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Culinary Competition #3
Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes
From bestselling mystery author Janel Gradowski comes a deliciously deadly mystery... Amy Ridley’s best friend, Carla, is getting married, and Amy is delighted to be recruited as the head wedding planner—even if Carla's demands are less than conventional. Case in Carla insists on a tower of doughnuts in place of a wedding cake. But navigating the world of nuptials becomes the least of Amy's problems when the owner of a menswear shop is found dead, and Carla's fiancée is assigned to the case. With the honeymoon in jeopardy, Amy and Carla vow to help track down the killer...but they soon discover there are even more sinister happenings affecting the businesses in downtown Kellerton, Michigan. If Amy doesn't figure out who is behind the deadly schemes, the nearly newlywed detective may just be solving another murder—hers! **Recipes Included!** Culinary Competition Pies & Peril (book #1) Chicken Soup & Homicide (book #2) Christmas Canapés & Sabotage (short story) Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes (book #3) What critics are saying about the Culinary Competition "PIES & PERIL is the perfect cozy to curl up with in your favorite chair or at the beach while enjoying some sun. It’s teeming with a lot of charm and great characters along with many tidbits of delectable goodies perfect for any foodie. I was really looking forward to reading (Janel Gradowski's) first full length novel and it didn’t disappoint! PIES & PERIL is sure to please any reader who loves their cozy mysteries!" ~ Peeking Between the Pages "PIES & PERIL is a beautiful debut and I know I will be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series. (Amy Ridley) had me laughing and smiling, and the warm cozy feeling of reading a good mystery never left me." ~ Cozy Reader "PIES & PERIL is a fun read with, murder, arson, threats and romance in the plot! This is a very enjoyable story with a very satisfactory closure. There is also an added bonus of recipes at the end of the book. Amy's many trial recipes made me hungry and inspired me to bake some goodies! Enjoy!" ~ Indy Girl
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
210 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2015
16 people are currently reading
149 people want to read
About the author
Janel Gradowski
23 books61 followersJanel Gradowski grew up, and still lives, in the mitten of Michigan. She is a wife and mother whose writing companion is a crazy Golden Retriever named Cooper. In the past she has worked many jobs. Renting apartments, scorekeeping for a stock car racetrack and selling newspaper classified advertisements are some of the experiences that continue to provide inspiration for her stories. Now she writes fiction and is also a beadwork designer and teacher. She enjoys cooking and is fueled by copious amounts of coffee.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
Her work has appeared in many publications, both online and in print. She is the author of three series. The Culinary Competition Mystery Series stars Amy Ridley, a former hair stylist with a passion for entering cooking contests. Her first women's fiction series is The Bartonville Series. Each volume contains stories ranging from flash to novella length. All of the stories are set in Michigan every volume contains accompanying recipes. The 6:1 Series features themed collections of her stories that are based on the title's theme.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 17, 2016
My review for Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes by Janel Gradowski will be featured on Romancing the Blog in the near future. Watch for it by clicking on this link:http://romancing-the-book.com/
June 10, 2015
Loved Donuts and Deadly Schemes even better than the others! Exciting and sweet, warm and well written.
Amy’s best friend just set the date for the wedding she promised to organize. She had been planning the perfect wedding for months already but even a compulsive planner can only do so much until the date is set. Now to fulfill all her amazing ideas she has a whole….2 weeks, that's right one half of one month!!!!! No one could do this, well maybe one compulsive organizer who dearly loves her best friend. The first stop is to look at suits for the groom and lo and behold but what should appear but a dead body! Her bosses boyfriend’s best friend no less. And guess who is in charge of the investigation...you got it; the groom. This is going to be so fun, NOT.
Amy’s best friend just set the date for the wedding she promised to organize. She had been planning the perfect wedding for months already but even a compulsive planner can only do so much until the date is set. Now to fulfill all her amazing ideas she has a whole….2 weeks, that's right one half of one month!!!!! No one could do this, well maybe one compulsive organizer who dearly loves her best friend. The first stop is to look at suits for the groom and lo and behold but what should appear but a dead body! Her bosses boyfriend’s best friend no less. And guess who is in charge of the investigation...you got it; the groom. This is going to be so fun, NOT.
June 5, 2015
Doughnuts and Deadly Schemes is the third book in Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mystery series. This is the second book I have read in this series and, as much as I liked the other, Chicken Soup and Homicide, this is the best yet. Amy Ridely, a talented self-taught chef, a murder magnet, amateur sleuth and wedding planner. Amy’s best friend, Carla, is getting married in three short weeks! Business owners in the strip mall where Amy does her baking, are getting blackmailed and murdered. The first order of business as a wedding planner is to find suits for the groom but, instead of a suit, a dead body appears. That body happens to be the boss’s boyfriend’s best friend. The groom just happens to be the police detective investigating the murder. If this murder is solved, there will be no groom. No groom equals no wedding. So, there really is no choice, Amy must don her sleuthing cap and identify the murderer so Carla and Bruce can enjoy their wedding and leave on their honeymoon. All the residents of Kellerton are back, and we get to know them just a little better in this book. The characters are likable and you care what happens to them. We were introduced to several new characters that I suspect will become important in future books.
There is marked attention to detail, character development, character inter-relationships and a tightly woven, well integrated plot, and unanticipated twists. This is a wonderful book. Descriptions of Amy's luscious treats are sprinkled throughout the book! It, also, includes scrumptious sounding recipes that made my mouth water. I tried the Peach Pie Iced Tea and Canned Tuna Ceviche (who knew you could make ceviche with a canned seafood product) these To-Die-For recipes while reading Donuts and Deadly Schemes. Not only has Janel developed some delicious recipes to include in her culinary cozy mysteries, she writes a great story that keeps you guessing ‘who did it’. Janel Gradowski is an entertaining story teller who leaves you wanting more. I'm hoping Janel is writing a sequel so I don’t have to wait long for further adventures reading her next book in the Amy and the other characters I’ve come to know. This delightful, clean cozy mystery will leave wanting more. If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery that will not be able to put down, then you need to read this book.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
There is marked attention to detail, character development, character inter-relationships and a tightly woven, well integrated plot, and unanticipated twists. This is a wonderful book. Descriptions of Amy's luscious treats are sprinkled throughout the book! It, also, includes scrumptious sounding recipes that made my mouth water. I tried the Peach Pie Iced Tea and Canned Tuna Ceviche (who knew you could make ceviche with a canned seafood product) these To-Die-For recipes while reading Donuts and Deadly Schemes. Not only has Janel developed some delicious recipes to include in her culinary cozy mysteries, she writes a great story that keeps you guessing ‘who did it’. Janel Gradowski is an entertaining story teller who leaves you wanting more. I'm hoping Janel is writing a sequel so I don’t have to wait long for further adventures reading her next book in the Amy and the other characters I’ve come to know. This delightful, clean cozy mystery will leave wanting more. If you are looking for a well written cozy mystery that will not be able to put down, then you need to read this book.
I received a complimentary advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this review are my own.
September 15, 2015
Loving this series, which can be read as standalone books.
Reviewed by Kim
Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes is the third full length novel in Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mystery series. I loved that Janel has managed to make this book a standalone read by giving readers enough information to understand the characters and their dynamics without spilling secrets from previous books.
Amy Ridley is a list maker and planner. Since her primary job is entering into cooking competitions, she has to be. Amy is thrilled her best friend Carla puts her in charge of planning her wedding. Problem...Carla wants to marry Detective Bruce Shepler in less than a month. Hello, Amy’s stress level is about about to go through the roof. Amy and Carla both know the timeframe is tight but Amy is sure they can pull it off. Except, what Carla envisions for her wedding is way different from what Amy thinks a wedding should be. To complicate things more, while looking for a suit for Bruce, they discover a dead body and Bruce is made lead detective on the case.
It seems Bruce has learned a thing or two from the past and is starting to learn that it’s better to ask Amy to help with an investigation instead of telling her to stay out of it. And that is exactly what he does this time. Time is of the essence and Bruce needs all the help he can get to solve this case before his wedding and honeymoon. In addition to the murder of a local business owner throwing downtown Kellerton, Michigan into a frenzy, several business are being targeted with demands for money. Are the cases somehow connected? Now, determined to make sure her best friend has a perfect wedding and wonderful honeymoon, Amy does what she does best, nose around searching for clues and creating delicious recipes.
After I got over being annoyed with Amy for gently or not so gently suggesting over and over again that Carla do the wedding her way, Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes was an enjoyable read. The story is told in third person from the point of view of both Carla and Amy. At times, this can get a little confusing if you aren’t paying close attention. I will admit my spidey senses went off when the murderer appeared on the page but in classic Janel form, she had me second guessing myself until the end. I loved the big reveal and the way Amy ultimately handled the situation. I am so looking forward to more books in this series.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Reviewed by Kim
Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes is the third full length novel in Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mystery series. I loved that Janel has managed to make this book a standalone read by giving readers enough information to understand the characters and their dynamics without spilling secrets from previous books.
Amy Ridley is a list maker and planner. Since her primary job is entering into cooking competitions, she has to be. Amy is thrilled her best friend Carla puts her in charge of planning her wedding. Problem...Carla wants to marry Detective Bruce Shepler in less than a month. Hello, Amy’s stress level is about about to go through the roof. Amy and Carla both know the timeframe is tight but Amy is sure they can pull it off. Except, what Carla envisions for her wedding is way different from what Amy thinks a wedding should be. To complicate things more, while looking for a suit for Bruce, they discover a dead body and Bruce is made lead detective on the case.
It seems Bruce has learned a thing or two from the past and is starting to learn that it’s better to ask Amy to help with an investigation instead of telling her to stay out of it. And that is exactly what he does this time. Time is of the essence and Bruce needs all the help he can get to solve this case before his wedding and honeymoon. In addition to the murder of a local business owner throwing downtown Kellerton, Michigan into a frenzy, several business are being targeted with demands for money. Are the cases somehow connected? Now, determined to make sure her best friend has a perfect wedding and wonderful honeymoon, Amy does what she does best, nose around searching for clues and creating delicious recipes.
After I got over being annoyed with Amy for gently or not so gently suggesting over and over again that Carla do the wedding her way, Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes was an enjoyable read. The story is told in third person from the point of view of both Carla and Amy. At times, this can get a little confusing if you aren’t paying close attention. I will admit my spidey senses went off when the murderer appeared on the page but in classic Janel form, she had me second guessing myself until the end. I loved the big reveal and the way Amy ultimately handled the situation. I am so looking forward to more books in this series.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
October 11, 2019
Reviewed by Julie
Book provided by the author
Carla and Bruce are getting married… in THREE WEEKS!!! While super excited for her friend, the short span of time Carla has given her to plan a wedding has Amy freaking out big time. But, when the co-owner of a local men’s shop is found murdered, Bruce will have to investigate, meaning he can’t help with wedding plans. But, have no fear, Amy as decided to help investigate so Bruce can fully enjoy his wedding day and relax on his honeymoon. But, planning a wedding AND solving a murder may be more than even Amy can pull off. Will she be able to save the day for Bruce and Carla?
This third installment in the series has a slightly different tone than the previous two chapters. There are no cooking competitions this time around, but Amy has her hands full with other things right now. The mystery has a slight cloak and dagger aspect to it with a computer hacker extorting money from local businesses. With some new people in town, Amy has a whole new list of suspects to interview, but makes a couple of new friends along the way as well.
There are even a couple of creepy, suspenseful moments, where I actually caught myself tensing up, and some real action scenes were included which was also a little different, making this the best mystery in the series thus far.
The character developments are progressing as well, and I have to say, Carla is my kind of gal. I like her style and the doughnut cake is a really cool idea.
My personal rule of thumb when starting a series is to try and hang in there through the first three books. By that time can usually tell if a series is worth continuing on with or not. So I’m happy report I will be back for the fourth book in the series and I’m really looking forward to Amy’s next caper.
Book provided by the author
Carla and Bruce are getting married… in THREE WEEKS!!! While super excited for her friend, the short span of time Carla has given her to plan a wedding has Amy freaking out big time. But, when the co-owner of a local men’s shop is found murdered, Bruce will have to investigate, meaning he can’t help with wedding plans. But, have no fear, Amy as decided to help investigate so Bruce can fully enjoy his wedding day and relax on his honeymoon. But, planning a wedding AND solving a murder may be more than even Amy can pull off. Will she be able to save the day for Bruce and Carla?
This third installment in the series has a slightly different tone than the previous two chapters. There are no cooking competitions this time around, but Amy has her hands full with other things right now. The mystery has a slight cloak and dagger aspect to it with a computer hacker extorting money from local businesses. With some new people in town, Amy has a whole new list of suspects to interview, but makes a couple of new friends along the way as well.
There are even a couple of creepy, suspenseful moments, where I actually caught myself tensing up, and some real action scenes were included which was also a little different, making this the best mystery in the series thus far.
The character developments are progressing as well, and I have to say, Carla is my kind of gal. I like her style and the doughnut cake is a really cool idea.
My personal rule of thumb when starting a series is to try and hang in there through the first three books. By that time can usually tell if a series is worth continuing on with or not. So I’m happy report I will be back for the fourth book in the series and I’m really looking forward to Amy’s next caper.
November 24, 2015
Originally published on: http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com...
You know what I love about a series of books – that feeling of comfort you get when you have a brand new one in your hands. You know that you get to relax and visit with old friends and see what they’re up to this time around. That’s exactly how I feel every time I open a new addition to Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mysteries. Her newest is Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes and it was great to get back with the old gang and solve a new murder not to mention indulge myself in a world of yummy culinary treats!
Amy is one of my favorite characters because she’s so real and funny. She’s not one of those perfect women with everything under control. Mostly she’s just winging it with a coffee cup in her hand. I adore her! In Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes we find out early on that Amy’s best friend Carla is getting married. In theory this would be great… except that Carla is getting married in three weeks. Needless to say Amy flips out. Amy needs more time than that. She needs to plan everything and make it perfect. However there is no budging Carla on this matter and Amy reconciles herself to the fact that for the next three weeks she’ll be driving herself crazy trying to make her best friend’s wedding the grand event that Amy wants it to be.
Then, as if Amy couldn’t be more stressed, she and Carla encounter a dead body while shopping for a tux for Bruce, Carla’s intended. Yikes, what is it? Does Amy have ‘dead bodies please seek me out’ tattooed on her forehead. Well it appears so and it couldn’t happen at a worst time. Now Bruce is going to be so involved in this case that he won’t be giving his wedding to Carla the attention it deserves and even more so if it’s not solved by the time they get married there won’t be any honeymoon. Amy vows not to let that happen and so starts another mad dash to find a killer. Amy had me laughing more than a few times in her endeavors to both try not to get herself killed and to find the killer. So does she find the killer this time before he or she finds her?
Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes is an awesome addition to the series. It was fun, there was a great mystery to solve, and even more than that it was nice to get back with Amy, Carla, and all the other great characters that live within this series. It can’t go without saying that all the food talk is enough to give anyone cravings with things like doughnuts that taste like french toast with bacon, cherry cake with whipped honey filling, and cookies that taste like cherry cheesecake. Ok, I definitely need those and as always there are recipes included in the back for the die hard foodie to try out!
I will be anxiously waiting to see what Amy, Carla, and the rest of the gang will be up next time! It’s important to note that these books do stand on their own but it’s so much fun to indulge in all of them so you can really get to know Amy and her friends. Highly recommended!
You know what I love about a series of books – that feeling of comfort you get when you have a brand new one in your hands. You know that you get to relax and visit with old friends and see what they’re up to this time around. That’s exactly how I feel every time I open a new addition to Janel Gradowski’s Culinary Competition Mysteries. Her newest is Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes and it was great to get back with the old gang and solve a new murder not to mention indulge myself in a world of yummy culinary treats!
Amy is one of my favorite characters because she’s so real and funny. She’s not one of those perfect women with everything under control. Mostly she’s just winging it with a coffee cup in her hand. I adore her! In Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes we find out early on that Amy’s best friend Carla is getting married. In theory this would be great… except that Carla is getting married in three weeks. Needless to say Amy flips out. Amy needs more time than that. She needs to plan everything and make it perfect. However there is no budging Carla on this matter and Amy reconciles herself to the fact that for the next three weeks she’ll be driving herself crazy trying to make her best friend’s wedding the grand event that Amy wants it to be.
Then, as if Amy couldn’t be more stressed, she and Carla encounter a dead body while shopping for a tux for Bruce, Carla’s intended. Yikes, what is it? Does Amy have ‘dead bodies please seek me out’ tattooed on her forehead. Well it appears so and it couldn’t happen at a worst time. Now Bruce is going to be so involved in this case that he won’t be giving his wedding to Carla the attention it deserves and even more so if it’s not solved by the time they get married there won’t be any honeymoon. Amy vows not to let that happen and so starts another mad dash to find a killer. Amy had me laughing more than a few times in her endeavors to both try not to get herself killed and to find the killer. So does she find the killer this time before he or she finds her?
Doughnuts & Deadly Schemes is an awesome addition to the series. It was fun, there was a great mystery to solve, and even more than that it was nice to get back with Amy, Carla, and all the other great characters that live within this series. It can’t go without saying that all the food talk is enough to give anyone cravings with things like doughnuts that taste like french toast with bacon, cherry cake with whipped honey filling, and cookies that taste like cherry cheesecake. Ok, I definitely need those and as always there are recipes included in the back for the die hard foodie to try out!
I will be anxiously waiting to see what Amy, Carla, and the rest of the gang will be up next time! It’s important to note that these books do stand on their own but it’s so much fun to indulge in all of them so you can really get to know Amy and her friends. Highly recommended!
June 17, 2015
Amy is thrilled to be planning Carla and Bruce’s wedding. But when Carla finally decides on a date and it’s only 3 weeks away she nearly flips. Carla wants something simple and informal… and quirky, like a doughnut tower instead of a wedding cake. After all, Bruce is a police detective.
In fact, Bruce ends up being the lead detective in the murder investigation of one of the owners of the men’s formal wear shop where he was ordering his wedding suit. If the case isn’t solved before the nuptials, Bruce won’t be able to concentrate on his honeymoon. So Amy and Carla vow to help track down the killer.
This cozy mystery involved much more than just one murder as Amy and Carla discover. The twists and turns come fast and furious. It’s as though the killer is toying with his subjects.
Getting all the details sorted out for Carla and Bruce’s wedding is no mean feat either and there are a number of twists and turns that take place for that to happen. The author does an excellent job of bringing these two storylines (the wedding and the murder) together in an interesting and sometimes humorous way.
There are a few big surprises in the story that I won’t share, but I will tell you that there are a few recipes in the back of the book included for you to try out as in all of the Culinary Competition Series books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was fast-paced and fun to read. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
In fact, Bruce ends up being the lead detective in the murder investigation of one of the owners of the men’s formal wear shop where he was ordering his wedding suit. If the case isn’t solved before the nuptials, Bruce won’t be able to concentrate on his honeymoon. So Amy and Carla vow to help track down the killer.
This cozy mystery involved much more than just one murder as Amy and Carla discover. The twists and turns come fast and furious. It’s as though the killer is toying with his subjects.
Getting all the details sorted out for Carla and Bruce’s wedding is no mean feat either and there are a number of twists and turns that take place for that to happen. The author does an excellent job of bringing these two storylines (the wedding and the murder) together in an interesting and sometimes humorous way.
There are a few big surprises in the story that I won’t share, but I will tell you that there are a few recipes in the back of the book included for you to try out as in all of the Culinary Competition Series books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was fast-paced and fun to read. I gave it 5 stars out of 5.
Thank you to the author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
To see my complete review, visit Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
August 28, 2015
Janel Gradowski has her third book out in her successful Culinary Competition Mystery series and it looks like Amy is at it again. Janel has brought us some memorable characters that make revisiting them again a must. Amy, Carla, Alex and Shepler will be very busy in this third book in the series. Amy is trying to plan her best friend Carla's wedding, when she runs into a murder.
The killer is wreaking havoc on the retail center of her town and the business owners are running scared of the mysterious stalker. All during these crazy happenings, Carla and Shepler are trying to plan and get ready for their wedding. Shepler, a detective assigned to solve the murder, has his plate full with solving the crime. Carla just wants it all to go away and let her and Shepler have a quiet, unique wedding.
The food in this book will make your mouth water as the action is taking place. Amy will work to solve the crime as she struggles to give her friend the best wedding she can. The ending will be full of surprises!
www.bookreaderforlife.blogspot.com
The killer is wreaking havoc on the retail center of her town and the business owners are running scared of the mysterious stalker. All during these crazy happenings, Carla and Shepler are trying to plan and get ready for their wedding. Shepler, a detective assigned to solve the murder, has his plate full with solving the crime. Carla just wants it all to go away and let her and Shepler have a quiet, unique wedding.
The food in this book will make your mouth water as the action is taking place. Amy will work to solve the crime as she struggles to give her friend the best wedding she can. The ending will be full of surprises!
www.bookreaderforlife.blogspot.com
June 4, 2015
Amy's life is crazy enough when she realizes she has three weeks to plan her best friend's wedding. But then there is a murder, with Carla's fiancee working the case, which means Amy and Carla are also trying to help him solve it. After all, if the murderer isn't caught, it could cut into the honeymoon plans!
This is the second book I've read in this series (haven't read the first one yet), and I enjoyed this one even more than the previous one, Chicken Soup and Homicide. All the residents of Kellerton are back, and we get to know them just a little better with each book.
The story is well written, the characters well defined and growing with each book, and the plot is designed to keep you guessing "whodunit."
Recipes are included, and I plan to try some of them out in the near future.
This is the second book I've read in this series (haven't read the first one yet), and I enjoyed this one even more than the previous one, Chicken Soup and Homicide. All the residents of Kellerton are back, and we get to know them just a little better with each book.
The story is well written, the characters well defined and growing with each book, and the plot is designed to keep you guessing "whodunit."
Recipes are included, and I plan to try some of them out in the near future.
June 4, 2015
Great Series!
This is a great series; this is the third book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries series by Janel Gradowski. Amy is asked to be the wedding planner for her best friend Carla’s wedding. While they are looking for a suit for the groom, they find a dead body in the dressing room. The groom just happens to be the police detective investigating the murder. In order for the wedding to go off as planned Amy and Carla put their sleuthing skills to the test and try and track down the killer. If you are looking for a great mystery book that will keep you reading long into the night, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great series; this is the third book in the Culinary Competition Mysteries series by Janel Gradowski. Amy is asked to be the wedding planner for her best friend Carla’s wedding. While they are looking for a suit for the groom, they find a dead body in the dressing room. The groom just happens to be the police detective investigating the murder. In order for the wedding to go off as planned Amy and Carla put their sleuthing skills to the test and try and track down the killer. If you are looking for a great mystery book that will keep you reading long into the night, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
June 4, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! Amy's friend Carla is getting married and has finally set a date... For three weeks away! Amidst all the wedding planning, there is an extortionist targeting all the shops in downtown Kellerton. Amy is determined to help solve the case so her friends can enjoy their wedding and honeymoon. This is a story that will quickly draw you in and keep you turning the pages. The characters are likable and you care what happens to them. The only thing wrong with the book is it can't give you any of the yummy foods mentioned within its pages. There are recipes included for a few of the times, they all sound yummy! I can't wait to read more in this series!
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2016
I think I finally figured out why I'm not enjoying this series more. Each book starts the mystery within the first chapter, and after that it is all about the mystery. I know that is the genre I'm reading, however to be invested, I have to actually see the relationships between the characters rather than hear about them. For example, we hear about the great relationship Amy and Alex have, but we never see it, which is why I'm always suspicious of ALL the characters excluding Amy. And I suppose they are trying to give us the seeing part of relationships with Carla and Bruce, but it doesn't work, it just seems random and out of place and maybe even a little annoying. I would understand if the second pov was from Bruce, then I think it wouldn't all the things I've listed.
June 2, 2015
Amy's best friend, Carla, has set a wedding date for three weeks from now. Amy, who likes to plan things way in advance, is running around furiously trying to set up the best wedding possible for her friend. In the meantime Amy has a murder to solve so Carla's groom-to-be, the police detective, can go off on his honeymoon without worrying about his unsolved case. I really enjoy this series, but would love to see more of Amy's husband in the books!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2015
I truly enjoyed this book about a chef (who currently works for a delightful bakery) and her band of quite interesting friends! Amy is currently in charge of planning her best friend's wedding but only has a few weeks to do it. That, coupled with a murder and threats that have the local shop owners terrified, makes for a fast-paced fun read! FYI, I had not read the previous two books in this series, but I had no trouble following the plot! (I do, however, plan to read them since I enjoyed this one so much!)
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September 6, 2015If you want to make someone crazy — say, the friend who is the most organized person you know — just tell her that you’re getting married. In three weeks. If that’s not enough, add in a murder at the tuxedo shop. Can Amy plan her best friend’s wedding and solve the mystery before any more local business owners are targeted?
More thoughts on my blog: Doughnuts and Deadly Schemes
More thoughts on my blog: Doughnuts and Deadly Schemes
May 26, 2015
Simply delightful read. I loved every minute. I was pretty sure I figured out who the killer was. We were introduced to several new characters that I hope will make it into future books. I hope there are many more books to come in this series. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review, which in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
June 4, 2015
****I received this book in exchange for an honest review****
This was another great addition to the series. I can't say this one completely surprised me, but it definitel entertained me. I love Amy and Carla's characters. They're both so smart and balance each other. And I'm definitely glad Carla FINALLY tied the knot (even though I know it's not the first time, it's the right time).
This was another great addition to the series. I can't say this one completely surprised me, but it definitel entertained me. I love Amy and Carla's characters. They're both so smart and balance each other. And I'm definitely glad Carla FINALLY tied the knot (even though I know it's not the first time, it's the right time).
June 4, 2015
Wedding plans are marred by murder and malicious mischief. Excitement and suspense as we race to the day of the wedding, but will the murderer be discovered in time for the detective to enjoy his honeymoon? Yummy sounding recipes are provided. If I haven't already read the others in this series, I certainly will do so. Nice cozy!
January 8, 2016
This was the third in the series, but like any good cozy series, you don't need to read the previous ones to get into the story quickly. Unfortunately, there was not much else I liked about this one. The mystery was fine, but the characters were rather flat and just did not appeal to me - maybe it was the third person narration, but I do not really think so.
September 14, 2017
A Doughnut Wedding Cake
If you're not hungry when you begin this story you will be in a short time. Lots of goodies being made! Interesting characters and realistic situations made this a fast read. A fun series and Amy makes an excellent heroine.
If you're not hungry when you begin this story you will be in a short time. Lots of goodies being made! Interesting characters and realistic situations made this a fast read. A fun series and Amy makes an excellent heroine.
June 7, 2015
This was a great book filled with twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it figured out, it surprised me again. Great story and the characters were so fun! Loved it!
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August 20, 2015mindless fluff
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