What do you think?
Rate this book
An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #9
Gingerbread Danger
For fans of Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mysteries and Ellery Adams' Culinary Cozy Mysteries, the Ohio-set Amish Candy Shop series combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the fun of candy making, plus the romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her county sheriff fiancé. Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about. She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio—just before Christmas! Bailey is ready to let the sweet celebrations begin . . . With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey . . . Together, they soon learn that the victim was working for some powerful men in the county, and in doing so was spying on his own Amish community. Still, Bailey is determined to find the perpetrator. If she can’t cut out the killer from the rest of the suspects, her gingerbread men won’t be the only ones in danger of disappearing . . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 22, 2024
75 people are currently reading
4091 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,948 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 22, 2024
Ohio cozy mystery author Amanda Flower has written a delightful Christmas mystery, book 9 of her An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. When an employee at Bailey King’s chocolate factory falls off the roof and dies the Sheriff Aiden Brody declares it to be an accident.Then evidence begins to show up that indicates he may have been a bit too hasty in making that decision.
It’s cold in Harvest Ohio and snow is everywhere. Bailey is busy with candy orders to be filled at the factory and helping her Amish grandmother in her candy shop. Bossy Margot Rawlings, community manager organizer for the village of Harvest is busy planning a Christmas Candyworks Festival and she expects Bailey to provide all the candy for the entire festival. If that isn’t enough Baileys parents are visiting over the holidays and her mother tries to take over planning Bailey and Aiden’s wedding. Bailey wants a simple wedding but her Mother wants a big fancy wedding . Now Bailey gets busy trying to find out if Zeph Lantz accidentally fell off her factory roof or if he was pushed to his death.
I was completely drawn into this mystery. Amanda Flower is my favorite Cozy Mystery Author and Gingerbread Danger didn’t disappoint this reader. I found it to be an easy read and a page turner. Readers waited until close to the books ending before the Whodunnit was revealed . I was clueless as to who the killer was . This book had everything that I love to find in a cozy mystery.
I highly recommend Gingerbread Danger to readers of Cozy Mystery and to fans of the Author. It is the 9th book in this series but can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled for release on 10/22/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#GingerbreadDanger #NetGalley
It’s cold in Harvest Ohio and snow is everywhere. Bailey is busy with candy orders to be filled at the factory and helping her Amish grandmother in her candy shop. Bossy Margot Rawlings, community manager organizer for the village of Harvest is busy planning a Christmas Candyworks Festival and she expects Bailey to provide all the candy for the entire festival. If that isn’t enough Baileys parents are visiting over the holidays and her mother tries to take over planning Bailey and Aiden’s wedding. Bailey wants a simple wedding but her Mother wants a big fancy wedding . Now Bailey gets busy trying to find out if Zeph Lantz accidentally fell off her factory roof or if he was pushed to his death.
I was completely drawn into this mystery. Amanda Flower is my favorite Cozy Mystery Author and Gingerbread Danger didn’t disappoint this reader. I found it to be an easy read and a page turner. Readers waited until close to the books ending before the Whodunnit was revealed . I was clueless as to who the killer was . This book had everything that I love to find in a cozy mystery.
I highly recommend Gingerbread Danger to readers of Cozy Mystery and to fans of the Author. It is the 9th book in this series but can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled for release on 10/22/24.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#GingerbreadDanger #NetGalley
October 19, 2024
Gingerbread Danger is another fun trip back to Harvest, Ohio where the village is gearing up for Christmas with games and festivities. Bailey King has her candy factory up and running. She and her Amish grandmother own Swissmen Sweets Candy Shop and the new candy factory, Swissmen Candyworks where they have a shop and tours. Bailey has her hands full running between both places, doing tasks for Margot, the town activity director, and pigsitting Jethro, her boyfriend Aiden's mom's famous pig. When a young Amish factory worker fell to his death from the factory roof, she has an added task when Aiden, Harvest's sheriff and staff decide he was pushed. So, we have another mystery for Bailey to solve during the busiest season of the year plus break-ins at Amish businesses and homes. To top things off, her parents are in town and her mom along with Juliet, Aiden's mom are set on planning Bailey and Aiden's wedding. Whew! No sleep for Bailey. This is a great addition to the series.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
December 24, 2024
Review coming soon.
October 24, 2024
In Amanda Flower's Gingerbread Danger Bailey has opened the new candy factory and business is booming, she's even hired new people to be able to manage it. One of those new people is Zeph who tends to be distracted easily and Margot manages to distract him by asking him to go onto the icy roof to place a game piece for the festival that is happening in the square. Bailey requests that he take the piece down he manages to fall to his death in what appears to be an accident. However, when Zeph's Robin Hood tendencies come to light and extra foot prints are found on the roof, the accident doesn't seem quite as accidental.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I thought that the expansion to Swissmen Sweets was totally welcome and along with that all the new characters. I really like that Aiden is the sheriff and we have one less person making Bailey's life frustrating. I did get annoyed at the fact that Bailey has no backbone to say no to things that others make her do. I guess I just have to accept that so I don't get as irritated by it but it is quite hard. Otherwise the book was really great. My favorite part was finding out that a character that people think is bad was actually good, they just had a problem. I also thought the mystery was hard enough to figure out where I didn't feel bored by it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries and small town mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, and Amanda Flower for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I thought that the expansion to Swissmen Sweets was totally welcome and along with that all the new characters. I really like that Aiden is the sheriff and we have one less person making Bailey's life frustrating. I did get annoyed at the fact that Bailey has no backbone to say no to things that others make her do. I guess I just have to accept that so I don't get as irritated by it but it is quite hard. Otherwise the book was really great. My favorite part was finding out that a character that people think is bad was actually good, they just had a problem. I also thought the mystery was hard enough to figure out where I didn't feel bored by it. I recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries and small town mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, and Amanda Flower for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2024
Amanda Flower never disappoints me. She always delivers just what I want in a cozy mystery. Great story telling. Loveable characters. And not so loveable characters, yet written with a spark of good in them seen now and then. My favorite moments in her stories are when Bailey is "pigsitting". As aways I am looking forward to the next in the series!!
October 24, 2024
This is book 9 in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and while I haven’t read them all I have read a bunch of them. This series and its sister series are some of my favorites in cozy mysteries and this one did not change that. I love Bailey although I need her to start getting a backbone (I guess she starts in this one, but I want a quicker curve to it). I liked the twists this mystery took and while I had most of the pieces I didn’t know how they all fit together. Bailey’s new candy factory is up and running just in time for a town square giant game of Candyland. But when one of Bailey’s employees falls off the roof the season is a lot less jolly, especially when the sheriff’s department declares it suspicious. To make things more complicated Bailey’s parents are in town and her mother isn’t taking no for answer with the wedding planning. You could read and understand this one without reading the others, but the relationships do develop so I recommend reading them in order. This one is particularly well suited for the winter months, but a fun read anytime.
July 14, 2024
#GingerbreadDanger #NetGalley is a cute cozy mystery, set in the Amish village of Harvest, Ohio.
Bailey King has a lot on her plate.
Her parents are in town for the holidays, she's planning her wedding, as well as starting up her new candy factory.
Mix in a large amount of time pig sitting, and add in a pinch of murder, and before long, Bailey is mixed up in the middle of another murder investigation.
I find this series to be a top favorite for me. I love the sweet treats, the sweet characters, and the sweet village in which the books take place, everything blends together, creating a tasteful series which readers love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Bailey King has a lot on her plate.
Her parents are in town for the holidays, she's planning her wedding, as well as starting up her new candy factory.
Mix in a large amount of time pig sitting, and add in a pinch of murder, and before long, Bailey is mixed up in the middle of another murder investigation.
I find this series to be a top favorite for me. I love the sweet treats, the sweet characters, and the sweet village in which the books take place, everything blends together, creating a tasteful series which readers love.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 9, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
Harvest Ohio is celebrating Christmas in a big way with a lifesize Candy Land game on the village square right next to the animals in the live nativity scene. Bailey King's candy-making factory is also having its grand opening, which includes tours and treats for visitors. Her parents are coming to town for the holidays too.
The game, the factory, and all the shops are big hits but then one of Bailey's new employees dies outside of the factory in what appears to be a tragic accident. Bailey's fiancé and recently appointed county sheriff Aiden Brody, is investigating to find out what happened. Of course, Bailey is doing a little investigating too. The young Amish man was mixed up in some terrible things but that doesn't stop Bailey from working to get him justice.
_____
In this 9th Amish Candy Shop Mystery Bailey is busier than ever now that her candy-making factory is open so planning her wedding to Aidan is the last thing on her mind. But then her parents come to town and her mother and Aiden's mother double down on getting a date set and the nuptials done as quickly as possible. Bailey also spends a lot of time taking care of her future mother-in-law's pig, Jethro. Margot Rawlings, the local community organizer, expects Bailey to be at her beck and call for anything she needs as well. Again Bailey has the patience of a saint and does her best to handle everything thrown at her. The woman needs to learn to say "No!" but she has too big of a heart for that. All the characters Ms. Flower has created for this series are so well-developed but still have room to grow. I feel I could make myself right at home in Harvest because I know all the prominent Amish and Englishers well and my way around the town.
Ms. Flower introduces another Amish family and a wedding planner in this story. Cleverly crafted and well-described, they were easy to add to the Harvest landscape. Swissmen Candyworks was described perfectly too, inside and out, as was the Candy Land game on the town square.
The mysteries put forth in this book are complicated. In addition, to the death, now a confirmed murder, someone is robbing local businesses. Could these crimes be connected? Bailey needs to know what happened to her employee but someone isn't happy about her sleuthing. Aiden wants her to leave everything to him and his deputies but we all know that isn't going to happen. It is always fun to tag along with Bailey, usually accompanied by Jethro, as they follow the clues and talk to suspects. The showdown was very entertaining as I thought I had it all figured out but the conclusion was as complex as the mysteries themselves.
Gingerbread Danger is a charming whodunit full of sweet treats and genuine characters joined by a dastardly few. I loved the Candy Land tie-in. What a fun way to ring in the holiday! The entire Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series is excellent and I highly recommend them all.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Harvest Ohio is celebrating Christmas in a big way with a lifesize Candy Land game on the village square right next to the animals in the live nativity scene. Bailey King's candy-making factory is also having its grand opening, which includes tours and treats for visitors. Her parents are coming to town for the holidays too.
The game, the factory, and all the shops are big hits but then one of Bailey's new employees dies outside of the factory in what appears to be a tragic accident. Bailey's fiancé and recently appointed county sheriff Aiden Brody, is investigating to find out what happened. Of course, Bailey is doing a little investigating too. The young Amish man was mixed up in some terrible things but that doesn't stop Bailey from working to get him justice.
_____
In this 9th Amish Candy Shop Mystery Bailey is busier than ever now that her candy-making factory is open so planning her wedding to Aidan is the last thing on her mind. But then her parents come to town and her mother and Aiden's mother double down on getting a date set and the nuptials done as quickly as possible. Bailey also spends a lot of time taking care of her future mother-in-law's pig, Jethro. Margot Rawlings, the local community organizer, expects Bailey to be at her beck and call for anything she needs as well. Again Bailey has the patience of a saint and does her best to handle everything thrown at her. The woman needs to learn to say "No!" but she has too big of a heart for that. All the characters Ms. Flower has created for this series are so well-developed but still have room to grow. I feel I could make myself right at home in Harvest because I know all the prominent Amish and Englishers well and my way around the town.
Ms. Flower introduces another Amish family and a wedding planner in this story. Cleverly crafted and well-described, they were easy to add to the Harvest landscape. Swissmen Candyworks was described perfectly too, inside and out, as was the Candy Land game on the town square.
The mysteries put forth in this book are complicated. In addition, to the death, now a confirmed murder, someone is robbing local businesses. Could these crimes be connected? Bailey needs to know what happened to her employee but someone isn't happy about her sleuthing. Aiden wants her to leave everything to him and his deputies but we all know that isn't going to happen. It is always fun to tag along with Bailey, usually accompanied by Jethro, as they follow the clues and talk to suspects. The showdown was very entertaining as I thought I had it all figured out but the conclusion was as complex as the mysteries themselves.
Gingerbread Danger is a charming whodunit full of sweet treats and genuine characters joined by a dastardly few. I loved the Candy Land tie-in. What a fun way to ring in the holiday! The entire Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series is excellent and I highly recommend them all.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
December 20, 2024
"Gingerbread Danger (An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #9)" by Amanda Flower is set around Christmas time, mostly the week before, as Bailey's town is set up as a life size Candyland Board. Families come to play the life-size version of the game and get some samples of Bailey's candy. Of course, the organizer had a game piece put on top of Bailey's Candy Factory which Bailey was worried about hurting someone.
Just that happens, the young man who works for Bailey fell off the roof with the piece when he was supposed to be taking it down for her. Bailey is more worried that it wasn't an accident. The young man had a bit of a rough past, but his sister is one of Bailey's best employees.
On top of all that, Bailey's parents are in town for Christmas. Her mom is anxious to get started on wedding planning for Bailey. Her mom even hired a wedding planner behind Bailey's back. Oh, families, gotta love them sometimes.
Just that happens, the young man who works for Bailey fell off the roof with the piece when he was supposed to be taking it down for her. Bailey is more worried that it wasn't an accident. The young man had a bit of a rough past, but his sister is one of Bailey's best employees.
On top of all that, Bailey's parents are in town for Christmas. Her mom is anxious to get started on wedding planning for Bailey. Her mom even hired a wedding planner behind Bailey's back. Oh, families, gotta love them sometimes.
November 11, 2024
Initially I was enjoying the Amish candy shop series but they are becoming a bit repeatitive for me. While this book was okay there were some major editorial errors that were quite obvious and I don't understaand how they slipped past. The ending also seemed rushed and was just so-so. Also, and I'm probably in the minority here, but I am so sick of Jethro the pig. He appeared in almost every scene with the MFC lugging him around becaause his owner (the MFC future mother-in-law) is an irresponsible air head and keeps wanting the MFC to pigsit. I know - because I googled it- that pot bellied pigs can be litter trained but the thought of this pig running freely in the candy store, the caandy factory and the local cafe made me queasy.
September 15, 2024
Christmas is fast approaching in the Amish town of Harvest, Ohio, and if you make sweets for a living it's the busiest time of year meaning Bailey King and her staff are working long hours at her candy factory. She is also helping local organising supremo, Margot Rawlings with her main square Christmas celebrations, pigsitting Jasper for her future mother-in-law, and planning for her parents visit over the festive season.
When her factory roof is used, without her permission, for part of Margot's life-sized display, Bailey demands its removal. Unfortunately, after the discovery of a body nearby, Bailey’s fiance and local county sheriff, Aiden Brody, tells her it will have to remain in situ until he says otherwise! With details about the victim and their somewhat dubious private life emerging, Bailey is determined to help Aiden solve the case even though he is adamant he doesn't need the assistance! As she tries to concentrate on all the different aspects of her days, will Bailey be aware of the danger moving ever closer from unexpected quarters?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing and Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book nine in this series was my first visit to Harvest but it definitely won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
When her factory roof is used, without her permission, for part of Margot's life-sized display, Bailey demands its removal. Unfortunately, after the discovery of a body nearby, Bailey’s fiance and local county sheriff, Aiden Brody, tells her it will have to remain in situ until he says otherwise! With details about the victim and their somewhat dubious private life emerging, Bailey is determined to help Aiden solve the case even though he is adamant he doesn't need the assistance! As she tries to concentrate on all the different aspects of her days, will Bailey be aware of the danger moving ever closer from unexpected quarters?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing and Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. Book nine in this series was my first visit to Harvest but it definitely won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
November 22, 2024
I have read all of the books in this series and this one was really disappointing. It seemed to be written very rushed. The storyline was not very exciting and didn’t always make a lot of sense. I am most disappointed with the victim being a child. A child being murdered days before Christmas is not cozy, it’s depressing. Bailey’s character has really just become a doormat and and being forced to take care of the pig constantly is getting old.
March 17, 2025
ALWAYS A JOY RETURNING TO AMISH COUNTRY WITH BAILEY KING, JETHRO AND ALL THE OTHERS!
SERIES PREMISE: We follow Bailey King who works at her Grandparents Candy shop Swissmen Sweets, in Amish Country!
BOOK'S PREMISE: Bailey's new factory has now officially opened and everyone in Amish Country is getting ready for the big Christmas Event. However, when a man from her factory seemingly accidently, falls off the room trying to take down an unwanted decoration killing him instantly, it seems there is more to this death than meets the eye.
THOUGHTS: What an absolute pleasure it always is to return to Amish Country and follow Bailey, Jethro and the others and this time was no exception! From the very first page I was brought right back to what I love about Amanda Flower and this series as Page 1 was a true pleasure for all the senses! The mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed each and every moment with this book including my time with Juliet (Jethro's mom).
A True pleasure, what more can I say but...
We need more from Amish Candy Shop! Hahahaha.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
SERIES PREMISE: We follow Bailey King who works at her Grandparents Candy shop Swissmen Sweets, in Amish Country!
BOOK'S PREMISE: Bailey's new factory has now officially opened and everyone in Amish Country is getting ready for the big Christmas Event. However, when a man from her factory seemingly accidently, falls off the room trying to take down an unwanted decoration killing him instantly, it seems there is more to this death than meets the eye.
THOUGHTS: What an absolute pleasure it always is to return to Amish Country and follow Bailey, Jethro and the others and this time was no exception! From the very first page I was brought right back to what I love about Amanda Flower and this series as Page 1 was a true pleasure for all the senses! The mystery was intriguing and I enjoyed each and every moment with this book including my time with Juliet (Jethro's mom).
A True pleasure, what more can I say but...
We need more from Amish Candy Shop! Hahahaha.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
November 6, 2024
There is something so comforting about visiting Harvest and, when you add in the Christmas setting, it’s idyllic - well, except for the murder. I learn a little more about the Amish every time I read these and I feel so welcome within the community of Harvest as a whole. As usual, while the setting is artfully described, the mystery is front and center in these novels, and I was enjoying following along as Bailey and Aiden juggled investigation, visiting guests, and wedding planning to find the guilty party. While I love Jethro, I am tiring of the constant need for babysitting and focus on Juliet foisting him on Bailey every time. Otherwise, this is a great addition to the series and I look forward to the next.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 14, 2024
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night"
Jethro wishing his best wishes for the season.
Jethro wishing his best wishes for the season.
May 16, 2025
What I really loved about this book was that there was a life-sized version of the game of Candyland set up in the town square. It provided such an atmosphere that was a lot like Disneyland! Of course, there was another murder mystery and interaction with the usual characters which are a blend of Amish and "English" people. I always love to visit the little village of Harvest, Ohio. It is a town that I would love to visit! I look forward to reading the next Amish Candy Shop Mystery when it is published. This is a series that I don't want to see ever end!
December 18, 2024
You can’t beat Christmas in Harvest. There was so much going on between the candyland experience and the murder and the robberies. I loved seeing how all the plot lines came together. Nothing is ever boring when Jethro is around and he had some new animal friends to get into mischief with.
June 1, 2025
I do hope she continues this series. It is such a great cozy mystery series. One of the best I’ve read recently.
September 28, 2024
No one does cozy like Amanda Flower. Add an Amish small town, candy, wonderful characters, a tiny pig named Jethro, and the Christmas holiday, and you are in for an interesting holiday journey! Bailey's new candy factory is up and running for its first holiday season, Margot has a huge Candyland game set up on the square, and is demanding Bailey's help, Juliet keeps insisting that she pigsit Jethro and her parents are in town for the holidays. The last thing Bailey needs is for one of her employees to fall off the roof of the factory while putting up a decoration Bailey doesn't want, but Margot instructed him to install. When the young man dies, there are questions; did he fall, or was he pushed? Why was he in trouble? How will this affect Bailey's new business? Will Bailey and Aiden have any time together for the holidays? Did Bailey's mom really hire a wedding planner? How this all comes together, with help from all of our favorite people, makes for a great holiday read! Thank you to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for a chance to read. #GingerbreadDanger #AmandaFlower #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 4, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Gingerbread Danger", the latest in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower. I have been following the adventures (and misadventures) of Bailey King, her friends and her now-fiancé, Sheriff Aiden. And, of course, Jethro the polka-dot pig - who's the real star of the show.
When the story opens, we find Jethro covered in cooling gingerbread fudge at Bailey's Candy Factory. Because, where Jethro goes, trouble follows.
It's coming up on Christmas in Harvest, the Amish/English town where Bailey lives and Aiden keeps the peace. The Candy Factory is Bailey's latest endeavour, to go along with the Swissmen Sweets shop that's run by her grandmother, and her television show whose popularity has brought more tourism to little Harvest. And of course, Margot Rawlings is organizing another spectacle - a live Candyland game.
But there's been a rash of burglaries in Harvest - something unheard of in the Amish community, and Bailey is drawn in to the mystery when the brother of one of her workers meets with a terrible accident, falling from the roof of the Factory. It seems that the young man was somehow involved in the thefts, but why? And what now?
At the same time, Bailey's parents are in town, and her mother has decided to take the organization of Bailey and Aiden's upcoming wedding into her own hands, with the unwitting complicity of Juliet, the groom-to-be's mother. Mayhem ensues, while Bailey - as always - gets deeper and deeper into the investigation. With potentially devastating consequences.
Ms. Flowers does not disappoint fans of the series (and fans of Jethro, Puff, Melchior the camel, and Nutmeg the cat) in this instalment. Highly recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers to Harvest. And if you're looking for a Gingerbread recipe, you'll find it here.
When the story opens, we find Jethro covered in cooling gingerbread fudge at Bailey's Candy Factory. Because, where Jethro goes, trouble follows.
It's coming up on Christmas in Harvest, the Amish/English town where Bailey lives and Aiden keeps the peace. The Candy Factory is Bailey's latest endeavour, to go along with the Swissmen Sweets shop that's run by her grandmother, and her television show whose popularity has brought more tourism to little Harvest. And of course, Margot Rawlings is organizing another spectacle - a live Candyland game.
But there's been a rash of burglaries in Harvest - something unheard of in the Amish community, and Bailey is drawn in to the mystery when the brother of one of her workers meets with a terrible accident, falling from the roof of the Factory. It seems that the young man was somehow involved in the thefts, but why? And what now?
At the same time, Bailey's parents are in town, and her mother has decided to take the organization of Bailey and Aiden's upcoming wedding into her own hands, with the unwitting complicity of Juliet, the groom-to-be's mother. Mayhem ensues, while Bailey - as always - gets deeper and deeper into the investigation. With potentially devastating consequences.
Ms. Flowers does not disappoint fans of the series (and fans of Jethro, Puff, Melchior the camel, and Nutmeg the cat) in this instalment. Highly recommended for both fans of the series and newcomers to Harvest. And if you're looking for a Gingerbread recipe, you'll find it here.
May 13, 2025
Despite Bailey not having enough courage… or backbone to tell anyone “No,” especially Juliet and Margot, Bailey does have a very good quality that I admire and that is kindness. She is kind to everyone, even Jenny who was a person that only thinks of herself and her wants. You start reading this book and you’ll know what I mean about Jenny. However, Bailey spoke to her in a way that I’d never do. She was so professional, too.
Like I said in the previous book’s review, it was difficult for me to read this book due to the fact that Bailey acts like a doormat. Juliet only approaches Bailey when she needs her pig babysat. There weren’t any other instances that Juliet talked to Bailey just to say hello. She only goes to her to… tell her to pigsit, because not once did she actually ask. I think the reason it bothers me so much that Bailey is taken advantage of is because I used to be the same way when I was younger. I guess I’m not actually irritated with Bailey, rather I’m irritated at my younger self for allowing people to walk all over me.
So now that I’ve analyzed this, I may actually be able to read the next book of this series if there will be one.
I do enjoy this series. I like that it’s so wholesome and clean. I like reading about things having to do with Amish folk. I usually learn something new about them from Amanda Flower.
My next choice in reads is by Lucia Kuhl. It’s Magic in Moon Lake mystery series. It’s book 1 of 9: “Moon Lake Sleuths.”
Like I said in the previous book’s review, it was difficult for me to read this book due to the fact that Bailey acts like a doormat. Juliet only approaches Bailey when she needs her pig babysat. There weren’t any other instances that Juliet talked to Bailey just to say hello. She only goes to her to… tell her to pigsit, because not once did she actually ask. I think the reason it bothers me so much that Bailey is taken advantage of is because I used to be the same way when I was younger. I guess I’m not actually irritated with Bailey, rather I’m irritated at my younger self for allowing people to walk all over me.
So now that I’ve analyzed this, I may actually be able to read the next book of this series if there will be one.
I do enjoy this series. I like that it’s so wholesome and clean. I like reading about things having to do with Amish folk. I usually learn something new about them from Amanda Flower.
My next choice in reads is by Lucia Kuhl. It’s Magic in Moon Lake mystery series. It’s book 1 of 9: “Moon Lake Sleuths.”
October 25, 2024
I enjoyed this book, and being back in Harvest with the usual group of characters. For some reason, this time around I got a sense of almost frenetic activity. Between Jethro getting into mischief, ALWAYS when Bailey is "pig-sitting" and all the things going on as Christmas approaches, it was almost too much. Bailey is investigating the fall of a young Amish man from her factory's roof, resulting in his death. Seems the community was split on their opinion of the young man, half calling him a Robin Hood and half calling him just bad!
While all this happening, there is a Candy Land Experience on the green which Bailey's candy factory is responsible for restoring, a Christmas parade with live animals, and Bailey's parents in town to celebrate the holiday and talk about planning her wedding. All in all, a good book, and I am ready for the next one, although I know that Ms. Flower doesn't write that quickly!!
While all this happening, there is a Candy Land Experience on the green which Bailey's candy factory is responsible for restoring, a Christmas parade with live animals, and Bailey's parents in town to celebrate the holiday and talk about planning her wedding. All in all, a good book, and I am ready for the next one, although I know that Ms. Flower doesn't write that quickly!!
December 28, 2025
The talk about and candy descriptions are great. The feeling of Christmas is in the air. Well written but maybe not the best book to start the series with as it takes time to get characters straight. It doesn't really seem Bailey did much sleuthing so the investigation wasn't very exciting. Loved how everything came together though at the end.
August 27, 2025
Always delightful for the soul! One of my absolute favourite series.
December 16, 2025
A little longer than it needed to be, but an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable visit to the fictional town of Harvest, OH.
December 30, 2025
This is what I get for trying to read a Holiday story that isn’t “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”
December 29, 2024
Best of the series so far in my humble opinion.
October 22, 2024
When one of Bailey's employees falls off the roof of the new Candyworks factory foul play is suspected. Of course Bailey is on the job to find out exactly what happened. Caught in the midst of her parents visit, Margot pushing her to help make the Christmas parade a success, being pushed to plan her wedding and Juliette constantly needing her pet pig Jethro pigsat, Bailey has very little time to add investigating to her plate, but she is determined to find out what happened and why.
I love the Candy Shop Mysteries! Bailey has a good heart and a desire to make everyone as happy and successful as she is. The Amish country setting is perfect for all of the mysteries she finds herself in. I love her relationships with the townspeople and how she has found her place among the Amish and English people. The animals that are always involved in author Amanda Flowers' books are entertaining as well. In Gingerbread Danger Juliette's pet pig Jethro is front and center ready to help Bailey in a pinch as well as get into all kinds of mischief! If you are looking for a cozy mystery to read for the Christmas season this would be the perfect book for you, it will make you want to go back and read the rest of the series as well.
I love the Candy Shop Mysteries! Bailey has a good heart and a desire to make everyone as happy and successful as she is. The Amish country setting is perfect for all of the mysteries she finds herself in. I love her relationships with the townspeople and how she has found her place among the Amish and English people. The animals that are always involved in author Amanda Flowers' books are entertaining as well. In Gingerbread Danger Juliette's pet pig Jethro is front and center ready to help Bailey in a pinch as well as get into all kinds of mischief! If you are looking for a cozy mystery to read for the Christmas season this would be the perfect book for you, it will make you want to go back and read the rest of the series as well.
May 19, 2025
3.5 Amish Candy shop owner and star of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets, Bailey King has a lot to be excited about. She’s happily engaged to Aiden Brody, newly appointed county sheriff, and her candy factory is finally having its grand opening in Harvest, Ohio. With the help of local community organizer Margot Rawlings, Harvest will have a Candy Land themed Christmas on the village square—featuring Bailey’s recently perfected recipe for gingerbread men. When the big day comes, everything is going well—until bitter news arrives. One of Bailey’s Amish friends has been killed in an apparent accident just outside the candy factory. Aiden is promptly on the case—with more than a little input from Bailey. [amazon synopsis]
The teen who was killed was spying on the Amish community. This was a fun story. BUT - why is Bailey such a doormat? She puts up with her mother's wedding planning even tho it is not what she and Aiden want, she babysits that stupid pig every time Juliette dumps it with her, and she lets Margot walk all over her. Get a backbone, Bailey. However, the gingerbread fudge recipe was great.
The teen who was killed was spying on the Amish community. This was a fun story. BUT - why is Bailey such a doormat? She puts up with her mother's wedding planning even tho it is not what she and Aiden want, she babysits that stupid pig every time Juliette dumps it with her, and she lets Margot walk all over her. Get a backbone, Bailey. However, the gingerbread fudge recipe was great.
September 30, 2024
I usually love the books in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries series, but this one fell short in quality. Perhaps it’s because I received an ARC from NetGalley rather than the final product, but there were numerous editing errors. Many sentences felt repetitive, with ideas being slightly rephrased but essentially restating the same thing, and entire paragraphs seemed misplaced or like alternate versions of earlier sections. The story didn’t start well for a cozy mystery—while it’s expected that a murder occurs, a teenage victim made it hard to maintain the lighthearted small-town vibe. Additionally, several characters felt flat and unnecessarily mean, serving more as plot devices than well-rounded figures. The gingerbread thing was also used in a completely non-cozy way, I can see there is really not the author's favorite candy. That said, the recurring characters are still enjoyable, and it’s nice to see Bailey’s life continue to evolve. I’ll definitely keep up with the series and hope they do a better job with editing before the book’s official release.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews