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FUDGE AND MARRIAGE is the fourteenth book in the Candy-Coated Mysteries by Nancy Coco. With delightful characters on the utterly charming Mackinac Island, this newest release is filled with wedding preparations, a Momzilla trying to derail the nuptials, and a hapless library patron found murdered by the lake. With two weeks until the wedding, protagonist Allie McMurphy has more than enough on her plate to handle, yet the death is tearing the community apart and she feels like she needs to get involved. Plus, it gives her a reason to avoid her mother’s interference. Unfortunately, Allie hasn’t learned to stand up to her mother’s meddling, which becomes irritating, but as the story progresses, she finally becomes stronger and stands up to her… for which I cheer. I liked that Allie’s close friends supported her and gave her encouragement when needed. It gives the book a character-driven quality, and it’s been a joy watching the changes that have occurred to them over the course of the series. While this can be read as a standalone, if you enjoy seeing characters grow and change, I’d recommend reading in order.
Another thing I just love about this series is the sense of community. Allie’s friends and neighbors know how stressed she is, and do everything they can to support her. I especially enjoy the delightful group of senior book club members who pitch in and help her investigate. And Allie’s aunt joining in brought some heartwarming moments. The clues were well-plotted to keep the reader guessing. The read is fast-paced, with Allie being pulled in all directions while trying to track down a killer. As the clues fell into place, I was on the edge of my seat, turning pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. This charming new release is perfect for those who love island settings with a strong sense of friendship and community with some romance and a puzzling mystery to solve!
You can always count on finding some scrumptious candy and sweet recipes on the pages of Nancy Coco’s books. And while I have gravitated toward her delectable candy recipes, when I came across the recipe for Caramel No-Bake Cookies, I knew I had to try them. Oh my goodness, they are so good! And actually, I think it’s safe to say they’re almost a cross between a cookie and a piece of candy. These are sweet, so a little goes a long way, but I loved the slight undertone of the peanut butter paired with the caramel taste thanks to the very generous amount of brown sugar used. These can easily be made gluten-free simply by making sure your oatmeal is certified gluten-free, since no flour is used in the recipe. I’ll be making these again, especially during the hot summer months when I’d rather not turn on the oven. Served with a cold glass of milk… yum!
Amazon Synopsis
June is always beautiful on Mackinac Island, which is why Allie chose this month for her wedding to police officer Rex Manning—definitely Mackinac Island’s finest in more ways than one. But if her mother has her way, that’s the last choice Allie will get to make. Allie’s the furthest thing from a Bridezilla—but it looks like she has a Momzilla on her hands. Why else have her mother and extended family shown up a full two weeks before the nuptials to drive Allie to dizzying distraction?
Honestly, a murder investigation is far less stressful—and as it happens, Allie just found Velma French dead on the ground beside the rock that killed her, with her rival Myrtle sobbing nearby. Things don’t look good for Myrtle, but all may not be what it seems. Allie vows to solve the crime before she walks down the aisle. But a killer has other ideas—and they seem to be focused on Allie herself . . .
A special thanks to Nancy Coco for offering a print copy of FUDGE AND MARRIAGE to one lucky winner! Contest ends April 6, 2025 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!)
This recipe yields twenty-four cookies.
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 3 cups quick-cooking oatmeal
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In a medium pan, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, butter, and milk. Cook on medium heat, stirring often until boiling. Boil for 1 minute and remove from heat.
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Add the vanilla, peanut butter, and oatmeal. Stir until combined.
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Using a soup spoon, drop onto parchment paper and let cool.
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Work quickly when transferring batter to the parchment paper. As it cools, it will thicken and harden. If this happens, warm the remaining mixture in the saucepan for a couple of minutes over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Then continue the process of placing the batter on the parchment paper.
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Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Layer the cookies between parchment or waxed paper.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love caramel! I have to make these! The book sounds like a fun read! Thank you for the opportunity!
Sounds like a good read. I like the cover.
These sound wonderful! Quick and easy, which is always a plus. I suspect, however, that they would send me into a diabetic coma – a result NOT on my “to be desired” list. YMMV.
The book cover is so pretty! Love the pup! And the cookies look delicious. Love no bake!