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Moonstone Bakery #1
Lava Cake and Lies
High-powered criminal attorney Ginny Malone never expected to swap her designer suits for flour-dusted aprons, but a twist of fate sends her fleeing to the quaint coastal town of Moonstone Bay, California. With her spirited—and mischievous—cat Shortcake by her side, Ginny sets her sights on starting a bakery on the boardwalk, armed only with her grandmother's secret recipes and a dash of determination.
But Ginny's dream of sweet success crumbles when a dead body is discovered during renovations, and her gruff yet oh-so-intriguing landlord, P.I. Vince Rinaldi, becomes the prime suspect. The ovens are cold, the drywall is crumbling, and now danger is lurking behind every display case.
With the help of her hammer-wielding new BFF Lois, a sprinkle of legal know-how, and a heaping spoonful of wit, Ginny sets out to fix more than just ovens and drywall. As she digs into the case, the quirky townsfolk begin to look less neighborly and more suspect—and Vince might need as much rescuing as her broken heater.
Between perfecting her luscious lava cakes and untangling lies, Ginny must race to clear Vince's name before her fresh start becomes a recipe for disaster. Can she serve up justice and save a budding romance before the real killer strikes again?
Lava Cake and Lies is a charming and witty cozy mystery filled with heartwarming friendships, banter-filled clean romance, cat antics, and recipes you'll be dying to try.
But Ginny's dream of sweet success crumbles when a dead body is discovered during renovations, and her gruff yet oh-so-intriguing landlord, P.I. Vince Rinaldi, becomes the prime suspect. The ovens are cold, the drywall is crumbling, and now danger is lurking behind every display case.
With the help of her hammer-wielding new BFF Lois, a sprinkle of legal know-how, and a heaping spoonful of wit, Ginny sets out to fix more than just ovens and drywall. As she digs into the case, the quirky townsfolk begin to look less neighborly and more suspect—and Vince might need as much rescuing as her broken heater.
Between perfecting her luscious lava cakes and untangling lies, Ginny must race to clear Vince's name before her fresh start becomes a recipe for disaster. Can she serve up justice and save a budding romance before the real killer strikes again?
Lava Cake and Lies is a charming and witty cozy mystery filled with heartwarming friendships, banter-filled clean romance, cat antics, and recipes you'll be dying to try.
- GenresCozy MysteryFictionCozy
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
161 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Nova Walsh
23 books54 followersAuthor Nova Walsh writes culinary cozy mysteries full of humor, shenanigans, and friendships that last a lifetime. She mixes in a healthy dose of amateur sleuthing, some slow-burn romance, and a pinch of comedy in every book she writes.
Nova is a former chef/caterer who still loves to cook but loves to write even more. She’s an enthusiastic, if not totally successful gardener who loves travel, wine, and hanging out with friends.
Nova grew up in the southwest, and now lives in Galveston, Texas, with her husband, son, and dogs. When she isn’t writing, she’s often cooking, spending time with family, or reading a good book with a pup by her side.
Nova is a former chef/caterer who still loves to cook but loves to write even more. She’s an enthusiastic, if not totally successful gardener who loves travel, wine, and hanging out with friends.
Nova grew up in the southwest, and now lives in Galveston, Texas, with her husband, son, and dogs. When she isn’t writing, she’s often cooking, spending time with family, or reading a good book with a pup by her side.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 22, 2024
1.5* as I got annoyed near the end.
There’s a quick pace to this story. One moment Ginny is exploring the town of Moonstone Bay and follows her cat into a building, the next she’s renting shop space for a bakery. There’s not even time to introduce herself to the building’s owner. But she knows his name anyway.
As soon as Ginny leaves she starts to regret her decision to rent the place. More so the next morning, when she returns and finds a broken window. Inside she finds a dead body and a dead to the world Vince.
The sheriff arrives, arrests Vince and sends Ginny and Lois, the carpenter she had a meeting with, away until he has time to question them. Both women apperently have strong stomaches, because from the crime scene they go straight to the diner and order a meal. They don’t talk about the murder while they eat, which is a surprise because this is (A) a murder mystery and (B) just about the most exciting thing that has happened in Moonstone Bay in a decade.
Ginny believes Vince to be innocent of the murder. She’s talked to him for maybe 30 minutes, but she has the insta-hots for him, so that explains it.
Ginny annoys me, constantly claiming things don’t add up. Those are assumptions. As a lawyer I would expect her to be more careful about the language she uses. I’d rather she said: that doesn’t make sense to me. The moustach twirling town villain annoys me. The fact that some people don’t get a name annoys me. Beth’s son doesn’t get a name, not even when she talks about him. Alma’s mom is called Alma’s mom rather than Mrs Ramirez.
It annoys me there are two guns, but it is unclear from context which one they are talking about. An editor could have fixed that. An editor could have also fixed the repetition of actions: Lois climbing into the backseat and the next paragraph that action is mentioned again. Or when Vince and Ginny drive away from Alma’s mom’s house, but in the opening lines of the next chapter they haven’t even gotten to the car yet and a moment later drive off again.
And the mystery could have been more fleshed out. It’s quite obvious where things are headed from the first time Alma’s name is mentioned.
I read an ARC through Booksirens.
There’s a quick pace to this story. One moment Ginny is exploring the town of Moonstone Bay and follows her cat into a building, the next she’s renting shop space for a bakery. There’s not even time to introduce herself to the building’s owner. But she knows his name anyway.
As soon as Ginny leaves she starts to regret her decision to rent the place. More so the next morning, when she returns and finds a broken window. Inside she finds a dead body and a dead to the world Vince.
The sheriff arrives, arrests Vince and sends Ginny and Lois, the carpenter she had a meeting with, away until he has time to question them. Both women apperently have strong stomaches, because from the crime scene they go straight to the diner and order a meal. They don’t talk about the murder while they eat, which is a surprise because this is (A) a murder mystery and (B) just about the most exciting thing that has happened in Moonstone Bay in a decade.
Ginny believes Vince to be innocent of the murder. She’s talked to him for maybe 30 minutes, but she has the insta-hots for him, so that explains it.
Ginny annoys me, constantly claiming things don’t add up. Those are assumptions. As a lawyer I would expect her to be more careful about the language she uses. I’d rather she said: that doesn’t make sense to me. The moustach twirling town villain annoys me. The fact that some people don’t get a name annoys me. Beth’s son doesn’t get a name, not even when she talks about him. Alma’s mom is called Alma’s mom rather than Mrs Ramirez.
It annoys me there are two guns, but it is unclear from context which one they are talking about. An editor could have fixed that. An editor could have also fixed the repetition of actions: Lois climbing into the backseat and the next paragraph that action is mentioned again. Or when Vince and Ginny drive away from Alma’s mom’s house, but in the opening lines of the next chapter they haven’t even gotten to the car yet and a moment later drive off again.
And the mystery could have been more fleshed out. It’s quite obvious where things are headed from the first time Alma’s name is mentioned.
I read an ARC through Booksirens.
September 7, 2025
So goood!!
March 9, 2026
Definitely a page turner
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up unit I do love a good bakery cozy mystery. And this fits the bill.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked this up unit I do love a good bakery cozy mystery. And this fits the bill.
February 20, 2025
Ginny (Virginia) Malone and her cat, Shortcake move to Moonstone Bay to reset after her divorce. She and her ex-husband own a bungalow and looks forward to unwinding here near the beach. The next day she meets a detective named Vince Rinaldi and decides to lease his mostly empty shop where he has an office and start a bakery. She’s attracted to him even though he looks quite disheveled.
The next day she meets her contractor at the shop, Lois Wheeler. As they go in to look around, they discover a dead body. A man has been murdered. The man’s name is Marcus Holloway, and he grew up here and went to school with Vince and Lois. And so it begins. I won’t give away any spoilers.
I enjoyed getting to know Ginny and her cat and seeing her move forward with a dream she hadn’t realized would be so rewarding. Ginny and the supporting characters are well developed, fun, likable and believable.
Nice, clean cozy mystery with engaging characters, lovely beach town setting and a mystery with plot twists. I look forward to the second novel in this series.
Comment: the author mentions how many cobwebs there are in the bungalow and the dust and crime - and then all of a sudden Ginny is baking bread in the kitchen. Without ever mentioning that Ginny did any housework to clean it up. And when did she purchase the pans, bread ingredients and all the other stuff she used? Minor detail, but I cringed when she started making bread in her dirty house. And she starts cleaning the kitchen while the bread is baking! Unusual to say the least. Yet. I was able to move past it and enjoy the book. (Thankfully she cleans the house before she bake again and what she bakes makes my mouth water.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The next day she meets her contractor at the shop, Lois Wheeler. As they go in to look around, they discover a dead body. A man has been murdered. The man’s name is Marcus Holloway, and he grew up here and went to school with Vince and Lois. And so it begins. I won’t give away any spoilers.
I enjoyed getting to know Ginny and her cat and seeing her move forward with a dream she hadn’t realized would be so rewarding. Ginny and the supporting characters are well developed, fun, likable and believable.
Nice, clean cozy mystery with engaging characters, lovely beach town setting and a mystery with plot twists. I look forward to the second novel in this series.
Comment: the author mentions how many cobwebs there are in the bungalow and the dust and crime - and then all of a sudden Ginny is baking bread in the kitchen. Without ever mentioning that Ginny did any housework to clean it up. And when did she purchase the pans, bread ingredients and all the other stuff she used? Minor detail, but I cringed when she started making bread in her dirty house. And she starts cleaning the kitchen while the bread is baking! Unusual to say the least. Yet. I was able to move past it and enjoy the book. (Thankfully she cleans the house before she bake again and what she bakes makes my mouth water.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 23, 2025
This is a cute new series! Well, probably not new exactly, but new to me. It's funny (to me anyway) because I originally grabbed this book from Kindle Unlimited because of the author. It wasn't until I was done reading this first book of this 6 book series that I discovered the author wasn't the one I thought she was. I thought she was Nova N, the author I've read several books from. The Nova N books I read were of the paranormal cozy mystery kind, so I was surprised that there was no witchery and no werewolves present. So that's that.
However, I liked the plot line of this read. Ginny (Virginia) leaves her job as a criminal defense attorney after working for nearly 5 years to take a sort of sabbatical. She moves to Moonstone Bay, California into a beach cottage she and her now-ex husband bought on a whim a few years prior. She plans to renovate the cottage and then sell it at top dollar. Then she's going to move out of town and maybe go back to practicing as an attorney.
Ginny quickly decides to lease a building for a year for a bakery she's going to have put in. It's a dream she never knew she had. The more she gets to know the people in Moonstone Bay and even obtains a new bestie, she will most likely make the town her new home.
Then she finds a body in her new shop. The main suspect, Vincent who is a private investigator is arrested. Ginny is bound and determined to find him innocent because she feels he didn't kill the victim. She'll use her skills as an attorney to get Vincent off the hook.
I like the atmosphere of this series and can't wait to get to book 2!
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 😘
However, I liked the plot line of this read. Ginny (Virginia) leaves her job as a criminal defense attorney after working for nearly 5 years to take a sort of sabbatical. She moves to Moonstone Bay, California into a beach cottage she and her now-ex husband bought on a whim a few years prior. She plans to renovate the cottage and then sell it at top dollar. Then she's going to move out of town and maybe go back to practicing as an attorney.
Ginny quickly decides to lease a building for a year for a bakery she's going to have put in. It's a dream she never knew she had. The more she gets to know the people in Moonstone Bay and even obtains a new bestie, she will most likely make the town her new home.
Then she finds a body in her new shop. The main suspect, Vincent who is a private investigator is arrested. Ginny is bound and determined to find him innocent because she feels he didn't kill the victim. She'll use her skills as an attorney to get Vincent off the hook.
I like the atmosphere of this series and can't wait to get to book 2!
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 😘
Read
February 26, 2025A great introduction to a new mystery series! Ginny Malone came to Moonstone Bay, CA, to get over her recent divorce and taking a break from her high power career as an attorney. She went to her beach bungalow and she planned to renovate and flip the beach house. She thought she had it all planned out until her adorable cat, Shortcake, leads her on a walk to a building. Somehow, Ginny decides she should open a bakery. The ideal building happens to be inhabited by PI Vince Rinaldi. Vince is a disaster, but Ginny likes him and offers to rent part of the building for the bakery. Ginny meets with the contractor, Lois, who becomes a new friend and the renovations go forward, until a dead body is found in the building. Of course, since Vince owns the building, he is the main suspect. To keep Ginny's dream of the bakery alive, she knows she must help Vince in his quest to prove his innocence and along the way find the real killer.
This was a fun read and I enjoyed the characters. I am looking forward to following Ginny on her adventures in baking. There were enough twists and turns in the plot to make it interesting, plus there is a bonus of recipes to try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a fun read and I enjoyed the characters. I am looking forward to following Ginny on her adventures in baking. There were enough twists and turns in the plot to make it interesting, plus there is a bonus of recipes to try.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2025
When Ginny Malone came to Moonstone Bay, CA, she was planning on working her way through her recent divorce by taking a break from her stressful career as an attorney. She was just going to renovate her beach house, sell it, and move on with her life. That was the plan until she got the crazy idea to open a bakery. Her adorable cat, Shortcake, leads her to the ideal building. Unfortunately, it’s already inhabited by PI Vince Rinaldi. Vince is a walking, talking trainwreck, but there’s something about him that Ginny likes. They make an agreement to share the building, and she finds a contractor and new friend who can make her dream a reality.
Everything is going great until a dead body is found in the building. Vince is the police’s main suspect. Ginny knows the best way to get him off the hook is to find the real killer.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are relatable and fun. Ginny and Vince’s relationship is sweet and endearing. The mystery is entertaining with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and the recipes are amazing!!
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
Everything is going great until a dead body is found in the building. Vince is the police’s main suspect. Ginny knows the best way to get him off the hook is to find the real killer.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are relatable and fun. Ginny and Vince’s relationship is sweet and endearing. The mystery is entertaining with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, and the recipes are amazing!!
I received an advance review copy of this book and am enthusiastically leaving this 5-star review.
February 5, 2025
I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I enjoyed this little book more than I thought I would. I usually avoid titles and covers than involve food, animals
(except dogs and horses who work with the Police and military) and/or quirky images. However, I needed something a bit lighter and the blurb appealed to me - and I'm glad I let it. I don't get the reference to Stephanie Plum - I've read some of those books and found this nothing like them. I liked the three main characters straightaway. Ginny making an impulsive clean break from her ex husband and law career and her opinionated cat. Vince, the down on his luck, slightly scruffy, shy but attractive P I, and Lois, demo and remodelling expert extraordinaire. The three get together to solve a 15 old mystery while trying to help Ginny set up a new bakery. The story is believable and quite fun - in spite of murder to solve. I will be reading more of this author's work
(except dogs and horses who work with the Police and military) and/or quirky images. However, I needed something a bit lighter and the blurb appealed to me - and I'm glad I let it. I don't get the reference to Stephanie Plum - I've read some of those books and found this nothing like them. I liked the three main characters straightaway. Ginny making an impulsive clean break from her ex husband and law career and her opinionated cat. Vince, the down on his luck, slightly scruffy, shy but attractive P I, and Lois, demo and remodelling expert extraordinaire. The three get together to solve a 15 old mystery while trying to help Ginny set up a new bakery. The story is believable and quite fun - in spite of murder to solve. I will be reading more of this author's work
January 1, 2025
This is the first in a new series by this author and again it is an easy light read.Of course there is some baking involved which always makes my mouth water.
Ginny is a lawyer who has bought a place in Moonstone Bay and decides to open up a bakery, intent on a career change. Vince is a PI who is leasing Ginny part of the building for the bakery. The discovery of a dead man who is from the town but has been gone for years brings Ginny and Vince closer together as they look into who would want him dead and why does it happen in their building. I liked the link to events in the past and the possible budding romance between the two main characters. Even when things look like being resolved, there is a nice further twist at the end. Overall a light easy read and I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ginny is a lawyer who has bought a place in Moonstone Bay and decides to open up a bakery, intent on a career change. Vince is a PI who is leasing Ginny part of the building for the bakery. The discovery of a dead man who is from the town but has been gone for years brings Ginny and Vince closer together as they look into who would want him dead and why does it happen in their building. I liked the link to events in the past and the possible budding romance between the two main characters. Even when things look like being resolved, there is a nice further twist at the end. Overall a light easy read and I look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2025
Ginny leaves her failed marriage and her law career to take a breather in Moonstone Bay. Whilst there, she decides upon a complete change and chooses to open a bakery that shares a space with a PI.
Early on, a body is found at the shop and the PI is arrested but Ginny is certain he didn't kill the guy. What then follows is part bakery opening, part murder solving and part messy relationship beginning.
It's all light-hearted and gentle but with enough pull to keep my interest. I'm thankful that the included recipes were at the back, and not spoiling the flow of the narrative. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and hoping it'll be about Ginny and not be a series that moves around the characters in the town!
My copy was a review copy but my review is my own and is honest.
Early on, a body is found at the shop and the PI is arrested but Ginny is certain he didn't kill the guy. What then follows is part bakery opening, part murder solving and part messy relationship beginning.
It's all light-hearted and gentle but with enough pull to keep my interest. I'm thankful that the included recipes were at the back, and not spoiling the flow of the narrative. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, and hoping it'll be about Ginny and not be a series that moves around the characters in the town!
My copy was a review copy but my review is my own and is honest.
January 12, 2025
I was looking for a cozy mystery to read this weekend and this was a delicious little mystery with a touch of romance, a big scoop of friendship and just a dash of nagging mother. My favorite part of this book were the characters. Ginny is a recently divorced lawyer who wants to take some time away to get her life back in order. Her mother is very vocal about what a bad idea this is but with her cat Shortcake she escapes to the small town of Moonstone Bay. I love how an impulsive decision just snowballs into finding a dead body in this sleepy little town. The characters are quirky and endearing. I found myself liking Lois the contractor just as much as Vince Rinaldi, P.I. This was a great story for a cold weekend where you just want to curl up with a cozy little mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2025
3.5 stars.
The book has potential and the food sounded phenomenal.
Ginny moves to town for a reset after divorce. She meets Vince, a local who needs to rent a building, and decides to start a bakery. When a murder happens in her new space, of course she is going to investigate!
This books felt a little rushed and the murderer/motive was pretty obvious about halfway through the book. The biggest flaw I found was time continuity.
The locals all went to high school together.
But when was that? One time she says almost 20 years ago. Then a child conceived senior year still plays with toys. Maybe it was 14 years ago?
I couldn't nail down the age of the characters.
I would probably give her next book a chance. Like I said, potential is there. Just needs a bit of editing.
I received a copy in exchange for my review
The book has potential and the food sounded phenomenal.
Ginny moves to town for a reset after divorce. She meets Vince, a local who needs to rent a building, and decides to start a bakery. When a murder happens in her new space, of course she is going to investigate!
This books felt a little rushed and the murderer/motive was pretty obvious about halfway through the book. The biggest flaw I found was time continuity.
The locals all went to high school together.
But when was that? One time she says almost 20 years ago. Then a child conceived senior year still plays with toys. Maybe it was 14 years ago?
I couldn't nail down the age of the characters.
I would probably give her next book a chance. Like I said, potential is there. Just needs a bit of editing.
I received a copy in exchange for my review
January 15, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 for an enjoyable, if not particularly gripping, read.
I liked the quirky cast of characters, which make a cozy mystery fun. I disliked the instant, over-the-top 'He's the one' thoughts of the lead, Ginny, the moment she first sees Vince. It put me off, where had the author been milder with the attraction and let it grow, I feel it would have worked better for the book and growth during the series.
The mystery itself felt secondary to introducing the characters. However, it seems to suit for a new series. I would have preferred more mystery and investigative elements, but it was a fun and simple read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I will give the included lava cake recipe a try!
I liked the quirky cast of characters, which make a cozy mystery fun. I disliked the instant, over-the-top 'He's the one' thoughts of the lead, Ginny, the moment she first sees Vince. It put me off, where had the author been milder with the attraction and let it grow, I feel it would have worked better for the book and growth during the series.
The mystery itself felt secondary to introducing the characters. However, it seems to suit for a new series. I would have preferred more mystery and investigative elements, but it was a fun and simple read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I will give the included lava cake recipe a try!
December 27, 2025
Book 1 of Nova’s Moonstone Bakery Mystery Series
What a joy to find an author who builds characters to be of sound values, empathy, and compassion. To top this off I’ve found this charming Mystery Series after reading other series written by her. I look forward to her evolving characters as each book in the series’s are followed by another mystery solved by characters who become more involved romantically as well as form bonds of friendship with locals as after moving, or moving back moved to these small-cozy towns where the settings take place! Just the warm, yet mysterious, reads I enjoy unwinding with, generally in the evenings as I settle in for the night. You won’t be disappointed as you delve into Nova Walsh’s mysteries!
What a joy to find an author who builds characters to be of sound values, empathy, and compassion. To top this off I’ve found this charming Mystery Series after reading other series written by her. I look forward to her evolving characters as each book in the series’s are followed by another mystery solved by characters who become more involved romantically as well as form bonds of friendship with locals as after moving, or moving back moved to these small-cozy towns where the settings take place! Just the warm, yet mysterious, reads I enjoy unwinding with, generally in the evenings as I settle in for the night. You won’t be disappointed as you delve into Nova Walsh’s mysteries!
December 20, 2024
This is a new cozy mystery series by the author of the Sugar Creek Mysteries.
It was a fun read with likeable characters and I will read book two when it is available. The books are short so things happen quickly (murder, love interest, friendships, solutions etc.) but the book kept my attention and interest. The writing is solid and even though the book had unrealistic and obvious leaps/connections to solve the mystery it was not dull and definitely fits the cozy category - with a bit of romance on the side. I like the addition of the recipes at the end of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was a fun read with likeable characters and I will read book two when it is available. The books are short so things happen quickly (murder, love interest, friendships, solutions etc.) but the book kept my attention and interest. The writing is solid and even though the book had unrealistic and obvious leaps/connections to solve the mystery it was not dull and definitely fits the cozy category - with a bit of romance on the side. I like the addition of the recipes at the end of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I like that the author combined the foodie elements (the recipes included) with the mystery elements. I liked the characters, with the addition of the animal characters too. There were a few parts that made me smile too.
I didn't like the Insta love between the two main characters, I wish that their friendship would've evolved a bit more before more happened. I also wasn't fond of the mention of seances etc.
Overall, it was a fun, clean cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more stories from Moonstone Bakery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn't like the Insta love between the two main characters, I wish that their friendship would've evolved a bit more before more happened. I also wasn't fond of the mention of seances etc.
Overall, it was a fun, clean cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more stories from Moonstone Bakery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
Ginny goes to the beach front property she inherited for a fresh start from her ex husband. She finds more than she bargains for. This took some sad and ugly turns I didn't forsee. Ginny did find support from a new friend and a man she has feelings for and vice versa. Ginny's cat short cake can get a little too full of himself at times, but is a loyal companion. I look forward to more sleuthing with Ginny, Lois, and Vince. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.
December 25, 2024
This copy I read is an ARC copy, meaning an author still has time to take care of some imperfections, such as grammar and other problems so, my take on this will be for what I read before the book is finalized and published.
I enjoyed the storyline and setting and the characters grew on me quickly. Were there some issues that I hoped got fixed before publication? Sure, but I don't want to share them in a review to cause spoilers, I can say they didn't bother me to the point I wanted to quit reading the book I enjoyed it so much that I looked forward to continue reading it when I came home from work. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what kind of trouble Ginny and Vince get into.
If you're looking for a quick cozy mystery read with fun characters and a mystery that will have you guessing who did it, please give this book a try.
I enjoyed the storyline and setting and the characters grew on me quickly. Were there some issues that I hoped got fixed before publication? Sure, but I don't want to share them in a review to cause spoilers, I can say they didn't bother me to the point I wanted to quit reading the book I enjoyed it so much that I looked forward to continue reading it when I came home from work. I'm looking forward to the next book to see what kind of trouble Ginny and Vince get into.
If you're looking for a quick cozy mystery read with fun characters and a mystery that will have you guessing who did it, please give this book a try.
January 11, 2025
I loved the book! I’ve preordered book 2. I really enjoyed how Ginny, Vince and Lois formed a friendship. I hope to see more develop with Ginny and Vince. Lois and her dog Princess are good characters. I had to laugh a lot about Shortcake and his antics. The recipes at the end of the book are greatly appreciated. I’ll have to try making them. I think Ginny will do well with her bakery. I highly recommend the book it’s a great short read. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2025
This book is a great start to a new cozy mystery series. I enjoyed getting to know the characters, which were fun and slightly quirky! Of course, the pets, Shortcake and Princess, are fun and sassy! Ginny, following a recent divorce, comes to Moonstone Bay hoping to renovate and sell a beach cottage and move on. Instead, she meets some locals, and decides to open a bakery! She winds up having to solve a murder to save a new friend from being railroaded! The mystery is fast paced and fun to read! I received a free ARC and write this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Fresh new starts
Retreating to lick her wounds after her divorce, Criminal lawyer Ginny Malone moves lock, stock, and opinionated cat to an old beach house that’s seen better days. Her plan, fix up the beach house and flip it. Well that was her plan till she finds an empty building that just screams BAKER. Along the way she rents said building from a PI, makes friend with a female contractor, and finds a dead body. Starting over has never been this interesting and fun. The writing is good and the characters great.
Retreating to lick her wounds after her divorce, Criminal lawyer Ginny Malone moves lock, stock, and opinionated cat to an old beach house that’s seen better days. Her plan, fix up the beach house and flip it. Well that was her plan till she finds an empty building that just screams BAKER. Along the way she rents said building from a PI, makes friend with a female contractor, and finds a dead body. Starting over has never been this interesting and fun. The writing is good and the characters great.
December 20, 2024
This was such a fun read. It was fast paced, and cozy. I can’t wait to keep reading the series and get to know the quirky townsfolk more. Princess and shortcake were great characters. I can’t wait to learn more about Vince. And who doesn’t love a good bakery?
I had never heard of this author before and I am very happy with the writing style in this book.
I did receive a free advanced reader copy of this book.
I had never heard of this author before and I am very happy with the writing style in this book.
I did receive a free advanced reader copy of this book.
December 27, 2024
Lava Cake and Lies is Book 1 in the Moonstone Bakery by Nova Walsh. I found this cozy to be outstanding. Ginny is just divorced and moves to Moonstone Bay to restore an old cabin and signs up to open a bakery. Finding a dead body was not on the agenda. I liked how the author sprinkled the background giving a strong foundation for the series. I really liked the characters and am looking forward to reading book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
Ginny impulsively decides to open a bakery after walking past an office space for rent on her break from her lawyer city life. She makes some new friends (and maybe more?) along the way, with her faithful cat always by her side. The characters are likeable, the story flows nicely, and the mystery is solid! I'll continue the series.
~ Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. My review is my honest opinion voluntarily shared. ~
~ Thank you to BookSirens for the free ARC. My review is my honest opinion voluntarily shared. ~
January 1, 2025
This was a really gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance and a lot of 'feel good' factor to it.
I loved the protagonist Ginny who came from a big town to a small town and decided to open a bakery and solve a couple of murders while she was at it.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the protagonist Ginny who came from a big town to a small town and decided to open a bakery and solve a couple of murders while she was at it.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 16, 2025
Lava Cake and Lies is book 1 of the Moonstone Bakery Series. This book made me feel like I was the main character. I am a home Baker, and those questions of opening up a shop add more to what I have been asking. Now with dealing with starting over, murder, and a new town made me feel like my new life. I look forward to seeing what will happen next. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2025
What a fantastic mystery cozy. It has the normal story of a successful girl who moves away to reevaluate her life, and meets a boy down on his luck - and of course, there is a murder. But this is where similarities stop. The story line is great, and moves along at a good pace. I also love how the characters are believable, and how they interact. Truly hoping that this will be a series. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
January 22, 2025
A quick simple cozy mystery read. A good book to read in an afternoon. I enjoyed the storyline, somewhat simple. I did like the characters and look forward to more in depth info on the characters. I hope to see more mystery or at least more storyline leading to the mystery. Decent book, I'll read any that come in the series just to see what happens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2024
I received this book as an ARC from Booksirens.
Ginny, Vince and Lois are a familiar sleuthing team who are easy to get attached to. Their story was a cozy murder mystery with a hint of romance in the air.
It’s a definite recommend for me and I can’t wait to enjoy more Moonstone Bakery mysteries ❤️
Ginny, Vince and Lois are a familiar sleuthing team who are easy to get attached to. Their story was a cozy murder mystery with a hint of romance in the air.
It’s a definite recommend for me and I can’t wait to enjoy more Moonstone Bakery mysteries ❤️
December 18, 2024
This was a great start to a new series, and I loved it. The story was different and held my attention and the 3 main characters were interesting and so likeable. Loved Vince. Looking forward to another book in this series. I received and advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Recommend reading.
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