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Twin Berry Bakery #1
Bake It to the Limit
Will Rhonda and Rita's new life in Clovedale Falls and their dreams for the future be over before they even begin?
Rita and Rhonda Knight are forty-four-year old twin sisters who retire from law enforcement and move to the quaint north Georgia town of Clovedale Falls in search of a quiet new life. They settle in for a lot of hard work getting their bakery business ready before the annual Pumpkin Festival begins, but they are taken by surprise when they find a dead man right next door—a dead man whose face is familiar.
Suddenly the sleepy little town of Clovedale Falls is the scene of a growing mystery that threatens to destroy Rita and Rhonda’s new life. And to make matters worse, because they are so new in town, who can they trust? When they meet a brave sheriff, a farmer who turns out to be a courageous friend, and a sweet elderly woman, they begin to find their footing in town and Rita and Rhonda set out to solve the murder, racing against time.
The case turns darker when a second murder takes place and more unknowns are tossed into the mix. Uncertain what path to take or what to do, Rita and Rhonda have no choice but to wait until the killer comes for them, causing the twin sisters to reckon with frightening questions.
Rita and Rhonda Knight are forty-four-year old twin sisters who retire from law enforcement and move to the quaint north Georgia town of Clovedale Falls in search of a quiet new life. They settle in for a lot of hard work getting their bakery business ready before the annual Pumpkin Festival begins, but they are taken by surprise when they find a dead man right next door—a dead man whose face is familiar.
Suddenly the sleepy little town of Clovedale Falls is the scene of a growing mystery that threatens to destroy Rita and Rhonda’s new life. And to make matters worse, because they are so new in town, who can they trust? When they meet a brave sheriff, a farmer who turns out to be a courageous friend, and a sweet elderly woman, they begin to find their footing in town and Rita and Rhonda set out to solve the murder, racing against time.
The case turns darker when a second murder takes place and more unknowns are tossed into the mix. Uncertain what path to take or what to do, Rita and Rhonda have no choice but to wait until the killer comes for them, causing the twin sisters to reckon with frightening questions.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2020
766 people are currently reading
1080 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
183 books434 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 22, 2022
Twin cops retire from the job to open a bakery in small town Georgia. Before they are even settled in,someone finds a body in the candle store next door. The twins get drafted into the case, try to get their bakery ready for the big festival, and maybe find love.
The puzzle itself didn't seem well thought out.
The puzzle itself didn't seem well thought out.
September 18, 2021
Forty-four year-old twins and retired police detectives, Rita and Rhonda Knight have moved to the sleepy north Georgia town of Clovedale Falls in search of a quiet new life away from crooked cops and crime. Before they can even open their bakery or agree on décor, they learn their past has followed them from Atlanta to Clovedale Falls when the neighboring candle shop owner finds a dead body in her shop. The sisters identify the deceased as someone known as Joey "The Bookie" who is supposed to be in the witness protection program for double crossing his mob boss employer and family. The twins have a pretty good idea of who would want Joey dead, but the two lead suspects are in jail. The search is on for a killer and they have to learn to trust the local sheriff, Brad Bluestone or Sheriff Rawhide as the locals call him. Is he one of the good ones? Only time will tell. Can the sisters solve the mystery before the local pumpkin festival? If the tourists fail to come, the entire town will be affected negatively and the Knights' bakery will be finished before it begins.
This book was very different from what I am used to. I thought different might be good but this was too different. It's a lot darker and scarier than a typical cozy and I had to skim through it to see how it was resolved and read something more pleasant before I went to sleep. The plot is different because the case is self-contained. It has nothing to do with the small town or the inhabitants and has everything to do with the Sicilian mafia. (NOW? aren't they all in jail or lying low?) The heroines also have a good idea who wanted the victim dead but have to figure out how the guys in jail could have ordered a hit on the inside and who sent Joey to Clovedale Falls. The villains are really devious and nasty. I would have preferred something more light and innocent from within the community like the murder of the nasty health inspector where the blame is on the sisters. The small town sounds like a mishmash of 1950s Americana, New England fall charm and southern hospitality. I kept forgetting it was supposed to be set in Georgia.
The writing style isn't bad, some of the southern sayings are lovely and others are silly. What I didn't like was seeing the corrected errors. There were a couple of mistakes left unedited. I also didn't care for the head jumping between characters. It was jarring and unnecessary.
Rita and Rhonda may be twins but they're about as opposite personality wise as can be. I relate better to Rita, the more practical sister. She's no-nonsense and all business. Rhonda's cheerful optimism annoyed me a bit but she does have good ideas. They're both smart, hardworking and honest. They may have left their jobs on the police force but their job has never left them. It made me uncomfortable how they grabbed their guns at the first inkling of perceived danger and were carrying those things around all the time.
The small town people are lovely and charming. No one is mean, rude or hateful- at least no one the sisters interact with in this story, there are two nasty people mentioned. Erma Wilson is the retired baker who sold the sisters her shop. She's a sweet, little old lady, a grandma who can't let go of her beloved bakery but is required to because she can't physically handle the baking anymore. She instantly likes the Knight sisters and becomes their fairy grandmother. I would have expected Rita to be more cynical. Billy Northfield is an "aw shucks" youngish farmer. He's super nice, innocent and kind. He treats his employees like family and has a remarkable tolerance for odd behavior. Billy is willing to forgive and offer second chances when necessary. I liked him but found him too good to be true and when the story jumps into his head, it's jarring. I love his dog, Chester, a Georgia Bloodhound. The bond between them is intense and incredible. It's so sweet! Chester can be grumpy and irritable but when it comes to doing the job he was bred to do, there's no one else like him. As much as I love dogs, I didn't need the story from his POV. Jose, who works on the Northfield Farm, is a nice young man but rather naïve veering towards stupid. His motives are pure and honest but he lacks common sense.
Sheriff Brad Bluestone is a weathered old rancher from out west. Like the Knight sisters, he's supposed to be retired but can't let go of law enforcement. It's in his blood and he seems like he's good at his job. He has a difficult task to solve this murder as his deputies are used to petty crimes and thefts not murder. He's intelligent, knows how to investigate and fair but still requires help from the Knights, especially with a clue that he should have figured out.
Joey "The Bookie" Stally was a bad dude. He lacked scruples and only cared about money. He double crossed and turned on his boss and that did not go well. Who cares this guy is dead? Yes justice should be served but can you prove it? The mob operates in secret and shuts down anyone who squeals. It's going to be difficult to find out who killed this dude. There's another secret the slimy weasel was hiding when he died. The big question is why Clovedale Falls? The DeVivo Family are SCARY! Their reach extends to two countries and several cities and their biggest rivals are in New Jersey. Frank DeVivo doesn't seem like he's all that bright but Vinnie is pure rage and hatred. Both brothers have it out for the Knight sisters for putting them behind bars. Are they still in jail? If so, how did they know how to find Joey? Their father, Valentine DeVivo, wants to make amends for his wicked past. All he cares about are his children. I liked him at first. He was a complicated character. His daughter, Karina, is Daddy's little girl. I feel sorry for her. She's more complex than her father because she hides her intelligence and her feelings well. Is Warden Hank Miller as squeaky clean as he appears of is he one of the quietly corrupt ones working for the DeVivos on the inside? I didn't like the sound of him either way.
This book ends with a lead-up to the next book I assume but I'm not interested in dark crime stories. Give me a nice funny cozy any day.
This book was very different from what I am used to. I thought different might be good but this was too different. It's a lot darker and scarier than a typical cozy and I had to skim through it to see how it was resolved and read something more pleasant before I went to sleep. The plot is different because the case is self-contained. It has nothing to do with the small town or the inhabitants and has everything to do with the Sicilian mafia. (NOW? aren't they all in jail or lying low?) The heroines also have a good idea who wanted the victim dead but have to figure out how the guys in jail could have ordered a hit on the inside and who sent Joey to Clovedale Falls. The villains are really devious and nasty. I would have preferred something more light and innocent from within the community like the murder of the nasty health inspector where the blame is on the sisters. The small town sounds like a mishmash of 1950s Americana, New England fall charm and southern hospitality. I kept forgetting it was supposed to be set in Georgia.
The writing style isn't bad, some of the southern sayings are lovely and others are silly. What I didn't like was seeing the corrected errors. There were a couple of mistakes left unedited. I also didn't care for the head jumping between characters. It was jarring and unnecessary.
Rita and Rhonda may be twins but they're about as opposite personality wise as can be. I relate better to Rita, the more practical sister. She's no-nonsense and all business. Rhonda's cheerful optimism annoyed me a bit but she does have good ideas. They're both smart, hardworking and honest. They may have left their jobs on the police force but their job has never left them. It made me uncomfortable how they grabbed their guns at the first inkling of perceived danger and were carrying those things around all the time.
The small town people are lovely and charming. No one is mean, rude or hateful- at least no one the sisters interact with in this story, there are two nasty people mentioned. Erma Wilson is the retired baker who sold the sisters her shop. She's a sweet, little old lady, a grandma who can't let go of her beloved bakery but is required to because she can't physically handle the baking anymore. She instantly likes the Knight sisters and becomes their fairy grandmother. I would have expected Rita to be more cynical. Billy Northfield is an "aw shucks" youngish farmer. He's super nice, innocent and kind. He treats his employees like family and has a remarkable tolerance for odd behavior. Billy is willing to forgive and offer second chances when necessary. I liked him but found him too good to be true and when the story jumps into his head, it's jarring. I love his dog, Chester, a Georgia Bloodhound. The bond between them is intense and incredible. It's so sweet! Chester can be grumpy and irritable but when it comes to doing the job he was bred to do, there's no one else like him. As much as I love dogs, I didn't need the story from his POV. Jose, who works on the Northfield Farm, is a nice young man but rather naïve veering towards stupid. His motives are pure and honest but he lacks common sense.
Sheriff Brad Bluestone is a weathered old rancher from out west. Like the Knight sisters, he's supposed to be retired but can't let go of law enforcement. It's in his blood and he seems like he's good at his job. He has a difficult task to solve this murder as his deputies are used to petty crimes and thefts not murder. He's intelligent, knows how to investigate and fair but still requires help from the Knights, especially with a clue that he should have figured out.
Joey "The Bookie" Stally was a bad dude. He lacked scruples and only cared about money. He double crossed and turned on his boss and that did not go well. Who cares this guy is dead? Yes justice should be served but can you prove it? The mob operates in secret and shuts down anyone who squeals. It's going to be difficult to find out who killed this dude. There's another secret the slimy weasel was hiding when he died. The big question is why Clovedale Falls? The DeVivo Family are SCARY! Their reach extends to two countries and several cities and their biggest rivals are in New Jersey. Frank DeVivo doesn't seem like he's all that bright but Vinnie is pure rage and hatred. Both brothers have it out for the Knight sisters for putting them behind bars. Are they still in jail? If so, how did they know how to find Joey? Their father, Valentine DeVivo, wants to make amends for his wicked past. All he cares about are his children. I liked him at first. He was a complicated character. His daughter, Karina, is Daddy's little girl. I feel sorry for her. She's more complex than her father because she hides her intelligence and her feelings well. Is Warden Hank Miller as squeaky clean as he appears of is he one of the quietly corrupt ones working for the DeVivos on the inside? I didn't like the sound of him either way.
This book ends with a lead-up to the next book I assume but I'm not interested in dark crime stories. Give me a nice funny cozy any day.
February 24, 2025
1.5 ⭐️
Too much dialogue, not enough mystery.
Too much dialogue, not enough mystery.
October 27, 2020
Rita and Rhonda Knight are retired, police officers, and twins. They move to a nice small town to start Twin Berry Bakery. Even though they are twins and both were cops that's about where the likeness ends. When Lilly DeLoach comes running into the bakery and says there is a dead man in her store, the girls go have a look. They know who the man is. The problem is he was supposed to be in the Witness Protection Program and now he is dead. But why was he where they moved to? Sheriff Brad Bluestone says the doctor told him the guy was poisoned. He was a witness in a case that the girls helped take down some mafia criminals and they promised revenge on the twins. Now they have a week to find out who killed this guy and get their bakery up and running before the big festival starts. Can they do it without killing each other off first? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
March 18, 2022
I'd been wanting to read this book ever since I got it last year, and since I ended up getting the ARC for the newest of the series, I thought it might be a good idea to meet the basic characters. I enjoyed meeting the Knight sisters, twin ex-cops who were different as night and day. But their differences made them work well as a team whether it was planning their new bakery or helping the local sheriff. Rhonda cracked me up sometimes! (Yes, she's the silly one and who I'd probably be good friends with lol.)
I liked the sheriff's character a lot. He was a good, down home guy who respected the fact that while the ladies were retired from the force, they were still cops. I liked how he put it, "It says you're retired on paper, but you're always a cop." (that's a paraphrase, I didn't look up the quote exactly).
I really liked Erma's character, the former owner of the Twin Berry Bakery. I hope the sisters hire her on eventually or she stays in the books. She had some great stories about the building and even shared all the vintage furnishings with the ladies.
I hadn't guessed whodunit, but the takedown was pretty excellent. There's definitely lots and lots of conversation that sometimes has nothing to do with the case, but you do get a little backstory with it and learn about the town and the Knight sisters themselves. Now I feel much readier to read the newest book.
I liked the sheriff's character a lot. He was a good, down home guy who respected the fact that while the ladies were retired from the force, they were still cops. I liked how he put it, "It says you're retired on paper, but you're always a cop." (that's a paraphrase, I didn't look up the quote exactly).
I really liked Erma's character, the former owner of the Twin Berry Bakery. I hope the sisters hire her on eventually or she stays in the books. She had some great stories about the building and even shared all the vintage furnishings with the ladies.
I hadn't guessed whodunit, but the takedown was pretty excellent. There's definitely lots and lots of conversation that sometimes has nothing to do with the case, but you do get a little backstory with it and learn about the town and the Knight sisters themselves. Now I feel much readier to read the newest book.
June 4, 2021
This book was quite different from what I had imagined but turned out an enjoyable read.
Twin sisters relocated to Glovedale Falls to open their bakery after retiring from their stint as homicide detectives unexpectedly get embroiled in a murder case - and possibly become the next target.
From the title, I had expected a typical culinary cosy mystery where soon-to-be-bakery-owners play amateur sleuths (obviously I went into this book without reading the synopsis). I was expecting a lighthearted story.
Turns out this one was a lot more suspenseful read than I had bargained for.
The fun banter and dialogues between the two sisters and some villagers like Billy Northfield and Erma added some uplifting vibe, but some scenes are laden with tension and suspense, and the descriptions of police work came across authentic as well.
As for the mystery, it was nicely plotted and executed.
I enjoyed the thrilling plot which involves a mafia gang and thugs as well as conspiracies and double-crossing, and I also appreciated how what initially seemed like a simple murder case expanded into a more complex one. The strong writing supported and enhanced the strength of the plot, it made this book quite a glorious read.
That said though, the ending felt a tad rushed, and I also noticed some heavy-handedness in the beginning.
Setting the stage is all well and good, but it didn't necessarily need to be done in dialogues between the sisters. Their dialogues portrayed in the early part of the book felt a bit stilted and too explanatory, it didn't flow as natural as I would have liked.
The stress on the contrast between country folks and city folks came across as a bit too repetitive as well. The author visits the same point over and over through different characters' mouths, and I thought it could have been laid off a bit.
All in all, it was an entertaining, thrilling read for a cosy mystery, and I expect to see a bit more 'bakery' plot (there's hardly any in this book, mind you) in the following books in the series.
3.5 stars.
Twin sisters relocated to Glovedale Falls to open their bakery after retiring from their stint as homicide detectives unexpectedly get embroiled in a murder case - and possibly become the next target.
From the title, I had expected a typical culinary cosy mystery where soon-to-be-bakery-owners play amateur sleuths (obviously I went into this book without reading the synopsis). I was expecting a lighthearted story.
Turns out this one was a lot more suspenseful read than I had bargained for.
The fun banter and dialogues between the two sisters and some villagers like Billy Northfield and Erma added some uplifting vibe, but some scenes are laden with tension and suspense, and the descriptions of police work came across authentic as well.
As for the mystery, it was nicely plotted and executed.
I enjoyed the thrilling plot which involves a mafia gang and thugs as well as conspiracies and double-crossing, and I also appreciated how what initially seemed like a simple murder case expanded into a more complex one. The strong writing supported and enhanced the strength of the plot, it made this book quite a glorious read.
That said though, the ending felt a tad rushed, and I also noticed some heavy-handedness in the beginning.
Setting the stage is all well and good, but it didn't necessarily need to be done in dialogues between the sisters. Their dialogues portrayed in the early part of the book felt a bit stilted and too explanatory, it didn't flow as natural as I would have liked.
The stress on the contrast between country folks and city folks came across as a bit too repetitive as well. The author visits the same point over and over through different characters' mouths, and I thought it could have been laid off a bit.
All in all, it was an entertaining, thrilling read for a cosy mystery, and I expect to see a bit more 'bakery' plot (there's hardly any in this book, mind you) in the following books in the series.
3.5 stars.
October 16, 2020
Fantastic Start of New Series!!!!
Yes!l FEMALE VETERANS!!!! And retired cops. Twin sisters opening a bakery but get pulled into a case because cop training never dies.
There is a line in the book about twists and turns taken. It is very true of this story. Definitely need to keep your thinking cap on and eyes wide open!!!! Hint: pay attention to all theories.
While reading the story and trying to follow the clues, I also got distracted by potential romance themes. I love the character of Billy and Chester, hoping yo see more of him in future books. I was trying to guess who was thinking of liking who. I had one idea through the book but ending has me rethinking.
How about a discussion o Goodreads?
Fun, easy to read cozy mystery. Stand alone yes since first in New series.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
Yes!l FEMALE VETERANS!!!! And retired cops. Twin sisters opening a bakery but get pulled into a case because cop training never dies.
There is a line in the book about twists and turns taken. It is very true of this story. Definitely need to keep your thinking cap on and eyes wide open!!!! Hint: pay attention to all theories.
While reading the story and trying to follow the clues, I also got distracted by potential romance themes. I love the character of Billy and Chester, hoping yo see more of him in future books. I was trying to guess who was thinking of liking who. I had one idea through the book but ending has me rethinking.
How about a discussion o Goodreads?
Fun, easy to read cozy mystery. Stand alone yes since first in New series.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
July 20, 2021
Twin sisters, Rhonda and Rita Knight, have retired from careers in law enforcement and have started new lives in Georgia. They have left behind the horrible things they saw and experienced in Florida for peace and quiet in a small town.
The sisters have purchased an old bakery and are beginning the work to make it their own when the past shows up on their doorstep, or in this case, in the shop next to them. They agree to help the local sheriff solve the crime and put the new business on hold.
This is the first book I’ve read by Wendy Meadows. The plot is interesting but was a bit disjointed for me. There were scenes that jumped around and never seemed to have a completion. I also felt as though the characters were a bit flat but have a lot of potential. I am considering reading the next book as there was enough to like in this book to peak my interest.
The sisters have purchased an old bakery and are beginning the work to make it their own when the past shows up on their doorstep, or in this case, in the shop next to them. They agree to help the local sheriff solve the crime and put the new business on hold.
This is the first book I’ve read by Wendy Meadows. The plot is interesting but was a bit disjointed for me. There were scenes that jumped around and never seemed to have a completion. I also felt as though the characters were a bit flat but have a lot of potential. I am considering reading the next book as there was enough to like in this book to peak my interest.
February 15, 2025
Two sisters, both retired homicide detectives by a bakery in a small town for a second career. They are meeting with the previous owner when to proprietor of the shop next door runs in asking for the police to be called as there is a dead body in her shop. Of course our two retired detectives rush over to access the situation. And recognize the victim as a man supposed to be in witness protection. It seems their previous life has followed them. The sheriff, also a retired big city cop.
Is happy to have their hep as his deputies usually only involve traffic stops and the occasional drunk. So begins a convoluted tale of mafia informants, theft from the mafia and retaliation. Has the potential to be an interesting series.
Is happy to have their hep as his deputies usually only involve traffic stops and the occasional drunk. So begins a convoluted tale of mafia informants, theft from the mafia and retaliation. Has the potential to be an interesting series.
October 22, 2020
Great start to a new series! The author does a fantastic job developing the story and bringing strong ,well developed characters in this small town detective mystery. She kept me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns. Her scenes are described in vivid detail and the story moves fluidly. It's a well written with an intriguing story line. Loved it !!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 30, 2021
A story full of twists and turns
I really enjoyed this story! This is not my typical genre but would definitely read more from this author. The characters were so real and the plot kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed this story! This is not my typical genre but would definitely read more from this author. The characters were so real and the plot kept me guessing.
September 20, 2025
peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with tomato soup????? call the feds.
December 14, 2020
Loved it
Great story line, interesting characters! I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens next! Bring on more!
Great story line, interesting characters! I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens next! Bring on more!
April 8, 2024
Very good start for a series. I did enjoy it very much and will read the rest.
February 2, 2024
Another great addition to this series. Each book is like a visit with friends. The characters have such defined personalities that I can see them in my mind as I read about their latest dive into solving murders. Get your favorite beverage and curl up in a comfy chair. You’ll want to read this book all at once.
June 2, 2022
The Conclusion is Too Drawn Out and Convoluted
I like the twins. However, they constantly repeat the same conversations. How many times can they mention that they came to this town to get away from corrupt police departments and really, really bad people? Apparently a whole bunch of times. The reveal of whodunnit is stupidly long and convoluted. I finally gave up trying to follow the conclusion.
I like the twins. However, they constantly repeat the same conversations. How many times can they mention that they came to this town to get away from corrupt police departments and really, really bad people? Apparently a whole bunch of times. The reveal of whodunnit is stupidly long and convoluted. I finally gave up trying to follow the conclusion.
June 24, 2021
Horrible book
Honestly , if I hate not finishing any book that I start reading this really should have been the one! The whole premise was stupid, and the characters so unrealistic and idiotic
Actually had errors in the book that were crossed out with another word added! Unbelievably bad book!!!
Honestly , if I hate not finishing any book that I start reading this really should have been the one! The whole premise was stupid, and the characters so unrealistic and idiotic
Actually had errors in the book that were crossed out with another word added! Unbelievably bad book!!!
January 29, 2024
Annoying and childish
It feels like a torture to finish this book. It is full of illogical dialogues and unnecessary details.
They are at the door of catching the murderer,
then the twins can have the time to see the autumn leaves, and think about the pumpkin festival. Im so annoyed it feels like reading a 13yo novel.
It feels like a torture to finish this book. It is full of illogical dialogues and unnecessary details.
They are at the door of catching the murderer,
then the twins can have the time to see the autumn leaves, and think about the pumpkin festival. Im so annoyed it feels like reading a 13yo novel.
March 29, 2024
This book had a lot of confusing detail. And it switched narratives in a strange way throughout the book. And although this book is supposed to be about starting a bakery they didn't do much of that other than referring to it every so often.
September 27, 2024
I couldn't choose what was worse - multiple wistful conversations of the 'attractive but middle aged' (early 40s) protagonists about the search for husbands (mentioned in every chapter), the regular shaming of other women (pretty faced but two tons, power hungry, nosey) and anyone under 40 or from a city (small towns and the old ways are the last strongholds for people who want to live happy, normal lives), the completely bizarre mix in of a campy-but-not-in-a-fun-way mob thriller elements ('sleeping with the fishes' is used entirely straight faced, the big city - Atlanta- Sicilian mob boss) or the blatant 'government regulation is making it impossible for *good* cops to make the streets safe' thread (the two retired cops mention pulling out their guns in almost every situation and regularly pat each other on the back for 'making a difference' despite the entirety of Atlanta and every big city brimming with crime and corruption.)
If the themes and story weren't bad enough, the writing style is downright terrible. The protagonists repeatedly engage in conversations that are entirely made up of things they did together. Numerous conversations and descriptions are repeated so often that it feels like this story had a word count minimum. Additionally, I would be shocked to find that the author has spent any time in the south or a city given that all the descriptions of both are trope filled exaggerations.
This was free, but I'm still irritated that I spent two hours of my life hoping it would get better.
If the themes and story weren't bad enough, the writing style is downright terrible. The protagonists repeatedly engage in conversations that are entirely made up of things they did together. Numerous conversations and descriptions are repeated so often that it feels like this story had a word count minimum. Additionally, I would be shocked to find that the author has spent any time in the south or a city given that all the descriptions of both are trope filled exaggerations.
This was free, but I'm still irritated that I spent two hours of my life hoping it would get better.
February 3, 2024
Bake it to the Limit is an enjoyable cozy mystery that brings some familiar elements to the genre. Retired cops Rita and Rhonda move to the idyllic small town of Clovedale Falls, hoping to leave their crime-fighting days behind and open a bakery. But things take a dark turn when a murder occurs next door, drawing the twins back into solving mysteries.
The plot hits many expected beats - quirky small town characters, a mysterious murder, and an outsider protagonist determined to find the killer. The retired cop angle adds a nice twist, giving Rita and Rhonda more credibility in investigating the crime.
The story moves along at a brisk pace, with a few red herrings sprinkled in to keep readers guessing. The setting of a fall festival and pumpkin imagery throughout adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Overall, Bake it to the Limit is a solid start to the Twin Berry cozy mystery series. Fans of the genre are sure to find something to enjoy with the quick plot, autumn small town setting, and charming amateur sleuths. While not entirely groundbreaking, it's an easy, entertaining read for mystery lovers.
The plot hits many expected beats - quirky small town characters, a mysterious murder, and an outsider protagonist determined to find the killer. The retired cop angle adds a nice twist, giving Rita and Rhonda more credibility in investigating the crime.
The story moves along at a brisk pace, with a few red herrings sprinkled in to keep readers guessing. The setting of a fall festival and pumpkin imagery throughout adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Overall, Bake it to the Limit is a solid start to the Twin Berry cozy mystery series. Fans of the genre are sure to find something to enjoy with the quick plot, autumn small town setting, and charming amateur sleuths. While not entirely groundbreaking, it's an easy, entertaining read for mystery lovers.
October 22, 2020
This book was a terrific beginning for the new culinary cozy series. Twin 44-year-old women, Rita and Rhonda, have recently retired as police detectives and moved to Cloverdale Falls for a fresh start. They open a bakery since they at least have experience with that part of cooking.
But when a body is discovered in the candle shop next door, they have to get involved. That became even more important when the dead man was related to a case they handled back in Atlanta involving a witness against the mafia who was put in the Witness Protection Program. That makes this murder personal! Will the Sheriff welcome their help? Or will he feel threatened by them and ask them to stay out of it?
This story will keep you guessing as the twists and turns move the reader through the story line. We meet the characters who live in Cloverdale Falls, and the author does the introductions well so that the reader can easily envision them and their personalities. Grab your copy and watch as the sisters work with the Sheriff to find the killer before their own lives are endangered.
But when a body is discovered in the candle shop next door, they have to get involved. That became even more important when the dead man was related to a case they handled back in Atlanta involving a witness against the mafia who was put in the Witness Protection Program. That makes this murder personal! Will the Sheriff welcome their help? Or will he feel threatened by them and ask them to stay out of it?
This story will keep you guessing as the twists and turns move the reader through the story line. We meet the characters who live in Cloverdale Falls, and the author does the introductions well so that the reader can easily envision them and their personalities. Grab your copy and watch as the sisters work with the Sheriff to find the killer before their own lives are endangered.
November 27, 2020
I am a Wendy Meadows fan. This book is book 1 of her new cozy mystery series Twin Berry Bakery and I liked it (for the most part). However, there were a few things that threw me off.
Let me start off by saying, I love Multi POV. They are my favorite, if done well. This is written as a Multi POV (Yea!) BUT!! I love them when they are clearly broken apart, separated by chapter breaks or segmented by using larger spacing separation. This was not. We would jump from one POV to another, then other, without any warning.
The story concept is good. I believe that I will like this series and am looking forward to reading more. I liked the sisters and I can not wait for them to find the romance that they are looking for. I look forward to watching their road to romance. Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me start off by saying, I love Multi POV. They are my favorite, if done well. This is written as a Multi POV (Yea!) BUT!! I love them when they are clearly broken apart, separated by chapter breaks or segmented by using larger spacing separation. This was not. We would jump from one POV to another, then other, without any warning.
The story concept is good. I believe that I will like this series and am looking forward to reading more. I liked the sisters and I can not wait for them to find the romance that they are looking for. I look forward to watching their road to romance. Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with a completed mystery ending.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2024
Retired twins move to a small town to open a bakery and enjoy the simple life, but trouble from their past lives as cops follow. A dead body with links to the Mafia threatens their livelihood and the town's upcoming festival. They reluctantly agree to help the town's sheriff solve the murder.
This was an enjoyable and quick read. Although I did have a few issues with the story. 1. The twins dialog had me believing they were much, much younger - not consistent with having done a stint in the Navy and 20 years as seasoned cops. 2.They are both 44 years old and still mooning over getting married and having children. Getting married, fine, but having children upwards of 45 seems unusual. Not impossible, but unusual. 3. There was a lot of talk about getting the bakery up and running for the festival or they would lose all their savings, yet very little was done to make that happen - no decorating, ordering of supplies, hiring of staff, passing inspection. 4. There were errors throughout, but not enough to ruin the story.
This was an enjoyable and quick read. Although I did have a few issues with the story. 1. The twins dialog had me believing they were much, much younger - not consistent with having done a stint in the Navy and 20 years as seasoned cops. 2.They are both 44 years old and still mooning over getting married and having children. Getting married, fine, but having children upwards of 45 seems unusual. Not impossible, but unusual. 3. There was a lot of talk about getting the bakery up and running for the festival or they would lose all their savings, yet very little was done to make that happen - no decorating, ordering of supplies, hiring of staff, passing inspection. 4. There were errors throughout, but not enough to ruin the story.
May 6, 2024
Bad Guys Zero Retired Cops Two.
Bake It To The Limit book#1 in the exciting new cozy mystery Twin Berry Bakery Mystery has a sisters bond that goes a very long way in how the sisters have each others back in a way other siblings can't feel . Could it be because they are twins and has this energy that makes them smart in what they do. It will take a lot of time in which they really don't have to help out the Sheriff on a case that comes back to haunts Rhonda and Rita from when they were Detectives in homicide.
I would recommend this book and series to anyone from middle school, high school, to Adults that would like a clean murder mystery alone with some home baked sweets from two retired detectives that has found a new place to call home.
I would have given a Thousand Stars if it was possible just not 5 gold stars , because the Writer Wendy Meadows puts thoughtfulness to each character and the way she describes the town in which the two sisters lives in now to how she gets the reader pulled into the story and plot and keep the reader locked in until the end.
Bake It To The Limit book#1 in the exciting new cozy mystery Twin Berry Bakery Mystery has a sisters bond that goes a very long way in how the sisters have each others back in a way other siblings can't feel . Could it be because they are twins and has this energy that makes them smart in what they do. It will take a lot of time in which they really don't have to help out the Sheriff on a case that comes back to haunts Rhonda and Rita from when they were Detectives in homicide.
I would recommend this book and series to anyone from middle school, high school, to Adults that would like a clean murder mystery alone with some home baked sweets from two retired detectives that has found a new place to call home.
I would have given a Thousand Stars if it was possible just not 5 gold stars , because the Writer Wendy Meadows puts thoughtfulness to each character and the way she describes the town in which the two sisters lives in now to how she gets the reader pulled into the story and plot and keep the reader locked in until the end.
October 22, 2020
A new series from Wendy starts out with twin sisters who are retired cops and have moved to the small northern Georgia town of Cloverdale Falls. They are going to start up a down home bakery and live the quiet life. They are trying hard to get the bakery open before the annual Pumpkin Festival. Sadly their plans hit a pot hole when a man they knew from their old life ends up dead in the shop next door. They have given the sheriff the story of finding the man and verifying that he was indeed dead but they don't tell him everything. They don't know if they can trust him. Unfortunately he knows that they are holding something back and he needs to get at that information. When the second dead body shows up, they know that the killer is after them. They are going to meet him head on so that they can get on with their new life
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2023
Acquired Kindle edition when offered free on Amazon.
I actually acquired the second book in the series, Let's Bake a Deal, and began reading it by mistake. I thought maybe I was missing something because the beginning made no sense. Then I discovered my error, and went back to start with Book #1.
It didn't help.
The writing is terrible. The formatting -- block paragraphs -- tells me this is a writer who doesn't read and has no idea what books are supposed to look like. The flip-flopping point of view from Rita to Rhonda to Rita to Rhonda to Rita to Rhonda literally from paragraph to paragraph is dizzying. The disparate personalities immediately made me wonder why in the hell these two women want to go into business together. I can't imagine them occupying the same room for ten minutes before the screaming starts and one or the other walks out, never to return.
Hard pass on both books after two or three pages.
I actually acquired the second book in the series, Let's Bake a Deal, and began reading it by mistake. I thought maybe I was missing something because the beginning made no sense. Then I discovered my error, and went back to start with Book #1.
It didn't help.
The writing is terrible. The formatting -- block paragraphs -- tells me this is a writer who doesn't read and has no idea what books are supposed to look like. The flip-flopping point of view from Rita to Rhonda to Rita to Rhonda to Rita to Rhonda literally from paragraph to paragraph is dizzying. The disparate personalities immediately made me wonder why in the hell these two women want to go into business together. I can't imagine them occupying the same room for ten minutes before the screaming starts and one or the other walks out, never to return.
Hard pass on both books after two or three pages.
October 26, 2020
When twin sisters, Rita and Rhonda Knight move to Clovedale Falls to open a bakery they didn't expect their past as police detectives to catch up to them so fast. Before they can even start working on getting the bakery ready to open, a body shows up next door.
They get involved because they knew the victim from one of their former cases. Can they catch the killer, settle into their new home and get the bakery ready in time for the pumpkin festival?
This book is filled with interesting characters that I look forward to reading more about. It also has a mystery with enough twists to keep you interested until the end. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They get involved because they knew the victim from one of their former cases. Can they catch the killer, settle into their new home and get the bakery ready in time for the pumpkin festival?
This book is filled with interesting characters that I look forward to reading more about. It also has a mystery with enough twists to keep you interested until the end. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 26, 2020
Rita and Rhonda are twin sister, who just bought a bakery in a small Georgia town. Hoping to get it open before the big harvest festival, they are working nonstop. Suddenly, a dead man is found next door and he looks familiar to someone from an old case of theirs. They start helping the local sheriff in the investigation, where twists and turns try to throw them off the track. Once feeling alone and frustrated, they have found a new life here that has great neighbors and more friends popping up as they learn more about the town. Their lives are becoming more fulfilled every day. A truly great start to a new and fun mystery series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 17, 2020
Great 1st book!!!!
10++++stars!!!!
I couldn't put this book down.
Rita and Rhonda Knight are great, being ex-cops is great. Moving to Clovedale Falls in North Georgia and starting their own bakery "Twin Berry Bakery."
When they found out a bad guy from their past came to town and met his maker in the candle store next door and they don't know anyone in town and just meeting Erma.
The Sheriff Brad Bluestone (Sheriff Rawhide) is old school type cop he's cool and Billy Northfield and his hound Chester and Erma that previously owned the bakery, this is a great group of people i felt like i was right there with them every step of the way.
You will LOVE this book, i can't wait for the next book to come.
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
10++++stars!!!!
I couldn't put this book down.
Rita and Rhonda Knight are great, being ex-cops is great. Moving to Clovedale Falls in North Georgia and starting their own bakery "Twin Berry Bakery."
When they found out a bad guy from their past came to town and met his maker in the candle store next door and they don't know anyone in town and just meeting Erma.
The Sheriff Brad Bluestone (Sheriff Rawhide) is old school type cop he's cool and Billy Northfield and his hound Chester and Erma that previously owned the bakery, this is a great group of people i felt like i was right there with them every step of the way.
You will LOVE this book, i can't wait for the next book to come.
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!
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