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Courtney Archer #2
Finished Off in Fondant
Hosting a friendly competition reality cooking show could be the perfect career boost for Chef Courtney Archer--but when her co-host is found murdered, Courtney must work through layers of deception to find the real culprit.
Despite a few early hiccups, Courtney is thrilled with her starring role on The American Baking Battle, filmed at a grand resort in the Pocono Mountains. The icing on the cake? The new season has a wedding theme--complete with formalwear. But the first day on set, the producer seems to care more about profits than pastry--and the topper comes when her cohost Skylar falls ill. Little does she know things are about to end in tiers...
When a barely coherent, blood-covered Skylar is discovered at the doorway of his room, Courtney is horrified to walk inside and find a towering wedding cake--thoroughly smashed by the body of a woman in a bridal gown. Now suspicion is filling the studio and falling on Skylar, and Courtney has to look at coworkers and contestants, working through layers of deception to find the real culprit...
Despite a few early hiccups, Courtney is thrilled with her starring role on The American Baking Battle, filmed at a grand resort in the Pocono Mountains. The icing on the cake? The new season has a wedding theme--complete with formalwear. But the first day on set, the producer seems to care more about profits than pastry--and the topper comes when her cohost Skylar falls ill. Little does she know things are about to end in tiers...
When a barely coherent, blood-covered Skylar is discovered at the doorway of his room, Courtney is horrified to walk inside and find a towering wedding cake--thoroughly smashed by the body of a woman in a bridal gown. Now suspicion is filling the studio and falling on Skylar, and Courtney has to look at coworkers and contestants, working through layers of deception to find the real culprit...
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 10, 2020
Finished Off in Fondant is the second installment in the Courtney Archer Mystery series by Rosemarie Ross. Courtney is a well-known chef and has her own cooking show, Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter. She was asked to be a co-host for a new show, The American Baking Battle, and after the success of the first season, is back with the crew to film season two. Courtney is excited about the new season but having just come clean about her background, is worried about losing her career. Unfortunately, that's not the only thing she has to worry about. When her co-host becomes the main suspect in the murder of his stalker, Courtney finds herself caught up in yet another murder investigation.
I enjoyed my time with this book and thought it was a delightful addition to the series. As someone who loves cooking and reality television competition shows, the premise of this series appealed to me right away. The author's writing style made it easy to visualize how the show was being filmed and perfectly captured the tension and the excitement contestants, as well as the viewers, feel during a competition show. I found Courtney to be likable, down to earth, and hardworking. The characters of Shannon, Harrison, and Skylar are all developing nicely and I like the friendship between the four. As for the mystery, I thought the culprit was pretty obvious. But I have to give the author credit for making me second guess my opinion.
All in all, this was a fun read, with likable characters, mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a solid mystery. I look forward to the third book. My hope is to see more character development for Courtney's two love interests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed my time with this book and thought it was a delightful addition to the series. As someone who loves cooking and reality television competition shows, the premise of this series appealed to me right away. The author's writing style made it easy to visualize how the show was being filmed and perfectly captured the tension and the excitement contestants, as well as the viewers, feel during a competition show. I found Courtney to be likable, down to earth, and hardworking. The characters of Shannon, Harrison, and Skylar are all developing nicely and I like the friendship between the four. As for the mystery, I thought the culprit was pretty obvious. But I have to give the author credit for making me second guess my opinion.
All in all, this was a fun read, with likable characters, mouthwatering descriptions of food, and a solid mystery. I look forward to the third book. My hope is to see more character development for Courtney's two love interests.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2020
I am a devotee of the Great British Baking Show, so I was intrigued by Courtney being a presenter on a similar American cooking competition. She has her own show, Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter, and despite her fear that she will lose fans, the book starts with her announcing to a small audience that she is really a doctor’s daughter from Chicago. (Would anyone really care--are TV stars prized for honesty and integrity?) A murder during filming puts one of the presenters in the spotlight, since he had the victim jailed for stalking him several years earlier. Courtney wants to investigate, but of course the sheriff wants her to mind her own business. I felt that there were too many characters: four presenters, twelve contestants, the security team, the caterers, the staff, and the producer. It was difficult to get to know (or care about) them. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 30, 2020
Courtney is the star of her own show, Cooking With the Farmer's Daughter, and she is also co-hosting an American baking competition which appears to be styled after The Great British Baking Show. Then a woman is murdered in the hotel/resort where they are filming, and one of Courtney's cohosts becomes the prime suspect. Courtney begins to investigate to try and clear his name. This is the second book in a series, but can be read a a stand-alone.
I liked the concept of setting the book around a baking competition. However, I found this book to be very predictable. I had the murderer figured out very quickly, and the red herrings thrown in were not convincing enough to fool me. Courtney's attraction to Eric and Drake seemed silly, juvenile, and hypocritical, as she also spent a lot of time being over-the-top jealous of any other women who interacted with both men. Although I did enjoy the description of the baking competition, the mystery did not hold my attention, and I probably will not be interested in reading the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
I liked the concept of setting the book around a baking competition. However, I found this book to be very predictable. I had the murderer figured out very quickly, and the red herrings thrown in were not convincing enough to fool me. Courtney's attraction to Eric and Drake seemed silly, juvenile, and hypocritical, as she also spent a lot of time being over-the-top jealous of any other women who interacted with both men. Although I did enjoy the description of the baking competition, the mystery did not hold my attention, and I probably will not be interested in reading the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
January 15, 2022
3.5 Stars
Enjoyable second in a series. I like the direction the story is going for the main character. She reveals her lie and isn't hated by the world. The murderer was a little obvious but the ride the author took us on was fun. Onto the next one!
Enjoyable second in a series. I like the direction the story is going for the main character. She reveals her lie and isn't hated by the world. The murderer was a little obvious but the ride the author took us on was fun. Onto the next one!
November 23, 2021
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September 22, 2020
Once again I have been given the gift of an ARC (advanced reader copy) of Rose Zediker‘s (writing as Rosemarie Ross) "Finished Off In Fondant", the second in her mystery book series.
Courtney Archer, star of the cooking show “Cooking with the Farmers Daughters" and co-host of “The American Baking Battle" decides its time to come clean, and let her audience know she really isn’t a 'farmers daughter'. Her concerns are great and then on top of this stress—her co-host Skylar, with The American Baking Battle, is the prime suspect in the murder of a young woman in her wedding gown, who was found face up on top of a five tier wedding cake in his hotel room!
Courtney can’t believe Skylar committed this murder, so did her best to try and find out who it could have been. There is suspicion, love and danger all wrapped up in this little book. I found it so hard to put down, but as it ended, I long for the next one in the series.
Courtney Archer, star of the cooking show “Cooking with the Farmers Daughters" and co-host of “The American Baking Battle" decides its time to come clean, and let her audience know she really isn’t a 'farmers daughter'. Her concerns are great and then on top of this stress—her co-host Skylar, with The American Baking Battle, is the prime suspect in the murder of a young woman in her wedding gown, who was found face up on top of a five tier wedding cake in his hotel room!
Courtney can’t believe Skylar committed this murder, so did her best to try and find out who it could have been. There is suspicion, love and danger all wrapped up in this little book. I found it so hard to put down, but as it ended, I long for the next one in the series.
December 8, 2020
This is the second book in the Courtney Archer series. Courtney is co hosting The American Baking Battle and the theme of the season is wedding. Courtney has to contend with a cohost who falls ill and a producer that only cares about profit. Almost as soon as taping for the show starts there is a murder. The victim was a stalker of Courtney's cohost. Suspicion falls on him and Courtney decides to ask questions to see if anyone else had motive for killing the victim.
I liked the baking competition part of this book. I loved how Shannon and Harrison worked well together on the judging. The mystery wasn't that great to me. I had the killer picked out after the second scene they were in. I felt like I was just reading to find out how and why the murder occurred because it was painfully obvious who the murderer was The story was good, just not enough to keep my attention throughout. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the baking competition part of this book. I loved how Shannon and Harrison worked well together on the judging. The mystery wasn't that great to me. I had the killer picked out after the second scene they were in. I felt like I was just reading to find out how and why the murder occurred because it was painfully obvious who the murderer was The story was good, just not enough to keep my attention throughout. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2021
This second in the Courtney Archer Mystery series continues in a similar vein as the first, a behind the scenes look at a fictional reality television show and the regular weekly cast. The mystery is a real puzzle, and the characters are interesting, especially when watching them interact. The setting sounds gorgeous, a resort in the Poconos Mountains in early autumn.
This reality show is American Baking Battle, and this year’s theme is weddings as related to any kind of meal associated with a happy couples’ celebrations from the proposal through the big day. There are twelve contestants, with one eliminated at the end of each show. It was interesting to read about the various creations that each baker designed!
Courtney is one of the co-hosts; she and Shannon are good friends on and off the set. They each have their own shows on the network, and they are discussing doing a show together. The ladies meet with Eric, Courtney’s business partner and closest friend, to discuss the possibilities of a show together. They also talk about the challenges presented by the baking show producer who is on-site this time after the challenges faced on the last bakeoff a year ago.
Skylar, Courtney’s co-host, is not happy about the wedding focus this year but is the consummate professional in front of the camera. Midway through the first day of filming, he was not feeling well and went to this suite for a while. He called Courtney, asking for help, and sounded very odd and struggling. Courtney and Shannon hurried to his suite, to find him in the hall in front of this suite, one side covered in blood, very sick, and mentally fuzzy. Courtney looked inside the door of his suite, and saw a huge puddle of blood, then the source of the blood – a woman in a wedding gown with a serrated knife sticking out of her chest.
This is the second time a murder has taken place around this program and it’s happening again. Worse, Skylar, who gets sick at the thought of blood, is considered the prime suspect, especially when the sheriff learns his prior association with the dead woman. Courtney won’t leave it alone, however, as Skylar is a friend who is asking for help, and it looks like he is being royally framed.
The sheriff requested that the security company to have someone available specifically to watch over Courtney, since trouble follows her around, Since the murder, she has Pamela, who spends a lot of time giggling and talking quietly with Eric. Shannon thinks Eric only has eyes for Courtney, and now that someone else is interested in him, Courtney examines her feelings toward him versus towards another man who expresses interest in her.
I was frustrated with the continual ruminations on the twists and turns of the case. The questions Courtney considered throughout at times were at times redundant, and the number of them detracted from my own thinking about the solution or focus on the story. I did pick up on a couple clues early on and considered a whodunit that the sheriff’s office didn’t look at. I didn’t figure out the motive, but I was right about whodunit. I suggest that one read the first book in the series before this one, as there are some things that might help understand the cast better. I recommend this to those who appreciate cozy mysteries centering on reality TV, baking/ cooking shows, and the possibility of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
This reality show is American Baking Battle, and this year’s theme is weddings as related to any kind of meal associated with a happy couples’ celebrations from the proposal through the big day. There are twelve contestants, with one eliminated at the end of each show. It was interesting to read about the various creations that each baker designed!
Courtney is one of the co-hosts; she and Shannon are good friends on and off the set. They each have their own shows on the network, and they are discussing doing a show together. The ladies meet with Eric, Courtney’s business partner and closest friend, to discuss the possibilities of a show together. They also talk about the challenges presented by the baking show producer who is on-site this time after the challenges faced on the last bakeoff a year ago.
Skylar, Courtney’s co-host, is not happy about the wedding focus this year but is the consummate professional in front of the camera. Midway through the first day of filming, he was not feeling well and went to this suite for a while. He called Courtney, asking for help, and sounded very odd and struggling. Courtney and Shannon hurried to his suite, to find him in the hall in front of this suite, one side covered in blood, very sick, and mentally fuzzy. Courtney looked inside the door of his suite, and saw a huge puddle of blood, then the source of the blood – a woman in a wedding gown with a serrated knife sticking out of her chest.
This is the second time a murder has taken place around this program and it’s happening again. Worse, Skylar, who gets sick at the thought of blood, is considered the prime suspect, especially when the sheriff learns his prior association with the dead woman. Courtney won’t leave it alone, however, as Skylar is a friend who is asking for help, and it looks like he is being royally framed.
The sheriff requested that the security company to have someone available specifically to watch over Courtney, since trouble follows her around, Since the murder, she has Pamela, who spends a lot of time giggling and talking quietly with Eric. Shannon thinks Eric only has eyes for Courtney, and now that someone else is interested in him, Courtney examines her feelings toward him versus towards another man who expresses interest in her.
I was frustrated with the continual ruminations on the twists and turns of the case. The questions Courtney considered throughout at times were at times redundant, and the number of them detracted from my own thinking about the solution or focus on the story. I did pick up on a couple clues early on and considered a whodunit that the sheriff’s office didn’t look at. I didn’t figure out the motive, but I was right about whodunit. I suggest that one read the first book in the series before this one, as there are some things that might help understand the cast better. I recommend this to those who appreciate cozy mysteries centering on reality TV, baking/ cooking shows, and the possibility of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
October 28, 2021
So much about this one annoyed me but the real problem was that the main characters involvement did nothing to solve the crime. She put her life in danger for nothing.
October 27, 2020
Baking, chefs, and murder are the perfect recipe for this book! With the characters thrown into a tailspin trying to figure out whodunit, the reader is right there with them, almost walking along side them as they try to solve the murder themselves, before they are suspects or even yet, the next victims.
January 26, 2021
Courtney Archer is back in the Pocono Mountains for another season of The Great American Baking Battle. While she's there, she's also filming episodes of her own show, including a much-needed apology to her fans and developing a new show with Shannon. Courtney is worried about losing her career. She's already possibly lost out on the custom knife line she had her heart set on. Back on set of the Baking Battle, she's happy to be with Harrison, Shannon and Skylar again but the producer is at the helm shouting orders, trimming the budget everywhere, forcing the "talent" to pull duties not in their contracts. Skylar is acting strange. He's very negative and angry about the show's wedding themed season. He's even rude to a contestant during a meet and greet session. Then Skylar falls ill and is unable to continue hosting duties. When Courtney and Shannon go to check on him, Courtney discovers Skylar lying on the floor of his room covered in blood. While Shannon cares for Skylar, Courtney goes inside to investigate and finds a five-tiered wedding cake with a dead bride lying over the top and a knife sticking out of her chest. Sheriff Perry's evidence points to Skylar as the murderer. Courtney knows in her heart that her friend could never do something so awful and not just because he becomes violently sick to his stomach when even thinking about blood. Courtney decides Sheriff Perry must want her to investigate to clear Skylar's name. Her investigation is blocked by Drake's security team member, Pamela, who is becoming awfully chummy with Courtney's bff Eric. So much for Shannon's theory that Eric is in love with Courtney! Can Courtney figure out the clues before the situation gets dangerous?
I really liked the first half of the book. Because this is the second book in the series, the characters and the show details don't need to be explained in depth. Courtney alludes to last season's drama a lot but now everything is good between the "talent." The action starts right away with Skylar falling ill. I liked having the mystery of his illness and then the murder to try to puzzle out. The filming kept having to be stopped so details are largely minimal in the beginning. Courtney is unable to investigate because she either doesn't have her phone or is tailed by a security guard. She unfortunately doesn't pick up on the clues right in front of her nose that led to me guess the identity of the murderer. I didn't guess the total motive but it was obvious who the murderer was. The second half of the novel is not as strong. There's WAAAAYY too much detail about the show- too much fashion and lengthy passages about judging contestants' bakes. I don't understand why they're making appetizers and entrees in a baking show. I can understand savory baking but each week should be about learning or stretching new skills like the Great British Baking Show. This one is all about wedding food. BORING! This novel is also too much about wedding fashion. I could care less what the "talent" is wearing and how Courtney and Shannon have their hair styled. Get on with the murder mystery!
Courtney had a good heart. She really does. She's a sweetheart of a woman who cares about people. I like how she worries about her fans and how much she's clicked with Shannon. I love how she's 100% sure Skylar is innocent. She's a loyal friend. Unfortunately, she's not mature enough to actually have an adult conversation with the one person who cares about her the most. She's also not mature enough to stay out of a murder investigation the police have under control! No, Sheriff Perry isn't going to share with you, a civilian and no, he isn't silently asking you to investigate to clear your friend's name. Courtney then devolves into a dumb eggplant and goes haring off asking questions and poking her nose in where it doesn't belong. Needless to say, she's nearly killed again.
Courtney's friends are an eclectic bunch. Eric is a consummate businessman. He has a good instinct for what will work and how to pitch it to the network. I like how he's willing to make sure Shannon's "people" (her husband) has all the necessary information so it's on the up and up. I don't know if he has feelings for Courtney. I think so. He isn't going to make the first move though and that's OK but they need to talk about it. I do NOT appreciate his macho attitude whenever Drake is around. I don't think Courtney really cares about Drake. She's attracted to him and enjoys flirting but I think that's as far as it goes. Is he a sleazy guy or is he truly interested in getting to know her? It seems like the former to me. He's devoted to his job and it keeps getting in the way of their budding romance. I don't think it would work out for them anyway because he's security and she's a dimwit who thinks she's Miss Marple. Shannon is a down home country girl. She's so gosh darn nice and perky all the time. I remember wondering if she was for real in the first book and she sure is. What you see is what you get. Shannon is a true friend. She's even eager to help Courtney clear Skylar's name but smart enough to back off when she has to. Harrison is much kinder but still a bore and still kind of stuffy. He's at least helpful now.
Quintin Shephard, the producer of the Baking Battle is an awful person. He's rude, snobby, mean and cruel. A lot of the things he does are unethical and unsafe. He cares about budget above all and doesn't even seem to realize the people are not androids to do his bidding. Quinton has no understanding of flesh and blood or human emotions. He's awful. I would quit. Kinzy, the assistant director, is a brown-noser. She's determined to climb her way to the top by kissing Quinton's booty and doing everything he says. "Quintin says" is her mantra and it drives everyone else crazy. Like Quintin, she can't see what it's doing to people. Brenden, the director, at least is a nice guy and treats everyone fairly. Drake's security guard, Pamela, is confusing. Sometimes she's great and devoted to her job but other times she seems to get a little passive aggressive around Courtney. I don't care for the love triangle subplot.
Most of the contestants don't matter. There are too many to keep track of. There are a few I will mention by name though. There's the arrogant, smug Italian-American baker, Marco. Please don't let him be the killer! I think he might be though. He seems suspicious so I'm sure he's up to something. I hope not for personal reasons. Jeremiah Roberts, the "Cupcake King of Chicago" is kind of snooty and full of himself. Courtney accidentally reveals she's from Chicago by telling him she enjoys his shop. Umm could he use that information against her? It seems like he might be. Yet ANOTHER male with a huge ego is Alex Williams, heir to a maple syrup fortune. He ignores the judges comments to stop using maple in everything. Is he only there to promote his family's product? What's with all these awful men? A much nicer man is Justin Henry of the catering department. He's friendly and enjoys chatting with Skylar. Skylar's incapacitation seems to hit him hard. Justin unwittingly helps Courtney with her investigation. She shouldn't do that to him. He needs his job at the resort and butting into a police investigation could get him killed or fired.
The story comes to such a nice conclusion, I don't feel the need to read any more about Courtney. This series doesn't seem to be that popular. The book came out in December and the two copies in my library system were both available when I requested it last week.
content:
blood- too much of it!
I really liked the first half of the book. Because this is the second book in the series, the characters and the show details don't need to be explained in depth. Courtney alludes to last season's drama a lot but now everything is good between the "talent." The action starts right away with Skylar falling ill. I liked having the mystery of his illness and then the murder to try to puzzle out. The filming kept having to be stopped so details are largely minimal in the beginning. Courtney is unable to investigate because she either doesn't have her phone or is tailed by a security guard. She unfortunately doesn't pick up on the clues right in front of her nose that led to me guess the identity of the murderer. I didn't guess the total motive but it was obvious who the murderer was. The second half of the novel is not as strong. There's WAAAAYY too much detail about the show- too much fashion and lengthy passages about judging contestants' bakes. I don't understand why they're making appetizers and entrees in a baking show. I can understand savory baking but each week should be about learning or stretching new skills like the Great British Baking Show. This one is all about wedding food. BORING! This novel is also too much about wedding fashion. I could care less what the "talent" is wearing and how Courtney and Shannon have their hair styled. Get on with the murder mystery!
Courtney had a good heart. She really does. She's a sweetheart of a woman who cares about people. I like how she worries about her fans and how much she's clicked with Shannon. I love how she's 100% sure Skylar is innocent. She's a loyal friend. Unfortunately, she's not mature enough to actually have an adult conversation with the one person who cares about her the most. She's also not mature enough to stay out of a murder investigation the police have under control! No, Sheriff Perry isn't going to share with you, a civilian and no, he isn't silently asking you to investigate to clear your friend's name. Courtney then devolves into a dumb eggplant and goes haring off asking questions and poking her nose in where it doesn't belong. Needless to say, she's nearly killed again.
Courtney's friends are an eclectic bunch. Eric is a consummate businessman. He has a good instinct for what will work and how to pitch it to the network. I like how he's willing to make sure Shannon's "people" (her husband) has all the necessary information so it's on the up and up. I don't know if he has feelings for Courtney. I think so. He isn't going to make the first move though and that's OK but they need to talk about it. I do NOT appreciate his macho attitude whenever Drake is around. I don't think Courtney really cares about Drake. She's attracted to him and enjoys flirting but I think that's as far as it goes. Is he a sleazy guy or is he truly interested in getting to know her? It seems like the former to me. He's devoted to his job and it keeps getting in the way of their budding romance. I don't think it would work out for them anyway because he's security and she's a dimwit who thinks she's Miss Marple. Shannon is a down home country girl. She's so gosh darn nice and perky all the time. I remember wondering if she was for real in the first book and she sure is. What you see is what you get. Shannon is a true friend. She's even eager to help Courtney clear Skylar's name but smart enough to back off when she has to. Harrison is much kinder but still a bore and still kind of stuffy. He's at least helpful now.
Quintin Shephard, the producer of the Baking Battle is an awful person. He's rude, snobby, mean and cruel. A lot of the things he does are unethical and unsafe. He cares about budget above all and doesn't even seem to realize the people are not androids to do his bidding. Quinton has no understanding of flesh and blood or human emotions. He's awful. I would quit. Kinzy, the assistant director, is a brown-noser. She's determined to climb her way to the top by kissing Quinton's booty and doing everything he says. "Quintin says" is her mantra and it drives everyone else crazy. Like Quintin, she can't see what it's doing to people. Brenden, the director, at least is a nice guy and treats everyone fairly. Drake's security guard, Pamela, is confusing. Sometimes she's great and devoted to her job but other times she seems to get a little passive aggressive around Courtney. I don't care for the love triangle subplot.
Most of the contestants don't matter. There are too many to keep track of. There are a few I will mention by name though. There's the arrogant, smug Italian-American baker, Marco. Please don't let him be the killer! I think he might be though. He seems suspicious so I'm sure he's up to something. I hope not for personal reasons. Jeremiah Roberts, the "Cupcake King of Chicago" is kind of snooty and full of himself. Courtney accidentally reveals she's from Chicago by telling him she enjoys his shop. Umm could he use that information against her? It seems like he might be. Yet ANOTHER male with a huge ego is Alex Williams, heir to a maple syrup fortune. He ignores the judges comments to stop using maple in everything. Is he only there to promote his family's product? What's with all these awful men? A much nicer man is Justin Henry of the catering department. He's friendly and enjoys chatting with Skylar. Skylar's incapacitation seems to hit him hard. Justin unwittingly helps Courtney with her investigation. She shouldn't do that to him. He needs his job at the resort and butting into a police investigation could get him killed or fired.
The story comes to such a nice conclusion, I don't feel the need to read any more about Courtney. This series doesn't seem to be that popular. The book came out in December and the two copies in my library system were both available when I requested it last week.
content:
blood- too much of it!
September 10, 2020
I wish I could say I liked this book, but to be honest, it was a struggle to read it to the end. It took me much linger than normal to read, which shows I just could not relate with Courtney, the main character and her whining drove me crazy.
Since cozy mysteries are my favorite to read, I find it hard to find a book I just don't like.
I hope other people can find enjoyment in this book.
Since cozy mysteries are my favorite to read, I find it hard to find a book I just don't like.
I hope other people can find enjoyment in this book.
December 8, 2020
4.75 stars
This is the second book in the Courtney Archer series by Rosemarie Ross.
I really liked book one in this series COBBLERED TO DEATH. By the end of that story, the cat was out of the bag that Courtney wasn’t actually a farmer’s daughter, like her onscreen persona claimed. As we get into book two, the audience is given a non disclosure document to sign saying they won’t reveal the truth the3y are about to discover during the taping of the American Baking Battle. An of course, that truth is about Courtney’s claim to be a farmer’s daughter.
This story was just as fun as the first one and I was saddened that it ended so soon. This is one of those series you just want to cherish and take your time with since it is over way too soon. I liked so much about this. The plot was amazing. Most of the characters were ones I would want to know more about in future books and the pacing was stellar. What flow this had. It is quickly becoming a new favorite series for me.
Definitely can’t wait for book three!
If you like cozy mysteries, check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Courtney Archer series by Rosemarie Ross.
I really liked book one in this series COBBLERED TO DEATH. By the end of that story, the cat was out of the bag that Courtney wasn’t actually a farmer’s daughter, like her onscreen persona claimed. As we get into book two, the audience is given a non disclosure document to sign saying they won’t reveal the truth the3y are about to discover during the taping of the American Baking Battle. An of course, that truth is about Courtney’s claim to be a farmer’s daughter.
This story was just as fun as the first one and I was saddened that it ended so soon. This is one of those series you just want to cherish and take your time with since it is over way too soon. I liked so much about this. The plot was amazing. Most of the characters were ones I would want to know more about in future books and the pacing was stellar. What flow this had. It is quickly becoming a new favorite series for me.
Definitely can’t wait for book three!
If you like cozy mysteries, check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
December 12, 2020
The second of Rosemarie Ross's Courtney Archer cozy mystery series is another baking competition, this time with a wedding theme. The show's producer arrives to keep everything on schedule and on budget--until one of the judges is found in his room, seriously ill, with a dead woman fallen into a wedding cake! The cast of potential suspects includes bake-off contestants and employees, as well as resort staff. Of course, Courtney is warned about getting involved, but keen culinary observations help solve the crime. Courtney has gone 100% honest with her TV audience about her true identity. Will her loyal fans turn on her, causing her show to be cancelled? Meanwhile, Courtney and friend/TV chef Shannon work with producer Eric to get a new cooking show approved by the network, and Courtney sorts out her romantic feelings--her producer or her security guard? No worries, all will be resolved by the end, as well as lots of fun food competitions, contestant personalities, and costume changes. I enjoyed this fun read and thank the author for an advanced copy. I'm looking forward to the next Courtney Archer adventure.
November 30, 2020
Finished Off in Fondant by Rosemarie Ross is the 2nd book in the Courtney Archer mystery series, and another wonderful book. I really enjoy this series. Courtney Archer has been hosting her own cooking show, and is returning to co-host The American Baking Battle. When Courtney's co-host becomes ill, and a body is found in his room, the mystery begins. I really enjoyed this book, and looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The story has a bit of everything, humor, terror, and romance, which keeps you reading page after page. I highly recommend this book/series for anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 18, 2020
When Courtney Archer, host of the television show Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter, decides to come clean with her fans about her real background she knows it might change her career or get her cancelled. But that stress isn't even in comparison to the stress surrounding her appearance as cohost of the show The American Baking Battle, now in its second season. The show went over budget last time because of a murder, so the producer is on hand and making everyone miserable with his changes and demands. To make things worse, she's been assigned a bodyguard from the security company - a woman who seems to have a personal interest in Courtney's own producer Eric - and it's thrown her into a tizzy wondering what's going on inside her.
But then she and Shannon, one of the judges on the show, find Skylar, Courtney's cohost, incoherent in his room and covered in blood. When she discovers a dead woman on top of a cake, questions abound about what happened. One thing Courtney knows for sure is that no matter where the evidence leads, Skylar would not have killed the woman. But the question remains: who did?
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite as much as the first. The characters' dialogue is witty and fun, they care about each other and are pleased to be working with one another. Courtney, while trying to do her job, has an innate curiosity that wants to get to the bottom of things. But of course being fought in every direction by the sheriff and the security team, she needs to keep her questions to herself and find answers wherever she can. Unfortunately, it also puts her front and center as the next victim.
While I knew who the murderer was early on, it never took away from anything going on within the story. Honestly, with all the other action -- especially the filming of the show -- it kept things moving right along and I got caught up in wondering who would be sent home next. I also loved the description of many of the recipes (oh, how I wish some of them were added so I could try them - I love to cook and bake - but I digress). At any rate, we get to see how busy Courtney is, and not only is she trying to find out who framed Skylar, but she has two shows to film - and who knows how long either of them will be around - so we have that question going on along with the murder.
When things start coming together, we see that Courtney is a woman who can think on her feet, which I really like, and while she doesn't deliberately put herself in danger, once she's there she immediately tries to find a way out of it. But I absolutely loved the ending. However, I will add one caveat: these books should be read in order, because in this one the author does mention details of the murder in the first one several times.
The author has given us a new series with a (hopefully) bright promise and I really wish I could delve into the next book right now. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But then she and Shannon, one of the judges on the show, find Skylar, Courtney's cohost, incoherent in his room and covered in blood. When she discovers a dead woman on top of a cake, questions abound about what happened. One thing Courtney knows for sure is that no matter where the evidence leads, Skylar would not have killed the woman. But the question remains: who did?
This is the second book in the series and I have to say that I enjoyed it quite as much as the first. The characters' dialogue is witty and fun, they care about each other and are pleased to be working with one another. Courtney, while trying to do her job, has an innate curiosity that wants to get to the bottom of things. But of course being fought in every direction by the sheriff and the security team, she needs to keep her questions to herself and find answers wherever she can. Unfortunately, it also puts her front and center as the next victim.
While I knew who the murderer was early on, it never took away from anything going on within the story. Honestly, with all the other action -- especially the filming of the show -- it kept things moving right along and I got caught up in wondering who would be sent home next. I also loved the description of many of the recipes (oh, how I wish some of them were added so I could try them - I love to cook and bake - but I digress). At any rate, we get to see how busy Courtney is, and not only is she trying to find out who framed Skylar, but she has two shows to film - and who knows how long either of them will be around - so we have that question going on along with the murder.
When things start coming together, we see that Courtney is a woman who can think on her feet, which I really like, and while she doesn't deliberately put herself in danger, once she's there she immediately tries to find a way out of it. But I absolutely loved the ending. However, I will add one caveat: these books should be read in order, because in this one the author does mention details of the murder in the first one several times.
The author has given us a new series with a (hopefully) bright promise and I really wish I could delve into the next book right now. Highly recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
November 30, 2020
This book was a bit quirky, and I didn’t read the first in the series but that didn’t really matter. I felt like it picked up at a good place and I was able to jump right in. Courtney is the host of a cooking show and she is now hosting a baking competition with some other baking show hosts. I knew I would enjoy this one because I love to watch these shows myself.
A woman is murdered in one of the hosts suites and he is the prime suspect. Courtney once again has to prove that the person accused of the crime is innocent. I really thought I knew where this twist was going and I was pleasantly surprised that the author threw in curveballs. I was hoping I couldn’t guess what was going on and hate when I figure things out early.
There is a bit of a romance here and I could feel jealously soaking into me from Courtney here watching someone she has feelings for appear to be smitten with someone else.
Most of all, I loved the description of all the food that was made! I am a foodie and love reading about chefs so this was a welcome addition. Overall it was a cute mystery that kept me entertained. It reminded me of another series I started reading years ago, but with a little less hijinx.
A woman is murdered in one of the hosts suites and he is the prime suspect. Courtney once again has to prove that the person accused of the crime is innocent. I really thought I knew where this twist was going and I was pleasantly surprised that the author threw in curveballs. I was hoping I couldn’t guess what was going on and hate when I figure things out early.
There is a bit of a romance here and I could feel jealously soaking into me from Courtney here watching someone she has feelings for appear to be smitten with someone else.
Most of all, I loved the description of all the food that was made! I am a foodie and love reading about chefs so this was a welcome addition. Overall it was a cute mystery that kept me entertained. It reminded me of another series I started reading years ago, but with a little less hijinx.
December 1, 2020
This is the 2nd installment in the Courtney Archer mystery series. Courtney Archer is a reality TV personality who has her own show Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter (even though she is not a farmer’s daughter) and has been struggling with the lie and decides to come clean with her audience and hopes all will be well. She is filming her own series along with once again a presenter on the reality bake-off tv show The American Baking Battle. The theme this time around in the Pocono’s is wedding related and her co-host Skylar has a stalker and when he falls ill, her fellow judge Shannon decide to check on Skylar to check on him and find him covered in blood and a dead “bride” on top of a wedding cake. Drake the head of security and the Sheriff are investigating once again to not much success so Courtney is convinced to prove Skylar innocent and find out who did this. Eric her producer is also back and once again a love triangle which I will admit I absolutely hate as this is just sometimes too drawn out. The mystery was solid enough with enough red herrings to keep you guessing. I enjoyed the story and once again the beautiful setting of the Pocono’s. I will read the next installment and look forward to see what happens next for Courtney and her friends.
April 12, 2022
Another good installment in this series. The mystery is good and I enjoyed how the characters have made a good friend group after the events of the first story.
August 14, 2020
I was granted an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest opinions.
This may be harsh, but this novel is like week old cake slathered in overly sweet buttercream frosting with alternating layers of unbelievable situations, a whiny, indecisive protagonist, and simple dialogue, topped with rosettes of repetitive descriptions. I would have shelved this book had I purchased it, it was just too ridiculous. I found myself skimming large portions to move through the book quicker.
Courtney is unlikable; she is whiny and indecisive in both her professional and personal life. It was convenient that she kept forgetting to offer information she knew to the Sheriff from the very beginning. This forgetfulness got old quickly. None of the characters, in fact, had any depth or development. Their actions and dialogue were simplistic and forced; not how a natural conversation would take place, especially among the characters already acquainted with one another.
The descriptions of attire, what they wore before and after the show tapings was repetitive as was the phrase, “toes on the tape mark.”
The author set up a suspect too early in the story and focused so much time on that character, that it was beyond realistic that the Sheriff wouldn’t have investigated or known these details but a TV show chef was a more competent detective. That alone, was reason to know the character In question was innocent and made the actual murderer all the more obvious.
I was hoping for a light murder thriller with some develop twists and surprises with the added fun of a baking challenge as they are so popular on TV. Unfortunately, this fell far short and was highly disappointing.
This may be harsh, but this novel is like week old cake slathered in overly sweet buttercream frosting with alternating layers of unbelievable situations, a whiny, indecisive protagonist, and simple dialogue, topped with rosettes of repetitive descriptions. I would have shelved this book had I purchased it, it was just too ridiculous. I found myself skimming large portions to move through the book quicker.
Courtney is unlikable; she is whiny and indecisive in both her professional and personal life. It was convenient that she kept forgetting to offer information she knew to the Sheriff from the very beginning. This forgetfulness got old quickly. None of the characters, in fact, had any depth or development. Their actions and dialogue were simplistic and forced; not how a natural conversation would take place, especially among the characters already acquainted with one another.
The descriptions of attire, what they wore before and after the show tapings was repetitive as was the phrase, “toes on the tape mark.”
The author set up a suspect too early in the story and focused so much time on that character, that it was beyond realistic that the Sheriff wouldn’t have investigated or known these details but a TV show chef was a more competent detective. That alone, was reason to know the character In question was innocent and made the actual murderer all the more obvious.
I was hoping for a light murder thriller with some develop twists and surprises with the added fun of a baking challenge as they are so popular on TV. Unfortunately, this fell far short and was highly disappointing.
December 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this second book in the Courtney Archer series which answered a few questions that were left standing at the end of the first book... or did it? One of those things could cause issues with Courtney's TV career, but knowing this crew, they'll work together and come up with something.
When Skylar, Courtney's co-host and friend on the bake-off show became a murder suspect, she just couldn't stay out of it. I started suspecting very early the person who ended up as the killer, although I wasn't sure of they why and all that. Courtney's showdown with the killer was pretty exciting and helped wrap up all the murder questions. I loved what she ended up doing to distract the person. It'll be interesting to see how things go for a new venture that was talked about as well as Courtney's dating life in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
When Skylar, Courtney's co-host and friend on the bake-off show became a murder suspect, she just couldn't stay out of it. I started suspecting very early the person who ended up as the killer, although I wasn't sure of they why and all that. Courtney's showdown with the killer was pretty exciting and helped wrap up all the murder questions. I loved what she ended up doing to distract the person. It'll be interesting to see how things go for a new venture that was talked about as well as Courtney's dating life in the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
December 22, 2020
This is a fun mystery series that takes place on the set of a cooking show. The characters are well defined and have grown through the series (this is the second book in the series). I enjoy how the secondary story of the character's development is strong. This is one element that always keeps me hooked on a series (even more than the mystery they solve in the individual book). Two thumbs up for Rosemarie Ross and Finished Off in Fondant.
March 2, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/f...
Finished Off in Fondant
Courtney Archer Mystery #2
By Rosemarie Ross
ISBN 9781496722775
Author’s website: rosemarieross.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Despite a few early hiccups, Courtney is thrilled with her starring role on The American Baking Battle, filmed at a grand resort in the Pocono Mountains. The icing on the cake? The new season has a wedding theme–complete with formalwear. But the first day on set, the producer seems to care more about profits than pastry–and the topper comes when her cohost Skylar falls ill. Little does she know things are about to end in tiers…
When a barely coherent, blood-covered Skylar is discovered at the doorway of his room, Courtney is horrified to walk inside and find a towering wedding cake–thoroughly smashed by the body of a woman in a bridal gown. Now suspicion is filling the studio and falling on Skylar, and Courtney has to look at coworkers and contestants, working through layers of deception to find the real culprit.
Review:
Finished Off in Fondant has the intriguing setting of a reality TV show of a wedding-themed bakeoff at a resort nestled in the Poconos. It includes a fascinating, creative cast of characters along with a murder possibly committed by a member of the cast or a competing baker. Ironically, it is the very same place, the very same bakeoff program, where this cast was confronted with a murder the year before. A contestant died, and a chef was a suspect. This time the murdered gal is someone with a past connection to one of the co-hosts, who is the prime suspect. Stir in two of the cast planning an additional show and a sheriff who doesn’t want help from the cast or contestants.
Courtney and Skylar are cohosts hired for the American Baking Battle – Weddings bakeoff. Shannon and Harrison are judges of the contestants’ offerings. Last year, Courtney was the main suspect in a murder that occurred when the bakeoff was being filmed. This year, the theme of the bakeoff is Weddings. Skylar, usually an easygoing guy, is not happy, making disparaging comments about how important a wedding is to women when it is but one day of the marriage. Within a short time, he becomes ill, and goes to his suite to rest. Two contestants appear to be ailing, as well, and go to their rooms at the resort.
Courtney sent Skylar a text to see if he wanted her to bring him soup. He called almost immediately, barely coherent except so say he needed help. When she and Shannon arrive in the hallway where his room is, he is lying on the floor, very sick, with blood on one side of his face, hair, and clothing. When Courtney looked inside the door of his suite, she is shocked to see the dead body of a woman in a bridal gown with a knife stuck in her chest, lying across a five-tier wedding cake on the coffee table. It’s happening again.
Many things are going on with the show. The producer of the bakeoff is on-site, demanding and difficult to work with as he tries to keep the filming under budget. Skylar is the main suspect, not only because the woman is found in his suite and her blood is on him, but because of their association in the past. He continues to get ill from an interesting cause. Courtney knows her friend is not involved in the murder and wants to prove it by finding out who is.
The characters are less clearly defined than I prefer. While appearances and various costumes are detailed, I didn’t feel I got to know anyone very well other than Courtney. I did not know how old, even a decade range, the co-hosts, judges, or the two men Courtney is interested in are. One of the biggest things we learn about Courtney is how she seems almost obsessed with which of two men is the one she should choose. One is Drake, the head of the security company. The other is Eric, her business partner and close friend. He is spending a lot of time with Pamela, the second-in-command at the security company. She is tasked with protecting Courtney and keeping her out of the investigation. Instead, she and Eric spend a lot of time together with their heads together exchanging secret smiles. Courtney thought about these two situations often enough that, for me, it interrupted the flow of the mystery.
The mystery itself was fascinating, especially as one plot twist after another made Skylar look more guilty. The perfect red herring was introduced who was very easy dislike. There was just enough information provided for the reader to try to figure out who the bad guy was. The solution was satisfactory, with all the loose ends tied up. I recommend this cozy mystery and suggest that one read the series in order.
Finished Off in Fondant
Courtney Archer Mystery #2
By Rosemarie Ross
ISBN 9781496722775
Author’s website: rosemarieross.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
Despite a few early hiccups, Courtney is thrilled with her starring role on The American Baking Battle, filmed at a grand resort in the Pocono Mountains. The icing on the cake? The new season has a wedding theme–complete with formalwear. But the first day on set, the producer seems to care more about profits than pastry–and the topper comes when her cohost Skylar falls ill. Little does she know things are about to end in tiers…
When a barely coherent, blood-covered Skylar is discovered at the doorway of his room, Courtney is horrified to walk inside and find a towering wedding cake–thoroughly smashed by the body of a woman in a bridal gown. Now suspicion is filling the studio and falling on Skylar, and Courtney has to look at coworkers and contestants, working through layers of deception to find the real culprit.
Review:
Finished Off in Fondant has the intriguing setting of a reality TV show of a wedding-themed bakeoff at a resort nestled in the Poconos. It includes a fascinating, creative cast of characters along with a murder possibly committed by a member of the cast or a competing baker. Ironically, it is the very same place, the very same bakeoff program, where this cast was confronted with a murder the year before. A contestant died, and a chef was a suspect. This time the murdered gal is someone with a past connection to one of the co-hosts, who is the prime suspect. Stir in two of the cast planning an additional show and a sheriff who doesn’t want help from the cast or contestants.
Courtney and Skylar are cohosts hired for the American Baking Battle – Weddings bakeoff. Shannon and Harrison are judges of the contestants’ offerings. Last year, Courtney was the main suspect in a murder that occurred when the bakeoff was being filmed. This year, the theme of the bakeoff is Weddings. Skylar, usually an easygoing guy, is not happy, making disparaging comments about how important a wedding is to women when it is but one day of the marriage. Within a short time, he becomes ill, and goes to his suite to rest. Two contestants appear to be ailing, as well, and go to their rooms at the resort.
Courtney sent Skylar a text to see if he wanted her to bring him soup. He called almost immediately, barely coherent except so say he needed help. When she and Shannon arrive in the hallway where his room is, he is lying on the floor, very sick, with blood on one side of his face, hair, and clothing. When Courtney looked inside the door of his suite, she is shocked to see the dead body of a woman in a bridal gown with a knife stuck in her chest, lying across a five-tier wedding cake on the coffee table. It’s happening again.
Many things are going on with the show. The producer of the bakeoff is on-site, demanding and difficult to work with as he tries to keep the filming under budget. Skylar is the main suspect, not only because the woman is found in his suite and her blood is on him, but because of their association in the past. He continues to get ill from an interesting cause. Courtney knows her friend is not involved in the murder and wants to prove it by finding out who is.
The characters are less clearly defined than I prefer. While appearances and various costumes are detailed, I didn’t feel I got to know anyone very well other than Courtney. I did not know how old, even a decade range, the co-hosts, judges, or the two men Courtney is interested in are. One of the biggest things we learn about Courtney is how she seems almost obsessed with which of two men is the one she should choose. One is Drake, the head of the security company. The other is Eric, her business partner and close friend. He is spending a lot of time with Pamela, the second-in-command at the security company. She is tasked with protecting Courtney and keeping her out of the investigation. Instead, she and Eric spend a lot of time together with their heads together exchanging secret smiles. Courtney thought about these two situations often enough that, for me, it interrupted the flow of the mystery.
The mystery itself was fascinating, especially as one plot twist after another made Skylar look more guilty. The perfect red herring was introduced who was very easy dislike. There was just enough information provided for the reader to try to figure out who the bad guy was. The solution was satisfactory, with all the loose ends tied up. I recommend this cozy mystery and suggest that one read the series in order.
June 11, 2022
I loved the first book in this series, but this second installment went from great to kinda bad. The writing became a little amateurish both in character and story.
Our main character is fully invested in solving the murder in order to protect a friend accused - but she doesn't investigate! Oh sure, she keeps putting items on her mental to-do list like talk to so-and-so about such-and-such and research this and poke her nose into that. But then she doesn't! Then she talks about how she didn't and really needs to. And then she doesn't! And then she talks AGAIN about how she needs to. It's like that through the entire second half (or more) of the book. It got so bad that she literally stated she's going to talk to this person after dinner and the next sentence is she did not talk to that person after dinner. Seriously?
She also did the same with her personal relationships. She's totally going to talk to so-and-so. But then doesn't and decides she needs to speak with so-and-so #2 first. Then for the entire book does not speak to either person but talks about how she needs to for the entire book.
I knew who did it from early on. That almost never bothers me, except here our main character was rather "dumb" about it so that DID bother me.
An example of the amateurish writing (I'm not being mean) is how we find out at the end if our main character did not investigate (which, let's be frank, she didn't) and did not ask questions (again, she basically didn't) and did not poke her nose in (she really didn't), the sheriff solved the case without her help at all. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If you removed Courtney, the murder would have been solved and probably faster.
So what was the point of reading the book?
I enjoyed reading about the reality TV baking competition show because I enjoy reality TV baking competition shows.
I did not enjoy certain characters acting a certain way for the sole purpose of making them look like they might be the murderer and then when the murderer is discovered (the sheriff figures it out before Courtney) the other characters that were outright jerks the entire book are suddenly very nice and wonderful people. (This is why I'm not mean to say it's amateur writing.)
If anyone counted the words, I would bet there was more book time spent on describing clothes than spent on the murder investigation. Especially if you take out all the paragraphs of Courtney saying she's going to do this and going to do that.
Don't even get me started on the non-existent love triangle or love square that is so uninteresting you couldn't pay me to care or the fact that Courtney's bodyguard would disappear whenever and no one said anything about it. In fact, at one point, Courtney was glad because she was going to make a private phone call that, if I remember correctly, she didn't even make.
I am so incredibly hopeful that the third book (I've already started) will be as well-written as the first book. Maybe something just didn't jive for the author in this particular story and it came across. I still adore some of these characters, their relationships and the setting.
I realize I've basically torn the book apart in my harsh review, but I really do like the series. Unfortunately, if the third book is like this one, I will not continue if the author writes more in this series.
Our main character is fully invested in solving the murder in order to protect a friend accused - but she doesn't investigate! Oh sure, she keeps putting items on her mental to-do list like talk to so-and-so about such-and-such and research this and poke her nose into that. But then she doesn't! Then she talks about how she didn't and really needs to. And then she doesn't! And then she talks AGAIN about how she needs to. It's like that through the entire second half (or more) of the book. It got so bad that she literally stated she's going to talk to this person after dinner and the next sentence is she did not talk to that person after dinner. Seriously?
She also did the same with her personal relationships. She's totally going to talk to so-and-so. But then doesn't and decides she needs to speak with so-and-so #2 first. Then for the entire book does not speak to either person but talks about how she needs to for the entire book.
I knew who did it from early on. That almost never bothers me, except here our main character was rather "dumb" about it so that DID bother me.
An example of the amateurish writing (I'm not being mean) is how we find out at the end if our main character did not investigate (which, let's be frank, she didn't) and did not ask questions (again, she basically didn't) and did not poke her nose in (she really didn't), the sheriff solved the case without her help at all. That leaves a bad taste in my mouth. If you removed Courtney, the murder would have been solved and probably faster.
So what was the point of reading the book?
I enjoyed reading about the reality TV baking competition show because I enjoy reality TV baking competition shows.
I did not enjoy certain characters acting a certain way for the sole purpose of making them look like they might be the murderer and then when the murderer is discovered (the sheriff figures it out before Courtney) the other characters that were outright jerks the entire book are suddenly very nice and wonderful people. (This is why I'm not mean to say it's amateur writing.)
If anyone counted the words, I would bet there was more book time spent on describing clothes than spent on the murder investigation. Especially if you take out all the paragraphs of Courtney saying she's going to do this and going to do that.
Don't even get me started on the non-existent love triangle or love square that is so uninteresting you couldn't pay me to care or the fact that Courtney's bodyguard would disappear whenever and no one said anything about it. In fact, at one point, Courtney was glad because she was going to make a private phone call that, if I remember correctly, she didn't even make.
I am so incredibly hopeful that the third book (I've already started) will be as well-written as the first book. Maybe something just didn't jive for the author in this particular story and it came across. I still adore some of these characters, their relationships and the setting.
I realize I've basically torn the book apart in my harsh review, but I really do like the series. Unfortunately, if the third book is like this one, I will not continue if the author writes more in this series.
August 29, 2020
Well, I had a totally different reaction to Fondant from its predecessor Cobblered. I think I let slide a few things with Cobblered because it was the first in a series, but I did enjoy it. Fondant was just OK, I could finish it, but like a salad without dressing it left me unsatisfied. I'm tired of the prejudism the characters show towards country people. Country people aren't all folksy and the daughters of city daughters aren't all sophisticated, couture wearing sophisticates (having worked in hospitals I can say this with certainty).
What disappointed me the most was the mystery. Courtney, the sheriff and Drake are terribly slow and ineffective. We readers don't even know what the Sheriff and Drake are doing aside from a couple of interviews we are privy to. I knew who did it immediately despite the half hearted attempts to give us one or two other suspects. If Courtney (who I don't expect perfection from as an amateur sleuth) had just checked out one or two details instead of asking people to do it for her and/or believing people right off the bat, she would have known too.
We never know what the sheriff and Drake are up to investigation wise, but weren't led to believe they are incompetent, so how poorly I felt they dealt with the investigation didn't ring true to me. The conflict of the story didn't work for me.
The romance is a dud. Why do these love triangles keep popping up in cozy mysteries??? If she was really interested in Drake, they'd speak more than once or twice to each other. You make the time when you're attracted to someone. If she's also thinking about Eric, again, she'd be more proactive. The whole thing is forced and unnatural.
I still enjoyed the show scenes and thing the hosts and judges are an engaging team, I just wished the mystery was as enjoyable.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
What disappointed me the most was the mystery. Courtney, the sheriff and Drake are terribly slow and ineffective. We readers don't even know what the Sheriff and Drake are doing aside from a couple of interviews we are privy to. I knew who did it immediately despite the half hearted attempts to give us one or two other suspects. If Courtney (who I don't expect perfection from as an amateur sleuth) had just checked out one or two details instead of asking people to do it for her and/or believing people right off the bat, she would have known too.
We never know what the sheriff and Drake are up to investigation wise, but weren't led to believe they are incompetent, so how poorly I felt they dealt with the investigation didn't ring true to me. The conflict of the story didn't work for me.
The romance is a dud. Why do these love triangles keep popping up in cozy mysteries??? If she was really interested in Drake, they'd speak more than once or twice to each other. You make the time when you're attracted to someone. If she's also thinking about Eric, again, she'd be more proactive. The whole thing is forced and unnatural.
I still enjoyed the show scenes and thing the hosts and judges are an engaging team, I just wished the mystery was as enjoyable.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
August 22, 2020
Finished Off in Fondant is the second installment in the A Courtney Archer Mystery series featuring reality cooking show host and celebrity chef, Courtney Archer. Courtney and the gang have returned to Coal Castle Resort in the Pocono Mountains to film another season of The American Baking Battle, this one with a wedding theme. In addition to hosting the competition, Courtney is also filming episodes for her own show, Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter.
Having decided to publicly admit to her fans that she is not a farmer's daughter but instead was born and raised in Chicago, Courtney is worried about the fallout - will the network cancel her show? will the knife company pull their offer to create a knife set bearing Courtney's name? With the help of her costars Shannon Collins, Skylar Daily and Harrison Canfield and her producer, Eric Iverson she's trying to keep positive thoughts.
Without warning Skylar suddenly becomes ill and the cause is a mystery. Too further complicate things, the body of a woman is found dead in Skylar's hotel room. When Skylar admits that he knows the woman, she had been arrested for stalking him in the past, the local police immediately finger his as the main suspect. Determined not to let her friend take the fall for a crime he didn't commit, Courtney sets out to track down a killer.
Two subplots will keep your interest. The dreaded love triangle continues unfortunately and Courtney's constant dithering about the two men does distract from the mystery. An announcement at the end of the book leaves no doubt that Courtney and her friends will be back for another round of cooking competition.
I received an advanced copy of Finished Off in Fondant from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
Having decided to publicly admit to her fans that she is not a farmer's daughter but instead was born and raised in Chicago, Courtney is worried about the fallout - will the network cancel her show? will the knife company pull their offer to create a knife set bearing Courtney's name? With the help of her costars Shannon Collins, Skylar Daily and Harrison Canfield and her producer, Eric Iverson she's trying to keep positive thoughts.
Without warning Skylar suddenly becomes ill and the cause is a mystery. Too further complicate things, the body of a woman is found dead in Skylar's hotel room. When Skylar admits that he knows the woman, she had been arrested for stalking him in the past, the local police immediately finger his as the main suspect. Determined not to let her friend take the fall for a crime he didn't commit, Courtney sets out to track down a killer.
Two subplots will keep your interest. The dreaded love triangle continues unfortunately and Courtney's constant dithering about the two men does distract from the mystery. An announcement at the end of the book leaves no doubt that Courtney and her friends will be back for another round of cooking competition.
I received an advanced copy of Finished Off in Fondant from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.
February 13, 2021
Finished Off in Fondant by Rosemarie Ross is such a FUN read !! Finished Off in Fondant is the second book in her Courtney Archer Mystery series and readers cannot help but fall in love !!
Finished Off in Fondant follows main character Courtney Archer as she is co-hosting The American Baking Battle and her friend Shannon is one of the judges. The show is filmed at the Coal Castle Resort where her Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter show is also filmed. While filming is going on everyone is staying at the resort which Courtney is quite familiar with having done it before. Unfortunately a lot is going on with Courtney as she has decided to come clean to her viewing audience and tell the truth about her background. After she tapes the truthful episode she cannot stop thinking about what that will do to the show, her fans, as well as everyone employed on the show, especially her producer and dear friend, Eric.
Courtney doesn't have long to wallow in her self-pity because her co-host, Skylar, on the baking show returns to his room at the Castle to a dead body !! Unfortunately he doesn'ty know how the deceased ended up in his room or who killed her. Courtney knows that there is no way that he could have killed the woman even though he did have history with her. Courtney cannot help but try to find out the real killer even if it makes everyone a suspect and gets Courtney in hot water !!
Readers will be drawn to the storyline immediately and you will feel like you are right there next to Courtney as she tapes the show and moves around the resort. You will love the cast of characters from the celebrities to the contestants to the employees working around the resort. Even though there is a long list of suspects for readers to chose from, you will still be in shock when the killer is revealed !!!
Finished Off in Fondant follows main character Courtney Archer as she is co-hosting The American Baking Battle and her friend Shannon is one of the judges. The show is filmed at the Coal Castle Resort where her Cooking with the Farmer's Daughter show is also filmed. While filming is going on everyone is staying at the resort which Courtney is quite familiar with having done it before. Unfortunately a lot is going on with Courtney as she has decided to come clean to her viewing audience and tell the truth about her background. After she tapes the truthful episode she cannot stop thinking about what that will do to the show, her fans, as well as everyone employed on the show, especially her producer and dear friend, Eric.
Courtney doesn't have long to wallow in her self-pity because her co-host, Skylar, on the baking show returns to his room at the Castle to a dead body !! Unfortunately he doesn'ty know how the deceased ended up in his room or who killed her. Courtney knows that there is no way that he could have killed the woman even though he did have history with her. Courtney cannot help but try to find out the real killer even if it makes everyone a suspect and gets Courtney in hot water !!
Readers will be drawn to the storyline immediately and you will feel like you are right there next to Courtney as she tapes the show and moves around the resort. You will love the cast of characters from the celebrities to the contestants to the employees working around the resort. Even though there is a long list of suspects for readers to chose from, you will still be in shock when the killer is revealed !!!
December 17, 2020
And…we’re back on set with Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter with Courtney Archer and cooking is not all that’s on the menu during this episode. With secrets revealed Courtney finds herself unsure and in a delicate situation that could jeopardize her career and threaten the security of her show. Filming a cooking show can sometimes get a little dicey.
Courtney Archer, host of Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter and co-host of The American Baking Battle is a magnet for trouble. Luckily, Season 2 of The American Baking Battle is about to start and after the disastrous events of Season 1, Courtney is ready to put her best sleuth, I mean, foot forward.
This book is made up of the best ingredients. Courtney Archer is a tenacious and nonstop character, who is relentless in her investigation to absolve her friend from blame. Witty and funny this character was effortless and a pleasure to meet. A reluctant sleuth with a good eye for detail and an acuity for questions.
The relationship between the main character and the supportive characters is new (this is only the second book of the series), but I can already see how the characters are bonding and relating to one another. Great friendships are forming and maybe a little romance in the future, too. Not all characters are pleasant though, and some are hilariously disagreeable. Smart banter makes up for unsavory characteristics among those with issues with Courtney involving herself in the investigation (Sheriff Perry).
Tension and suspicion run the show in this book, and it was easy as pie finding the right ingredients to solve this mystery. This was an excellent and enjoyable read and I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something rich and entertaining.
~ Patricia
Courtney Archer, host of Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter and co-host of The American Baking Battle is a magnet for trouble. Luckily, Season 2 of The American Baking Battle is about to start and after the disastrous events of Season 1, Courtney is ready to put her best sleuth, I mean, foot forward.
This book is made up of the best ingredients. Courtney Archer is a tenacious and nonstop character, who is relentless in her investigation to absolve her friend from blame. Witty and funny this character was effortless and a pleasure to meet. A reluctant sleuth with a good eye for detail and an acuity for questions.
The relationship between the main character and the supportive characters is new (this is only the second book of the series), but I can already see how the characters are bonding and relating to one another. Great friendships are forming and maybe a little romance in the future, too. Not all characters are pleasant though, and some are hilariously disagreeable. Smart banter makes up for unsavory characteristics among those with issues with Courtney involving herself in the investigation (Sheriff Perry).
Tension and suspicion run the show in this book, and it was easy as pie finding the right ingredients to solve this mystery. This was an excellent and enjoyable read and I highly recommend this one if you are looking for something rich and entertaining.
~ Patricia
August 16, 2020
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of FINISHED OFF FONDANT (Book 2 of the Courtney Archer Mysteries) by Rosemarie Ross in exchange for an honest review. Chef Courtney Archer is thrilled and terrified about the changes in her life. First, Courtney’s finally telling the fans of her cooking show that she isn’t actually The Farmer’s Daughter. Second, Courtney’s planning to have a serious talk with her best friends about the status of their relationship. Third, Courtney and a fellow chef are pitching a new show to the network. Fourth, Courtney has moved from being a contestant on The American Baking Battle to being one of its hosts. The bright and shiny of new beginnings is soon dulled by the repetition of horrors past. There’s another murder connected the The American Baking Battle. This time, Courtney’s co-host Skylar is in the hot seat. Skylar fell ill and returned to his hotel room to rest. At the end of lunch, Skylar, barely coherent, calls Courtney for help. When Courtney goes to his room, she finds Skylar covered in blood and retching in the hallway. More alarming, there’s a dead bride serving as a macabre cake topper for a smashed wedding confection in Skylar’s room. Though local law enforcement seem content to identify Skylar as the killer based on a link between Skylar and the deceased, Courtney has some questions the police never bothered to ask. Courtney’s curiosity may get her killed, but, then again, it may set her co-host free.
I liked both this book and the previous one. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, food, competitions, and television shows.
#FinishedOffinFondant #NetGalley
I liked both this book and the previous one. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, food, competitions, and television shows.
#FinishedOffinFondant #NetGalley
October 26, 2020
It is as if the author saw into y mind and wrote a cozy mystery that hit several of my favorites. It is a cozy mystery, it is food themed, ot is baking driven and it takes place within a fictional bake off show. I can I not love this story.
In this installment Courtney and crew are back for a second season despite a rough first season and a confession Courtney has had to make to her loyal fans. This years theme is weddings. The over budget over scheduled first season the producer is on set to make sure nothing goes wrong this season. However the best laid plans.........
Courtney's castmate and friend Skylar is found the first day covered in blood with a dead women dresses as a bride dead in his room. Déjà Vu, Courtney finds herself determined to solve this crime and clear an innocent person. Even if the local law enforcement is dead set against that.
Compounding her frustration with her investigation is her love life. She keeps getting mixed signals from her country girl cooking shows producer and the head of her security team. Both of whom she is interested in. The pressure of waiting to see the backlash from her fans over her confession. She may lose her show as well as a production deal she is in the works with a local knife manufacturer.
This is a stand alone novel. There are however several references to inside jokes amongst the characters and references to the previous novel. I often find those distracting. It is a wonderful story with well thought out characters and as i read the scenes on the baking challenge set i feel as if i a watching an episode of cake wars. I recommend this book for the story line, characters and descriptive writing. Enjoy.
In this installment Courtney and crew are back for a second season despite a rough first season and a confession Courtney has had to make to her loyal fans. This years theme is weddings. The over budget over scheduled first season the producer is on set to make sure nothing goes wrong this season. However the best laid plans.........
Courtney's castmate and friend Skylar is found the first day covered in blood with a dead women dresses as a bride dead in his room. Déjà Vu, Courtney finds herself determined to solve this crime and clear an innocent person. Even if the local law enforcement is dead set against that.
Compounding her frustration with her investigation is her love life. She keeps getting mixed signals from her country girl cooking shows producer and the head of her security team. Both of whom she is interested in. The pressure of waiting to see the backlash from her fans over her confession. She may lose her show as well as a production deal she is in the works with a local knife manufacturer.
This is a stand alone novel. There are however several references to inside jokes amongst the characters and references to the previous novel. I often find those distracting. It is a wonderful story with well thought out characters and as i read the scenes on the baking challenge set i feel as if i a watching an episode of cake wars. I recommend this book for the story line, characters and descriptive writing. Enjoy.
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