stronger and has not backed down to please others. I like her even more.
Yes, I ordered the next book, it's on it's way to my door :D
Negatives: This one had a slow start for me the first 1/4 was just going nowhere slowly. There is some drama going on with her coven friend Cookie which just didn't fit in the story at all for me, it felt like the author wasn't sure what was going on either so she through something in real quick. I also miss the relationship triangle. it doesn't help that I think she is with the wrong guy !
Positives: 3/4 of the book was great fun, hard to put down or had me drooling for sugary snacks. The gingerbread recipe was one of the best I've ever eaten. I made it twice, enough my pants feel a little snug. LOL Katie is moving forward, growing stronger and has not backed down to please others. I like her even more.
Yes, I ordered the next book, it's on it's way to my door :D
February 27, 2016
The story was great, but my issue was with the love triangle. Yes, even though Katie made her choice, there was still a darn love triangle. I wouldn't have mind if not for the fact I despise Steve. I don't see why Cates keeps shoving him in our faces. He had more scenes than Declan, her actual boyfriend. He really makes it difficult to read on, despite my love for the series. Ugh, so frustrating. I'm still going to continue on, but I pray there won't be anymore sexual tension between Katie and her former lover. Girl, pay more attention to your boyfriend!
July 23, 2017
I like the darker tone that the series started in the previous book, this one isn't as dark but still not as light and fluffy as the first.
I'm interested to see what plans the author has for the series, starting book 4 now.
I'm interested to see what plans the author has for the series, starting book 4 now.
April 12, 2020
Another cute story where Katie finds herself embroiled in yet another murder, this time of a friend whom she was volunteering with.
As the series goes on, Katie learns more about her magic, and meets new adversaries, almost always male, who just happen to know how powerful her magic is, while her own family and coven don't.
A great addition to this story was the introduction of Katie's mother. Mungo, as always, was my favorite.
Actual rating: 3.5
As the series goes on, Katie learns more about her magic, and meets new adversaries, almost always male, who just happen to know how powerful her magic is, while her own family and coven don't.
A great addition to this story was the introduction of Katie's mother. Mungo, as always, was my favorite.
Actual rating: 3.5
January 9, 2022
This book was great! It is the 3rd book in The Magical Bakeshop Mystery series. I love this series! In this third installment, our protagonist Katie, who is a witch, reconnects with her mother, continues to grow her Bakeshop with her aunt and uncle, grows her relationship with her boyfriend, becomes more in-tune with powers, and confronts another murder mystery. I loved visiting Katie’s small town and Bakeshop again. I loved interacting with her relationship with her aunt, uncle, and her familiar, her dog Mungo. I enjoyed seeing her romantic relationship blossom. I enjoyed the murder mystery, although it took me a little while to become invested in the plot surrounding the murder mystery. Once I delved in, I was hooked! Can’t wait to read the next book in the series in a couple of months. 📖📚👏🏽
July 26, 2020
Katie looks into the murder of a member of Georgia Wild, an ecological group.
This continues to be a sweet cozy mystery series. Katie makes reasonable inquiries that lead her to the killer without too much outrageousness. It is starting to seem that the number of dead bodies she happens upon is getting to be a little high- it will be interesting to see how the author deals with that in future books.
This was a group read with my 88-year-old mom, and she really liked it.
This continues to be a sweet cozy mystery series. Katie makes reasonable inquiries that lead her to the killer without too much outrageousness. It is starting to seem that the number of dead bodies she happens upon is getting to be a little high- it will be interesting to see how the author deals with that in future books.
This was a group read with my 88-year-old mom, and she really liked it.
August 5, 2022
Not bad, not the best. Katie is slightly more likeable here but I’m still not sold on her. I still sort of want Declan to walk away from her and find someone else. Even though she chooses to be with him, her demands and thoughts regarding Steve- the other guy … hmmm
Anyway, one of the volunteers at the center where she spends time is murdered and Katie investigates. The new detective on the case is more amenable to her investigating and sharing information with her. Katie discovers a link between an endangered species, some swamp land and Steve Dawes, which brings him back into her life. What I didn’t like about Katie is that she makes time for Steve but not for Declan who she claims to love 🙄🙄🙄 - ughh this storyline is just irritating.
Anyway, one of the volunteers at the center where she spends time is murdered and Katie investigates. The new detective on the case is more amenable to her investigating and sharing information with her. Katie discovers a link between an endangered species, some swamp land and Steve Dawes, which brings him back into her life. What I didn’t like about Katie is that she makes time for Steve but not for Declan who she claims to love 🙄🙄🙄 - ughh this storyline is just irritating.
November 22, 2020
"This is the third time in a year that something like this has landed in your lap, so to speak. And they do say the third time's a charm."
March 22, 2026
I liked listening to this book on audio. This is a fun, magical cozy series.
October 2, 2023
A much better mystery with over all plot development... chef's kiss.
I recommend for those that don't mind the best is yet to come mentality with fantastical mysteries.
I recommend for those that don't mind the best is yet to come mentality with fantastical mysteries.
October 14, 2019
I liked that this one had a bit of a darker tone and I really liked the story surrounding the cypress tree. Still just more a light and fun read than anything profound! But it’s what I’m in the mood to read at the moment!
November 27, 2022
3.5 Stars Rounded up
Cute, fun, light and diverse.
Mentions of columbused spiritual practices major part of world building.
Cute, fun, light and diverse.
Mentions of columbused spiritual practices major part of world building.
September 27, 2014
This third book of the series was very similar to the first two and while I still got through it, it almost feels like the series is stagnating a bit. The overall story was enjoyable and the book itself was well written but now I know why I don’t read many cozy mystery series: I get bored after a while.
It was, however, nice to learn a little bit more about the main character’s magical abilities. We’ve know from the start that Katie’s not just a normal hereditary witch. She’s a catalyst and she amplifies anything magical surrounding her. Whether she’s attracted to murder scenes or whether she actually causes them is still up in the air, but one thing’s for sure, she’s good at helping solve the murders. In the previous book, we also learnt that she a lightwitch and we still don’t really know what that entails. Hopefully we’ll learn what a lightwitch is soon and maybe the next book will expand on it a little bit more.
As for Katie herself, she’s starting to get on my nerves. She’s known for months now that’s she’s a lightwitch and if I was in her position, I would definitely make the effort to find out what exactly that means. I wouldn’t leave it to chance or to the next murder mystery to reveal more about my powers. Her let it be attitude is definitely the opposite of mine and although I like her as a character, I wouldn’t be able to stand her as a friend. The game she’s playing with the two guys in her life, Declan and Steve, is mean. She’s leading both of them on, and at the moment she’s with Declan but she’s being friendly with Steve too. Declan’s a little jealous of this, I think, and Katie has to continuously reassure him that she’s just friends with Steve. I think she’s trying to reassure herself at the same times and whether or not she believes what she says is still unclear.
The actual murder story was well thought out. The woman who was murdered was the leader of a conservation group called Georgia Wild that’s trying to save a swamp from being turned into a corporate golf course. Since Katie has a strong affinity to plants, it’s only natural for her to volunteer for the group. There are many suspects in the case and all of them could have done it, but the writer lets the story brew for a long time. We only learn right at the end who the real murderer is and it’s someone I really didn’t suspect.
My favourite character is still Mongo, Katie’s familiar dog but I am a little worried about him eating human food. He’s quite a glutton but at least Katie is starting to limit what he eats. I know some people hate when writer humanize the animals in their story, but I’m all for it, especially when it comes to dogs. I’m such a dog lover that I don’t mind at all. Anyways, Mongo is such adorable that I don’t think many people who read cozy mysteries care all that much. He’s an adorable and loyal little guy.
Since I’ve committed to this series, I will definitely continue reading it but be aware, it’s not one of my favourites. It’s a good change from what I usually read so it’s a good diversion. I’m just hoping the next book will reveal more about Katie’s abilities and I truly hope she’ll finally decided which guy she wants to be romantically involved with.
It was, however, nice to learn a little bit more about the main character’s magical abilities. We’ve know from the start that Katie’s not just a normal hereditary witch. She’s a catalyst and she amplifies anything magical surrounding her. Whether she’s attracted to murder scenes or whether she actually causes them is still up in the air, but one thing’s for sure, she’s good at helping solve the murders. In the previous book, we also learnt that she a lightwitch and we still don’t really know what that entails. Hopefully we’ll learn what a lightwitch is soon and maybe the next book will expand on it a little bit more.
As for Katie herself, she’s starting to get on my nerves. She’s known for months now that’s she’s a lightwitch and if I was in her position, I would definitely make the effort to find out what exactly that means. I wouldn’t leave it to chance or to the next murder mystery to reveal more about my powers. Her let it be attitude is definitely the opposite of mine and although I like her as a character, I wouldn’t be able to stand her as a friend. The game she’s playing with the two guys in her life, Declan and Steve, is mean. She’s leading both of them on, and at the moment she’s with Declan but she’s being friendly with Steve too. Declan’s a little jealous of this, I think, and Katie has to continuously reassure him that she’s just friends with Steve. I think she’s trying to reassure herself at the same times and whether or not she believes what she says is still unclear.
The actual murder story was well thought out. The woman who was murdered was the leader of a conservation group called Georgia Wild that’s trying to save a swamp from being turned into a corporate golf course. Since Katie has a strong affinity to plants, it’s only natural for her to volunteer for the group. There are many suspects in the case and all of them could have done it, but the writer lets the story brew for a long time. We only learn right at the end who the real murderer is and it’s someone I really didn’t suspect.
My favourite character is still Mongo, Katie’s familiar dog but I am a little worried about him eating human food. He’s quite a glutton but at least Katie is starting to limit what he eats. I know some people hate when writer humanize the animals in their story, but I’m all for it, especially when it comes to dogs. I’m such a dog lover that I don’t mind at all. Anyways, Mongo is such adorable that I don’t think many people who read cozy mysteries care all that much. He’s an adorable and loyal little guy.
Since I’ve committed to this series, I will definitely continue reading it but be aware, it’s not one of my favourites. It’s a good change from what I usually read so it’s a good diversion. I’m just hoping the next book will reveal more about Katie’s abilities and I truly hope she’ll finally decided which guy she wants to be romantically involved with.
January 3, 2016
Book 3 in the Magical Bakery series. Katie Lightfoot is busy developing new recipes at the Honeybee Bakery and volunteering her time to the Georgia Wild Conservation Group. The mystery begins when a fellow worker is found murdered at the conservation group's headquarters. Tucked into her hands is an origami of a unique maroon bat. The very same bat that the group is trying to protect. It has been spotted in a nearby swamp that is also the interest of a local developmental group. More origami bats start appearing as well as serious threats as Katie and her coven narrow in on the culprit and determined just what's so special about that swamp. I really enjoyed this book. I love Katie and her group of friends. It's neat watching her become more confident as a hedgewitch. We get a surprise visit from Katie's estranged mother. That was an interesting relationship to follow and I hope we see more of her in future books. Katie's relationship with her boyfriend, Declan, is put to the test when he experiences part of her magic and realizes just what Katie is capable of doing. I personally love Steve, the Druid, and reading the banter that goes back and forth between the two characters. He definitely needs to be more prominent in future books. Overall, this series is very entertaining. The characters are well written and fun to follow. The paranormal aspect is light, but informative and interesting to read about. The mystery was good and kept me entertained until the very end. Book 4 is already on my to-read list!
November 26, 2013
Five Cheers for light-hearted mysteries.
Cates whips up a fluffy confection that lands squarely in the cozy section but includes strong romance and fantasy/paranormal flavors. But what about the writing craft aspects of the novel?
Three-dimensional characters are her forte. Even her tertiary ones are individuals.
The plots twist enough to be interesting, and her villains have understandable motivations.
McCrae/Bailey puts together a nice paranormal mystery, based on nice people you wouldn't mind knowing. Maybe even make you wish you did know people like them.
Cates whips up a fluffy confection that lands squarely in the cozy section but includes strong romance and fantasy/paranormal flavors. But what about the writing craft aspects of the novel?
Three-dimensional characters are her forte. Even her tertiary ones are individuals.
The plots twist enough to be interesting, and her villains have understandable motivations.
McCrae/Bailey puts together a nice paranormal mystery, based on nice people you wouldn't mind knowing. Maybe even make you wish you did know people like them.
April 28, 2015
I don't remember a damn thing about what I read. I remember pastries off the top of my head. Oh, okay, I'm starting to remember now...
I think this bored me more than anything. I didn't find myself wanting to run home to it like I did the first two. I still like all the characters, but the story just wasn't that interesting to me. The killer was the same possessed crazy I've seen before.
The Love Geometry I thought might be there wasn't there. Good! I don't think I could take that kind of math. I wonder if there might be a mathletes showdown in the future?
I think this bored me more than anything. I didn't find myself wanting to run home to it like I did the first two. I still like all the characters, but the story just wasn't that interesting to me. The killer was the same possessed crazy I've seen before.
The Love Geometry I thought might be there wasn't there. Good! I don't think I could take that kind of math. I wonder if there might be a mathletes showdown in the future?
April 10, 2021
A nice distraction from reality with characters readers will connect with. Still on the fence about the witchcraft aspect of this series, though.
September 26, 2017
So this is the third book in the Magical Bakery series and I like the story plot so far but I am beginning to hate the main character. She is a special little snowflake being the only one with all these unique and super rare powers who is supposed to set everything around her back in balance and stuff. With each book she gets a new power or a new importance of her oh so special gift. But she doesn't know anything about this power/gift or how it will effect her life and she wonders and worries about it but doesn't/won't do anything about it. No asking questions or doing research or experimenting, just let it be and then when something happens worry again. (It drive me nuts, I dislike the use of the special snowflake character and she just take it to the extreme by wondering and ignoring it at the same time). She's also very high and mighty and if you don't agree with her you must be wrong. She also is toying with and stringing two guys along that like her. (I hate love triangles!) This series is supposed to be a cozy mystery but it's more of a supernatural/fantasy theme with a bit of murder now. The wiccans started out fine but now they encompass different forms of spiritualism and religion and call it wicca when it isn't and their natural powers now are or border on supernatural powers also all these powers seem to be passed through the bloodlines. As for their familiars they have been supernatural to begin with.
Katie our main girl starts the story by finding that the head of Georgia Wild a nature conservation she has been volunteering at of late has been murdered. Even though she wants to stay out of the police's way (smart girl) a member of her coven is the grandmother of her fellow volunteer and they convince her to get involved. Katie has started to date Declan (one of the men interested in her) exclusively and has cut Steve (the other guy) almost completely out of her life the last few months. But she needs Steve's help since his father is wrapped up in a land deal that her dead conservationist friend was working on stopping. They agree to be friends even thought she still thinks of him romantically and tells Declan (who isn't happy with this arrangement) that she can't cut Steve out anymore. She visits the swamp that her friend might have been killed over and is drawn to a big ancient tree. No one else seems affected by the tree. Back in town out of the blue Katie has a talk with her dead grandmother, her mother whom she has cut out of her life over the witch stuff shows up and she almost gets run over. She does resolve a few things with her mother and her mother and aunt begin to reconnect since they weren't talking either. She meets up with a suspect in the murder and learns that the old special tree she is attracted to is on lay-lines. She confronts another suspect and comes home to the first suspect going through her house. She uses her powers to stop time and the suspect and her boyfriend who has come to her rescue, unfortunately it stops their breathing and heartbeats too. (This new power would make it hard for anyone to try and hurt her now if she can just stop them in their tracks at a word or push them away which she figures out she did earlier). With one suspect down she decides to take her coven out to the swamp and the special tree. They run into the murderer and are all saved by Katie's special powers. Declan decides that Katie is still the girl for him even if he didn't believe she was a witch at first but is convinced now that she stopped his heart.
Is it just me that's disturbed or what that in all these cozy mysteries where the MC or their close relative or friends are chefs/bakers/cooks or in the food industry they all bring or allow their pets/animals into the kitchens, or just let anyone walking or help out? It's disturbing, disgusting and odd not to mention if any official found out they would be closed down in a heartbeat.
