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Hawg Heaven Cozy Culinary Mystery #1
BBQ, Bikers, and Murder
A small Midwestern town.
The best BBQ in the state.
A single mom, determined to do what it takes.
A murder that rocks her world.
Rossalyn Channing is tough, but the odds are stacked against her. Faced with the reality of starting a new life with her teenage son, after her heroic husband is killed in the line of duty, she knows that she has to do whatever it takes to survive.
Irresistibly drawn to a mysterious little building in a small town, the determined single mom uses every dime she's got to buy it, with plans to turn it into a diner that her late husband would have loved. When Rossalyn finds herself caught up in the middle of a murder investigation, however, she begins to wonder if the challenges she faces will defeat her.
A body is found on her property, the sheriff in town suspects Rossie of the murder, and it looks like her world is falling apart. It's up to this determined mom to prove her innocence and save her small family. Can she do it?
The best BBQ in the state.
A single mom, determined to do what it takes.
A murder that rocks her world.
Rossalyn Channing is tough, but the odds are stacked against her. Faced with the reality of starting a new life with her teenage son, after her heroic husband is killed in the line of duty, she knows that she has to do whatever it takes to survive.
Irresistibly drawn to a mysterious little building in a small town, the determined single mom uses every dime she's got to buy it, with plans to turn it into a diner that her late husband would have loved. When Rossalyn finds herself caught up in the middle of a murder investigation, however, she begins to wonder if the challenges she faces will defeat her.
A body is found on her property, the sheriff in town suspects Rossie of the murder, and it looks like her world is falling apart. It's up to this determined mom to prove her innocence and save her small family. Can she do it?
267 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2016
378 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 1, 2018
“BBQ, Bikers, and Murder” earns 5/5 Bacon Roses…Clever and Engaging!
The traditional cozy formula often begins with a tragic event sending the protagonist off to start fresh, opening up a new business, making new friends, finding a dead body, being named a person of interest, navigating an amateur investigation, suffering some peril, and finding the “perp” with or without support from law enforcement. Summer Prescott has gone beyond the basic formula to pen a delightful, heart-warming story following Rossalyn Channing, a recent widow and now single mother. After burying her military husband, she and her thirteen-year-old son have packed up and headed to home in Illinois. However, stopping for gas, Rossie’s gaze falls on an abandoned building. Her parents and son urge her to “Be brave. Be true. Get it done.” So Rossie gets it done! Messy renovations, a young cook, bully brothers, good food, an enigmatic biker, and a dead body in the back field. What a way to make a fresh start!
I am a fan of many Summer Prescott books, and although this seven-book series has been in full swing since 2016, I was eager to start with book one. The “dead body,” accusations, investigation, and a few suspects with motives show up a bit later than I'm used to, but Summer’s well-written third-person narrative provided great descriptions of setting, appearances, rich characters, and food with bacon to keep me engaged. Her delightful banter added to the understanding of personality, tone, and emotions. I love the characters: quiet like José and Jason, hard-to-figure like Tom, and my favorite, no-nonsense and good-hearted like Rossie. Along with her amateur attempts at investigating made successful with help from a a handsome officer, Rossie is raising her teenage son, prepping for Halloween, managing the café, and even though she's still reeling from her husband’s death, there just might be a romantic entanglement worth exploring. I highly recommend this gem! The only thing missing is a couple of recipes straight from Hawg Heaven, especially the bacon roses! Just saying…
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from Booksprout. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
The traditional cozy formula often begins with a tragic event sending the protagonist off to start fresh, opening up a new business, making new friends, finding a dead body, being named a person of interest, navigating an amateur investigation, suffering some peril, and finding the “perp” with or without support from law enforcement. Summer Prescott has gone beyond the basic formula to pen a delightful, heart-warming story following Rossalyn Channing, a recent widow and now single mother. After burying her military husband, she and her thirteen-year-old son have packed up and headed to home in Illinois. However, stopping for gas, Rossie’s gaze falls on an abandoned building. Her parents and son urge her to “Be brave. Be true. Get it done.” So Rossie gets it done! Messy renovations, a young cook, bully brothers, good food, an enigmatic biker, and a dead body in the back field. What a way to make a fresh start!
I am a fan of many Summer Prescott books, and although this seven-book series has been in full swing since 2016, I was eager to start with book one. The “dead body,” accusations, investigation, and a few suspects with motives show up a bit later than I'm used to, but Summer’s well-written third-person narrative provided great descriptions of setting, appearances, rich characters, and food with bacon to keep me engaged. Her delightful banter added to the understanding of personality, tone, and emotions. I love the characters: quiet like José and Jason, hard-to-figure like Tom, and my favorite, no-nonsense and good-hearted like Rossie. Along with her amateur attempts at investigating made successful with help from a a handsome officer, Rossie is raising her teenage son, prepping for Halloween, managing the café, and even though she's still reeling from her husband’s death, there just might be a romantic entanglement worth exploring. I highly recommend this gem! The only thing missing is a couple of recipes straight from Hawg Heaven, especially the bacon roses! Just saying…
"Disclosure: I received an ARC from Booksprout. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
January 1, 2018
I have been wanted to read this series for while and was still surprised at how much I enjoyed it. In fact, I read all 7 books back to back. Strong characters that I like a great deal and an interesting suspense element.
November 13, 2016
Book Review/Giveaway
A Cozy Girl Reads and Writes http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
Sunday Nov 13
This was such a touching story, that tugged on my heart strings and they will tug on yours too. Rosalyn Channing's husband,Will was killed while on a mission in and along with thirteen year old son, Ryan they have to start life all over again. They head to Rosalyn's home town of North Carolina. On the way they discover a abandoned diner that is for sale.
Rosalyn soon dreams of buying the diner, her and her supportive mother check it out. Rosalyn opens the diner, renovates and re-names it Hawg Heaven in honor of her late husband. Soon there's a murder in the back field of a young woman and the murder weapon is found in the diner's dumpsters. In this new home town that Rosalyn and Ryan moved to while working in the diner she comes across some tough looking men giving her trouble.
With an impossible sheriff, Rosalyn gets help from an unlikely source who happens to be a suspect in the woman's death and with her employees having a connection to the murdered young woman Rosalyn remains true to herself till the end.
I liked Rosalyn from the start, despite the pain and despair she's going through, she remained strong and spunky and dosen't take peoples bull&*!%, that's that I love about her. Tasty food descriptions made this the perfect culinary mystery. With a unique premise that was very refreshing to read. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next book in the series.
A Cozy Girl Reads and Writes http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/
Sunday Nov 13
This was such a touching story, that tugged on my heart strings and they will tug on yours too. Rosalyn Channing's husband,Will was killed while on a mission in and along with thirteen year old son, Ryan they have to start life all over again. They head to Rosalyn's home town of North Carolina. On the way they discover a abandoned diner that is for sale.
Rosalyn soon dreams of buying the diner, her and her supportive mother check it out. Rosalyn opens the diner, renovates and re-names it Hawg Heaven in honor of her late husband. Soon there's a murder in the back field of a young woman and the murder weapon is found in the diner's dumpsters. In this new home town that Rosalyn and Ryan moved to while working in the diner she comes across some tough looking men giving her trouble.
With an impossible sheriff, Rosalyn gets help from an unlikely source who happens to be a suspect in the woman's death and with her employees having a connection to the murdered young woman Rosalyn remains true to herself till the end.
I liked Rosalyn from the start, despite the pain and despair she's going through, she remained strong and spunky and dosen't take peoples bull&*!%, that's that I love about her. Tasty food descriptions made this the perfect culinary mystery. With a unique premise that was very refreshing to read. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next book in the series.
August 28, 2019
Not at all a bad read, until you get to the end, where so many things/questions are left up in the air that it is frustrating. To me, this is a sign of a very poor writer who is so unsure of their work that they must create cliffs to keep you hanging from in order to get you to buy more of their series.
Not my cup of tea, so I will not be reading any more in this series, as I do not need to read another book that will answer some questions, etc., but will propound others and leave you again with more things unanswered, so you are back to hanging off that cliff.
Not my cup of tea, so I will not be reading any more in this series, as I do not need to read another book that will answer some questions, etc., but will propound others and leave you again with more things unanswered, so you are back to hanging off that cliff.
August 3, 2018
When Rossalyn Channing’s husband is killed in Afghanistan she and her son, Ryan, leave the army base where they were living and initially thought she would move in with her parents until she got her life back together. But on their way to her parent’s home they stop off in a small town where Rosslyn sees an old store up for sale. She’s intrigued by it. Obviously the store had been empty and for sale for years but Rossalyn feels positive that she can make something out of it, like a restaurant.
Rossalyn, her son, and parents discuss her new venture and they all agree that she should go for it.
Rossalyn and Ryan move to the small town and with the help and support of her parents and the insurance money she received from her husband’s death, her new restaurant, Hawg Heaven, is opened. The restaurant features comfort food based on ham, bacon, pulled-pork, and all foods that make people feel good.
Rossalyn finds a great cook, Jose, who perfectly cooks the food. Needless to say Hawg Heaven is an immediate success. The whole town loves the new restaurant and Rossalyn and Ryan, except for the sheriff and his trouble-making family.
When a young mother is murdered and her body is found in the field behind Rossalyn’s restaurant her small staff seem to be the prime suspects by the sheriff.
With the help of a new motorcyclist friend, who is also a murder suspect, and a police officer from a nearby town, Rossalyn tries to find out who the killer is before any of her staff or her friend is arrested. She also needs to make sure that she and her son are safe from the strange going ons in this small town.
“Patriot's Passing” is the first in author Summer Prescott’s Hawg Heaven Cozy Culinary Mystery series and it’s a wonderful novel. No, no bacon or pork-pull recipes here but there is lots of food talk, enough to get anyone hungry.
Ms. Prescott introduces a wonderful cast of characters who are interesting, dangerous, friendly, funny, loving, and people who anyone can identify with. Some are presented as being intimidating but end up as being nothing more than a scary teddy bear while some of the “good guys” aren’t so good.
The description of this small town life was very inviting to me. I’d like to open a store there myself and have the new kind of life that Rossalyn and Ryan are living.
Even though there are a little over 300 pages in the book I was able to read it over night. The plot compelled me to keep reading “just one more chapter” until I found myself at the end.
The story is not fully closed at the end which makes me want to read the next in the series just to find out what happens next.
“Patriot's Passing” is an intelligent cozy that all cozy lovers should read. Ms Prescott wrote a nice book that’s good for all readers. No bloody, violent scenes just a good murder plotline with lots of food talk.
Rossalyn, her son, and parents discuss her new venture and they all agree that she should go for it.
Rossalyn and Ryan move to the small town and with the help and support of her parents and the insurance money she received from her husband’s death, her new restaurant, Hawg Heaven, is opened. The restaurant features comfort food based on ham, bacon, pulled-pork, and all foods that make people feel good.
Rossalyn finds a great cook, Jose, who perfectly cooks the food. Needless to say Hawg Heaven is an immediate success. The whole town loves the new restaurant and Rossalyn and Ryan, except for the sheriff and his trouble-making family.
When a young mother is murdered and her body is found in the field behind Rossalyn’s restaurant her small staff seem to be the prime suspects by the sheriff.
With the help of a new motorcyclist friend, who is also a murder suspect, and a police officer from a nearby town, Rossalyn tries to find out who the killer is before any of her staff or her friend is arrested. She also needs to make sure that she and her son are safe from the strange going ons in this small town.
“Patriot's Passing” is the first in author Summer Prescott’s Hawg Heaven Cozy Culinary Mystery series and it’s a wonderful novel. No, no bacon or pork-pull recipes here but there is lots of food talk, enough to get anyone hungry.
Ms. Prescott introduces a wonderful cast of characters who are interesting, dangerous, friendly, funny, loving, and people who anyone can identify with. Some are presented as being intimidating but end up as being nothing more than a scary teddy bear while some of the “good guys” aren’t so good.
The description of this small town life was very inviting to me. I’d like to open a store there myself and have the new kind of life that Rossalyn and Ryan are living.
Even though there are a little over 300 pages in the book I was able to read it over night. The plot compelled me to keep reading “just one more chapter” until I found myself at the end.
The story is not fully closed at the end which makes me want to read the next in the series just to find out what happens next.
“Patriot's Passing” is an intelligent cozy that all cozy lovers should read. Ms Prescott wrote a nice book that’s good for all readers. No bloody, violent scenes just a good murder plotline with lots of food talk.
October 5, 2018
Not very cozy
So many positive reviews! And then there’s me, the odd one out, and I just didn’t like it… I guess there really is no accounting for taste.
The book started really sad, with a funeral. About halfway through and there still had only been sadness (understandable, grieving, but not why I read cozies) and trying to make a fresh start and NO MYSTERY YET. So it wasn’t cozy, there was no mystery until the second half; sorry, but no. Just no. I know cozy mysteries often start with a fresh start, but for a long long time this was ONLY about the fresh start and the grieving. Sad, slow, dark, gritty even.
It also felt as if the story didn’t come FROM Rossalyn, but was just ABOUT her. It felt distant. Example: Ryan, Rossalyn’s 13 yo son, gets called the teenage boy very often. That, to me, feels disconnected. It makes me an observer, ‘outside looking in’, instead of feeling it. The story is mostly told from Rossie’s POV (third person), and in her POV there’s frequently mention of ‘his mother’ which implies Ryan’s POV. Often changing the POV in the same paragraph thus confusing me, irritating me, distancing me.
I’m being harsh, aren’t I? I don’t mean to be. I’m just explaining why this wasn’t to my taste. Sorry. We can’t all be the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received no remuneration for it.
So many positive reviews! And then there’s me, the odd one out, and I just didn’t like it… I guess there really is no accounting for taste.
The book started really sad, with a funeral. About halfway through and there still had only been sadness (understandable, grieving, but not why I read cozies) and trying to make a fresh start and NO MYSTERY YET. So it wasn’t cozy, there was no mystery until the second half; sorry, but no. Just no. I know cozy mysteries often start with a fresh start, but for a long long time this was ONLY about the fresh start and the grieving. Sad, slow, dark, gritty even.
It also felt as if the story didn’t come FROM Rossalyn, but was just ABOUT her. It felt distant. Example: Ryan, Rossalyn’s 13 yo son, gets called the teenage boy very often. That, to me, feels disconnected. It makes me an observer, ‘outside looking in’, instead of feeling it. The story is mostly told from Rossie’s POV (third person), and in her POV there’s frequently mention of ‘his mother’ which implies Ryan’s POV. Often changing the POV in the same paragraph thus confusing me, irritating me, distancing me.
I’m being harsh, aren’t I? I don’t mean to be. I’m just explaining why this wasn’t to my taste. Sorry. We can’t all be the same.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received no remuneration for it.
November 3, 2016
So good that I couldn't put it down! I started this book today around lunch time and just now finished at around 11 p.m. The writer created a wonderful story, poignant about a military Widow with a young son that needs to start her life over. The lead character is very likable, you can sympathize and feel along with her as she's making these changes. Surrounded by wonderful supportive parents and slowly making new friends in a new town, she begins a small business. Along the way she meets good people, she's definitely all about second chances and judging a person based on their worth, not on what others have to say about them. A great champion of underdogs. A murder mystery develops, and you're left wondering who done it. I loved the cast of characters, and the bad guys are definitely people you love to hate. The sheriff reminds me of Boss Hogg from Dukes of Hazzard, it's the mental picture I get in my head every time he shows up on a page. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this book for lovers of cozy Mysteries. Extremely well-written, great character development, and a wonderful group of supportive cast.
November 2, 2016
Get your tissues ready!
If I could have given this book ten stars I would have. The pure human emotion in this story just reaches out and grabs you, not letting go until the end.
Rossalyn a young widow with a teenage son leave their military house and travel across the country to stay with her parents until she decides what to do. What she decides to do is totally unexpected. She opens a cafe and hires several people that have pain and secrets in their past. When a young woman is murdered two of her three employees are persons of interest. No spoilers here. No I'm not saying anything else. Except you really have to read this book!
If I could have given this book ten stars I would have. The pure human emotion in this story just reaches out and grabs you, not letting go until the end.
Rossalyn a young widow with a teenage son leave their military house and travel across the country to stay with her parents until she decides what to do. What she decides to do is totally unexpected. She opens a cafe and hires several people that have pain and secrets in their past. When a young woman is murdered two of her three employees are persons of interest. No spoilers here. No I'm not saying anything else. Except you really have to read this book!
November 6, 2016
This is a different type of cozy than I am used to and I cried off and on throughout this book. Rossalyn Channing is the very recent widow of a Marine who died in the line of duty, leaving her with their thirteen-year-old son Ryan to raise. I loved how this author kept this family going and the business Rossalyn starts up in a small town and the problems that arise kept my heart beating fast! I can't wait for the next book in this new series. I hope it is SOON!
March 17, 2017
This will knock your socks off!!!
Summer Prescott has out done herself with this new series (and this is only book 1). I didn't think she could do any better but once again she has amazed me. I laughed, I cried, I was angry all in this one book. The emotions are real. I am willing to bet this will be a great series.
Summer Prescott has out done herself with this new series (and this is only book 1). I didn't think she could do any better but once again she has amazed me. I laughed, I cried, I was angry all in this one book. The emotions are real. I am willing to bet this will be a great series.
November 1, 2016
Welcome to Hawg Heaven
Summer Prescott has written a sensational new book and I think this will be her most compelling series yet....Hawg Heaven brings people together through loss, pain, joy, and real life situations. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you haven't read this book yet I can't recommend it enough
Summer Prescott has written a sensational new book and I think this will be her most compelling series yet....Hawg Heaven brings people together through loss, pain, joy, and real life situations. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you haven't read this book yet I can't recommend it enough
September 17, 2023
I abandoned this audiobook mostly because the narrator was unskilled in enunciation and had a high pitched, little girl, whiny voice. I cannot believe someone paid her to read aloud when she cannot pronounce words like "beaten" properly; instead she said "bea'en". There were other words that had "missing" letter Ts in them and each one irritated me more.
January 3, 2017
Enthralling
Character development is excellent. A few twists to make things interesting. The overall premise is a bit of a stretch but women entrepreneurs are always fun to see as main characters.
Character development is excellent. A few twists to make things interesting. The overall premise is a bit of a stretch but women entrepreneurs are always fun to see as main characters.
September 28, 2018
Rossalyn Channing’s throat ached when she learned that her Marine husband, William, had been killed during a mission in Afghanistan. Once she was home and alone again, she could left her grief out. Right now, she had to hide it from their 13-year-old son and her friends. But it was so hard. Her mother tried to comfort her as they walked to the funeral limo, saying that she would always have an angel watching over her now. But she would rather be in her husband’s arms instead.
Leaving the base in North Carolina, Rossalyn and Ryan headed for her parents’ house in Illinois. It would give her a chance to think about what she wanted to do with her future. They stopped at a gas station and a faded little building with a faded pink sign that said “Sugar Shack” drew her attention. When she pulled out of the gas station, she drove across the street to have a better look, much to Ryan’s confusion. Even when they get to her parents’ house, Rossalyn and Ryan tell her about the building that captured their attention and show her mom pictures of it. Surprisingly, her mom suggests she think about buying it and opening up a business. It could be just what she needs.
Continuing to think about the old building in the small town of Chatsworth, Rossalyn asked her mom to go with her to look inside. She just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her mom gave her plenty of encouragement and she knew her parents would support any decision she made. With her family’s belief in her, she decides to move forward with her plans for an eating place serving all kinds of pork— bacon, ham, chops, pulled pork, sausages— and delicious comfort food with side dishes and desserts. It was the kind of food that everyone would love. When her offer was accepted, “Hawg Heaven” was born – a motorcycle theme to honor her late husband, and a “Hawg” to hint at the pork food they would serve!
Starting up wasn’t easy. Some local hicks were angry that they didn’t get the job and Jose had been hired as the cook. They were related to the Sheriff, however, and told her that she could not complain about their behavior, throwing her sign across the room, because nothing would be done about it. When a body was found later near her restaurant and the weapon in her dumpster, the Sheriff was determined to make her life miserable. She would have to track down the murderer or both she and people she cared about could get dragged into this. Was she up to the task? Would she be able to solve the crime and make Chatsworth her home?
This was such a good book! It touches the heart and brings the reader into a loving family who embrace and support each other completely. After such a debilitating personal tragedy, Rossalyn pulls herself together and starts a new life with her son. It isn’t long, though, until she is thrust into a murder. The story line grabs the reader right from the start and moves briskly along. Join these wonderful characters in a murder mystery that will sharpen your detection skills. You won’t want to miss it!
Leaving the base in North Carolina, Rossalyn and Ryan headed for her parents’ house in Illinois. It would give her a chance to think about what she wanted to do with her future. They stopped at a gas station and a faded little building with a faded pink sign that said “Sugar Shack” drew her attention. When she pulled out of the gas station, she drove across the street to have a better look, much to Ryan’s confusion. Even when they get to her parents’ house, Rossalyn and Ryan tell her about the building that captured their attention and show her mom pictures of it. Surprisingly, her mom suggests she think about buying it and opening up a business. It could be just what she needs.
Continuing to think about the old building in the small town of Chatsworth, Rossalyn asked her mom to go with her to look inside. She just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Her mom gave her plenty of encouragement and she knew her parents would support any decision she made. With her family’s belief in her, she decides to move forward with her plans for an eating place serving all kinds of pork— bacon, ham, chops, pulled pork, sausages— and delicious comfort food with side dishes and desserts. It was the kind of food that everyone would love. When her offer was accepted, “Hawg Heaven” was born – a motorcycle theme to honor her late husband, and a “Hawg” to hint at the pork food they would serve!
Starting up wasn’t easy. Some local hicks were angry that they didn’t get the job and Jose had been hired as the cook. They were related to the Sheriff, however, and told her that she could not complain about their behavior, throwing her sign across the room, because nothing would be done about it. When a body was found later near her restaurant and the weapon in her dumpster, the Sheriff was determined to make her life miserable. She would have to track down the murderer or both she and people she cared about could get dragged into this. Was she up to the task? Would she be able to solve the crime and make Chatsworth her home?
This was such a good book! It touches the heart and brings the reader into a loving family who embrace and support each other completely. After such a debilitating personal tragedy, Rossalyn pulls herself together and starts a new life with her son. It isn’t long, though, until she is thrust into a murder. The story line grabs the reader right from the start and moves briskly along. Join these wonderful characters in a murder mystery that will sharpen your detection skills. You won’t want to miss it!
June 2, 2017
The cruelty of the Afghan war comes sharply home to Rossalyn and Ryan Channing when husband and father William is killed while on deployment there. A funeral and the need to vacate military housing lead to a cross country journey to Illinois and the arms of Rossalyn’s parents; a temporary refuge she hopes. A fortuitous stop in the small town of Chatsworth, just short of Rossie’s childhood home brings to light an interesting vacant building, once a restaurant. Its charm casts a spell and puts ideas in her head. Since this is a time of new beginnings, and with the support of Ryan and her parents, she decides to open a café there. Things go smoothly, and soon “Hawg Heaven” is almost set to open. Unfortunately, that is when the obnoxious Willis brothers, Jasper and Merle, show up to ruin and intimidate. Then, when the mysterious mountain sized motorcyclist comes by, and the dead body of a young woman is found on the back of her lot, things begin to look grim. Can she weather the storm? Will she lose her investment? Are their lives in danger? Lots of questions arise. And then there is the crooked Sheriff, Buckley Willis, to consider.
The subtitle, “Cozy Culinary Mysteries” tells you that food central to the story and “Cozy” lets you know you are not going to have to unravel a Sherlock Holmesian conundrum. For good measure “Patriot's Passing” also manages to be interesting in the bargain. And it is short, sometimes that is very desirable too. My one complaint is that the ending is abrupt and unsatisfying.
This story is sweet, simple and just the right thing for someone who does not want, or should not want, spectacular violence, or language “bombs” of various types to be present in the books they read. If that sounds good to you, go for it. I give it three stars.
Thanks to Summer Prescott Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader’s copy for review.
The subtitle, “Cozy Culinary Mysteries” tells you that food central to the story and “Cozy” lets you know you are not going to have to unravel a Sherlock Holmesian conundrum. For good measure “Patriot's Passing” also manages to be interesting in the bargain. And it is short, sometimes that is very desirable too. My one complaint is that the ending is abrupt and unsatisfying.
This story is sweet, simple and just the right thing for someone who does not want, or should not want, spectacular violence, or language “bombs” of various types to be present in the books they read. If that sounds good to you, go for it. I give it three stars.
Thanks to Summer Prescott Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader’s copy for review.
September 20, 2018
Rossalyn “Rossi” Channing and her son Ryan have suffered a terrible loss when Rossi’s military husband is killed in the line of duty. No longer able to stay on base and not sure what to do while grieving, they pack things up and decide to head to Rossi’s parents’ house. On their cross-country trip to Illinois, they stop for a pit stop and Rossi is drawn to an abandoned restaurant in a small town. As days go by, she can’t stop thinking about the building and how it would be perfect for a motorcycle themed café with a full pork-themed menu. With the encouragement of Ryan and her parent’s Rossi finds herself buying the place and calling it Hawg Heaven.
No sooner is the Hawg Heaven up and running, but Rossi has a run in with some local hooligans that are related to the sheriff and then a murder happens in the open field near the café. When the inept and corrupt sheriff decides that either Rossi or one of her staff must be the killer, she has no other choice than to find the killer herself. Luckily she has made friends with a local police officer and a motorcycle riding military vet that want to see justice.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the characters. Rossi is a strong woman; it is nice to see a female character in the role of heroine and not portrayed as dim-witted. She is raising a very polite and loving teenaged son and has a supportive family that helps her while she struggles through being a widow and opening a new restaurant. The town is filled with a bunch of quirky characters including redneck middle-aged brothers that are a menace to society and their cousin the corrupt sheriff.
The book has a good plotline, a compelling story, a good mystery, some humor, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
No sooner is the Hawg Heaven up and running, but Rossi has a run in with some local hooligans that are related to the sheriff and then a murder happens in the open field near the café. When the inept and corrupt sheriff decides that either Rossi or one of her staff must be the killer, she has no other choice than to find the killer herself. Luckily she has made friends with a local police officer and a motorcycle riding military vet that want to see justice.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the characters. Rossi is a strong woman; it is nice to see a female character in the role of heroine and not portrayed as dim-witted. She is raising a very polite and loving teenaged son and has a supportive family that helps her while she struggles through being a widow and opening a new restaurant. The town is filled with a bunch of quirky characters including redneck middle-aged brothers that are a menace to society and their cousin the corrupt sheriff.
The book has a good plotline, a compelling story, a good mystery, some humor, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2018
Rossalyn and her son Ryan are still reeling from the death of her husband and his father. She;s a Marine widow now and feels unanchored. Her and her son are on their way to her parents home in Illinois. On the way they stop at a gas station and her attention is caught by a little building named the Sugar Shack. Even after she gets to her parents her mind is on that building. Her mother makes a suggestion and both go to check it out. Then an idea bubbles in her head about a cookbook entitled Bacon Heaven and that building. On a whim and encouragement, she buys the building and names it Hawg Heaven. The name is for the fact that her late husband loved his motorcycles and she wants to cook comfort food. Then a murder occurs behind her building and her life takes on a surreal quality as it;s filled with dirty cops, a murder, two young men who need jobs, two men who are nothing more than bullies because their cousin is a cop and a neighbor who is a military man who survived Iraq. So many problems, so many questions, so many suspects.
Fantastic story of stoic character, a story about what happens to those left behind when military husbands are taken from family. The story weaves and bobs and draws you in. There are moments of clarity as well as tears but it will be a fantastic story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fantastic story of stoic character, a story about what happens to those left behind when military husbands are taken from family. The story weaves and bobs and draws you in. There are moments of clarity as well as tears but it will be a fantastic story to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2018
Rossalyn Channing needs to start life over with just
her son. Her husband has been killed in Afghanistan so
she and her son must leave the military base where
they live. She returns to her parents home in a small
town in Illinois.
On the trip home, Rossalyn sees a small vacant
building. She decides to fix it up and open an restaurant
featuring pork BBQ, bacon roses along with many other
mouthwatering pork dishes accompanied by a variety of
side dishes.
Between Rossalyn, her parents and her son, Ryan, her
dream becomes a reality.
A young woman is found murdered in a field behind the
restaurant. The murder weapon is found in the restaurant’s
dumpster. Two unsavory characters emerge to threaten
the business. They are related to the Sheriff so he is no
help. In fact Sheriff tries to accuse her and her staff of
being involved in the murder.
A moving story with artfully drawn characters involved
in a complex plot murder mystery. The action moves fast.
It is nice to see how the main character is slow to judge.
She is willing to give people a chance to prove themselves.
Will the town give Rossalyn’s restaurant Hawg Heaven
a fain chance???
I volunteered to read BBQ, Bikers, and Murder. Thanks to
Booksprout for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
her son. Her husband has been killed in Afghanistan so
she and her son must leave the military base where
they live. She returns to her parents home in a small
town in Illinois.
On the trip home, Rossalyn sees a small vacant
building. She decides to fix it up and open an restaurant
featuring pork BBQ, bacon roses along with many other
mouthwatering pork dishes accompanied by a variety of
side dishes.
Between Rossalyn, her parents and her son, Ryan, her
dream becomes a reality.
A young woman is found murdered in a field behind the
restaurant. The murder weapon is found in the restaurant’s
dumpster. Two unsavory characters emerge to threaten
the business. They are related to the Sheriff so he is no
help. In fact Sheriff tries to accuse her and her staff of
being involved in the murder.
A moving story with artfully drawn characters involved
in a complex plot murder mystery. The action moves fast.
It is nice to see how the main character is slow to judge.
She is willing to give people a chance to prove themselves.
Will the town give Rossalyn’s restaurant Hawg Heaven
a fain chance???
I volunteered to read BBQ, Bikers, and Murder. Thanks to
Booksprout for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
May 5, 2019
BBQ, Bikers, and Murder is Book 1 in Hawg Heaven Cozy Culinary Mystery Series.
This book was really fun to read and a great start to the popular series!
About the book:
A small Midwestern town.
The best BBQ in the state.
A single mom, determined to do what it takes.
A murder that rocks her world.
That alone was enough to make me want to read this book.
We meet Rossalyn Channing who is starting over with her son after her husband is killed in the military. Rossie, as she is known, finds herself smack dabbed in the middle of a murder investigation in the new town she has settled into. The sheriff is aiming to pin it on her and she has to get to the bottom of it before she winds up in jail.
The story is well thought out and the characters are strong and smart.
The author has a way of pulling you into a story and getting you hooked from the very beginning.
There are a few surprises that I won't give away because I am not a spoiler type of girl.
I was really surprised at who the murderer was and I love when I am wrong because I for sure thought I had it figured out !
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book was really fun to read and a great start to the popular series!
About the book:
A small Midwestern town.
The best BBQ in the state.
A single mom, determined to do what it takes.
A murder that rocks her world.
That alone was enough to make me want to read this book.
We meet Rossalyn Channing who is starting over with her son after her husband is killed in the military. Rossie, as she is known, finds herself smack dabbed in the middle of a murder investigation in the new town she has settled into. The sheriff is aiming to pin it on her and she has to get to the bottom of it before she winds up in jail.
The story is well thought out and the characters are strong and smart.
The author has a way of pulling you into a story and getting you hooked from the very beginning.
There are a few surprises that I won't give away because I am not a spoiler type of girl.
I was really surprised at who the murderer was and I love when I am wrong because I for sure thought I had it figured out !
I really enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 13, 2016
I will say that due to family members being in the military I was kind of scared to read this book but after a few people commented on it I carefully started reading it. First off No one will understand the sadness and hurt in receiving that folded up flag from a loved ones casket but Summer did that experience justice and with so much respect I was hooked on the book after that.
Rossalyn's husband is killed in action and she is left to pick up the pieces for her son and herself. She is in the middle of moving home with her parents for awhile when she comes across a closed down business and is drawn to it. After much soul searching and talking with her parents and son she buys the place and a house with the insurance money and moves in to open a pork bonanza cafe. She lucks out with a great new employee but after a body is found behind her shop and a few other issues she is second guessing her decision. With a little help and determination the killer is found out and she is able to move on with the next chapter of her life.
Rossalyn's husband is killed in action and she is left to pick up the pieces for her son and herself. She is in the middle of moving home with her parents for awhile when she comes across a closed down business and is drawn to it. After much soul searching and talking with her parents and son she buys the place and a house with the insurance money and moves in to open a pork bonanza cafe. She lucks out with a great new employee but after a body is found behind her shop and a few other issues she is second guessing her decision. With a little help and determination the killer is found out and she is able to move on with the next chapter of her life.
September 26, 2025
“Patriot's Passing”, first in the 'Hawg Heaven Cosy Culinary Mystery' series, is a bite-size read (a long novella at best).
Recently widowed Rosalyn Channing and her son Ryan, 13, have to leave their Marine base housing and find a new home.
It's odd - Rosalyn is a patriot through and through, she doesn't even question the morality of throwing families to the wind when a warrior dies.
There is one thing that stands out in the first few pages - it's an empty casket!
It leaves the author with the opportunity to resurrect hubby at any stage in the series.
Anyhoo - she opens a diner in a small town and makes a success of it, but has to deal with a corrupt sheriff, some of his relatives, and a dead body beside her premises.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the 'mountainous' biker and the 'handsome' police officer.
It's the kind of read that passes time pleasantly, so much so that the reader doesn't really realise just how glacial progress is, or how the mystery effectively solves itself without Rosalyn.
I blazed through five book in the series in a day.
3 Stars.
Recently widowed Rosalyn Channing and her son Ryan, 13, have to leave their Marine base housing and find a new home.
It's odd - Rosalyn is a patriot through and through, she doesn't even question the morality of throwing families to the wind when a warrior dies.
There is one thing that stands out in the first few pages - it's an empty casket!
It leaves the author with the opportunity to resurrect hubby at any stage in the series.
Anyhoo - she opens a diner in a small town and makes a success of it, but has to deal with a corrupt sheriff, some of his relatives, and a dead body beside her premises.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the 'mountainous' biker and the 'handsome' police officer.
It's the kind of read that passes time pleasantly, so much so that the reader doesn't really realise just how glacial progress is, or how the mystery effectively solves itself without Rosalyn.
I blazed through five book in the series in a day.
3 Stars.
March 21, 2021
Running the rumor mill
Summer Prescott is a prolific writer and I have read many of her books.This is the begin of a new series and I am already looking forward to Book 2.
Rossilyn and her 13 year old son are starting over after the death of her military husband.
She has decided to open a cafe specializing in Pork comfort foods. Just the descriptions of the menu items is enough to make the reader drool.
Rossie hires some young men from the community and discover that they come with baggage. When a young woman is discovered dead in a lot behind her cafe everyone becomes a suspect and rumors abound about her employees.
This is a good book and I was totally immersed but it ended quickly without satisfying my need for in depth details. MS. Prescott does not include recipes but I always leave her books with numerous culinary ideas. I have a strong desire to learn more about the characters and storyline which is a good reason to read the next book in the series.
Summer Prescott is a prolific writer and I have read many of her books.This is the begin of a new series and I am already looking forward to Book 2.
Rossilyn and her 13 year old son are starting over after the death of her military husband.
She has decided to open a cafe specializing in Pork comfort foods. Just the descriptions of the menu items is enough to make the reader drool.
Rossie hires some young men from the community and discover that they come with baggage. When a young woman is discovered dead in a lot behind her cafe everyone becomes a suspect and rumors abound about her employees.
This is a good book and I was totally immersed but it ended quickly without satisfying my need for in depth details. MS. Prescott does not include recipes but I always leave her books with numerous culinary ideas. I have a strong desire to learn more about the characters and storyline which is a good reason to read the next book in the series.
October 4, 2018
Rosslyn Channing is one tough mother. After the death of her husband who was serving in the military, she moves her son and herself to a small town to start life anew. She sees a little building that she knows would be great as a diner. She knows her late husband would love the small diner in a small town. Then there is a body found on her property, and the sheriff thinks she is the killer! What!!!???!!! Just when she thought things were going fairly well, now this? Can Rosie prove her innocence or will she end up in jail and her son without a mother? You will need to read the book to see how this feisty little lady takes on the sheriff. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
October 13, 2018
A woman with a young son has just lost her Marine husband.
She relocates her small family to Illionos near her own parents looking for a fresh start. On her way there she sees a closed shop and something in her yearns what she can do with it.
With the support of her son and parents she buys that shop and makes it into a diner.
This is Rossalyn's story and how she creates a new life for herself and her son in spite of personal tragedy and no experience of running a business.
Rossalyn made me want to get up and face the world face on. She makes you want to face every fear head on and live your life.
A beautiful protagonist and a lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
She relocates her small family to Illionos near her own parents looking for a fresh start. On her way there she sees a closed shop and something in her yearns what she can do with it.
With the support of her son and parents she buys that shop and makes it into a diner.
This is Rossalyn's story and how she creates a new life for herself and her son in spite of personal tragedy and no experience of running a business.
Rossalyn made me want to get up and face the world face on. She makes you want to face every fear head on and live your life.
A beautiful protagonist and a lovely story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2018
A young widow decides to open a cafe/diner in a small town, not in but near her hometown. Everything seems to work fine until the town bullies, cousins to the sherrif, come to visit her to make trouble.
Rossalyn fights back by calling in her biker neighbor and former military. She also hired a young man, who people say strange things about. When the body of a young woman is found in a field behind her diner things get interesting, especially as it looks like 2 of her 3 employees are suspect to be the murderer.
The story is fun to read, a typical cozy mystery of small town America.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rossalyn fights back by calling in her biker neighbor and former military. She also hired a young man, who people say strange things about. When the body of a young woman is found in a field behind her diner things get interesting, especially as it looks like 2 of her 3 employees are suspect to be the murderer.
The story is fun to read, a typical cozy mystery of small town America.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2018
BBQ, Bikers, and Murder by Summer Prescott throws up some interesting questions that don’t get answered by the end of the book. Rossalyn Channing buries her military husband who died in the line of duty. There was no explanation as to why the casket was empty and this stuck in my mind as unusual. Later on in the book, after the restaurant is open, we never see Rossalyn’s parents at the restaurant. Characterisation was great; every character was true to life and believable. An interesting plot kept the pages turning in what was an overall enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2018
Rossalyn and her son Ryan move closer to her parents after her husband is killed in action, just when she thought she was lost in regards to what to do now a little building calls out to her and with the encouragement from not only her parents but also Ryan she takes the leap to open her own Cafe. There are characters you will love, loath and be intrigued by and they bring this book to life and draw you in, the foundation has definitely been laid for this to be an amazing series and I can not wait to read the next book in the series to see what happens next for Rossalyn in this new stage of her life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2018
after losing her amazing hubby to war in Afghanistan, Rossi goes back to her hometown with her teen son in tow
a small shop for sale turns out to be bacon amazing - Hawg Heaven - a pork lover delight destination
can she hold onto her new start in the face of a new death?
what else does she have to lose?
what can she hang onto? whom?
second chances might be necessary, but at what cost?
suspense and endurance in the face of adversity story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
a small shop for sale turns out to be bacon amazing - Hawg Heaven - a pork lover delight destination
can she hold onto her new start in the face of a new death?
what else does she have to lose?
what can she hang onto? whom?
second chances might be necessary, but at what cost?
suspense and endurance in the face of adversity story
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 3, 2018
Rosslyn and her teenage son move to Chatsworth, IL after her husband dies in Afghanistan. She opens a diner, starts to get busy and promptly gets embroiled in a murder committed in the field behind her business. With two local bullies protected by their cousin the sheriff and two persons of interest as employees, Rosslyn has her hands full. This was a fun cozy mystery with a colorful cast of characters and an interesting setting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 7, 2018
This is a good book. It isn't what I would call a normal cozy mystery but it is a mystery. The main character is a newly-widowed mother who moves closer to her parents. She buys a rundown store and turns it into a cafe. Trouble is caused by a hateful sheriff and his 2 nephews. She has some knights who help her but I won't say who. I'm going to check out other books by this author because she is definitely a good story-teller and I want to read some more of her books based on this book. I really enjoyed it.
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