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Pie-Jinks #2
Cranberry Bog Crumble
Something sweet—and terrifying—is coming to Cider Hollow.
It has been years since pie witch Reese last saw her candy witch aunt. So when Aunt Kit arrives in a flurry of foul weather, Reese knows something is up. Then Kit disappears during the worst deep freeze Cider Hollow has ever seen. And ice is just the beginning of the crazy and dangerous weather plaguing the town.
To make matters worse, Reese’s boyfriend, Prince Forrest, is confronted by a seemingly unsolvable mystery and the local Fae—who claim Reese is more than she seems. But they leave Reese and Forrest with more questions than answers… and a warning to stay away from the forest by the cranberry bog.
With time running out to save her aunt, questions no one will answer, and still no clue what brought Aunt Kit to Cider Hollow, Reese’s hands are full. If they can’t stop whatever it is plaguing the town, everyone will be destroyed.
Do they dare cross the Fae to do what needs to be done? Or will Reese and her friends ice over like pumpkins left in a field?
Cranberry Bog Crumble is the second book in the Pie-Jinks series, a new contemporary urban fantasy series that is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson. If you like light, small town stories, whimsical magic, and a touch of romance, you will love Selina J. Eckert’s new book!
It has been years since pie witch Reese last saw her candy witch aunt. So when Aunt Kit arrives in a flurry of foul weather, Reese knows something is up. Then Kit disappears during the worst deep freeze Cider Hollow has ever seen. And ice is just the beginning of the crazy and dangerous weather plaguing the town.
To make matters worse, Reese’s boyfriend, Prince Forrest, is confronted by a seemingly unsolvable mystery and the local Fae—who claim Reese is more than she seems. But they leave Reese and Forrest with more questions than answers… and a warning to stay away from the forest by the cranberry bog.
With time running out to save her aunt, questions no one will answer, and still no clue what brought Aunt Kit to Cider Hollow, Reese’s hands are full. If they can’t stop whatever it is plaguing the town, everyone will be destroyed.
Do they dare cross the Fae to do what needs to be done? Or will Reese and her friends ice over like pumpkins left in a field?
Cranberry Bog Crumble is the second book in the Pie-Jinks series, a new contemporary urban fantasy series that is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson. If you like light, small town stories, whimsical magic, and a touch of romance, you will love Selina J. Eckert’s new book!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2021
14 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Selina J. Eckert
31 books59 followersSelina is a biologist-by-day, writer-by-night native of Pennsylvania. She lives with her husband, dog, and two cats and spends her time writing, reading, creating art, and dreaming about fictional worlds. She has written two fairy-tale retelling short stories that were both finalists in Rooglewood Press short story contests and a fantasy short story, “Queen of Mist and Fog,” available through her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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November 22, 2021Just as good as book one! This book features even more twists and turns as our favorite, adorable pie-witch Reese gets herself into more trouble in her small town of Cider Hollow. Dating a fae prince isn't easy, nor is dealing with her tempestuous aunt. Everyone is more than they seem, including Reese herself. Can't wait for the next book!
February 13, 2023
Cranberry Bog Crumble is the second book in the Pie-Jinks series. i was in the mood for a cosy read, so I picked up this second book. Unfortunately I struggled a bit with this one. I like the daily life scenes, but the plot/ mystery of this book was a bit slow to start and then had one of the same issues I struggled with in book 1 namely others knowing more about it than Reese and not telling her. This bothered me even more as it had happened in book 1 as well.
I felt like a lot of this book was Reese trying to find out more while others wouldn't tell her what was going on. Lots of secrets and people not including Reese, but Reese is the one who has to solve it eventually ofcourse. And that just was frustrating to me. I didn't really like Reese's best friend in book 1, but I liked her even less here when she was rude to Reese. While she could've just explained things how she could and let them know she couldn't say more, which she did later in the book. So now the rude interaction just felt like a way to create drama and for Reese to feel strong emotions and struggle with things. It just felt forced and off to me the way the mystery progressed.
So while I struggled a bit with the plot/ mystery part of this book, I did like how it got resolved. I also liked the cosy atmosphere and reading about the pies Reese bakes. I liked seeing Reese interact more with Lisa and how the two have become friends now and Lissa works in the bakery. There is a great bakery related twist at the end too and I am excited to see how that plays out. While in the first book her boyfriend Forrest was the one keeping secrets from Reese and shutting her out, he seems to have learned from that now and is at Reese side ready to help her out with everything and helping along with the mystery, which I liked. Although I would've liked to see them go on an actual date or spend some fun time together as I want to see a bit more of them.
To summarize: I struggled a bit with this second book. Just like book 1 there are people who know more about what's going on than Reese and won't tell her, there are lots of secrets and people hiding things for reasons that didn't make sense to me. I didn't like it and didn't find it interesting even less so as that's what happened in book 1 as well. People shut Reese out, but she's the one who ends up having to fix everything. I did like how things got resolved and how Reese handled that. I am still not a fan of Reese's best friend Maple especially after she was rude to Reese in this book, but I did like Reese's growing friendship with Lissa the vampire. I also liked how Forest seemed to have learned form book 1 and is now fully behind Reese and around to help her with this newest mystery. I hope to see a bit more of them together in a peaceful setting as I want to see more of their romance and connection.
I felt like a lot of this book was Reese trying to find out more while others wouldn't tell her what was going on. Lots of secrets and people not including Reese, but Reese is the one who has to solve it eventually ofcourse. And that just was frustrating to me. I didn't really like Reese's best friend in book 1, but I liked her even less here when she was rude to Reese. While she could've just explained things how she could and let them know she couldn't say more, which she did later in the book. So now the rude interaction just felt like a way to create drama and for Reese to feel strong emotions and struggle with things. It just felt forced and off to me the way the mystery progressed.
So while I struggled a bit with the plot/ mystery part of this book, I did like how it got resolved. I also liked the cosy atmosphere and reading about the pies Reese bakes. I liked seeing Reese interact more with Lisa and how the two have become friends now and Lissa works in the bakery. There is a great bakery related twist at the end too and I am excited to see how that plays out. While in the first book her boyfriend Forrest was the one keeping secrets from Reese and shutting her out, he seems to have learned from that now and is at Reese side ready to help her out with everything and helping along with the mystery, which I liked. Although I would've liked to see them go on an actual date or spend some fun time together as I want to see a bit more of them.
To summarize: I struggled a bit with this second book. Just like book 1 there are people who know more about what's going on than Reese and won't tell her, there are lots of secrets and people hiding things for reasons that didn't make sense to me. I didn't like it and didn't find it interesting even less so as that's what happened in book 1 as well. People shut Reese out, but she's the one who ends up having to fix everything. I did like how things got resolved and how Reese handled that. I am still not a fan of Reese's best friend Maple especially after she was rude to Reese in this book, but I did like Reese's growing friendship with Lissa the vampire. I also liked how Forest seemed to have learned form book 1 and is now fully behind Reese and around to help her with this newest mystery. I hope to see a bit more of them together in a peaceful setting as I want to see more of their romance and connection.
October 13, 2021
Another adorable, baking inspired mystery against a fantasy background. The characters are just too cute and the MC and her boyfriend are sweet. The fact that they are never in a will they/won't they situation makes their relationship seem more stable. Overall, very fun.
October 8, 2021
Reese the Pie Witch is back with all of her friends from Cider Hollow. It's been one week since the events of book one, Vanilla Bean Vampire, and these events get referenced a lot. I highly recommend reading the books in order. For the full experience start with the prequel novella, Pumpkin Spice Pie-jinx.
I really love the cozy mystery feeling that the pie-jinx series has. If you are knew to the series, Reese and her friends investigate magical mysteries in their small home town of Cider Hollow. Each book so far has been tons of fun with both humor and suspense throughout.
But I think it's sad that so many of the issues in this book are caused by people keeping secrets that really should have been common knowledge. Family secrets, Fae secrets, and town history all come to light when Reese sets out to investigate her Aunt Kit's disappearance.
The character I relate too most is Reese, she is still trying to learn the whole adulting thing and it's hard when everyone around you still sees a child. I really feel her pain when everyone tries to hide the truth from her in this book. Reese doesn't let that stop her though. She is determined to help her aunt and her friends no matter who stands in her way. She proves herself both capable and powerful enough to handle the secrets that got others in danger.
This book also went a long way to clearing up how Witch magic works in this world. The term Pie Witch was new to me. I got that Reese baked pies but it's didn't seem like it was a requirement of her powers. After this installment in the series I understand better what being a Witch means in the world of Cider hollow and what their classifications really are.
After the exciting reveals of cranberry Bog Crumble I am more hyped than ever for the next book in this series.
*I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of Cranberry Bog Crumble. The opinions expressed in my review are mine alone and are my honest evaluation of the provided manuscript.*
I really love the cozy mystery feeling that the pie-jinx series has. If you are knew to the series, Reese and her friends investigate magical mysteries in their small home town of Cider Hollow. Each book so far has been tons of fun with both humor and suspense throughout.
But I think it's sad that so many of the issues in this book are caused by people keeping secrets that really should have been common knowledge. Family secrets, Fae secrets, and town history all come to light when Reese sets out to investigate her Aunt Kit's disappearance.
The character I relate too most is Reese, she is still trying to learn the whole adulting thing and it's hard when everyone around you still sees a child. I really feel her pain when everyone tries to hide the truth from her in this book. Reese doesn't let that stop her though. She is determined to help her aunt and her friends no matter who stands in her way. She proves herself both capable and powerful enough to handle the secrets that got others in danger.
This book also went a long way to clearing up how Witch magic works in this world. The term Pie Witch was new to me. I got that Reese baked pies but it's didn't seem like it was a requirement of her powers. After this installment in the series I understand better what being a Witch means in the world of Cider hollow and what their classifications really are.
After the exciting reveals of cranberry Bog Crumble I am more hyped than ever for the next book in this series.
*I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of Cranberry Bog Crumble. The opinions expressed in my review are mine alone and are my honest evaluation of the provided manuscript.*
December 27, 2021
Wow, this took me a little longer than I meant to but I'm glad I got to read it finally. Quick thanks to the author and Story Origin for allowing me to read this ARC and reviewing it with honesty. (I actually did end up reading it on Scribd as well because I wanted to read the book before this and the fun little prequel.)
First off - while the cover may elude you to think this book is just fun and campy with all the good vibes - it does but with some very fun layers of story you were not expecting. I was sucked in so fast and had to read it one day because I NEEDED to know what was happening. The way the author writes is very nicely paced and easy to read without overcomplicating the plot. The mystery aspect is also highly addicting with the questions that keep flying at you. Very fun, very loveable characters. (The sprites are probably my top favs lol.)
Annd...no spoilers for but spoilers for me, I've already started the next book for this and recc anyone who loves a good mystery with a dash of fae involvement walloped with fun talk of sugary goodness (bakery level and love interests) would find enjoyment in these books. They did exactly what they were meant to do and I love it!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
First off - while the cover may elude you to think this book is just fun and campy with all the good vibes - it does but with some very fun layers of story you were not expecting. I was sucked in so fast and had to read it one day because I NEEDED to know what was happening. The way the author writes is very nicely paced and easy to read without overcomplicating the plot. The mystery aspect is also highly addicting with the questions that keep flying at you. Very fun, very loveable characters. (The sprites are probably my top favs lol.)
Annd...no spoilers for but spoilers for me, I've already started the next book for this and recc anyone who loves a good mystery with a dash of fae involvement walloped with fun talk of sugary goodness (bakery level and love interests) would find enjoyment in these books. They did exactly what they were meant to do and I love it!
My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 3, 2021
Reese gets an unexpected visit from her aunt but all of a sudden the weather really gets bad. To make matters worse her aunt disappears and Reese and her friends go to look for her and Lissa disappears next. Reese is told to not go back into the bog again but she knows she has to to try and find her aunt and friend. She makes a startling discovery that will change her whole life.
This is a great series and I for one would love to
taste a pie Reese makes for there is magic in them and the emotions and feelings one gets from eating them makes one feel good all day long.
It’s not too late for you to get on board with this series as this is just the second book so pick up both books and you’ll probably wish you lived in Cider Hollow as well. Indulge in the fantasy genre if you haven’t tried it yet- it’s a great escape from the troubles in our world today and don’t we all need that!
I look forward to book three to see what changes are coming in Reese’s life. We get a hint of a couple of changes at the end of the book but that only serves to whet our appetite for more!
This is a great series and I for one would love to
taste a pie Reese makes for there is magic in them and the emotions and feelings one gets from eating them makes one feel good all day long.
It’s not too late for you to get on board with this series as this is just the second book so pick up both books and you’ll probably wish you lived in Cider Hollow as well. Indulge in the fantasy genre if you haven’t tried it yet- it’s a great escape from the troubles in our world today and don’t we all need that!
I look forward to book three to see what changes are coming in Reese’s life. We get a hint of a couple of changes at the end of the book but that only serves to whet our appetite for more!
June 26, 2022
as we learn more about Forrest, Maple, Lissa, Reese and those around them, a new difficult situation becomes clear.
Aunt Kit is a candy witch, and she seems to have a strong affinity with the weather - and bizarrely does not seem to acknowledge or accept this connection.
Secrets about the region and its inhabitants appear to have the potential to be more than a little lethal- and some things are worse than simple cold or simple death.
Trust and allies might prove key, but fighting self doubt and overwhelming forces and powers might make this very difficult.
Too many secrets, and misguided ones, could have long lasting consequences
An exciting and harrowing series of beginnings to new skills, relationships and opportunities- and some that might fail.
Aunt Kit is a candy witch, and she seems to have a strong affinity with the weather - and bizarrely does not seem to acknowledge or accept this connection.
Secrets about the region and its inhabitants appear to have the potential to be more than a little lethal- and some things are worse than simple cold or simple death.
Trust and allies might prove key, but fighting self doubt and overwhelming forces and powers might make this very difficult.
Too many secrets, and misguided ones, could have long lasting consequences
An exciting and harrowing series of beginnings to new skills, relationships and opportunities- and some that might fail.
November 13, 2022
This book was so much fun! The series has the feel of a cozy mystery mixed with epic fantasy—and pie. It has all the perfect ingredients that leave you wanting more: original plot, endearing characters, the juxtaposition of small-town politics and high fae court intrigue, plus a touch of romance. The idea of cooking potions and emotions into pies is part of a unique magic system, as is Reese's mood-hair. The mystery of a missing aunt and a formidable forest are solved while leaving a few threads dangling to pull you into the next episode.
I received a free copy through the Fellowship of Fantasy book club and leave this review voluntarily.
I received a free copy through the Fellowship of Fantasy book club and leave this review voluntarily.
October 1, 2021
I just love this series and can’t wait to see where the author is going to take it. Reese is upset when no one will answer her questions. Of course this leads her, Forrest, Lissa and Maple into many troubling encounters. Questions are answered, but much more is hinted in this unique story. These are cute, fun stories and I highly recommend the entire series.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
October 28, 2024
"A witch, a vampire, and a Fae prince should be able to handle this, right?"
This series is good for if you want a quick read with all the cozy fall feels and has witches and vampires without the scary! They have all had some kind of mystery to solve as well.
Nice clean read, no language or steam.
This series is good for if you want a quick read with all the cozy fall feels and has witches and vampires without the scary! They have all had some kind of mystery to solve as well.
Nice clean read, no language or steam.
October 8, 2021
What this lots of people disappearing ,why?
And what gets discovered.
Good story with amazing characters and lots of Magic.
Get your edible story here.
And what gets discovered.
Good story with amazing characters and lots of Magic.
Get your edible story here.
October 19, 2021
Great read!
This series is a lot of fun! My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next one! The pages are full of interesting characters and a fascinating world!
This series is a lot of fun! My only complaint is that I have to wait for the next one! The pages are full of interesting characters and a fascinating world!
December 21, 2022
This is such a fun series!
July 17, 2024
These books are so cute!
December 23, 2021
Once again, Eckert has crafted a cozy book. The character depth only gets deeper in Cranberry Bog Crumble. The action intensifies, and the stakes rise. This series as a whole still has me wanting to curl up by a fireplace while sipping hazelnut coffee with a slice of pie within reach. This is definitely a mood read. I don't like going too in-depth with reviews so I don't give away spoilers, but from her prose, to the plot, to the characters, to the whimsical setting, Eckert's second Pie-Jinks book is sure to be a hit. Highly recommended!
October 8, 2021
This was such an excellent read! The action starts right from the beginning and doesn't let up--it kept me hooked from beginning to end! Reese learns much more about herself, her friends and family, and her town, adding to the excellent mythology that was started in the first book. If you enjoy feel-good fantasy, all things fall, Fae, witches, and magic, then you're in for a real treat. I cannot wait for the next installment to see where the adventures continue to go!
I received a copy from the author, but the opinions expressed here are my own.
I received a copy from the author, but the opinions expressed here are my own.
September 21, 2024
This was such a fantastic continuation of the series. I just love the setting and characters. Even when there's some peril, it still has such a cozy feel. I have a feeling this series will become part of my annual Fall reading list. It is just SO WONDERFUL!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews