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The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits
Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country.
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
116 people are currently reading
1347 people want to read
About the author
Wanda E. Brunstetter
219 books2,339 followersNew York Times bestselling and award-winning author, Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written close to 90 books translated in four languages. With over 10 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nations most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
When Wanda visits her Amish friends, she finds herself drawn to their peaceful lifestyle, sincerity, and close family ties. Wanda enjoys photography, ventriloquism, gardening, bird-watching, beachcombing, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Richard, have been blessed with two grown children, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
To learn more about Wanda, visit her website at www.wandabrunstetter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
April 26, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is a heartwarming character driven genre mash-up of Amish cozy mystery and sweet Amish romance. This is a difficult story to describe without giving away the outcome because it does not strictly follow genre rules to be considered a traditional cozy mystery or a traditional sweet romance. It is an Amish fiction story with elements of a cozy mystery, of an enduring friendship that does not cross over to more, and faith in God.
Fannie Miller is a single Amish woman who runs the local quilt store in Sugar Creek, Ohio, and has a love of mystery books. She has finally made it to the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest with her grandmother’s biscuit recipe after trying other recipes for the last ten years. When other contestants begin to disappear, she calls on her old friend, Foster Bates, a retired Chicago detective turned private investigator, for help.
With a fun cast of characters and possible suspects, Fannie and Foster work together for a resolution to the missing contestants as everyone anticipates the announcement of the winner of the baking contest.
This is an easy read with a charming pair of sleuths. Fannie is a sweet Amish woman who is always trying to help others, and Foster is a retired detective who has seen the worst and just wants to relax and only hangs his private eye shingle out to give him something to do besides stay at home in this quite area. Fannie continues to mention a previous case where the two worked together, but I could not find a previous story, so that was a little frustrating. Their friendship is entertaining and while more is thought about or dreamed about, they never cross the line between Amish and Englisher. The story has a slow start, but you get introduced to all the main characters, so it is understandable and there is not a dead body, just missing people to investigate. The references to the Amish religion and life, and the scripture references and prayers are interspersed throughout the story and never feel preachy or overdone.
Overall, a charming and sweet Amish fiction story with entertaining protagonists. This is a standalone, but if it becomes a series, I will read more.
THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton is a heartwarming character driven genre mash-up of Amish cozy mystery and sweet Amish romance. This is a difficult story to describe without giving away the outcome because it does not strictly follow genre rules to be considered a traditional cozy mystery or a traditional sweet romance. It is an Amish fiction story with elements of a cozy mystery, of an enduring friendship that does not cross over to more, and faith in God.
Fannie Miller is a single Amish woman who runs the local quilt store in Sugar Creek, Ohio, and has a love of mystery books. She has finally made it to the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest with her grandmother’s biscuit recipe after trying other recipes for the last ten years. When other contestants begin to disappear, she calls on her old friend, Foster Bates, a retired Chicago detective turned private investigator, for help.
With a fun cast of characters and possible suspects, Fannie and Foster work together for a resolution to the missing contestants as everyone anticipates the announcement of the winner of the baking contest.
This is an easy read with a charming pair of sleuths. Fannie is a sweet Amish woman who is always trying to help others, and Foster is a retired detective who has seen the worst and just wants to relax and only hangs his private eye shingle out to give him something to do besides stay at home in this quite area. Fannie continues to mention a previous case where the two worked together, but I could not find a previous story, so that was a little frustrating. Their friendship is entertaining and while more is thought about or dreamed about, they never cross the line between Amish and Englisher. The story has a slow start, but you get introduced to all the main characters, so it is understandable and there is not a dead body, just missing people to investigate. The references to the Amish religion and life, and the scripture references and prayers are interspersed throughout the story and never feel preachy or overdone.
Overall, a charming and sweet Amish fiction story with entertaining protagonists. This is a standalone, but if it becomes a series, I will read more.
November 27, 2024
Wanda Brunstetter and Martha Bolton have teamed up to write this cute and humorous cozy mystery for their readers. The cozy takes place in Sugar Creek Ohio and the story weaves itself around a baking/cooking contest for Tuscarawas and surrounding counties. The event is to be held in the Sugar Creek Carlisle Inn. The winner of this contest will receive a check for $25,000. Our main character Fannie Miller hopes to win this contest. Every year she has entered but never did make the finals. This year it will be different because she intends to enter her Aunt Selma’s biscuit recipe that Fannie has learned to make almost as well as her late Aunt did. But Fannie isn’t the only one that hopes to win this contest. The Bluster, or excuse me I should say Beiler Sisters from the local bake shop plans to bake a Deviled chocolate cake. Then there’s Michael and Melissa Taylor who are hoping to save their failing marriage by joining together in this baking contest and entering their wedding cookies. Others of course have signed up too but when contestants start to disappear Fannie seeks the help of her reluctant friend Foster Bates who happens to be a retired cop from the Chicago police Department. Now in his retirement years he has set up an office and is a Detective. Can Fannie and Foster solve the case of the missing contestants and find them before someone turns up dead? Would someone kidnap the missing contestants in hopes of getting rid of the contest competition?
I am especially drawn to this book because my husband and I love Sugar Creek Ohio and have stayed at the Carlisle Inn there on more than one occasion. I love shopping at the Dutch Valley complex. I think it makes the story more interesting when you are familiar with the location of the story. The humor was a plus for me and I enjoyed the mystery part of it also. I hope there will be more books about this Sleuthing friendly couple. Foster is English and Fannie is Amish.
I highly recommend this cozy to mystery book readers. If you like Amish fiction with a side of humor you will like this book. How could you go wrong with a book written by Wanda Brunstetter and Martha Bolton? This book is scheduled for release on 1/1/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#MissFanniesBiscuits #NetGalley
I am especially drawn to this book because my husband and I love Sugar Creek Ohio and have stayed at the Carlisle Inn there on more than one occasion. I love shopping at the Dutch Valley complex. I think it makes the story more interesting when you are familiar with the location of the story. The humor was a plus for me and I enjoyed the mystery part of it also. I hope there will be more books about this Sleuthing friendly couple. Foster is English and Fannie is Amish.
I highly recommend this cozy to mystery book readers. If you like Amish fiction with a side of humor you will like this book. How could you go wrong with a book written by Wanda Brunstetter and Martha Bolton? This book is scheduled for release on 1/1/25.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are entirely my own.
#MissFanniesBiscuits #NetGalley
May 28, 2025
Oh how I love a Wanda Brunstetter story! She had my emotions all over the place. Once I started reading THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to Fannie and if she was able to figure out what happened to the missing bakers. What an awesome story. All of Wanda’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems.
Once you start reading THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS it will be very hard to put down! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction. When people start disappearing from the baking contest, Fannie Miller goes to Foster Bates, a retired cop running a detective agency. Maybe it has something to do with the prize money which is $25,000…..you will have to read this light and funny Amish cozy mystery to find out!
THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS is without a doubt one of the best Amish books and series I’ve read in 2025 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books that I have somehow missed and she is now an auto buy author for me! THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS is a stand alone book. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Once you start reading THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS it will be very hard to put down! Wanda sure knows how to put a new twist on Amish fiction. When people start disappearing from the baking contest, Fannie Miller goes to Foster Bates, a retired cop running a detective agency. Maybe it has something to do with the prize money which is $25,000…..you will have to read this light and funny Amish cozy mystery to find out!
THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS is without a doubt one of the best Amish books and series I’ve read in 2025 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. Wanda Brunstetter is such a wonderful and heart tugging author and she had me laughing and crying on the very same page. I am now going to read all of her previous books that I have somehow missed and she is now an auto buy author for me! THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS is a stand alone book. Grab your copy today and get on the couch!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 10, 2025
Miss Fannie Miller has entered the big area baking contest every year for the past decade. When the announcement for the upcoming contest hits the paper, she joins immediately. The Beiler sisters who own the local bakery sign up also, as does a young couple who are trying to save their marriage. All of them could use the $25,000 prize. When others drop out and disappear, Fannie turns to her good friend, former policeman and current private eye, Foster Bates, to help her find the missing contestants. When they receive threats in red envelopes, the fear notches up.
Brunstetter and Bolton's sweet cozy endears Fannie to the readers. The story deals with the destructiveness of gossip and offers a touch of romance and suspense.
Brunstetter and Bolton's sweet cozy endears Fannie to the readers. The story deals with the destructiveness of gossip and offers a touch of romance and suspense.
January 15, 2025
Overall, a cute story. Definitely a cozy mystery without much suspense. All the action that happens is off page which made it just a funny cozy whodunit story. I did lol a lot in this book as esp the MMC is very funny and good with quips. Life lessons are taught here for sure.
I do think that there should be a book prior to this as they mention the main characters past together a lot and it wasn't explained much. Which made it feel a little incomplete.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
I do think that there should be a book prior to this as they mention the main characters past together a lot and it wasn't explained much. Which made it feel a little incomplete.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
January 3, 2025
Food and mystery and Amish this one has a little bit about everything. I love when a book revolves around food. This was a fast read, and I enjoyed the story. Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
January 6, 2025
The Rise and Fall of MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS
Rating:
An honest, personal rating is about two stars (It feels so wrong to put such a low rating on a book that isn't full of bad stuff or a non-fiction)
But content wise I would say it is a five star...
Language/Profanity: A mention of a person perhaps saying something that 'may or may not have been appropriate'.
Faith: Several Bible verses, mentions of seeking God's Word, talking to God, and repenting, some mentions of an Amish church.
Romance/Sex: Basically there was a woman who was searching for a husband in a certain man, and also the certain man and another woman being somewhat intrested in each other. But there isn't even kissing.
Action/Adventure: For me there wasn't any, but there were notes that were being distributed that said 'You will regret this.'
Other: ...First off... the bishop of the Amish group... in my opinion as much as he read the Bible... he didn't 'Read' the Bible... and second. The main guy, who the two women are interested in is in his sixties... the two women are in their forties. And the low forties at that. To me that is just too much of an age gap...
Part of a Series: As of right now this is not part of a series... there are several places in the book that made me think it was, but it actually isn't.
Synopsis:
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
Thoughts:
This was extremely hard to get through. I struggled mostly with the writing to be honest. It had many parts that I was cringing at as in my opinion it could have been written better. But as other reviewers didn't say much (or anything) mentioning that it may not bother other people. Thinking through the book if that stuff didn't bother me, it would probably have been easier to get through.
The content itself was pretty good, I didn't like some of the characters at all though. One thing I found ironic was how when character A and character B were talking they were basically gossiping, then when character B leaves, character A is thinking to Aself that Aself can't talk about what A and B were talking about with a group of other people because it would be gossiping.... to me that just seemed ironic. But the good thing was how gossiping was clearly stated as a sin.
The mystery ended with a surprise that I was only expecting because I read other reviews... although I wasn't expecting the person 'who done it' to be the one.
Favorite character, part, quote:
I liked the little I saw of Jeb as a character, but he wasn't well-enough developed for me to
When Fannie's roof was being fixed, it was very sweet and kind.
I can't really say I have a favorite quote though.
Rating:
An honest, personal rating is about two stars (It feels so wrong to put such a low rating on a book that isn't full of bad stuff or a non-fiction)
But content wise I would say it is a five star...
Language/Profanity: A mention of a person perhaps saying something that 'may or may not have been appropriate'.
Faith: Several Bible verses, mentions of seeking God's Word, talking to God, and repenting, some mentions of an Amish church.
Romance/Sex: Basically there was a woman who was searching for a husband in a certain man, and also the certain man and another woman being somewhat intrested in each other. But there isn't even kissing.
Action/Adventure: For me there wasn't any, but there were notes that were being distributed that said 'You will regret this.'
Other: ...First off... the bishop of the Amish group... in my opinion as much as he read the Bible... he didn't 'Read' the Bible... and second. The main guy, who the two women are interested in is in his sixties... the two women are in their forties. And the low forties at that. To me that is just too much of an age gap...
Part of a Series: As of right now this is not part of a series... there are several places in the book that made me think it was, but it actually isn't.
Synopsis:
Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.
Thoughts:
This was extremely hard to get through. I struggled mostly with the writing to be honest. It had many parts that I was cringing at as in my opinion it could have been written better. But as other reviewers didn't say much (or anything) mentioning that it may not bother other people. Thinking through the book if that stuff didn't bother me, it would probably have been easier to get through.
The content itself was pretty good, I didn't like some of the characters at all though. One thing I found ironic was how when character A and character B were talking they were basically gossiping, then when character B leaves, character A is thinking to Aself that Aself can't talk about what A and B were talking about with a group of other people because it would be gossiping.... to me that just seemed ironic. But the good thing was how gossiping was clearly stated as a sin.
The mystery ended with a surprise that I was only expecting because I read other reviews... although I wasn't expecting the person 'who done it' to be the one.
Favorite character, part, quote:
I liked the little I saw of Jeb as a character, but he wasn't well-enough developed for me to
When Fannie's roof was being fixed, it was very sweet and kind.
I can't really say I have a favorite quote though.
March 10, 2025
I enjoy all of Mrs Wanda's stories. Martha Bolton is a New to me author but this story was amazing. A cozy mystery combined with a cooking contest. What more can you ask. Plus add two funny main characters and a wonderful list of additional characters and this story had me giggling.
Fannie is a quilter but enjoys also cooking. And when the chance of entering a cooking contest presents itself she is thrilled to enter her aunt's famous and delicious biscuits. (Which I might mentioned the recipe is in the back of the book and I have made them several times already, family approved)
Well getting back to the story, contestants have started to enlist and with them are the three Beiler sisters also known as the Blustery Beiler Sisters for their gossip. A couple that are having issues.
But when things start to look off, Fannie calls her friend Foster. And oh boy the mystery gets more interesting. As those two join to find out who's behind the mysteries going about, especially when Fannie has been listed as a......suspect?!?!
You don't want to miss this story full of goods, laughter and a mystery to be solved.
A sweet start to a wonderful series I can be sure.
I received a ARC from the author/publisher. All stated are my own. I was not asked for a positive comment.
Fannie is a quilter but enjoys also cooking. And when the chance of entering a cooking contest presents itself she is thrilled to enter her aunt's famous and delicious biscuits. (Which I might mentioned the recipe is in the back of the book and I have made them several times already, family approved)
Well getting back to the story, contestants have started to enlist and with them are the three Beiler sisters also known as the Blustery Beiler Sisters for their gossip. A couple that are having issues.
But when things start to look off, Fannie calls her friend Foster. And oh boy the mystery gets more interesting. As those two join to find out who's behind the mysteries going about, especially when Fannie has been listed as a......suspect?!?!
You don't want to miss this story full of goods, laughter and a mystery to be solved.
A sweet start to a wonderful series I can be sure.
I received a ARC from the author/publisher. All stated are my own. I was not asked for a positive comment.
November 20, 2024
I received an ARC through net galley to honestly read and review this book.
It took me a while to get into this book. I was confused at the beginning and had to double check to make sure this book wasn't in a series. Miss Fannie and Foster refer to past cases they had solved and it left me with so many questions. Also the crime happened off page and the first you hear of it is in Foster's office. Once you get past that though the story picks you and gets your attention. I even found myself laughing audibly at times. I enjoyed my time with this book and didn't mind how the crime was eventually "solved". The ending even brought a tear to my eyes. I enjoyed seeing growth and repentance in some of the characters. While this wasn't a favorite in would still recommend it you want a sweet and wholesome read.
It took me a while to get into this book. I was confused at the beginning and had to double check to make sure this book wasn't in a series. Miss Fannie and Foster refer to past cases they had solved and it left me with so many questions. Also the crime happened off page and the first you hear of it is in Foster's office. Once you get past that though the story picks you and gets your attention. I even found myself laughing audibly at times. I enjoyed my time with this book and didn't mind how the crime was eventually "solved". The ending even brought a tear to my eyes. I enjoyed seeing growth and repentance in some of the characters. While this wasn't a favorite in would still recommend it you want a sweet and wholesome read.
November 13, 2024
The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie’s Biscuits is a light hearted mystery. Fannie Miller wants to win the annual baking contest that she has entered for years in Tuscarawa’s county. After the contestants seem to disappear and people are getting anonymous threatening notes, Fannie goes to Foster Bates, a retired cop running a detective agency. Let the sleuthing begin. I wasn’t sure if this was the first book or I missed others because of the references to them working and solving other mysteries together. I looked but didn’t see any others. I thought it was good but disappointed in the ending. Thank you NetGalley, the authors and Barbour Publishing for this ARC book. This review is mine alone.
January 2, 2025
I enjoyed reading this cute, cozy mystery. When baking contestants start disappearing, Miss Fannie and PI Foster try to figure out whodunit! Who has the most to gain or lose when there is a $25,000 prize? They can’t seem to narrow it down. Can you figure it out? There is light-hearted humor, some tougher subjects, a little Amish faith and lots of mystery going on, with surprises along the way too! Recipe for her biscuits is also included. There have been other cases these two have worked on in the past, but this can be read as a stand-alone. I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 5, 2025
Such a different writing from Wanda Brunstetter in a good way. The book was lighthearted and fun, scattered with some mystery, which, made it easy to enjoy the characters and storyline. The ending was a surprise, but that is what made it unique.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
July 7, 2025
absolutely fantastic Amish fiction book we listened to on the way to/fro Amish country in Shipshewana Indiana this weekend. PLUSSSSS it has been turned into a MUSICAL in Shipshewana this very summer!! How serendipitous!
July 9, 2025
Was hoping the book would have more scenes at the baking competition but instead it's just mentioned. The ending was a bit disappointing was hoping for a better wrap up on the case.
February 19, 2025
Fannie Miller owns a quilting shop in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, but she dreams of being the best baker around. She has been entering the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest for ten years but the blue ribbon has eluded her. She is determined to win this year, but when contestants start disappearing, her amateur sleuth nose kicks into high gear. She enlists the help of her close friend, retired cop turned private detective, Foster Bates to help her solve the crime.
It took a while for me to really get into the book. The writing is too formal and not conversational in tone. At times the fact that there were two writers seemed very apparent because not everything was as cohesive as it should be. About halfway into the book things started to flow a little better and there were parts that got a genuine laugh out of me.
The characters were fun and pithy. Fanny and Foster’s relationship was realistic and endearing. The three sisters who were key secondary characters seemed a little over the top. Especially given that they owned a bakery and their behavior didn’t seem to impact sales.
Overall, I thought this was an okay read. It was not a typical Brunstetter book in my opinion so it fell a little flat for me. At the end of the book, I did read Bolton’s credentials which were very impressive with many plays and musicals under her belt. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 has been made into a musical and it made the writing style and even ending of the book make much more sense. I think it will be a delightful musical and one I’d enjoy seeing. Had I known that upfront, I would have approached this read from a different perspective and potentially would have enjoyed it more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It took a while for me to really get into the book. The writing is too formal and not conversational in tone. At times the fact that there were two writers seemed very apparent because not everything was as cohesive as it should be. About halfway into the book things started to flow a little better and there were parts that got a genuine laugh out of me.
The characters were fun and pithy. Fanny and Foster’s relationship was realistic and endearing. The three sisters who were key secondary characters seemed a little over the top. Especially given that they owned a bakery and their behavior didn’t seem to impact sales.
Overall, I thought this was an okay read. It was not a typical Brunstetter book in my opinion so it fell a little flat for me. At the end of the book, I did read Bolton’s credentials which were very impressive with many plays and musicals under her belt. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘦’𝘴 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘴 has been made into a musical and it made the writing style and even ending of the book make much more sense. I think it will be a delightful musical and one I’d enjoy seeing. Had I known that upfront, I would have approached this read from a different perspective and potentially would have enjoyed it more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be funny at times with Miss Fannies antics.
This story is about a baking contest with a huge prize of $25,000 for the final winner. This contest brings contestants from all over, but there are only so many finalists.
For some, odd reason, contestants start disappearing. No one knows why they are missing or where they went. Therefore, Miss Fannie decides to get involved, and brings in Foster Bates, the local PI in her town. Between the two of them, they figure out who is behind the disappearances or what's going on with the contestants.
The adventure they go on trying to solve this case, is comical in a way, but thorough on their part. Miss Fannie loves her crime solving books, and Foster Bates enjoys his PI skills at use, after retiring from law enforcement.
I found this story to be intteresting and fun to read. It's a great book to cuddle up on the couch with, and enjoy!
Grab your copy today and read the adventures of Miss Fannie with the help of Foster Bates!
***I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion is mine, and mine alone***
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did🙂
This story is about a baking contest with a huge prize of $25,000 for the final winner. This contest brings contestants from all over, but there are only so many finalists.
For some, odd reason, contestants start disappearing. No one knows why they are missing or where they went. Therefore, Miss Fannie decides to get involved, and brings in Foster Bates, the local PI in her town. Between the two of them, they figure out who is behind the disappearances or what's going on with the contestants.
The adventure they go on trying to solve this case, is comical in a way, but thorough on their part. Miss Fannie loves her crime solving books, and Foster Bates enjoys his PI skills at use, after retiring from law enforcement.
I found this story to be intteresting and fun to read. It's a great book to cuddle up on the couch with, and enjoy!
Grab your copy today and read the adventures of Miss Fannie with the help of Foster Bates!
***I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion is mine, and mine alone***
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did🙂
February 20, 2025
This is such a fun and entertaining Amish cozy mystery! Foster Bates and Fannie Miller have teamed up again to solve a mystery in Sugar Creek, Ohio. Fannie’s special homemade biscuit recipe has helped her make the finals of a baking contest to be held in Sugar Creek. The competition among the finalists is fierce, but why are the contestants disappearing—could it have something to do with the $25,000 prize money? Foster and Fannie are on the case again, and they need to find the answer to these questions before the competition begins.
I loved all the characters in this book. Some of them are just a little bit over-the-top in their personalities, not the least of these being Fannie herself. The authors do a good job of making this a more light-hearted, but intriguing, mystery. So grab this book and cheer Fannie on as she tries to follow clues, help others along the way, and attempt to win the baking competition.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I loved all the characters in this book. Some of them are just a little bit over-the-top in their personalities, not the least of these being Fannie herself. The authors do a good job of making this a more light-hearted, but intriguing, mystery. So grab this book and cheer Fannie on as she tries to follow clues, help others along the way, and attempt to win the baking competition.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2025
The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits is a lighthearted, enjoyable mystery. This cozy Amish mystery is different than most cozies in that no murder occurs, but contestants are mysteriously disappearing in the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest. Protagonist and contestant finalist Fannie Miller enlists the help of friend and former police officer Foster Bates to help solve the mystery, and an entertaining duo do they make! With messages of faith, forgiveness, and selflessness, Brunstetter and Bolton have penned a refreshingly sweet, wholesome read. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy Amish fiction with a sprinkling of humor and/or cozy mysteries with a touch of romance.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
January 9, 2025
3.5 stars. I stumbled on this book via Hoopla while WAITING for something on my Libby hold list to become available. I typically don’t write reviews, but this book was a first for me….qn Amish mystery, romance. A total 180 from what I often read. It was sweet, simple, corny, and I enjoyed it. Learned a bit about the Amish culture as well. Not bad.
August 12, 2025
The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda E. Brunstetter and Martha Bolton (2025)
9h 56m narrated by Rebecca Gallagher, 274 pages
Genre: Amish Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Sugarcreek, Ohio; Quilt Shop, Quadragenarians, Baking Contest, Tuscarawas County, Sisters, Bakery, Berlin, Ohio; Vicenarians, Marital Conflict, Retired Police Detective Gone Private, Bishop, Multiple POVs, Husband Hunting, Community Format, Summer - June, Overly Dramatic Drama, Akron, Ohio; Lots of Exposition, Cincinnati, Ohio; Pennsylvania Dutch - Pennsylvanisch Deitsche - Dialect of German; Bible Verses, Sexagenarian, Amish, Mennonite, Englishers, Miss Fannie’s Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe (print only)
Rating as a movie: PG
Books and Authors mentioned: Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾🧁🥐🥇💌👩🏼🍳
My thoughts: 📱29% 2:55:24 Chapter 10 - I don't even get how this is a mystery. Nothing suspicious on camera we're just taking Fannie's word for it. Then there's the wannabe triangle of unrequited admiration. They make it seem like this is a sequel to another book, but I couldn't find any beforehand.
📱62% 6:08:37 Chapter 22 - I hate to give this book a low rating but I'm going to finish it because I am curious. It is not a horrible story but it is written very awkwardly. The mystery is occurring during a baking contest but we have not seen one scene from the contest despite the so-called main character being a part of it. Everything happens off camera and is told to us through people's long-winded inner thoughts or dialogue after the fact. It is like a radio show for an old sitcom like the Andy Griffin show where they didn't have enough money to shoot every scene so everything was shot at the house or jail and they just told you about it. I cannot believe people actually write stories like this, but I'm gonna go with it and it's probably gonna get 2 or 3 stars because the writing style itself is just not for me. The fact that everything happens off-camera and they tell you about it like you are a four-year-old is the most humorous thing about the story.
📱69% 6:52:54 Chapter 25 -So I read The Walnut Creek Wish (⭐️⭐️⭐️½) in 2022 and I had some issues with the writing style names for changing and the dialogue was way too formal for personal relationships I compared it to a 1950s sitcom and said I had no desire to read more. I think if I had known that going in I probably would have done a sample before starting this book. But likely I still would have read it. Another reader had posted it for a weekly wrap-up and it looked inviting. Unfortunately, at the moment, the cover and the title are the best things about the story. It's not bad just bland and the whole "all action happens off camera" is mostly to blame. On one hand, I have no idea who the culprit is because there are not any real clues on the other hand I think I know who it is because it's so obvious that this person is the only one with a real motive. Basically, it's a toss-up because we have been going in circles and there's not really anything to investigate. Especially since all information is second-hand through the character's recaps. For example, a judge got a red envelope, but it was not mentioned when he shared information with Fannie and it hasn't been brought up since.
This story feels like reading a book from the middle of a series. I was right about the culprit because of the lack of clues and the blatant avoidance. There wasn't any real closure so if it's not from a series, seriously I found nothing, it probably will get a sequel or it just ends the same way it started, in the middle of a story.
Recommend to others: No, but if you like 1940s soaps maybe.
Memorable Quotes: Foster Bates had just taken a seat at the kitchen table, to drink a cup of coffee and eat the last of the cinnamon rolls he’d purchased a few days ago at the Three Sisters Bakery, when he heard an odd scratching noise at the back door. He tipped his head and listened as the sound continued. Now that’s sure strange, Foster thought. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Chief was outside, begging to come in. But that’s ridiculous—my dog is right here with me. He glanced down at the shaggy pal he’d named Chief lying barely a foot from his chair, apparently sleeping too deeply to be aware of the noise on the other side of the door. Scratch…scratch…scratch… As a retired cop, turned detective, Foster had a keen intuitive sense about most things, and right now, his intuition said there must be another dog scratching at his door. How he would have gotten into the yard, though, would be a mystery, since it was completely fenced in. Foster rose from his chair, skirted around Chief, and being careful not to step on the dog’s tail, hurried over to the door. Grasping the knob, he jerked the door open and nearly fell backward when a bushy-tailed squirrel ran right between his legs. Before Foster could gain his wits, the crazy critter made a beeline for Chief’s dog dish, which Foster had filled when he’d entered the kitchen. Chief had eaten some of it before taking a nap near the table, and the squirrel was now chomping the food faster than Foster could blink.
9h 56m narrated by Rebecca Gallagher, 274 pages
Genre: Amish Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Christian Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Featuring: Sugarcreek, Ohio; Quilt Shop, Quadragenarians, Baking Contest, Tuscarawas County, Sisters, Bakery, Berlin, Ohio; Vicenarians, Marital Conflict, Retired Police Detective Gone Private, Bishop, Multiple POVs, Husband Hunting, Community Format, Summer - June, Overly Dramatic Drama, Akron, Ohio; Lots of Exposition, Cincinnati, Ohio; Pennsylvania Dutch - Pennsylvanisch Deitsche - Dialect of German; Bible Verses, Sexagenarian, Amish, Mennonite, Englishers, Miss Fannie’s Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe (print only)
Rating as a movie: PG
Books and Authors mentioned: Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
My rating: ⭐️⭐️¾🧁🥐🥇💌👩🏼🍳
My thoughts: 📱29% 2:55:24 Chapter 10 - I don't even get how this is a mystery. Nothing suspicious on camera we're just taking Fannie's word for it. Then there's the wannabe triangle of unrequited admiration. They make it seem like this is a sequel to another book, but I couldn't find any beforehand.
📱62% 6:08:37 Chapter 22 - I hate to give this book a low rating but I'm going to finish it because I am curious. It is not a horrible story but it is written very awkwardly. The mystery is occurring during a baking contest but we have not seen one scene from the contest despite the so-called main character being a part of it. Everything happens off camera and is told to us through people's long-winded inner thoughts or dialogue after the fact. It is like a radio show for an old sitcom like the Andy Griffin show where they didn't have enough money to shoot every scene so everything was shot at the house or jail and they just told you about it. I cannot believe people actually write stories like this, but I'm gonna go with it and it's probably gonna get 2 or 3 stars because the writing style itself is just not for me. The fact that everything happens off-camera and they tell you about it like you are a four-year-old is the most humorous thing about the story.
📱69% 6:52:54 Chapter 25 -So I read The Walnut Creek Wish (⭐️⭐️⭐️½) in 2022 and I had some issues with the writing style names for changing and the dialogue was way too formal for personal relationships I compared it to a 1950s sitcom and said I had no desire to read more. I think if I had known that going in I probably would have done a sample before starting this book. But likely I still would have read it. Another reader had posted it for a weekly wrap-up and it looked inviting. Unfortunately, at the moment, the cover and the title are the best things about the story. It's not bad just bland and the whole "all action happens off camera" is mostly to blame. On one hand, I have no idea who the culprit is because there are not any real clues on the other hand I think I know who it is because it's so obvious that this person is the only one with a real motive. Basically, it's a toss-up because we have been going in circles and there's not really anything to investigate. Especially since all information is second-hand through the character's recaps. For example, a judge got a red envelope, but it was not mentioned when he shared information with Fannie and it hasn't been brought up since.
This story feels like reading a book from the middle of a series. I was right about the culprit because of the lack of clues and the blatant avoidance. There wasn't any real closure so if it's not from a series, seriously I found nothing, it probably will get a sequel or it just ends the same way it started, in the middle of a story.
Recommend to others: No, but if you like 1940s soaps maybe.
Memorable Quotes: Foster Bates had just taken a seat at the kitchen table, to drink a cup of coffee and eat the last of the cinnamon rolls he’d purchased a few days ago at the Three Sisters Bakery, when he heard an odd scratching noise at the back door. He tipped his head and listened as the sound continued. Now that’s sure strange, Foster thought. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Chief was outside, begging to come in. But that’s ridiculous—my dog is right here with me. He glanced down at the shaggy pal he’d named Chief lying barely a foot from his chair, apparently sleeping too deeply to be aware of the noise on the other side of the door. Scratch…scratch…scratch… As a retired cop, turned detective, Foster had a keen intuitive sense about most things, and right now, his intuition said there must be another dog scratching at his door. How he would have gotten into the yard, though, would be a mystery, since it was completely fenced in. Foster rose from his chair, skirted around Chief, and being careful not to step on the dog’s tail, hurried over to the door. Grasping the knob, he jerked the door open and nearly fell backward when a bushy-tailed squirrel ran right between his legs. Before Foster could gain his wits, the crazy critter made a beeline for Chief’s dog dish, which Foster had filled when he’d entered the kitchen. Chief had eaten some of it before taking a nap near the table, and the squirrel was now chomping the food faster than Foster could blink.
February 7, 2025
Trying a new genre. Apparently "cozy Amish mystery" means lacking any mystery.
Read
January 29, 2025Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists—like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money. . .or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering—are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? One thing is certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will learn something important about baking contests, mystery solving, and life.
This was a fun light hearted book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was about love and friendship. We all long to be loved,
This was a fun light hearted book to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was about love and friendship. We all long to be loved,
May 18, 2025
“A Cozy Amish Mystery” as shown on the cover, and yes, this one was just that, a cozy Amish mystery, and a nice easy read to boot. Looking forward to seeing the play based on this novel in Shipshe.
March 1, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a great cozy mystery with a cooking challenge with several contestants. Also a huge reward of $25,000. As times goes on some of the contestants begin to go missing. That's where Miss Fannie decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate. But first things first, she goes and talks to Foster Bates he's the PI in town. With them two working together will they be able to solve this case?
I found this book to be fast paced, funny, and a great page turner. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I found this book to be fast paced, funny, and a great page turner. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 24, 2025
I love Wanda E. Brunstetter but unfortunately this didn't work for me.
I don't want to sound mean but I thought this book was all over the place. There was hardly any of the baking competition.
There was investigating but sometimes one of the main characters would just be like "oh by the way this what happened to so and so." You didn't see them actually get to that point. It just happened. Plus I have to say is the detective so dumb he doesn't recognize the voice of a parrot?
I think if they didn't do the multiple POVs, the book would have been smoother.
There was also conflicting information as well.
I don't want to sound mean but I thought this book was all over the place. There was hardly any of the baking competition.
There was investigating but sometimes one of the main characters would just be like "oh by the way this what happened to so and so." You didn't see them actually get to that point. It just happened. Plus I have to say is the detective so dumb he doesn't recognize the voice of a parrot?
I think if they didn't do the multiple POVs, the book would have been smoother.
There was also conflicting information as well.
January 29, 2025
I started this book and am so far in—it's just getting started. I have already met three of the characters, and I can not wait to see what happens to all of them.
It looks like one of the Bailer sisters is after Mr.Bates. But Mr. Bates seems to like and enjoy Miss Fannie. He seems not to be interested in a certain Belier sister. Miss Fannie is quite excited about the baking contest and enters it every year. Will she win it this year? She seems excited once more, given that she wants to advertise it in her area and around the other towns to help bring folks to enter and enjoy the contest.
We get introduced to a few more characters, one of which is Melissa. Iva seems worried and isn't sure if she can tell Fannie her worries, though she comes in to get sewing supplies. What's up with Iva and her family? What was Melissa doing, and was she checking on contestants to enter the baking contest?
We get more interesting, and there are twists and turns. Will Mr. Bates and Frannie solve the missing connections or even the red envelope mystery? There seems to be a bit of romance, or is it friendship between Foster and Fannie? What is really going on that Foster and Fannie can not seem to find all the missing contestants? Where did that all go? Was there foul play, or did they just forget to when the loss?
Will Jeb get his attention from his dad, or will he be ignored? All contestants learn a few lessons along the way. However, they are all different for each one. The authors do an excellent writing job, making this so much fun to read, and you want to turn the pages as you read.
It looks like one of the Bailer sisters is after Mr.Bates. But Mr. Bates seems to like and enjoy Miss Fannie. He seems not to be interested in a certain Belier sister. Miss Fannie is quite excited about the baking contest and enters it every year. Will she win it this year? She seems excited once more, given that she wants to advertise it in her area and around the other towns to help bring folks to enter and enjoy the contest.
We get introduced to a few more characters, one of which is Melissa. Iva seems worried and isn't sure if she can tell Fannie her worries, though she comes in to get sewing supplies. What's up with Iva and her family? What was Melissa doing, and was she checking on contestants to enter the baking contest?
We get more interesting, and there are twists and turns. Will Mr. Bates and Frannie solve the missing connections or even the red envelope mystery? There seems to be a bit of romance, or is it friendship between Foster and Fannie? What is really going on that Foster and Fannie can not seem to find all the missing contestants? Where did that all go? Was there foul play, or did they just forget to when the loss?
Will Jeb get his attention from his dad, or will he be ignored? All contestants learn a few lessons along the way. However, they are all different for each one. The authors do an excellent writing job, making this so much fun to read, and you want to turn the pages as you read.
December 31, 2024
A cute cozy mystery with both Amish and Englisch people as main characters! There's an interesting variety of personalities in this story. I don't read a lot of Amish fiction, but when I do, I like it to have a mystery. This one also has happy endings for several characters, which is nice!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
October 3, 2024
Most of this book takes place outside of the cooking competition, which was a bit of a disappointment for me. The mystery and suspense were a bit lacking as well. I enjoyed the relationship between Foster and Fannie but there were a lot of characters to keep track of.
Thanks to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Thanks to netgalley and Barbour Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
February 13, 2025
This delightful new cozy mystery was a satisfying read! I met Amish people, enjoyed the cozy mystery and humor, all quilted together with faith and a touching scripture verse. Sleuthing with Fannie and Foster has been fun and intriguing. The ending was unique and fitting, especially for the final contestants. This is the kind of story that elicits a contented sigh after the final page.
Fannie owned the quilt shop in Sugarcreek, Ohio. She is a single, middle-aged Amish woman who loves the Lord, her church, and her community. She was thrilled to enter the Tenth Annual Tuscarawas and Surrounding Counties Baking Contest with a beloved aunt’s biscuit recipe. The grand prize of $25,000 could be used for home and shop repairs, but Fannie cared more about getting her first blue ribbon.
Several folks entered the contest. Faith, Hope, and Charity Beiler owned the Three Sisters Bakery. They were middle-aged and single. Faith and Hope were Amish, and Charity, a Mennonite. They were nicknamed the “blustery” sisters because of their incessant gossip, but they were excellent bakers. Melissa and Michael were encouraged by their marriage counselor to enter the contest to work towards a common goal and better communication. Unable to have children, and having spent almost everything trying to get pregnant, their marriage was damaged. If they won, Melissa wanted to adopt a child.
Foster had retired from the Chicago police force, returned to Sugarcreek, and opened a private investigation office. He and Fannie worked together on and solved a cold case that opened over twenty years ago. When Fannie has a mystery, she takes it to Foster for help.
A few people who paid to enter the baking contest never arrived at the preliminary round and could not be found. Others went home and were not seen again after they were eliminated. Fannie was concerned about how many people involved with the contest disappeared!
Foster wasn’t interested in a baking contest until Fannie had enough information to intrigue him and, over time, they worked together. Being Amish, Fannie could never consider dating Foster, as he was not Amish, but they enjoyed their friendship. When the threatening notes began, Foster and Fannie each received one, and he was fully invested in the case. Fannie happily made it to the finals but since they had not found the missing people, she almost wanted to drop out.
I learned more about the people throughout. Fannie began to feel like an old friend. I wanted to know Melissa and Michael better, and I wanted to avoid the Beiler sisters, at least in the beginning. I so appreciated Fannie’s positive outlook. I especially liked how she lived her faith and made good use of a verse from Psalm 91 to help her. She and Foster became better friends, and he enjoyed her presence as they worked the case.
The mystery kept me guessing with twists and turns, red herrings, and lack of clues. I was fully invested in the people, faith, laugh-out-loud humor, and mystery. I did not anticipate the ending! The outcome of the mystery was a very good kind of different. The contest results were outstanding. I would love to see more mysteries with these characters! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and Amish novels where faith is exemplified, lives are changed, and of course, the surprise endings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
to follow
Fannie owned the quilt shop in Sugarcreek, Ohio. She is a single, middle-aged Amish woman who loves the Lord, her church, and her community. She was thrilled to enter the Tenth Annual Tuscarawas and Surrounding Counties Baking Contest with a beloved aunt’s biscuit recipe. The grand prize of $25,000 could be used for home and shop repairs, but Fannie cared more about getting her first blue ribbon.
Several folks entered the contest. Faith, Hope, and Charity Beiler owned the Three Sisters Bakery. They were middle-aged and single. Faith and Hope were Amish, and Charity, a Mennonite. They were nicknamed the “blustery” sisters because of their incessant gossip, but they were excellent bakers. Melissa and Michael were encouraged by their marriage counselor to enter the contest to work towards a common goal and better communication. Unable to have children, and having spent almost everything trying to get pregnant, their marriage was damaged. If they won, Melissa wanted to adopt a child.
Foster had retired from the Chicago police force, returned to Sugarcreek, and opened a private investigation office. He and Fannie worked together on and solved a cold case that opened over twenty years ago. When Fannie has a mystery, she takes it to Foster for help.
A few people who paid to enter the baking contest never arrived at the preliminary round and could not be found. Others went home and were not seen again after they were eliminated. Fannie was concerned about how many people involved with the contest disappeared!
Foster wasn’t interested in a baking contest until Fannie had enough information to intrigue him and, over time, they worked together. Being Amish, Fannie could never consider dating Foster, as he was not Amish, but they enjoyed their friendship. When the threatening notes began, Foster and Fannie each received one, and he was fully invested in the case. Fannie happily made it to the finals but since they had not found the missing people, she almost wanted to drop out.
I learned more about the people throughout. Fannie began to feel like an old friend. I wanted to know Melissa and Michael better, and I wanted to avoid the Beiler sisters, at least in the beginning. I so appreciated Fannie’s positive outlook. I especially liked how she lived her faith and made good use of a verse from Psalm 91 to help her. She and Foster became better friends, and he enjoyed her presence as they worked the case.
The mystery kept me guessing with twists and turns, red herrings, and lack of clues. I was fully invested in the people, faith, laugh-out-loud humor, and mystery. I did not anticipate the ending! The outcome of the mystery was a very good kind of different. The contest results were outstanding. I would love to see more mysteries with these characters! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and Amish novels where faith is exemplified, lives are changed, and of course, the surprise endings.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
to follow
January 24, 2025
I'm so glad I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review but oh my how could I not!
This has been the perfect book to read on these past few cold and snowy days I have had cuddled up next to my little dachshund and snugged underneath a cozy blanket. The characters of the book will have you laughing as they go about solving the mystery that is surrounding the Tuscarawas County baking contest. Set in Sugarcreek, Ohio I loved reading about the Carlisle Inn and other areas that I have visited when I travel there.
Readers will meet the charming Miss Fannie Miller who is a quilt maker with a desire to make delicious baked goods, but she also has a keen interest in solving mysteries.
Foster Bates is a retired police officer turned private detective and has grown quite fond of Fannie's help solving mysteries in their area. The pair work well together and poor Fannie can get herself into some real messes that will make readers have a few giggles.
As the story unfolds, some of the contestants in the bake off go missing and Fannie being a participant in the contest realizes something is off and is determined to discover what is going on. She enlists the help of Foster Bates and the two begin to investigate.
Contestants Michael and Melissa Taylor are a couple whose married life is struggling and as a suggestion from their counselor they are encouraged to do an activity together, so they join in the baking contest hoping to win the $25,000 grand prize.
The Blustery Sisters Faith, Hope, and Chaity Beiler are known far and wide in town as being somewhat as gossips and stir up quite a few lively discussions but are they involved in the going on's with the missing baking contestants?
And what about Fannie? Is it possible that Fannie has her own secrets she is keeping?
Fannie and Foster are lively and fun characters that make the book fun to read. Each of the characters involved in the baking contest could be involved in the disappearance of the others that have gone missing. As the crime fighting duo investigate readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the end of the book.
As always Wanda has woven God and faith into the storyline making the book a sweet, fun and cozy mystery. Martha Bolton is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed the ladies work on this book . It's a must read for fans of Wanda and Martha, cozy mysteries and the Amish.
Most definitely a s 10 star review.
This has been the perfect book to read on these past few cold and snowy days I have had cuddled up next to my little dachshund and snugged underneath a cozy blanket. The characters of the book will have you laughing as they go about solving the mystery that is surrounding the Tuscarawas County baking contest. Set in Sugarcreek, Ohio I loved reading about the Carlisle Inn and other areas that I have visited when I travel there.
Readers will meet the charming Miss Fannie Miller who is a quilt maker with a desire to make delicious baked goods, but she also has a keen interest in solving mysteries.
Foster Bates is a retired police officer turned private detective and has grown quite fond of Fannie's help solving mysteries in their area. The pair work well together and poor Fannie can get herself into some real messes that will make readers have a few giggles.
As the story unfolds, some of the contestants in the bake off go missing and Fannie being a participant in the contest realizes something is off and is determined to discover what is going on. She enlists the help of Foster Bates and the two begin to investigate.
Contestants Michael and Melissa Taylor are a couple whose married life is struggling and as a suggestion from their counselor they are encouraged to do an activity together, so they join in the baking contest hoping to win the $25,000 grand prize.
The Blustery Sisters Faith, Hope, and Chaity Beiler are known far and wide in town as being somewhat as gossips and stir up quite a few lively discussions but are they involved in the going on's with the missing baking contestants?
And what about Fannie? Is it possible that Fannie has her own secrets she is keeping?
Fannie and Foster are lively and fun characters that make the book fun to read. Each of the characters involved in the baking contest could be involved in the disappearance of the others that have gone missing. As the crime fighting duo investigate readers will enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the end of the book.
As always Wanda has woven God and faith into the storyline making the book a sweet, fun and cozy mystery. Martha Bolton is a new to me author and I thoroughly enjoyed the ladies work on this book . It's a must read for fans of Wanda and Martha, cozy mysteries and the Amish.
Most definitely a s 10 star review.
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