What do you think?
Rate this book
Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries #5
Weddings & Wine Cake
Rachel Rowan wants nothing more than for her father to be happy. So, when he announces his plans to remarry, in theory, she should be happy for him. But that’s not going to happen.
After all, his bride-to-be is young enough to be his daughter! And that does not sit well with Rachel.
More than just a bit skeptical and uneasy, she is strongly considering whether or not she will even attend the wedding. But when Scott makes a strong case for supporting her father on his big day, she eventually relents. Soon enough, she learns that she’s not the only one who opposes this union. In fact, the two families seem ready to go to war over it!
And one member, in particular, may even resort to murder to get their way…
Join Rachel Rowan on her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Weddings & Wine Cake, to find out what happens!
Weddings & Wine Cake is the 5th installment in Nancy McGovern’s “Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” series.
Sign up for Nancy’s newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers on future books, PLUS a FREE STORY as a Thank You for joining the family!
After all, his bride-to-be is young enough to be his daughter! And that does not sit well with Rachel.
More than just a bit skeptical and uneasy, she is strongly considering whether or not she will even attend the wedding. But when Scott makes a strong case for supporting her father on his big day, she eventually relents. Soon enough, she learns that she’s not the only one who opposes this union. In fact, the two families seem ready to go to war over it!
And one member, in particular, may even resort to murder to get their way…
Join Rachel Rowan on her latest culinary cozy mystery adventure, Weddings & Wine Cake, to find out what happens!
Weddings & Wine Cake is the 5th installment in Nancy McGovern’s “Comfort Cakes Cozy Mysteries” series.
Sign up for Nancy’s newsletter inside to receive updates & special offers on future books, PLUS a FREE STORY as a Thank You for joining the family!
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2018
188 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Nancy McGovern
83 books173 followersI'm a mother, wife, homemaker, pet lover, teacher, student, reader, writer, drinker of tea & wine (depending on the time of day) and sleep-deprived dreamer. I live in Syracuse, NY, with my husband, Doug (also a writer with books available on Amazon), our three children and too many furred & feathered friends to list!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 11, 2020
Appreciated the author’s style of writing. Not silly, but rather at times, insightful and thought provoking as far as relationships go. Clever clues. One of the better cozy mysteries I’ve read.
February 6, 2019
Rachel Rowan is shocked to receive an invitation to her dad's wedding! She hasn't spoken to her dad in awhile and still harbors hard feelings about her parents' divorce years ago. Rachel is shocked he's marrying again after her mother broke his heart and not only that, he's marrying a woman young enough to be his daughter! Rachel isn't sure she wants to go but as she encouraged Scott to reconnect with his family, she consents to go to the wedding with Scott as her plus one. Arriving on the private island, things go from bad to worse as first Rachel's father makes it clear he doesn't approve of her lifestyle choices and then Rachel's mother is found over the bloody body of Mr. Rowan's business partner. Rachel is uncertain why her mother has come to the island but she knows one thing - her mother is not a murderer. The situation gets even worse when a member of the bride's' family is attacked and Rachel's father becomes the chief suspect. Rachel isn't sure what to think but she's pretty certain her dad is not a killer, despite what Scott may think. With no way on or off the island without security, the killer has to be one of the wedding guests! Rachel is determined to prove to Scott and herself that her father is innocent.
This story is much darker than the previous books in the series. I read cozy mysteries for a reason. This still qualifies as cozy but it is somber. I never guessed who the killer was. I missed the vital clue Rachel picked up on. Rachel acts recklessly to confront the killer and is nearly killed as a result. Hasn't she learned her lesson? The transition to epilogue needed more fleshing out. I wanted more romance and courtship. Finally, if ever a book in this series needed a recipe, it's this one. Colombian wine cake is on the menu for the wedding reception as the bride's family is Columbian.
I also don't like the relationship drama. Rachel is still awful to Scott. I understand her better after meeting her parents. Rachel endured years of her parents fighting and now when faced with fight or flight in a relationship, she flees rather than tough it out. Scott is still a biased cop but in this case he has evidence pointing to Rachel's father. He shouldn't believe in guilty until proven innocent and yes, I agree with Rachel that Scott was lovely to Rachel's mother. Scott is the nicest boyfriend on the planet. He loves Rachel more than she deserves. She is awful to him when he does everything to support her and give her time to figure out what she wants.
The wedding is hosted by Mr. Rowan's business partner and the island guests are his carefully chosen mix of family, close friends and business clients. The bride, Valentina, age 33, surprised me. I didn't want her to be killed or be a murderer even before getting to know her and especially after. Like Rachel, I made the same assumptions, especially when Rachel's dad refers to marriage as just another contract. I like the way Valentina describes marriage to Rachel. Ryan Rowan is not a likable character. Rachel's mom broke his heart when they divorced and he threw himself into his work and became a person Rachel doesn't recognize. Ryan is rude to his daughter, whom he hasn't seen in years, and to her special guest. His priorities need reorganizing. Rachel is devoted to him and seems to have taken his side in the divorce. For Rachel's sake, I hope he's not a killer but he does have a good reason to want Leon out of the way. Lily, Rachel's mother, is slightly more likable than Rachel's father. She at least knows to leave her adult daughter to make her own choices. Lily's story is rather sad and I sort of feel bad for her but she obviously wasn't much of a loving mom to Rachel.
Leon Ericson is the head partner of a high powered New York investment firm. He is ruthless and gets whatever he wants. His arrogance and ego know no bounds. Leon's shady double dealing and numerous affairs have not endeared him to his friends. Leon is super creepy and a really horrible person and if anyone in this book deserved to die, it was Leon. (Not that anyone deserves to be murdered, but I mean in fiction, in this particular novel, he is the most expendable because he was an awful excuse for a human being). His son Mason is a creep. Of course his behavior is learned from his dad but he's old enough to make the choice not to behave like that. I want him to be the killer. It makes the most sense and I do not like him one bit. Tony, another partner, is the weakest partner. He seems to be the tech brains behind the firm but he has very little actual input into the daily workings of the company. I find Tony to be weak willed and not all that ethical but also a true friend. He's complicated and my second choice for murderer.
The bride's family are all in attendance too. Her mother doesn't make much of an impact on the story but her father, Dr. Edward Gomez, is an important character. I don't really like him. He throws his weight around a bit and behaves a tad arrogantly to try to a catch a killer on his own. Valentina's Abuelita is so sweet! She reminds me of my Italian grandmother who was also very kind and tougher than people realized. Abuelita is also an amazing baker and provides Rachel with a surrogate for her late Aunt Rose. Valentina's best friend Denise is married to Leon. Denise screams money with rides in private helicopters and accounts at fancy boutiques. Denise appears to be a trophy wife stereotype until her husband is killed. Like Valentina, Rachel misjudged Denise based on appearances. I feel sorry for Denise. Who could the murderer be?
I'm glad this series is done and sorry I wasted my time reading these last two.
This story is much darker than the previous books in the series. I read cozy mysteries for a reason. This still qualifies as cozy but it is somber. I never guessed who the killer was. I missed the vital clue Rachel picked up on. Rachel acts recklessly to confront the killer and is nearly killed as a result. Hasn't she learned her lesson? The transition to epilogue needed more fleshing out. I wanted more romance and courtship. Finally, if ever a book in this series needed a recipe, it's this one. Colombian wine cake is on the menu for the wedding reception as the bride's family is Columbian.
I also don't like the relationship drama. Rachel is still awful to Scott. I understand her better after meeting her parents. Rachel endured years of her parents fighting and now when faced with fight or flight in a relationship, she flees rather than tough it out. Scott is still a biased cop but in this case he has evidence pointing to Rachel's father. He shouldn't believe in guilty until proven innocent and yes, I agree with Rachel that Scott was lovely to Rachel's mother. Scott is the nicest boyfriend on the planet. He loves Rachel more than she deserves. She is awful to him when he does everything to support her and give her time to figure out what she wants.
