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TORN ASUNDER is the twelfth book in the Maine Clambake Mysteries by Barbara Ross. Every time an advance copy of this series lands in my inbox, I immediately put it at the very top to read next. Except this time… I’d heard rumors, which proved to be true, that this is the last book in the series. I desperately wanted to read Torn Asunder, but I also wanted to prolong the anticipation, knowing how sad I’d be once I’d read the last page without having a next book to look forward to. That said, this new release lived up to and exceeded my expectations, especially with the heartwarming conclusion. Kudos to Barbara Ross for giving readers so much joy throughout this series and I wish her great happiness spending time with her family and grandchildren!

While Torn Asunder can easily be read as a standalone, this is one of those series you’ll want to start at the beginning (or pick up where you left off) so you can enjoy the full-of-life stories of all the characters! The author’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the breathtaking setting of Morrow Island to life on the pages, and with each book, I desperately want to visit the area and meet these people. One of the most endearing aspects of these books is the sense of family and belonging. I adore the closeness the protagonist, Julia, has with her mother and sister, niece and nephew, and friends. No matter what else happens, they are there to support each other and provide love and comfort. This time around, Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is getting married to Julia’s childhood friend, police officer Jamie. As bridesmaid, wedding planner, and event manager—the wedding taking place at Windsholme Manor on the island—Julia has more than enough to keep her busy, without an uninvited guest crashing the rehearsal dinner and then falling over dead in the middle of service.

Ms. Ross knows how to write close-knit families and friends, along with emotional overtones, but she also excels at crafting creative mysteries to stump the most seasoned of armchair detectives. Filled with twists and turns, this “closed-island” murder has limited suspects due to the nature of the crime. Especially since no one claims to have known the victim or to have invited him to the private island rehearsal dinner. Someone Julia knows is lying, but what else could they be hiding? Could it be the weepy bride? Or one of the groom’s cousins? As the clues unfolded, I was kept engaged and intrigued, wanting to know what happened next. Generally, I am a quick reader, but this time around I had to slow down and savor the story, the characters, and the mystery until all was revealed in a highly satisfactory manner. A fond farewell to the Maine Clambake Mysteries!

There are several recipes at the back of the book, which are served at Zoey’s and Jamie’s wedding and they all sound amazing! I couldn’t wait to dive into the Chocolate-Covered Toffee Squares recipe and it was every bit as delectable as it sounds. A brown-sugar buttery cookie base (using pantry and refrigerator staple ingredients) topped with creamy rich chocolate and chopped nuts. Super simple, yet super delicious! These squares make for a satisfying dessert or for a snack with a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea.

Amazon Synopsis

Julia’s best friend and business partner, Zoey, is about to marry her policeman boyfriend. Of course, a gorgeous white wedding dress shouldn’t be within fifty yards of a plate of buttery lobster—so that treat is reserved for the rehearsal dinner. Julia is a little worried about the timing, though, as she works around a predicted storm.

When a guest falls to the floor dead, it turns out that no one seems to know who he is, despite the fact that he’s been actively mingling and handing out business cards. And when an injection mark is spotted on his neck, it’s clear this wasn’t caused by a shellfish allergy. Now, as the weather deteriorates and a small group is stranded on the island with the body—and the killer—Julia starts interrogating staff, family members, and Zoey’s artist friends to find out who turned the clambake into a crime scene . . .

A special thanks to Barbara Ross for offering a print copy of TORN ASUNDER to one lucky winner! Contest ends May 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Chocolate-Covered Toffee Squares

In addition to a lobster recipe, every Maine Clambake Mystery contains at least one recipe from the book my grandmother, Ethel McKim, gave me for Christmas in 1984, only a few months before she died. I usually make these cookies at Christmas, but in Torn Asunder, I gave them to Jamie and Zoey's wedding guests because I felt badly about them missing out on the cake.

Ingredients

For the base:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the top:

• 12 ounces high-quality chocolate (milk or dark, as you prefer)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (pecan or walnuts, as you prefer; these can also be left out)

Instructions

For the base:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

2. Mix cookie ingredients together using a food processor or mixer.

3. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

4. Spread the cookie dough thinly across the parchment paper; it should be about a quarter inch thick. (My dough patted out to about 13x9-inches. It spreads a little bit while baking.)

5. Bake in a preheated oven for 15 - 20 minutes.

For the top:

1. While the cookie base is baking, melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

2. when the cookie comes out of the oven, spread the melted chocolate across the top with a rubber spatula. Sprinkle with the chopped nuts.

3. Do not cut into squares until the cookies and the chocolate are completely cool. Cut into any size you like.

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DEATH UNFILTERD is the fourth book in the Ground Rules Mysteries by Emmeline Duncan. I think each book gets better and better, as it builds on the preceding storyline so that the reader gets a deeper insight into protagonist Sage Caplin, her family, and her crew of baristas. There’s also the thread of Sage’s con-artist mom running through each story. It adds a depth of emotion as Sage struggles to overcome her guilt at how she was a part of her mom’s schemes as a young child, then abandoned when she’d outgrown her usefulness. In Death Unfiltered, old wounds are opened, and she comes face-to-face with one of her mother’s victims. Because of this, it’s probably best to start at the beginning of the series, even though this could be read as a standalone based on the murder mystery itself.

Ms. Duncan has created a colorful cast of characters in a very colorful city: Portland, Oregon. With edgy vibes and a definite love of coffee, Sage and her company, Ground Rules, certainly fits in. There are vivid descriptions to bring the locale to life and it’s hard to not want to book a flight right away to visit. Sage and her business partner, Harley, are opening a brick-and-mortar store. Everyone is excited about the new venture except the neighboring Breakfast Bandits shop owner, Bianca. When Bianca drops dead after sipping on Ground Rules coffee on the morning of their grand opening, it looks like their fledgling business might not survive. With Sage in the crosshairs of law enforcement and a true-crime podcaster dogging and recording her every step, Sage must find the actual killer. This well-plotted mystery has a good pace. Ms. Duncan weaves coffee details, the subplot of Sage’s mom, and the murder together into a cohesive story that never lags. I was truly surprised at the reveal… I never suspected the culprit. And with a zinger of an ending, it will take all my patience to wait until I can have the next book in hand to find out what happens next!

There are several recipes included at the back of the book, including drinks, plus savory and sweet dishes. I couldn’t wait to try the naturally gluten-free and dairy-free recipe for Ground Rules Blondies. Oh. My. Word. These are so yummy! It was difficult sharing even a single piece with anyone else. But, I did… and my husband immediately asked me to make another pan. These are actually very easy to mix up, and in my household, the ingredients are already staples I readily have on hand. The only hard part is waiting for the blondies to cool to slice it into squares!

Amazon Synopsis

Ground Rules isn’t the only newcomer set to open in Portland’s grand new Button Building. Fortunately, most of the fellow micro-restaurant owners and patrons are great—with two exceptions. There’s Rose, a true-crime podcaster and active TikToker who’s pestering Sage for an interview about her estranged con-artist mother; and Bianca, the familiar and perpetually unpleasant owner of Breakfast Bandits. Bianca is abrasive to everyone, so Sage doesn’t feel singled out. . . . Until Bianca falls dead at the building’s grand opening—a to-go cup of Ground Rules coffee in her hand. Laced with Ketamine, also known as Special K.

It doesn’t help that just before she collapsed, Bianca was publicly rude to Sage. Or that Bianca’s boyfriend points the police toward Sage. Or that Rose, still hung up on investigating Sage’s mom, has declared she’ll solve the murder. Now it will be up to Sage to sift through a complex blend of motives, blackmail, and old and new rivalries to get to the truth of a very bitter brew . . .

A special thanks to Emmeline Duncan for offering TWO print arc copies of DEATH UNFILTERED plus some fun swag! Contest ends April 7, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Ground Rules Blondies

One of the joys of this blondie recipe is that it's naturally gluten-free, but you'd never guess that based on the taste. The almond flour gives these a chewy deliciousness that's almost addictive. Mixing in oat flour (versus one hundred percent almond) makes the blondies a lighter, airier texture. If you want to serve this to a GF friend, make sure your oat flour is certified gluten-free.

This recipe is also naturally dairy-free, but again, you can't tell based on taste!

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour & oat flour mix (either 3/4 almond flour and 1/4 cup GF oat flour; or 1/2 and 1/2)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F).

2. Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paper (or grease the pan well, but honestly, use parchment paper; the cleanup is much easier).

3. Mix the brown sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, make sure to blend the dry ingredients.

4. Add the oil, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon (or similar). The batter will feel more like cookie dough than brownie or cake batter.

5. Pour the dough into the waiting 8-by-8-inch pan and use the wooden spoon to spread it out.

6. Bake for 25-30 minutes. One way to check of the blondies are done: insert a toothpick into the blondie; you want it to be mostly crumb-free when you pull the toothpick back out.

7. Cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then cool on a wire rack. Slice into squares once the blondies are fully cooled off.

Note:

1. You can use all-purpose flour, but then your blondies won't have the chewy, nutty taste.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

1. If you can't find gluten-free oat flour, simply whirl your gluten-free whole oats in a blender or a food processor until fine.

2. I added a quick powdered sugar and water drizzle for the top. I forgot to write down the exact measurements but start with 3/4 cup powdered sugar and add 2-1/2 teaspoons of water. Stir until absorbed. Add a tiny bit of water at a time (like 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon), stirring well until combined, until desired consistency is reached. The key is to not add too much water all at once.

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THREE FUDGES AND A BABY is the twelfth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. With action that starts right off the bat, the quick pace held my attention throughout the entire book. The author manages to pack so much into the plot and subplots and seems to effortlessly weave them together into a book worthy of binging on… while eating fudge, of course. In this newest release, protagonist, Allie McMurphy (owner of the historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge shop) is busy juggling her business, her law enforcement boyfriend, her meddling mother and old boyfriend, and anxiously awaiting the birth of her BFF’s baby. Her BFF, Jenn, is already two weeks late giving birth and relies heavily on her doula for support and comfort. I was intrigued about the role a doula plays in a baby’s birth, and appreciated the tidbits of information provided. Ms. Coco’s strong descriptive voice brings the characters and the wonderful setting of Mackinac Island to life and immerses the reader. It makes me want to visit the area and search for Allie’s shop, even if it’s only on the pages.

With anxiety mounting over the delay of Jenn’s baby’s birth, things get even worse when her doula is arrested for murder after literally being found holding the smoking gun. Promising to get the doula out of jail before the birth, tension rise as Allie races to investigate with the help of her adorable Bichon, Marshmallow (Mal), and a group of island seniors (who add some levity). Goodness, there was so much going on with twists that I didn’t see any way to overcome, and some surprises that kept me invested in the story. If you like a fast-paced mystery with lots of scrumptious fudge and delightful characters, then I highly recommend Three Fudges and a Baby!

With everything going on in the quest to free the doula and welcome Jenn’s baby to world, Allie still manages to make lots of fudge for her shop. Be prepared to crave chocolate as you read. Or better yet, make one of the many recipes included before you start. While I love fudge… any type of fudge, I decided to try out the recipe for Fudgy Oatmeal Bars instead of straight candy. These are a bit more substantial and the addition of oatmeal offsets (kind of) the sugar high from the rich, fudgy center. I liked you mix up one set of ingredients to use for both the crust and the topping, and the fudgy center is easy-peasy to make with four simple ingredients. It makes a large amount, so there’s plenty on hand to share with family and friends!

Amazon Synopsis

April is not only the start of “fudgie” season on picturesque Mackinac Island, it’s when Allie’s BFF Jenn Carpenter is due. Jenn wants to have her baby on the island, so she’s lined up a midwife and a doula. But she’s two weeks overdue—and if one more person tells her she looks ready to pop, she’s going to go bananas.

If there was a list of what not to expect when you’re expecting, right at the top would be coming upon your doula holding a gun over the body of her fiance. Clearly in shock, Hannah Riversbend claims not to have shot him. Jenn asks Allie to prove the doula’s innocence before her special delivery arrives. The clock is ticking as Allie races to solve the murder in time for Jenn’s bun to come out of the oven. . .

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for offering a print copy of THREE FUDGES AND A BABY to one lucky winner! Contest ends March 31, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Fudgy Oatmeal Bars

I love these. they are a go-to recipe for when the kids come home after school.

Makes 24

Ingredients

Top and bottom:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups quick-cook oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Fudgy middle:

• 12 ounces dark chocolate chips (semisweet will do in a pinch)
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment first and then grease. Set aside.

Top and bottom:

1. Melt the butter. In a large bowl, mix the butter, sugars, and vanilla until combined.

2. Slowly add flour, baking soda, and salt. Once well mixed, add oats and mix thoroughly.

3. Put 2/3 of mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan and pat down until flat (leaving about 1-1/2 cups for the top).

Fudgy middle:

1. In a medium saucepan combine chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until everything is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Putting it together:

1. Gently pour the fudgy middle over the uncooked bottom crust and spread gently until even. Sprinkle remaining oat mixture on top and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Cool completely and cut into 2-inch squares. Enjoy!

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THE WITLESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is the fifth book in the Catering Hall Mysteries by Maria DiRico. With her trademark humor, Ms. DiRico has penned another tale that kept me laughing and turning the pages late into the night to find out who murdered protagonist Mia Carina’s supposedly already dead husband. Mia has built up the reputation and the business of Belle View Banquet manor, and things couldn’t be better… aside from impatiently waiting for a proposal from her co-worker, Shane. The storyline and the dialog from the scenes are perfect for any rom-com aficionado—hilarious and sweet. And just when you think Mia will get her happily ever after, Mia’s thought to be deceased husband shows up… at a wedding expo, no less. The character development of the core characters is spot-on, and I found it easy to become invested in what happened to them. If you enjoy watching characters grow and change, then I’d recommend starting with the first book in the series. However, The Witless Protection Program can be read as a standalone since there’s just enough backstory to keep new readers from feeling lost.

Even with all the humor and zany situations Mia finds herself in, this is still a murder mystery. The plot is fast-paced and there are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. When Mia’s first husband is found murdered, Shane is the first and foremost suspect. Thrown into the mix is a dead reclusive artist, an empty house that seems to attract treasure hunters, and The Family… There’s never a dull moment on the page and as the intrigue and suspense build, Ms. DiRico rises to the challenge and delivers an unputdownable read. With a heartwarming ending, I can’t wait to find out what’s next in store for Mia and her family!

Running a catering hall, Mia is constantly surrounding by amazing dishes served to guests. Be prepared to be hungry as you read or cook one of the delicious recipes provided at the back of the book to enjoy while you consume this newest release. I couldn’t wait to dive in and try these Ricotta Sugar Cookies! Ricotta cheese makes these Italian sugar cookies dense and rich, with the tiniest bit of tang. They are ultra moist and the glaze topping with colorful sprinkles makes them even extra tasty and festive! Swapping out the sprinkles for holiday appropriate colors makes these cookies perfect for every occasion. 

Amazon Synopsis

Mia Carina has steered her Italian-American family’s Astoria, Queens, catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the borough’s premiere party site, and nothing could make her happier—except her boyfriend proposing. There’s just one presumed-dead obstacle in the way . . .

A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .

While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family. Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .

Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .

A special thanks to Kensington for offering a print copy of THE WITLESS PROTECTION PROGRAM to one lucky winner! Contest ends Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

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Ricotta Sugar Cookies

Ricotta cheese makes these Italian sugar cookies dense and rich, with the tiniest bit of tang.

Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies, depending on size.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar (I'm a fan of finely ground baking sugar)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (you can also substitute almond or rum extract)

Glazed Icing:

• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin the glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Optional:

• Decorative sprinkles

Instructions

1. With a fork, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Use low-speed to combine the ingredients first, then increase the speed and beat the butter and sugar until they're fluffy.

3. Using medium speed on your mixer, beat in the egg, ricotta, and vanilla (or flavoring of your choice.) On a low speed, slowly add the flour mixture and beat until a dough forms.

4. Chill the dough for at least several hours.

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

6. When ready to bake, either drop the dough by tablespoons or form balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. (You'll need two sheets or use the one sheet twice.)

7. Bake 12 - 15 minutes, until lightly golden along the bottom. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely.

8. While the cookies are cooling, mix the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and milk together to form the icing glaze. Add more milk if needed to achieve a medium-thin consistency.

9. Dip each cookie in the glaze so either the top or whole cookie is covered. If you're decorating the cookies with sprinkles, do it now, before the glaze hardens.

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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.