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THE DIVA SERVES FORBIDDEN FRUIT is the fourteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis. From the charming cover to the endearing characters to the well-plotted mystery, this newest release captures it all! I always look forward to visiting Old Town Alexandria, VA and catching up with Sophie Winston and her friends. With the backdrop of creative festivals, this time around a DIY Home Decorating Festival, the characters exhibit their strengths in spades. Sophie is an expert at organizing and hosting large events while solving a multitude of problems. Natasha (Sophie’s frenemy) is a house decorating diva, however impractical her designs may be, but they do provide lighthearted humor! And Nina (Sophie’s best friend) has always been there to lend support to the multitude of bad situations Sophie finds herself in. However, in this newest release, Nina is the one needing all the support she can muster when her traveling companion is brutally murdered shortly after returning home from Portugal and finds that she might be the next victim on the killer’s list.

From the first, Ms. Davis sets up intriguing scenarios that tie in to the international travel and the ongoing festival. I was captivated as the story unfolded and each clue sent my mind scurrying off in a tangent direction. At times the crimes committed were heartbreaking but the author’s interjection of heartwarming community spirit and friendship kept the book from becoming dark. There are suspects aplenty and lots of subplots to keep track of, but in the end all the threads of the story are pulled together in a cohesive conclusion. And best of all, the ending gives the reader a heartening surprise that left a smile on my face.

Sophie is known for her generous hospitality and shows her affection and love for her friends by feeding them – all the time! So many mouthwatering meals, snacks, and desserts are served at Sophie’s table, that the reader will be left famished as they read the tasty descriptions. Fortunately, there are several recipes, both savory and sweet, at the back of the book which all sound fabulous. I was instantly drawn to the recipe for Bourbon Chocolate Chip Blondies. As you know, I love cookies and I think that chocolate and bourbon have a natural affinity. With pantry and dairy staples, these mixed together quickly and it didn’t take long to pop them into the oven. My family also appreciated that these bars don’t need to be thoroughly cooled before cutting into and savoring each delectable bite!

Amazon Synopsis

With Old Town’s DIY Home Decorating Festival in full swing, Sophie’s swamped, juggling a bumper crop of artisans, antique dealers, and decorators for the busy street fair. Still, when her best friend Nina suddenly needs a ride from the airport, Sophie is happy to help . . . until she sees Nina disembarking in a state of disarray. It’s obvious the trip to Portugal soured somewhere along the way. But after one of Nina’s traveling companions turns up murdered the following day, Sophie knows something is truly rotten . . .

Though the crime scene is staged to look like an accident, Sophie isn’t fooled and peels off to conduct her own investigation. Her only clue is a strange image the victim scratched into the soil before dying. Could it point to a cryptic killer in Old Town? A bitter travel adversary? Or a cursed artifact smuggled back from the trip? As the mystery grows, so does the body count, and if Sophie doesn’t pluck the murderer soon, her best friend may be the next to fall . . .

A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of THE DIVA SERVES FORBIDDEN FRUIT! Giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST. 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!)

Bourbon Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ingredients

6 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1 large egg
2 - 3 tablespoons Bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Grease and flour an 8 x 8-inch pan and line with one piece of parchment paper cut to fit the sides, but long enough to act as handles on two sides for removing the blondies.
Melt the butter and set aside.
Mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt and set aside.
Beat the eggs with the dark brown sugar until thick and lighter in color. Beat in the bourbon and vanilla.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and butter. Give one quick mix to combine and pour half of it into the pan.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips in a single layer and pour the remaining batter over them, spreading it out over the top. If adding flaky salt, dust the top with a pinch or two.
Bake 20 minutes. (Do not bake longer or else they won't be chewy!)
Using the edge of the parchment paper as handles, lift out of the pan and cool on a baking rack. They can be eaten warm or cold.

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

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50 thoughts on “Bourbon Chocolate Chip Blondies”

Definitely watch my share of DIY shows. Not had the opportunity to attend any other than cooking related.

Can’t wait to read another fabulous book by Krista Davis. “THE DIVA SERVES FORBIDDEN FRUIT” sounds like an awesome book.

I don’t watch DIY shows but I’ve gone to the Home and Garden Show a few times here in town. That’s always fun. This sounds like a really good series. Fourteen books is a lot. I better get started.

I watch DIY shows sometimes.

I have watched some DIY shows but don’t follow any routinely. This recipe makes me want to bake!!

I love to watch DIY shows ~

I like DIY shows and I can’t wait to make these !! Looks so good.??

My husband is in the home repair business and likes to go to exhibitions for new ideas and product information. I have also watched DIY shows a few times. I am not very handy but get some good ideas and advice sometimes.
I am going to try the Blondie recipe.

No. I am not much of a DIYER.

watch but have not attended

I watch DIY show sometimes.

No I don’t watch DIY shows. Thank you!❤

I usually do not watch DIY shows.

I have watched DIY shows before.?
Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful giveaway! Thank you for the wonderful recipe. Those look delicious!!!

I haven’t watched any DIY, unless you count cooking shows. I can paint and put together bookcases, some minor home repairs, but that’s about it. Probably best I leave most of it to the professionals.

Have watched some in the past.

I watch DIY shows. I love them. I really love Chip and Joanna!

Congrats on the new release!

I used to enjoy DIY shows but I actually haven’t watched much TV in the last few years. Too many books to read 🙂

Thanks for the opportunity to enter!

Oh My! Chocolate chip blondies with a hint of bourbon!
Now you’ve done it! I’m going to have to make these.

We go through spurts on watching DIY shows!

I do watch DIY shows, but I don’t have the DIY gene.
I can bake though and plan on making the cookies.

I do watch DIY shows. Thanks for the chance!

Sometimes

I used to watch them sometimes. Thank you for the recipe, and this chance to win!

I have watched various DIY shows, I find them interesting. I have never been to an exhibition. Thanks for the recipe and congrats on your new release!

No I don’t watch them, we watch more ghosts program’s. Thank you for the chance and the recipe it sounds very good
Penney

nope i’m not a fan of DIY shows.

I love DIY shows. I love learning new things. Krista Davis is a fantastic writer. Love her books!

I don’t watch DIY shows.

I love the DIY shows!

I never watched DIY on tv or been to one.

I don’t watch diys, but my handy husband does.

Yes, I do watch DIY shows.
The recipe sounds mouthwatering!!

I occasionally watch DIY shows.

I don’t normally watch DIY shows.

Love all the HGTV shows watch them all the time. Thanks for your great generosity.

I am not much for DIY projects so rarely watch them. I do enjoy the Diva series and will make the brownies when I get to the store to buy the bourbon.

We watch a few DIY shows but not too many

No, I’m not a DIY person.

I don’t watch a lot of tv in any form but I do enjoy an occassional DIY program.

Yes Nicole Scott and the 2 twin brother.
Thank you for the chance the recipe looks delicious.. I have to make them!

I rarely watch DIY shows and there are no exhibitions in my area to go to.

We are big into DIY but do not really watch many shows and I am unaware of exhibitions in the area to go to other than the occasional one at Lowes or Home Depot.

I do sometimes watch DIY shows, especially cooking and gardening. I am not much of a brownie person, but my family likes them.

I like to watch cooking shows not a DIYer. Thanks for the chance!

I don’t watch too many DIY shows. Thanks for the giveaway!

You’ve asked if I have watched DIY shows and yes, I definitely have watched many episodes. I love the idea of someone using their imagination and creativity to improve the look and feel of a room. I always amazes me that they can make such an impact without spending a fortune! Thanks for this great opportunity to win your great book! The cover looks perfect and the story sounds fun!