Katie our main girl starts the story by finding that the head of Georgia Wild a nature conservation she has been volunteering at of late has been murdered. Even though she wants to stay out of the police's way (smart girl) a member of her coven is the grandmother of her fellow volunteer and they convince her to get involved. Katie has started to date Declan (one of the men interested in her) exclusively and has cut Steve (the other guy) almost completely out of her life the last few months. But she needs Steve's help since his father is wrapped up in a land deal that her dead conservationist friend was working on stopping. They agree to be friends even thought she still thinks of him romantically and tells Declan (who isn't happy with this arrangement) that she can't cut Steve out anymore. She visits the swamp that her friend might have been killed over and is drawn to a big ancient tree. No one else seems affected by the tree. Back in town out of the blue Katie has a talk with her dead grandmother, her mother whom she has cut out of her life over the witch stuff shows up and she almost gets run over. She does resolve a few things with her mother and her mother and aunt begin to reconnect since they weren't talking either. She meets up with a suspect in the murder and learns that the old special tree she is attracted to is on lay-lines. She confronts another suspect and comes home to the first suspect going through her house. She uses her powers to stop time and the suspect and her boyfriend who has come to her rescue, unfortunately it stops their breathing and heartbeats too. (This new power would make it hard for anyone to try and hurt her now if she can just stop them in their tracks at a word or push them away which she figures out she did earlier). With one suspect down she decides to take her coven out to the swamp and the special tree. They run into the murderer and are all saved by Katie's special powers. Declan decides that Katie is still the girl for him even if he didn't believe she was a witch at first but is convinced now that she stopped his heart.
Is it just me that's disturbed or what that in all these cozy mysteries where the MC or their close relative or friends are chefs/bakers/cooks or in the food industry they all bring or allow their pets/animals into the kitchens, or just let anyone walking or help out? It's disturbing, disgusting and odd not to mention if any official found out they would be closed down in a heartbeat.
December 27, 2020
5/5 ⭐️
Another good installment!
Another good installment!
April 18, 2023
Cute. Interesting story. Kept my interest throughout.
April 25, 2019
4.5 Loved this one! The first two were more introductory to all the characters and setting so I felt this was the first to really pace itself well with the mystery. Even though the whodunit was easier, I still loved how the story progressed.
The only thing that stresses me out is the love triangle. and we need more Honeybee presence! The cover makes it seem like there would be more cat cuteness.
Enjoyed Katie's surprise visitor as well! Loved seeing their relationship mend.
The only thing that stresses me out is the love triangle. and we need more Honeybee presence! The cover makes it seem like there would be more cat cuteness.
Enjoyed Katie's surprise visitor as well! Loved seeing their relationship mend.
November 11, 2013
Charms and Chocolate Chips is the third book in Bailey Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery series. This is a culinary cozy with a magical twist. Cates not only teases the readers taste buds but she also takes them on an adventure into the life of hedgewitch, Katie Lightfoot. The paranormal elements in this book are light and centered around the ancient tales of "green" witches who used the earth elements to help their family and neighbors in times past. Cates does a fantastic job of creating a magical atmosphere that is both believable and enchanting.
The Magical Bakery series is one of my favorites. There are many different types of paranormal cozies on the market today from ghosts to psychics and everything in between. Cates' approach to magic is a little different and in my opinion very unique. She takes the crafts of kitchen magic and earth magic from the old days and brings them into a modern setting. It's not white magic vs. black magic, but green magic, more along the lines of wicca or what my grandfather would call, herb magic. I liked all of the information imparted by the author into each of these books. Katie is coming more into her own in the third book, Charms and Chocolate Chips, in that she is learning to use her magic more effectively. I think Cates' series is one of the more interesting of those out there right now with magical themes.
Cates does a great job of not only adding in those magical elements but making them a part of characters as well as her story. Katie is such a great character. When we first met her in Brownies and Broomsticks she had no idea that she had hedgewitch magic in her family or that she had the ability to work that kind of magic herself. She has grown a lot throughout the series and Cates continues to expand her knowledge and abilities. Katie is entertaining and relies on her aunt and uncle to help her with the Honeybee Bakery and her witchy abilities.
In Charms and Chocolate Chips Cates adds another very interesting element to the mix. Katie is volunteering with a conservation group called, Georgia Wild. I loved all of the information about the animals that Georgia Wild was trying to help and how land management is used to help conserve wild environments and habitats. I thought Cates did a wonderful job with this aspect of the story and it added a lot to the story, especially with the head of the group being the murder victim.
The mystery was definitely engaging and kept my interest. The beginning of the book however was bit slow. When you get on into it, it picks up and starts to come together, but the beginning was a little shaky and not as interesting as most of Cates' lead ins. But stick with it and you'll find it a very good read. There was lots of interesting information about magic and conservation. I loved the origami birds that the killer leaves and thought that was a great touch.
Katie's personal life also has some ups and downs in this book that will have readers sighing. Declan, Katie's sexy firefighter boyfriend is at the center of Katie's love life struggles in this book. Declan is a reoccurring character that fans of the series have grown to love, but he isn't the only person drawing some of Katie's attention and that adds a more personal aspect to the story.
Overall this a good book. It has a bit of a slow pace in the beginning, but redeems itself with a great ending, a wonderful Georgia setting. Enough information on magic and conservation to keep it interesting and some great suspects and motives. It's up to Katie and gang to figure it all out and it's up to readers to to try to figure out where Katie goes from here. The recipes in the back are scrumptious. I love chocolate chips in just about anything, don't you?
The Magical Bakery series is one of my favorites. There are many different types of paranormal cozies on the market today from ghosts to psychics and everything in between. Cates' approach to magic is a little different and in my opinion very unique. She takes the crafts of kitchen magic and earth magic from the old days and brings them into a modern setting. It's not white magic vs. black magic, but green magic, more along the lines of wicca or what my grandfather would call, herb magic. I liked all of the information imparted by the author into each of these books. Katie is coming more into her own in the third book, Charms and Chocolate Chips, in that she is learning to use her magic more effectively. I think Cates' series is one of the more interesting of those out there right now with magical themes.
Cates does a great job of not only adding in those magical elements but making them a part of characters as well as her story. Katie is such a great character. When we first met her in Brownies and Broomsticks she had no idea that she had hedgewitch magic in her family or that she had the ability to work that kind of magic herself. She has grown a lot throughout the series and Cates continues to expand her knowledge and abilities. Katie is entertaining and relies on her aunt and uncle to help her with the Honeybee Bakery and her witchy abilities.
In Charms and Chocolate Chips Cates adds another very interesting element to the mix. Katie is volunteering with a conservation group called, Georgia Wild. I loved all of the information about the animals that Georgia Wild was trying to help and how land management is used to help conserve wild environments and habitats. I thought Cates did a wonderful job with this aspect of the story and it added a lot to the story, especially with the head of the group being the murder victim.
The mystery was definitely engaging and kept my interest. The beginning of the book however was bit slow. When you get on into it, it picks up and starts to come together, but the beginning was a little shaky and not as interesting as most of Cates' lead ins. But stick with it and you'll find it a very good read. There was lots of interesting information about magic and conservation. I loved the origami birds that the killer leaves and thought that was a great touch.
Katie's personal life also has some ups and downs in this book that will have readers sighing. Declan, Katie's sexy firefighter boyfriend is at the center of Katie's love life struggles in this book. Declan is a reoccurring character that fans of the series have grown to love, but he isn't the only person drawing some of Katie's attention and that adds a more personal aspect to the story.
Overall this a good book. It has a bit of a slow pace in the beginning, but redeems itself with a great ending, a wonderful Georgia setting. Enough information on magic and conservation to keep it interesting and some great suspects and motives. It's up to Katie and gang to figure it all out and it's up to readers to to try to figure out where Katie goes from here. The recipes in the back are scrumptious. I love chocolate chips in just about anything, don't you?
September 8, 2016
CHARMS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS is a delightful continuation of the Magical Bakery Mystery series. This time around, Katie is faced with murky, woo woo filled swamps, endangered bats, and the mysterious murder of a local environmentalist.
First, I'll get my complaint out of the way. In the first two books, Katie was being wooed by firefighter Declan and Druid/reporter Steve. She's finally made her choice, and she picked the wrong guy! That's strictly my opinion, of course. ;-) I'm still holding onto a glimmer of hope for my man.
Katie is a recent transplant to Savannah, and a lot has happened in her life since her arrival. She's running an enchanted bakery with her aunt and uncle, practicing her craft as a hedge-witch, and becoming a skilled amateur sleuth. Katie also discovered that she is a light-witch and magical catalyst, which she's having a hard time with. Basically, she must fight evil, and wrong situations seem to find her so she can right them.
The murder mystery in this book grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed the environmental angle, and the subtle magical elements too. When a volunteer at a the conservation group Georgia Wild is murdered, Katie is compelled to help track down her killer. The group is trying to stop a land development deal of a swamp from going through which threatens the habitat of an endangered, possibly extinct, bat. There were plenty of viable suspects, and though I picked out the killer early on, I wasn't clear on the "why" until the end.
Katie is a down-to-earth, sensible character who's doing a fine job as a newbie in the world of magic. She's still very confused over the light-witch revelation (me too), and I'm hoping that gets explained better in the next book. Sweet Aunt Lucy and the rest of the Spellbook Club (a.k.a. Katie's coven) play a big role in this story. I don't know why, but I still have a hard time keeping track of who's who, even after three books! I was a little annoyed with coven member Cookie this time. She was cold and distant to Katie the whole book, and her reason was kind of silly.
Overall, I enjoyed CHARMS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Exciting mystery, enchanting setting, and bewitched baked goods. Looking forward to Katie's next adventure.
First, I'll get my complaint out of the way. In the first two books, Katie was being wooed by firefighter Declan and Druid/reporter Steve. She's finally made her choice, and she picked the wrong guy! That's strictly my opinion, of course. ;-) I'm still holding onto a glimmer of hope for my man.
Katie is a recent transplant to Savannah, and a lot has happened in her life since her arrival. She's running an enchanted bakery with her aunt and uncle, practicing her craft as a hedge-witch, and becoming a skilled amateur sleuth. Katie also discovered that she is a light-witch and magical catalyst, which she's having a hard time with. Basically, she must fight evil, and wrong situations seem to find her so she can right them.
The murder mystery in this book grabbed my attention. I really enjoyed the environmental angle, and the subtle magical elements too. When a volunteer at a the conservation group Georgia Wild is murdered, Katie is compelled to help track down her killer. The group is trying to stop a land development deal of a swamp from going through which threatens the habitat of an endangered, possibly extinct, bat. There were plenty of viable suspects, and though I picked out the killer early on, I wasn't clear on the "why" until the end.
Katie is a down-to-earth, sensible character who's doing a fine job as a newbie in the world of magic. She's still very confused over the light-witch revelation (me too), and I'm hoping that gets explained better in the next book. Sweet Aunt Lucy and the rest of the Spellbook Club (a.k.a. Katie's coven) play a big role in this story. I don't know why, but I still have a hard time keeping track of who's who, even after three books! I was a little annoyed with coven member Cookie this time. She was cold and distant to Katie the whole book, and her reason was kind of silly.
Overall, I enjoyed CHARMS AND CHOCOLATE CHIPS. Exciting mystery, enchanting setting, and bewitched baked goods. Looking forward to Katie's next adventure.
July 22, 2016
Review From April 2014
☊ Charms And Chocolate Chips, by Bailey Cates
★★★ and 1/2 (rounding up to 4)
Synopsis: A HALF-BAKED HEX. Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her boyfriend, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won’t be as easy as whipping up a new recipe—especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.
When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie’s mystical senses tell her that there’s more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly...or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.
In A Sentence: Basically the same stuff I said about the last book
No More Love Triangle! My main problem with the previous book was that there was an intense love triangle, which I despise. But now, no more! That's right, Katie has chosen between her two lovestruck hunks, and it may not be the one you expected. The rest of the book was the same as the other books in the series; fun, relatively uppity, nothing too dark or though-provoking, but still pretty good.
Still Not A Fan Of The Narrator Though I'm really not a fan of the narrator of the audiobook. Her voice is husky, and she doesn't give much of a differentiation between thought and speaking aloud, or between different characters.
Overall: Seriously, read the series if you like mysteries and witches. It's worth a look, and the books are pretty quick. Have fun!
Review From July 2016:
I don't have much more to add than what I've already said two years ago. These books are quick and fun, and are a quirky combination of mystery, magic, and baking. I will say that these books make me hungry for some baked goodies, and I really want to find the recipes for the some of the foods described in the story!
☊ Charms And Chocolate Chips, by Bailey Cates
★★★ and 1/2 (rounding up to 4)
Synopsis: A HALF-BAKED HEX. Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her boyfriend, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won’t be as easy as whipping up a new recipe—especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.
When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie’s mystical senses tell her that there’s more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly...or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.
In A Sentence: Basically the same stuff I said about the last book
No More Love Triangle! My main problem with the previous book was that there was an intense love triangle, which I despise. But now, no more! That's right, Katie has chosen between her two lovestruck hunks, and it may not be the one you expected. The rest of the book was the same as the other books in the series; fun, relatively uppity, nothing too dark or though-provoking, but still pretty good.
Still Not A Fan Of The Narrator Though I'm really not a fan of the narrator of the audiobook. Her voice is husky, and she doesn't give much of a differentiation between thought and speaking aloud, or between different characters.
Overall: Seriously, read the series if you like mysteries and witches. It's worth a look, and the books are pretty quick. Have fun!
Review From July 2016:
I don't have much more to add than what I've already said two years ago. These books are quick and fun, and are a quirky combination of mystery, magic, and baking. I will say that these books make me hungry for some baked goodies, and I really want to find the recipes for the some of the foods described in the story!
January 4, 2018
If you follow my blogs, the reviews, or my youtube channel, I have a slight addiction to Cozy Mysteries. Okay, maybe not SLIGHT...a HUGE addiction to Cozies. But more specifically, I have a weakness for cooking and magical mysteries. They just tickle my fancy. My waist and my imagination expand while reading these types of books.
Bailey Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery does this to me everytime. I crave what ever it is that Katie and Lucy are making in the Honeybee Bakery and I want to know more about the magic that Katie is learning about herself. Expecially since I've dabbled in it as well.
This is the third installment in the series and it was just as amazing as the first two. You dive more into Declan and Katie's relationship. What it means to Katie to be a white witch, a pure witch. Is she a catalyst? So many questions.
While trying to put extra karma out in the world for herself Katie volutneers at with a conservation group trying to save extinct or endangered animals. She loves it even though she is working basically two jobs. Unfortunately, whether it was just a happanstance or if she really does cause these things to happen, someone from the conservation is killed.
Katie, surround by her coven, feels responsibile to figure out the 'whodunit', especially when it is not just her that is being threatened, but memebers of her Spell Book Club as well.
This was a delightful read. I love getting to know all of characters a little more as well as the AMAZING recipes at the back of the book. I can't wait to try out the peanutbutter cookies.
Bailey Cates' Magical Bakery Mystery does this to me everytime. I crave what ever it is that Katie and Lucy are making in the Honeybee Bakery and I want to know more about the magic that Katie is learning about herself. Expecially since I've dabbled in it as well.
This is the third installment in the series and it was just as amazing as the first two. You dive more into Declan and Katie's relationship. What it means to Katie to be a white witch, a pure witch. Is she a catalyst? So many questions.
While trying to put extra karma out in the world for herself Katie volutneers at with a conservation group trying to save extinct or endangered animals. She loves it even though she is working basically two jobs. Unfortunately, whether it was just a happanstance or if she really does cause these things to happen, someone from the conservation is killed.
Katie, surround by her coven, feels responsibile to figure out the 'whodunit', especially when it is not just her that is being threatened, but memebers of her Spell Book Club as well.
This was a delightful read. I love getting to know all of characters a little more as well as the AMAZING recipes at the back of the book. I can't wait to try out the peanutbutter cookies.
June 20, 2019
In almost any other cozy, the reason behind the murder would be a straight up land-grab related motive. Someone had a reason to protect the swamp and was using the bats for an excuse. Or they were so desperate that they went to extreme measures.
But this is a paranormal cozy series. Kate is a witch. In these books there's a magical reason behind the murder. I'm not going to spoil it because it was a fun bunch of scenes to read — in the neighborhood of a Warehouse 13 or Librarians episode.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comm...
But this is a paranormal cozy series. Kate is a witch. In these books there's a magical reason behind the murder. I'm not going to spoil it because it was a fun bunch of scenes to read — in the neighborhood of a Warehouse 13 or Librarians episode.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comm...
November 17, 2017
I did not enjoy this one as the previous books, I missed more of the special magic here, more baking, more time speding with the spellbook ladies. The crime was good but I got lost couple of times. It just missed the magical atmosphere it can have. Hopefully I will enjoy the next one more because I like this serie and its characters a lot :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews