Wands, Waffles, and Whispers

Southern Magical Bakery #2

by Tonya Kappes

Every small town hides a secret. This one has a few dozen… and a magical cat who knows them all.

After leaving her enchanted hometown behind, Lo Heal-Park thought she’d finally found a quiet life in Celestial Falls—complete with a charming bakery, a suspiciously talkative cat, and a second date with the local vet. But when a beloved town elder is found dead under mysterious circumstances and strange magical pulses begin rippling through the streets, Lo’s hopes for a fresh start vanish like sugar on a hot skillet.

Now, with her unexpected spiritual gifts waking up and a magical crack in the town’s foundation threatening to burst wide open, Lo has to sift through secrets, seal old spells, and figure out who—or what—is stirring ancient magic from its slumber. All without burning the biscuits.

Warm, witty, and just a little wicked, Wand, Waffles & Whispers is the delicious first course in a new cozy mystery series perfect for fans of spellbinding small towns, cinnamon-sweet suspense, and heroines who stir up more than just batter.

Because in Celestial Falls, even the magic has a sweet tooth… and it’s hungry.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, Fiction

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2025

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Tonya Kappes]

Grab today!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series. If you love Mrs. Kappes’ Magical Cures series, you need to read this series. Lo is the daughter of June Heal and Oscar Park. Since moving to Celestial Falls, Lo is really discovering her true self and independence. For the fans of Magical Cures some of the residents of Whispering Falls pop in to help Lo with her investigation of a murder and is mysterious magical events going on. One of my favorites character is Lo’s Fairy Godcat, Skylar Blue. She is such a sassy little thing. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists and turns.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book in this series, but I had no trouble knowing what was going on in the town. There is some romance. I don't like the potential love triangle. I liked the mystery. There was murder, magic, and cake. Baking and magic were big parts of the story. I was hoping for more from the house. Maybe that will be in the next book.

[Lisa Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! Another great book by Tonya!!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles, And Whispers
Southern Magical Bakery, Book #2
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Every small town hides a secret. This one has a few dozen... and a magical cat who knows them all.
After leaving her enchanted hometown behind, Lo Heal-Park thought she’d finally found a quiet life in Celestial Falls—complete with a charming bakery, a suspiciously talkative cat, and a second date with the local vet. But when a beloved town elder is found dead under mysterious circumstances and strange magical pulses begin rippling through the streets, Lo’s hopes for a fresh start vanish like sugar on a hot skillet.
Now, with her unexpected spiritual gifts waking up and a magical crack in the town’s foundation threatening to burst wide open, Lo has to sift through secrets, seal old spells, and figure out who—or what—is stirring ancient magic from its slumber. All without burning the biscuits.
Warm, witty, and just a little wicked, Wands, Waffles & Whispers is the delicious first course in a new cozy mystery series perfect for fans of spellbinding small towns, cinnamon-sweet suspense, and heroines who stir up more than just batter.
Because in Celestial Falls, even the magic has a sweet tooth… and it’s hungry. (Amazon)


Reviews:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. Lo is feeling pretty good:her bakery is going well, she has a potential love interest and she adores her kitten. But when a town elder is found dead her good feeling disappears. Now she has to figure out who killed her and why. She has her work cut out for her.


The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well plotted and not easily solved.


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This is the second book in her Southern Magical Bakery series.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Southern Magical Bakery series and it is a great addition! With so many twists and turns we are taken on a real roller coaster ride which causes you to read it straight through. I just couldn't put it down. Lo Heal-Park had to leave her parents, June Heal and Oscar Park who had magic and when Lo reached a certain age if she didn't show magic, she had to leave. So she moved to Celestial Falls, where she opened her dream bakery. Figuring she'd live a normal mortal life. She also has her sassy, Fairy Godcat, Skylar Blue, helping her. Her childhood friend Orin followed her even though he had magic and stayed in her back room. And she has another date with the local vet. But something is happening in town and Orin feels the danger. It seems there is a crack, a pulsing in the very town's foundation looking to grow which could destroy the town. And one of the elders, who knew seemed to know what was happening was found murdered after she gave Lo a mysterious magic cookbook. Of course, Lo and Orin have to investigate her death and have to reseal the old spell that could destroy the town and was causing the problem. With Lo's magic starting to wake up, can she and Orin reseal the spell? Not only do I highly recommend this second book, I also highly recommend the first book as well as any coming books in this really great series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo Healer Parks is a magical baker in a half magical - half human town. Supported by her magical sidekick Skylar Blue the magical kitten protector and guide, as well as Lo’s lifelong friend Orin, they settle slowly the into their new home town.

All seems well until strange things begin, and suddenly magical and town protector Odessa is murdered and then the pace of the story changes, full of mayhem and chaos. Thrown in the mix is also Liz’s gal pal bestie and very human Grace, who is full of sass and delight. There is local hunky vet Ace, who is casually dating Lo. One of the characters is odd and interesting, wonder if they will show up in the next book - don’t think their secrets are revealed and addressed…

Really enjoy the warmth and whimsy of the heroine Lo, transforming from a normal to a magical being as a supernatural late bloomer. Lo has to prove herself to the Elder council, her family and friends in both worlds, but most of all, herself.

Thelove triangle of sorts is intriguing, interested to see where it goes and what Lo chooses.

When Lo uncovers the murderer with handy help from Orin, Skylar and all her friends it was a massive twist better than the twists of a Greek labyrinth! Quite unexpected, and of course that is what made it so intriguing and this series an absolutely worthwhile read

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to follow Low in her new adventures. She wants to make her life not stay in her mother shadow and the bakery in Celestial Falls seemed the perfect place for that......but magic is not far and she just needed to open her eyes.

When magic start to act and play havoc, when an elder is found dead....Lo will need to find a solution so mundane people and magical ones stay separated....thankfully she is not alone and with her fairy cat Skylar and childhood friend Orin she will do her best while trying to keep her romance with her gorgeous human veterinarian....

It was interesting to see her hesitate between two worlds.....she is still learning and it shows. I guess i was a little disappointed with the semi love triangle, it's hard to explain but i hope she chooses soon when her powers are blossoming.

Lot of magic, action, great investigation and a touch of romance with a big dose of humour this is a good cozy mystery that you can read as a stand alone. However, since it's a spin off, if you have read the main series you will appreciate even more the apparition of some characters from that series making the transition more smooth, though you can enjoy it without precedents books read, the main series is not a prerequise to discover Lo's stories

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo’s spiritual gifts are waking up and a magical crack in the town’s foundation is threatening to burst wide open. And then a beloved town elder is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Lo must sift through secrets and spells to find out who (or what) is stirring ancient magic.

This is such a charming read – perfect for fans of who love a dash of magic in their cozy mystery. The story contains all the things we love about Tonya’s writing (descriptive cozy details about the setting and food and characters, delightful characters, and a strong mystery) all with a little magic on top. I enjoyed watching Lo come into her own more and more. And Skylar Blue is the most perfect fairy-cat mother. She’s sassy, funny and caring all mixed in one adorable bundle.

I read this in one setting, happily following the twists and turns, not sure what the resolution would be, but so happy to be on such an entertaining journey. I’m looking forward to returning to Celestial Falls and seeing what Lo is up to next. (And can we take a minute to talk about how pretty the cover is? It caught my attention without even reading what it was about!)

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo Heal-Park decides to follow her parents' advice and leave Celestial Falls for Whispering Falls. Whispering Falls is supposed to be a more normal small town where Lo won't have to worry so much about magical things. Lo will have a nice bakery to run. Her mother gives her a cute kitten as a farewell gift. Skylar Blue is not just a cat with big eyes. She can talk.
Lo is hoping that life will be normal and looks forward to a second date with the local vet, Ace. She gets a visit from Odessa, who is sort of a spiritual matriarch for the area. Odessa gives Lo a book of recipes that aren't just for snickerdoodles.
When Odessa is discovered dead, it's not from her extreme old age. Lo and others are sent on a journey to discover the culprit, finding other perplexing puzzles along the way.
This charming novel has everything a cozy mystery reader could want and more. There are many delectable baked goods, a sassy talking cat, a hot hero and plenty of secrets to uncover. I was sorry my eyes got too tired or I could have finished this tale in one sitting. All of Tonya Kappes' books have lots of Southern hospitality with an undercurrent of murder and mayhem.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles, and Whispers is another entertaining installment in Kappes' southern magical bakery series. Lo is trying to enjoy her new life in her new town. Her abilities are starting to manifest, and she is starting to date the local vet, a mortal. Her bakery is doing well, and things are looking up. Things take a turn though when Lo finds a town elder dead. Things get worse when Orin tells Lo that there is a spell leaking and things start getting chaotic. Lo needs to find out what happened to the town elder and figure out a way to deal with this out of control magic.

