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Spells & Caramels #5

Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons

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An inconvenient marriage. A pantry full of magical secrets. Will a heartbroken witch summon true love or spell disaster?

Imogen’s boyfriend is about to marry a princess. The baking witch has repressed her feelings enough to run the reception’s kitchen. But while her unresolved emotions wreak havoc on the cake, a celebrity is permanently checked off the guest list…

Booted from the wedding gig and coping with a broken heart, Imogen hopes to find a clue that could put a stop to the whole affair. As motives abound with suspects ranging from a sly journalist to an unruly maid to a royal family member, Imogen receives a tempting offer from her outlaw brother. An offer that would help her escape the kingdom… forever.

As the evidence piles up higher than a five-tier pastry display, Imogen must choose between pushing her powers to the limit or risking the loss of everyone she loves.
Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons is the fifth standalone book in the Spells & Caramels series of cozy paranormal mysteries. If you like crafty witch heroines, magical kitchen mishaps, and page-turning plot twists, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s matrimonial mystery.

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2018

538 people are currently reading
403 people want to read

About the author

Erin Johnson

90 books717 followers
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).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,393 followers
July 30, 2022
All I can say is wow. The fifth book, Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons: A Cozy Witch Mystery, in the Cozy Witch Spells & Caramels Mystery series, by Erin Johnson, is my favorite one so far. In this fun tale, Imogen spends a lot of time with her newly found brother learning all about what happened to her as a child... including facts about her birth parents, why she and her brother grew up separately, and how she fits into the world of Monsters Rise. When the concept of the 'mirror' came into play, I totally found myself enamored again with the series. What intense and wicked imagination Johnson has!

But it doesn't stop there. MAJOR changes in the relationships among all the bakers and royal family members suddenly blast through the pages of this adorable story. Imogen is at the center of everything, including the murder of someone from the Fire Kingdom followed by a re-visit from the great fire monster of the past. The plot is truly immersive and cohesive in this latest edition in the series. I feel like we're done with the initial world-building of this gem and finally figuring out what all the rules are in terms of how Imogen became a witch. There's still a ton of room for more background to unfold, but we've got the basics now and I look forward to seeing how this one will continue.

For those new to the series, you've got magic, fantasy, family drama, mystery, royalty, baking, and quirky humor that has a few cute double entendres. The mysteries have been on the lighter side as the full world and cast is dazzled before us, but they're growing stronger. Books are on the shorter side, easy to devour in one afternoon for a couple of hours. You should start from the beginning to catch up, maybe even read 2 in a row to get the full picture. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Gemma.
834 reviews67 followers
August 27, 2019
As with all the books in this series, I loved it.
I was glad to see the love triangles come to conclusions.
It was also good to learn more about one of the other kingdoms too. I'm really looking forward to the next book!

Re-read,

I have just listened to the audio of this book and loved it even more the second time round.
The narration is wonderfully done.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,064 reviews82 followers
April 4, 2018
Full Moons, Dunes and Macaroons by Erin Johnson is the fifth novel in Spells and Caramels series. Imogen Banks and her fellow bakers from the Water Kingdom have traveled to the Fire Kingdom for the wedding of Prince Harry and Princess Shaday. Imogen keeps telling everyone that she is fine with the wedding, but her baking reveals she is far from okay. Until Imogen can get control of her emotions, Maple bans her from the kitchen. When Imogen hears that Bernhardt Beckham, warden of Carclaustra Prison, was found murdered, she decides to use her time to track down the killer. Beckham’s murder is not the only crime to have taken place in the Fire Kingdom recently. Damavash’s magical armor was stolen from the Royal Artifacts Museum and a reward is being offered for its return. The witnesses to the theft state a lion walked in and stole it, but officials do not know how that is possible since there were magical wards in place to prevent shifters. While Imogen is out in the town, she spots Horace, the leader of the Badlands Army and her brother. Horace makes Imogen an offer that she is very tempted to accept. It would mean a big change and she would miss her friends. But then she learns of a destructive conspiracy that will have lethal consequences for those she loves. What decision will Imogen make?

Full Moons, Dunes and Macaroons is not a standalone novel. You do need to read the other books in the series first (especially book four). I thought the book was well-written and has delightful characters. My favorite being Iggy, the flame. I just love his lines and there is one scene with him laughing that had me in stitches. I like the authors take on magic and the unique worlds she has created. In each book readers get to journey to a different kingdom. The story is lighthearted with just the right touch of humor. There is friendship, family, intrigue, love, fire, monsters, mystery and magic. There are two mysteries in the book, and I like how the author weaved them through the story. The story behind Damavash’s armor is a fascinating tale. I am hoping that Imogen will be wiser in the future regarding Horace, and it is time she learned how to master her magical gift. The ending is just delightful and will leave you smiling. Full Moons, Dunes and Macaroons will have you riveted to see how the group’s latest adventure will play out.
Profile Image for Lola.
1,995 reviews275 followers
November 16, 2018
I can't believe it's been so long since I read the previous book in this series. I missed this world and as I was in the mood for paranormal cozy mysteries, this seemed like the perfect moment to get back to Imogen, Iggy and the rest of her friends. Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons was such a fun read, like I've come to expect from this series. There's a mystery, twists and ofcourse spending time with the familiar characters.

In Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons Imogen and her friends travel to the fire kingdom, Prince Hank and princess Shaday are going to get married. But it's mostly a political marriage as Hank is secretly in love with Imogen and Shaday has her own secret lover too. Imogen isn't in a good place as she has to help prepare the wedding cake for a wedding she doesn't want to take place. And once she messes up a bake, she gets banned form the kitchen and lands herself into the middle of a mystery.

I liked how this book builds further on the big twist from the last book and for a long time I wasn't quite sure which side it would go and only toward the end you find out. There are some interesting twists and directions the plot takes. There were a few things I predicted, some pretty early and other only shortly before Imogen did. But there were also things I hadn't guessed and I was thinking in the wrong direction for the mystery.

There is a lot going on in this book besides the mystery, the preparation for the wedding, baking, the mystery, Maple's romance and Imogen's interactions with another character. But even with everything going on the mystery was great too. I wasn't sure how it tied in with the rest of the plot, but I love how it tied together at the end. I actually wasn't sure who the murderer was and also didn't focus as much on trying to figure it out and a possible suspects I had turned out to be completely wrong, lol.

I really enjoy reading about Imogen and her friends. And Iggy! Iggy is probably my favorite side character in this series, he's awesome. I am happy Imogen took Iggy with her most times, after the first investigation scene in this book where she left him in the palace. I like how Imogen is curious and wants to solve the mystery, although at times she does take some big risks. I also like how even 5 books in, she still doesn't fully have the hang of her magic and there's this fun scene where she can't think of a spell in a stressful situation, that was so Imogen. It feels realistic it takes her time to get better at magic and she does improve in each book.

I was happy with how this book wraps things up, it all felt like a very solid ending that wrapped up some plot lines, but also many more that are still open and that will continue in later books. I liked how things in the Fire Kingdom got resolved and I like Shaday even more after this book. I am really curious how the whole plot line surrounding Horace will continue with what happened in this book.

It also was great how in this book we got to visit the Fire Kingdom. I don't think it actually was mentioned in the book where the fire kingdom was and how it was hidden. Which is a big thing with the water kingdom, so I wish it had been here as well. On the author's Facebook page I found that the kingdom is in Morocco apparently. The culture was very different from the water kingdom and it was interesting to see the differences.

To summarize: another fun read. I am glad I picked up this book as it was the perfect read for my current mood. I had fun following Imogen, Iggy and her friends as they visit to the fire kingdom and solve another mystery. There is a lot going on in this book with the wedding, the mystery, some side characters plot lines and the plot line surrounding Horace and the badlands. The mystery was well done, I wasn't quite sure who the suspect was, but it all made sense and nicely tied into some other plot lines too. I like reading about Imogen and how she handled herself and Iggy is still my favorite side character, he's awesome. The world building gets expanded a bit as they visit the Fire Kingdom in this book and it's interesting to see the differences between the kingdoms. All in all this was a great read and I hope to read the next book soon.
113 reviews
May 2, 2018
Fun adventure!

Imogen and her friends go to Fire Kingdom for Hank's wedding and Imogen ends up investigating a murder...among other things!
20 reviews
May 1, 2018
Fun filled read

Exciting new series, great characters, well thought out story line, can't put it down once I start reading. Looking forward to the next one!
354 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2018
Another fabulous story

Erin Johnson is a fantastic writer.i have read all the Spells & Caramels stories and can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews49 followers
April 3, 2018
Book five in the absolutely incredible Spells & Caramels series. So it is now time for Hank's wedding which of course Imogen is dreading. The are in the fire kingdom for the ceremony and poor Imogen has her own form of melt down due to the stress of it all. As she is banished from the kitchen for awhile she starts looking into a recent murder and what follows is some craziness that kept me hooked until the very last page. It ended with a finale that blew my mind and had me cheesing from ear to ear. If you enjoy books that have amazing world building mixed with magic and characters you can really love then you really have to read this book/series. I loved every single page so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Sherry Priddy.
249 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2018
The best one in the series yet! This series has been amazing!! Could Not put this book down! Can't wait for the next one!! Love the characters especially Iggy!! If you haven't started this series you really are missing out!! Words can't express how much I love this series!! Thank you Erin!!!
Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,423 reviews73 followers
May 10, 2018
This book follows Imogen whose dealing with the unpleasant business of being at impending nuptials of Hank and Shaday who are marrying out of obligation more than anything else both being in love with someone else. Imogen finds her brother Horace there as well, and feels drawn to him as he saved her life when she was a baby but is that enough to build a relationship with a terrorist?

This book was fast moving and really pulled you in wanting to know what was going to happen next. I hoped it would work out well in the end, and was pleasantly surprised with the end result. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who loves paranormal mysteries as this one didn't disappoint in the least!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
203 reviews
October 31, 2024
Without the homosexual aspect this would have been a four star book. I did enjoy the story and Imogene’s further discovery of her powers.

Spoiler…

The aspect of Hank’s marriage and his relationship with Imogen, which I also found unsettling, resolved nicely.
Profile Image for Karen (BaronessBookTrove).
1,123 reviews108 followers
April 3, 2018
What could go wrong at the royal wedding?
Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons by Erin Johnson takes us into February with Hank/Prince Harry’s wedding to Shaday at the Fire Kingdom’s palace in the desert. Imogen is trying to play it off that she’s fine when she really isn’t.

What I like about this book:
• That despite everything that is going on Imogen is trying to be happy even though she really isn’t.
• I like how Horace is such a complicated character. By that I mean he can be good to his sister and be evil not only to his sister but to everyone else.
• Maple finally picked the one she really likes in this book. I’m so excited about that.
• I like that we get a happy ending for all of the characters that were put into this situation for Prince Harry and Shaday being forced to marry each other because of a political alliance.

What I didn’t like about this book:
What I didn’t like in this one was how Hank’s father is not all that happy with Hank or Imogen. That is mostly because he is prejudice to the fact that they are swallows. Another thing I disliked was how horrible Horace is with Imogen at times and that Horace doesn’t get with how she could go against him.

What I am curious about:
• How much will this change Imogen’s life?

Five Stars
Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons by Erin Johnson is another great book that I couldn’t put down at all. A lot has happened in this book and all of it is good stuff for Imogen to learn from. It really helps that she has the back-up of some people in the book that helped her learn a few things. Despite all the warnings that she got from the other characters. We did get a happy ending though in this book for a lot of characters which is good and I’m glad that they got their happy ending.

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

I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you would like to read more reviews like this one please go to baronessbooktrove.com
Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
April 18, 2018
Imogen

Sometimes you just need a fun cozy mystery to get you out of a funk and that's exactly what this book delivered. Imogen is always finding trouble and it's pretty funny reading how she manages to wiggle out of it and save the day. Always entertaining, never boring, sass, snark, murder, and mayhem, with a sweet bit it romance. I loved this book and this series so far!
Profile Image for Jill Elizabeth.
1,993 reviews50 followers
April 6, 2018
This is such a cute series - I really like the baking angle and the Four Kingdoms world-within-the-world, and the characters are a fun blend of personalities and quirks that work well together. All that said, this book felt more political drama (albeit supernaturally so) than cozy mystery, and as such, wasn't my favorite of the series...

The drama is heating up in the Water Kingdom, and with Prince Harry's pending nuptials throwing Imogen into a tizzy, I expected a little more romantic hijinks and a little less oppressed-population-fighting-for-freedoms. That's not to say that the latter was inappropriate or handled poorly - neither is true AT ALL. It just wasn't what I'd come to expect from the series. It took things in a more serious-minded direction than the earlier books, and didn't read quite as quickly as a result.

I did thoroughly enjoy the development of Horace as a villain/antagonist - it's nice to see him fleshed out and more well-rounded, not just the evil genius that everyone (at least, everyone in power!) assumes him to be. I also enjoyed seeing Shaday developed into her own character, rather than just being presented as Harry's fiancee/Imogen's rival - she's a very interesting personality, and I hope to see more of her (and Elke)!

It looks like we are in for more books - the book ended in a way that leaves a lot still up in the air (pun intended), and I remain curious to see how it will all play out!

My review copy was originally provided by the author; I then downloaded it through Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for Hope Pinkerton.
28 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2018
I frequently find myself talking to Imogen as she finds her adventures. She's so trusting and innocent that I find myself swearing but I am emotionally invested in the Kingdoms being overthrown. Also, DM me if you want to talk about the huge Swallow in the room that Imogen hasn't figured out regarding Hank. Bless her heart.
Profile Image for Bonnie Dale Keck.
4,677 reviews58 followers
June 10, 2018
kindle unlimited {but have review book this time}, they could have been 5's, but ending up 4's and 3's because the stuff will be revealed next book and 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, constant wait to see with the others being more loosely connected 'other' stuff wasn't going down great, and still ongoing issues with either typos or confusion as in such things as 'glamping in tents'. Also the ending wasn't even right, because the one king had already said things were basically off, so why would he demand reparations for something he'd already said wasn't going to happen. Not even silly 90210 stuff any more, it's stupid 90210, these stories are SUPPOSED to be about the magic, not the other crap except as SIDE issues.

The big day has finally arrived, and Imogen, Iggy and the bakers head to the Fire Kingdom for Hank and Shaday’s wedding. Imogen is totally fine with it—or so she keeps telling herself. Even the murder of a famous wedding guest can’t stop the impending nuptials. So when Imogen’s repressed feelings magically ruin her baking and she’s banned from the kitchen, she sets herself to finding the killer.

Her search leads her through the desert kingdom’s bustling marketplaces and the maze-like riad, to discover underground movements, shady characters, and more secrets about the people around her than she thought possible. Could the killer be the clever journalist or the rebellious palace maid? Perhaps it’s a member of the royal family. With the Fire Kingdom’s people churning for change, a mysterious artifact missing from the museum, and a dastardly plot brewing, Imogen begins to feel the heat. When Horace contacts her and makes her a tempting offer, she struggles to choose between him and her new friends.

Imogen’s choice will have enormous consequences over a deadly plot that threatens the people she loves. Will she stop a killer and find a happy ending in the process? Or will an ancient legend come to life and destroy them all?
(less)

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
Full Moons, Dunes & Macaroons: A Cozy Witch Mystery (Spells & Caramels Book 5)
143 reviews
April 12, 2018
Countrylibrarian

Love love love this series. She is a very unique writer. The characters are new and fresh. Still really like Iggy and his humor. If you haven't read any of her books I think you'd like this series
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
April 2, 2018
I just love this series! The author has a real talent in her vivid and lush descriptive writing style, enabling the reader to literally "see" the characters and backdrop of the story. And as for that imagination of hers...all I can say is...how does she think some of these things up? Very entertaining reading, that's for sure.

In this book, poor Imogen's heart is breaking. Hank's arranged marriage to Shaday is going forward - it's his royal duty. Imogen and crew are visiting the Fire Kingdom to assist in the wedding baking. After ruining a batch of macaroons, Imogen is banned from the kitchen - but just in time to investigate a murder. Imogen encounters quite a bit of adventure during her visit - including encountering her fugitive brother, Horace. Loved the shared brother/sister "swallow" magic background provided in this story - and is Horace good or evil?? Kudos to the author for a great suspenseful and satisfying conclusion to this story - the best yet in the series!

Although I did receive an ARC of this book, my review is voluntary and totally a pleasure to write - love this series and can't recommend highly enough!
Profile Image for Allyson Dyar.
443 reviews58 followers
April 2, 2018
(Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

The wedding day has arrived and our intrepid Scooby gang is there to work along side the Fire Kingdom bakers to create the special cake for the special day.

Unlike other books in the series, we actually don't see much of the Scooby gang or their baking, instead, the story focused on the two main ladies of the hour: Imogene and Princess Shaday (one could say that a third lady could be considered Maple since it's become obvious she has to make a choice between her two suitors).

While Princess Shaday was previously presented as aloof and beautiful, we really get to see what lies beneath her royal mask. Imogene, on the other hand, remains conflicted and the events of this book drive her conflict even deeper.

This was a very satisfying book in the entry, and while many series lose steam around book 5, this one is seriously keeping my interest. Can't wait for the next book!

4.5 strong stars! A worthy entry in the series.
Profile Image for Deanna Summers.
27 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2018
I received this book for free in return for an honest review. This is the 5th book in The Spells & Caramels series and it finds Imogene, Iggy and the Bakers in the Fire Kingdom preparing for Hank & Shaday's Royal Wedding. Imogene is excited about visiting the Fire Kingdom but her heart is not in it. The Fire Kingdom is very Exotic & Intoxicating from the scent of spices in the Open Market of the village to an ancient Volcano, but looks can be deceiving because it's far from a Desert Paradise. Just a few days before the wedding there is a murder and Imogene gets help from an unlikely source to solve it. Is this person friend or foe? More secrets will be revealed about Imogene's past and a lot of surprises and excitement for some other characters too. I Love every book in this series and can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Arlene Arredondo.
566 reviews11 followers
April 5, 2018
Fast read, amazing plot and great characters.
In this installment, we get to see the Fire Kingdom and the preparations for the big wedding.
Mixed feelings, unexpected love triangles and a murder highlights the days leading to the dreadful event.
Love how the author manage to balance subplots and the development of the story.
405 reviews4 followers
April 4, 2018
I haven't read the entire series, but now I really need to. This will definitely make more sense if you read the series in order but i was able to catch up without any problem (I seem to have skipped the third book!). A very fun series, the characters are great (love Iggy!) and the kingdoms are well described. Kept me interested until the very end.

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
430 reviews8 followers
March 27, 2018
This is one of the most fun series to read. I love the characters! Once I start reading one I seriously can not put it down and then I'm sad because I have to wait until the next one comes out. Highly recommend this series, it is amazing! I voluntarily reviewed a copy I received from the author.
Profile Image for Sabetha.
Author 20 books131 followers
September 15, 2019
I am just going to say that I am totally #teamhorace so haters beware! LOL This book was such a roller coaster! My emotions were all over the place along side Imogens. Be warned you will want to read this book in one sitting, there is so much going on, you won't want to wait for answers! Erin does a beautiful job of framing all of Imogens emotions perfectly. Personally I think she can do better than Harry/Hank. I love how well the baking, romance, and Horace stories flow together throughout the book. It makes for the right about of suspense and laughs as you read. I can't wait discover more about all of the above!
Profile Image for Andrea Guy.
1,483 reviews67 followers
July 1, 2018
I have been keeping up with the Spells and Caramels series from the start. These books are really getting better with each book. This series is one you have to read from book 1, because though there's not a cliffhanger ending, the next book picks up where the last leaves off. This series is totally about continuity.



This book starts in the Fire Kingdom as the wedding of Prince Hank and Shaday is approaching. Its kinda hard to think of that when Hank is Imogen's boyfriend. Her emotions screw up her baking and get her banned from the kitchen as a result. Poor Imogen.



She is also getting to know her brother Horace, who just happens to be one of the most wanted criminals all the while trying to find the killer of Shaday's friend's father. Shaday being the princess who happens to be marrying Hank.



So there's a lot going on in this book and Imogen is learning more and more about herself and even about her brother. There's less with Hank in this book because of the wedding preparations.



The ending is action packed and has a lot of "wow!" going on.



All of this makes for a fabulous read.



I can't wait to see what happens next to the crew.
Profile Image for Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews.
2,912 reviews214 followers
July 19, 2018
Another winner in my book! I still have no idea what it is about this series that draws me in and fosters a passion to read the book and forget everything else.

Imogen and the gang are in the Fire Kingdom for Hank and Shaday's wedding. Needless to say, many people are not happy about the wedding including the bride and groom! The Fire kingdom is a bit backwards and treats women as if they are not as smart or strong or capable. I am sure many could understand and relate to what they see in their own lives. There are some intriguing twists about the personal life of Shaday and her hopes and desires for her life. I loved how that story played out in this book.

We also learned more about Imogen's past and how she came to live in the human world vs the magical world through her brother Horace. I could see how Imogen was torn between wanting to know her brother but also doing what was right for the magical world. I am hoping that there might be some redemption for Horace in future books. Plus I'm sure there is more to learn about her past in future books.

Overall a very enjoyable book and I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Minnie.
907 reviews
December 27, 2025
5⭐

OMG. I'm absolutely flabbergasted 😲
This series gets better and better, even though it's already sooo good 🤩

It's "finally" Prince Harry and Princess Shaday's wedding.
I use " because I obviously wasn't looking forward to it. But I also knew it would come to this day 😖

I really don't know what Horace is up to. I don't understand him. I was shocked after the plot twist in book 4 and thought it might change things, but I'm not sure 🙈

There is so much traveling in this series. Every time they visit someplace else. I'm looking forward to the next places 😁
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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