Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow

Spells & Caramels #4

by Erin Johnson

A magical sleigh ride. A mysterious detour. Will her holiday be marked by garlands or gravestones?

Imogen feels like she’s buried under an avalanche of secrets. Caught up in puzzling out her mysterious origins and her confusing emotions for Prince Hank, she hopes a magical holiday retreat with friends will take her mind off her troubles. But when a roadway ambush steers their sleigh off course, she must stay the night in a quaint little village veiled in secrets of its own…

Partying alongside her bakery friends and handsome prince at the mayor’s ball, Imogen finally pushes aside her uncertain visions to soak in the holiday spirit. But the merriment comes to an abrupt halt after a dead body floats to the surface of a cauldron of punch.

When the angry townsfolk point their pitchforks at her friend, Imogen must shovel through layers of mysteries to find the real killer before innocent blood runs cold.
Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow is the fourth book in the Spells & Caramels paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like enchanted friendships, a sprinkling of romance, and twists you won’t see coming, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s snow-dusted whodunit.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Witches, Romance, Magic

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2017

About the author

A native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.

In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've become such a fan of the Spells & Caramels cozy mystery series by Erin Johnson and just finished reading the fourth book, Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow. If you've never read the series, it's important to start from the beginning, but they are light-and-easy, so you should be able to devour each in about three hours. In this edition, Imogen learns important secrets about her family and where she really comes from, but that's only part of the story. She and the rest of the royal baking team, and her crush, Hank (yes, he's the prince about to marry someone else!), are trudging through the snowy weather to help promote the many talents in their kingdom, but when Horace, leader of the Badlands Army, stops them, everything begins to go foul! In the little town they find themselves visiting for a few days, everything is turned upside down when someone is murdered in a very specific way -- and it can only lead to 1 possible killer who has that ability!

There are a lot of cozy mysteries in the market these days, and it's important to find a few that add in more than just the mystery. Johnson weaves romance, magic, and baking into this wonderful creation, providing a variety of avenues for readers to explore and happily latch themselves to. Between shifters, vampires, and swallows, you've got an immense amount of interesting magical dilemmas and cultural topics that help carry the story. It's Johnson's ability to dazzle readers with all the details to truly build the setting and backdrop, and that's where we find ourselves thirsting for more and more hints and glimpses into this magical world. Throw in a bit of saucy humor, sarcastic worldly creatures, and the potential for a very big disaster to happen when the good versus evil war truly heats up... and you've got a winner!

I can't wait to start reading the fifth book when it comes out in April! Kudos to Erin Johnson for a fantastic imagination and incredibly strong cast of characters in the world of the Earth Kingdom.

[Mary Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imogen and the merry baking crew of Bijou Mer are headed to the Earth Kingdom for the Bruma winter solstice festivities . Prince Harry (Hank) has invited Imogen to celebrate the winter holiday in London. Of course, it wouldn't be a Bruma party without the whole cast, so everyone tags along. Imogen is snuggled up to her prince, enjoying the magical sleigh ride as it glides through the snow enroute to the Earth Kingdom. It doesn't take long for trouble to appear on the horizon. Horace, the nefarious baddy from the Badlands, is up to his usual hateful stunts, ruining everything in his path. He's like the Grinch who stole Christmas - only deadly. Horace blocks the route to London with a powerful spell called monster vine. Nothing gets past monster vine! Imogen and friends are forced to detour to the village of Wee Ferngroveshire...and that's exactly where Horace wants them. Does this recent attack have anything to do with Horace's riddle, "find Monsters Rise" ? What does Horace want Imogen to discover in Wee Ferngroveshire? Horace is Hank's enemy. Why is Horace fixated on Imogen? What mysteries await in the dead end village of Wee Ferngroveshire?

I've missed this group of magical friends. I originally started this series in 2017, not long after I discovered the fun of cozy mysteries. Believe it or not, there was a time when I hadn't a clue what a cozy mystery was. I had to look up the definition. Turns out, I like cozies. They're fun and a great escape from the reality of 2020. What a year! I wish I had magical abilities to poof it away. Thankfully, only a few days left. Hopefully 2021 has a promising start and wraps up well - kinda like a cozy mystery. If you enjoy cozies filled with magical elements and surprises, you should enjoy Johnson's Spells and Caramels series. It's light on murder but long on fun, as a cozy mystery should be. I think it's best to read each book in order. You might get confused otherwise. Lots of characters to keep track of. I was hoping for a bit more baking fun. Imogen cooks up a batch of delicious gingerbread cupcakes, but that's as far as the oven heats up. The little sassy flame known as Iggy is still burning bright. He hasn't lost his feisty spark. Iggy is one of the best things about this series. He's a hot mess. Enjoyable.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great series! I bought this book as soon as it released and luckily could fit it into my reading schedule soon. I really like the blend of paranormal elements and cozy mystery. This might be one of my favorite books in the series so far. The small town with the winter weather and a winter holiday they celebrate was fun to read about, the mystery was a good one and there are some great revelations in this book. I can't wait to see how those events impact the rest of the series.

Imogen and her friends are on their way to London, when Horace makes sure they have to detour. They end up in a small village just when they are about to celebrate a winter holiday named Bruma. The village seems almost too perfect. And then a murder shakes up the village. I liked the mystery parts, not only the murder, but also the strange things Imogen is noticing and it was exciting to see how it all tied together. While I wasn't too surprised at who the murderer was, I was surprised by some of the other revelations at the end of the book.

At the end of this book there are some pretty big revelations that I think will have a big impact on Imogen. I loved when everything came to light and it all made sense. It was really well written and I liked how the previous few books have been slowly building up toward it. While each book has their own mystery, there is a slowly continuing storyline throughout the series, which is something I love when cozy mysteries do that. There was something that bothered me a bit from the start of the book, but at the end it all made sense.

This series has a great group of characters. Imogen has a tight group of friends around her and I love seeing how they handle everything thrown their way. There are some developments again surrounding Imogen and her magic in this book. The romance also progresses a bit and some things come to light that feel important. I liked that Imogen and Hank got to spend some more time together in this book as they are away from the water kingdom.

And all the side characters are fun to read about. From Imogen's best friend Maple, to snake shifter Sam, the flame Iggy, Seer Rhonda and vampire Francis who all play a role in this story as well. I think it's great Imogen has such a great group of friends. And I like how they all have their scenes and moments to shine in this book as well. It also was fun to read about maple's love triangle and how things change there as well in each book, although I am pretty sure I know who she will choose in the end.

I feel like this book is an important one in terms of world building as there are some important pieces we learn about the magical world, magic and some more specific things. I also like the descriptions of magic in the book, like the ice cubes for the punch and how these people use magic.

To summarize: this was another great book in this lovely paranormal cozy mystery series! In this book the characters have to stay in a small village during winter and celebrate a winter holiday. The mystery was good in this book, I wasn't too surprised by who the murderer was, but I did really like the other revelations that took me by surprise. I feel like this book is an important one in terms of the revelations that contribute to the storyline that continues throughout this series and what they add to the world building. I really like reading about Imogen and the great group of friends she has around her. There are some developments surrounding Imogen and her romance progresses a bit as well. This was a great read and I am looking forward to the next book!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...

[Dr. Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is the 4th book in a fantasy/cozy mystery series. I didn't realize this had such a heavy fantasy aspect, but even though this was the fourth book in a series, I wasn't as lost as I thought I'd be.

Imogen and her bakers are heading to the Earth Kingdom for the holidays, but when their enemy, Horace, blocks their way, they are forced to head to a tiny town in the wrong direction. With her friends in tow, Imogen sets out to make the best of the situation. However, Hank's royal presence makes for some uncomfortable situations, including the two of them finding out he's to be married within a couple months. Things are tense since Imogen and Hank are kind of dating. She's uncertain if she can continue seeing Hank like she has been.

The murder aspect was a bit random at first. I mean when is murder not? But anyway, I was enjoying the fantasy aspect and the witchy-ness and then BOOM murder. However, it was a ton of fun to see Imogen and her friends sticking their noses where they may not have belonged. I enjoyed seeing them try to solve the murder. Things got pretty tense when their vampire friend was implicated.

I would've liked some more baking in general. But I enjoyed the fantasy and murder aspect of this enough. There were several things revealed in the end that were shocking, so I'd like to see what the first two books are about before hopefully continuing on.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent installment in the series.
Imogen's birth family is revealed.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio was brilliant, it was exciting and gripping. I have really enjoyed all of the series both in books and now in audio.

The whole series has been brilliant and I'm really looking forward to listening to the next one.

[Sharon Hogenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much cleaner than the last one, but still not quite a four star, but probably a 3.5. I did enjoy some of the plot twists, especially Imogen finding out about her family.

[Bonnie Dale Keck · Rating 4 out of 5]

kindle unlimited, the stuff will be revealed next book yet actually being one or more after was being pain, untrue, and aggravatingly slow, plus left lack of actual story line and all, but did get better, although, what else, there was still things hidden for how, and things even revealed such as the king's deal was, what else, put off again but not bad, just seems like at times the story line is dragged out way too much, and each one IS dragged out to some degree, so yeah, the constant wait to see with the others being more loosely connected 'other' stuff wasn't going down great, so at least can look at next book with some anticipation, maybe maybe not.

Murder in a magical, merry town just brimming with secrets.

On the snowy road to the Earth Kingdom for the holidays, Imogen and the bakers are ambushed by Horace, villainous leader of the Badlands Army. They’re forced to detour to an idyllic, rural village, bedecked in lights, garlands and winter cheer…all a little too perfect to believe. At least that’s so for Imogen, who’s seeing burned out buildings and mysterious memorials that no one else seems to notice.

Hank’s royal presence gets them invited to the big bash at the governor’s mansion. The night is filled with dancing, stolen kisses under the mistletoe and fun, until a guest is found dead in the cauldron of punch.

As bodies and mysteries pile up, all the evidence points to the vampire Francis as the culprit. The gang must come together to clear their friend’s name and save themselves from the angry villagers. Even worse, Imogen struggles with having to keep her relationship with Hank hidden, while working with him to find the real killer.

As Imogen unearths more than a few town secrets, she finally solves the riddles of her past and discovers the truth of Horace’s pursuit of her. But will all the secrets be unraveled in time to stop the killer, or will Imogen and her friends suffer a monstrous fate?

Seashells, Spells & Caramels: A Cozy Witch Mystery
Black Arts, Tarts & Gypsy Carts
Mermaid Fins, Winds and Rolling Pins
Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow: A Cozy Witch Mystery

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars.

I love this series so much! This latest installment in the series does not disappoint at all.

We find our characters on a special trip for Bruma, a holiday to celebrate the Winter Solstice. They get detoured to this little town and as usual, a murder occurs and the investigative spirits of the team are needed to help solve the mystery!

These characters are very well-rounded and complex. They're realistic (aside from the magic part ;) ), wonderful, and just a joy to read. I enjoy learning more and more about them as we get further into the series. The characters just draw you in and make you believe that you're friends with them all. And let me tell you, I don't normally do vampires, but I love Francis, so that's really saying something!

This particular book found us learning something important truths. I did NOT see the plot twist coming at all. It makes things make a lot of sense, but I still wasn't expecting it. The way that we find these things out is perfect.

I did figure out the villain before the reveal, though I hadn't figured out how she had done it exactly, so that part was still a surprise when it was revealed.

All in all this is an excellent 4th installment in the series and I'm looking forward to the 5th book! If you wish to read the series, I highly, HIGHLY recommend you start at the beginning with Seashells, Spells, & Caramels. While each mystery in the series is it's own separate story, you need the backstory on the personal relationships and other things that are happening throughout the whole series in order to understand why the plot twist was so astounding.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horace is back, traps them in a village so Imogen can learn something important about her past, and oh yeah, her "relationship" with Hank hits a snag and unfortunately, I just. don't. care.

The cooking has been abandoned for holiday travel, and the typical cast of characters, for reasons that stretch believability, are traveling together and thus stuck together when Horace redirects them. Imogen learns about her past and learns that Hank's wedding is in 6 weeks, and why he won't call off the wedding and face his father's irritation. Oh, and helps solve a murder, of course.

At this point, the need to always have the characters together as bakers who solve murders has worn thin, as has the Imogen/Hank relationship. While I hope the next book can bring back the magic of the first novel, I don't have too much faith in that happening.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of the Spells and Caramels series. I'm not usually a paranormal/supernatural mystery gal, but this series is fabulous. It is one that you really get lost in.

Now unlike most cozy mysteries that I read, this particular series really should be read in order. It can be read as a stand alone, but the progression of events makes the reading much more enjoyable and this series is just that. There are a lot of things that have happened before the start of this book that it can be a little difficult for a new to the series reader to get into, and the other books are so good that why wouldn't you want to read them in order?

I love the holiday theme. It really brings something special to this series. Its kinda Christmasy, but the holiday in this land is called Bruma.

I adore Imogen and her relationship with Hank and all the other interesting characters. Iggy, the flame is my absolute favorite of Imogen's friends. Iggy really cares deeply for his friend. I also enjoyed the little fling he had with another flame during the holiday party that started the ball rolling for the mystery.

The story progresses slowly as far as the mystery is concerned until the the first murder happens, but the prior events really set things up for what is going to happen.

Imogen and her friends are stuck in Earth land while trying to make it to Hank's family for the holiday. They encounter Horace the leader of the Badlands Army along the way and they are rerouted to a small town that is not quite what it seems.

In the course of things one of the more annoying townspeople is murdered, and then another and it the evidence points to Francis, their vampire. As they start to sleuth, they learn more about Imogen's past, which really helps to keep the story going. The mystery isn't quite the most important part of this book, its the reveal.

I love Erin's writing. It is so easy to transport yourself into the story.

If you haven't given this series a go, you should!

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my favorite book so far in the series. Maybe because I have a soft spot for Imogen, or maybe because my most perplexing questions finally have answers that lead to better questions! But I'm sure it's in the magical way Erin has with words because this story comes together perfectly within the Spells & Caramels series. I am an avid cozy mystery reader and something that Erin does that usually drives me crazy about other series is that trouble doesn't "follow" Imogen and her crew in the same "you're a walking bad omen" kind of way. They just happen to have an eye for putting together the pieces in other peoples issues, as their own story progresses. The mysteries they stumble into always relate to the larger overarching story as well. I can't wait for book 5! I have so many questions that need answers!

[Coralie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally got some answers - inevitably leading to more questions springing up like Monster Vine! No spoilers.
The book twist was a bit predictable but made up for by resolutions and overall series reveals so you don't feel cheated!
Little to no actual baking in this book so that's a bit sad as it's my favourite part! Have signed up for Erin Johnson's mailing list and gotten a free copy of "Imogen's Spellbook" which will hopefully tide me over until "Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons" is released in 9 days time.....!

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen, Maple, and the rest of the bakers along with Hank, are headed to London to spend the holidays with the Earth Kingdom royalty. During Bruma, the kingdoms' winter holiday, Hank organized a bake-off between the royal bakers for the Water and Earth Kingdoms. The group unfortunately encounters Horace and are forced to abandon their trek to London and into a small town. This almost too perfect town is a lot more than it seems and the perfect facade crumbles before their very eyes into something more sinister.

When some of the townspeople are found dead under mysterious circumstances, Francis seems to be the person of interest in the deaths. Knowing Francis isn't responsible, it's up the royal bakers and Hank to solve the mysteries. As Imogen and Hank, and the rest of the royal bakers investigate, Imogen finally learns more about her family history and some of it is truly shocking - but also explains Horace.

Getting out this small town is not going to be very easy!

I have really taken to this series. Imogene, Hank, Maple, and Sam, along with all the others, are being developed well. The continued world building provides more information about the magic practiced by various characters, describes scenes very well, and helps the reader develop deeper connections with the characters. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone better in book 4.

Imogen is a fun, caring, and interesting character. She has embraced the magic she was born into and is still learning how to harness or use the magic. Imogene and Maple are great friends and I love their friendship. I love the dynamics between Imogene and Prince Harry. They are cute together. And Iggy is the best! He's mouthy but Iggy and Imogen have a great relationship and love to watch it continue to grow.

I really enjoyed the fourth book in this cozy mystery series and found the setting and characters to be interesting and exciting. I was completely engaged in the story. There were some twists and turns in the quest to catch the killer. There are multiple threads woven through Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow that keep the story fresh and interesting. The book was fast paced and easy to follow. I look forward to the next book and the continued exploration into Imogen's past and development of the relationship between Imogen and Hank - as unconventional as it may seem.

[Caryn - iam.caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was excellent. From start to finish.
Favourite book in the series so far.

[Deanna Summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells & Caramels Book 4

In the 4th Book..We are transported to a Winter Wonderland as Imogene, Iggy, Hank, Maple & the Bakers are on their way to London to Celebrate Bruma (a Winter Holiday) in the Earth Kingdom by way of horse drawn sleighs, when Horace (Leader of the Badlands) appears and by using magic makes them take a detour which leads them to a charming little village. It seems a bit too perfect but Imogene and the gang try to make the best of it. But everything isn't always as it seems. There is another murder or 2 and Imogene, Iggy and the whole gang work together to solve it. There will also be some secrets revealed to give Imogene answers about her past. I love every book in the series but this one is my favorite. I can't wait for the next enchanting magical mystery.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a book with Imogen and Iggy only means a new magic travel with a baking murder story! Ready? ;)
This is not the first book I’ve read of the Spells & Caramels series, but I think you may be a little lost with all the characters if you start the series on this one, I recommend you to start from the beginning, just for the little flame Iggy it is worth the read!
This time, our loved characters will be staying in a quite "charming" little village, where Imogen starts seeing mysterious things that no one else can notice... is she going crazy? Or our villain Horace has something to do with it? There will be murder too, but there are so many important things in this book, that the killing was not my main interest!
This time our story will be full of mysterious murders, some quite surprising discoveries and a few passionate kisses, it will not leave anyone disappointed. But it will make you want to read the next book straight away!
I liked the Imogen adventures because it's not only centered on her character but with all her friends too, Maple, Francis, Iggy, Hank... all with their own stories and adventures, making this a really enjoyable read and a quite addictive series!
Ready for a little bit of magic?

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sugar and snow filled continuation to the Spells & Caramels series! Imogen and her friends are on their way to the Earth Kingdom for Bruma, a celebration of the winter solstice, but they’re forced to take a detour to a perfect snowy town when Horace shows up. Things don’t seem perfect or right to Imogen, but she’s the only one who sees memorials, burned out buildings, and other strange things in the town. People are being murdered after they arrive and once again, they must solve the murders to save an innocent friend. I love the friendship and bond that Imogen, Hank, and their friends have and Erin always makes me feel like I’m on the adventures with them. Things are getting tricky for her and Hank romantically since he’s still engaged to someone else and there’s little to no baking in this book. Imogen continues to uncover secrets of her biological family’s past and there’s a plot twist within the middle of this series which actually clears up some past events in the previous books.
Hannah does another fantastic job with this narration! Her voice is nice and easy to listen to and I love the accents and different voices that she uses for each character. She knows how to keep you hanging on the edge of your seat and enhances the mystery and suspense with her performance.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute and fun series! Erin Johnson once again manages to make a cozy mystery into something more... In this latest installment, Imogen and her friends find themselves in yet another new location, confronting old enemies as well as some new ones. There is less emphasis on baking this time, which was surprising, but nowhere NEAR as surprising as the Big Reveal that comes out more than three-quarters of the way through. These books are a delightful blend of frivolous fun, engaging banter, and secrets slowly revealed. Imogen is developing nicely from a sweet rather straightforward girl who stumbles upon a world-within-the-world into a character with hidden talents and more complexity than her simple origin story would suggest. The books are easy to read; Johnson's writing style is dishy and engaging and she sprinkles in just enough political inter-(and intra-) kingdom intrigue to keep the books from feeling *just* like cozy romantic mysteries (not that there's anything wrong with cozy romantic mysteries). As with Imogen herself, there's more fluttering beneath the surface than you catch at first glance, which is what keeps bringing me back for more!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so imaginative! The author's lushly detailed writing style assists you easily with a mental picture as you read - you can literally see the brick peeking through the crumbling plaster as you walk up the spiral staircase to the tower belfry...

In this story, the backdrop is Bruma festivities - a magical version of winter solstice, Christmas and New Years all wrapped into one! Imogen and gang are travelling and intentionally detoured into a small village where secrets are revealed regarding Imogen's family. Although I love the entire cast of characters, I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for that snarky Iggy! I look forward to seeing how the author solves the issues surrounding the budding romance between Imogen and Hank. Love the titles of these books - can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!

[Allyson Dyar · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Note: This time, I wasn't given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

The book opens up with our intrepid Scooby Gang making way through the snow to London when they encounter a detour to a town with a hidden past.

As opposed to her other books, the actual mystery in this book wasn't as good as the other ones, but the author makes up for it by clearing up the mystery of one of the main characters.

For those of you who have read any mystery series, coming in with book #4 isn't a good idea. Ideally, you really want to start with #1 and read forward. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

4 strong stars!

[Angela James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, Shenanigans, and Mayhem

Loved this book! Imogen and her merry band of friends are highly entertaining. The mystery, shenanigans, and mayhem that seem to follow them are perfection. I can't wait to see what they get new trouble they stir up next time! It's always a pleasure and I'm constantly surprised!

[Arlene Arredondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!
I am definitely addicted to this series and can't wait for the next book to be available.
Great writing style full of witt and humor.

[P.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well spun tale with interesting characters. Imaginative locations with vivid descriptions. A little choppy in spots, but still am enjoyable reading experience.

[Janis Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author Erin Johnson for gifting me with a free electronic copy of this book. She has done so after hearing that I enjoyed the first book in this series, and I can assure you this is still my own open and honest opinion and not something I’ve been paid (or bartered a book) to say.

‘Cook Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow’ is book four in the ‘Spells & Caramels’ series and one of my favourites. Not because of the Christmas time feel, but simply because it finally started giving we impatient readers (or was it just me?) some insight into Imogen, her family, and her past. And it was well worth waiting for!

Yes there was, to me, a bit of confusion as the characters would say one thing, and then the opposite… *cough* vampires… and the faults were not so seamlessly stitched together to make sense. This gave it a clunky, badly edited feel – but they were so minor I almost hate to mention them. They did not detract from the main story at all. Yes it seemed like some clumsy backstory filler around the main story gone awry, but dedicated fans of this series can easily overlook it in our desire to learn more about Imogen.

Gosh, I just made it sound a heck of a lot worse than it all really was… seriously, would I have given it 4 out of 5 stars because it was a stinker? No! It wasn’t a stinker, it’s just a Monday morning as I write this review and so I just sound crabby I guess! :-D

I loved the story, felt sad at times for the past, happy for the present, and eager to see what happened in the next book. So, to me, a perfect little supernatural cosy crime novel!

And the level of magic wasn’t as “urgh, Harry Potter wannabe” as the last novel. I was very relieved to read this. It was back to that nicer balance of magic is just part of their lives, not some miraculous way of making everything happen. I know that sounds a little weird when discussing magic… But I hope people get what I mean. Oh, and I loved the punch! Except for what ended up in it… but that little level of magic was cute.

All in all, ‘Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow’ stayed true to the series so far. Same lovable characters, same strong but sometimes witless protagonist, and same “baddies” in the background. Thoroughly enjoyable and well worth a read.

Book nerd side of things – formatting was fine for Kindle, no clunky paragraphs out of place or page numbers in the middle of a sentence.

Would I recommend this book to others?

Yes I would, but my regular followers will know what I would say – read the first three books in the ‘Spells & Caramels’ series first! I suppose it COULD be read as a stand-alone book… but it would come across as disjointed to me and I couldn’t do it. So, do this book, this series and this talented author the justice they deserve and read all the books in the series in order. Lovers of cosy crime mysteries that have a supernatural theme will adore not only this book, but this series so go grab them today. They are also very reasonably priced as both an eBook or as a paperback.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Yes I would. I mean, I own a copy so don’t have to… but have been buying all the other books in this series that I wasn’t gifted. I happily pay for them too as they are so good. I’ve recently signed up to Amazon Prime and ‘Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow’ comes up as “free” as part of my Prime account, but I would much rather pay the under $10 AUD price it usually costs and get to keep the book if I ever leave Prime.

In summary: A great continuation, with suitable plot twists, to an excellent series.

[Amanda Pagano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen and crew venture out to the Earth Kingdom in this book. The capital of the Earth Kingdom happens to be located in London, the magical world living alongside the non-magical world in secret. A bunch of the royal kingdoms are gathering in London to celebrate Burma, a magical holiday marking the end of winter by staying up all night and setting off fireworks at midnight. And the Water Kingdom's royal bakers were invited alongside the Water Kingdom royal court in order to show off their Kingdom's awesome baking skills. I found it very fitting to be reading about a holiday similar to the New Year holiday on New Year's Eve.

Water Kingdom's Royal Court didn't want the bakers traveling in their airship so the baking crew traveled by horse and sleigh in the snowy weather. But, Prince Harry joined them to ensure Imogen's safety from the outlaw Horace, who they encountered in a previous book. Horace ends up causing trouble for them by blocking their path with a Monster Vine that forces them to spend Burma in a small and quaint town instead of the bustling city of London. The royal baking crew is surprised to find the town and villagers to be hospitable and a beautiful sight to explore. But, this little town may be more to meet the eye with murders and mysteries in store.

In this book, not one but two murders happen! And of course, the newcomers are the first suspects the villagers point their fingers at. So, Imogen and the entire crew work together to solve this murder mystery as fast as possible. In the process of uncovering the murderer, Imogen ends up finding out more about her own past and the history of the quaint little town they're in. This book ends up having a lot of revelations for multiple characters in this series. I'm excited to see how these revelations direct the future of the series.

We learn more about the politics and history surrounding the different magic kingdoms in this book and I have my suspicions not everything is black and white when it comes to who the good guys and bad guys are. I'm hoping since this book gave us the Earth Kingdom we may get to venture into the lands of the Fire Kingdom soon too. This book really solidified the relationship of the entire baking crew as a chosen family and I truly love that for Imogen. Her friendship with Maple is precious, her connection to her enchanted flame Iggy grows deeper with each book, and Prince Harry and her are pushing themselves into one complicated relationship. But, Imogen's life full of magic is a lot more exciting than her life as a human.

We are back in the five stars' land for this series. The characters in this book were a lot less annoying and a lot more interesting than the mermaids and pirates. If you're choosing to read this series definitely continue on through with this one. It was a great read and not only did it have a cool murder mystery to uncover but it revealed a lot more about the overall arching plot of Imogen and the magic kingdoms. I can't wait to read the rest of this series in 2023!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fourth book reveals Imogene’s origins to her and who her real parents were so that tease at the end of book three is answered here!

Imogene and her friends are in the Earth Kingdom to attend winter festivities but are sidetracked to another town when they can’t pass through a magical obstacle blocking their way. However, this town holds secrets and one person finally tells Imogene who she really is.

Along the way, however, two bodies turn up dead and one of her friends is accused of dong the deed and another is attacked. Imogene and her friends decide to get involved and clear their one friend and make sure the perpetrators of the other one and the real murderer is brought to justice!

Fun, humor and suspense abound as the secrets in this town are exposed and answers are given. It’s a great read and I recommend this book and this series to one and all who enjoy cozy mysteries with suspense, humor and through it all love which binds these friends together through it all!

This series is magical in the way one feels while reading the latest installment in this series. These characters have changed from being just characters in a book to people you’ll be happy to call friends! Having magic to help bring the evil doers down is an added bonus and one I think we all would like to be able to exercise ourselves if we could!

Erin’s stories just make you feel good and personally I like hat feeling!

Get the complete set like I did so you can read this entire series from its beginning to its end and have all the books together so you only have to turn the page to start the next book! You’ll read about a girl who always felt like she didn’t belong but through a magical opportunity she finds her life completely turned upside down and finds friends and a place that she loves and calls home even though she has to contend with heartbreak and disappointment along the way ,as is the case with all us as well, as she struggles to find the happiness she wants so much!

I recommend this series as one you’ll love as well and hope you’ll accept the invitation! You won’t regret it!

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stranded during winter in a strange small town by your enemy. What could go wrong?
Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow by Erin Johnson brings us a wintery book that makes me want to snuggle up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate or hot cider while reading this book. We find Imogen and her friends having a tough break in this winter book. One step after the other isn’t good for them once they get closer to their destination.

What I like about this book:
• It takes place a few months after the last book and its winter time. The magical time of year.
• Imogen can see right through some of the things happening around the town. Especially through the citizens’ false pleasantness when they see Hank/Prince Harry.
• Imogen finally finds out about her past along with Prince Harry/Hank and Francis as well.
• We find out when Hank and Shaday are getting married.
• A LOT of shocking and plot twists happened in this book and I LOVED them all.

What I didn’t like about this book:
What I didn’t like is that the governments basically tried to cover everything up that had to deal with the monsters and the sad tragic deaths that had happened. Who knows what else they are hiding and aren’t willing to confess.

What I am curious about:
• Will Imogen be able to move on from Hank when she has to?
• Will Imogen be able to prove that her brother isn’t a monster like everyone thinks he is?

Five Stars
Cookie Dough, Snow & Wands Aglow by Erin Johnson is an amazing book. We, just like the main character, have a lot of stuff to mull over that we learned in this book. I am giving this book five stars since it’s an awesome book. It’s also a great read even on this not so spring day for me. I am still loving Imogen as the main character and all the secondary characters are so amazing. Especially when they are able to help Imogen out and with how they care for her.

Anyways until the next time enjoy this review brought to you by
Baroness’ Book Trove.

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