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Great Witches Baking Show #7
A Cream of Passion
Tempers are fraying and the cream is melting as summer temperatures hit the competition tent at Broomewode in the UK just in time for patisserie week. With only four contestants left, the pressure is mounting in the race to be chosen the best amateur baker in the UK. Poppy's working hard to find out who her parents were and what happened to them even as she's trying to become a more accomplished witch, so she definitely doesn't have time for romance. Even if she does get a flattering invitation. Then someone dies and it looks like a crime of passion. Can she unmask a killer before she's the one who gets creamed?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2021
222 people are currently reading
312 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Warren
359 books1,884 followersNancy Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 novels.
She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.
Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
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She’s known for writing funny, sexy and suspenseful tales. She’s an avid hiker, animal lover, wine drinker and chocolate fiend. Favorite moments in her career include being featured on the front page of the New York Times, being the answer to a crossword puzzle clue in Canada’s National Post newspaper and being a finalist three times in the Rita awards. She has won the Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine.
Get a free short story when you sign up for Nancy's newsletter at www.NancyWarrenAuthor.com or join Nancy in her private Facebook group to talk about books, knitting, pets & life.
www.facebook.com/groups/NancyWarrenKn...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 28, 2023
I really like this series, but I didn’t like this one as well as the other ones, the cat wasn’t in it as much and she’s not getting very far finding her parents….
June 13, 2021
“My goodness, Poppy,” DI Hembly said. “We always seem to be meeting you over dead bodies.”Ouch. “Believe me, I wish we didn’t,” I said."
No longer in the compatition, Poppy is still very active in Broomewolde Village as the newest worker at the Inn. While working at the Inn and commuting back to her own home keeps her out of the eye of the camera, her own powers and sense of puzzles comes in handy when a local grocery is found dead in his own kitchen. Poppy won't let it go and she doesn't think the police are willing to look at the whole picture. She is torn between her new job and her baking friends. Will she have to choose? And why does she keep running into dead ends around her birth parents search?
Another Nancy Warren story that won't let you go until it is resolved... or not. But, at the end, with a sweet ending in wonderful recipe after the story and the promise of another, we can hardly wait! Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
No longer in the compatition, Poppy is still very active in Broomewolde Village as the newest worker at the Inn. While working at the Inn and commuting back to her own home keeps her out of the eye of the camera, her own powers and sense of puzzles comes in handy when a local grocery is found dead in his own kitchen. Poppy won't let it go and she doesn't think the police are willing to look at the whole picture. She is torn between her new job and her baking friends. Will she have to choose? And why does she keep running into dead ends around her birth parents search?
Another Nancy Warren story that won't let you go until it is resolved... or not. But, at the end, with a sweet ending in wonderful recipe after the story and the promise of another, we can hardly wait! Highly Recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
June 22, 2021
This series just keeps getting better and better! Poppy is getting close to gathering info on her parentage, but a new job and a dead body are getting in the way of her search! The story line is moving away from the tent and into the town as Poppy moves further away from the competition, but we still get glimpses of what is happening with her friends still in the tent. I love this turn in the plot lines as it shows that this series has staying power past the competition which is great for me as I absolutely love this series! If you are into audiobooks, you absolutely should listen to the series as the narrator does an outstanding job of bringing the characters and storylines to life!!!
April 3, 2023
The competition is over, and this is kinda a transition book.
The overall story of finding her parents didn't advance much
Still this was charming, fun and funny.
The overall story of finding her parents didn't advance much
Still this was charming, fun and funny.
January 15, 2022
A CREAM OF PASSION by Nancy Warren
The Seventh Great Witches Baking Show Mystery
The bakers are back, but things are different this week. Poppy Wilkinson and Florence are excited to have dinner with the town's Italian grocer. But excitement turns to horror as the pair find the man dead in his apartment. Could this expert forager really have mistaken death caps for chanterelles? Poppy certainly doesn't think so, and neither do the police. In addition to searching for the truth about her birth parents, she'll try to sniff out the truth about Luca's murder while perfecting her bakes.
While the seventh Great Witches Baking Show Mystery spends more time outside the tent at Broomewode Hall, there's still plenty of nerve-racking action and baking. Poppy continues researching her birth family and she does make some progress, although she is unexpectedly thwarted. Poppy and I are both doubly curious as to why a particular person is deliberately working against her. The primary focus in A CREAM OF PASSION, however, is the murder.
While looking into Luca's death, Poppy also learns about his life-a life that not many people knew details about. She also learns more about the village and its inhabitants, from her gruff new boss to people in the choir, giving readers lots of red herrings. I also gleaned more information about Florence that wasn't surprising, but disappointing. I'm not a Florence fan. The mystery was thought provoking with great suspects and several surprises.
A CREAM OF PASSION is a delectable mystery combining witchcraft, baking, and a good old fashioned poisoning.
The Seventh Great Witches Baking Show Mystery
The bakers are back, but things are different this week. Poppy Wilkinson and Florence are excited to have dinner with the town's Italian grocer. But excitement turns to horror as the pair find the man dead in his apartment. Could this expert forager really have mistaken death caps for chanterelles? Poppy certainly doesn't think so, and neither do the police. In addition to searching for the truth about her birth parents, she'll try to sniff out the truth about Luca's murder while perfecting her bakes.
While the seventh Great Witches Baking Show Mystery spends more time outside the tent at Broomewode Hall, there's still plenty of nerve-racking action and baking. Poppy continues researching her birth family and she does make some progress, although she is unexpectedly thwarted. Poppy and I are both doubly curious as to why a particular person is deliberately working against her. The primary focus in A CREAM OF PASSION, however, is the murder.
While looking into Luca's death, Poppy also learns about his life-a life that not many people knew details about. She also learns more about the village and its inhabitants, from her gruff new boss to people in the choir, giving readers lots of red herrings. I also gleaned more information about Florence that wasn't surprising, but disappointing. I'm not a Florence fan. The mystery was thought provoking with great suspects and several surprises.
A CREAM OF PASSION is a delectable mystery combining witchcraft, baking, and a good old fashioned poisoning.
May 2, 2025
I've been adoring this series and I'm going to be so sad when I've read them all. Just cherishing them slowly. Fans of reality baking shows will enjoy this series, as well as fans of witch mysteries. It's a lot of fun and I rec reading them in order.
The audio versions of the entire series are nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy.
The audio versions of the entire series are nicely performed by Hollis McCarthy.
August 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the seventh book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.
I really enjoy this series. It is a fun quick read that gives me a lot of satisfaction. Guilty pleasure material for sure. You get to see a bit of the competition but it is mostly focusing on Poppy and who she is currently interacting with.
Poppy feels inspired to investigate even though the local constabulary don’t really appreciate her intrusion. A local grocer is found dead in his own kitchen poisoned by mushrooms of which he is an expert at using. Poppy just can’t believe he would have accidentally poisoned himself which is what the police believe. So she goes into sleuth mode.
I love how the author plots the mystery and how she includes all the bake-off participants even if they aren’t official “on screen” in the story. The books in this series are always easy to read and flow like a boat in the rapids. You just can’t read it fast enough. Love it.
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great series too!
This is the seventh book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.
I really enjoy this series. It is a fun quick read that gives me a lot of satisfaction. Guilty pleasure material for sure. You get to see a bit of the competition but it is mostly focusing on Poppy and who she is currently interacting with.
Poppy feels inspired to investigate even though the local constabulary don’t really appreciate her intrusion. A local grocer is found dead in his own kitchen poisoned by mushrooms of which he is an expert at using. Poppy just can’t believe he would have accidentally poisoned himself which is what the police believe. So she goes into sleuth mode.
I love how the author plots the mystery and how she includes all the bake-off participants even if they aren’t official “on screen” in the story. The books in this series are always easy to read and flow like a boat in the rapids. You just can’t read it fast enough. Love it.
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. Great series too!
August 12, 2022
These books could have been condensed down to about 2-3 books maximum not 9 🤦🏾♀️. Anyway, in this episode Poppy has been eliminated from the competition and had been hired as a baker at the Inn in town. She’s still searching for the identity of her parents and the circumstances of her birth though it takes a backseat in this episode. While walking to Susan’s farm with Florence, they encounter the singing forager, who happens to be the deli owner. He invites them to dinner and of course a murder occurs.
So Florence’s selfishness is on full display in this book, don’t know why Poppy considers her a “good friend”. If a friend left me holding the bag the way Flo did, well I’ll just go hang with my enemies.
Poppy investigates the murder and uncovers secrets, infidelities, family drama, village secrets, and more than she wanted to about her co-workers. In the end she uncovers the murderer (of course) and is no closer to uncovering who her parents are
So Florence’s selfishness is on full display in this book, don’t know why Poppy considers her a “good friend”. If a friend left me holding the bag the way Flo did, well I’ll just go hang with my enemies.
Poppy investigates the murder and uncovers secrets, infidelities, family drama, village secrets, and more than she wanted to about her co-workers. In the end she uncovers the murderer (of course) and is no closer to uncovering who her parents are
January 1, 2025
This is the first book with Poppy not being a contestant on the show and I was glad they still included the remaining contestants. With her no longer on the show, there weren't any filming scenes, no scenes with hosts, and only a quick scene with the judges.
We still don't know who Poppy's parents are, but I'm more convinced than ever Katie knows who they are and why she was given up as a baby.
The murder mystery was a good one, I wasn't sure who the culprit was until nearly the reveal.
I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully learning more about her parents.
We still don't know who Poppy's parents are, but I'm more convinced than ever Katie knows who they are and why she was given up as a baby.
The murder mystery was a good one, I wasn't sure who the culprit was until nearly the reveal.
I'm looking forward to the next book and hopefully learning more about her parents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
This one was filler. Nothing progressed on the over-arching story and the murder was easy to solve. I am also starting to laugh at how the murderers are so willing to confess their crimes and share details. I think that should turn out to be one of Poppy's witchy powers: she makes guilty people spill their guts.
December 7, 2024
Not much to say about each of these books as they're more or less the same between each of the series. Great cosy vibes with strong baking (and witchy) theming - though the theming is a bit different now in this book - however the overall mystery of who her parents are is dragging out in my opinion.
September 13, 2022
Getting a little frustrating still not knowing anything about fmcs parents. Maybe a slight love interest developing possibly. No real update on world building aspect of this story. 🤷🏼♀️🤷🏼♀️ I Dino i think I’m loosing interest, will see how next one goes.
July 5, 2021
Not nearly enough Benedict!!!
April 13, 2024
These books are so much fun! Very clever, charming and engaging.
April 27, 2022
Too many glaring errors
Really Warren needs to get a better editor!
It's rather ridiculous to find so many things that are contradictory in the same book.
Poppy doesn't know what Bobbi does for a living despite having been told by Sol.
Which way up were the glasses? Stem up or stem down except for one glass. Warren should have checked her own manuscript before getting it wrong at the denouement!
Who goes foraging because Warren can't remember what she said. Sol says both he and his wife.. but later it's only Sol.
Apparently Poppy is making three cakes.. carrot cake, coffee and walnut loaf, Victoria sponge and tropical fruit.. I can count.. Warren is obviously struggling to.
Really frustrating and disappointing when authors make so little effort to ensure the text is right before selling their work.
It's also becoming just a bit too contrived with eight murders one per week, perhaps a theft or something else would have helped break the relentless murders and have made it a little less questionable.
In all honesty I believe this missing parents storyline could have been a smaller story and would have worked far more believably had it been fewer books and less about trying to cash in on the baking competition. Shabby ethics churning out books with little to no mention of the original reason, findings her origins, for Poppy to even be there.
Really Warren needs to get a better editor!
It's rather ridiculous to find so many things that are contradictory in the same book.
Poppy doesn't know what Bobbi does for a living despite having been told by Sol.
Which way up were the glasses? Stem up or stem down except for one glass. Warren should have checked her own manuscript before getting it wrong at the denouement!
Who goes foraging because Warren can't remember what she said. Sol says both he and his wife.. but later it's only Sol.
Apparently Poppy is making three cakes.. carrot cake, coffee and walnut loaf, Victoria sponge and tropical fruit.. I can count.. Warren is obviously struggling to.
Really frustrating and disappointing when authors make so little effort to ensure the text is right before selling their work.
It's also becoming just a bit too contrived with eight murders one per week, perhaps a theft or something else would have helped break the relentless murders and have made it a little less questionable.
In all honesty I believe this missing parents storyline could have been a smaller story and would have worked far more believably had it been fewer books and less about trying to cash in on the baking competition. Shabby ethics churning out books with little to no mention of the original reason, findings her origins, for Poppy to even be there.
June 28, 2021
All Poppy wants is to find out about her parentage and it seems to be more difficult than expected . She’s also busy with her baking I absolutely love Poppy, she’s one of a kind.
June 6, 2021
A CREAM OF PASSION is a standalone cozy mystery. It has no sexy scenes or colorful language so any age can read and enjoy. There is a murder but it is not the kind that causes nightmares. Poppy is no longer in the baking contest, having been eliminated last week. However she is still in the village as the pastry chef at the Broomewode Inn. She is enjoying her job and relaxed with the pressure of the contest off her shoulders. Gerry, the spirit, is still hanging around the Inn. She is unsure why he has not crossed over but is glad that he is able to help her by snooping for her since no one can see him.
She and Florence have been invited to have dinner with Luca, the owner of the Italian deli. He found some priceless mushrooms in the woods and plans a big dinner. When they show up at the appointed time Luca doesn't answer the door. They call out several times and then try the door. They smell dinner cooking but no sign of Luca. When they get to the kitchen they find Luca on the floor dead. Florence panics and flees the building leaving Poppy to call and deal with the police. Since there are poisonous mushrooms on the cutting board the police assume he accidentally poisoned himself. Poppy knows there is more to this. Luca was an expert on mushrooms, there is no way he made a mistake, plus where are the mushrooms he found this morning?
There are lot of secrets in this story. Lots of questions but no answers. Besides a murder Poppy is still trying to solve the question of her biological parents. She was left as a hours old baby in front of a bakery. She has had a good life but she wants to know WHY? and who her biological parents are. She has found a couple of people that may be able to help her but it seems others are throwing up road blocks to her search.
These stories are just getting better and better. I definitely recommend all 7 books so far. Oh, did I remind you that Poppy is a witch and she has been warned a number of times to get out of Broomewode. Her life is in danger the coven has offered protection but they are afraid they may not be enough. Poppy is aware of the danger but she wants to find her mother.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 6/6/2021
She and Florence have been invited to have dinner with Luca, the owner of the Italian deli. He found some priceless mushrooms in the woods and plans a big dinner. When they show up at the appointed time Luca doesn't answer the door. They call out several times and then try the door. They smell dinner cooking but no sign of Luca. When they get to the kitchen they find Luca on the floor dead. Florence panics and flees the building leaving Poppy to call and deal with the police. Since there are poisonous mushrooms on the cutting board the police assume he accidentally poisoned himself. Poppy knows there is more to this. Luca was an expert on mushrooms, there is no way he made a mistake, plus where are the mushrooms he found this morning?
There are lot of secrets in this story. Lots of questions but no answers. Besides a murder Poppy is still trying to solve the question of her biological parents. She was left as a hours old baby in front of a bakery. She has had a good life but she wants to know WHY? and who her biological parents are. She has found a couple of people that may be able to help her but it seems others are throwing up road blocks to her search.
These stories are just getting better and better. I definitely recommend all 7 books so far. Oh, did I remind you that Poppy is a witch and she has been warned a number of times to get out of Broomewode. Her life is in danger the coven has offered protection but they are afraid they may not be enough. Poppy is aware of the danger but she wants to find her mother.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 6/6/2021
June 17, 2021
A Cream of Passion is the Great Witches Baking Show book seven by Nancy Warren. Poppy was taken out of the competition in the last book but that has only served to make this series even more interesting. It has made it easier to continue her studies to become an accomplished witch, look for her unknown parents and discover why someone or something wants her gone. While she is not jumping at the chance for romance perhaps it will come her way now.
Broomowode (Don’t you just love that village name?) has had more than its share of murder victims so it seems that the police were quick to rule the latest as an accident. Poppy knows better, so besides her new job there she is also looking for clues to find the murderer. Of course, the cooking show competition is still going on too. This is my favorite of the series perhaps because the competition pressure is off Poppy so she can focus more on why she wanted to come to Broomowode in the first place.
I guess you could read this as a stand-alone but you owe it to yourself to read the entire marvelous series in order. That way you can truly see how she meets all the people, the ghost and the animals that she now has as friends.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Broomowode (Don’t you just love that village name?) has had more than its share of murder victims so it seems that the police were quick to rule the latest as an accident. Poppy knows better, so besides her new job there she is also looking for clues to find the murderer. Of course, the cooking show competition is still going on too. This is my favorite of the series perhaps because the competition pressure is off Poppy so she can focus more on why she wanted to come to Broomowode in the first place.
I guess you could read this as a stand-alone but you owe it to yourself to read the entire marvelous series in order. That way you can truly see how she meets all the people, the ghost and the animals that she now has as friends.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2021
Poppy’s overjoyed with her new job at the Broomwode Inn. Early mornings spent baking pastries for breakfast & cakes for tea seems like heaven to her. Relieved to be out of the fierce competition & the overwhelming pressure, she does miss her friends & anticipates seeing them on the weekend. Plus, she’s got an appointment soon with a lady who was friends with Valerie, her mother. Florence is the first to arrive. She & Poppy head to fellow witch, Susan’s farm, to pick up some of her ‘happy’ eggs for patisserie (dessert) weekend. Returning, they meet Luca, owner of the deli not to mention a superb voice. He’s foraging for chanterelle mushrooms and invites them to dinner that night. Upon arrival, they find Luca deceased on the floor, pots still simmering. Florence flees, begging Poppy to not admit to police she was there. Deadly nightcaps are found in the sauce so the police are inclined to think accident. But Luca was an expert forager. How could he possibly mistake his mushrooms? And why is his last message to Poppy before passing over to tell an unknown Vera he’s sorry? One more leaves the competition but will it be Florence because she’s in jail?
This intriguing series improves with each entry. The baking competition is still an important part of the plot but Poppy's journey to find her birth story is taking center stage
This intriguing series improves with each entry. The baking competition is still an important part of the plot but Poppy's journey to find her birth story is taking center stage
June 5, 2021
A Cream of Passion (Great Witches Baking Show #7) by Nancy Warren
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery, Witch & Wizard Mysteries, Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Release Date: June 16, 2021
A Cream of Passion is the seventh book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren and is my favorite (so far!). This can be read as a standalone book, but the series is so good you should definitely read them all!
This book has it all! A great storyline, relatable characters, witches, ghosts, and a whodunit murder mystery!
The mystery in this book was great and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was! This is such a fun book filled with suspense and humor. I found myself racing through this book and had to slow down so I wouldn't miss out on any of the goodness! This is one of those books you won't want to put down once you start reading!
I loved that this book focuses more on Poppy and her quest to find out who her birth parents are. I'm hopeful for her!!!!
This is a great cozy mystery and would recommend it to all cozy readers!
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher: Ambleside Publishing
Genre: Cozy Culinary Mystery, Witch & Wizard Mysteries, Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Release Date: June 16, 2021
A Cream of Passion is the seventh book in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren and is my favorite (so far!). This can be read as a standalone book, but the series is so good you should definitely read them all!
This book has it all! A great storyline, relatable characters, witches, ghosts, and a whodunit murder mystery!
The mystery in this book was great and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer was! This is such a fun book filled with suspense and humor. I found myself racing through this book and had to slow down so I wouldn't miss out on any of the goodness! This is one of those books you won't want to put down once you start reading!
I loved that this book focuses more on Poppy and her quest to find out who her birth parents are. I'm hopeful for her!!!!
This is a great cozy mystery and would recommend it to all cozy readers!
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2021
A Cream of Passion by Nancy Warren
The Great Witches Baking Show Series Book Seven
Poppy Wilkinson may be out, but she’s not down. Working in the Broomewode Inn’s kitchen is relaxing for her. And it seems ever since her first week in Broomewode Village, she’s been around death.
Another soul has passed on, but not poor Gerry. He was killed off at their first filming and is still hanging around the inn and the short area he can go. Annoying as he is to Poppy, he does have his uses like eavesdropping when no one can see him but her.
As for the contest, it’s down to four contestants. People Poppy has come to enjoy being around and considers friends. She’s finding it harder to have to say goodbye to them than it was for her to lose. But, on the other hand, she’s enjoying her freedom without the cameras and pressure. Not to mention enjoying watching the inn’s guests enjoying her treats instead of judging them.
Looking forward to the next book as Poppy continues to get closer to the mystery of who her birth parents were.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
The Great Witches Baking Show Series Book Seven
Poppy Wilkinson may be out, but she’s not down. Working in the Broomewode Inn’s kitchen is relaxing for her. And it seems ever since her first week in Broomewode Village, she’s been around death.
Another soul has passed on, but not poor Gerry. He was killed off at their first filming and is still hanging around the inn and the short area he can go. Annoying as he is to Poppy, he does have his uses like eavesdropping when no one can see him but her.
As for the contest, it’s down to four contestants. People Poppy has come to enjoy being around and considers friends. She’s finding it harder to have to say goodbye to them than it was for her to lose. But, on the other hand, she’s enjoying her freedom without the cameras and pressure. Not to mention enjoying watching the inn’s guests enjoying her treats instead of judging them.
Looking forward to the next book as Poppy continues to get closer to the mystery of who her birth parents were.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
February 6, 2023
A cream of Passion is the 7th book in the series and title matches the content so well it made me giggle way too many times. Although Poppy is no longer in the contest, she is still in Broomewode, but this time working at the inn. As she is no longer stressed about the competition she can bake without the pressure of someone looking at her all the time and judging her cakes and also have time to search more information about her birth parents. That of course, until crime strikes again and Poppy, once again, finds herself trying to solve the mystery.
The witchy aspect of this story is put on the shelf for this book,. Apart from mentions of her abilities, no magic is needed here. Even without the paranormal aspects of the story, I think that The Great Witches Baking Show would have been a delightful story. Still, the magic is there to help push Poppy forward in her quest to discover her birth parents.
Simple, yet bubbling with colors and excitement, this series is a perfect combination of sweet from Poppy's cakes and salty from the criminals caught.
The witchy aspect of this story is put on the shelf for this book,. Apart from mentions of her abilities, no magic is needed here. Even without the paranormal aspects of the story, I think that The Great Witches Baking Show would have been a delightful story. Still, the magic is there to help push Poppy forward in her quest to discover her birth parents.
Simple, yet bubbling with colors and excitement, this series is a perfect combination of sweet from Poppy's cakes and salty from the criminals caught.
June 29, 2021
Mushrooms and a suspicious death!
I seem to say this every time but this is the best one yet! Each book in the series just keeps getting better. Poppy was voted off the show but started her dream job as pastry chef at the inn. She can still keep an eye on the last four contestants as she tries to find out about her parents. She keeps running into brick walls as far as her parents are concerned with people seeming to sabotage her at every turn. Will she ever figure out where she came from?
Poppy and Florence come across the Italian deli owner Luca as he comes back from foraging for mushrooms. They get invited to dinner to try the mushrooms but when they get to his home, they find him poisoned. Was it a horrible accident or something much worse? And what is up with Florence? Does she know more than she is letting on? And then there is Poppy's boss Sol and his wife. Could one of them be involved? Plenty to keep the reader interested!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I seem to say this every time but this is the best one yet! Each book in the series just keeps getting better. Poppy was voted off the show but started her dream job as pastry chef at the inn. She can still keep an eye on the last four contestants as she tries to find out about her parents. She keeps running into brick walls as far as her parents are concerned with people seeming to sabotage her at every turn. Will she ever figure out where she came from?
Poppy and Florence come across the Italian deli owner Luca as he comes back from foraging for mushrooms. They get invited to dinner to try the mushrooms but when they get to his home, they find him poisoned. Was it a horrible accident or something much worse? And what is up with Florence? Does she know more than she is letting on? And then there is Poppy's boss Sol and his wife. Could one of them be involved? Plenty to keep the reader interested!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
October 9, 2024
Look, I realize maybe I should have stopped reading this series after book 3, but I really like the overarching story that has been present throughout. This particular book was filler and only a small page or two devoted to progressing the mystery of her parents, well, her father at this point. Mitty gave her the answer but she’s looking at every other man BUT the former Earl or whatever his title is. Again, I don’t understand why googling or visiting the local parish/township/estate church hasn’t been done yet?
Florence is just painted as this stereotypical mean, pretty girl at this point which is tiring. All of the stereotypes that are being taken a bit too far along with Poppy’s continued ridiculous and over the top internal musings are grating at this point. Plus, Poppy has been in this town like 6 weeks and she acts as if she is this know-it-all local or maybe I have started reading the revelation of the killer as a bad Scooby Doo episode?
Florence is just painted as this stereotypical mean, pretty girl at this point which is tiring. All of the stereotypes that are being taken a bit too far along with Poppy’s continued ridiculous and over the top internal musings are grating at this point. Plus, Poppy has been in this town like 6 weeks and she acts as if she is this know-it-all local or maybe I have started reading the revelation of the killer as a bad Scooby Doo episode?
June 16, 2021
A Cream of Passion / Book 7 of Nancy Warren’s The Great Witches Baking Show Series
Poppy is finding herself after not moving on with in the baking competition as a pastry chef at the pub. She is feeling surprisingly relieved and working to get into the swing of things as the remaining 4 contestants come in for the weekend for patisserie week. Poppy is excited to use her time in Broomewode to find out who her parents are and what happened to them. Throw in foraging for wild mushrooms and Poppy finding a local shop keeper, who happens to have the operatic voice of an angel, dead on his kitchen floor. Another mystery to solve .. The baking competition is winding down and this reader is anxious for the next book in the series.
Poppy is finding herself after not moving on with in the baking competition as a pastry chef at the pub. She is feeling surprisingly relieved and working to get into the swing of things as the remaining 4 contestants come in for the weekend for patisserie week. Poppy is excited to use her time in Broomewode to find out who her parents are and what happened to them. Throw in foraging for wild mushrooms and Poppy finding a local shop keeper, who happens to have the operatic voice of an angel, dead on his kitchen floor. Another mystery to solve .. The baking competition is winding down and this reader is anxious for the next book in the series.
June 20, 2021
Team Poppy is back in Broomewode for another weekend of baking competition in the Great Witches Baking Show series. Things have changed now that Poppy is out of the competition and working at the restaurant but we still get to spend time experiencing the highs and lows of our favorite baking show and, of course, solving another murder.
I enjoyed this book but it's probably my least favorite of the series so far because I missed some of my favorite characters (there's very little Gateau or Elspeth and Jonathon) and it felt like we didn't get very far in solving the mystery of Poppy's parents. But the murder mystery was fun and I feel like we're being prepared for some big reveals in the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this book but it's probably my least favorite of the series so far because I missed some of my favorite characters (there's very little Gateau or Elspeth and Jonathon) and it felt like we didn't get very far in solving the mystery of Poppy's parents. But the murder mystery was fun and I feel like we're being prepared for some big reveals in the next book in the series.
June 21, 2021
Poppy is back in Broomewold but is no longer a baker in the Baking Show. She got eliminated the prior week which was all about bread. However, she is working at the Broomewold Inn as their pastry chef and loves the work and the absence of the pressure she felt on the baking show. She is still trying to find out more about her parents, especially her mother, and has a few leads. The most promising contact was actually the cliffhanger at the end of the book. (Arghhh!)
Then someone dies, the police think it was accidental poisoning with a mistaken type of mushroom but Poppy thinks it was murder. Can she unmask the killer before she's the one in danger?
This one dragged a bit. I think I'll be glad when the next book is the end of the series.
Then someone dies, the police think it was accidental poisoning with a mistaken type of mushroom but Poppy thinks it was murder. Can she unmask the killer before she's the one in danger?
This one dragged a bit. I think I'll be glad when the next book is the end of the series.
October 5, 2022
Great cozy mystery!
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Paranormal cozy mystery
💕 Positives:
* The drama was similar to a soap opera!
* It was nice seeing Florence have a larger part in the mystery solving.
* Loved the ending. Incredibly explosive.
🚫 Negatives:
* Still not enough info on her parents. It feels like that mystery is being dragged out too long.
⚡Trigger Warning: the sky turning the color of a fresh bruise is mentioned on page 40. It's an incredibly poor way to describe something.
🌟 Overall, I enjoyed this book. The mystery was hard to solve and the drama was pretty high towards the end. The only downside is that the mystery of her birth parents is being dragged out way too long. Hopefully that gets resolved in the next book.
💖 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
📚 Genre: Paranormal cozy mystery
💕 Positives:
* The drama was similar to a soap opera!
* It was nice seeing Florence have a larger part in the mystery solving.
* Loved the ending. Incredibly explosive.
🚫 Negatives:
* Still not enough info on her parents. It feels like that mystery is being dragged out too long.
⚡Trigger Warning: the sky turning the color of a fresh bruise is mentioned on page 40. It's an incredibly poor way to describe something.
🌟 Overall, I enjoyed this book. The mystery was hard to solve and the drama was pretty high towards the end. The only downside is that the mystery of her birth parents is being dragged out way too long. Hopefully that gets resolved in the next book.
January 4, 2025
Once again, the book came to me out of order, so I've yet to read the first four novels in the series. Still, the author keeps the reader up-to-date on the main character's goals and needs.
Hollis McCarthy (Narrator) acts out the characters flawlessly. Between the writing and the audio, the reading went quickly. It is a good book if you want something fast between larger reads.
Between cooking and murder, this book is not nearly as fun as Nancy Warren's Vampire Knitting Club series. I don't like cooking. I'm forever on a diet of gluten-free or carbs so that these pastry-rich stories may be invoking a murderous feeling.
I will keep reading the series and other books by Nancy Warren. This just wasn't a favorite. By the way, I was happy to listen to it on Libby's audio version.
Hollis McCarthy (Narrator) acts out the characters flawlessly. Between the writing and the audio, the reading went quickly. It is a good book if you want something fast between larger reads.
Between cooking and murder, this book is not nearly as fun as Nancy Warren's Vampire Knitting Club series. I don't like cooking. I'm forever on a diet of gluten-free or carbs so that these pastry-rich stories may be invoking a murderous feeling.
I will keep reading the series and other books by Nancy Warren. This just wasn't a favorite. By the way, I was happy to listen to it on Libby's audio version.
June 6, 2021
A Cream of Passion is Book 7 in the Great Witches Baking Show series by Nancy Warren.
This is such a fantastic series with wonderful characters, including some great paranormal characters including witches, my favorite!
I loved the mystery , I was following along with the clues and was so surprised at who the murderer is.
We get to see more of Poppy researching her parents and I loved that.
Fantastic written characters, a perfectly paced mystery and all the characters I have grown to love.
This is a stand alone story, but definitely start with the first book for more reading enjoyment!
This is such a fantastic series with wonderful characters, including some great paranormal characters including witches, my favorite!
I loved the mystery , I was following along with the clues and was so surprised at who the murderer is.
We get to see more of Poppy researching her parents and I loved that.
Fantastic written characters, a perfectly paced mystery and all the characters I have grown to love.
This is a stand alone story, but definitely start with the first book for more reading enjoyment!
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