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Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2
Mermaids and Meringue
It’s New Year’s Eve and Rosella Midnight has a date with danger.
A handsome date for New Year’s Eve? Check.
Red lipstick and a killer party dress? Double check.
A kiss when the clock strikes twelve? Undecided.
If I’m going to be stuck in Winterspell a little longer, I may as well have fun with it. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...
When my romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation, I can’t wait around to watch the ball drop. There’s a mermaid-snatching monster on the loose, and it’s up to me to stop them.
Luckily for me, my date always comes loaded for dragon.
A handsome date for New Year’s Eve? Check.
Red lipstick and a killer party dress? Double check.
A kiss when the clock strikes twelve? Undecided.
If I’m going to be stuck in Winterspell a little longer, I may as well have fun with it. But you know what they say about the best laid plans...
When my romantic evening turns into a kidnapping investigation, I can’t wait around to watch the ball drop. There’s a mermaid-snatching monster on the loose, and it’s up to me to stop them.
Luckily for me, my date always comes loaded for dragon.
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Published January 28, 2022
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March 7, 2022
A paranormal cozy mystery series set in an all-magical town with a witch still hoping to find herself and figure out her romance life as heroine lends a little something extra beyond the new mysteries each book has to offer. Long time and perfect pitch narrator, Amanda Ronconi adds the delicious icing to the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries goods.
Mermaids and Meringues is the second book in the series, but offers a standalone mystery that makes it easier for a person to read/listen out of order. That said, the personal storyline and character relationship connections are ongoing from the first book.
Rosella has been running away for some time. I was none too keen on her in the first book because she tossed out all the good (family, friends, boyfriend, and the half the town that didn’t care about her magic) with a few vocal bad types and dithers around with other people’s feelings as a result. I found this type of thing continued into this second book to some extent as she still goes about with one foot out the door so to speak. It was lessened, though, and she seems done with badmouthing her hometown and this made it easier to focus on the story’s new mystery and the blossoming chance with Orion, the monster hunter, who really is trying to get past her issues and being so patient even as she can’t seem to figure out her life. So, in essentials, she’s growing and changing and I was happy to see it.
This was a new standalone situation involving a missing mermaid and a possible odd situation of someone being turned into a mermaid. It was fun to see Rosella and Orion working together on this one. She is incensed about the treatment of the mermaids that were captured and ‘owned’ by a rental company and is able to use her animal speaking magic to communicate with the mermaids to help solve the case even as Orion does the research and uses his connections to make the crucial discoveries while using his charm to work through ticklish situations. They finished out the mystery and I liked where they left things when it came to their relationship. That previous background mystery leftover from the first book never came up so I’ll be curious to see what comes of that in later books.
All in all, it improved on the first book for me and left me wanting more from the series with Rosella, her family, her animal friends, Orion, and the paranormal mysteries. Definitely find the enhancement of the audiobook edition and Amanda Ronconi’s talent the best way to experience the series and I recommend it.
I rec'd a digital audiobook from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
Mermaids and Meringues is the second book in the series, but offers a standalone mystery that makes it easier for a person to read/listen out of order. That said, the personal storyline and character relationship connections are ongoing from the first book.
Rosella has been running away for some time. I was none too keen on her in the first book because she tossed out all the good (family, friends, boyfriend, and the half the town that didn’t care about her magic) with a few vocal bad types and dithers around with other people’s feelings as a result. I found this type of thing continued into this second book to some extent as she still goes about with one foot out the door so to speak. It was lessened, though, and she seems done with badmouthing her hometown and this made it easier to focus on the story’s new mystery and the blossoming chance with Orion, the monster hunter, who really is trying to get past her issues and being so patient even as she can’t seem to figure out her life. So, in essentials, she’s growing and changing and I was happy to see it.
This was a new standalone situation involving a missing mermaid and a possible odd situation of someone being turned into a mermaid. It was fun to see Rosella and Orion working together on this one. She is incensed about the treatment of the mermaids that were captured and ‘owned’ by a rental company and is able to use her animal speaking magic to communicate with the mermaids to help solve the case even as Orion does the research and uses his connections to make the crucial discoveries while using his charm to work through ticklish situations. They finished out the mystery and I liked where they left things when it came to their relationship. That previous background mystery leftover from the first book never came up so I’ll be curious to see what comes of that in later books.
All in all, it improved on the first book for me and left me wanting more from the series with Rosella, her family, her animal friends, Orion, and the paranormal mysteries. Definitely find the enhancement of the audiobook edition and Amanda Ronconi’s talent the best way to experience the series and I recommend it.
I rec'd a digital audiobook from Tantor Audio to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2023
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.🎧Mermaids and Meringue is the second book in the paranormal cozy Sugar Shack Witch Mystery series. It takes readers back to the magical town of Winterspell, while giving them the opportunity to catch up with Rosella and Orion. Readers also get the opportunity follow them on their newest adventure, where mermaids play an essential role.
Sprinkles and Sea Serpents introduced readers to Rosella’s unique magical ability to speak to any magical creature or animal. The residents of Winterspell treated her poorly out of fear of her abilities. Unable to tolerate the prejudices, she left Winterspell to live in the human world. However, she would learn no matter how far one runs, one can never run from their past. An accusation of plagiarism left her without a job forcing her to return home. Even after the events of Sprinkles and Serpents, she still harbours uncertainties about her place in Winterspell. Meanwhile, she works in the family bakery. While making a delivery to the bakery on New Year’s Eve, she stumbled on her next adventure. An adventure involving the capture of mermaids for nefarious intentions. With the help of the monster hunter and her prospective love interest, Orion, an investigation is launched.
Although 🎧Mermaids and Meringue focuses on a different mystery, it would be best to read the books in order because of the ongoing relationships between the characters.
I enjoyed the mystery, and I loved how well Orion and worked together to solve it. In the previous installment I sensed a growing chemistry between them, Garrett built on their chemistry in 🎧Mermaids and Meringue. Throughout the course of the investigation they grew closer..... and we see Rosella taking a chance on a relationship with Orion despite her fears.
The author focused not only on the mystery but also on the characters’ relationships, as well as their personal struggles. This added depth to the story.
The mystery concluded on a happy note, especially for the mermaids, and Orion and Rosella are both in a good place regarding their relationship.
Amanda Ronconi continues to do an excellent job with the narration. She has an uncanny ability to bring the story to life. The story has a large cast, which Ronconi seems to handle well, and her voices fit the personalities of the characters. This is a narrator I would listen to over and over again.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
Sprinkles and Sea Serpents introduced readers to Rosella’s unique magical ability to speak to any magical creature or animal. The residents of Winterspell treated her poorly out of fear of her abilities. Unable to tolerate the prejudices, she left Winterspell to live in the human world. However, she would learn no matter how far one runs, one can never run from their past. An accusation of plagiarism left her without a job forcing her to return home. Even after the events of Sprinkles and Serpents, she still harbours uncertainties about her place in Winterspell. Meanwhile, she works in the family bakery. While making a delivery to the bakery on New Year’s Eve, she stumbled on her next adventure. An adventure involving the capture of mermaids for nefarious intentions. With the help of the monster hunter and her prospective love interest, Orion, an investigation is launched.
Although 🎧Mermaids and Meringue focuses on a different mystery, it would be best to read the books in order because of the ongoing relationships between the characters.
I enjoyed the mystery, and I loved how well Orion and worked together to solve it. In the previous installment I sensed a growing chemistry between them, Garrett built on their chemistry in 🎧Mermaids and Meringue. Throughout the course of the investigation they grew closer..... and we see Rosella taking a chance on a relationship with Orion despite her fears.
The author focused not only on the mystery but also on the characters’ relationships, as well as their personal struggles. This added depth to the story.
The mystery concluded on a happy note, especially for the mermaids, and Orion and Rosella are both in a good place regarding their relationship.
Amanda Ronconi continues to do an excellent job with the narration. She has an uncanny ability to bring the story to life. The story has a large cast, which Ronconi seems to handle well, and her voices fit the personalities of the characters. This is a narrator I would listen to over and over again.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
May 29, 2025
Series Info/Source: This is the 3rd book in the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries. I borrowed this on audiobook from Audible.
Thoughts: This was a cute and simple paranormal mystery with a bit of romance in it. I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook is very well done; Amanda Ronconi is an excellent narrator.
In this installment of the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries, Rosella is delivering a cake to a fancy venue when she finds out they have mermaids on display for the event. Rosella sneaks in to talk to the mermaids only to find out that one mermaid has been separated from her daughter and that one of the mermaids didn't start as a mermaid but is a cursed human. Orion just happens to take his vacation in Winterspell and what is supposed to be his and Rosella' first date, ends up being a stake out instead. Rosella is determined to get some info about the company renting out the mermaids and help rescue the missing daughter.
I continue to enjoy the town of Winterspell and Rosella and her relationship both with Orion and her family. This is just a cute, cozy paranormal mystery. Nothing ever gets too dire; there is light humor throughout, and it is an easy and fun listen.
The mystery here wasn't super complex, but it was decent. Rosella and Orion make some progress in their budding relationship in a mature and thought out way. We learn a bit more about both the town of Winterspell and the managing magic organization. Rosella is also starting to find her footing in the Winterspell community and realize she might be able to continue her journalism.
This is one of those books that isn't ground-breaking or amazing, but it is a cute, cozy, feel-good read that is fun. This has been the perfect series to listen to while I am working on remodeling work on my house; it doesn't take too much brain power or concentration to follow, but is still entertaining.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and plan to continue with the series. This is a fun light-hearted paranormal story with a decent mystery, some light romance, and some fun magic. This has very cozy vibes to it and I enjoy the town of Winterspell and Rosella's crazy family. I also enjoyed seeing Rosella start to find her footing and feel better about where her life is going. This is the perfect audiobook to listen to while you are doing mundane activities like cleaning, remodeling etc.
Thoughts: This was a cute and simple paranormal mystery with a bit of romance in it. I listened to this on audiobook and the audiobook is very well done; Amanda Ronconi is an excellent narrator.
In this installment of the Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries, Rosella is delivering a cake to a fancy venue when she finds out they have mermaids on display for the event. Rosella sneaks in to talk to the mermaids only to find out that one mermaid has been separated from her daughter and that one of the mermaids didn't start as a mermaid but is a cursed human. Orion just happens to take his vacation in Winterspell and what is supposed to be his and Rosella' first date, ends up being a stake out instead. Rosella is determined to get some info about the company renting out the mermaids and help rescue the missing daughter.
I continue to enjoy the town of Winterspell and Rosella and her relationship both with Orion and her family. This is just a cute, cozy paranormal mystery. Nothing ever gets too dire; there is light humor throughout, and it is an easy and fun listen.
The mystery here wasn't super complex, but it was decent. Rosella and Orion make some progress in their budding relationship in a mature and thought out way. We learn a bit more about both the town of Winterspell and the managing magic organization. Rosella is also starting to find her footing in the Winterspell community and realize she might be able to continue her journalism.
This is one of those books that isn't ground-breaking or amazing, but it is a cute, cozy, feel-good read that is fun. This has been the perfect series to listen to while I am working on remodeling work on my house; it doesn't take too much brain power or concentration to follow, but is still entertaining.
My Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this and plan to continue with the series. This is a fun light-hearted paranormal story with a decent mystery, some light romance, and some fun magic. This has very cozy vibes to it and I enjoy the town of Winterspell and Rosella's crazy family. I also enjoyed seeing Rosella start to find her footing and feel better about where her life is going. This is the perfect audiobook to listen to while you are doing mundane activities like cleaning, remodeling etc.
March 21, 2022
This book was delayed a very long time and I was so excited to finally be able to continue this series with Rosella! Even after a long delay, I easily fell back in with this magical community, characters, and story.
In the first book we learned that Rosella has a unique magical ability - she can speak to any magical creature or animal. As is the norm when someone is unusual, this resulted in fear of her abilities and some dislike in her community. And she left to live in the human world - but after getting fired, she came home. And is still a bit uncertain of her place - for now, she's working in her family's bakery. I would have liked to see some more development in this storyline about her abilities, as I remember feeling like there was some potential there. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the way she was able to put her unique abilities into play in Mermaids and Meringue.
Turns out, her ability makes it so she can speak to mermaids! And when she encounters some as part of a party entertainment/decoration on New Year's Eve - she learns that things are not all on the up-and-up. This launches an investigation, with the help of her love-interest Orion. I loved as they embarked on the investigation and put all the pieces together. It was some solid detective work, plus they grew closer, and a romance is definitely blooming. I like Orian and am definitely hoping they make things work.
In addition, we see a bit of her family and friends. Her grandmother is hilarious! And then I also loved the reality of her trying to mend things with her friends after years away and estranged. There's a lot of potential for further character growth there.
The narration by Amanda Ronconi was a treat as always. She just knows how to bring these paranormal cozies to life! She has never let me down and I never hesitate to listen to a story she's narrated.
In the first book we learned that Rosella has a unique magical ability - she can speak to any magical creature or animal. As is the norm when someone is unusual, this resulted in fear of her abilities and some dislike in her community. And she left to live in the human world - but after getting fired, she came home. And is still a bit uncertain of her place - for now, she's working in her family's bakery. I would have liked to see some more development in this storyline about her abilities, as I remember feeling like there was some potential there. But otherwise, I really enjoyed the way she was able to put her unique abilities into play in Mermaids and Meringue.
Turns out, her ability makes it so she can speak to mermaids! And when she encounters some as part of a party entertainment/decoration on New Year's Eve - she learns that things are not all on the up-and-up. This launches an investigation, with the help of her love-interest Orion. I loved as they embarked on the investigation and put all the pieces together. It was some solid detective work, plus they grew closer, and a romance is definitely blooming. I like Orian and am definitely hoping they make things work.
In addition, we see a bit of her family and friends. Her grandmother is hilarious! And then I also loved the reality of her trying to mend things with her friends after years away and estranged. There's a lot of potential for further character growth there.
The narration by Amanda Ronconi was a treat as always. She just knows how to bring these paranormal cozies to life! She has never let me down and I never hesitate to listen to a story she's narrated.
February 28, 2024
Fun read
May 21, 2025
3 stars (Audible). Light + cozy. Perfect to get work done without having to concentrate too hard.
August 26, 2025
Mermaids and Meringue was another super quick, light read. The premise was fun and the whimsical touches definitely made me smile, but I found myself wishing for a little more depth to really pull me in. Still, it was an easy book to breeze through, and I enjoyed the cozy escape it gave me.
December 2, 2024
I liked exploring Rosella’s character more in this book… Im happy that she isn’t perfect and that she recognizes that she hasn’t always been the best daughter/friend. It makes her more relatable. 30 years old and a little lost moving back home. That’s a story I can understand.
There a shocking amount of depth in these little books and I’m very much enjoying myself reading these mini magical mysteries.
There a shocking amount of depth in these little books and I’m very much enjoying myself reading these mini magical mysteries.
December 21, 2024
I'm enjoying the mysteries in this series. However, Ella's "woe is me" approach to EVERYTHING is getting on my nerves. She ditched her family and friends but wants back in as of nothing happened. She's so focused on herself that she misses all kinds of hints about her friend Matty and her sisters. She seems to think that she had to do everything alone. She lives in a magical town, but can't find anyone to talk to about curses.
August 21, 2025
Still in Winterspell
… and I couldn’t be better pleased. This is the coziest of cozy towns (and I should know, having been embraced by a cabal of cozy mystery writers over the past few months). In this third book about Rosella, the witch who can speak to animals, she encounters some captive mermaids and with her beau, Orion, the monster hunter, works hard to free them from the company that rents out magical creatures for fancy parties. Meanwhile, Ella continues to wonder if she really wants to stay in her hometown, where she was treated as a dangerous person because of her unusual ability, but where she has good friends and her loving family. It looks as if she’ll stay for a while, and the next book promises to introduce her to Cora, from the nine lives mystery books. So I’m on to the next book.
… and I couldn’t be better pleased. This is the coziest of cozy towns (and I should know, having been embraced by a cabal of cozy mystery writers over the past few months). In this third book about Rosella, the witch who can speak to animals, she encounters some captive mermaids and with her beau, Orion, the monster hunter, works hard to free them from the company that rents out magical creatures for fancy parties. Meanwhile, Ella continues to wonder if she really wants to stay in her hometown, where she was treated as a dangerous person because of her unusual ability, but where she has good friends and her loving family. It looks as if she’ll stay for a while, and the next book promises to introduce her to Cora, from the nine lives mystery books. So I’m on to the next book.
August 23, 2025
This is the first book that I have read in this series. The job of the author is to make readers fall in love with their characters and leave their readers chomping at the bit to get back to the world that they have created. Danielle Garrett did just that. The mystery is not complex and full of twists and turns, but I don't think that's really the point to a lot of modern cozies. I think modern cozies are more about lovable characters, a fun and/or cozy setting, and the warm and fuzzy vibes you get while reading. I will definitely be returning to this series in December.
March 2, 2025
3.5 Rounded to 4 - Mermainds and Meringue!!!!
🧜♀️ Mystery
🧜♀️ Cozy
🧜♀️ Magic
🧜♀️ Witches
🧜♀️ Mermaids
Rosella the Animal Whisperer is Back as she and Orian try to help a tankfull of Mermaids get treated better than animals while tracking down the Human that was cursed with Fins.... All while working at the Magical Bakery with her unique Family - Love her Gran
🧜♀️ Mystery
🧜♀️ Cozy
🧜♀️ Magic
🧜♀️ Witches
🧜♀️ Mermaids
Rosella the Animal Whisperer is Back as she and Orian try to help a tankfull of Mermaids get treated better than animals while tracking down the Human that was cursed with Fins.... All while working at the Magical Bakery with her unique Family - Love her Gran
September 15, 2025
I liked this entry much better than the last one. Ella and Orion are supposed to be going on a New Year's Eve date, but things get derailed when she discovers something very wrong with the mermaids at a local restaurant.
November 11, 2024
I hate how much I enjoy these books 😂
December 17, 2024
cozy
Truly cozy and wonderful. This was a nice low-stakes drama that just fully soothed my anxious soul. I love reading a mystery where no one dies.
Truly cozy and wonderful. This was a nice low-stakes drama that just fully soothed my anxious soul. I love reading a mystery where no one dies.
January 14, 2025
(3.25/5) These books are too cute and I'm a big fan of the reader.
February 7, 2025
Great, cozy little mystery!! Perfect for starting off your new years reading.
April 8, 2025
Cute little hometown themed book with fantasy characters. I like this series for a cute short read.
August 18, 2025
somehow, everyone in town got over the fact they hated rosella within 6 weeks which is crazy (but love the selene cameo).
December 9, 2023
Enjoyable installment in this cozy mystery series. Lots of progress is made with the characters lives, looking forward to see what's next!
February 27, 2025
I'd give this a 3.5 as it was well narrated however I feel like the story fell a bit short. All the same I enjoyed the book on audible.
January 14, 2025
This is a cute sequel to Sprinkles and Sea Serpents, though I didn’t enjoy this story as much as the first one. It is a quick, easy read, and I enjoy the characters. Looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
August 20, 2025
My cover is different.
4.5
RTC
4.5
RTC
December 22, 2024
Free audiobook during chores. It was fine.
January 5, 2025
The mystery part is interesting, but... there is too much time spent talking about the first book and too much explaining instead of describing.
November 24, 2025
Mermaids and Meringue
Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2, by Danielle Garrett
In a Nutshell:
Rosella is stuck delivering catering to a posh, exclusive party thrown by Winterspell’s high-society witches. Curiosity draws her to the tank of mermaids — and she hates seeing them trapped in captivity. When she discovers a kidnapping and ends up locked in with the mermaids herself, she learns the shocking truth about how a witch is turned. It’s the key to raising the mermaids’ profile and the cue for her to investigate.
Story Vibes:
🪄 Mermaids in captivity
💫 High-society witches
🪄 Family warmth and magical politics of othering
💫 Cosy paranormal charm
The Plot:
Rosella arrives to cater a lavish party hosted by Winterspell’s elite witches, only to be distracted by the mermaids held in a glass tank. Her discomfort deepens when she witnesses signs of distress and seperation from family. And she is accidentally locked inside with the mermaids. What she learns changes everything — including the truth about how a witch was turned to a mermaid. Meanwhile, she and Orion attempt their first proper date, but events quickly unravel and Ella finds herself the one needing rescue. As the investigation unfolds, Orion lays his cards on the table and Ella must confront a few personal truths of her own.
The Protagonist:
Rosella continues to grow as a sleuth and as a woman learning to trust her rare gift. Her sense of fairness drives her as strongly as her journalistic instincts, and her compassion for the mermaids shows her moral grounding. The complexity of her relationships — with her devoted family, her supportive sisters, and Orion, the handsome monster hunter — adds emotional depth beyond the simple whodunit. Ella remains thoughtful, determined, and very easy to root for.
Themes & Style:
Bright, fast-paced, and reliably charming. The writing hits every note required for a cosy paranormal mystery, successfully balancing humour, intrigue, and magical politics. The story expands Winterspell’s world, exploring what it means to be “other” even within a paranormal community. Family remains the heart of the series, while the slow-burn romance starts to take shape.
My Thoughts:
A fun, engaging sequel with a clever blend of magical lore and cosy mystery. The mermaid element is handled well, the party setting works beautifully, and Ella’s emotional growth continues in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. The developing relationship with Orion adds warmth without overshadowing the plot. A delightful continuation of a series I’m thoroughly enjoying.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: mild
Violence: mild
Would I read the next one or reread?: Absolutely
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Warm, imaginative, and full of charm.
Sugar Shack Witch Mysteries #2, by Danielle Garrett
In a Nutshell:
Rosella is stuck delivering catering to a posh, exclusive party thrown by Winterspell’s high-society witches. Curiosity draws her to the tank of mermaids — and she hates seeing them trapped in captivity. When she discovers a kidnapping and ends up locked in with the mermaids herself, she learns the shocking truth about how a witch is turned. It’s the key to raising the mermaids’ profile and the cue for her to investigate.
Story Vibes:
🪄 Mermaids in captivity
💫 High-society witches
🪄 Family warmth and magical politics of othering
💫 Cosy paranormal charm
The Plot:
Rosella arrives to cater a lavish party hosted by Winterspell’s elite witches, only to be distracted by the mermaids held in a glass tank. Her discomfort deepens when she witnesses signs of distress and seperation from family. And she is accidentally locked inside with the mermaids. What she learns changes everything — including the truth about how a witch was turned to a mermaid. Meanwhile, she and Orion attempt their first proper date, but events quickly unravel and Ella finds herself the one needing rescue. As the investigation unfolds, Orion lays his cards on the table and Ella must confront a few personal truths of her own.
The Protagonist:
Rosella continues to grow as a sleuth and as a woman learning to trust her rare gift. Her sense of fairness drives her as strongly as her journalistic instincts, and her compassion for the mermaids shows her moral grounding. The complexity of her relationships — with her devoted family, her supportive sisters, and Orion, the handsome monster hunter — adds emotional depth beyond the simple whodunit. Ella remains thoughtful, determined, and very easy to root for.
Themes & Style:
Bright, fast-paced, and reliably charming. The writing hits every note required for a cosy paranormal mystery, successfully balancing humour, intrigue, and magical politics. The story expands Winterspell’s world, exploring what it means to be “other” even within a paranormal community. Family remains the heart of the series, while the slow-burn romance starts to take shape.
My Thoughts:
A fun, engaging sequel with a clever blend of magical lore and cosy mystery. The mermaid element is handled well, the party setting works beautifully, and Ella’s emotional growth continues in a way that feels natural and heartfelt. The developing relationship with Orion adds warmth without overshadowing the plot. A delightful continuation of a series I’m thoroughly enjoying.
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: mild
Violence: mild
Would I read the next one or reread?: Absolutely
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Warm, imaginative, and full of charm.
October 16, 2023
Wowaz! Another great adventure with Ella! It was an interesting mystery with a crazy twist but all in all was good.
The book was kind of short but It was a good book nonetheless. I really like Danielle Garretts world building in the book. She creates this magical cozy place that just sucks you into the adventure. Each time Garrett describes the town it's so cozy and small I just want to live in it. Ella in this adventure must race against time to solve a mystery of a Magical creature company who have shady practices. Then there is a the rumor of a human/magical person turned into a mermaid.
Mystery Wise: The meat and potatoes of this story was great. Ella and O'Ryan really got together to solve this mystery. I thought the side story didnt get much highlighted until toward the end. The main story which I think starts out as the side story was quite interesting. It doesnt bring up the sea monster though from the first book. But as the series continues will we find a sinister plot? Gonna keep reading to find out.
Relationship Wise: Ella and O'Ryan start to finally talk about who they what they want to call their relationship. They seem to be growing on each other, but Ella is still scared. I honestly thought Jake would be the love interest but nope. She also slow begins repairing her friendships that she pretty much sank. I am wondering how it will pan out. There are some relationships developing which wowza was fun and unexpected.
Any who, this was a great read and cant wait to further dive into the adventures in Winterspell
The book was kind of short but It was a good book nonetheless. I really like Danielle Garretts world building in the book. She creates this magical cozy place that just sucks you into the adventure. Each time Garrett describes the town it's so cozy and small I just want to live in it. Ella in this adventure must race against time to solve a mystery of a Magical creature company who have shady practices. Then there is a the rumor of a human/magical person turned into a mermaid.
Mystery Wise: The meat and potatoes of this story was great. Ella and O'Ryan really got together to solve this mystery. I thought the side story didnt get much highlighted until toward the end. The main story which I think starts out as the side story was quite interesting. It doesnt bring up the sea monster though from the first book. But as the series continues will we find a sinister plot? Gonna keep reading to find out.
Relationship Wise: Ella and O'Ryan start to finally talk about who they what they want to call their relationship. They seem to be growing on each other, but Ella is still scared. I honestly thought Jake would be the love interest but nope. She also slow begins repairing her friendships that she pretty much sank. I am wondering how it will pan out. There are some relationships developing which wowza was fun and unexpected.
Any who, this was a great read and cant wait to further dive into the adventures in Winterspell
April 22, 2025
Read book 2 of Danielle Garrett's Sugar Shack Witch Mystery Series for Reddit Fantasy's 2025 Bingo Square Small Press or Self Published. This qualifies for hard mode as it's self published and written by a marginalized (female) author, plus since there are Mermaids, this is going to be part of the Fantasy Creatures themed Bingo card.
TLDR; Seems cute, but the content is about a very serious issue.
Rosella Midnight has just completed a delivery and is about to go on her New Year's date with the handsome Orion when one of the mermaids in a tank, rented for some posh party, makes a desperate plea. The next think you know Orion tells her they can easily just change the plans for their date, gosh, don't you just love a decisive man with a plan?
So we know the mystery, and Rosella and Orion are on the case. There's a bunch of stuff happening as there's also a missing person and mermaids being ... for lack of a better word, Trafficked by a business bent on exploiting their "novelty factor" to rent them out for profits. I spent most of this book anxiously waiting for Rosella to do her thing, and get things fixed despite all the red tape and politics muddying the issue.
This book actually made me legitimately angry. It's supposed to be cozy fantasy, but the very idea of innocent creatures being exploited for entertainment just left a sour taste in my mouth. Especially since said creatures were caught, and definitely not doing this of their own free will. Sadly we see this all too often, in Zoos and Water Parks, which at least have the goal of Conservation for those animals, unlike in this book where it's just entertainment for party guests to gape at.
Part of me is happy this book tried to call attention to a very serious issue, basically transcending entertainment. It made me think because I read this a few days after a visit to the local Zoo, where you can tell that all the keepers are just trying their best to give a good life to the animals there. Sadly, we really have no way of knowing how many of those animals might rather be free and in danger, vs. safe in captivity.
TLDR; Seems cute, but the content is about a very serious issue.
Rosella Midnight has just completed a delivery and is about to go on her New Year's date with the handsome Orion when one of the mermaids in a tank, rented for some posh party, makes a desperate plea. The next think you know Orion tells her they can easily just change the plans for their date, gosh, don't you just love a decisive man with a plan?
So we know the mystery, and Rosella and Orion are on the case. There's a bunch of stuff happening as there's also a missing person and mermaids being ... for lack of a better word, Trafficked by a business bent on exploiting their "novelty factor" to rent them out for profits. I spent most of this book anxiously waiting for Rosella to do her thing, and get things fixed despite all the red tape and politics muddying the issue.
This book actually made me legitimately angry. It's supposed to be cozy fantasy, but the very idea of innocent creatures being exploited for entertainment just left a sour taste in my mouth. Especially since said creatures were caught, and definitely not doing this of their own free will. Sadly we see this all too often, in Zoos and Water Parks, which at least have the goal of Conservation for those animals, unlike in this book where it's just entertainment for party guests to gape at.
Part of me is happy this book tried to call attention to a very serious issue, basically transcending entertainment. It made me think because I read this a few days after a visit to the local Zoo, where you can tell that all the keepers are just trying their best to give a good life to the animals there. Sadly, we really have no way of knowing how many of those animals might rather be free and in danger, vs. safe in captivity.
November 5, 2025
Ella is back living in Winterspell and working at her parents' Sugar Shack, and on a routine sweet delivery she hears the mournful song of a Mermaid. Upon realising her powers allow her to communicate with the mermaid Ella learns of a kidnapping of a young girl who was then turned into a Mermaid. Along with her new friend (and new years eve date) Orion, they search for the missing girl and try to turn her back.
✨ Illegal creature trade and a missing girl
✨️ Low stakes cozy witchy mystery with a sweet romance
✨️ Small town magic and drama
✨️ A witch who talks to creatures and they talk back
✨️ Absolutely hilarious!
This was a great cozy read!! Again, like the first book, I laughed almost the while way through. Amanda Ronconi is back again as the voice of Ella and she has done a brilliant job! I loved seeing more of Ella's family (including her horrible cousin) and friends. And I really love the budding romance between Ella and Orion. It's so sweet and flirty but I also love how realistic Ella is about the relationship. Long distance is hard and he has a dangerous job, I really enjoyed that she acted like a real person and took those things into account, instead of just everything working out easily and perfectly like some romances seem to do.
I also loved that the mermaids were a big part of the story line with several interaction between them, which is something I missed with book 1 and the limited scenes with the serpent.
Overall this series is really enjoyable. So cozy, very funny and just a nice and easy read! I will be continuing this series for sure !
✨ Illegal creature trade and a missing girl
✨️ Low stakes cozy witchy mystery with a sweet romance
✨️ Small town magic and drama
✨️ A witch who talks to creatures and they talk back
✨️ Absolutely hilarious!
This was a great cozy read!! Again, like the first book, I laughed almost the while way through. Amanda Ronconi is back again as the voice of Ella and she has done a brilliant job! I loved seeing more of Ella's family (including her horrible cousin) and friends. And I really love the budding romance between Ella and Orion. It's so sweet and flirty but I also love how realistic Ella is about the relationship. Long distance is hard and he has a dangerous job, I really enjoyed that she acted like a real person and took those things into account, instead of just everything working out easily and perfectly like some romances seem to do.
I also loved that the mermaids were a big part of the story line with several interaction between them, which is something I missed with book 1 and the limited scenes with the serpent.
Overall this series is really enjoyable. So cozy, very funny and just a nice and easy read! I will be continuing this series for sure !
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