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Magical Bakery Mystery #9
Witches and Wedding Cake
Baker Katie Lightfoot is crafting her own magical wedding cake and tracking down a malicious murderer in the newest installment of this New York Times bestselling series.
Katie will be marrying firefighter Declan McCarthy in less than a week, and she's still finding time to run the Honeybee Bakery, where she infuses sweets and treats with special spells and cheerful charms. But her hope of getting hitched without a hitch is short-lived. When Declan's family shows up early to enjoy a few extra days in Savannah, his youngest sister finds an unsavory her ex-husband, dead in a hotel room hours after they argued.
The ex was scam artist with a lot of enemies, but the argument puts Declan's sister under suspicion. Between dress fittings and dough-kneading, Katie—along with her witchy friends in the spellbook club—will really have to work some magic to figure out who killed the con man...or there may not be a wedding.
Katie will be marrying firefighter Declan McCarthy in less than a week, and she's still finding time to run the Honeybee Bakery, where she infuses sweets and treats with special spells and cheerful charms. But her hope of getting hitched without a hitch is short-lived. When Declan's family shows up early to enjoy a few extra days in Savannah, his youngest sister finds an unsavory her ex-husband, dead in a hotel room hours after they argued.
The ex was scam artist with a lot of enemies, but the argument puts Declan's sister under suspicion. Between dress fittings and dough-kneading, Katie—along with her witchy friends in the spellbook club—will really have to work some magic to figure out who killed the con man...or there may not be a wedding.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 28, 2020
215 people are currently reading
1358 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
October 29, 2020
(c/p from my review on TheStoryGraph) Yeah, no, I'm done with this series. I don't have the energy to talk about this book in any meaningful way I'm just totally over it. This is no longer fun, the story isn't engaging, and I am too busy rolling my eyes at every other page to get anything out of it.
August 18, 2020
WITCHES AND WEDDING CAKE is the ninth book of the Magical Bakery series and I must say, I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t have much expectation going into this book because the last book in the series was a little bit lacklustre for me. But the great thing is that there is always a new book to look forward to and I think Cates did a better job with this book.
With Katie’s wedding to Declan just a week away, she definitely has her hands full. Surrounded by Declan’s family, she has probably too much going on to stay sane. So when one of Declan’s sisters finds her ex dead after they get into a fight, things start to look even more gloomy for the bride.
With plenty of enemies, anyone could be the murderer and so, this book really had a lot of fun things going on that I think kept the book interesting. I enjoyed the banter this time and enjoyed the glimpse into Declan’s family life a bit more. Everything just seemed to flow a bit more easily, so it turned out to be quite the page turner. I was really happy with this book and I’m hoping that the other books in the series will be winners for me as well. WITCHES AND WEDDING CAKES is definitely a hit!
July 26, 2020
Witches and Wedding Cake by Bailey Cates is the 9th A Magical Bakery Mystery. I have been reading this spirited series from the very first beginning. Witches and Wedding Cake can be read as a standalone, but I recommend reading this series in order. It will allow you to follow Katie on her journey from discovering she is a kitchen witch, moving to Savannah, solving mysteries, and falling in love with Declan McCarthy. Katie has had a busy two and half years. I thought Witches and Wedding Cake was well-written with developed characters. The author captures the beauty of Savannah, Georgia with her word imagery. Katie Lightfoot is the perfect protagonist for this series. She is friendly, smart, creative, and relatable. There is a great cast of characters from Lucy, Ben, and Declan to the ladies of the spellbook club. I just love Mungo, Katie’s familiar with his adorable “yip”. The mystery was fun to solve. There are multiple suspects that slowly get whittled down. One little detail can provide the solution. Katie has a full plate in this book, but she found time to help Declan. Connor, the spirit who had attached himself to Declan, is missing. Declan misses the Irish spirit. I look forward to seeing how they find him. The special part of this book is Katie and Declan’s wedding. Katie must deal with an interfering soon-to-be sister-in-law and a lack of an officiant. I enjoyed reading Witches and Wedding Cake. It is one of those books that puts a smile on your face. Witches and Wedding Cake is an enchanting cozy mystery with a twitchy troglodyte, distinct dragonflies, a cupcake wedding cake, a mystifying music box, a stray spirit, and a magical marriage ceremony.
August 4, 2020
Let me first say that I am jumping into this series having only read the first book over 4 years - so basically I am jumping in blind. However, I had absolutely no problem getting into the story and very quickly connecting with the characters. They are easy to get to know without any lengthy descriptions or background (which would be tedious in book #9), but through the words/actions. Katie especially shone and I feel like she is such a wonderful cozy sleuth to follow. Her bookclub full of wonderful and supportive witches are a delight and I love how they helped her in their own ways. Add to that their animal familiars and I was ready to join the group!
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Other than the characters, I really enjoyed the other magical pieces of this book. Learning about the inherent magical properties that different herb and ingredients had and how intention could change these was so interesting and continues that slight air of the mystical throughout the book. I even enjoyed the darker magic that is used in this book.
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The mystery had me absolutely stumped. I definitely gasped when the killer was revealed and the "reasoning" for the crimes was pretty unique and fit in perfectly with the style of the series. There were some parts that might have seemed a little ridiculous (I have never known a bride to run away from her wedding makeup to confront a killer). But, a little suspension of reality is usually necessary when reading a cozy mystery where an amateur is constantly solving mysteries along with their day job, so this didn't take away from the story at all for me.
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I definitely will be back-reading this series so I can see how Katie learned more about being a witch, worked on bringing this bakery to where it is now, and of course see how her romance with Declan blossomed.
_
Other than the characters, I really enjoyed the other magical pieces of this book. Learning about the inherent magical properties that different herb and ingredients had and how intention could change these was so interesting and continues that slight air of the mystical throughout the book. I even enjoyed the darker magic that is used in this book.
_
The mystery had me absolutely stumped. I definitely gasped when the killer was revealed and the "reasoning" for the crimes was pretty unique and fit in perfectly with the style of the series. There were some parts that might have seemed a little ridiculous (I have never known a bride to run away from her wedding makeup to confront a killer). But, a little suspension of reality is usually necessary when reading a cozy mystery where an amateur is constantly solving mysteries along with their day job, so this didn't take away from the story at all for me.
_
I definitely will be back-reading this series so I can see how Katie learned more about being a witch, worked on bringing this bakery to where it is now, and of course see how her romance with Declan blossomed.
July 27, 2022
It been a while since I’ve read this series but this book was just as good as I remember the series being. The characters are fun and likable. The mystery is well written with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. The magical aspect isn’t over the top. I think I missed a book or two in the series I will definitely go back and get caught up on the series.
November 7, 2020
Katie and Declan are finally getting married! Of course a dead body turns up and they get involved with solving it. Declan's family is in town and his sister is the ex-wife of the victim. I enjoyed how they all worked together with solving the murder and planning a wedding. I hope more books are written with these characters!
May 28, 2020
I have been happily reading the Magical Bakeshop Mystery series since the first book and have loved each and every one. This one is special because Katie and Declan are finally getting married. I love how the author has taken us on a journey with Katie Lightfoot, from the discovery that she is a hedgewitch, to the bonding and friendship with the Book Spell group, to her flourishing relationship with Declan. These characters are like old friends and it is fun to catch up and see what is happening in their lives, and what trouble finds Katie.
The mystery in this book was well done. The victim is the ex-husband of Katie's future sister in law, and when she becomes a suspect Katie vows to help. The victim was a con man so there were plenty of people to suspect. The author does narrow down the pool to about 4 viable suspects. I did not guess the identity of the killer, but Katie solves this mystery with enough time to make it to her wedding.
I am hoping there are more books to come in this series because they are so much fun to read.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through Edelweiss Books.
The mystery in this book was well done. The victim is the ex-husband of Katie's future sister in law, and when she becomes a suspect Katie vows to help. The victim was a con man so there were plenty of people to suspect. The author does narrow down the pool to about 4 viable suspects. I did not guess the identity of the killer, but Katie solves this mystery with enough time to make it to her wedding.
I am hoping there are more books to come in this series because they are so much fun to read.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Berkley, through Edelweiss Books.
March 17, 2022
Honestly I bought the whole series and only reading them because I did. I mean the first few books were fun, but the constant back story of every thing is super annoying. Every painful detail it's just too much, and her uncle really gets on my nerves with his devotion to Declan, like stip already how old are you and why are in her business, you hate Steve that much? Because she liked him as well?? Stop uncle Ben you do to much.
June 12, 2023
Katie and Declan are getting married very shortly. Declan's family has arrived in town for the wedding (he is one of 5 kids, in the middle with 2 older/younger sisters). Before anything else can happen, Katie meets Aurora's (Rori) ex-husband. He sets off some red flags (he is a con artist). Later that same day he is murdered...and Rori is the one who finds the body. With Rori as a suspect and since the ex was wearing a glamour, Katie gets to work to figure out who killed him.
This was fast paced and had a lot going on. Katie has a full plate, but plenty of help with her friends. There is also the matter of trying to find Connell, Declan's guardian spirit (for lack of a better word). Nice mystery.
For Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo, this works for Alliterative Title square.
This was fast paced and had a lot going on. Katie has a full plate, but plenty of help with her friends. There is also the matter of trying to find Connell, Declan's guardian spirit (for lack of a better word). Nice mystery.
For Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo, this works for Alliterative Title square.
December 8, 2024
Declan’s family comes to Savannah for the wedding. Steve is starting to let go of Katie. There’s another murder, this time of a not so liked person. The words are repeating at this point and there’s not much interestingly new.
October 17, 2020
I loved this. It was such a wonderful addition to the series. I loved that the mystery included Declan's entire family. The characters are great and I love getting to catch up with them.
October 23, 2020
Katie Lightfoot is about to marry her fiancé Declan McCarthy in less than a week and there's still so much to do. The Honeybee is hopping but Katie feels guilty for not being able to help out more due to wedding planning. With all the plans in place, she should be able to work hard this week and take a few days off next week to be with Declan but things start to go wrong when the judge who was to marry them calls out with a family emergency and Katie needs to find someone new ASAP! Then Declan's family comes to town and his sister Eliza is dead set against Katie's wishes to include her spellbook coven in her wedding party as Eliza is a strict traditionalist. Then Declan's youngest sister Rori's ex-husband comes back into her life and he is not good news. Katie can tell that the slick conman is employing a glamor in order to appear more attractive but Rori seems to be sucked back into his orbit when he hands her a gift. The worthless birdhouse music box isn't worth making up over but still Rori seems to be caving in. When Tucker turns up dead in his motel room, Detective Quinn puts Rori at the top of his suspect list. Katie knows in her heart her sister-in-law is not a murderer and thinks there's a paranormal connection to the case. When Quinn doesn't seem to want her help, Katie becomes determined to find out who killed Todd and why- BEFORE the wedding!
The plot of this novel was less involved and interesting than previous mysteries. Actually I liked it because I don't care for the paranormal aspects of the series. I really like the hedgewitch baker thing but not the rest of it. The story was pretty straightforward and I kept willing the characters to do what I would do in that situation The best part of the book is the wedding. It's simple, heartfelt and totally perfect for Katie and Declan! The author left it open for at least one more book, coming in 2021.
Katie's character growth has been excellent. She's much more confident and secure now. She knows who she is, what she can and shouldn't do and how to use her powers for good. She's still stubborn and type A. She HAS to get involved in the murder mystery and can't just let Quinn do his job. I was happy to see Katie, Lucy and Iris baking sweets. Usually they only bake savories. I was interested in the cupcake tower wedding cake. That sounds like a great idea! If you don't like vanilla there's strawberry or German chocolate or Devil's Food or Hummingbird! Wow yum! They make some sweets for the bakery too. Katie's relationship with Declan has come a long way too. They love and support one another. He accepts her magical abilities now even if he doesn't always understand them. I was unsure about them at first but I now know how much they love each other. Declan is a bit brooding here. Here's missing Connell. I don't miss Connell AT ALL but I'm sad Declan is sad and I hope they can find Connell and bring him back- IF he promises to behave.
Meeting Declan's family is interesting. They're all so different. He's the only male in his family of origin in the middle of 4 sisters. Wow! Each sister has a different personality. Eliza is a little uptight. She seems antagonistic towards Katie just because Katie wants her wedding to be right for her and her own personal beliefs and not the traditional way of doing things. At least she's being married by an official officiant. I would have expected a wiccan priestess! I'm sure Eliza would bug out at that. Eliza is very Type A so I can see her clashing with Katie a lot. I suspect Eliza may have latent magical powers she's unaware of or unsure of. Rori is very immature for her age. At 24 or 25 she should have known better than to marry the bad boy. Of course there are extenuating circumstances she can't control. Her reaction to his reappearance and subsequent murder makes her seem younger than her actual age though. She's hiding things from Katie and making it more difficult to solve the mystery.
Todd was a super slimeball. He lied, cheated, stole, charmed the ladies and was generally a louse but he didn't deserve to die. I think he was mixed up in something magical beyond his control and he had no idea he was involved in something sinister. I think he may have, as lousy as he was, been an innocent victim of someone's evil machinations. Perhaps he was a Druid. Steve is hanging about Katie a lot. What does he know and why? I don't trust Steve but he did something here that made me like him a little bit better.
Dayleen, the motel manager seemed charmed by Todd. She claims she doesn't know what happened to him yet seems very aware of who he was seen with, especially the women. Todd had an ex-girlfriend he wanted to get back together with. Was he serious or did he mean Rori? Effie seems like she put her faith in the wrong guy and realized it just in time. Could she have wanted revenge on Todd for treating her badly? I don't see a motive there. Hudson Prater, an antiques dealer seems like a more likely suspect. He was friends with Todd and his store seems kind of run-down and seedy. He knows something about something but isn't sharing his information freely. Jake and Serena Gibbons are estate planners who formerly employed Todd. Jake has an anger management problem and seems like he hates Todd. He has a good reason for wanting revenge and a hair trigger temper too. He has a very likely suspect for murderer. His wife, Serena, seems nicer. She was charmed by Todd and liked him better than her husband. How well did she know him? Did she know secrets about him or is her husband keeping that from her? She seems to doubt her husband's word and dismisses it as jealousy. I suspect it may have been a bit of both. Zayne and Waverly Wiggins have every reason to want revenge on Todd. Zayne seems like he has very little patience and a short fuse. He seems a more likely murderer than his sister. Waverly seems kind but frazzled.
I was disappointed Mungo isn't in the story much at all. I'd like more clarification about what a familiar is because the things Katie feeds him are appalling and no self-respecting Cairn Terrier would be carried around in a handbag. Plus, they're not that small. Is he merely inhabiting the form of a dog or is he actually in a dog's body? The one thing he CAN eat (a bite of) is the peanut butter bacon cookies!
Don't start with this book! Read the series from the beginning and get to know the characters and situation. Right now Katie and Declan are engaged and living together. It's implied they make love but only implied and not specifically stated. If a cohabitating couple bothers you, stop reading this series two books ago.
The plot of this novel was less involved and interesting than previous mysteries. Actually I liked it because I don't care for the paranormal aspects of the series. I really like the hedgewitch baker thing but not the rest of it. The story was pretty straightforward and I kept willing the characters to do what I would do in that situation The best part of the book is the wedding. It's simple, heartfelt and totally perfect for Katie and Declan! The author left it open for at least one more book, coming in 2021.
Katie's character growth has been excellent. She's much more confident and secure now. She knows who she is, what she can and shouldn't do and how to use her powers for good. She's still stubborn and type A. She HAS to get involved in the murder mystery and can't just let Quinn do his job. I was happy to see Katie, Lucy and Iris baking sweets. Usually they only bake savories. I was interested in the cupcake tower wedding cake. That sounds like a great idea! If you don't like vanilla there's strawberry or German chocolate or Devil's Food or Hummingbird! Wow yum! They make some sweets for the bakery too. Katie's relationship with Declan has come a long way too. They love and support one another. He accepts her magical abilities now even if he doesn't always understand them. I was unsure about them at first but I now know how much they love each other. Declan is a bit brooding here. Here's missing Connell. I don't miss Connell AT ALL but I'm sad Declan is sad and I hope they can find Connell and bring him back- IF he promises to behave.
Meeting Declan's family is interesting. They're all so different. He's the only male in his family of origin in the middle of 4 sisters. Wow! Each sister has a different personality. Eliza is a little uptight. She seems antagonistic towards Katie just because Katie wants her wedding to be right for her and her own personal beliefs and not the traditional way of doing things. At least she's being married by an official officiant. I would have expected a wiccan priestess! I'm sure Eliza would bug out at that. Eliza is very Type A so I can see her clashing with Katie a lot. I suspect Eliza may have latent magical powers she's unaware of or unsure of. Rori is very immature for her age. At 24 or 25 she should have known better than to marry the bad boy. Of course there are extenuating circumstances she can't control. Her reaction to his reappearance and subsequent murder makes her seem younger than her actual age though. She's hiding things from Katie and making it more difficult to solve the mystery.
Todd was a super slimeball. He lied, cheated, stole, charmed the ladies and was generally a louse but he didn't deserve to die. I think he was mixed up in something magical beyond his control and he had no idea he was involved in something sinister. I think he may have, as lousy as he was, been an innocent victim of someone's evil machinations. Perhaps he was a Druid. Steve is hanging about Katie a lot. What does he know and why? I don't trust Steve but he did something here that made me like him a little bit better.
Dayleen, the motel manager seemed charmed by Todd. She claims she doesn't know what happened to him yet seems very aware of who he was seen with, especially the women. Todd had an ex-girlfriend he wanted to get back together with. Was he serious or did he mean Rori? Effie seems like she put her faith in the wrong guy and realized it just in time. Could she have wanted revenge on Todd for treating her badly? I don't see a motive there. Hudson Prater, an antiques dealer seems like a more likely suspect. He was friends with Todd and his store seems kind of run-down and seedy. He knows something about something but isn't sharing his information freely. Jake and Serena Gibbons are estate planners who formerly employed Todd. Jake has an anger management problem and seems like he hates Todd. He has a good reason for wanting revenge and a hair trigger temper too. He has a very likely suspect for murderer. His wife, Serena, seems nicer. She was charmed by Todd and liked him better than her husband. How well did she know him? Did she know secrets about him or is her husband keeping that from her? She seems to doubt her husband's word and dismisses it as jealousy. I suspect it may have been a bit of both. Zayne and Waverly Wiggins have every reason to want revenge on Todd. Zayne seems like he has very little patience and a short fuse. He seems a more likely murderer than his sister. Waverly seems kind but frazzled.
I was disappointed Mungo isn't in the story much at all. I'd like more clarification about what a familiar is because the things Katie feeds him are appalling and no self-respecting Cairn Terrier would be carried around in a handbag. Plus, they're not that small. Is he merely inhabiting the form of a dog or is he actually in a dog's body? The one thing he CAN eat (a bite of) is the peanut butter bacon cookies!
Don't start with this book! Read the series from the beginning and get to know the characters and situation. Right now Katie and Declan are engaged and living together. It's implied they make love but only implied and not specifically stated. If a cohabitating couple bothers you, stop reading this series two books ago.
August 14, 2020
This is a good cozy series, and this one is no exception. However, weddings are always dull, and these fantasy weddings can't overcome that problem. But, now it's done, and we can get back to the better stories in the series.
March 23, 2021
I have had a like/love/meh/I just can't with this series vibe with this series. And with this ninth installment, I wavered between really liking it to having a slight anxiety attack because all of the things were happening all at once. It was slightly too chaotic for me.
Declan's sister Eliza is rather cold and was rude about who Katie chose as her bridesmaids. OF COURSE she chose the spell club! It would be a slap in the face if she hadn't chosen them! At least she simmered down when Katie asked if she would take care of the rehearsal dinner. Katie is good at placating people, that's for sure.
Then there's the slightly airheaded Aurora, aka Rory. She reminded me of Rory from Gilmore Girls in a way. It took a bit to learn her backstory and why she dumped her former husband. Who was, as expected, pretty gross.
His murder was solved at almost the end of the book, though it left me a bit confused at times because of all of the different things happening. I want to know the details of their reception. How did everyone get along? Did everyone like the cupcake cake that Katie created? The book just abruptly ended when they were pronounced husband and wife.
Overall, I really liked it. I just saw that there is going to be a tenth installment coming this summer and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
Declan's sister Eliza is rather cold and was rude about who Katie chose as her bridesmaids. OF COURSE she chose the spell club! It would be a slap in the face if she hadn't chosen them! At least she simmered down when Katie asked if she would take care of the rehearsal dinner. Katie is good at placating people, that's for sure.
Then there's the slightly airheaded Aurora, aka Rory. She reminded me of Rory from Gilmore Girls in a way. It took a bit to learn her backstory and why she dumped her former husband. Who was, as expected, pretty gross.
His murder was solved at almost the end of the book, though it left me a bit confused at times because of all of the different things happening. I want to know the details of their reception. How did everyone get along? Did everyone like the cupcake cake that Katie created? The book just abruptly ended when they were pronounced husband and wife.
Overall, I really liked it. I just saw that there is going to be a tenth installment coming this summer and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
August 4, 2020
Katie is getting married, but first has to help her soon to be sister-in-law avoid a murder charge.
What I enjoyed:
* It was nice to meet Declan's family. And the youngest is dealing with her ex who might be using glamour, which brings Katie in.
* The mystery seemed to take the backseat in this book. It was ok, but there wasn't much focus on it.
*
What could have been better:
* Quinn is awful at his job.
What I enjoyed:
* It was nice to meet Declan's family. And the youngest is dealing with her ex who might be using glamour, which brings Katie in.
* The mystery seemed to take the backseat in this book. It was ok, but there wasn't much focus on it.
*
What could have been better:
* Quinn is awful at his job.
October 1, 2020
Sniffle. I love weddings. And this series. And Amy Rubinate narrating this series. And Mungo! Katie and Declan too, of course. So there was so much to love about this wedding/cozy mystery mash up. I think readers who have been following the series will enjoy this ninth book more since there's a good bit of wedding shenanigans going on that will mean so much more to avid fans. In some ways the wedding outshines the mystery, which is simpler than previous books, but still cunningly crafty.
October 1, 2020
I LOVE this series!!! It's deliciously satisfying to see Katie's and Declan's relationship take this next step! I was so happy to immerse myself again into the magical bakery setting and get swept up into the new mystery. This is SUCH good reading during these pandemic/quarantine times... it's such a joy to leave the real world behind and enter this sweet and enticing story. I feel like Katie and her fellow witches are my good friends-- such lovable characters and such a warm vibe. Highly recommended (as with all the books of this series!)
June 30, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley for getting me an e-arc!
Ok, I'm slightly biased. These books are what got me into cozies so it takes A LOT for me not to highkey love reading anything in this series.
But oh my gosh y'all this might be my favorite so far!! So much mystery! So much suspense! So much drama and intrugue!! I love how these books have such a solid mix of magic, baking, and murder. I can't wait for the next book!
Ok, I'm slightly biased. These books are what got me into cozies so it takes A LOT for me not to highkey love reading anything in this series.
But oh my gosh y'all this might be my favorite so far!! So much mystery! So much suspense! So much drama and intrugue!! I love how these books have such a solid mix of magic, baking, and murder. I can't wait for the next book!
March 24, 2021
An absolutely magical addition to this series! My only fear is that this is the closing and I really hope for more adventures with Katie! I want to see what happens in the next chapter of their life!
April 25, 2022
I enjoy this unique paranormal series. This is a nice addition to the series with the marriage of the protagnist and plenty of suspense and danger. it was a fun read with a paranormal theme.
June 22, 2021
Sad that the series has come to an end. Definitely enjoyed reading! Not as exciting as other books in the series, but wrapped up nicely.
December 20, 2020
A light, thoroughly enjoyable read. Grabbed me at page one, took me through twists and turns and I was glued to it until the very last page!
February 17, 2022
Great timing I suppose for reading it as goodreads tells me it is "romance week" (not that I feel I have to jump on that bandwagon) but this piece of fluff is an example of the worst sort of "cosy mystery" meaning it is more bourgoise lifestyles and consumption and heteronormativity than actual mystery. There is a murder in this book but it takes a definite backseat to the wedding preparations which we follow in tedious detail- exhaustive and exhausting discussions of cupcake flavours, decorations and even which tier each of them goes, flowers, dresses, earrings etc dominate along with families getting to know and accept each other etc etc.
Here is an excerpt that pretty much sums up the book. The house has been broken into (by a scary murderer) and Rory's dress has been destroyed:
'"Don't worry," I hear Camille say. "I have the perfect dress for you to wear to the wedding. I couldn't make up my mind so I bought two. [!!!!!!] And we'll go on a shopping spree tomorrow, okay?"'
Indecisiveness solved by excess is a strong theme in the book and while this is the only example (I think) of blatant 'retail therapy' it also fits the ideology of the book which centres on rich white women playing at being "witches" blending together leprechauns, totems, familiars, lucid dreaming, faux consumerist versions of herbalism and magic wands into a hot mess that respects no tradition but borrows from all. There is no spirituality here, it's just about romance and wealth. I really hate that version of "the craft" and feel impatient with people on Facebook who misuse Spirituality this way (but not this blatantly) but I always imagined their average age was 15.
The book is 9th in a series so in a way this is my bad for coming in half-way through (I would never buy this book I stumbled across it in a street library) but there is a wealth of context- characters and places that we are supposed to already know and I feel the author was more keen to feature every single character from previous books (including the cliched and completely unnecessary Steve) rather than build a mystery worth solving. I lost touch with who was a suspect and who was a background figure (but here background is foreground).
It ends on an anticlimax- a moonlight wedding with a witch moving an inconvenient cloud out of the way, because you know that magic exists for solving minor inconveniences for the overprivileged.
Serves me right for reading something called "Witches and Wedding Cake" and to be fair it never pretended to be anything other than froth. Much as I loathed it I know some people like this sort of thing. If only they can see through the toxic ideologies.
Here is an excerpt that pretty much sums up the book. The house has been broken into (by a scary murderer) and Rory's dress has been destroyed:
'"Don't worry," I hear Camille say. "I have the perfect dress for you to wear to the wedding. I couldn't make up my mind so I bought two. [!!!!!!] And we'll go on a shopping spree tomorrow, okay?"'
Indecisiveness solved by excess is a strong theme in the book and while this is the only example (I think) of blatant 'retail therapy' it also fits the ideology of the book which centres on rich white women playing at being "witches" blending together leprechauns, totems, familiars, lucid dreaming, faux consumerist versions of herbalism and magic wands into a hot mess that respects no tradition but borrows from all. There is no spirituality here, it's just about romance and wealth. I really hate that version of "the craft" and feel impatient with people on Facebook who misuse Spirituality this way (but not this blatantly) but I always imagined their average age was 15.
The book is 9th in a series so in a way this is my bad for coming in half-way through (I would never buy this book I stumbled across it in a street library) but there is a wealth of context- characters and places that we are supposed to already know and I feel the author was more keen to feature every single character from previous books (including the cliched and completely unnecessary Steve) rather than build a mystery worth solving. I lost touch with who was a suspect and who was a background figure (but here background is foreground).
It ends on an anticlimax- a moonlight wedding with a witch moving an inconvenient cloud out of the way, because you know that magic exists for solving minor inconveniences for the overprivileged.
Serves me right for reading something called "Witches and Wedding Cake" and to be fair it never pretended to be anything other than froth. Much as I loathed it I know some people like this sort of thing. If only they can see through the toxic ideologies.
August 24, 2020
“WITCHES AND WEDDING CAKES is definitely a hit!”
~ Under the Covers
WITCHES AND WEDDING CAKE is the ninth book of the Magical Bakery series and I must say, I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t have much expectation going into this book because the last book in the series was a little bit lacklustre for me. But the great thing is that there is always a new book to look forward to and I think Cates did a better job with this book.
With Katie’s wedding to Declan just a week away, she definitely has her hands full. Surrounded by Declan’s family, she has probably too much going on to stay sane. So when one of Declan’s sisters finds her ex dead after they get into a fight, things start to look even more gloomy for the bride.
With plenty of enemies, anyone could be the murderer and so, this book really had a lot of fun things going on that I think kept the book interesting. I enjoyed the banter this time and enjoyed the glimpse into Declan’s family life a bit more. Everything just seemed to flow a bit more easily, so it turned out to be quite the page turner. I was really happy with this book and I’m hoping that the other books in the series will be winners for me as well. WITCHES AND WEDDING CAKES is definitely a hit!
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 5, 2022
This was a pretty good installment of the series. It was relatively easy to figure out who-dun-it, but still pretty fun. There wasn't quite as much in the way of magic in this one as in some of the previous ones. I was actually pretty glad about that, because some of the magic had started to get a bit dark for my taste.
There were elements of this that made it probably not quite the best read for me now, but still enjoyable. I look forward to the next one to hopefully get Connell back.
There were elements of this that made it probably not quite the best read for me now, but still enjoyable. I look forward to the next one to hopefully get Connell back.
July 9, 2024
It’s been a bit since I left off with this series. I am so glad I was able to pick right back up like no time has passed. I love this series. I feel like I am a part of the Spellbook Club and the Honeybee Bakery. The wedding was magical. It fit Katie and Declan perfectly.
July 28, 2020
Witches And Wedding Cake is the ninth book in the Magical Bakery Mystery series.
Katie and Declan’s wedding is just days away and things are going nicely. Construction at the carriage house is completed and ready to move into. The only problem is that the judge that was going to officiate, has been called out of town. The wedding is just going to consist of family and friends. Declan’s mother and his two sisters have just arrived at their rental house and Katie stops by to visit with them. When she arrives she knows it’s not going to be a completely enjoyable meeting, as there are a group of dragonflies, her totem, flying around her. Declan’s sister Rori answers the door and soon his sister, Eliza, joins them. The first thing Eliza wants to do is to make changes to the wedding.
Before long, Rori’s ex shows and tries to convince her to give him a second chance. Rori finally convinces him to leave, but before leaving he says he has a gift for her. The gift turns out to be a small ceramic birdhouse. The next day she decides to go to his motel room to return the birdhouse and, once again, tell him not to contact her again. When she arrives at his room she finds his lifeless body on the floor and turns around and leaves. When the police learn that Rori had shown up at his room she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her ex-husband.
The victim is a well-known con, so Katie is sure that are many people who would like his life ended. She will call on Declan and her spell book club from the bakery to help her to clear Rori’s name and hopefully before her wedding.
This is another well-written and told story for Ms. Cates. The book contains well-developed and interesting characters. I especially love Mungo, Katie’s Cairn terrier familiar.
Recipes are also included in the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this delicious series.
Katie and Declan’s wedding is just days away and things are going nicely. Construction at the carriage house is completed and ready to move into. The only problem is that the judge that was going to officiate, has been called out of town. The wedding is just going to consist of family and friends. Declan’s mother and his two sisters have just arrived at their rental house and Katie stops by to visit with them. When she arrives she knows it’s not going to be a completely enjoyable meeting, as there are a group of dragonflies, her totem, flying around her. Declan’s sister Rori answers the door and soon his sister, Eliza, joins them. The first thing Eliza wants to do is to make changes to the wedding.
Before long, Rori’s ex shows and tries to convince her to give him a second chance. Rori finally convinces him to leave, but before leaving he says he has a gift for her. The gift turns out to be a small ceramic birdhouse. The next day she decides to go to his motel room to return the birdhouse and, once again, tell him not to contact her again. When she arrives at his room she finds his lifeless body on the floor and turns around and leaves. When the police learn that Rori had shown up at his room she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her ex-husband.
The victim is a well-known con, so Katie is sure that are many people who would like his life ended. She will call on Declan and her spell book club from the bakery to help her to clear Rori’s name and hopefully before her wedding.
This is another well-written and told story for Ms. Cates. The book contains well-developed and interesting characters. I especially love Mungo, Katie’s Cairn terrier familiar.
Recipes are also included in the book.
I will be watching for the next book in this delicious series.
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