Kappes does a great job at setting up this new series. I enjoyed the mix of the new characters as well as some old familiar faces making the story work well. Lo is coming into her own as a character as she is coming to terms with her abilities while also finding her own path. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Overall Wands, Waffles, and Whispers proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Lo's next adventure.

Received a copy of Wands, Waffles, and Whispers from the author.

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo Heal Park is finally coming into her own in Celestial Falls. Though a late bloomer, her magical gifts are beginning to emerge—much to her surprise. With the help of her best friend from home, Orin, and her fairy god-cat, Skylar, Lo is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder of Odessa Pike. Just before her death, Odessa entrusted Lo with a treasured recipe book—one that may contain more than just recipes. As Lo delves deeper into the mystery, a magical rift begins to tear through the town, unleashing truth spells that are causing chaos among the unsuspecting mortals. Lo quickly realizes that Celestial Falls holds far more secrets than she ever imagined. The lines between the magical and mortal worlds are blurring, and Odessa’s death may be the key to it all. Was it magic that killed her—or something more mundane, like human greed? As Lo embraces her growing powers, she must also navigate the path of her destiny—both magical and romantic. I absolutely adore this enchanting and heartwarming series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Lo.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this charming and whimsical paranormal cozy mystery series. I read and enjoyed the first book in the series, but this book could stand alone easily. Lo has moved to a town where there is a mix of mortals and those who have magical powers, so those powers are kept hidden from the non-magical. Lo is still learning what powers she has and has opened a bakery; her so-far platonic friend, with whom she grew up, Orin, has moved too, and is living on her porch area. He is an attorney and very much in a protective stance when it comes to Lo. There is something emerging that was bound long ago to protect the town and the people in it, but it’s got to be prevented from coming out. When there’s a murder of a magical elder, Lo finds herself drawn to solve the crime, as well as to prevent the emergent danger. There’s a little romance emerging too, and that is sweet to anticipate in future books. The book is so well-written and descriptive; I can definitely recommend this book and series. I was provided an ARC, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles, and Whispers is the second book in the Southern Magical Bakery series. Lo Heal-Park is settling into her new home in Celestial Falls. Her bakery, Magical Desserts, is whipping up wonderful treats, and Lo even has a date with the local vet. When Odessa, one of the magical locals drops by and leaves Lo with a gift, she can’t imagine the string of events that would happen after. Now, Lo is investigating Odessa’s death and anxiously trying to figure how to control her not-so-latent magical powers.

Celestial Falls has a rich history, lots of secrets, and some quirky characters. The story was interesting, kept me engaged, and was well-paced. The author provides a very descriptive setting, explores Lo’s magical side, and develops the character between the pages. I enjoyed spending time with Lo, Skylar Blue, and Orin, along with the side characters. I’m not keen on love triangles but I’m willing to give the one in this story a go in hopes that Lo will make the right decision.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up knowing she had no magic has not kept Lo Heal-Park from opening her bakery in Celestial Falls, something she has always wanted to do. Unlike her parents Jane and Oscar who are 100% magical, Lo is happy with her sweet kitten Skylar a fairy god-cat who has been assigned to keep an eye on her. Having started dating the local veterinarian she is settling into her life when she hears of a beloved town elder who is found dead under mysterious circumstances and with magic suddenly pulsing in the streets there is fear in the town. Now suddenly, with her magical gifts appearing, along with her friend Orin she finds that she may be the only one who can save the town. When she is handed a mysterious recipe book, she starts to believe that she may have magic after all. Hopefully it is enough to save the town. What a sweet and charming book. I hope that the next book is in the works. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles and Whispers is the second paranormal cozy mystery in the Southern Magical Bakery series. Lo Heal-Park is settling in Celestial Falls opening her own bakery and getting used to the new town. She’s ready for a fresh start, but now that her magical gifts have made themselves known that’s harder to do than she expected. When a magical crack in the foundation of the town threatens to endanger Celestial Falls, Lo must get involved to help save the town, all while running her new bakery. Will she be able to get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late?

I have loved every series I’ve read by Tonya Kappes and this one is no different. The first book in the series pulled me in and this one has me here to stay. I love the magical elements and the town. Lo is a great lead and I love Orin as her side kick. This series is cozy, magical and easy to fall into. The mystery pulled me in and kept me guessing while I followed along with Lo’s investigation. I liked the magic and the secrets brewing in town and can’t wait to see what comes next for this series.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles, and Whispers is the second paranormal cozy mystery in the Southern Magical Bakery series. Lo Heal-Park is settling into Celestial Falls and opening her own bakery. Lo is ready for a fresh start, but now that her magical gifts have made themselves known that’s harder to do than she expected.

When a magical crack in the foundation of the town threatens to endanger Celestial Falls, Lo must get involved to help save the town, all while running her new bakery. Will she be able to get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late? To make matters even more complicated, Odessa Pike is found murdered and Lo, Orin, and fairy-god cat Skylar have to step up to solve the murder and find the killer.

Tonya has written a great follow-up to the first Southern Magical Bakery series and I look forward to another book in this adorable series.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this paranormal cozy mystery series set in Celestial Falls. Super entertaining, plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader's interest, and at the same time making it difficult to put down and get anything else done (besides reading)! You will also meet a fun familiar, Skylar Blue, the Fairy Godcat, and Lo's best friend, who accompanied Lo on her journey to this new place. Lo is coming to terms with her newly found magic, making it difficult for her to pursue the 'normal' life she was hoping for. Read the blurb for an explanation of the story, read the book for a fun time full of mystery, a murder, of course, and laugh out loud moments with an ending that is a complete surprise! Highly recommend this book (and any other Tonya Kappes mysteries if she is an author that is new to you).

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this second book in the Magical Bakery series, the characters are really coming to life. In the first book in the series a number of characters from the Magical Cures Mystery Series played prominent roles. They play a much smaller role in this book. The emphasis is developing the newer characters.

Lo is finally coming into her powers with Orin there to support her. Her kitten, Skylar Blue, is also assisting Lo. Lo has a mortal friend and is interested in a mortal man. Lo is straddling both the mortal and spiritual worlds which is adding to the complexity of the plot.

I enjoyed the way the mystery was developed, with both mortal and spiritual suspects. As often happens in Tonya Kappes cozy mysteries, the killer surprised me. I’m really looking forward to reading what comes next for these wonderful characters.

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Southern Magical Bakery series continues as Lo settles into running her bakery in Celestial Falls. A “late bloomer” she's still exploring her magical gifts. When one of the town elders turns up dead, Lo knows she needs to find the killer. With the aid of friend Orin and her cat, Skylar Blue, she turns up clues and suspects a plenty.

I just adore this mix of magic and mystery!
The story weaves in and out of the mortal and magical worlds seamlessly. The characters have depth and distinct personalities. The mystery seems baffling with several red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Of course, Lo will sort it all out, but there's a subtle nod to romance. Will she move on with the attractive, albeit mortal, Sheriff Ace, or is it someone right under her nose that's the perfect match. I can't wait for the volume to see where this goes!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. We waited a long time for the next addition.
Lo Heal-Park is trying to fit into her new community. Odessa Price leaves a cookbook with her and the next day is found dead. Lo has to figure out how, why , and who did this.

Lo finally gets her magical stability and she and Orin try to save the town.
I enjoyed the book, the Marys, and Lo’s support crew.

What I didn’t like was the ending because I don’t want to wait years to see what happens next. I was given an Advanced readers copy and these are my opinions. I am NOT required to leave a positive review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celestial Falls is a different type of town. Lo Heal-Park has wonderful bakery where decadent, tasty desserts are always available. She is also learning more about her art form, along with her magical talking cat, Skylar. Skylar was my favorite with her southern wit and sassy attitude.

Secrets abound when there is a murder. The manner of death is questionable. Was it magical or something far more worldly?

This book is different than the usual books I read by this author, but her signature wit, along with a good mystery and wonderful characters shine through making this magical book a fun book to read.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is great to see Lo come into her powers. She is unsure of herself but keeps trying. She is trying to make her way in a half magical, half mortal world and when tragic strikes, she steps up and does the job. Orin is always there for her. Steady and supportive, even if she only thinks of him as a brother. She has started to date a nice regular guy, and Orin finds some magical trouble. She puts off helping him to go on a date. When she sees the magic leaking out, she knows she should not have put it off. Then she finds a woman who has died and not from regular causes. It is up to Lo and Orin to find the answers. Can they do it?

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Wonderful mystery and great characters.

Amazon synopsis:
After leaving her enchanted hometown behind, Lo Heal-Park thought she’d finally found a quiet life in Celestial Falls—complete with a charming bakery, a suspiciously talkative cat, and a second date with the local vet. But when a beloved town elder is found dead under mysterious circumstances and strange magical pulses begin rippling through the streets, Lo’s hopes for a fresh start vanish like sugar on a hot skillet.

Now, with her unexpected spiritual gifts waking up and a magical crack in the town’s foundation threatening to burst wide open, Lo has to sift through secrets, seal old spells, and figure out who—or what—is stirring ancient magic from its slumber. All without burning the biscuits

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it doesn't disappoint. This is a wonderful addition the the Southern Magical Bakery series. The book has the usual twists and turns of a Kappes book (that I can rarely figure out) I read it from start to finish in one setting. I enjoyed it that much. Lo Heal-Park had to leave her parents since she didn't show any magical ability and went to live in Celestial Falls and opened a bakery. Her friend Orin moved with her despite that fact the he did have magic and could have stayed. When an elder is found murdered after giving Lo a magical cookbook, Lo and Orin need to investigate to find out what is happening before it destroys the town.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wands, Waffles, and Whispers is book 2 in the Southern Magical Bakery series by Tonya Kappes.

I’m so happy for this series. Lo Heal-Park is a late bloomer, but her magical abilities are coming in now. It was a fun seeing her react when she stepped out of the portal and saw things so differently. Life in Celestial Falls is not the quiet life she expected, but it makes for a very entertaining story. The characters are wonderful. The descriptions of Celestial Falls makes it easy to imagine that you’re there. And a fairy god-cat like Skyler Vlue is just icing on the cake.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Yaritza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical novel with delicious bake goods that will decipher the mystery behind the death of Odessa. Lo Heal Park is figuring out her magical powers. Odessa's death will help Lo solve the mystery with the crack under the town that was sparking magic that was holding something evil from being unleashed in the real world and solving Odessa's murder. I had fun with Skylar Blue (a cat), whom Lo can speak with. Skylar, with her southern sass, had me giggling throughout the story. Let's not forget the romantic sparks between the love triangle. Who will Lo fall in love with? Lo is part of two worlds, the magical and the real world. She will protect both worlds with her life.

[Myranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 for me. It's been almost 4 years since the first book Spellbound, Scones, and Secrets came out and the synopsis makes this sound like it's the first book. There's a little bit of disconnect and I think I see it more clearly because I just finished reading book 1 before rolling into this book. It was enough disconnect to bug me but not enough to take away from the story, therefore it is a ME problem. Overall, I loved the story and the characters. The author has a way of creating new characters that are all different from ones she has written before.

Full review on my website on 8.5.25.
www.mommodeloading.com

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo never expected to be the one tasked with saving Celestial Falls, especially since she’s a little inexperienced in regards to the awakening of her spiritual gifts. Along with Orin’s help, her cat, Skylar, and a magic cookbook, she’ll do her best to save the town and solve the murder of Odessa Pike, all while keeping her bakery up and running.

I love how Lo is coming into her own and learning to harness her powers while still running a business. Another fun whodunit!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nikki Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This magical series is a continuation of Magical Cures series and is about Lo, June Heal and Oscar Park’s adult daughter. She has moved to Celestial Falls to open her own bakery and begins to come into her own magical powers. When danger begins to threaten the town, Lo and Orin are on top of it and search for answers in order to save not just the town but the lives of the citizens there. Lo and Ace continue to date but will they be able to continue a relationship when all their secrets are revealed? I can’t wait to see how Tonya Kappes continues this series in the next book!