The wedding is hosted by Mr. Rowan's business partner and the island guests are his carefully chosen mix of family, close friends and business clients. The bride, Valentina, age 33, surprised me. I didn't want her to be killed or be a murderer even before getting to know her and especially after. Like Rachel, I made the same assumptions, especially when Rachel's dad refers to marriage as just another contract. I like the way Valentina describes marriage to Rachel. Ryan Rowan is not a likable character. Rachel's mom broke his heart when they divorced and he threw himself into his work and became a person Rachel doesn't recognize. Ryan is rude to his daughter, whom he hasn't seen in years, and to her special guest. His priorities need reorganizing. Rachel is devoted to him and seems to have taken his side in the divorce. For Rachel's sake, I hope he's not a killer but he does have a good reason to want Leon out of the way. Lily, Rachel's mother, is slightly more likable than Rachel's father. She at least knows to leave her adult daughter to make her own choices. Lily's story is rather sad and I sort of feel bad for her but she obviously wasn't much of a loving mom to Rachel.
Leon Ericson is the head partner of a high powered New York investment firm. He is ruthless and gets whatever he wants. His arrogance and ego know no bounds. Leon's shady double dealing and numerous affairs have not endeared him to his friends. Leon is super creepy and a really horrible person and if anyone in this book deserved to die, it was Leon. (Not that anyone deserves to be murdered, but I mean in fiction, in this particular novel, he is the most expendable because he was an awful excuse for a human being). His son Mason is a creep. Of course his behavior is learned from his dad but he's old enough to make the choice not to behave like that. I want him to be the killer. It makes the most sense and I do not like him one bit. Tony, another partner, is the weakest partner. He seems to be the tech brains behind the firm but he has very little actual input into the daily workings of the company. I find Tony to be weak willed and not all that ethical but also a true friend. He's complicated and my second choice for murderer.
The bride's family are all in attendance too. Her mother doesn't make much of an impact on the story but her father, Dr. Edward Gomez, is an important character. I don't really like him. He throws his weight around a bit and behaves a tad arrogantly to try to a catch a killer on his own. Valentina's Abuelita is so sweet! She reminds me of my Italian grandmother who was also very kind and tougher than people realized. Abuelita is also an amazing baker and provides Rachel with a surrogate for her late Aunt Rose. Valentina's best friend Denise is married to Leon. Denise screams money with rides in private helicopters and accounts at fancy boutiques. Denise appears to be a trophy wife stereotype until her husband is killed. Like Valentina, Rachel misjudged Denise based on appearances. I feel sorry for Denise. Who could the murderer be?
I'm glad this series is done and sorry I wasted my time reading these last two.
September 8, 2019
Review under box set
June 30, 2018
Rowan wants her father happy, just NOT with the person he picked. She is really way to young for him. Rowan isn't the only person who thinks this is not a good union. The bride's family isn't too impressed with the up coming nuptials either. Rowan doesn't even want to go to Florida for the wedding, but Scott talks her into it. When the big day arrives, it is anything but happy.....it's murder! Can Scott and Rowan figure out who the killer is and why? You will have to read the book to find the answers.
September 19, 2025
2.9 stars (Kindle). Much better than all the rest, but still not a solid 3-star. I still can't get over how the dog is just abandoned frequently, but at least I finally got RECIPES (at the very end of the box set). A little disappointed that some of the recipes use boxed cake mixes + that the wine cake recipe sounds like nothing made in the 5th book...but oh well.
July 19, 2018
Angsty
I caught the key clue as soon as it was said, so spent most of the book just waiting for the characters to catch up with me. Drama without real need, and a bit dull.
I caught the key clue as soon as it was said, so spent most of the book just waiting for the characters to catch up with me. Drama without real need, and a bit dull.
August 5, 2018
Rachel Rowan gets an unexpected call from her father, Ryan Rowan, announcing his plan to get married again. The only hitch is that Valentina, his bride-to-be, is only 33 years old, just slightly older than Rachel. The wedding will take place on a small private island near Key West, FL that is owned by his business partner Leon Ericson.
Feeling that Valentina is a gold-digger, Rachel wants to stop the marriage. Rachel also talks Scott into accompanying her on the trip to Florida. Upon their arrival at the island, Rachel and Scott meet Leon's son, Mason. Mason is very rude and obnoxious but his dad doesn't seem to pay any attention.
Later in the day, Rachel, Valentina, and Denise (Leon's wife) go on a shopping trip to Miami. It was nearly midnight when the three ladies returned to the island. While Rachel and Scott are discussing some of her family's history, they hear a gunshot close by. Rushing to Leon's cabin, they Rachel's mother, Lily, in the room with a gun in her hand and Leon on the floor dead.
Did Lily shoot Leon? Why is she even on the island? What was she doing in Leon's cabin? If Lily did not shoot Leon, who did? Can Rachel and Scott solve the mystery? Will Rachel and Scott's relationship survive the "vacation"?
Nancy McGovern gives a lot more insight to Rachel's past and her relationship with her parents in this book. Very insightful and makes you think about what really constitutes a good relationship. The mystery also lives up to her standards with twists and turns from beginning to end.
Feeling that Valentina is a gold-digger, Rachel wants to stop the marriage. Rachel also talks Scott into accompanying her on the trip to Florida. Upon their arrival at the island, Rachel and Scott meet Leon's son, Mason. Mason is very rude and obnoxious but his dad doesn't seem to pay any attention.
Later in the day, Rachel, Valentina, and Denise (Leon's wife) go on a shopping trip to Miami. It was nearly midnight when the three ladies returned to the island. While Rachel and Scott are discussing some of her family's history, they hear a gunshot close by. Rushing to Leon's cabin, they Rachel's mother, Lily, in the room with a gun in her hand and Leon on the floor dead.
Did Lily shoot Leon? Why is she even on the island? What was she doing in Leon's cabin? If Lily did not shoot Leon, who did? Can Rachel and Scott solve the mystery? Will Rachel and Scott's relationship survive the "vacation"?
Nancy McGovern gives a lot more insight to Rachel's past and her relationship with her parents in this book. Very insightful and makes you think about what really constitutes a good relationship. The mystery also lives up to her standards with twists and turns from beginning to end.
March 20, 2021
I'm so sad. The end of this series (at least so far as I know) has come and I don't want it to end. Once again, we are outside of Swaddle for the entire book. We are shown a private island in Key West being used for Rachel's father's wedding. Surprise! It's another cute and funny book. Also has a very heartwarming ending to it. I did miss Emily, Jay, Oliver and Scooter, but it was very cool to meet Rachel's parents too. I loved this series and hope there are more books to come!
July 17, 2018
Great read
Awesome series and a quick read you can take with you, that is if you can force yourself to stop turning the pages. Rachel and Scott head to Florida for her father's wedding on a private island. A murder occurs and Scott and Rachel drift apart. Is this the end of their romance?
Awesome series and a quick read you can take with you, that is if you can force yourself to stop turning the pages. Rachel and Scott head to Florida for her father's wedding on a private island. A murder occurs and Scott and Rachel drift apart. Is this the end of their romance?
October 4, 2018
Another awesome book in the Comfort Cakes series! Rachel is invited to her father's wedding to a much younger lady. Rachel brings Scott for support. The wedding is on a secluded island and is fun until someone is murdered. The suspect list is very interesting Of course there are some surprises and it will keep you riveted until the end! Very enjoyable and not graphic or intense.
September 12, 2018
The heart sees what the mind does not.
Luck, not skill, had really helped Rachel this time as she’d been far too clouded by emotion to do anything sensibly. Really awesome mix of mystery and romance with essences of family, loyalty and faith.
Luck, not skill, had really helped Rachel this time as she’d been far too clouded by emotion to do anything sensibly. Really awesome mix of mystery and romance with essences of family, loyalty and faith.
July 25, 2018
Oh What a tangled web we weave!
Nice cozy murder mystery. Lots of twists and turns and whodunnits. The romances also take a turn. Who’s right and who’s wrong, read it and see, happy reading.
Nice cozy murder mystery. Lots of twists and turns and whodunnits. The romances also take a turn. Who’s right and who’s wrong, read it and see, happy reading.
May 6, 2020
Great cozy mystery
I really enjoyed reading this culinary cozy mystery. I liked how the main characters interacted with each other and solved the mystery. I just wished that the book included the recipe for the cake in the book, because it sounded delicious.
I really enjoyed reading this culinary cozy mystery. I liked how the main characters interacted with each other and solved the mystery. I just wished that the book included the recipe for the cake in the book, because it sounded delicious.
June 17, 2020
Rachel is summoned to an island off the coast of Florida to attend her father's wedding. Instead her and her sheriff boyfriend get involved in a murder case and her father is the number one suspect. Can they find the murderer before anyone else gets killed? Can they prove her father innocent?
June 20, 2020
Weddings & Wine Cake
Fantastic read. Awesome characters and storyline. Interesting from page one and hate to put down. Murder, new friends, family reuniting, making new friends and love. So much to read. Definite must read!!
Fantastic read. Awesome characters and storyline. Interesting from page one and hate to put down. Murder, new friends, family reuniting, making new friends and love. So much to read. Definite must read!!
June 29, 2018
Another awesome story my nancy McGovern. Rachele is saved by wine cake. You'll love this story.
July 1, 2018
So good
Love this series hope to read more of Nancy McGovern books her plots and interaction of people seam to jump off the page
Love this series hope to read more of Nancy McGovern books her plots and interaction of people seam to jump off the page
July 16, 2018
I really like this series. Can't wait for the next book!
July 15, 2018
Interesting
An interesting murder mystery plot. Part of a series, so the characters don't get much development. Satisfying, but not exceptional.
An interesting murder mystery plot. Part of a series, so the characters don't get much development. Satisfying, but not exceptional.
February 13, 2019
good book.
February 17, 2020
Fabulous book
A real pleasure read. Like all Nancy Mc Govern’s books
I could not put it down
A real pleasure read. Like all Nancy Mc Govern’s books
I could not put it down
June 8, 2020
BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK!BUY IT NOW AND FIND OUT HOW ENJOYABLE AN EXPERIENCE IT IS!😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK!BUY IT NOW AND FIND OUT HOW ENJOYABLE AN EXPERIENCE IT IS!😍BUY THIS BOOK NOW!
November 2, 2020
Love the series wish there were more
March 1, 2021
Wine and Cake and Mystery
Lively murder mystery with twists, turns, and surprises. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read more in the series. Really want that wine cake recipe too!!!
Lively murder mystery with twists, turns, and surprises. Highly recommend and can’t wait to read more in the series. Really want that wine cake recipe too!!!
October 13, 2021
More Please
Love this series and sincerely hope there is more to come! There has to be more cake and murder plus another wedding!
Love this series and sincerely hope there is more to come! There has to be more cake and murder plus another wedding!
April 18, 2023
Really enjoyed.
Enjoyed the twists and turns. Never knew what was coming next. Very easy read and moved along smoothly. Can't wait to read your other books.
Enjoyed the twists and turns. Never knew what was coming next. Very easy read and moved along smoothly. Can't wait to read your other books.
August 21, 2023
Easy reading!
I've found this series very entertaining. Easy read. Short stories. Would recommend to anyone who wants an easy read. Enjoy!
I've found this series very entertaining. Easy read. Short stories. Would recommend to anyone who wants an easy read. Enjoy!
December 28, 2023
3.5
I liked how the characters unfolded and they weren't what they seemed.
That wine cake sounded AMAZING though and I'm disappointed that the recipe did not seem to match.
I liked how the characters unfolded and they weren't what they seemed.
That wine cake sounded AMAZING though and I'm disappointed that the recipe did not seem to match.
March 5, 2024
So close to calling the ending.
September 16, 2024
Kinda wanna try that cake
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews