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A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery #2
Playing With Bonbon Fire
Chocoholic Charity Penn must smoke out the killer to stop her newly inherited beachside chocolate shop from going up in flames in Dorothy St. James’ decadent follow-up to Asking for Truffle.
Chocolate shop owner Charity Penn is finally settling into life in the quirky South Carolina seaside town of Camellia Beach cooking up chocolate treats. She’s even helped organize the town’s lively beach music festival which has brought rollicking crowds eager to dance the Carolina shag. That is, until one of the band’s lead singers is found dead beside a beach bonfire.
While also trying to balance the amorous attention of music star Bixby Lewis, in town for the festival, and her quest to perfect a new hot flavored bonbon, Charity dives into the investigation. Though it’s more spice than sugar when she discovers a threatening note, comes across decades of age-old secrets, and Bixby comes into the line of fire when a gas grill explodes on the deck of a beachfront house.
Now Charity must turn up the heat and catch the killer before her chance melts away in Playing With Bonbon Fire, the delightful second Chocolate Shop mystery served up just right for fans of JoAnna Carl and Joanne Fluke.
Chocolate shop owner Charity Penn is finally settling into life in the quirky South Carolina seaside town of Camellia Beach cooking up chocolate treats. She’s even helped organize the town’s lively beach music festival which has brought rollicking crowds eager to dance the Carolina shag. That is, until one of the band’s lead singers is found dead beside a beach bonfire.
While also trying to balance the amorous attention of music star Bixby Lewis, in town for the festival, and her quest to perfect a new hot flavored bonbon, Charity dives into the investigation. Though it’s more spice than sugar when she discovers a threatening note, comes across decades of age-old secrets, and Bixby comes into the line of fire when a gas grill explodes on the deck of a beachfront house.
Now Charity must turn up the heat and catch the killer before her chance melts away in Playing With Bonbon Fire, the delightful second Chocolate Shop mystery served up just right for fans of JoAnna Carl and Joanne Fluke.
346 pages, Hardcover
First published March 13, 2018
51 people are currently reading
1089 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy St. James
11 books586 followersPseudonym for author Dorothy McFalls
Mystery author Dorothy St. James was born in New York but raised in South Carolina. She makes her home on an artsy island community in South Carolina with her husband, tiny little dog and fluffy cat. Though writing has always been a passion for her, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and a graduate degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning. She put her educational experience to use, having worked in all branches and all levels of government including local, regional, state, and federal. She even spent time during college working for a non-profit environmental watchdog organization.
Switching from government service and community planning to fiction writing wasn't as big of a change as some might think. Her government work was all about the stories of the people and the places where they live. As an urban planner, Dorothy loved telling the stories of the people she met. And from that, her desire to tell the tales that were so alive in her heart grew until she could not ignore it any longer. In 2001, she took a leap of faith and pursued her dream of writing fiction full-time.
Mystery author Dorothy St. James was born in New York but raised in South Carolina. She makes her home on an artsy island community in South Carolina with her husband, tiny little dog and fluffy cat. Though writing has always been a passion for her, she pursued an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology and a graduate degree in Public Administration and Urban Planning. She put her educational experience to use, having worked in all branches and all levels of government including local, regional, state, and federal. She even spent time during college working for a non-profit environmental watchdog organization.
Switching from government service and community planning to fiction writing wasn't as big of a change as some might think. Her government work was all about the stories of the people and the places where they live. As an urban planner, Dorothy loved telling the stories of the people she met. And from that, her desire to tell the tales that were so alive in her heart grew until she could not ignore it any longer. In 2001, she took a leap of faith and pursued her dream of writing fiction full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
July 30, 2022
Why This Book
I belong to a cozy mystery group that offers a few giveaways to read ARCS each month. I won Playing With Bonbon Fire by Dorothy St. James and picked it up in between my Agatha Christie Readathon books this week. I adore cozy mysteries, have a sweet spot for chocolate, and am growing more interested in living in the southern part of the US. Good combo, eh?
Approach & Style
It took me 3 hours to read a hard copy of this ~335 page novel, the second in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series. It is told in 1st person point-of-view with the perspective focused solely on the main character, Charity Penn (see more on her later). It has a typical cozy feel with easy flow from chapter to chapter, dialog, and descriptions. I usually read books in order, but this had a rush due date to deliver a review, so I couldn't go back to the first one. I think it's important to read this series in order, as there are details about the character in the first book that would have been helpful, but still, it was a quick and fun read.
Plot, Characters & Setting
Charity Penn, known simply as Penn because she dislikes her first name, inherited the chocolate shop from her maternal grandmother. She was abandoned my her mother at birth, delivered to her rich but seemingly difficult or abrasive father and his family. She grew up feeling alone and isolated, but is starting to develop a better relationship with her half-sister, Tina. Penn hasn't quite adapted to cooking and running the bonbon shop, but she has support from her late grandmother's friends and wants to make the woman proud. In this caper, Tina sends ex-boyfriend, Bixby, to help sing with his band at the town's festival, as it will help cement Penn in a more admired role. The town hasn't quite warmed up to her yet, and her grandmother's other children don't believe she's really one of them or should have inherited the shop. All she wants is to find her mother who disappeared years ago. Bixby suddenly fights with another band at the festival over rights to a song, and then the current song owner winds up dead. Penn's mother's history is tied up in this mystery and it all comes to a head in a big scene at the end of the book. She now knows who her mother is!
Key Thoughts
It's a good example of a typical cozy mystery with a few standout moments, including the connections and mysteries surrounding Penn's family (both her mother's and her father's sides), the bonds she has with a few of her late grandmother's friends helping to transition the store, and the romances she could potentially have with some of the men in the town. I like Penn's personality and style and she seems to have a fair balance of when to push and when to back away in terms of investigating any crimes. I like that there's only one or two recipes so we don't lose too much page space to non-story items. I also enjoyed the descriptions of how she works in the bakery preparing food and securing the chocolate beans from a remote South American jungle.
The mystery was medium-complex with a few red herrings and several paths to trace before landing at the true culprit. It kept me guessing most of the way through and even had me traveling down a wrong path. One of the issues I had was not knowing a few people's ages, so I could never be sure if they were a candidate to be Penn's mother and/or date someone else. Of course people can date someone a generation older or younger, but it's not that common in a cozy mystery so I was trying to line it all up. That said, when the details came out, it was believable, but a tad rushed. We stumble upon the criminal and learn some secrets, yet we don't quite get all the details surrounding the why/how from ~35 years ago when a song was created... but it mostly all fits together. I think it just needed a bit more detail and explanation, but that could be coming in the next book in the series. I'm open-minded!
Summary
I'd give the book 3.5 stars and would recommend it as a solid read. I see a lot of potential in the series with the family drama and the chocolate shop, but the ending came a bit too quickly, so there is some room for growth. All in all, I'm glad I read this one and will definitely read more in the series and from this author.
I belong to a cozy mystery group that offers a few giveaways to read ARCS each month. I won Playing With Bonbon Fire by Dorothy St. James and picked it up in between my Agatha Christie Readathon books this week. I adore cozy mysteries, have a sweet spot for chocolate, and am growing more interested in living in the southern part of the US. Good combo, eh?
Approach & Style
It took me 3 hours to read a hard copy of this ~335 page novel, the second in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series. It is told in 1st person point-of-view with the perspective focused solely on the main character, Charity Penn (see more on her later). It has a typical cozy feel with easy flow from chapter to chapter, dialog, and descriptions. I usually read books in order, but this had a rush due date to deliver a review, so I couldn't go back to the first one. I think it's important to read this series in order, as there are details about the character in the first book that would have been helpful, but still, it was a quick and fun read.
Plot, Characters & Setting
Charity Penn, known simply as Penn because she dislikes her first name, inherited the chocolate shop from her maternal grandmother. She was abandoned my her mother at birth, delivered to her rich but seemingly difficult or abrasive father and his family. She grew up feeling alone and isolated, but is starting to develop a better relationship with her half-sister, Tina. Penn hasn't quite adapted to cooking and running the bonbon shop, but she has support from her late grandmother's friends and wants to make the woman proud. In this caper, Tina sends ex-boyfriend, Bixby, to help sing with his band at the town's festival, as it will help cement Penn in a more admired role. The town hasn't quite warmed up to her yet, and her grandmother's other children don't believe she's really one of them or should have inherited the shop. All she wants is to find her mother who disappeared years ago. Bixby suddenly fights with another band at the festival over rights to a song, and then the current song owner winds up dead. Penn's mother's history is tied up in this mystery and it all comes to a head in a big scene at the end of the book. She now knows who her mother is!
Key Thoughts
It's a good example of a typical cozy mystery with a few standout moments, including the connections and mysteries surrounding Penn's family (both her mother's and her father's sides), the bonds she has with a few of her late grandmother's friends helping to transition the store, and the romances she could potentially have with some of the men in the town. I like Penn's personality and style and she seems to have a fair balance of when to push and when to back away in terms of investigating any crimes. I like that there's only one or two recipes so we don't lose too much page space to non-story items. I also enjoyed the descriptions of how she works in the bakery preparing food and securing the chocolate beans from a remote South American jungle.
The mystery was medium-complex with a few red herrings and several paths to trace before landing at the true culprit. It kept me guessing most of the way through and even had me traveling down a wrong path. One of the issues I had was not knowing a few people's ages, so I could never be sure if they were a candidate to be Penn's mother and/or date someone else. Of course people can date someone a generation older or younger, but it's not that common in a cozy mystery so I was trying to line it all up. That said, when the details came out, it was believable, but a tad rushed. We stumble upon the criminal and learn some secrets, yet we don't quite get all the details surrounding the why/how from ~35 years ago when a song was created... but it mostly all fits together. I think it just needed a bit more detail and explanation, but that could be coming in the next book in the series. I'm open-minded!
Summary
I'd give the book 3.5 stars and would recommend it as a solid read. I see a lot of potential in the series with the family drama and the chocolate shop, but the ending came a bit too quickly, so there is some room for growth. All in all, I'm glad I read this one and will definitely read more in the series and from this author.
March 26, 2018
The title Playing With Bonbon Fire makes me chuckle after reading the book...That was some bonbon fire alright.
Penn and Bubba have organized the Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival as a highlight for the tourist crowd in Camellia Beach. On the first night of the festival the lead singer of one of the bands is murdered but only after he got in a public fight on the beach with Bubba who in the heat of the moment threatened to kill him. When the dead man is found Bubba is missing....
And will the search for Penn's mother who left her with her father and his unloving family when she was a baby be successful?
There are several subplots in this mystery that keep the story going at a great pace and come very well together in a surprising ending.
This can be read as a stand alone but if you plan on reading the first book in the series as well than I highly recommend reading that first.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with an advance copy.
Penn and Bubba have organized the Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival as a highlight for the tourist crowd in Camellia Beach. On the first night of the festival the lead singer of one of the bands is murdered but only after he got in a public fight on the beach with Bubba who in the heat of the moment threatened to kill him. When the dead man is found Bubba is missing....
And will the search for Penn's mother who left her with her father and his unloving family when she was a baby be successful?
There are several subplots in this mystery that keep the story going at a great pace and come very well together in a surprising ending.
This can be read as a stand alone but if you plan on reading the first book in the series as well than I highly recommend reading that first.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with an advance copy.
February 19, 2018
Charity Penn is settling into her new life in Camellia Beach, SC running the chocolate shop she inherited. While still trying to solve some mysteries about her mother, she's making new friends, learning to trust people again, and getting involved in local events. Camellia Beach is gearing up for its beach festival and Penn has agreed to help organize the event. Famous singer Bixby Lewis, who used to date Penn's half-sister Tina, is in town to perform. Two other groups featuring local musicians are also going to perform, despite bad blood between two of the musicians. When one of the performers is found dead by a beach bonfire and strange attacks on Penn's chocolate shop start happening, Penn knows she needs to investigate before more people are killed.
I like the quirky, unusual characters in this series. Penn has some serious issues with trust and personal space, but given her background that's understandable. I like her as a main character because she's different....not a tropey formula MC. I like the fact that residents of Camellia Beach are finally treating Penn as one of their own, not as an outsider. There is some excellent character development for Penn and a couple of the other characters in the series in this second book. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book! Penn's on-going struggle to solve her issues with her biological family adds an interesting secondary storyline to this series. At times, I really want to jump into the story and knock her relatives around a bit for being jerks. This secondary plot line doesn't get in the way of the mystery, but enhances it. The mystery moves along at a nice pace with plenty of suspects and some unexpected twists. The story held my attention from beginning to end. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery.
The cover is colorful and cute, as usual. And, there are some yummy recipes in the back of the book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
I like the quirky, unusual characters in this series. Penn has some serious issues with trust and personal space, but given her background that's understandable. I like her as a main character because she's different....not a tropey formula MC. I like the fact that residents of Camellia Beach are finally treating Penn as one of their own, not as an outsider. There is some excellent character development for Penn and a couple of the other characters in the series in this second book. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book! Penn's on-going struggle to solve her issues with her biological family adds an interesting secondary storyline to this series. At times, I really want to jump into the story and knock her relatives around a bit for being jerks. This secondary plot line doesn't get in the way of the mystery, but enhances it. The mystery moves along at a nice pace with plenty of suspects and some unexpected twists. The story held my attention from beginning to end. All in all, a very enjoyable cozy mystery.
The cover is colorful and cute, as usual. And, there are some yummy recipes in the back of the book! :)
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Crooked Lane via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
March 24, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Camellia Beach is going to be filled with music and people as the Beach Music Festival begins. Thanks to a little help from her half-sister Tina, Penn is able to book the famous Bixby Lewis to be the headliner of the festival. The event is also going to mean The Chocolate Box is going to have tons of customers. She is still learning to make the perfect bonbon, but with Bertie’s help, they will have enough chocolate treats to serve the masses.
But the first night of the festival brings tragedy. A body is found in the bonfire and Penn can’t help but jump right into the investigation. She is also helping Bixby with a stalker, trying to keep her business open after several freaky occurrences, plus she is dealing with a lawsuit over ownership of The Chocolate Box and oh, she also wants to create her own special spicy hot bonbon while trying to find her birth mother.
We are getting to know these characters better and Penn is opening up more in this story. She is making friends and getting involved in the happenings in Camellia Beach. But top on her list is finding her mother and proving that the chocolate shop left to her should be solely hers. I don’t know how any person could handle everything that she had to deal with in this short time span. Thankfully she had her friends and her sister to lean on and step in while she was running all over town chasing down leads and trying to keep the festival on track.
The author really blends two mysteries together in this book. A murder mystery and the search for Penn’s mother. They coexist very naturally together. Both have surprising twists. The main mystery, the murder, had many topsy-turvy turns. There was so much going on and I was not sure how the whole plot was going to come together, but when we reached the end, it all did.
I usually read a book like this over 2 evenings, but I was having a very hard time putting this book down the first night. Finally, my body made the decision for me, when I could no longer keep my eyes open. I hated having to work the next day because I would have rather been reading, but I escaped back into it before supper was even on the table. The ending was surprising and not what I was expecting at all. Fantastic storytelling by this author.
I can’t forget to mention the bonbons, the truffles and all the other goodies for sale at The Chocolate Box. You may want to have some chocolate on hand while reading this story because the descriptions will have you drooling.
I enjoyed everything about this story. Dorothy St. James has packed these pages full of mystery, drama, action, and chocolate. I am excited for the continuation of this series.
Camellia Beach is going to be filled with music and people as the Beach Music Festival begins. Thanks to a little help from her half-sister Tina, Penn is able to book the famous Bixby Lewis to be the headliner of the festival. The event is also going to mean The Chocolate Box is going to have tons of customers. She is still learning to make the perfect bonbon, but with Bertie’s help, they will have enough chocolate treats to serve the masses.
But the first night of the festival brings tragedy. A body is found in the bonfire and Penn can’t help but jump right into the investigation. She is also helping Bixby with a stalker, trying to keep her business open after several freaky occurrences, plus she is dealing with a lawsuit over ownership of The Chocolate Box and oh, she also wants to create her own special spicy hot bonbon while trying to find her birth mother.
We are getting to know these characters better and Penn is opening up more in this story. She is making friends and getting involved in the happenings in Camellia Beach. But top on her list is finding her mother and proving that the chocolate shop left to her should be solely hers. I don’t know how any person could handle everything that she had to deal with in this short time span. Thankfully she had her friends and her sister to lean on and step in while she was running all over town chasing down leads and trying to keep the festival on track.
The author really blends two mysteries together in this book. A murder mystery and the search for Penn’s mother. They coexist very naturally together. Both have surprising twists. The main mystery, the murder, had many topsy-turvy turns. There was so much going on and I was not sure how the whole plot was going to come together, but when we reached the end, it all did.
I usually read a book like this over 2 evenings, but I was having a very hard time putting this book down the first night. Finally, my body made the decision for me, when I could no longer keep my eyes open. I hated having to work the next day because I would have rather been reading, but I escaped back into it before supper was even on the table. The ending was surprising and not what I was expecting at all. Fantastic storytelling by this author.
I can’t forget to mention the bonbons, the truffles and all the other goodies for sale at The Chocolate Box. You may want to have some chocolate on hand while reading this story because the descriptions will have you drooling.
I enjoyed everything about this story. Dorothy St. James has packed these pages full of mystery, drama, action, and chocolate. I am excited for the continuation of this series.
January 30, 2018
Charity Penn is starting to make a life in Camellia Beach in the second book in the second book. She is settling into her inherited chocolate shop. Penn has organized a Music Festival which will feature a leading rock star, Bixby Lewis. One of the band members is found murder on the beach. While Penn is searching for a replacement act she learns secrets of her various friends and the band. Bixby hears a song he wants to buy. Penn is still searching for clues to her Mother's identity. The tale so will take several turns as Penn uncovers answers that will help satisfy her concerns before she forfeits her life. Chocolate recipes are included. I highly recommend this book
Disclosure: Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for my copy of the book for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books for my copy of the book for review. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 15, 2018
Charity Penn has taken charge of The Chocolate Box shop she inherited from her grandmother Mabel in lovely, quaint Camellia Beach, South Carolina. Mabel’s friend, Bertie, is still making the luscious bonbons that are the Shop specialities, and Penn keeps hoping she’ll be able to create her own hot bonbon recipe. The beachside town is awhirl because it’s Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival time. Pop star Bixby Lewis is there as a favor to Penn’s half-sister, Tina. He’s been followed by a crazy stalker who causes constant trouble. Tragedy soon strikes the music festivities when a band singer dies. Clever plotting entwines the search for the killer and the mystery surrounding the missing Caroline who may be Penn’s birth mother. Penn is still adamant about finding out the identity of her mother, and I was about as shocked as Penn was by the closure of that journey.
I found book two in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries much more entertaining than the first story. Protagonist, Charity Penn, has strengthened and matured in character beyond the paranoid mess she was when she first arrived in Camellia Beach. Cute little Stella, the papillion, remains with Penn and I believe she’ll make a dog lover out of her yet! I do recommend this story for a great beach/summer read.
I found book two in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries much more entertaining than the first story. Protagonist, Charity Penn, has strengthened and matured in character beyond the paranoid mess she was when she first arrived in Camellia Beach. Cute little Stella, the papillion, remains with Penn and I believe she’ll make a dog lover out of her yet! I do recommend this story for a great beach/summer read.
March 21, 2018
A cozy mystery with chocolate in it? There was no way I was going to pass up this book. And, I’m so happy I didn’t!
Along with all the wonderful chocolate talk, and the yummy recipes at the back of this book, PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE was a well thought out story, with interesting characters.
The main murder mystery in the story is not the only mystery you’ll find between the pages of this tale. Protagonist Charity Penn has an ongoing mystery of her own. She doesn’t know who her birth mother is. Charity’s back story makes for some poignant reading.
A good plot, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE, was a quick, enjoyable read.
Along with all the wonderful chocolate talk, and the yummy recipes at the back of this book, PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE was a well thought out story, with interesting characters.
The main murder mystery in the story is not the only mystery you’ll find between the pages of this tale. Protagonist Charity Penn has an ongoing mystery of her own. She doesn’t know who her birth mother is. Charity’s back story makes for some poignant reading.
A good plot, with just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE, was a quick, enjoyable read.
March 13, 2018
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January 13, 2018
In this installment of A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery, Penn is helping to organize a beach music fest to attract tourist to the lovely town of Camelia Beach, S C., while creating more captivating concoctions to keep her chocolate shop in business. Tragically, a festival singer is found dead in a bonfire. There is a threatening note, an explosion and just enough twists to make Penn delve into this whodunit with fierce abandon, uncovering the pieces of a decade old mystery. This is definitely a must read if you liked the first book, Asking for Truffle. It also stands on its own. There is a pleasant cast of characters in this book. I appreciated the way Dorothy St. James deftly tied this mystery together in a neat bow at the end. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
February 22, 2018
I finished reading Playing with Bonbon Fire last night. I enjoyed this second in series mystery. This one is being published by Crooked Lane Books March 13th and it has a good mystery, even better is the ongoing mystery of who Charity's birth mother is. You can not help but feel for Charity who rightfully so goes by the name of Penn, her Paternal Grandmother made her feel unwelcome and unwanted her entire life and made sure everyone knew it, giving her the name Charity just to spite her existence. This theme of being unwanted and not having a place to feel connected or part of is a very good theme in this series, it may seem impossible in many ways that anyone would be so cruel, but Penn has many qualities readers can relate too. I like that nothing is easy or perfect in this characters life, that she is woefully pragmatic and yet hopeful and disillusioned at the same time. This book was a good read and I am pleased to have gotten the ARC to read and review.
May 5, 2018
Penn is settling in to her new life as a business owner and full-time resident of Camellia Beach, South Carolina. She's still having difficulty following her late grandmother's recipes but decides to organize a beach music festival. Her sister's former beau--Bixby--is a pop star who flies in to charm everyone, but his sweet talk may be covering up something more sinister, while a Congressman running for Senator is shaking every hand in sight. Could secrets from over 30 years ago be the cause of a murder as the festival kicks off? And could these events hold the key to the disappearance of Carolina Maybanks--who Penn believes to be her mother?
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The book had many plot layers and kept me engaged until the very end. While I correctly deduced the killer's identity, I was still interested in continuing until the end. I am rooting for Penn the entire time--both to find the killer and for her to solve the mystery her mother's true identity. I enjoyed the local flavor of the book, as I love books set in the Carolinas. Plus, who can resist cozies and chocolates? This book does a great job combining both and the ending also marks a special milestone for Penn.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The book had many plot layers and kept me engaged until the very end. While I correctly deduced the killer's identity, I was still interested in continuing until the end. I am rooting for Penn the entire time--both to find the killer and for her to solve the mystery her mother's true identity. I enjoyed the local flavor of the book, as I love books set in the Carolinas. Plus, who can resist cozies and chocolates? This book does a great job combining both and the ending also marks a special milestone for Penn.
February 23, 2018
Charity Penn is a very fun character. This is the first book I've read, so I'm still learning the history of Penn.
In this story, a music festival is taking place and some murders are sending the small town into a tailspin.
Penn is still trying to learn the truth about her mom and this is where things get good.
I really enjoyed this story and the author did a great job of keeping me guessing.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
In this story, a music festival is taking place and some murders are sending the small town into a tailspin.
Penn is still trying to learn the truth about her mom and this is where things get good.
I really enjoyed this story and the author did a great job of keeping me guessing.
I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 3, 2018
Charity Penn is settling into her new life in Camellia Beach, SC running the chocolate shop she inherited. While still trying to solve some mysteries about her mother, she's making new friends, learning to trust people again, and getting involved in local events. Camelia Beach is trying to have it's second Beach Festival, the first was 40 years earlier. Penn has agreed to help Bubba, organize the event. Bixby Lewis, a well-known singer trying to reignite his career, has agreed to perform. It turns out he dated Penn's half-sister Trina. Penn is still dealing with her grandmother's children, who don't believe she's related to them or should have inherited the shop. All she wants is to find her mother who disappeared years ago. When Bixby fights with another band at the festival over rights to a song, and then the current song owner winds up dead in a bonfire, Penn is pulled into the investigation. Penn's mother's history is tied up in this mystery and it all comes to a head in a big scene at the end of the book. Can Penn help solve the mystery, save the festival as well as her shop?
I enjoyed this book more than the first. Penn finally comes to grips with her past and begins to develop a positive relationship with Trina, her half-sister. She is becoming a more self-assured young lady and does not complain and whine about her past like she did in the first book. There is a pleasant cast of characters in this book with some good connections. I enjoyed more the presence of Althea, the crystal store owner, Penn's best friend and magic aficionado. I liked the further development of Penn's personality and style and she seems to have a fair balance of when to push and when to back away in terms of investigating any crimes. She is definitely developing her skills as an amateur sleuth. The mystery had me guessing throughout most of the book. I had an inkling of who the murderer was and I was correct, but the reason behind it and how it tied in with the missing song was well done. There was enough humour in this book to keep a cozy mystery lover happy, especially when it comes to the display window in the Chocolate Shop. I appreciated the way Dorothy St. James deftly tied this mystery together at the end. I would recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy a culinary cozy.
I enjoyed this book more than the first. Penn finally comes to grips with her past and begins to develop a positive relationship with Trina, her half-sister. She is becoming a more self-assured young lady and does not complain and whine about her past like she did in the first book. There is a pleasant cast of characters in this book with some good connections. I enjoyed more the presence of Althea, the crystal store owner, Penn's best friend and magic aficionado. I liked the further development of Penn's personality and style and she seems to have a fair balance of when to push and when to back away in terms of investigating any crimes. She is definitely developing her skills as an amateur sleuth. The mystery had me guessing throughout most of the book. I had an inkling of who the murderer was and I was correct, but the reason behind it and how it tied in with the missing song was well done. There was enough humour in this book to keep a cozy mystery lover happy, especially when it comes to the display window in the Chocolate Shop. I appreciated the way Dorothy St. James deftly tied this mystery together at the end. I would recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy a culinary cozy.
October 25, 2018
I'm really enjoying this series! This book takes place in June during a beach music festival that Penn helped organize. When one of the singers that was going to perform was killed, Penn was worried that it was meant for another singer. This led to events that happened back in the summer of 1975 and what may have happened to Penn's birth mother. There was a tangled web of lies, deception, blackmail over the years and it was fun to watch it all play out. I had suspected the person who ended up as the killer, but as usual, didn't know all the details.
I loved it that Penn's half-sister, Tina, came to visit. She was such a fun character and a really good helper when it came to sleuthing or running the chocolate shop. I hope she visits again! We found out a little more about Bertie's background, which just ended up making her even more lovable. Penn got the answers she was looking for regarding her birth mother. Chief Byrd wasn't as rough on Penn this time around since Detective Gibbons was doing most of the sleuthing, but he still held to his belief that Penn brought murder and troublemakers to their peaceful little island town.
I'm glad that Penn feels like she's finally got a real family. She's much closer to Tina now than ever even though Tina has always defended her. I hope Penn's friendship with Harley becomes a little more than just friendship. I'll be starting the next book today.
I loved it that Penn's half-sister, Tina, came to visit. She was such a fun character and a really good helper when it came to sleuthing or running the chocolate shop. I hope she visits again! We found out a little more about Bertie's background, which just ended up making her even more lovable. Penn got the answers she was looking for regarding her birth mother. Chief Byrd wasn't as rough on Penn this time around since Detective Gibbons was doing most of the sleuthing, but he still held to his belief that Penn brought murder and troublemakers to their peaceful little island town.
I'm glad that Penn feels like she's finally got a real family. She's much closer to Tina now than ever even though Tina has always defended her. I hope Penn's friendship with Harley becomes a little more than just friendship. I'll be starting the next book today.
August 25, 2022
Sto leggendo questa serie andando in qua e in là e non la finirò, visto che il terzo libro è scomparso (almeno nel formato ebook): così ora l'ho finita. Non è malaccio, sebbene anche stavolta avessi capito ben presto chi fosse il colpevole.
February 26, 2018
Charity Penn is finally settling into life in the quirky South Carolina seaside town of Camellia Beach and cooking up chocolate treats, sometimes. She has helped organize the town’s lively beach music festival which has brought rollicking crowds. That is until one of the band’s lead singers is found dead beside a beach bonfire.
While also trying to balance the amorous attention of music star Bixby Lewis, in town for the festival, and her quest to perfect a new hot flavored bonbon, Charity dives into the investigation. Though it’s more spice than sugar when she discovers a threatening note and comes across decades of age-old secrets. Bixby comes into the line of fire when a gas grill explodes on the deck of a beachfront house, and a crazy stalker is chasing after him.
--
Series: A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery - Book 2
Author: Dorothy St. James
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books - Publishing Date: March 13, 2018
Charity (Penn) is an evolving character who is slowly opening up and enjoying the love and attention of those around her. This is a lively and exciting story filled with all the elements of a good who-done-it. Playing with Bonbon Fire is the second book in the “A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery” series and is a wonderful adventure into the past and the present.
Penn is not used to having anyone care about her. When her new friends who have shown her nothing but kindness and love find themselves under suspicion, she does whatever it takes to help the police find a killer bent on framing one of them.
Penn is a likable character who is becoming more and more loveable. In the first book of this series, Asking for Truffle, Penn was always downcast with no hope for the future. In this latest installment, she has become more outgoing, more trusting, and fiercely protective of her friends even though her heart is breaking over the past.
Tina, Penn’s sister, plays a much bigger role in this book and readers will love her. She is everything Penn is not but is the one-person Penn has always loved and knew that she was loved in return. Other returning characters such as Harley are also present and play important roles in the discovery of the killer.
The ocean side setting is a lovely picture of everything a seaside town should be minus the murder. Camellia Beach is a caring community that doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand when Penn needs it the most. It has become home, and she will protect it for as long as she can.
Playing with Bonbon Fire is a great addition to the series and readers will be left wanting more. Ms. St. James is a talented writer who knows how to grow characters into loveable members of a reader’s fictitious family. This book and series are highly recommended to lovers of chocolate and intrigue.
While also trying to balance the amorous attention of music star Bixby Lewis, in town for the festival, and her quest to perfect a new hot flavored bonbon, Charity dives into the investigation. Though it’s more spice than sugar when she discovers a threatening note and comes across decades of age-old secrets. Bixby comes into the line of fire when a gas grill explodes on the deck of a beachfront house, and a crazy stalker is chasing after him.
--
Series: A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery - Book 2
Author: Dorothy St. James
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Culinary
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books - Publishing Date: March 13, 2018
Charity (Penn) is an evolving character who is slowly opening up and enjoying the love and attention of those around her. This is a lively and exciting story filled with all the elements of a good who-done-it. Playing with Bonbon Fire is the second book in the “A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery” series and is a wonderful adventure into the past and the present.
Penn is not used to having anyone care about her. When her new friends who have shown her nothing but kindness and love find themselves under suspicion, she does whatever it takes to help the police find a killer bent on framing one of them.
Penn is a likable character who is becoming more and more loveable. In the first book of this series, Asking for Truffle, Penn was always downcast with no hope for the future. In this latest installment, she has become more outgoing, more trusting, and fiercely protective of her friends even though her heart is breaking over the past.
Tina, Penn’s sister, plays a much bigger role in this book and readers will love her. She is everything Penn is not but is the one-person Penn has always loved and knew that she was loved in return. Other returning characters such as Harley are also present and play important roles in the discovery of the killer.
The ocean side setting is a lovely picture of everything a seaside town should be minus the murder. Camellia Beach is a caring community that doesn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand when Penn needs it the most. It has become home, and she will protect it for as long as she can.
Playing with Bonbon Fire is a great addition to the series and readers will be left wanting more. Ms. St. James is a talented writer who knows how to grow characters into loveable members of a reader’s fictitious family. This book and series are highly recommended to lovers of chocolate and intrigue.
April 24, 2018
This is the second book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery Series and my first in the series, that I have read. I loved it! It was such a cozy read with wonderful characters.
While Penn is finally settling in Camellia Beach, she is still struggling to fit in with her family. She is still searching for Carolina, who could possibly be here mother. When Bubba and Penn put together a music festival, Penn sees it as an opportunity to bring business to the quiet little town and quite possibly her shop. But when a singer is murdered and things point to 1975 when her mother disappeared, she may uncover the biggest secret the town has, but at what cost.
This book kept me guessing till the very end. I absolutely loved this story. The book has great world building as the author has created a quaint little town, full of amazing and wonderful characters. You can't help but fall in love. Penn is a wonderful woman, whose family doesn't treat her fairly and she has to fight to prove she is entitled to her shop. I love how she doesn't understand southern slang. I laughed at her misunderstandings of the sayings that the locals had. The small little love triangle created a wonderful romance aspect of the story. I am rooting for Harley though. We shall see what happens in book three.
The story flowed smoothly and the book was not rushed. It had the perfect mix of cute romance, humor, mystery and a little bit of danger. If you are a big fan of cozy mysteries, then you are going to love this book. Even though I did not read the first book, I did not feel too lost reading this one. I highly recommend this book.
*ARC provided by Cozy Mystery Review Crew
While Penn is finally settling in Camellia Beach, she is still struggling to fit in with her family. She is still searching for Carolina, who could possibly be here mother. When Bubba and Penn put together a music festival, Penn sees it as an opportunity to bring business to the quiet little town and quite possibly her shop. But when a singer is murdered and things point to 1975 when her mother disappeared, she may uncover the biggest secret the town has, but at what cost.
This book kept me guessing till the very end. I absolutely loved this story. The book has great world building as the author has created a quaint little town, full of amazing and wonderful characters. You can't help but fall in love. Penn is a wonderful woman, whose family doesn't treat her fairly and she has to fight to prove she is entitled to her shop. I love how she doesn't understand southern slang. I laughed at her misunderstandings of the sayings that the locals had. The small little love triangle created a wonderful romance aspect of the story. I am rooting for Harley though. We shall see what happens in book three.
The story flowed smoothly and the book was not rushed. It had the perfect mix of cute romance, humor, mystery and a little bit of danger. If you are a big fan of cozy mysteries, then you are going to love this book. Even though I did not read the first book, I did not feel too lost reading this one. I highly recommend this book.
*ARC provided by Cozy Mystery Review Crew
April 8, 2018
This is the second book in the series A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery, and this one starts where the last one left off. Charity "Penn" is still learning how to make chocolates while reeling from the revelation that Mabel was her maternal grandmother. Penn is getting ready to help with the Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival and talks her half-sister's ex-boyfriend to come play in the festival. When the lead singer of another band is found murdered, Penn has to find out what really happened. This one was as well written as the first in this series, and flowed really well. I really enjoy Dorothy St. James writing style, as it grabs my attention and keeps me turning the pages. The characters just keep growing and developing and I like how the author portrays this growth. We are also introduced to Penn’s half-sister, Tina, in this one. Penn also learns the identity of her mother, and what really happened to the woman she thought was her mother. I kind of had this one figured out, but it was still a great read and I cannot wait for the next one in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
April 8, 2018
In this second book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries, Charity Penn is struggling to learn how to make Bon bons while she helps manage the beach festival in her new hometown. Unwanted by her family, and new to Camellia Beach, she depends on the help of her grandmother's friend Bertie, who is also her best friend's mother. St. James has written a lovely little community, with tangled relationships and hidden histories. This book is great for either short reading stints or a long leisurely read. It's mostly a sweet and gentle story, with murder and mystery getting in the way of Penn finding her way in her new life. Although this is the second book in this series, I did not feel at any disadvantage from not having read the first book (yet). I can't wait to see what further progress Penn makes in the next installment.
This review is based on an ARC received from the publisher.
This review is based on an ARC received from the publisher.
October 14, 2018
The second book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery Series is a hoot. Penn's step-sister comes on the scene to help look out for her older sister, the music festival is churning out attempted murder activities right and left and of course the body at the bottom of the bonfire has Penn running in circles trying to figure out what is going on. She also has her "new" side of the family to continue to fight over the chocolate shop so things are not slowing down in Penn's world one little bit. The character development has greatly improved in this book which leads to stronger characters to enhance a well woven plot. Definitely an entertaining read and I'm ready for the next book!
February 25, 2018
Playing With Bonbon Fire by Dorothy St. James is the 2nd book in the A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series. Penn has been busy organizing a Music Festival, but when a band member is murdered, she ends up looking for the killer and experimenting making spicy chocolate. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I love the unique people and situations in this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
November 12, 2018
Seriously enjoyed this book! This is the first I've read by this author and it won't be my last. There were some things mentioned from the first book but I didn't really feel like I missed anything. The characters were likable and I couldn't decide who I wanted Penn to get with. Several of the males were delightful to read about. The plot along with the sweet, chocolateness made for a good story! Now time for the first book!!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 8, 2018
PLAYING WITH BONBON FIRE, the second book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series by Dorothy St. James is a sweet addition to a yummy series! Protagonist Charity “Penn” has been in Camellia Beach for five months, learning to make the decadent chocolates her maternal grandmother was famous for. Except it’s not as easy as it appears and Penn is struggling to become the chocolatier her deceased grandmother wanted her to be. Penn has had an emotionally devoid life having been abandoned as a newborn by first her unwed mother (and the mystery of who her mother is, is a theme that runs through both book one and two) and then her young father. Raised by her wealthy paternal grandmother who wanted nothing to do with her, Penn has learned to protect herself with a prickly exterior and hasn’t ever made friends. However, being in Camellia Beach has softened her some and the townspeople are teaching her to open up and accept their friendship and help. But she obviously has lots of baggage and I’m glad to see that the author is allowing Penn to grow.
Penn is also getting involved in her town’s inaugural Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival. She has convinced her half-sister’s ex-boyfriend, Bixby, to headline the music show but trouble seems to have followed him in to town. When one of the town’s older band singers is found murdered, Penn is sure Bixby was the target. After all, he has a stalker that has followed him across country. With the success of the town’s festivities on the line and her determination to keep Bixby alive, Penn starts asking questions, trying to find out who killed the singer. As she digs deeper, a forty-year-old mystery comes to the forefront that might shed light on who her mother is. But so many of the older townspeople are closing ranks and hiding secrets that Penn feels like an outsider again. With time running out and her chocolate shop a target for vandals, can Penn find the truth? There were plenty of viable suspects and I enjoyed how the old mystery was woven into the current day mystery. I loved getting to know the characters surrounding Penn and the southern sayings they throw out. The sayings puzzle Penn and I have to admit me too, but there’s always someone willing to translate and clarify what was meant… that provided some laugh out loud moments. The finale was a surprise and the author pulls the various threads together and answers the questions Penn has, yet leaves a door open for more changes coming to Penn’s life. I’m anxious to find out what happens next and if Penn’s chocolatier ability will blossom.
While Penn may be struggling with the art of chocolate, there are several townspeople who were each taught a recipe by Penn’s grandmother and they in turn are trying to teach her. There are so many delectable chocolates and truffles mentioned… it will be difficult for a die-hard chocoholic to read through the book without having a few pieces of chocolate close by. Fortunately, Ms. St. James includes several recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided a Netgalley copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Penn is also getting involved in her town’s inaugural Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival. She has convinced her half-sister’s ex-boyfriend, Bixby, to headline the music show but trouble seems to have followed him in to town. When one of the town’s older band singers is found murdered, Penn is sure Bixby was the target. After all, he has a stalker that has followed him across country. With the success of the town’s festivities on the line and her determination to keep Bixby alive, Penn starts asking questions, trying to find out who killed the singer. As she digs deeper, a forty-year-old mystery comes to the forefront that might shed light on who her mother is. But so many of the older townspeople are closing ranks and hiding secrets that Penn feels like an outsider again. With time running out and her chocolate shop a target for vandals, can Penn find the truth? There were plenty of viable suspects and I enjoyed how the old mystery was woven into the current day mystery. I loved getting to know the characters surrounding Penn and the southern sayings they throw out. The sayings puzzle Penn and I have to admit me too, but there’s always someone willing to translate and clarify what was meant… that provided some laugh out loud moments. The finale was a surprise and the author pulls the various threads together and answers the questions Penn has, yet leaves a door open for more changes coming to Penn’s life. I’m anxious to find out what happens next and if Penn’s chocolatier ability will blossom.
While Penn may be struggling with the art of chocolate, there are several townspeople who were each taught a recipe by Penn’s grandmother and they in turn are trying to teach her. There are so many delectable chocolates and truffles mentioned… it will be difficult for a die-hard chocoholic to read through the book without having a few pieces of chocolate close by. Fortunately, Ms. St. James includes several recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided a Netgalley copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2017
Playing with Bonbon Fire is the second installment in the A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series set in the small coastal town of Camellia Beach, South Carolina featuring Charity Penn. With the help of chocolatier Bertie Bays, Penn has her grandmother Mabel's Chocolate Box shop up and running again.
Penn has teamed up with Bubba Crowley, president of the Camilla Beach association to host the Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival, a weekend featuring old time Carolina shag beach music and sure to bring an influx of tourists into the small town. Headliners will include rock musician Bixby Lewis and Bubba's now defunct band The Embers.
When Penn discovers the body of one of the musicians smoldering under a bonfire things in Camilla Beach start to heat up. Despite the objections of the local police, friends and family members Penn is determined to stick her nose where it doesn't belong and unravel a decades old mystery.
A fast paced story with many subplots that all tie together in the end. The return of characters introduced in the first book along with a few new faces will leave you salivating for more in the series and not just for the delicious chocolate recipes.
I received an advanced copy of Playing with Bonbon Fire from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Penn has teamed up with Bubba Crowley, president of the Camilla Beach association to host the Summer Solstice Beach Music Festival, a weekend featuring old time Carolina shag beach music and sure to bring an influx of tourists into the small town. Headliners will include rock musician Bixby Lewis and Bubba's now defunct band The Embers.
When Penn discovers the body of one of the musicians smoldering under a bonfire things in Camilla Beach start to heat up. Despite the objections of the local police, friends and family members Penn is determined to stick her nose where it doesn't belong and unravel a decades old mystery.
A fast paced story with many subplots that all tie together in the end. The return of characters introduced in the first book along with a few new faces will leave you salivating for more in the series and not just for the delicious chocolate recipes.
I received an advanced copy of Playing with Bonbon Fire from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 14, 2018
In an Oyster Shell - It was a near perfect story Dorthoy St. James has an amazing grasp on weaving an intricate storyline not only for this book but for the series.
The Pearls - I fell in love with this series with the first book. I was even more pleased with the second book. Who can resist a story that has a lot to do about chocolate? I can't. I love this small town business that is run by Penn with many adventures to be had.
The characters practically dance off the page. Penn is a strong character almost like an outsider learning to fit in. The town folk graciously take her in as one of their own. I love Bertie and Alethea they are great supporting characters that stand on their own. There are many more characters I was thrilled that Tina, Penn's sister made an appearance.
I'm still reeling from the mysteries this book presented. There is a severe plot twist that I did not see coming that I look forward to reading more about in the series to come. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. There were a few mysteries that needed to be tied up and it was done well.
This book has really made an impression on me. It's getting harder and harder to find books as well done as this one.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
The Pearls - I fell in love with this series with the first book. I was even more pleased with the second book. Who can resist a story that has a lot to do about chocolate? I can't. I love this small town business that is run by Penn with many adventures to be had.
The characters practically dance off the page. Penn is a strong character almost like an outsider learning to fit in. The town folk graciously take her in as one of their own. I love Bertie and Alethea they are great supporting characters that stand on their own. There are many more characters I was thrilled that Tina, Penn's sister made an appearance.
I'm still reeling from the mysteries this book presented. There is a severe plot twist that I did not see coming that I look forward to reading more about in the series to come. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. There were a few mysteries that needed to be tied up and it was done well.
This book has really made an impression on me. It's getting harder and harder to find books as well done as this one.
Full Review: Writing Pearls
April 27, 2018
Chocolate and a mystery? Frankly, I can't think of a better combination for a cozy book. Playing With Bonbon Fire is just as delicious as the wonderful chocolates Penn and Bertie make at The Chocolate Box store in Camellia Beach, South Carolina. I loved that this book has a beach setting and takes place during a beach music festival. I could just hear all of that catchy beach music while reading this book. Charity Penn (don't call her Charity, she may belt your for it) known to the friendly and diverse locals as Penn, is a wonderful character who perseveres despite her difficult childhood and someone targeting her chocolate shop and jeopardizing the music festival. Playing With Bonbon fire is rich with atmosphere, and has a mystery that kept me turning pages right until the very end.
As this book is the second in the series, Asking for Truffle, being the first, there is a tiny bit of background that is missing, but it definitely does not detract from the story and makes me really want to read book number one. I highly recommend it and suggest that you read it with a box of chocolates by your side.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
As this book is the second in the series, Asking for Truffle, being the first, there is a tiny bit of background that is missing, but it definitely does not detract from the story and makes me really want to read book number one. I highly recommend it and suggest that you read it with a box of chocolates by your side.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are solely my own.
April 27, 2018
Penn is starting to feel at home in Camellia Beach, SC. She is doing well in her store, The Chocolate Box (she is still having some issues the making bonbons) and she is getting involved with the community. Penn agrees to help put on a summer beach music festival. When big rockstar Bixby shows up; things start to get a little crazy around town. Penn’s store window gets broken, Bixby (and Penn) starts receiving threats, Bertie keeps mysteriously disappearing, and a body is found beside of a bonfire with some of Penn’s chocolates.
This is the second book in the series but it can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. Besides the murder mystery, there is the secondary storyline of the identity of Penn’s mother. Penn’s newly discovered family are not the most welcoming group of people but this is nothing new for Penn. Both main and secondary characters have great character development. I really enjoy the unique backstory of Penn and that she has personal issues (ie trust) that she is dealing with as she is going full speed ahead with her new life. The main mystery has several twists and turns to keep you in suspense until the big reveal. I recommend this book to mystery lovers. As a bonus for food lovers there are great recipes included.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
This is the second book in the series but it can definitely be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. Besides the murder mystery, there is the secondary storyline of the identity of Penn’s mother. Penn’s newly discovered family are not the most welcoming group of people but this is nothing new for Penn. Both main and secondary characters have great character development. I really enjoy the unique backstory of Penn and that she has personal issues (ie trust) that she is dealing with as she is going full speed ahead with her new life. The main mystery has several twists and turns to keep you in suspense until the big reveal. I recommend this book to mystery lovers. As a bonus for food lovers there are great recipes included.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.
April 25, 2018
Although this is the second book in a series it is the first one I have read. I enjoyed this book so much I have ordered the first one and can't wait to read it.
The characters are quirky and likable. I was drawn in from the first chapter and had a hard time putting the book down. I almost finished it in one sitting.
The main character Charity is well written and I like that she is not perfect, but strives to improve. I love dogs but her Papillon is one character I don't care for. The fact that she struggles with the bonbon recipes makes likable,as does the fact that she tries to make up her own bonbon recipe.
The mystery is well thought out and is not immediately easy to solve like some I have read.
Dorothy St. James does an excellent job with this book. I am looking forward to the next installment and am going to read the first one as soon as it arrives.
I highly recommend this book to cozy lovers.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. I truly loved this book. If I don't like something I read I just don't leave a review.
The characters are quirky and likable. I was drawn in from the first chapter and had a hard time putting the book down. I almost finished it in one sitting.
The main character Charity is well written and I like that she is not perfect, but strives to improve. I love dogs but her Papillon is one character I don't care for. The fact that she struggles with the bonbon recipes makes likable,as does the fact that she tries to make up her own bonbon recipe.
The mystery is well thought out and is not immediately easy to solve like some I have read.
Dorothy St. James does an excellent job with this book. I am looking forward to the next installment and am going to read the first one as soon as it arrives.
I highly recommend this book to cozy lovers.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. I truly loved this book. If I don't like something I read I just don't leave a review.
April 18, 2018
I do believe beach life is the life to live! Especially in a quaint South Carolina seaside town like Camellia Beach! There were so many things I loved about this book and two that stand out are ocean views and chocolate!! The story was fantastic and I could easily slip into the characters as I turned the pages. Penn is definitely one to get things done even if she's having a hard time getting the bonbons to come out correctly. But with the help of her many friends, a well known rock star and her sister she is able to solve the crime. It was interesting trying to figure out who the killer was besides trying also to find out who and where Penn's real mother was as well. I was questioning myself a few times on that one.
The story flowed fantastically and I really was feeling the ocean breezes in my hair and the sand between my toes as I was reading along. I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to read more Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries!!
The story flowed fantastically and I really was feeling the ocean breezes in my hair and the sand between my toes as I was reading along. I definitely recommend this book and I can't wait to read more Southern Chocolate Shop Mysteries!!
April 24, 2018
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery series and is written by Dorothy St. James. Chocolate shop owner Charity Penn is finally settling into life in the quirky South Carolina seaside town of Camellia Beach cooking up chocolate treats. She’s even helped organize the town’s lively beach music festival which has brought rollicking crowds eager to dance the Carolina shag. That is, until one of the band’s lead singers is found dead beside a beach bonfire. While also trying to balance the amorous attention of music star Bixby Lewis, in town for the festival, and her quest to perfect a new hot flavored bonbon, Charity dives into the investigation. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
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