Lemon Drop Dead

An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #6

by Amanda Flower

Murder always leaves a sour taste . . .

Although baby showers aren’t an Amish tradition, Bailey King wants to celebrate Emily Keim’s forthcoming bundle of joy. It’s the least she can do for her hardworking assistant at Swissmen Sweets, especially with Emily being estranged from her siblings. Everyone in Harvest, Ohio has gathered at the town gazebo—decked out in lemon-themed décor to add some of Emily’s favorite flavor to the festivities—including Juliet Brook, Jethro the Pig, and in a last-minute invite, Emily’s sister Esther Esh.

But Esther isn’t the only surprise guest. A mysterious Amish woman confronts Emily claiming to know about her secret shame—the child she had as a teenager who was given up for adoption. The stranger vanishes before Bailey could find out who she was and if she knew what happened to Emily’s first baby. Later that evening, the woman reappears—dead in Esh Family Pretzels, with a threatening letter written by Esther found on her body.

Emily knows her sister is not a murderer and convinces Bailey to help clear Esther’s name and put the squeeze on the real killer . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Amish, Fiction, Audiobook, Romance

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 27, 2021

About the author

Amanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 6st book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series. I have read and review a few other books in this series, but I have not read all the books in this series. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters are super fun to follow, and the mystery was really good. The main character is Bailey, and I love how she helps solves the mystery. I also love how there is a mixed of Amish and English people in this book. I also love all the animals in this book. The writing in this book is great. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Amanda Flower) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐
Another fun mystery in Amish Candy Shop series. This is book #6. Bailey King of Swissmen Sweets and other ladies are throwing a baby shower for her store assistant Emily. A mysterious woman brought news about Emily's teenage past then was found dead at a pretzel shop. Eyes are on Emily's sister who threatens the woman before she vanished and was killed. The killer is one that I didn't see coming.
I've seen this technique often in cozy mysteries so not quite 4 stars killer/killers aren't introduced until later in the book, grrr!

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sixth installment in Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series, Bailey King's shop assistant, Emily Keim, is due to have her baby soon and everyone is excited. Although baby showers aren't an Amish tradition, the town decides to throw Emily one, and naturally, Bailey and the Swissmen Sweets gang are persuaded by Margot Rawlings to organize the event. During the shower, a mysterious woman confronts Emily about a secret from her past. The woman disappears before Bailey could find out who she was but a few hours later, she is found dead in the pretzel shop owned by Emily's family, with a threatening note written by Emily's sister found on her body. What is this woman's connection to the Esh family? Bailey, who is one of the few people in town that knows Emily's secret, is determined to find out.

This is one of my favorites cozy mystery series. From the quaint small-town setting to the well-developed characters and the sense of family and community, it feels like catching up with old friends when I pick up a book from this series. This installment focuses on Emily and her past. I've been curious about Emily's first child since we learned about her in the previous books and was excited to finally get the full story. I liked how the storyline turned out and hope we'll see more of Hannah in the future and maybe a happier Esther as well ( I have a soft spot for her). As always, Jethro provides plenty of humor to the story and the mystery kept me guessing.
I have mixed feelings about the direction Aiden and Bailey's relationship has taken but overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to another visit to Harvest. I would love another novella from Charlotte's perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower is the sixth full length novel in the cozy Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Along with three companion novellas in this series each of the books holds it’s own mystery that will be solved so they can be read in any order or as a standalone if choosing to do so. For those that follow from the beginning in the series though there is character building carrying over from book to book to tie them altogether.

The main character in this series, Bailey King, had been working in New York as a chocolatier before she decided to return to Harvest, Ohio and help her Amish grandmother run their family owned candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. While Bailey is not Amish herself she does find herself fitting into the community with her Amish roots and trusted more than other outsiders.

This time around in Lemon Drop Dead Bailey finds herself in the middle of the two communities yet again with one of her assistants, Emily Keim’s baby shower. Emily is Amish but the others in the community want to throw her a lavish lemon themed baby shower. This however isn’t Emily’s first baby though not many now of that and when a woman turns up murdered who knew of Emily’s first child Bailey knows she must quietly solve the crime before word gets out.

Since I have been following the Amish Candy Shop mystery series from the beginning which at this point is nine books strong and hopefully still going there is not much I haven’t already said. The series is a quirky and fun cozy bringing the Amish and English together. The characters are lovely, the lead has a close relationship with the law so that brings a more believability to the crime solving and there’s a little spotted pet pig that steals the show. I’m definitely a huge fan and will continue to be!

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[beachbum bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

for my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my YouTube channel!
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[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Margot Rawlings organizes most of the events that take place in Harvest, Ohio. Now she and the pastor’s new wife team up to throw Emily Keim a baby shower in an effort to bring the Amish and Englisher communities closer. They try to recruit Bailey King to plan the event but her cousin Charlotte steps up to take over the planning and does an excellent job. Emily agrees to the non-traditional Amish party but she has one request. She asks Bailey to personally invite her estranged sister Esther. While Esther doesn’t attend the party another Amish woman does. She is unknown to everyone but she does try to have a moment with Emily and makes a comment about a secret from Emily’s past.

Later Esther Esh shows up and begs Bailey for help. Esther takes Bailey back to the Esh family pretzel shop where she sees Esther’s problem. The mysterious woman from the shower is dead on the floor of the shop and she has a threatening letter from Esther. Bailey has to force Esther to call Aiden knowing he is going to see her a the main suspect. Emily begs Bailey to prove her sister’s innocence even though Aiden wishes she would just let him do his job.

There is so much to love about this story.

First, Emily’s baby is due soon but first, we learn about something from her past only a few people know, and that was only slightly mentioned in a previous story. Next, Charlotte really shines again in this story as her confidence grows and she makes a huge decision. Also, Aiden and Bailey’s life together may hit a roadblock when he receives an offer he may not be able to refuse.

The author has created several strong characters that continue to evolve more in each story but this book really focuses on Emily and we meet a new young character that not only shakes up Emily’s life but the lives of many people in Harvest. I love the people of Harvest and the way most of them rally to help when someone is in need. I hesitate to say too much because this is a powerful emotional story if readers are allowed to read the story without any pretense. The murder sets off a string of events and Bailey tries so hard to not only find the killer but take care of her friend and help her through what it means for her future. Surprisingly there were several suspects and twists before the story wraps up in a truly unexpected way.

I do enjoy the way the animals were involved in this book. Jethro the pig always seems to play a big part but it was nice to see Puff the rabbit and Nutmeg the kitten be featured as well.

Lemon Drop Dead was expertly crafted and written. Some loose ends are tied up and it sets up some changes coming in the future. One excites me and one concerns me but I trust this author. She has kept me successfully entertained for six full-length mysteries and three novellas so I expect she has a great plan for moving the wonderful characters in this series forward.

Everything I have read by this author is exceptional. She is a fantastic storyteller. I become invested in all her character lives and look forward to each and every story. I can’t wait to see where she takes the residents of Harvest next.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the better additions to the series. For those who have been reading the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series, there are some threads tied up and some closure in certain areas. It is an exciting time at Swissmen Sweets as shop worker Emily Keim is expecting her baby soon and a shower is being held, something unusual for the Amish. Former New Yorker Englisher Bailey King, who owns with the candy shop with her Amish Maami Clara King, along with their Amish cousin and shop worker Charlotte are providing treats. In fact, Charlotte is organizing the event with help from others. Emily has a secret that very few know. This is not her first baby. When she was seventeen, she had a baby and her sister Esther made her give the baby girl up. A strange woman approached Emily at the shower and told Emily that her daughter should meet the new baby. Later the woman was found dead in Emily's estranged family's pretzel shop next door. She turns out to be the baby's adopted mother. Bailey does her usual thing and gets involved even though her deputy boyfriend Aiden warns her to stay away. This is a complicated mystery to unravel that involves more than just trying to keep a woman quiet and more far reaching. I found it to be an emotional story for sweet Emily but also for all those who care for her and her family. Charlotte and Deputy Little are getting more obvious in their attraction while Bailey and Aiden are moving into new territory. I cannot wait for the next story to see what is going to happen. Fun characters with an Amish and English mix in small town Harvest, Ohio. Loved it!
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lemon Drop Dead is definitely my favorite book of Amanda Flower’s Candy Shop Mysteries so far. I was so proud of Main Character Bailey King in this book. Her compassion and concern for the plight of a six year old orphan girl almost bought this reader to tears. This book drew me in from the first chapter and kept me glued to the pages till the end. I thought this story was a great mix of Amish Fiction and Cozy Mystery. It was unpredictable, entertaining , easy to read, witty but at the same time tragic. The ending was very good with everything coming together nicely .
A six year old Amish girl, Hannah Weiss, becomes an orphan when her mother is found dead in The Esh Family Pretzel Shop. Hannah is a deaf little girl and with her Mother’s passing she is homeless with no close family members who want the responsibility of a child with a disability. She will become a Ward of the State of Ohio and a part of the foster care system. Bailey doesn’t care to see Hannah left with people who don’t want a disabled child . She takes Hannah to Her Amish Grandmother Clara King until the Social Worker can place her in a foster home.
Aiden Brody makes a decision that will affect Bailey and his relationship. Bailey once again gets involved in the investigation of this murder because she wants to see justice done for Hannah and help Aiden quickly solve this complicated murder mystery. There are lots of suspects but only one murderer. Bailey works closely with Deputy Aiden Brody to find a motive for the murder and identify the killer.
Charlotte Weaver wrestles with a decision she must make as to whether she will remain Amish or walk away before Baptism . She is tossed between wanting to enjoy more things that the world outside her Amish community has to offer and her strong ties to her Amish faith and community. There’s a certain someone she has met and their future depends on the decision she must make.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction and Cozy Mystery. It’s book six of the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries. I recommend that readers start from book one and follow the story in the order it was written. Characters are carried over from each book of the series.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, for a book set in a quaint Amish town, Lemon Drop Dead sure has a lot going on.
Once again we are visiting with Bailey King, her family and her friends.
Things are going well for Bailey, until a murder once again shakes their quiet world. Bailey is unfamiliar with the victim, but when she sees it’s all connected to her friend and employee Emily, Bailey once again becomes involved, more determined than ever.
This book has so much going on, that before I knew it, it was over!
Amanda Flower is a top notch author that pens an absolutely delightful series.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this fantastic series.

#LemonDropDead #NetGalley

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets never stay secret! This is an outstanding installment in the Amish Candy Shop series and it touches on some very intimate secrets within the community such as pregnancy out of wedlock and hearing impaired in an self isolating community that doesn't have the desire to necessarily embrace either issue. What I love about the book is that the author weaves the seriousness of these issues into a wonderfully delightful murder mystery that brings everyone around to an ideal outcome. The characters in this cozy mystery are very realistic and relatable. I highly recommend reading this series and especially this book!

[Jillian Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sixth Amish Candy Shop Mystery, Emily Keim, Bailey's assistant, is expecting her first child. Even though Amish people do not have showers, several of the English townspeople want to celebrate and they throw her a lemon themed shower. It turns out that Emily has a secret, and a mysterious Amish woman who shows up at the shower, upsets her. Apparently this isn't Emily's first child. When the mysterious woman is found dead that night in the Esh family pretzel shop, it makes Emily's estranged sister, Esther, look guilty. Bailey is pretty sure Esther had nothing to do with it, so she begins her own investigation into the death and what she finds out may change some lives forever.

I am continuing to enjoy my visits to Harvest, Ohio and catching up with all the characters both Amish and Englisch. I enjoy the eccentric ones, the bossy ones and the sweet friendly ones, and I especially like to see what Jethro the pig is up to. Bailey and Aiden are still dancing around whether or not to get married, with his mother already insisting to everyone that they are engaged. Emily is the focus of this story, which I have been curious about, and am glad we finally find out about her past and now her future. The mystery was a good one, with Bailey doing some digging and finding out information before Aiden does. As always there are some twists and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I was not sure who the guilty party was and I really liked the ending of this one. I am wondering where Bailey and Aiden's relationship is going to go in future books, but I have my hopes. Once again, Amanda Flower has penned an enjoyable addition to the Amish Candy Shop series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun volume in the Amish Candy Shop cozy mystery series! I really like Bailey, and this mystery was particularly interesting for me. I didn’t see red herrings as much as normal, but pieces to a full puzzle which was fun. In this story Emily, Bailey’s employee, is about to have a baby and start her family with her husband, but the baby she was forced to give up for adoption in her youth is going to come back to haunt her. A woman is found murdered in her family’s pretzel shop and even though she is estranged from her family she asks Bailey to figure out who did it so her sister would not be blamed. I really like the way Amanda Flower writes and how she brings the Amish culture to the page.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This is another example of an author kicking it up a couple notches for their latest book in a series.
And did she ever...especially for this usually lightweight cozy. There was a lot going on in the story instead of just the murder, yet it all flowed seamlessly.

Emily is having a baby. yeah! she's such a sweet character, you're happy for her. But in her youth, she had a child which was given up for adoption so that becomes a subplot which is dealt with empathy & respect. Oh my goodness, not sure what to say. Emily’s storyline was just so....
Bailey is hosting her baby shower which may/may not be exactly in the Amish tradition.
I know it's a bit tricky but I hope Charlotte will get an HEA as well.

Enough pleasantries b/c of course, Bailey has encountered another dead body & another murder to solve....and this time mean Esther is at the center of the mystery. Esther hasn't been the nicest person but Bailey puts that aside to investigate anyway. You do however want to slap some sense into the woman at times. Thankfully Bailey is the better person.

No spoilers: of course I want Bailey & Aiden to have the usual HEA but I do think the writer is taking the characters into a natural progression of their story development. 

I hate to admit this but my eyes were misty as I read the epilogue. Wow, so glad it worked out that way but I could tell early on it probably would. I didn't guess the killer either.

Thank you to NetGalley & Kensington Publishing for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily and her husband are about to welcome their first baby into the world, but it is not Emily’s first child. Her first baby was taken away from her when she was an unwed teenager, and she was told nothing about the adoption of her daughter, nor did her family give her any choice in the matter. Some of the women of the town want to throw Emily a baby shower, even though that is not an Amish tradition. A mysterious Amish women shows up at the shower, knowing about Emily’s first daughter, something that very few people have knowledge of. When the woman is later found dead in Emily’s estranged sister’s business, it means trouble for her and her family. It’s an intriguing mystery, with more than one crime and more than one criminal. This series just keeps getting better, and although the mystery can be read as a stand-alone, the lives of the characters change along the way, and readers should start at the beginning of the series. There is plenty of interest in this story, from the mysterious death and unexplained accidents to the romance developing, or maybe ending between more than one couple to the cuteness of the animals, especially Jethro the Pig. And when you’ve finished reading the novel, you can follow the recipe at the end to make your own lemon drop candy.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Running a candy shop is one of Bailey King's many obligations but when someone is murdered in a neighboring shop Bailey makes investigating the murder a top priority. Little did she know how it would change the life of a friend.

I like the way this story shows the lives of the Amish and the "Englischers" in the community of Harvest, Ohio. There is an interesting and diverse group of characters and I even found myself hoping the best for one of the grumpy/meaner ones. Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ailey King works at her grandmother's candy shop. Swissmen Sweets, along with having her own television show in New York that she tapes several times a year. Her employee Emily Keim is ready to have a baby, and people want to throw her a shower. While Emily agrees to it, Bailey's other employee, her grandmother's young cousin Charlotte, wants to be the one to do it. So all Bailey has to do is show up and enjoy...that is, until an older woman shows up and wants to reunite Emily with her first child that she had given up for adoption.

Stunned, Bailey doesn't know what to do, but the woman disappears as quickly as she arrived. It isn't until later that night when Bailey is locking up the shop that someone is pounding on her door. It turns out to be Esther Esh, Emily's sister, and a woman who hates Bailey. But now she's asking for help, and Bailey can't refuse -- it turns out that the woman is dead in Esther's shop, and when the clues all lead to Esther being the murderer, Emily wants her to find the real killer. But Bailey finds more than she bargained for, and what she finds could rock the world of both Englisch and Amish alike...

This is the seventh book in the series, and I certainly hope it won't be the last. We are once again in Harvest, Ohio with Englischer Bailey King and her Amish relatives, and the story line continues with more than one person having to make a life decision. Then a woman shows up claiming that she has Emily's first child and wants to reunite them, but is murdered before she can do so. It is by chance that Bailey stumbles upon the child, and must make a decision of her own.

While I am not going to tell you who or what the decisions are that need to be made, I will tell you that I was gladdened by most but disappointed in another. I do hope that it won't change future books, as I liked the way things were turning out (you will have to read the book to see what I am talking about, and hopefully can decipher it).

There are plenty of twist and turns in the book, and enough action to keep one interested in reading it in one sitting. I enjoyed all (mostly, considering what I've mentioned above; but that is my own opinion and shouldn't be relevant to whether you read the book or not) and I will definitely read the next in this series, and anyone who's been following this series should, too. When the ending comes and everything is resolved, it is a bit of a surprise, but not unexpected, and things are all as they should be. Recommended.

I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my decision.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemon Drop Dead by Amanda Flower is the 6th An Amish Candy Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you will be missing out on a delightful series of books. I found Lemon Drop Dead to be well-written with steady pacing and charming characters. I enjoy visiting Harvest, Ohio where there are Amish and Englisch residents. There is a great cast of characters that includes Bailey King, Clara King, Charlotte King, Aiden Brody, Juliet Brook, Margot Rawlings, Emily Keim, and let us not forget, Jethro. Jethro is a show stealer along with Bailey’s cat, Nutmeg and rabbit, Puff. Bailey is friendly, talented, and helpful. She is actually a little too obliging as she finds herself babysitting Jethro more and more often as Juliet performs her duties as a pastor’s wife. There is a sweet scene with Jethro, Puff, and Nutmeg that I just loved. I like that we get to know more about Emily is this story as well as what happened to her little girl. The whodunit was enjoyable. I had to laugh at the 9-1-1 operator’s response when Bailey called in the dead body. I enjoyed following Bailey as she interviewed people and collected clues. This mystery was more complex that others in the series which I loved. It is nicely wrapped up at the end of the book. I enjoyed the addition of Hannah (such a sweetie) and look forward to seeing more of her in future tales. Jethro, as always, added plenty of humor to the story. He is one cute and amusing pig. I was dismayed at Aiden’s news. It certainly puts a crink in Aiden and Bailey’s relationship. I was glad that Millie and Lois from An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series made an appearance in Lemon Drop Dead. They are a part of Harvest too. Fans of the series will be happy to know that Charlotte is ready to make a decision about her future (you will have to read the book to find out the answer). I am eager for the next tale in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Lemon Drop Dead is an engaging cozy mystery with swine sitting, a child conundrum, a mystifying Amish woman, creamy chocolate, a baby shower bash, a sour sister, and relationship tribulations.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemon Drop Dead is the Sixth book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and it is a terrific addition to the series. There is a lot going on in this book. From the mystery to relationships, things are changing for the residents of Harvest Ohio. These are great characters that have developed nicely over the course of the series. I enjoyed getting a chance to visit with Millie and Lois, two main characters from the Amish Matchmaker series. Emily's Keim's past comes back to confront her and when that happens another dead body shows up in Harvest. While Bailey didn't stumble across this one, she is once again asked to help Aiden solve the crime. There are plenty of suspects to choose from and the author keeps her reader on their toes trying to determine the killer's identity. I liked how Ms. Flower resolved the mystery. I was not anticipating it to be tied up in quite such a manner. The relationships played a larger part in this book. Charlotte has finally come to a decision about her future; Esther has softened and comes around in terms of her relationship with Emily and then there is Bailey and Aiden. I'm not sure I'm comfortable with the turn their relationship takes in this book but will trust the author as she has not steered me wrong in the past.

I love revisiting Harvest Ohio and look forward to more books in the series. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy when I was given this advanced book to review! Thanks, Kensington Publishers and NetGalley! I have ben reading this series ever since it came out, and really enjoy reading about the town of Harvest and the people who live in it. Amanda Flower has a way of making the characters seem like people you know, and the adventures get better as you get to know them. I like Jethro, the pig, and the cat and rabbit. While I love dogs and cats, these animals are a welcome change. I also like that she brings in characters from her other series, such as Millie and Lois. This just makes it seem even more like the whole town is involved in the things going on, not just one section of it. I live in a section of the country that has several Amish communities near by, so reading about thier lifestyles and what they believe in are interesting to me. I would recommend this series to anyone who asked.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read quite a few of the cozies in this series by Amanda Flower and have loved every one of them.
Is my favorite character the pig? Well it just may be and this sweet pig shows up in every book in this series as well.
The pacing of the book was great and kept me wanting to read it and I even stayed up late reading it.
Though the Amish are not known for baby showers one is planned for an expectant mother in this book but this mother carries a secret few are privy too.
There is a mystery going on here besides the murder mystery.
This Amish based cozy mystery series is my favorite of the type and I can't wait to see what the author puts out next.

Pub Date 27 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though the Amish don’t have baby showers Bailey wants to throw on for Emily. Emily isn’t excited about the idea because of the secret baby she gave up for adoption 6 years ago. At the baby shower a woman comes and tells her something that upsets Emily. The lady turns up dead in Emily’s sister’s shop. the search is on for who the woman was and how did it relate to Emily.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading the best in the series once out 🙂

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4
I enjoyed the book and the way the case was resolved. I really like the way things seem to be working out for Charlotte and look forward to see if more is revealed about this in the next instsallment of the series. I'm not sure what to think about new developments for Bailey and will have to see what happens in the next book.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun story in the series. I really enjoy the characters and watching them grow. I hope good things will be happening with the changes that are occurring. The mystery was good and I enjoyed seeing where Bailey went on her sleuthing. I was reading this book for a Kentucky derby challenge and it fit even more than I needed it to.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one does cozy-quirky quite like Amanda Flower. Whether it's in the wilds of Scotland or a magical bookstore or the quaint Amish town of Harvest, there's bound to be interesting critters, charming (and not so charming) characters and an intriguing mystery.

Harvest, Ohio, the kind of small town you'd love to live in...except for their high murder rate. Bwahahahaha! And Bailey finds herself right in the middle of a very mysterious one. So many layers, so many plot twists, so many suspects! My sleuthing armchair got quite the workout.

Of course Jethro the pig plays a central part in this sleuthing tale. With cameos from Nutmeg the cat and Puff the rabbit. :-) And we're even introduced to a horse named Cooper. Wherever Bailey goes, a menagerie is sure to follow.

This just might be my favourite Amish Candy Shop Mystery ever!

"Our hope is to make as few mistakes as possible and live a righteous life, but we will all fall short of the glory of Gott. When we do, he will be there to catch us and guide us back onto the right path." (p 298)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series. The characters are realistic, likable, entertaining, complex, and have great relationships with one another. The mystery moves at a fast steady pace with quite a few misdirects to keep the reading guessing The secondary storyline is just as interesting and surprising as the mystery. I recommend this to cozy mystery and dessert fans.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

There isn’t a book in the “An Amish Candy Shop Mystery” series that readers won’t find enjoyable. Lemon Drop Dead continues the streak of winning stories. The sweets candy shop where Bailey works with her grandmother, cousin, and other Amish folk is truly a one-of-a-kind place. Plus, Millie and Lois from another cozy series. Readers can quickly lose themselves between the pages and find themselves delving not only into a marvelous concoction of candy but into the lives of a family and community of loving, caring people.

Bailey is home from filming her series in New York and working at the candy shop, creating tantalizing treats. Emily is working when she can, but she is about to give birth, and Charlotte has convinced Bailey that they need to give Emily a very English baby shower. Of course, there is a lemon theme, Emily’s favorite sweet flavor. But there is also a stranger who shatters the quiet fun mood of the gathering. When she is found murdered, and all signs point to Emily’s sister Esther being the culprit, Bailey jumps in to find the killer.

Suspects are few, but readers will get a good feel for those that there are and what motive they might have. Evidence is spread throughout the book and will have readers on the edge of their seats. There is plenty of action and humor with the ever-present Jethro the Pig and Millie’s wonderful goats. It isn’t apparent who the killer is until the end of the book. Once revealed, however, new and old fans alike will know it couldn’t have been anyone else. For those who have read this series from the beginning, there is something very sweet about the ending. Not necessarily where readers thought it would go, but it just might add new interest to the series and keep readers wanting more for a long time to come.

I am happy to recommend Lemon Drop Dead to readers who love a good mystery, sweet treats, and endings that make a person feel or want to be closer to family and friends. This series, as well as Ms. Flowers’s other Amish series’ such as the “Amish Matchmaker Mysteries” or the “Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries” (writing as Isabella Alan), will fill the reader’s mind with smiles and hope.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I, for the most part, enjoyed this book. There were definitely parts I did not like [we will get to that later], but mostly, it was a really good read. I have enjoyed the recent burst of writing from cozy authors that center around a specific life problems and/or social commentary and this book is one of them. While I cannot comment on just what is happening in the book [because NO SPOILERS], it was eye opening that some people still view what is going on as they do and it was abhorrent to me, no matter the belief system, and I am afraid I was as angry as Bailey was when she had to deal with these ignorant people. The fact that there was a child involved just made it worse. I felt the writing was really well done in regards to this and I loved that Lois was brought in to play a part in this and again, I was impressed with Aidan's commitment to doing his job to the very best of his ability.

That said, there were parts of this book I didn't like. One I cannot comment on [it is in regard to Aidan and Bailey's relationship and let me just say that I would have NOT BEEN AMUSED and not nearly as accommodating at Bailey seems to be] but the others I can:

*Bailey has always been a nosy-nelly and it is one of the things that is appealing about her. But she is growing into the "I don't need to do my job because I have others to do it for me so I can go run around the countryside" MC that I absolutely despise. And since I love Bailey [and these books], this is pretty upsetting. I feel like, in this book, she takes advantage of both her Mammi and Charlotte and it really was getting on my nerves. Plus, she continues to put herself into dangerous situations with no regard to those she's leave behind should something happen to her. She needs to get her ISH together. I will say, at the end of the story, she did go into the chocolate shop early and do all the prep work for the day, which I was happy about, but Mammi and Charlotte were also busy on another front and it never seems to occur to Bailey that she was needed MORE IN THE SHOP than out running around, even if her gift is getting people to talk.

*Aidan. He was very problematic in this book. Again I will say, that Bailey was way more understanding that I would have ever been. But these two absolutely need to learn COMMUNICATION.

*The reveal. Uhhhh, really? Anticlimactic much? All that running around for T H A T? Sigh.

I will say the end made this book stay 4 stars for me. Because for all the running around, stupid boyfriends, and anticlimactic reveals, the end was beautiful. It shows how love can and will win every time. I haven't had a book end so well in a very long time and this was just lovely, and a very long time coming.

Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Flower, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 6th book of the series. Aiden Bailey deputy boyfriend is thinking of becoming a DIA he would have to move for 6months somewhere else. Emily was friend of Bailey (from Swissmen Sweets with her grandma and cousin Charlotte) is having a baby. In the books in the series Emily had a secret that has been traveled to some of the Amish and Bailey and Emily sister Ester and Abel Emily sister and brother.This woman Rosmary came to the baby shower that no one knew of and said something about the secret. Emily was very upset. Then Rosemary was murdered in Emily did and bro family shop Day Pretzels Ester found Rosemary there. So everyone thought it was her that killed her. Because Ester wrote a incriminating letter to Rosemary and Ester said she did not know her.This was a touching one. This whole series about loving family and friends and animals like Puff the 🐇bunny Jerhro the pig and the kitty Great series