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An Amish Cupcake Cozy Mystery: Books 1-3
Books in this Box Set:
TRUE CONFECTIONS (BOOK 1)
When her husband of thirty years runs off with a college student named Cherri, Jane Delight returns to Pennsylvania to work in her Amish sister's cupcake store. Having lost everything in the divorce, Jane now finds herself sharing an apartment with two elderly ladies and their quirky cat.
But there is no time to despair. A man is murdered in the cupcake store, and now Jane and her sister, Rebecca, are the prime suspects. Enter brooding detective Damon McCloud, a Scot with a tragic past and a desire for justice.
Can Jane solve the murder, wrangle her new roommates, and stop herself from falling for the detective?
Or will she never get her new life on track?
PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS (BOOK 2)
The last thing Jane expects is to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Worse still, Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder.
It’s bad enough that Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from Matilda, Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles.
Will Jane be able to solve the murder, keep the cupcake store from crumbling apart, and keep a level head around Detective Damon McCloud, or will it all end not so sweetly?
CONFECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL (BOOK 3)
When her sweet Amish sister is accused of murder, it’s the start of another thrilling mystery for Jane Delight! Judy Jenkins, part-time cupcake book author and full-time bully, is dead—and Jane's sister, Rebecca, is the main suspect. Jane is eager to clear Rebecca's name, but with brooding Detective Damon McCloud warning her to stay away from the suspects, she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Can Jane, Mr. Crumbles the cat, and the feisty octogenarians, Matilda and Eleanor, save the day?
Or is this mystery going to end in heart-bake?
TRUE CONFECTIONS (BOOK 1)
When her husband of thirty years runs off with a college student named Cherri, Jane Delight returns to Pennsylvania to work in her Amish sister's cupcake store. Having lost everything in the divorce, Jane now finds herself sharing an apartment with two elderly ladies and their quirky cat.
But there is no time to despair. A man is murdered in the cupcake store, and now Jane and her sister, Rebecca, are the prime suspects. Enter brooding detective Damon McCloud, a Scot with a tragic past and a desire for justice.
Can Jane solve the murder, wrangle her new roommates, and stop herself from falling for the detective?
Or will she never get her new life on track?
PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS (BOOK 2)
The last thing Jane expects is to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Worse still, Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder.
It’s bad enough that Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from Matilda, Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles.
Will Jane be able to solve the murder, keep the cupcake store from crumbling apart, and keep a level head around Detective Damon McCloud, or will it all end not so sweetly?
CONFECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL (BOOK 3)
When her sweet Amish sister is accused of murder, it’s the start of another thrilling mystery for Jane Delight! Judy Jenkins, part-time cupcake book author and full-time bully, is dead—and Jane's sister, Rebecca, is the main suspect. Jane is eager to clear Rebecca's name, but with brooding Detective Damon McCloud warning her to stay away from the suspects, she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Can Jane, Mr. Crumbles the cat, and the feisty octogenarians, Matilda and Eleanor, save the day?
Or is this mystery going to end in heart-bake?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
511 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2019
296 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hartzler
147 books178 followersUSA Today Best-selling author Ruth Hartzler spends her days writing, walking her dog, and thinking of ways to murder somebody. That's because Ruth writes cozy mysteries and adventures.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 31, 2024
Loved these stories.
July 31, 2019
Book 1) True Confections
For her 50th birthday, Jane Delight’s husband takes her to a restaurant. To tell her he’s divorcing her to marry his much younger and now pregnant mistress.
When an overly aggressive person who wants to buy Jane’s sister’s bakery and apartment that Jane now lives in eats one of Rebecca’s sample cupcakes, he falls over complaining of a heart condition. The paramedics tell them they can’t reopen until the police have finished.
Jane, along with the two elderly ladies she shares the apartment with investigates, as they are sure Jane is the primary suspect in Mr. Greaves death. Jane is also dealing with the fact that someone has been following her.
This is a fun Amish based mystery that has developed characters. It is a slower paced story, but it holds your interest throughout
Book 2) Previous Confections:
Jane Delight once again finds herself in a french restaurant. This time waiting on her ex-husband and his much younger new wife that he divorced Jane for in order to marry.
Ted's client and his business partner join them at the table before the food can be delivered.
While drinking to a toast, Marcus Matheson drops dead.
Cherri, being distraught, seeks Jane's help in clearing him as she knows nobody in town.
It seems Jane and her two elderly room-mates are at it again.
Another fun story with some humor, and a couple of cantankerous octogenarians who are becoming the hit of the series. I really want to know what they did in the past.
Book 3) Confection is Good for the Soul
When Judy Jenkins winds up dead after accusing Rebecca of stealing her ideas. Rebecca winds up as one of the main suspects.
Jane Delight, Rebecca's sister, and her two octogenarian room-mate sisters are on the case. They uncover a history of Judy's accusing others, and even paying to sabotage them and their careers.
Detective Damon is still trying to keep Jane from investigating murder cases as she has been in danger the last two times.
Another fun story with lots of suspects, plenty of snacks, and two older ladies who have a background that's just waiting to be told. (Impatiently waiting!)
For her 50th birthday, Jane Delight’s husband takes her to a restaurant. To tell her he’s divorcing her to marry his much younger and now pregnant mistress.
When an overly aggressive person who wants to buy Jane’s sister’s bakery and apartment that Jane now lives in eats one of Rebecca’s sample cupcakes, he falls over complaining of a heart condition. The paramedics tell them they can’t reopen until the police have finished.
Jane, along with the two elderly ladies she shares the apartment with investigates, as they are sure Jane is the primary suspect in Mr. Greaves death. Jane is also dealing with the fact that someone has been following her.
This is a fun Amish based mystery that has developed characters. It is a slower paced story, but it holds your interest throughout
Book 2) Previous Confections:
Jane Delight once again finds herself in a french restaurant. This time waiting on her ex-husband and his much younger new wife that he divorced Jane for in order to marry.
Ted's client and his business partner join them at the table before the food can be delivered.
While drinking to a toast, Marcus Matheson drops dead.
Cherri, being distraught, seeks Jane's help in clearing him as she knows nobody in town.
It seems Jane and her two elderly room-mates are at it again.
Another fun story with some humor, and a couple of cantankerous octogenarians who are becoming the hit of the series. I really want to know what they did in the past.
Book 3) Confection is Good for the Soul
When Judy Jenkins winds up dead after accusing Rebecca of stealing her ideas. Rebecca winds up as one of the main suspects.
Jane Delight, Rebecca's sister, and her two octogenarian room-mate sisters are on the case. They uncover a history of Judy's accusing others, and even paying to sabotage them and their careers.
Detective Damon is still trying to keep Jane from investigating murder cases as she has been in danger the last two times.
Another fun story with lots of suspects, plenty of snacks, and two older ladies who have a background that's just waiting to be told. (Impatiently waiting!)
June 3, 2020
Very little to do with the Amish.
Obvious is the only way to describe the murderer in each story. Annoying bickering by sisters adds nothing to the stories and just takes you to screaming point, and as for the cat it defies belief. Luckily all I wasted was 99p.
Obvious is the only way to describe the murderer in each story. Annoying bickering by sisters adds nothing to the stories and just takes you to screaming point, and as for the cat it defies belief. Luckily all I wasted was 99p.
March 31, 2021
This is an awesome box set of funny cozy mysteries .
Book one
This is a delightful cozy murder mystery set in an Amish cupcake store. As the owner is Amish and her twin sister is a divorced non Amish woman, you get glimpses of both societies. I enjoyed the mixture of cultures and the quirky senior sisters who rent the apartment above the bakery. The mystery is great, with numerous viable suspects, subtle interesting clues, twists and turns and suspense. I found the dialogue witty and well done. The storyline flows smoothly. This is a well written cozy mystery worth reading.
Book two
Quirky characters and a great mystery are the hallmark of the second book in this great cozy mystery series. The characters are fun, interact well and engaging. The storyline flows quickly and smoothly, grabbing your interest and keeping it until the end. The mystery has numerous viable suspects, interesting subtle clues, surprises, twists and turns and suspense. I really enjoy how the characters interact and the interjection of humour. I look forward to the next book in the series. It is well written and engaging.
Book three
Excellent cozy murder mystery filled with quirky characters and great detective work. This is the third edition of the the well crafted “Amish Cupcake Mystery series“. The characters are chalked fulled of mystery and personality that quickly engage you in the story. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. The narrative provides a glimpse into the Amish lifestyle and the heroine’s thoughts, emotions, reasoning and actions. The mystery was interesting with multiple suspects, lots of relevant clues, surprises and suspense. I enjoyed how the lives of characters progress and develop throughout the series. The dialogue is witty and compelling and the character interaction humorous, romantic and explorative. If you like cozy mysteries with a furry character you will enjoy this series.
Book one
This is a delightful cozy murder mystery set in an Amish cupcake store. As the owner is Amish and her twin sister is a divorced non Amish woman, you get glimpses of both societies. I enjoyed the mixture of cultures and the quirky senior sisters who rent the apartment above the bakery. The mystery is great, with numerous viable suspects, subtle interesting clues, twists and turns and suspense. I found the dialogue witty and well done. The storyline flows smoothly. This is a well written cozy mystery worth reading.
Book two
Quirky characters and a great mystery are the hallmark of the second book in this great cozy mystery series. The characters are fun, interact well and engaging. The storyline flows quickly and smoothly, grabbing your interest and keeping it until the end. The mystery has numerous viable suspects, interesting subtle clues, surprises, twists and turns and suspense. I really enjoy how the characters interact and the interjection of humour. I look forward to the next book in the series. It is well written and engaging.
Book three
Excellent cozy murder mystery filled with quirky characters and great detective work. This is the third edition of the the well crafted “Amish Cupcake Mystery series“. The characters are chalked fulled of mystery and personality that quickly engage you in the story. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. The narrative provides a glimpse into the Amish lifestyle and the heroine’s thoughts, emotions, reasoning and actions. The mystery was interesting with multiple suspects, lots of relevant clues, surprises and suspense. I enjoyed how the lives of characters progress and develop throughout the series. The dialogue is witty and compelling and the character interaction humorous, romantic and explorative. If you like cozy mysteries with a furry character you will enjoy this series.
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June 26, 2020Books in this Box Set:
TRUE CONFECTIONS (BOOK 1)
When her husband of thirty years runs off with a college student named Cherri, Jane Delight returns to Pennsylvania to work in her Amish sister's cupcake store. Having lost everything in the divorce, Jane now finds herself sharing an apartment with two elderly ladies and their quirky cat.
But there is no time to despair. A man is murdered in the cupcake store, and now Jane and her sister, Rebecca, are the prime suspects. Enter brooding detective Damon McCloud, a Scot with a tragic past and a desire for justice.
Can Jane solve the murder, wrangle her new roommates, and stop herself from falling for the detective?
Or will she never get her new life on track?
PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS (BOOK 2)
The last thing Jane expects is to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Worse still, Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder.
It’s bad enough that Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from Matilda, Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles.
Will Jane be able to solve the murder, keep the cupcake store from crumbling apart, and keep a level head around Detective Damon McCloud, or will it all end not so sweetly?
CONFECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL (BOOK 3)
When her sweet Amish sister is accused of murder, it’s the start of another thrilling mystery for Jane Delight! Judy Jenkins, part-time cupcake book author and full-time bully, is dead—and Jane's sister, Rebecca, is the main suspect. Jane is eager to clear Rebecca's name, but with brooding Detective Damon McCloud warning her to stay away from the suspects, she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Can Jane, Mr. Crumbles the cat, and the feisty octogenarians, Matilda and Eleanor, save the day?
Or is this mystery going to end in heart-bake?
Didn't finish.
TRUE CONFECTIONS (BOOK 1)
When her husband of thirty years runs off with a college student named Cherri, Jane Delight returns to Pennsylvania to work in her Amish sister's cupcake store. Having lost everything in the divorce, Jane now finds herself sharing an apartment with two elderly ladies and their quirky cat.
But there is no time to despair. A man is murdered in the cupcake store, and now Jane and her sister, Rebecca, are the prime suspects. Enter brooding detective Damon McCloud, a Scot with a tragic past and a desire for justice.
Can Jane solve the murder, wrangle her new roommates, and stop herself from falling for the detective?
Or will she never get her new life on track?
PREVIOUS CONFECTIONS (BOOK 2)
The last thing Jane expects is to meet Cherri, her ex-husband’s new wife, but that’s exactly what happens. Worse still, Cherri wants Jane’s help in solving a murder.
It’s bad enough that Jane’s Amish sister has a broken arm, so Jane has to run the cupcake store with dubious help from Matilda, Eleanor, and naughty little cat, Mr. Crumbles.
Will Jane be able to solve the murder, keep the cupcake store from crumbling apart, and keep a level head around Detective Damon McCloud, or will it all end not so sweetly?
CONFECTION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL (BOOK 3)
When her sweet Amish sister is accused of murder, it’s the start of another thrilling mystery for Jane Delight! Judy Jenkins, part-time cupcake book author and full-time bully, is dead—and Jane's sister, Rebecca, is the main suspect. Jane is eager to clear Rebecca's name, but with brooding Detective Damon McCloud warning her to stay away from the suspects, she’s in for the adventure of a lifetime.
Can Jane, Mr. Crumbles the cat, and the feisty octogenarians, Matilda and Eleanor, save the day?
Or is this mystery going to end in heart-bake?
Didn't finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2022
Enjoying the Recipes
This is a wonderful series. Having to go back to the Amish to live after her 50+ husband leaves her for a 20 something student Jane tries to make the best of her life. But living with Matilda and Eleanor, the octogenarians who share the apartment above her sister's cupcake shop along with Eleanor's cat Mr. Crumbles may be the death of her yet.
The storylines and the characters are strong and very enjoyable.
My problem though is with the proof reading, which there seems to be a lacking.
It seems a lot of times the author either forgets who is asking a question only to have the same character answering the question. Then there is the confusing the names of the suspects and what drives me really to yell at the book is continuity. Please authors, if your character has plans to do something the next day don't have a two day gap before it happens. If I didn't enjoy the stories so much I would have stopped reading.
All that being said the books are a wonderful change. No cursing, no hopping into bed on the first date and no sleazy disgusting characters. I am not a prude but I have to admit I like a good story that holds my attention and makes me want to read more. Also the great recipes aren't to be overlooked. And they're not cupcake recipes.
This is a wonderful series. Having to go back to the Amish to live after her 50+ husband leaves her for a 20 something student Jane tries to make the best of her life. But living with Matilda and Eleanor, the octogenarians who share the apartment above her sister's cupcake shop along with Eleanor's cat Mr. Crumbles may be the death of her yet.
The storylines and the characters are strong and very enjoyable.
My problem though is with the proof reading, which there seems to be a lacking.
It seems a lot of times the author either forgets who is asking a question only to have the same character answering the question. Then there is the confusing the names of the suspects and what drives me really to yell at the book is continuity. Please authors, if your character has plans to do something the next day don't have a two day gap before it happens. If I didn't enjoy the stories so much I would have stopped reading.
All that being said the books are a wonderful change. No cursing, no hopping into bed on the first date and no sleazy disgusting characters. I am not a prude but I have to admit I like a good story that holds my attention and makes me want to read more. Also the great recipes aren't to be overlooked. And they're not cupcake recipes.
September 17, 2020
What an absolute waste of time. These books are very poorly written, with extremely simplistic dialogue. I'm not sure even a good editor could have saved these. Trying to be fair to the author I kept reading even though I hated every character as sometimes books get better. I gave up half way through the 2nd story as I have too many books to read to waste time on ones like this.
Sample Dialogue:
"I'm going to marry my mistress."
"I'd like to give you some money, but won't be able to" because the baby
"And I need the house"
"You can go back to being Amish.." Right, like that's an option. Clearly the author doesn't know anything about the Amish religion.
That's the level of every single sentence and thought in these books.
Cozy mysteries do not have to be simplistic and poorly written. A good cozy should keep the reader interested and have characters that make a reader care what happens. These stories did neither.
Sample Dialogue:
"I'm going to marry my mistress."
"I'd like to give you some money, but won't be able to" because the baby
"And I need the house"
"You can go back to being Amish.." Right, like that's an option. Clearly the author doesn't know anything about the Amish religion.
That's the level of every single sentence and thought in these books.
Cozy mysteries do not have to be simplistic and poorly written. A good cozy should keep the reader interested and have characters that make a reader care what happens. These stories did neither.
November 30, 2020
Book 1: First book in the series. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was well written & I didn't figure out who committed the crime until the author revealed it. Loved the older sisters that are Jane's new roommates, they are hilarious. I look forward to reading the next book.
Book 2: Really enjoyed reading this book. I was just as good as the last one. Fun with great characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing. I look forward to reading more.
Book 3: Jane, Matilda, & Elenanor are at the scene of another murder by poison. The detectives are once again suspicious of Rebecca. Join Jane, the girls and Mr. Crumbles for another great story full of twist and turns. The author will keep you guessing and laughing until the end.
Book 2: Really enjoyed reading this book. I was just as good as the last one. Fun with great characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing. I look forward to reading more.
Book 3: Jane, Matilda, & Elenanor are at the scene of another murder by poison. The detectives are once again suspicious of Rebecca. Join Jane, the girls and Mr. Crumbles for another great story full of twist and turns. The author will keep you guessing and laughing until the end.
October 23, 2020
I love all the books. It was refreshing to read something relaxing, besides a true crime story, or anything that would make me cringe and my nerves would be shattered. These books were so good, I was even laughing out loud! I It was a pleasure to buy a set of books and enjoy everyone.
I would definitely recommend these books to everyone, and of all ages. It's nice to have a change of genre .
I would definitely recommend these books to everyone, and of all ages. It's nice to have a change of genre .
May 24, 2020
What a wonderful crazy bunch of characters. Jane and her 2 Miss Marple sleuths plus a very scary but funny cat. Then you add Amish lives and mouth watering food. Add possible romance with a detective. Well what can happen read it and see.
March 16, 2021
Was a very good book. It took me a little long to figure out who the murderer was. The ladies all have very good ideas but they seem to forget that they are not the police. I would recommend this book to anyone who love a very light read.
January 21, 2022
Cupcakes, a cat and murder, plus octogenarians
These books made for very entertaining reading. I loved how the author wove this together. I would definitely tell my friends to read these.
These books made for very entertaining reading. I loved how the author wove this together. I would definitely tell my friends to read these.
June 6, 2022
3 Sleuths and a Cat
Most enjoyable read. The plot and story line were easy to follow but, in some instances made it easy to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the characters in the story.
Most enjoyable read. The plot and story line were easy to follow but, in some instances made it easy to solve the mystery. I enjoyed the characters in the story.
June 20, 2020
Good stories from an author I like
I enjoyed these stories very much. I never knew what was going to happen next. Great characters and lots of fun.
I enjoyed these stories very much. I never knew what was going to happen next. Great characters and lots of fun.
June 30, 2020
This is a fun Amish cozy series. See my reviews of the books individually.
December 18, 2020
Excellent
Lovely wholesome murder mystery. Loved that there is a series of them. Enjoy reading about the Amish and learning about this ways
Lovely wholesome murder mystery. Loved that there is a series of them. Enjoy reading about the Amish and learning about this ways
April 28, 2022
Interesting premise, books one and two were good, book three was okay, but book four has the series entering the farce stage of cozy mysteries. I won’t be reading any further into the series.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews