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An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #8
Blueberry Blunder
Amanda Flower's USA Today bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mysteries combines a fascinating look at Amish life with the sugar rush of candy making, a quirky whodunit, and a hint of romance between chocolatier Bailey King and her law enforcer boyfriend. This eighth installment raises the charm even more, as filming begins for Bailey's new reality TV show just in time for a big blueberry festival to jam up the small town of Harvest, Ohio.
Bailey King, star of TV's Bailey's Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies--including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .
When Bailey's TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She's not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic--because the filming coincides with Harvest's First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . .
Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together--a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer's list . . .
Bailey King, star of TV's Bailey's Amish Sweets, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. But no sooner is the frame of the new building up than she finds the dead body of a surly contractor who has a long list of enemies--including people in the Amish community. To add to the drama, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for her upcoming show. . .
When Bailey's TV producer pitched a reality show about building the factory, Bailey was shocked that the network picked it up. She's not shocked that many of the Amish working on the jobsite refuse to be on camera. However, local community organizer Margot Rawlings is ecstatic--because the filming coincides with Harvest's First Annual Blueberry Bash. Margot believes the media attention will make Harvest the most popular destination in Holmes County. But now, the county may become known for all the wrong reasons . . .
Bailey will have to sift through a crowd of angry villagers and thousands of blueberries to solve the murder, save her new venture, and protect her Amish friends. At the same time, she and her longtime boyfriend, Aiden Brody, are making big decisions about their future together--a future that may be in jeopardy if Bailey is the next pick on a killer's list . . .
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2023
269 people are currently reading
1914 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,963 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
July 1, 2023
In
Blueberry Blunder
, author Amanda Flower weaves threads of candy making, Amish life, the filming of a reality show, a bit of romance, and a murder into a well-written story with some laugh-out-loud moments interspersed with humor, somber moments, and sleuthing.
Bailey King, the star of a television baking show, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. Amid construction delays, Bailey and her cousin Charlotte find the body of a building contractor with many enemies. Additionally, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for an upcoming reality show and her boyfriend Aiden is heading back to Harvest to start his own private investigator firm. All of this is happening while Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash is underway. The sheriff is fast to accuse and quick to make an arrest. But does he have the right person?
Bailey has a natural curiosity which ties in with her desire to sleuth. She also has trouble saying no, which is somewhat surprising considering the number of years she worked in New York. The other main characters are well-defined and have depth and come to life.
The writing style immediately drew me into the story. This author does a great job of blending non-Amish and Amish life as well as helping readers understand the differences that can occur in rules abided by different Amish districts. The mystery is well-done with several suspects that will keep readers guessing. Additionally, humor and pets show up throughout the novel. Besides what’s already been mentioned, themes of family, friendship, deception, and more add depth to the story.
Overall, this engaging, heartwarming, funny, and interesting mystery kept me entertained. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it is best read in order. As usual, there is a tasty recipe at the end of the novel. Readers of cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this book and the entire series.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 23, 2023.
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My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Bailey King, the star of a television baking show, is building her dream candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. Amid construction delays, Bailey and her cousin Charlotte find the body of a building contractor with many enemies. Additionally, Bailey is being filmed by a crew for an upcoming reality show and her boyfriend Aiden is heading back to Harvest to start his own private investigator firm. All of this is happening while Harvest’s First Annual Blueberry Bash is underway. The sheriff is fast to accuse and quick to make an arrest. But does he have the right person?
Bailey has a natural curiosity which ties in with her desire to sleuth. She also has trouble saying no, which is somewhat surprising considering the number of years she worked in New York. The other main characters are well-defined and have depth and come to life.
The writing style immediately drew me into the story. This author does a great job of blending non-Amish and Amish life as well as helping readers understand the differences that can occur in rules abided by different Amish districts. The mystery is well-done with several suspects that will keep readers guessing. Additionally, humor and pets show up throughout the novel. Besides what’s already been mentioned, themes of family, friendship, deception, and more add depth to the story.
Overall, this engaging, heartwarming, funny, and interesting mystery kept me entertained. While this book can be read as a standalone novel, it is best read in order. As usual, there is a tasty recipe at the end of the novel. Readers of cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this book and the entire series.
I received a digital copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was May 23, 2023.
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My 4.09 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
May 17, 2023
I have jumped into this series at book 8 but I enjoyed it very much anyway.
Bailey King is responsible for the great success of the family candy shop and is trying to establish a candy factory. Her grandmother is Amish, and there is a nice blend of Amish and non Amish characters throughout the story. There is also a very cute and naughty pig called Jethro.
The story is good and the mystery interesting. I did not guess who the murderer was. There is a very romantic ending which left me with a smile on my face. Well worth reading!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Bailey King is responsible for the great success of the family candy shop and is trying to establish a candy factory. Her grandmother is Amish, and there is a nice blend of Amish and non Amish characters throughout the story. There is also a very cute and naughty pig called Jethro.
The story is good and the mystery interesting. I did not guess who the murderer was. There is a very romantic ending which left me with a smile on my face. Well worth reading!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 9, 2023
This is the 8th book in the Amish Candy Shop mystery series and I have read several and enjoyed them all completely. I love this world that Amanda Flower has created and I especially love that it gives a glimpse into another world. Bailey is working on her candy factory, but construction seems to have stalled out completely which is impacting not only her targeted opening date but also the show that had been proposed about the factory. Finally enough is enough and she confronts the contractor who insists she just needs to pay more money. When he is found dead the sheriff, already no fan of Bailey, decides she must be the prime suspect. Of course Bailey has to investigate to try to find out who truly killed the contractor. I liked the progression with Bailey’s relationship with Aiden and with Charlotte in this one. Every book develops the characters and relationships just a little more. This is definitely a great addition to the series.
May 15, 2023
This is a great series that I have enjoyed from the beginning with Bailey King, her boyfriend Aiden, his mom Juliet, her potbellied pig, Jethro, and other recurring characters. This story is especially good because Bailey's boyfriend, Aiden, is moving back to town after working for the state law enforcement agency for the past year. Bailey is getting a new factory built to sell their Amish candies from Swissmen Sweets Candy Shop, owned with her Amish grandmother, out of town. When work stalls on the building, she fires the contractor but that night someone killed him. She, along with her cousin Charlotte set out to find the killer when Charlotte's estranged father is accused. The contractor was not a nice man and there are others unhappy with him, so they had their work cut out for them. This book has lots going on with Charlotte's upcoming wedding and family issues and a film crew in town to film Bailey's factory building. This is a complicated mystery to solve with an interesting conclusion that I didn't see coming and on another note, a very happy, satisfying ending. Another winner for Amanda Flower.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
May 23, 2023
I have read every book in this series and loved all of them. I appreciate how Author Amanda Flower can blend together both Amish and non Amish characters making her stories seem so realistic . After all these years I’ve become so familiar with most of the characters that I think of them as my friends. Blueberry Blunder is a perplexing, unpredictable mystery that will keep readers guessing till near the end of the book. It definitely was a page turner that was very hard to put down after I started reading it. The ending surprised me in more ways than one. I wasn’t disappointed in the way things turned out. I can truthfully say that Amanda Flower is my favorite Cozy Mystery Author!
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and to fans of the Author. This book is scheduled to be released on 5/23/23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#BlueberryBlunder#NetGalley
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy Mystery and to fans of the Author. This book is scheduled to be released on 5/23/23.
I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#BlueberryBlunder#NetGalley
April 24, 2023
Review coming soon.
August 8, 2023
Another great addition to the series.
May 28, 2023
It really pains me to give this 2 stars; I have loved this series from book 1, but for me, the last two have been just so...unsatisfactory. As this book went on, I just became more and more disappointed and there were several moments where I wondered if the author just has too much on her plate and her beloved series is suffering because of it.
What I didn't like
* Bailey. WHERE did the NYC-strong, independent, respectful woman go to and why do we now have a hand-wringing, disrespectful [even when she is mad at the crew filming an Amish prayer-meeting, she doesn't do nearly enough as she would have at the beginning of the series and DO NOT EVEN get me started at how she is continually blowing off her grandmother <--it is INFURIATING], wishy-washy MC? Never have I seen a MC do such a 360 degree shift and it is absolutely NOT a good thing.
* Very little of Clara, Bailey's grandmother. Though, if all Bailey is going to do is disrespect her, I guess I am glad she isn't in the story much.
* The whole Jethro thing. I mean, it was cute at first, but now?? And how selfish is Juliet that she continually shoves HER pet on an already over-stressed Bailey? And could Bailey grow a backbone pleaseandthankyou? There is NO WAY anyone would cart that obnoxious animal all over creation whilst trying to have a factory built and running a business.
* Bailey's relationship with Aiden. UGH. They used to be such a lovely couple, but their relationship didn't define each other and they each did their own thing and that seems to have disappeared. I don't know exactly what it is, but there is something there that is...meh.
* The story/mystery. I knew 12 minutes into the story [I {unfortunately} listened to this one; more on that later] who was going to die, and by 25-30%, I knew the who, the what, and the why. There was only one part of the story that I was wrong about [and I was really glad about it], but everything else I knew. At one point, I wished that I could have someone read the reveal for me and see if I was right so I could just quit and move on. Alas, no one was available and I had to read until the end. It was so disappointing.
A note about the narration: I am not sure that the narrator has ever talked to or been around anyone who is Amish, as her narration of them in the book was awful, disrespectful and borderline disrespectful. The Amish aren't some quaint, weird-talking, uneducated hicks; I live amongst the Amish and most of them that I have had contact with are amazing people, who speak just like I do [some have a slight accent from speaking mostly Pennsylvania Dutch, but their english is outstanding] and I found how the narrator depicted them in her narration was just not okay. If I an unable to read read the next book, I will have to pass as I cannot and will not listen to her narrate one of these books again.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me [and is even more disappointing because the previous book was also meh] and I am still, a day later, very disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Flower, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What I didn't like
* Bailey. WHERE did the NYC-strong, independent, respectful woman go to and why do we now have a hand-wringing, disrespectful [even when she is mad at the crew filming an Amish prayer-meeting, she doesn't do nearly enough as she would have at the beginning of the series and DO NOT EVEN get me started at how she is continually blowing off her grandmother <--it is INFURIATING], wishy-washy MC? Never have I seen a MC do such a 360 degree shift and it is absolutely NOT a good thing.
* Very little of Clara, Bailey's grandmother. Though, if all Bailey is going to do is disrespect her, I guess I am glad she isn't in the story much.
* The whole Jethro thing. I mean, it was cute at first, but now?? And how selfish is Juliet that she continually shoves HER pet on an already over-stressed Bailey? And could Bailey grow a backbone pleaseandthankyou? There is NO WAY anyone would cart that obnoxious animal all over creation whilst trying to have a factory built and running a business.
* Bailey's relationship with Aiden. UGH. They used to be such a lovely couple, but their relationship didn't define each other and they each did their own thing and that seems to have disappeared. I don't know exactly what it is, but there is something there that is...meh.
* The story/mystery. I knew 12 minutes into the story [I {unfortunately} listened to this one; more on that later] who was going to die, and by 25-30%, I knew the who, the what, and the why. There was only one part of the story that I was wrong about [and I was really glad about it], but everything else I knew. At one point, I wished that I could have someone read the reveal for me and see if I was right so I could just quit and move on. Alas, no one was available and I had to read until the end. It was so disappointing.
A note about the narration: I am not sure that the narrator has ever talked to or been around anyone who is Amish, as her narration of them in the book was awful, disrespectful and borderline disrespectful. The Amish aren't some quaint, weird-talking, uneducated hicks; I live amongst the Amish and most of them that I have had contact with are amazing people, who speak just like I do [some have a slight accent from speaking mostly Pennsylvania Dutch, but their english is outstanding] and I found how the narrator depicted them in her narration was just not okay. If I an unable to read read the next book, I will have to pass as I cannot and will not listen to her narrate one of these books again.
Overall, this book just didn't work for me [and is even more disappointing because the previous book was also meh] and I am still, a day later, very disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Flower, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2023
Bailey's dream of having a candy factory is finally coming true. The construction had begun but now things have come to a standstill and it has been two months since anything has been done. So, Bailey makes the tough decision to fire general contractor. Now she has even bigger problems.
This is a great addition to the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Setting the story in the Amish communities of Ohio gives the story a unique twist. Furthermore, the distinct personalities of the characters keep the reader interested from beginning to end. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is a great addition to the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Setting the story in the Amish communities of Ohio gives the story a unique twist. Furthermore, the distinct personalities of the characters keep the reader interested from beginning to end. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 1, 2023
I just love the characters of the book especially Jethro. I loved the mystery and following the clues. I really liked how Aiden & Bailey teamed up asking questions. The ending was so cute, I can't wait to see what happens next.
June 24, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
We arrive in Harvest, Ohio just in time for the First Annual Blueberry Bash complete with a Blueberry Princess, blueberry pies, and blueberry fudge. While Bailey King has been busy making tons of fudge she also has to deal with a contractor who has stopped working on the Swissman Sweets Candy Factory until she pays him more money. She is not falling for his games. If he can't abide by the contract they signed including the payment schedule he was fired. To add more stress her network has green-lighted a reality show about building the factory so she has a cameraman and a pushy producer following her everywhere she goes. Margot Rawlings, the organizer of all the special events in Harvest is practically dancing with glee about the project because it includes the Blueberry Bash and it will bring tons of tourists to the little town that thrives on visitor dollars.
But tragedy strikes soon after the first day of the bash when Bailey finds her former contractor dead in her shell of a factory. It isn't long before she finds out he angered quite a few of his customers, even some of the Amish. So she has another murder mystery to solve and the police's main suspect hits pretty close to home. She is excited that her boyfriend Aiden is coming back to Harvest to take his career in a new direction but he isn't going to like her getting involved in another murder.
Can she track down the real killer, get the factory back on track, and really plan a future with Aiden? Or will she be the killer's next victim?
____
Ms. Flower has created a very strong core cast of characters in her Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series, both human and animal. The humans are so genuine and true to life in a small town where the English and Amish reside close together. Many are unsure about Bailey's factory including her Amish grandmother but Bailey hopes they will see the many good things the factory will bring, like jobs. Bailey and others like community organizer Margot Rawlings are very mindful and consider the Amish community in everything they do. Bailey also opens her heart to people like her cousin who has left the Amish way of life to pursue a life among the English. As for the animals, Jethro, the miniature pot-bellied pig spends a lot of time with Bailey in this story but her rabbit and the candy shop's kitten are always around too. I love how they all get along so well together, better than most people.
Bailey's contractor was not a nice man and he was clearly hiding something. After his death so much was revealed that the suspect list really grew. Bailey worked hard trying to get answers and I love tagging along with her and she tries to get all the clues and evidence to fall into place. In Blueberry Blunder she is hindered by a television producer with her own agenda especially when Bailey is trying to get information from members of the Amish community who don't allow their pictures to be taken or their happenings filmed. Bailey was their champion and I loved how she stood up for them.
The ending served up quite a surprise, someone I thought maybe was behind everything but I discounted them early when I clearly should have kept them on my list. I will say the ending though was a bit abrupt as a conversation turned into a huge reveal. I was like WHOA! That was not how I thought that would happen. I loved being surprised but still thought there would be more tippy-toeing around before the guilty party would be apprehended but it was a great conclusion for the mystery.
After the mystery was all wrapped up a wonderful event took place followed quickly by another. I had a tear or two in my eye. Thank you, Amanda Flower for such a fantastic ending.
Blueberry Blunder has everything cozy lovers love. Fabulous characters, a marvelous mystery, perfect amounts of humor and romance all set in a town everyone would love to visit. I am so excited for this series to continue.
We arrive in Harvest, Ohio just in time for the First Annual Blueberry Bash complete with a Blueberry Princess, blueberry pies, and blueberry fudge. While Bailey King has been busy making tons of fudge she also has to deal with a contractor who has stopped working on the Swissman Sweets Candy Factory until she pays him more money. She is not falling for his games. If he can't abide by the contract they signed including the payment schedule he was fired. To add more stress her network has green-lighted a reality show about building the factory so she has a cameraman and a pushy producer following her everywhere she goes. Margot Rawlings, the organizer of all the special events in Harvest is practically dancing with glee about the project because it includes the Blueberry Bash and it will bring tons of tourists to the little town that thrives on visitor dollars.
But tragedy strikes soon after the first day of the bash when Bailey finds her former contractor dead in her shell of a factory. It isn't long before she finds out he angered quite a few of his customers, even some of the Amish. So she has another murder mystery to solve and the police's main suspect hits pretty close to home. She is excited that her boyfriend Aiden is coming back to Harvest to take his career in a new direction but he isn't going to like her getting involved in another murder.
Can she track down the real killer, get the factory back on track, and really plan a future with Aiden? Or will she be the killer's next victim?
____
Ms. Flower has created a very strong core cast of characters in her Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series, both human and animal. The humans are so genuine and true to life in a small town where the English and Amish reside close together. Many are unsure about Bailey's factory including her Amish grandmother but Bailey hopes they will see the many good things the factory will bring, like jobs. Bailey and others like community organizer Margot Rawlings are very mindful and consider the Amish community in everything they do. Bailey also opens her heart to people like her cousin who has left the Amish way of life to pursue a life among the English. As for the animals, Jethro, the miniature pot-bellied pig spends a lot of time with Bailey in this story but her rabbit and the candy shop's kitten are always around too. I love how they all get along so well together, better than most people.
Bailey's contractor was not a nice man and he was clearly hiding something. After his death so much was revealed that the suspect list really grew. Bailey worked hard trying to get answers and I love tagging along with her and she tries to get all the clues and evidence to fall into place. In Blueberry Blunder she is hindered by a television producer with her own agenda especially when Bailey is trying to get information from members of the Amish community who don't allow their pictures to be taken or their happenings filmed. Bailey was their champion and I loved how she stood up for them.
The ending served up quite a surprise, someone I thought maybe was behind everything but I discounted them early when I clearly should have kept them on my list. I will say the ending though was a bit abrupt as a conversation turned into a huge reveal. I was like WHOA! That was not how I thought that would happen. I loved being surprised but still thought there would be more tippy-toeing around before the guilty party would be apprehended but it was a great conclusion for the mystery.
After the mystery was all wrapped up a wonderful event took place followed quickly by another. I had a tear or two in my eye. Thank you, Amanda Flower for such a fantastic ending.
Blueberry Blunder has everything cozy lovers love. Fabulous characters, a marvelous mystery, perfect amounts of humor and romance all set in a town everyone would love to visit. I am so excited for this series to continue.
June 8, 2023
There is something sour in the candy world and it isn't the candy! Once again, we are treated to a wonderfully written mystery set in the Amish Candy Shop and Bailey King is once again in the center of the investigation. This time things take a deadly turn and Bailey may be the next person caught in the crossfire. An intriguing tale of murder, marriage, crooked construction and so much more are on the agenda in this book. You won't want to miss it! I am amazed that the author keeps coming up with such creative storylines to entertain and delight us with. I can't wait to see what happens for Bailey and crew in the next installment!
May 23, 2023
A TV crew is in Harvest to film a reality show based on the building of Bailey’s dream candy factory. Margot, the town’s event organizer, is thrilled, since the filming coincides with Harvest’s first Annual Blueberry Bash. But when Bailey’s contractor turns up dead – in the unfinished factory – the television show could generate all the wrong kinds of publicity.
This is book #8 in one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and I was excited to return to Harvest for a visit with Bailey, Charlotte, Aiden – and of course, Jethro. I live not far from ‘real’ Amish country here in Pennsylvania – not the version of the Amish that tourists often see – so it’s easy to picture the Amish community in and around Harvest, and also easy to understand why some of them don’t want anything to do with the English part of the town.
The recurring characters are like old friends by now, and I have enjoyed watching their relationships grow and change as the series has progressed. Some of the characters from this author’s Amish matchmaker series are getting bigger parts in this series, and that’s been fun, although I’ll admit to waiting for Peter and Philip to show up :) A few new characters were introduced in this book, and I have to say that I won’t miss some of them if they don’t return. Every time they showed up in a scene, it set my teeth on edge.
The murder victim was not very well liked, even among the Amish community, so there were quite a few suspects to consider, as well as several other puzzles to solve. I’ll admit that it made me happy when Bailey and the rest began to suspect one of the characters who eventually was revealed to be involved, but I didn’t have the entire situation worked out before it was revealed in the book.
I’m eager to read the next book in the series to learn what happens next and how the fallout of this book’s conclusion affects my book friends and the rest of the town.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is book #8 in one of my favorite cozy mystery series, and I was excited to return to Harvest for a visit with Bailey, Charlotte, Aiden – and of course, Jethro. I live not far from ‘real’ Amish country here in Pennsylvania – not the version of the Amish that tourists often see – so it’s easy to picture the Amish community in and around Harvest, and also easy to understand why some of them don’t want anything to do with the English part of the town.
The recurring characters are like old friends by now, and I have enjoyed watching their relationships grow and change as the series has progressed. Some of the characters from this author’s Amish matchmaker series are getting bigger parts in this series, and that’s been fun, although I’ll admit to waiting for Peter and Philip to show up :) A few new characters were introduced in this book, and I have to say that I won’t miss some of them if they don’t return. Every time they showed up in a scene, it set my teeth on edge.
The murder victim was not very well liked, even among the Amish community, so there were quite a few suspects to consider, as well as several other puzzles to solve. I’ll admit that it made me happy when Bailey and the rest began to suspect one of the characters who eventually was revealed to be involved, but I didn’t have the entire situation worked out before it was revealed in the book.
I’m eager to read the next book in the series to learn what happens next and how the fallout of this book’s conclusion affects my book friends and the rest of the town.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 27, 2023
#BlueberryBlunder #NetGalley is the 8th book in this sweet series by Amanda Flower.
Bailey is working hard to continue to grow the family chocolate shop, but things tend to go awry when she has to fire the contractor who is building her new factory.
It seems Wade has a nasty reputation, so when he's found, murdered, it really comes as no surprise.
Things turn ugly quickly when Bailey's cousin Charlotte learns her father is the prime suspect.
When Charlotte left her Amish beliefs behind to marry her true love, her family ignored her, especially her father.
Charlotte insists that she and Bailey investigate, she knows her father has a temper, but would this quiet Amish man kill another person?
This is a great addition to the series, I enjoyed
Bailey is working hard to continue to grow the family chocolate shop, but things tend to go awry when she has to fire the contractor who is building her new factory.
It seems Wade has a nasty reputation, so when he's found, murdered, it really comes as no surprise.
Things turn ugly quickly when Bailey's cousin Charlotte learns her father is the prime suspect.
When Charlotte left her Amish beliefs behind to marry her true love, her family ignored her, especially her father.
Charlotte insists that she and Bailey investigate, she knows her father has a temper, but would this quiet Amish man kill another person?
This is a great addition to the series, I enjoyed
May 24, 2023
Blueberry Blunder is the eighth book in the An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower.
Since moving back to Harvest, Bailey has dreamed of expanding the candy-making side of the business. Using money from her television show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, and a new reality show following the construction of the new building. Under the original plan, the building should have been nearly done when it wasn’t even halfway. Bailey has finally decided to get rid of her contractor, Wade Farmer, who has pulled his work crew from the site demanding more money to pay for price increases in materials and wages. Wade’s parting words were that Bailey would be sorry for firing him. As if Bailey didn’t have enough on her plate already, Margot, event planner for Harvest, entices Bailey into being the Blueberry Queen for the Blueberry Festival to take place the next day. Fortunately for Bailey, the dress doesn’t fit, and she talks her cousin, Charlotte, into being the festival queen. While at the festival, Bailey overhears Wade in an argument with another man, who she believes might be Amish. That night before heading to bed, Bailey decides to check out the new building to ensure no damage has happened. Her cousin, Charlotte, invites herself to go also. Everything seems to be as it was left that afternoon until Bailey shines her flashlight on the scaffolding and sees the lifeless body of Wade.
Bailey wishes that the film crew, Devon, the producer, and Z, the cameraman, who are there to film the construction, would leave so she can investigate without being followed everywhere she goes. She soon finds that Wade has treated several people like he had Bailey. So several suspects. She will discover that possibly Charlotte’s estranged father might have been responsible. Unfortunately for Bailey, Sheriff Marshall has taken over the investigation. He doesn’t get along with the Amish. Nor does he get along with Bailey because of her relationship with Aiden, a former deputy under the Sheriff. Aiden has finished his work with BCI and will return to Harvest and become a private detective. Millie and Lois, from the Amish Matchmaker series, will also help Bailey with her investigation.
Ms. Flower always provides readers with a well-written, plotted, and wonderfully descriptive story; Blueberry Blunder is no exception. The characters are well-developed and believable. Jethro, the polka-dot pig, is around being his ornery self and providing a few laughs, as usual.
A delicious-sounding recipe and a sneak peek of the next Amish Matchmaker Mystery series book, Dating Can Be Deadly, are included, due October 2923.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
Since moving back to Harvest, Bailey has dreamed of expanding the candy-making side of the business. Using money from her television show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, and a new reality show following the construction of the new building. Under the original plan, the building should have been nearly done when it wasn’t even halfway. Bailey has finally decided to get rid of her contractor, Wade Farmer, who has pulled his work crew from the site demanding more money to pay for price increases in materials and wages. Wade’s parting words were that Bailey would be sorry for firing him. As if Bailey didn’t have enough on her plate already, Margot, event planner for Harvest, entices Bailey into being the Blueberry Queen for the Blueberry Festival to take place the next day. Fortunately for Bailey, the dress doesn’t fit, and she talks her cousin, Charlotte, into being the festival queen. While at the festival, Bailey overhears Wade in an argument with another man, who she believes might be Amish. That night before heading to bed, Bailey decides to check out the new building to ensure no damage has happened. Her cousin, Charlotte, invites herself to go also. Everything seems to be as it was left that afternoon until Bailey shines her flashlight on the scaffolding and sees the lifeless body of Wade.
Bailey wishes that the film crew, Devon, the producer, and Z, the cameraman, who are there to film the construction, would leave so she can investigate without being followed everywhere she goes. She soon finds that Wade has treated several people like he had Bailey. So several suspects. She will discover that possibly Charlotte’s estranged father might have been responsible. Unfortunately for Bailey, Sheriff Marshall has taken over the investigation. He doesn’t get along with the Amish. Nor does he get along with Bailey because of her relationship with Aiden, a former deputy under the Sheriff. Aiden has finished his work with BCI and will return to Harvest and become a private detective. Millie and Lois, from the Amish Matchmaker series, will also help Bailey with her investigation.
Ms. Flower always provides readers with a well-written, plotted, and wonderfully descriptive story; Blueberry Blunder is no exception. The characters are well-developed and believable. Jethro, the polka-dot pig, is around being his ornery self and providing a few laughs, as usual.
A delicious-sounding recipe and a sneak peek of the next Amish Matchmaker Mystery series book, Dating Can Be Deadly, are included, due October 2923.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.
June 2, 2023
Aiden has returned to Harvest to hang out his shingle as a private investigator. This time Bailey and Aiden work together to solve the murder of local contractor Wade Farmer. Sheriff Jackson Marshall, whose nasty personality has been hinted at throughout the series, makes his appearance in Blueberry Blunder and his reputation is well-earned. There are multiple suspects with plenty to gain with Farmer’s death. Numerous twists and turns send a reader down multiple paths while trying to solve the case. The murder isn’t the only issue raised in the book.
Bailey’s cousin, Charlotte King, is engaged to be married to Deputy Luke Little. Charlotte was shunned by her family after she left the Amish. Now that her marriage is close, Charlotte wants her family at her wedding, but her father is unmovable. When Charlotte left her ultra-strict order, she also ceased to be a member of the family. Charlotte is still grieving that loss, and the reader begins to understand the cost Charlotte has paid to pursue living life on her terms. We also meet Luke’s parents, and they are a trial unto themselves. From DC, neither understands the choices their son has made-in where he lives, in what he does, or the fact his fiancée is former Amish. In other words, both are marrying outside of their expected social circle and neither set of parents is happy about it.
I enjoyed reading all the books in this series, and Blueberry Blunder was no exception. If you like murder mysteries with humor, well-developed characters in a simple, yet complex setting, and a puzzling mystery, then give this series a try.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the author for providing copies of #blueberryblunder
Bailey’s cousin, Charlotte King, is engaged to be married to Deputy Luke Little. Charlotte was shunned by her family after she left the Amish. Now that her marriage is close, Charlotte wants her family at her wedding, but her father is unmovable. When Charlotte left her ultra-strict order, she also ceased to be a member of the family. Charlotte is still grieving that loss, and the reader begins to understand the cost Charlotte has paid to pursue living life on her terms. We also meet Luke’s parents, and they are a trial unto themselves. From DC, neither understands the choices their son has made-in where he lives, in what he does, or the fact his fiancée is former Amish. In other words, both are marrying outside of their expected social circle and neither set of parents is happy about it.
I enjoyed reading all the books in this series, and Blueberry Blunder was no exception. If you like murder mysteries with humor, well-developed characters in a simple, yet complex setting, and a puzzling mystery, then give this series a try.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the author for providing copies of #blueberryblunder
August 28, 2023
I love the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series and Blueberry Blunder was another great addition to the series. Bailey King, is building a Swissman Sweets candy factory in Harvest, Ohio. The TV Producer of her show, Bailey's Amish Sweets, want to film the building and opening of the factory, and sends a producer and cameraman to Harvest. When the builder she hired starts bullying her to pay more money and stops working on her project, she fires him. He threatens her with legal action, but she has the law on her side. That night, she feels funny about what he might do, so she goes to check out the building and finds Wade, dead on the scaffolding in the factory. The argument had been filmed adding to Bailey's stress and making her look guilty. Will the filming make Harvest look bad and cause tourists to stay away? When Bailey's cousin Charlotte's father gets arrested for the murder, Bailey is asked to help find the real killer by his wife. With a blueberry festival happening, Aiden returning to Harvest to open his own PI business, Charlotte's wedding coming up, filming a reality show, trying to find a new contractor and find the murderer, Bailey has way too much going on in her life. Will she be able to sort everything out in time for Charlotte's wedding?
Bailey, her family and friends and all the residents of Harvest are wonderful characters. I love spending time with them, especially catching up with Jethro the pig. This was a tricky mystery with several suspects. Once a motive for some was discovered, Bailey was on the hunt. This book had the Sheriff involved in the case, which was different, he usually just sat in the station and stuck his nose in every now and then. He is one of the few characters I disliked in this series. Millie and Lois also make an appearance from Amanda Flower's other Amish series, which was fun. With so much going on, this story moved quickly and kept me reading and listening. I thought I knew who the murderer was and I was partially right, but wow, the ending was totally unexpected. I really enjoyed this one and say, you outdid yourself Ms. Flower. I did a read listen and once again enjoyed both formats. Rebecca Mitchell has narrated all the books in this series that I have listened to and I enjoy her performance. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
Bailey, her family and friends and all the residents of Harvest are wonderful characters. I love spending time with them, especially catching up with Jethro the pig. This was a tricky mystery with several suspects. Once a motive for some was discovered, Bailey was on the hunt. This book had the Sheriff involved in the case, which was different, he usually just sat in the station and stuck his nose in every now and then. He is one of the few characters I disliked in this series. Millie and Lois also make an appearance from Amanda Flower's other Amish series, which was fun. With so much going on, this story moved quickly and kept me reading and listening. I thought I knew who the murderer was and I was partially right, but wow, the ending was totally unexpected. I really enjoyed this one and say, you outdid yourself Ms. Flower. I did a read listen and once again enjoyed both formats. Rebecca Mitchell has narrated all the books in this series that I have listened to and I enjoy her performance. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
May 17, 2023
I have made a return visit to Harvest, Ohio thanks to the author. My previous visit was to meet Millie who is Amish and her best friend, Lois, who is not. I also met a few other members of the community like Margot, Ruth Yoder and Juliet and her polka-dotted pig Jethro.
Well, like I said I’m back and this time I’m visiting with Bailey King of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Although Bailey’s parents have chosen to no longer be Amish she has returned to Harvest to work in her Grandmaama’s Sweetmen Sweets candy store where she is still considered by some as an outsider especially since she is determined to build a candy factory in town. Automated equipment! When her builder demands more money and stops work on the factory Bailey knows she will never make the August opening she was counting on.
As time passe Bailey is determined to fire Wade and he is angered when she does so. Not very long after his firing Wade is found dead during the Blueberry Bash and Bailey seems to have a motive. With the help of her cousin Charlotte she begins to to investigate exactly what happened.
This was a fun trip back to Harvest, Ohio and a visit with so many of the familiar characters and a few new ones.
Thank you to Kensington Books and the author Amanda Flowers for a delightful getaway to Harvest.
Well, like I said I’m back and this time I’m visiting with Bailey King of TV’s Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Although Bailey’s parents have chosen to no longer be Amish she has returned to Harvest to work in her Grandmaama’s Sweetmen Sweets candy store where she is still considered by some as an outsider especially since she is determined to build a candy factory in town. Automated equipment! When her builder demands more money and stops work on the factory Bailey knows she will never make the August opening she was counting on.
As time passe Bailey is determined to fire Wade and he is angered when she does so. Not very long after his firing Wade is found dead during the Blueberry Bash and Bailey seems to have a motive. With the help of her cousin Charlotte she begins to to investigate exactly what happened.
This was a fun trip back to Harvest, Ohio and a visit with so many of the familiar characters and a few new ones.
Thank you to Kensington Books and the author Amanda Flowers for a delightful getaway to Harvest.
May 8, 2023
I was very happy to be able to read the 8th book in Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop mystery.. Since the first book I have enjoyed reading about the small town of Harvest, Ohio. The characters are so much fun, and I have learned a lot about the Amish way of life at the same time. And what can I say about Jethro, Juliet's pet pig? I also like the way she has lately incorporated characters from her Amish Matchmaker series, also set in the same town. This is another good series and it is fun to see everyone interacting, just as they would in real life. This series should be read in order, as it follows the lives of Bailey and her friends and relatives as they face life's adventures in each new book. Looking forward to the next book in each series! Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read this.
May 4, 2024
Bailey's got her hands full between the construction of her candy factory and the team from NYC to film it as a continuation of her series on Amish candies. Unfortunately the construction has come to a complete stop for almost two months due to a list of issues from the general contractor, all leading to his demands for more cash before he starts up again. For once she was relieved to have the camera on when she fired him keeping him somewhat in control of himself. But later she overheard him vowing she would be sorry... starting tonight.
The story ties together life in an Amish tourist town, daily life of many of the Amish with a good murder mystery. All your favorite characters are here, especially Jethro, the pet pig. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story ties together life in an Amish tourist town, daily life of many of the Amish with a good murder mystery. All your favorite characters are here, especially Jethro, the pet pig. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2023
This is a fun cozy mystery that I really enjoyed. We’re back in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where many of the residents travel by horse and buggy.
Bailey from Swissman’s Sweets is building a factory to increase candy production. The locals have mixed feelings about it, but when a dead body turns up inside they’re really shocked.
I liked the plot, and I didn’t guess the culprit until the end. The characters are fun, especially Jethro the pig! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
Bailey from Swissman’s Sweets is building a factory to increase candy production. The locals have mixed feelings about it, but when a dead body turns up inside they’re really shocked.
I liked the plot, and I didn’t guess the culprit until the end. The characters are fun, especially Jethro the pig! 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
May 25, 2023
If Amanda Flower writes it, I read it.
I have loved this series from the beginning and it just keeps getting better. I have no idea what more I can say.
Love, family, candy, an annoying pig, and murder!!
I cannot wait for book 9!! It’s gonna be great!!!
I have loved this series from the beginning and it just keeps getting better. I have no idea what more I can say.
Love, family, candy, an annoying pig, and murder!!
I cannot wait for book 9!! It’s gonna be great!!!
July 9, 2024
The murder plot was very interesting, and I was surprised at how it ended. I also enjoyed the inside look into the lives of some of the Amish residents in Harvest, Ohio. (I had never heard of the Beachy Amish! )Of course, I also enjoyed the regular characters of the series. I understand that the ninth book in the series will be published in several months, and I look forward to reading it!
December 16, 2024
Still one of my favorite series to read. This is a great addition to it.
April 8, 2023
Blueberry Blunder is the enjoyable 8th book in the An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower. I love this series and have read them all. Bailey King co-owns Swissmen Sweets Candy Shop with her Amish Grandmother. Bailey is dating Aiden Brody who is back in Harvest, OH and is now a Private Investigator. Bailey is building a new candy factory and her Construction Manager, Wade has quit work until she gives him more money. Wade ends up dead. Bailey's cousin Charlotte is due to get married to Deputy Luke Little. His parents are in town for the wedding. Charlotte's Amish father is arrested for the murder which creates a lot of stress. Aiden's first case is for a petting zoo that is losing money. There is a film crew in town filming the construction of the candy factory. The Blueberry Bash is going on which provides a few laughs. There is a lot going on which keeps Bailey and everyone very busy! Very enjoyable cozy mystery that kept me guessing! #BlueberryBlunder #NetGalley
April 5, 2023
When the candy factory build comes to a halt, Bailey fires her contractor as a last resort. The man is known as a hot head around the county and when he’s found dead in the factory, the sheriff, looking for a quick resolution, first considers Bailey as the prime suspect, but then finds another dupe, Charlotte’s daed.
With Charlotte’s wedding coming up, she and Bailey know they have to clear her father, even if he won’t attend her wedding. But will the killer put a stop to their sleuthing once and for all, til death do them part?
I adore this series. It’s the perfect blend of Englischer and Amish life that creates an excellent read each and every time. The whodunit is well planned out and the characters come to life as you read, especially Jethro. Amanda Flower is an amazing writer and I don’t miss a single one of her books across all of her series…and neither should you!
With Charlotte’s wedding coming up, she and Bailey know they have to clear her father, even if he won’t attend her wedding. But will the killer put a stop to their sleuthing once and for all, til death do them part?
I adore this series. It’s the perfect blend of Englischer and Amish life that creates an excellent read each and every time. The whodunit is well planned out and the characters come to life as you read, especially Jethro. Amanda Flower is an amazing writer and I don’t miss a single one of her books across all of her series…and neither should you!
March 30, 2023
I have come to love this author so much! This mystery was thrilling and intriguing and I loved the execution. This series had well rounded characters, clues, and it worked seamlessly.
September 17, 2023
The actual mystery was one of my favorites in the series. I thought it more complicated and engaging than many of the previous books.
There were a few things I felt way less entertaining:
Jethro: I am a huge animal lover and I think the pig is adorable, but there is no way she would keep taking him on during renovations and sleuthing after all the bad experiences
Bailey: her lack of a strong backbone with Margo and Juliet has always been a little off-putting, but this book especially and the last few books she's turned jellyfish. She agrees to everything they ask because arguing would be too much work. Especially for a city girl that climbed the ranks, there's no way. She holds all the power in these relationships (they "need" her) and if this was really her relationship with these women then after the moments of time crunch, she'd pull them aside and explain that if they wanted her continued support and thousands of dollars worth of donated chocolates she always seems to have, then they need to respect her boundaries or have a time out.
Aiden: there relationship went stagnant several books ago and it's just no spark now.
Juliet: holy selfish! She's planting a garden while Bailey is filming a show, working at a candy shop, sleuthing, and getting hardly any sleep, yet she thinks Bailey is the only one to watch her pig? Send it to Emily's daughter to watch!
Puff: arguably my favorite character. Please stop advising rabbit owners to feed their pets toxic substances! All it takes is a quick Google search to find out that cabbage and broccoli are toxic to rabbits, as they cannot pass gas and can enter GI stasis and pass on within 24-hrs. As an author, I think it's your responsibility to make sure to research a pets needs before including it in your stories, because others may follow your lead.
There were a few things I felt way less entertaining:
Jethro: I am a huge animal lover and I think the pig is adorable, but there is no way she would keep taking him on during renovations and sleuthing after all the bad experiences
Bailey: her lack of a strong backbone with Margo and Juliet has always been a little off-putting, but this book especially and the last few books she's turned jellyfish. She agrees to everything they ask because arguing would be too much work. Especially for a city girl that climbed the ranks, there's no way. She holds all the power in these relationships (they "need" her) and if this was really her relationship with these women then after the moments of time crunch, she'd pull them aside and explain that if they wanted her continued support and thousands of dollars worth of donated chocolates she always seems to have, then they need to respect her boundaries or have a time out.
Aiden: there relationship went stagnant several books ago and it's just no spark now.
Juliet: holy selfish! She's planting a garden while Bailey is filming a show, working at a candy shop, sleuthing, and getting hardly any sleep, yet she thinks Bailey is the only one to watch her pig? Send it to Emily's daughter to watch!
Puff: arguably my favorite character. Please stop advising rabbit owners to feed their pets toxic substances! All it takes is a quick Google search to find out that cabbage and broccoli are toxic to rabbits, as they cannot pass gas and can enter GI stasis and pass on within 24-hrs. As an author, I think it's your responsibility to make sure to research a pets needs before including it in your stories, because others may follow your lead.
June 12, 2023
It’s no secret that this is one of my favorite series. However, I am not a big fan of blueberries unless they are in a muffin, but Bailey’s candy shop and factory would be on my list to visit often. Yet I have to say; after reading Blueberry Blunder, I find myself wanting to try new food filled with the delightful little blueberry, just without the side of murder. Bailey’s factory is under construction, but things aren’t going according to plan. When her reality TV show starts filming during the town's blueberry festival, and her contractor is found murdered after she fired him, fingers begin pointing, and some of them are pointing at her.
The Characters in this series are fun and relatable, well-written, and instantly remind readers of a close family member or friend. The Amish take is always interesting, as well as entertaining. The Ohio setting, where I once lived, makes me want to visit. The suspects in the contractor's death are from all walks of life. The evidence keeps pointing in several directions, but when the killer is found, many readers will be surprised by the motive and identity of the murderer. I wish there had been a bit more interaction between Bailey and her boyfriend, Aiden. I feel that this book is an excellent addition to the series. I do not doubt that readers will be thrilled with the blueberry festival and will come up with a few new recipes, Bailey’s new candy factory, and the wonderful ending fans have been craving.
The Characters in this series are fun and relatable, well-written, and instantly remind readers of a close family member or friend. The Amish take is always interesting, as well as entertaining. The Ohio setting, where I once lived, makes me want to visit. The suspects in the contractor's death are from all walks of life. The evidence keeps pointing in several directions, but when the killer is found, many readers will be surprised by the motive and identity of the murderer. I wish there had been a bit more interaction between Bailey and her boyfriend, Aiden. I feel that this book is an excellent addition to the series. I do not doubt that readers will be thrilled with the blueberry festival and will come up with a few new recipes, Bailey’s new candy factory, and the wonderful ending fans have been craving.
September 28, 2024
Amanda Flower's Blueberry Blunder follows Bailey as she is trying to get her new candy factory built while also filming a reality tv series with Devon, her producer. And to Devon I say, Devon... "the things that you've lied about, even pretending to your mom. You don't want them out." And that's my summary of what I feel about that character. Anyway, Bailey has to fire her general contractor who is trying to extort money out of her to finish building the new factory. And well, the guy ends up dead. Then when the wrong person gets arrested for the crime, Bailey must figure out who did it, before the sheriff takes the easy way out and locks up that person.
I really enjoyed this book. I already like all the characters which is why I keep coming back to the series but I thought this one ended so cute! My favorite part was trying to figure out who did it, it was hard enough for me to not discover it right away and there were some pretty good misdirects so it took me a minute to figure out. I did deduct a star because Bailey has the backbone of a jellyfish and it got a little bit annoying when it comes to what her MIL and Margot want her to do. However, I would still recommend this pleasant read to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and amateur sleuths.
I really enjoyed this book. I already like all the characters which is why I keep coming back to the series but I thought this one ended so cute! My favorite part was trying to figure out who did it, it was hard enough for me to not discover it right away and there were some pretty good misdirects so it took me a minute to figure out. I did deduct a star because Bailey has the backbone of a jellyfish and it got a little bit annoying when it comes to what her MIL and Margot want her to do. However, I would still recommend this pleasant read to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and amateur sleuths.
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