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Once Upon a Rhyme #4
Do You Know The Muffin Scam?
What if Drury Lane sold more than just muffins…?
A Once Upon A Rhyme Novella
Mary Lane remembers nothing of her childhood after being found by her adoptive parents, but she’s perfectly content with the life she stumbled into. Every day, she works in her family’s beloved bakery, selling muffins, scones, pound cakes, and, of course, illegal magic stones...
Selling unrefined magic stones is a risky business when you’re not connected to the inner circles of the black market, but the Lane’s Bakery has never had trouble going unnoticed. Their only problem is being too good at going unnoticed, leaving them struggling to maintain the little business they have left. Determined to protect her family’s livelihood, Mary realizes there’s one way to put their bakery business back on the map: connect it to the black market.
The crime lords running the elusive black market could easily support their business and protect them from outside investigation, but how does one sell themselves to an invisible buyer? As Mary hunts for a crack in their walls, an old, distractingly handsome customer makes a reappearance to offer his assistance. Mary would have been thrilled to have her past crush offer his aid, except she’s rather certain he has ulterior motives... Though he is pretty cute.
Will Mary be able to salvage their muffin scam? Or will this handsome new helper get her burned?
A Once Upon A Rhyme Novella
Mary Lane remembers nothing of her childhood after being found by her adoptive parents, but she’s perfectly content with the life she stumbled into. Every day, she works in her family’s beloved bakery, selling muffins, scones, pound cakes, and, of course, illegal magic stones...
Selling unrefined magic stones is a risky business when you’re not connected to the inner circles of the black market, but the Lane’s Bakery has never had trouble going unnoticed. Their only problem is being too good at going unnoticed, leaving them struggling to maintain the little business they have left. Determined to protect her family’s livelihood, Mary realizes there’s one way to put their bakery business back on the map: connect it to the black market.
The crime lords running the elusive black market could easily support their business and protect them from outside investigation, but how does one sell themselves to an invisible buyer? As Mary hunts for a crack in their walls, an old, distractingly handsome customer makes a reappearance to offer his assistance. Mary would have been thrilled to have her past crush offer his aid, except she’s rather certain he has ulterior motives... Though he is pretty cute.
Will Mary be able to salvage their muffin scam? Or will this handsome new helper get her burned?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
38 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 2, 2025
First things first, the guy in this book was soooooooooooooooo adorable!!!!! He was literally described as a puppy, and it is so true! he was so sweet, and I loved the way everything he said was just so matter of fact, and he could say 'I love you' as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. The girl character was also pretty good, and Poppyseed!!! It was so good! The romance did seem a bit much at times, but I liked that it wasn't 'Oh, I met you less than 24 hours ago, and I am already falling in love.' They've known each other for a while now, so it was so much better. Plus, the mystery aspects! I didn't read the book previous to this due to the PG-13 warning on it, so I was kinda lost at times because they had a whole back story and kept referencing things that happened in the previous book. but I loved this one. It does have a thing with mental health for the guy and how he's healing from it, and the main girl character uses baked goods as substitution cuss words. If you like guys who are the sweetest things ever, plus a girl who thinks about nearly everything in terms of baked goods, this is a good book.
May 9, 2024
4.5
This is a cute and cozy story, with a little suspense and mystery. It is filled with funny dialogues and bakery puns.
I love that Gideon has got his own story; he's adorable. He's caring and protective. Sometimes, he's even a little bit direct and blunt, but he means well! He's had a difficult past, but he's doing so much better and is happier. That was lovely to read.
Mary was intriguing and a little bit of a gray character. While she has a good heart, her actions aren't always that wise. But she really tried to mend her mistakes, and her motivations were good.
Gideon and Mary are really cute together with their friends to lovers romance, combined with a little sprinkle of forbidden love.
The side characters were also really great and funny, and I loved the family bonds in the story.
The world building is very good, and the plot is well-thought-out! Near the end, there were some plot twists I didn't see coming.
You could read this book as a standalone, but I would really recommend reading "Hush a Bye Lady" first!! There's so much backstory that adds to your reading experience!
And I would recommend having some muffins nearby because this story is definitely creating an appetite for them!
(I'm also really hoping for Prince Soren's story.)
---------------------------
I received an e-arc from the author. This hasn't influenced my review.
This is a cute and cozy story, with a little suspense and mystery. It is filled with funny dialogues and bakery puns.
I love that Gideon has got his own story; he's adorable. He's caring and protective. Sometimes, he's even a little bit direct and blunt, but he means well! He's had a difficult past, but he's doing so much better and is happier. That was lovely to read.
Mary was intriguing and a little bit of a gray character. While she has a good heart, her actions aren't always that wise. But she really tried to mend her mistakes, and her motivations were good.
Gideon and Mary are really cute together with their friends to lovers romance, combined with a little sprinkle of forbidden love.
The side characters were also really great and funny, and I loved the family bonds in the story.
The world building is very good, and the plot is well-thought-out! Near the end, there were some plot twists I didn't see coming.
You could read this book as a standalone, but I would really recommend reading "Hush a Bye Lady" first!! There's so much backstory that adds to your reading experience!
And I would recommend having some muffins nearby because this story is definitely creating an appetite for them!
(I'm also really hoping for Prince Soren's story.)
---------------------------
I received an e-arc from the author. This hasn't influenced my review.
May 11, 2024
Good book!
I enjoyed reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, especially after the way this one ended!
I enjoyed reading this book, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, especially after the way this one ended!
April 12, 2024
This book made me happier than a blueberry Bo biscuit. With a plethora of hilarious, but wonderful baking puns to a sweet, caring friends to lovers story and neurodivergent representation, it was a winning recipe that I devoured in one sitting.
I loved how it created some closure and happiness for the story that was before it in the book as well. An excellent addition to this series and one that made me even more anxious to see what comes next.
I loved how it created some closure and happiness for the story that was before it in the book as well. An excellent addition to this series and one that made me even more anxious to see what comes next.
June 20, 2025
Do You Know the Muffin Scam? is loosely inspired by the nursery rhyme “Do You Know the Muffin Man?” I very much enjoyed reading it. There were several times when it would mention people from other nursery rhymes. It was always fun when one of those connections showed up.
The characters of the book were pretty good. I very much enjoyed how Mary seemed to know everyone. And her courage and determination to help her parents were admirable. The love between them was truly beautiful.
Gideon was so strong. I am amazed that he found it in himself to do what he did. He didn’t break, despite the forces pushing him to.
The magic from the world was unique. I love the idea of having stones that contain different kinds of magic. I am still curious about why that happens, but maybe that is explained in other books, given the fact that this is a novella. It was a very intriguing idea.
The plot twist at the end was unexpected, at least for me. I would say more about it, but that would be a spoiler.
I loved reading about all of the baked goods, even if they were tempting. The descriptions of them were truly mouth-watering.
Overall, I am glad that I read this book and would enjoy reading other books by this author, especially in this series. This was my first book by the author and I think it was a good start to the author.
Be warned: This is the fourth book in the series, so it might be best to read them in order, unlike what I did.
The characters of the book were pretty good. I very much enjoyed how Mary seemed to know everyone. And her courage and determination to help her parents were admirable. The love between them was truly beautiful.
Gideon was so strong. I am amazed that he found it in himself to do what he did. He didn’t break, despite the forces pushing him to.
The magic from the world was unique. I love the idea of having stones that contain different kinds of magic. I am still curious about why that happens, but maybe that is explained in other books, given the fact that this is a novella. It was a very intriguing idea.
The plot twist at the end was unexpected, at least for me. I would say more about it, but that would be a spoiler.
I loved reading about all of the baked goods, even if they were tempting. The descriptions of them were truly mouth-watering.
Overall, I am glad that I read this book and would enjoy reading other books by this author, especially in this series. This was my first book by the author and I think it was a good start to the author.
Be warned: This is the fourth book in the series, so it might be best to read them in order, unlike what I did.
April 26, 2024
I have long been eager to read ‘Do you Know the Muffin Scam?’ for its predecessor, ‘Hush A Bye Lady’ was, to my mind, Abigail Manning’s best book yet. Indeed this entire series, cleverly built upon the premise of nursery rhymes, has been intriguing. Thus it was with great delight that I received a copy of Abigail’s latest book in return for my honest thoughts. Gideon, a young man with high functioning Autism, first made his appearance in ‘Hush A Bye Lady’ as a brother driven distraught by his use of unrefined magic and the loss of his sister at a young age. In that book he fascinated me and I was quick to fall in love with his honest and forthright personality - misguided and murderous though he may have been! Truly I was not the only reader who clamoured for more of Gideon’s story, so when this entire book centred upon him and a lovely young lady embroiled in illegal activities (the selling of magic stones) I was beyond thrilled.
'Do You Know the Muffin Scam’ is the fourth in Abigail Manning’s ‘Once Upon a Rhyme’ series and I would not recommend reading it as a standalone. It continues the story from where ‘Hush a Bye Lady’ left off, and the events in that book are pivotal to the plot of this book. I had already read the preceding three books in the series, but a long time ago, so I chose to read all four instead of diving straight in to the fourth. Truly, I am glad I did, for that foundation was necessary in order to glean full enjoyment from Gideon and Mary’s tale!
'Do You Know the Muffin Scam' is the story of a young girl raised by bakers who use their business as a cover for the illegal selling of magic stones. The bakery is failing and Mary takes it upon herself to save it by any means necessary – even if it means entering the deadly snare of the black market. She finds herself having to battle her moral compass and the choices she makes may cost the happiness and welfare of more than one innocent person.
I loved getting to know Mary, but she did tend to jump to conclusions quite a bit. This led to some rather sticky situations, and Mary learnt (the hard way) that going against your conscience only leads to more harm. However, all turned out well in the end with a happily ever after that will satisfy every reader.
I loved all of the characters in this book but Gideon was by far my favourite. His tendency to just blurt out his thoughts and miss social cues (such as when he and Mary visited Miss Tuffet) was hilarious and I really enjoyed the humour scattered throughout the pages.
Mary’s adoptive parents, the bakers, were warm and wonderful and her father reminded me of my own. The royal family that we first got to know in ‘Hush a Bye Lady’ featured fairly heavily in this book and it was a treat to encounter them again. Without going into spoiler territory, I cannot talk too much about certain characters and events, but as per usual Abigail’s good characters were perfectly balanced with a smaller cast of wicked ones – specifically those in the black market. One particular character whom we first met in ‘Little Bo Sneak’ showed a darker side of her personality in the final pages and made me beyond desperate to read book 5.
I enjoyed reading about the magic stones and the qualities each possessed. They reminded me of certain addictive substances oft abused in our own world, and it was fascinating to see the effects they had upon people – both good and bad. For instance, users can use unrefined gravity stones for cosmetic purposes, by infusing the anti-gravity magic into their skin and thereby reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, unrefined stones can also cause painful and debilitating lifelong curses when used in the wrong way. Hence the fact that they are illegal.
I must also mention that the way Abigail incorporated a second nursery rhyme into this book (Little Miss Muffet) through Miss Tuffet was diabolically brilliant and I am in awe of the way her mind works! The twists and turns in this book were absolute perfection and the worldbuilding was fabulous as always.
Yet again Abigail has crafted a masterpiece that will stay in readers’ minds for a long time to come. She tackled moral issues with flair and it was inspiring to see how Gideon chose to do the right thing no matter what (having learnt how harmful the wrong choices can be in ‘Hush a Bye Lady.’) Mary took longer to learn that ignoring your conscience is never good, but eventually she too realised that choosing good over evil is always best. I for one will certainly be taking the lessons I learnt from the characters in this book and using them as a reminder to choose to do what is right, no matter how tempting it may be to cross over to the dark side!
‘Do You Know the Muffin Scam’ (like all of Abigail’s books) is a safe option for readers like myself who love a great story but hate the inclusion of spice. The plot is excellent, the characters are believable and relatable, the worldbuilding is amazing and it is worth far more than a piddly five stars! I absolutely recommend that any reader with good taste in books read it (and the rest of the series) as soon as possible.
Also, I must confess that I am absolutely in love with Prince Soren and I do hope to read his story soon – for if anyone deserves an HEA he does!
'Do You Know the Muffin Scam’ is the fourth in Abigail Manning’s ‘Once Upon a Rhyme’ series and I would not recommend reading it as a standalone. It continues the story from where ‘Hush a Bye Lady’ left off, and the events in that book are pivotal to the plot of this book. I had already read the preceding three books in the series, but a long time ago, so I chose to read all four instead of diving straight in to the fourth. Truly, I am glad I did, for that foundation was necessary in order to glean full enjoyment from Gideon and Mary’s tale!
'Do You Know the Muffin Scam' is the story of a young girl raised by bakers who use their business as a cover for the illegal selling of magic stones. The bakery is failing and Mary takes it upon herself to save it by any means necessary – even if it means entering the deadly snare of the black market. She finds herself having to battle her moral compass and the choices she makes may cost the happiness and welfare of more than one innocent person.
I loved getting to know Mary, but she did tend to jump to conclusions quite a bit. This led to some rather sticky situations, and Mary learnt (the hard way) that going against your conscience only leads to more harm. However, all turned out well in the end with a happily ever after that will satisfy every reader.
I loved all of the characters in this book but Gideon was by far my favourite. His tendency to just blurt out his thoughts and miss social cues (such as when he and Mary visited Miss Tuffet) was hilarious and I really enjoyed the humour scattered throughout the pages.
Mary’s adoptive parents, the bakers, were warm and wonderful and her father reminded me of my own. The royal family that we first got to know in ‘Hush a Bye Lady’ featured fairly heavily in this book and it was a treat to encounter them again. Without going into spoiler territory, I cannot talk too much about certain characters and events, but as per usual Abigail’s good characters were perfectly balanced with a smaller cast of wicked ones – specifically those in the black market. One particular character whom we first met in ‘Little Bo Sneak’ showed a darker side of her personality in the final pages and made me beyond desperate to read book 5.
I enjoyed reading about the magic stones and the qualities each possessed. They reminded me of certain addictive substances oft abused in our own world, and it was fascinating to see the effects they had upon people – both good and bad. For instance, users can use unrefined gravity stones for cosmetic purposes, by infusing the anti-gravity magic into their skin and thereby reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, unrefined stones can also cause painful and debilitating lifelong curses when used in the wrong way. Hence the fact that they are illegal.
I must also mention that the way Abigail incorporated a second nursery rhyme into this book (Little Miss Muffet) through Miss Tuffet was diabolically brilliant and I am in awe of the way her mind works! The twists and turns in this book were absolute perfection and the worldbuilding was fabulous as always.
Yet again Abigail has crafted a masterpiece that will stay in readers’ minds for a long time to come. She tackled moral issues with flair and it was inspiring to see how Gideon chose to do the right thing no matter what (having learnt how harmful the wrong choices can be in ‘Hush a Bye Lady.’) Mary took longer to learn that ignoring your conscience is never good, but eventually she too realised that choosing good over evil is always best. I for one will certainly be taking the lessons I learnt from the characters in this book and using them as a reminder to choose to do what is right, no matter how tempting it may be to cross over to the dark side!
‘Do You Know the Muffin Scam’ (like all of Abigail’s books) is a safe option for readers like myself who love a great story but hate the inclusion of spice. The plot is excellent, the characters are believable and relatable, the worldbuilding is amazing and it is worth far more than a piddly five stars! I absolutely recommend that any reader with good taste in books read it (and the rest of the series) as soon as possible.
Also, I must confess that I am absolutely in love with Prince Soren and I do hope to read his story soon – for if anyone deserves an HEA he does!
January 1, 2025
So super cute! I love this whole series, and I loved the intrigue and answers to some of the mysteries in this series in this one!
June 10, 2025
Do You Know the Muffin Scam is really a 3.6-3.9. But since half stars aren't allowed, and since what works in it is so good, I can't justify anything less than a four. This Once Upon a Rhyme installment is significantly shorter and less developed than its series-mates. However, it is, ahem, the sweetest romance I've read from Abigail Manning yet, without being saccharine. It's as unexpectedly good as the miniature muffin you expect to be sweet, but not substantial, only to bite in and discover, you just want more.
Hero and heroine Gideon and Mary are the kind of protagonists and romantic couple I like best, in that their romance is well worth a full book, but they function great on their own. Mary's moral dilemma blooms from a simple question of right and wrong, black and white, to a truly complex question of what she's willing to do, to ensure her entire kingdom remains safe. Within her, Abigail expertly balances courage and timidity, compassion and boldness, the human instinct of self-absorption and the protection of others.
Gideon, for his part, is equally well-balanced and fascinating. As often happens with books like Muffin Scam, the hero doesn't get as much development as the heroine here. I wanted more of Gideon, and looking back, I wish I had his point of view. What exists though, works great. Without spoiling Hush a Bye Lady, Gideon has grown and changed in deep, permanent ways, without losing his tenacity, potentially dangerous passion for magic, or unwavering sense of justice. He can lean stereotypical at times, which I'll get to. But for the most part, Gideon Fallen has "picked himself up" in the best ways. He's his own man now, brilliant, hotheaded in a positive sense, and with Mary, downright swoon-worthy. There's a scene where he gives her a precious gift that I happened to be reading in public. I had to grab onto emotional control lest I start crying.
Besides her characters, once again, Abigail nailed her setting. Lane's Bakery in Drury is not only a great nod to the Muffin Man nursery rhyme, but a cozy refuge I'd love to visit, especially on a rainy or cold day. My mouth watered for every flavor of Mary and her mom's muffins, including flavors I've never tried (blueberry mint? I'd never heard of it and am now eager to sample some)! I loved the word puzzles and how they connected to the black market. The black market itself hits the exact right note between intriguing and deadly, while also feeling necessary within the structure of Ebonair. Meaning, Ebonair is improving, but is still a flawed kingdom, as are real places with real people and ruling structures. So again, the moral dilemma comes across as important and true to life.
Muffin Scam does need a little more "baking time" in a few places. For one, I wish it were about 50-100 pages longer, because I thought the stakes and plot needed some more development. The big twist with Mary, I figured out pretty early. I think that's on me because I'd already read Hush a Bye Lady, and well, I'm not in the target audience. Still, I'd have appreciated some more complex threads.
Additionally, I'm going to speak to this as a woman on the spectrum: at times, Gideon reads like a stereotype of an autistic male. The word "autistic" isn't used, nor does it need to be (and arguably, it wouldn't be in the world of Ebonair or these books, which is fine). The problem is, Mary sometimes treats Gideon more like a socially awkward little kid than a potential romantic partner. More than once, she even compares him to a Labrador (and I know she loves dogs and means it as a compliment, but I just cringed). Pair that with what Gideon did and went through in the previous book, and I fear that some readers could see him as the worst example of a neurodivergent person. In a nutshell, his representation has holes, and I don't like holes in my books, my muffins, or a character this strong.
Ordinarily, problems like this would knock Muffin Scam down to three stars. But as I said, the strengths in the book are too strong for me to discount like that. Even Gideon, for all the flaws in his rep, is still true to himself as a person, which is more important at the end of the day than what he is supposed to "represent," if anything (your mileage may vary, and I understand). Overall, Muffin Scam is another great example of Abigail Manning taking something as simple as a nursery rhyme and crafting a fun, intriguing story around it, a story about fantastical, yet real people. I'd say grab your favorite muffin flavor and a glass of milk or cup of coffee and savor this one.
Hero and heroine Gideon and Mary are the kind of protagonists and romantic couple I like best, in that their romance is well worth a full book, but they function great on their own. Mary's moral dilemma blooms from a simple question of right and wrong, black and white, to a truly complex question of what she's willing to do, to ensure her entire kingdom remains safe. Within her, Abigail expertly balances courage and timidity, compassion and boldness, the human instinct of self-absorption and the protection of others.
Gideon, for his part, is equally well-balanced and fascinating. As often happens with books like Muffin Scam, the hero doesn't get as much development as the heroine here. I wanted more of Gideon, and looking back, I wish I had his point of view. What exists though, works great. Without spoiling Hush a Bye Lady, Gideon has grown and changed in deep, permanent ways, without losing his tenacity, potentially dangerous passion for magic, or unwavering sense of justice. He can lean stereotypical at times, which I'll get to. But for the most part, Gideon Fallen has "picked himself up" in the best ways. He's his own man now, brilliant, hotheaded in a positive sense, and with Mary, downright swoon-worthy. There's a scene where he gives her a precious gift that I happened to be reading in public. I had to grab onto emotional control lest I start crying.
Besides her characters, once again, Abigail nailed her setting. Lane's Bakery in Drury is not only a great nod to the Muffin Man nursery rhyme, but a cozy refuge I'd love to visit, especially on a rainy or cold day. My mouth watered for every flavor of Mary and her mom's muffins, including flavors I've never tried (blueberry mint? I'd never heard of it and am now eager to sample some)! I loved the word puzzles and how they connected to the black market. The black market itself hits the exact right note between intriguing and deadly, while also feeling necessary within the structure of Ebonair. Meaning, Ebonair is improving, but is still a flawed kingdom, as are real places with real people and ruling structures. So again, the moral dilemma comes across as important and true to life.
Muffin Scam does need a little more "baking time" in a few places. For one, I wish it were about 50-100 pages longer, because I thought the stakes and plot needed some more development. The big twist with Mary, I figured out pretty early. I think that's on me because I'd already read Hush a Bye Lady, and well, I'm not in the target audience. Still, I'd have appreciated some more complex threads.
Additionally, I'm going to speak to this as a woman on the spectrum: at times, Gideon reads like a stereotype of an autistic male. The word "autistic" isn't used, nor does it need to be (and arguably, it wouldn't be in the world of Ebonair or these books, which is fine). The problem is, Mary sometimes treats Gideon more like a socially awkward little kid than a potential romantic partner. More than once, she even compares him to a Labrador (and I know she loves dogs and means it as a compliment, but I just cringed). Pair that with what Gideon did and went through in the previous book, and I fear that some readers could see him as the worst example of a neurodivergent person. In a nutshell, his representation has holes, and I don't like holes in my books, my muffins, or a character this strong.
Ordinarily, problems like this would knock Muffin Scam down to three stars. But as I said, the strengths in the book are too strong for me to discount like that. Even Gideon, for all the flaws in his rep, is still true to himself as a person, which is more important at the end of the day than what he is supposed to "represent," if anything (your mileage may vary, and I understand). Overall, Muffin Scam is another great example of Abigail Manning taking something as simple as a nursery rhyme and crafting a fun, intriguing story around it, a story about fantastical, yet real people. I'd say grab your favorite muffin flavor and a glass of milk or cup of coffee and savor this one.
April 30, 2024
Abigail Manning serves up another delightful treat in "Do You Know The Muffin Scam?" This Once Upon A Rhyme novella is a delightful addition to the series, offering readers a delectable blend of wit, charm, and intrigue.
The story follows Mary Lane, a young woman with a passion for baking, who works alongside her adoptive family in their beloved bakery. Despite their success in selling muffins, scones, and other ‘goods’, the Lane family faces financial challenges and other risks that threaten their livelihood. As they struggle to maintain their business, Mary hatches a daring plan to connect their bakery to the black market, hoping to secure the support they need to thrive. Manning skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and intrigue as Mary navigates the complexities of the underground world while trying to protect her family, all while navigating her feelings for a handsome but potentially deceptive helper.
Manning's storytelling is both fun and clever, weaving together elements of romance, humor, and suspense. While part of a series, this book stands on its own, offering a fresh and engaging tale for readers. The overlap with the previous installment, 'Hush a Bye Lady,' adds depth to the story without overshadowing its standalone appeal.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Mary Lane is a charming protagonist, with a love for baked goods and a strong sense of loyalty to her family. Her journey to protect her loved ones, despite the risks, is both relatable and endearing. Manning infuses the narrative with delightful baking references and puns, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the story.
The dynamic between Mary and Gideon, her long-time crush and potential ally, is charming yet tinged with suspicion. As Mary navigates the complexities of their relationship and the shady world of the black market, readers are treated to a clean and engaging romance that keeps them guessing until the end. Gideon is a fun character with his bluntness, endearing apparent lack of social cues and brilliant ASD representation. The supporting cast, including Mary's adoptive family and various colorful characters from the black market, are equally memorable and bring depth to the narrative.
"Do You Know The Muffin Scam?" skillfully navigates themes of morality and redemption amidst its lighthearted tone. Manning deftly explores the moral gray areas of her characters' choices while delivering a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion. The plot is rich with twists and turns that engage readers throughout, expertly balancing humor and romance with serious themes of family loyalty, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. Despite delving into topics like the black market and illegal magic stones, the story maintains a cozy and light-hearted atmosphere, appealing to fans of clean romance and fairy tale retellings.
One of the novel's standout features is its clever use of nursery rhyme references and baking puns, which add an extra layer of whimsy to the story. From Mary's inventive muffin flavors to the quirky names of her baked goods, these details create a vivid and immersive world that readers will delight in exploring.
In conclusion, "Do You Know The Muffin Scam?" is a charming and engaging story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Once Upon A Rhyme series. With its engaging plot and clever twists, lovable characters and heartwarming themes, it's sure to leave readers craving more.
The story follows Mary Lane, a young woman with a passion for baking, who works alongside her adoptive family in their beloved bakery. Despite their success in selling muffins, scones, and other ‘goods’, the Lane family faces financial challenges and other risks that threaten their livelihood. As they struggle to maintain their business, Mary hatches a daring plan to connect their bakery to the black market, hoping to secure the support they need to thrive. Manning skillfully weaves together elements of mystery and intrigue as Mary navigates the complexities of the underground world while trying to protect her family, all while navigating her feelings for a handsome but potentially deceptive helper.
Manning's storytelling is both fun and clever, weaving together elements of romance, humor, and suspense. While part of a series, this book stands on its own, offering a fresh and engaging tale for readers. The overlap with the previous installment, 'Hush a Bye Lady,' adds depth to the story without overshadowing its standalone appeal.
One of the novel's strengths lies in its well-developed characters. Mary Lane is a charming protagonist, with a love for baked goods and a strong sense of loyalty to her family. Her journey to protect her loved ones, despite the risks, is both relatable and endearing. Manning infuses the narrative with delightful baking references and puns, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the story.
The dynamic between Mary and Gideon, her long-time crush and potential ally, is charming yet tinged with suspicion. As Mary navigates the complexities of their relationship and the shady world of the black market, readers are treated to a clean and engaging romance that keeps them guessing until the end. Gideon is a fun character with his bluntness, endearing apparent lack of social cues and brilliant ASD representation. The supporting cast, including Mary's adoptive family and various colorful characters from the black market, are equally memorable and bring depth to the narrative.
"Do You Know The Muffin Scam?" skillfully navigates themes of morality and redemption amidst its lighthearted tone. Manning deftly explores the moral gray areas of her characters' choices while delivering a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion. The plot is rich with twists and turns that engage readers throughout, expertly balancing humor and romance with serious themes of family loyalty, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. Despite delving into topics like the black market and illegal magic stones, the story maintains a cozy and light-hearted atmosphere, appealing to fans of clean romance and fairy tale retellings.
One of the novel's standout features is its clever use of nursery rhyme references and baking puns, which add an extra layer of whimsy to the story. From Mary's inventive muffin flavors to the quirky names of her baked goods, these details create a vivid and immersive world that readers will delight in exploring.
In conclusion, "Do You Know The Muffin Scam?" is a charming and engaging story that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Once Upon A Rhyme series. With its engaging plot and clever twists, lovable characters and heartwarming themes, it's sure to leave readers craving more.
April 27, 2024
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series & can be read as a stand-alone, though it may be more enjoyable to have at least read Hush A Bye Lady beforehand as they happen in the same area & have some connecting characters
– this is told from Mary‘s point of view
– a character has amnesia & wonders about the life they forgot
– a character is blunt/has no filter
Review:
These just keep getting better & better! Having read Hush A Bye Lady, I had an idea of where part of this story was going, but the rest I had to follow along with Mary on! I loved getting to see a different side of the magic stone trade and what life is like for someone in it/trying to get deeper into it. I loved Gideon’s blunt & literal approach to everything the two of them came across in their search. He made things interesting and made it possible to get funny responses from Mary! He was also so sweet and caring with Mary and I loved how much he paid attention to her, even though she didn’t realize it until he showed her. I loved that Mary wanted to help her adoptive parents after everything they did for her since finding her. Though her plans weren’t the best for the family, the heart behind it was so pure and I was glad to see Mary realize her mistake when the time came. I am so excited to find out what’s going to happen in the next book with how this one ended/the bonus epilogue from a new character’s perspective!
Summary:
Lane’s Bakery in the town of Drury sells the most scrumptious muffins, cakes and other baked goods. But most of their clientele comes for something a little more costly and dangerous than the average muffin…
Mary has grown up with the Lane’s ever since they found her and she couldn’t recall anything of her past. And though she wonders where she came from and why no one ever went looking for her, Mary doesn’t regret her time with the Lane’s. They love her like she’s their own child and she’s reminded of that everyday as they move about the bakery. But their norm is in jeopardy as they begin to lose their clients that used to come for their illegal magic stones to a different provider. Mary doesn’t want her parents to lose their livelihood when there’s a chance to fix things. Even though it means dealing with someone who could get them all arrested and bringing him deeper into their secrets & the secrets of the magic stone black market along the way…
– this is part of a series & can be read as a stand-alone, though it may be more enjoyable to have at least read Hush A Bye Lady beforehand as they happen in the same area & have some connecting characters
– this is told from Mary‘s point of view
– a character has amnesia & wonders about the life they forgot
– a character is blunt/has no filter
Review:
These just keep getting better & better! Having read Hush A Bye Lady, I had an idea of where part of this story was going, but the rest I had to follow along with Mary on! I loved getting to see a different side of the magic stone trade and what life is like for someone in it/trying to get deeper into it. I loved Gideon’s blunt & literal approach to everything the two of them came across in their search. He made things interesting and made it possible to get funny responses from Mary! He was also so sweet and caring with Mary and I loved how much he paid attention to her, even though she didn’t realize it until he showed her. I loved that Mary wanted to help her adoptive parents after everything they did for her since finding her. Though her plans weren’t the best for the family, the heart behind it was so pure and I was glad to see Mary realize her mistake when the time came. I am so excited to find out what’s going to happen in the next book with how this one ended/the bonus epilogue from a new character’s perspective!
Summary:
Lane’s Bakery in the town of Drury sells the most scrumptious muffins, cakes and other baked goods. But most of their clientele comes for something a little more costly and dangerous than the average muffin…
Mary has grown up with the Lane’s ever since they found her and she couldn’t recall anything of her past. And though she wonders where she came from and why no one ever went looking for her, Mary doesn’t regret her time with the Lane’s. They love her like she’s their own child and she’s reminded of that everyday as they move about the bakery. But their norm is in jeopardy as they begin to lose their clients that used to come for their illegal magic stones to a different provider. Mary doesn’t want her parents to lose their livelihood when there’s a chance to fix things. Even though it means dealing with someone who could get them all arrested and bringing him deeper into their secrets & the secrets of the magic stone black market along the way…
May 3, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is book 4 in the Once Upon a Rhyme Series and can be read as a standalone, though I strongly recommend reading Hush A Bye Lady as this story builds upon some of the events that occurred in that book. This book's blurb lets you know what to expect. Do You Know The Muffin Scam? is told through Mary's pov and is a delightful story about redemption.
While reading the previous book in the series may have made you curious about Gideon and wanting to read how his story unfold, even without having read it or having his pov, Mary's thoughts about him and their interactions give you enough to be interested in him. Though Mary is unsure about his motives for helping her, Gideon offers her insight and is protective of her. His blunt nature may make her worry about the trouble it'll get them in but it's also refreshing for her to receive his honesty. Mary does struggle with doing the right things with the knowledge that she has but her guilt, acknowledgement, and love being the reasons behind her actions makes it easy to understand her choices and root for her to take different actions.
Before they started working together, Mary had a crush Gideonand there were clues that it was mutual but I liked reading how those feelings battled against her thoughts of doing what she felt she needed to do in order to help her family's business. I liked how Gideon's simple but sweet actions gave her pause and made her rethink her plans. Their romance was a clean one consisting of kisses, that aren't descriptive, and no foul language was used. Aside from their romance, I liked the relationship that Mary had with her adoptive parents and learning more about the black market. This story has twists that I know not everyone will see coming. I liked how questions were answered while setting up the plot for the next book. I cannot wait to read the next installment of this series.
While reading the previous book in the series may have made you curious about Gideon and wanting to read how his story unfold, even without having read it or having his pov, Mary's thoughts about him and their interactions give you enough to be interested in him. Though Mary is unsure about his motives for helping her, Gideon offers her insight and is protective of her. His blunt nature may make her worry about the trouble it'll get them in but it's also refreshing for her to receive his honesty. Mary does struggle with doing the right things with the knowledge that she has but her guilt, acknowledgement, and love being the reasons behind her actions makes it easy to understand her choices and root for her to take different actions.
Before they started working together, Mary had a crush Gideon
April 10, 2024
This is a fun, well woven tale with some very interesting characters, sweet romance, humour and some clever twists and turns. Although part of a series, it works well as a stand alone but I would definately recommend reading the previous book 'Hush a Bye Lady' first as there is an overlap of characters between the two. There are also just a few story threads left hanging at the end, not enough to distract from the story or make it feel incomplete, but just the right amount to leave you hungry for the next book (and quite possibly a muffin as well!).
There are so many books out there that retell well known (and sometimes not so well known) fairy tales and myths so this series drawing insipiration from well known traditional rhymes is a nice change while still keeping a very similar feel to those other books. I do wonder how much research the author does into these rhymes before writing and would love to see some notes included with the books about the real world origins and history of some of the rhymes.
I've given the book a four star rating rather than a five for one reason and that is that I often find the language too modern to really suit the setting. For example, the main character describes herself as "crushing" on her love interest which to me is just too much of a real-world modern term to suit the setting (a seemingly non-industrialised, medieval like world) and I find that sort of thing jars me out of the story a little eath time it happens.
I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
There are so many books out there that retell well known (and sometimes not so well known) fairy tales and myths so this series drawing insipiration from well known traditional rhymes is a nice change while still keeping a very similar feel to those other books. I do wonder how much research the author does into these rhymes before writing and would love to see some notes included with the books about the real world origins and history of some of the rhymes.
I've given the book a four star rating rather than a five for one reason and that is that I often find the language too modern to really suit the setting. For example, the main character describes herself as "crushing" on her love interest which to me is just too much of a real-world modern term to suit the setting (a seemingly non-industrialised, medieval like world) and I find that sort of thing jars me out of the story a little eath time it happens.
I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
April 28, 2024
Abigail Manning’s Once Upon a Rhyme novels are a unique and sweet concept. Do You Know the Muffin Scam is no different. I don’t know how Manning came up with these story ideas but this series has been incredible. I’ve loved seeing the different aspects of a world brimming with curses, black markets, and criminals. There are dark moments, however, goodness always wins!
I don’t want to spoil previous stories, but I’m glad to see Gideon again. He has become such a strong and loving character and I loved seeing the way his brain worked through problems. I loved that he doesn’t exactly understand social niceties. Mary is the perfect foil for Gideon. She is a little bit of a trouble maker with good intentions. She has moral dilemmas that she has to work through. There were moments I wanted to shake her, but those moments made her more real. The two of them combined resulted in cute romance and funny interactions.
I expected a couple of events but others caught me off guard. Do You Know the Muffin Scam had a sweet resolution that will undoubtedly lead into the next books. Honestly, I can’t wait. I hope the main man in the next story is a certain redhead. Amazing job, Abigail Manning, and thank you for an ARC of this novel!
I don’t want to spoil previous stories, but I’m glad to see Gideon again. He has become such a strong and loving character and I loved seeing the way his brain worked through problems. I loved that he doesn’t exactly understand social niceties. Mary is the perfect foil for Gideon. She is a little bit of a trouble maker with good intentions. She has moral dilemmas that she has to work through. There were moments I wanted to shake her, but those moments made her more real. The two of them combined resulted in cute romance and funny interactions.
I expected a couple of events but others caught me off guard. Do You Know the Muffin Scam had a sweet resolution that will undoubtedly lead into the next books. Honestly, I can’t wait. I hope the main man in the next story is a certain redhead. Amazing job, Abigail Manning, and thank you for an ARC of this novel!
April 13, 2024
For the love of frosting, this was a fun book! What a great addition to Abigail Manning's Once Upon a Rhyme series!
This is the story of the life of Mary Lane, adopted daughter to the owners of the bakery in Drury. This book is chock full of all her delightfully fun baking references and puns! I loved each and every one! Mary has a great love for baked goods that rivals my own. I also admired her desire to protect those she cared about and though she made some mistakes in her endeavor to do so, she was willing to admit her mistakes and try to make things right!
Then there's her developing relationship with Gideon... Oh, Gideon! So protective and sweet and absolutely endearing! I really loved seeing how far he's come since we last saw him in Hush a Bye Lady. Mary and Gideon were just the cutest together! And they have the most fantastic family relationships, making this story incredibly heartwarming.
Clean content- no swearing, very mild violence, and sweet (just kisses) romance. Definitely recommend for any age!
Now excuse me while I go find a good lemon poppyseed muffin recipe...
This is the story of the life of Mary Lane, adopted daughter to the owners of the bakery in Drury. This book is chock full of all her delightfully fun baking references and puns! I loved each and every one! Mary has a great love for baked goods that rivals my own. I also admired her desire to protect those she cared about and though she made some mistakes in her endeavor to do so, she was willing to admit her mistakes and try to make things right!
Then there's her developing relationship with Gideon... Oh, Gideon! So protective and sweet and absolutely endearing! I really loved seeing how far he's come since we last saw him in Hush a Bye Lady. Mary and Gideon were just the cutest together! And they have the most fantastic family relationships, making this story incredibly heartwarming.
Clean content- no swearing, very mild violence, and sweet (just kisses) romance. Definitely recommend for any age!
Now excuse me while I go find a good lemon poppyseed muffin recipe...
April 9, 2024
Yet another tale by Abigail I couldn't help but love. Do you know the muffin scam (I could practically smell the muffins) follows Gideon, Sasha's brother from the previous story as he works toward his redemption by helping the king find the inner black market workings and Mary Lane, a baker and an independent illegal stone seller who works to get into the black market to help her family. When they both collide, secrets are brewed as well as feelings.
Their story was sweet and so cute. Gideon was so adorable with his blunt honesty and his fierce protectiveness over Mary. Mary was also a good fmc with good intentions but made some morally gray choices. I loved the two together and I enjoyed myself very much throughout the story. The funny moments were hilarious. The Lady scene was just 😂. The twists are as usual so good, I can't wait to see it unravel it all.
The next story...I hope we get Swilliam more😉! I can't wait for it. It's definitely going to be a twisty ride.
I received an ARC and these are my own opinions!
Their story was sweet and so cute. Gideon was so adorable with his blunt honesty and his fierce protectiveness over Mary. Mary was also a good fmc with good intentions but made some morally gray choices. I loved the two together and I enjoyed myself very much throughout the story. The funny moments were hilarious. The Lady scene was just 😂. The twists are as usual so good, I can't wait to see it unravel it all.
The next story...I hope we get Swilliam more😉! I can't wait for it. It's definitely going to be a twisty ride.
I received an ARC and these are my own opinions!
April 11, 2024
"Do you know the Muffin Scam" by Abigail Manning is book 4 of Once upon a Rhyme. I purchased the previous three and was looking forward to reading book 4. It did not disappoint and is another of her great books. It continues with characters from book 3 but can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed this book as the characters exhibit wit and humor laced throughout the story. Since the magic stones were illegal I wondered how the main character, Mary, was going to have her happy ending. In this story we learn that when we have done something bad we need to be strong and confess what we have done. Ms. Manning handled this well, especially at the end. This book has magic, adventure, suspense, love and a happy ending, everything you need in enjoying a fairy tale. Oh, and did we read about a possible book 5? Let's hope so! I received an ARC copy for book 4 but these are my own comments. I recommend this book and I know you will enjoy it as much as I did. I also recommend her previous 3 books in the Once Upon A Rhyme series.
April 18, 2024
5/5 Stars - I love this series.
My introduction to Abigail Manning's Once Upon A Rhyme Series was Hush A Bye Lady, so OF COURSE, I was excited to read Gideon's story. It just so happens that his story is told through the eyes of his *gasp* love interest(?!), Mary Lane. The two have a really cute relationship in Do You Know the Muffin Scam?, and the only possible complaint I have is that it wasn't dual POV. I get why it wasn't (none of the other OUAR books have been), but I would have loved to see things through Gideon's eyes. He's such an interesting character with a dark and tortured past. But now, he's an absolute cinnamon roll and an all-around great guy.
Though I'd have loved Gideon's POV, I did still love reading Mary's story. She's another sweet character who just so happens to be wrapped up in a magical black market. This makes things a little awkward when she starts to suspect her long-time crush, Gideon, of being a royal spy.
It's a fun premise that works surprisingly well, considering how cozy this retelling is. The romance is super clean, and despite involving subjects like the black market, it's not a dark story. It's warm and light yet super engaging. It's a great story and a great addition to the Once Upon A Rhyme series.
Thank you so much, Abigail Manning, for providing me with an ARC of Do You Know the Muffin Scam?
My introduction to Abigail Manning's Once Upon A Rhyme Series was Hush A Bye Lady, so OF COURSE, I was excited to read Gideon's story. It just so happens that his story is told through the eyes of his *gasp* love interest(?!), Mary Lane. The two have a really cute relationship in Do You Know the Muffin Scam?, and the only possible complaint I have is that it wasn't dual POV. I get why it wasn't (none of the other OUAR books have been), but I would have loved to see things through Gideon's eyes. He's such an interesting character with a dark and tortured past. But now, he's an absolute cinnamon roll and an all-around great guy.
Though I'd have loved Gideon's POV, I did still love reading Mary's story. She's another sweet character who just so happens to be wrapped up in a magical black market. This makes things a little awkward when she starts to suspect her long-time crush, Gideon, of being a royal spy.
It's a fun premise that works surprisingly well, considering how cozy this retelling is. The romance is super clean, and despite involving subjects like the black market, it's not a dark story. It's warm and light yet super engaging. It's a great story and a great addition to the Once Upon A Rhyme series.
Thank you so much, Abigail Manning, for providing me with an ARC of Do You Know the Muffin Scam?
May 1, 2024
We NEED to talk about this book!!!
First of all, the title and cover are ah-freaking-dorable. I was thrilled to see Gideon in this book (because if you read Hush-A-Bye Lady...you know). I wasn't sure how I would feel about him when I read Hush, but then I read this one and HE IS MY NEW FAVORITE!!! He is like...the guy in The Good Doctor. The Autism rep was SO well done, and he is so attached to Mary. So even though he doesn't have the swoony words (some of the things he said, I was like "this is 1,000% accurate of Autism and it WORKS in this romance!) he SHOWS Mary his affection in little ways (and big ways too!)
I loved the plot here. The whole black market and trying to get the protection of crime bosses for your underground operation...genius. I kept thinking that I would guess the plot twist (because I ALWAYS try to guess Abigail Manning plot twists) and once again, I got it totally wrong. But hers was way better.
Yall NEED to read this book!!!
Also, that teaser at the end was MIND-BLOWING!!! I'm DYING to read Baa Baa Black Market now!
First of all, the title and cover are ah-freaking-dorable. I was thrilled to see Gideon in this book (because if you read Hush-A-Bye Lady...you know). I wasn't sure how I would feel about him when I read Hush, but then I read this one and HE IS MY NEW FAVORITE!!! He is like...the guy in The Good Doctor. The Autism rep was SO well done, and he is so attached to Mary. So even though he doesn't have the swoony words (some of the things he said, I was like "this is 1,000% accurate of Autism and it WORKS in this romance!) he SHOWS Mary his affection in little ways (and big ways too!)
I loved the plot here. The whole black market and trying to get the protection of crime bosses for your underground operation...genius. I kept thinking that I would guess the plot twist (because I ALWAYS try to guess Abigail Manning plot twists) and once again, I got it totally wrong. But hers was way better.
Yall NEED to read this book!!!
Also, that teaser at the end was MIND-BLOWING!!! I'm DYING to read Baa Baa Black Market now!
April 9, 2024
Oh my marzipan, I loved this novella! It was hilarious, suspenseful, and fantastic! There were so many twists and turns that I did not see coming. Abigail Manning is fantastic at weaving a tale that leaves you guessing. I had to know the muffin scam! Do You Know the Muffin Scam is best read after Hush A Bye Lady as Gideon was a central character in that story. Do You Know The Muffin Scams picks up after that book. I love Gideon, he was my favorite. He was blunt but so sweet. I loved learning more about his character and his redemption story. Mary was an intriguing character. She has the best intentions at heart even though she turned to the black market for help. It was fun learning more about the magic stones black market. I cannot wait for the next book in this series! The romance is clean with only kissing. I highly recommend this book!
I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
I received an ARC copy of the book and all thoughts are my own.
April 30, 2024
“The second I stepped through the kitchen doors, the scent of fresh bread, sweet cakes, and something warm and nutty swallowed my senses.” (pg. 12) Do You Know the Muffin Scam? By Abigail Manning
Now, doesn’t that make you hungry for a sweet pastry? If you love sweet romance, bakery treats/references, a little bit of intrigue, a whole lot of mystery, and humor, pick up this book now! I loved this book. Especially all of the bakery references. It made me grab my own muffin to eat! The main character, Mary Lane, is well portrayed as a morally gray/good character. I loved how the author portrayed her and her character growth. She starts off willing to do anything for her family, even being involved in the black market, to reconsidering her actions—with the help of Gideon, who is also a morally gray/turned good character. The romance was so sweet between these characters and I loved getting a redemption arc for both of them. My upmost favorite part is the mystery of who the infamous Lord Munster is. I do love a good mystery and the plot twist (sneak peak of the next book in the series and the end of the book) was insane! I loved it!! If you love fairytale retellings/old nursery retellings, this is the book for you! Can’t wait for the next book!
—This reader received a recent copy of this book—
Now, doesn’t that make you hungry for a sweet pastry? If you love sweet romance, bakery treats/references, a little bit of intrigue, a whole lot of mystery, and humor, pick up this book now! I loved this book. Especially all of the bakery references. It made me grab my own muffin to eat! The main character, Mary Lane, is well portrayed as a morally gray/good character. I loved how the author portrayed her and her character growth. She starts off willing to do anything for her family, even being involved in the black market, to reconsidering her actions—with the help of Gideon, who is also a morally gray/turned good character. The romance was so sweet between these characters and I loved getting a redemption arc for both of them. My upmost favorite part is the mystery of who the infamous Lord Munster is. I do love a good mystery and the plot twist (sneak peak of the next book in the series and the end of the book) was insane! I loved it!! If you love fairytale retellings/old nursery retellings, this is the book for you! Can’t wait for the next book!
—This reader received a recent copy of this book—
June 1, 2024
A Silly Couple
I'm rounding up from 3 and a 1/2 stars because I enjoyed reading this book, even though it had some serious plot issues.
The most basic problem is that Mary's adoptive parents cannot possibly have been unaware of who she really was. A four-year-old princess disappears, and you just happen to have found a four-year-old girl who has lost her memory? The need to have them be decent (if criminal) people seems to have overriden common sense.
Then there's the fact that Mary and Gideon didn't immediately turn over their suspicions about a high-ranking official to the king, who had far more resources for discovering the truth in that instance. Of course, this young couple doesn't have a lot of sense, either one of them! Which, though frustrating, actually makes them kind of cute as a couple.
At least we got to find out more about magic stones.
I'm rounding up from 3 and a 1/2 stars because I enjoyed reading this book, even though it had some serious plot issues.
The most basic problem is that Mary's adoptive parents cannot possibly have been unaware of who she really was. A four-year-old princess disappears, and you just happen to have found a four-year-old girl who has lost her memory? The need to have them be decent (if criminal) people seems to have overriden common sense.
Then there's the fact that Mary and Gideon didn't immediately turn over their suspicions about a high-ranking official to the king, who had far more resources for discovering the truth in that instance. Of course, this young couple doesn't have a lot of sense, either one of them! Which, though frustrating, actually makes them kind of cute as a couple.
At least we got to find out more about magic stones.
September 8, 2024
do you know the muffin scam?
3 ✨
overview: light, quick, and will make you crave muffins!
characters: all the characters (except for the baddie ofc) are wholesome, quirky, and sweet.
romance: it’s so cute and silly!! Mary is equally utterly devastated by Gideon’s good looks and his potential spying.
writing: easy to read, simple while still having good descriptions, charming, and witty.
atmosphere: magical bakeries, long paths of cobblestone, eyes as warm as freshly baked muffins.
season: winter.
———
content: language (“Kingdoms”, other “curses” like that lol). sexual (innocent touches and kisses). other (mentions of magic stones, the black market).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
3 ✨
overview: light, quick, and will make you crave muffins!
characters: all the characters (except for the baddie ofc) are wholesome, quirky, and sweet.
romance: it’s so cute and silly!! Mary is equally utterly devastated by Gideon’s good looks and his potential spying.
writing: easy to read, simple while still having good descriptions, charming, and witty.
atmosphere: magical bakeries, long paths of cobblestone, eyes as warm as freshly baked muffins.
season: winter.
———
content: language (“Kingdoms”, other “curses” like that lol). sexual (innocent touches and kisses). other (mentions of magic stones, the black market).
———
💌PS (I LOVE YOU)
— Kirsten <3
![Profile Image for Jacquelyn 💐 {This Rapunzel Reads} [Jesus Christ, my Living Hope].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1766269624i%2F169222098._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 11, 2025
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This was so cute and yes, I binge read it in one sitting! I loved getting to read about Gideon’s story! He was such a sweetheart! He has grown and matured so much from the last book. Mary was wonderful too! I did get mad at her at one point, but other than that, she was so funny! I really enjoyed reading about the two of them falling in love! It was adorable! Poppyseed was so cute and such a perfect gift! I loved the whole bakery with all of the talk about the desserts! It was making me hungry! 😋 I loved the ending! It was so sweet! Soren was amazing again and I just love him! I really want a book with him getting his happily ever after! The mystery was really good too! I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁
This was so cute and yes, I binge read it in one sitting! I loved getting to read about Gideon’s story! He was such a sweetheart! He has grown and matured so much from the last book. Mary was wonderful too! I did get mad at her at one point, but other than that, she was so funny! I really enjoyed reading about the two of them falling in love! It was adorable! Poppyseed was so cute and such a perfect gift! I loved the whole bakery with all of the talk about the desserts! It was making me hungry! 😋 I loved the ending! It was so sweet! Soren was amazing again and I just love him! I really want a book with him getting his happily ever after! The mystery was really good too! I definitely recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one! 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁🧁
July 2, 2024
Abigail Manning's Once Upon A Rhyme series is so amazing with many unique retellings of well-known nursery rhymes. I absolutely loved this book and it went above and beyond my expectations after I had waited for it for so long after reading the first three books in this series. I feel as though Abigail Manning's books are just getting better and better and I can't wait to read Baa Baa Black Market.
I loved Mary and Gideon's relationship. Gideon has such a unique perspective and Mary's character is so incredibly well-developed. She has some mistrust issues but later comes to realise how much Gideon cares for her. The humour added also made the book so much more fun to read and I love the plotline of the whole series as it's completely original!
I loved Mary and Gideon's relationship. Gideon has such a unique perspective and Mary's character is so incredibly well-developed. She has some mistrust issues but later comes to realise how much Gideon cares for her. The humour added also made the book so much more fun to read and I love the plotline of the whole series as it's completely original!
April 15, 2024
Don't be mushing my marshmallow as I was able to get an advanced copy and found this book highly enjoyable, yet now I'm hungry. Nice spin off from Hush a Bye and Gideon was spot on with his mannerisms and bluntness with his character throughout the book. Manning got me on another one of her blind sides that I was not expecting. Mary is not all wholesome, yet learns its best to be honest and take responsibility. Plot moves quickly as it is a novella, but there is a lot packed into this book. Another book I have no issues allowing my daughters to read as its another clean/no spice read. Buttered biscuits, I need a lemon poppy seed muffin now.
August 18, 2024
Another great book in the series! This one has more humor than the last, and is bursting with charming baking references. Though perhaps not my favorite in the series, I still really enjoyed it, and finished the book in a single day.
I didn’t like Mary quite as much as the other MCs (her moral compass was a bit too questionable), but I love what Manning did with Gideon’s character, and the romance was extra adorable for its awkwardness.
Content:
There’s no foul language and only a couple clean kisses. There is some violence but it’s minimal. There’s no mention of faith or God, but the MC often battles moral dilemmas and ends up on the wrong side of right.
I didn’t like Mary quite as much as the other MCs (her moral compass was a bit too questionable), but I love what Manning did with Gideon’s character, and the romance was extra adorable for its awkwardness.
Content:
There’s no foul language and only a couple clean kisses. There is some violence but it’s minimal. There’s no mention of faith or God, but the MC often battles moral dilemmas and ends up on the wrong side of right.
January 9, 2025
Do You Know the Muffin Scam? by Abigail Manning
What I loved about this book:
🐶 Poppyseed (the puppy dog)
🐶 Magical stones
🐶 Elusive crime lords
🐶 A cute customer...
🐶 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Oh I loved this one too!!! A bakery selling yummy muffins and illegal magic? Yes, please! All the baked goods made me hungry and I loved all the similes comparing things to them too!
Part of the Once Upon a Rhyme series should be read in order, but could be read as a standalone (I read book 5 before this one)
Favorite quote: “Mary…” She blinked. “Did your apron just bark?”
Favorite scene: The newspaper codes
Favorite character: Mary (our main female character)
What I loved about this book:
🐶 Poppyseed (the puppy dog)
🐶 Magical stones
🐶 Elusive crime lords
🐶 A cute customer...
🐶 Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Oh I loved this one too!!! A bakery selling yummy muffins and illegal magic? Yes, please! All the baked goods made me hungry and I loved all the similes comparing things to them too!
Part of the Once Upon a Rhyme series should be read in order, but could be read as a standalone (I read book 5 before this one)
Favorite quote: “Mary…” She blinked. “Did your apron just bark?”
Favorite scene: The newspaper codes
Favorite character: Mary (our main female character)
April 18, 2024
"First, how much do you know about the muffin scam?"
Another fun story in the Once Upon a Rhyme series! This one picks up with Gideon's story but from Mary's point of view. The undercover bakery run by Mary's family was such a fun idea and felt cozy to read about despite the illegal magic stone business it hid. Loved these characters and how well they went together and how they grew as individuals!
This is a clean fun read. There was a spot in the middle that felt a touch slow to me but it had a fast paced, happy ending!
Another fun story in the Once Upon a Rhyme series! This one picks up with Gideon's story but from Mary's point of view. The undercover bakery run by Mary's family was such a fun idea and felt cozy to read about despite the illegal magic stone business it hid. Loved these characters and how well they went together and how they grew as individuals!
This is a clean fun read. There was a spot in the middle that felt a touch slow to me but it had a fast paced, happy ending!
June 2, 2024
This book gave me a plot twist that I didn't see coming! I originally thought it would mainly focus on Gideon from Hush A Bye Lady, but I never dreamed that the legend of the missing Princess Marilyn from the last book would have a part in the story. I will not spoil much regarding the event, but I will say that it is quite interesting to see a retelling of the Muffin Man nursery rhyme, where the protagonists uncover a black market trade going on in the town. The story is maybe short, but it is as sweet as their muffins, and I do love muffins.
September 10, 2025
Incredible treat!
Mary is a wonderfully complex character, and Gideon matches her well. After Hush a Bye Lady, I was worried how Gideon would be a good love interest, but Manning proved her ability to write compelling characters and redemption arcs. The plot grew along with the stakes, which made it impossible to put down this book. The fun baking related exclamations and references added an extra spark of joy. The book can stand alone but will be more enjoyable for readers who’ve read Hush a Bye Lady. Clean in language and contents. Definitely don’t miss this book!
Mary is a wonderfully complex character, and Gideon matches her well. After Hush a Bye Lady, I was worried how Gideon would be a good love interest, but Manning proved her ability to write compelling characters and redemption arcs. The plot grew along with the stakes, which made it impossible to put down this book. The fun baking related exclamations and references added an extra spark of joy. The book can stand alone but will be more enjoyable for readers who’ve read Hush a Bye Lady. Clean in language and contents. Definitely don’t miss this book!
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