Congratulations to Lynn Cahoon on TWO new releases this month! I’m featuring reviews for both books on my blog today and sharing the recipe from KILLER COMFORT FOOD and, thanks to the publisher, I have a print copy of ONE POISON PIE to give away!

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ONE POISON PIE is the first full-length book in the brand new Kitchen Witch Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon! This charming cozy mystery features Kitchen Witch Mia Malone who has just moved to Magic Springs, Idaho, where her quirky grandmother lives. I didn’t read the novella, Chili Caldron Curse, which introduces Mia and released this past August. But, I found I was able to jump in and catch up on the characters without any issues in One Poison Pie since there’s enough backstory sprinkled throughout. While not overly paranormal since Kitchen Witches strengths are making a house a home, and bringing peace and healing to people, there is just enough magic to take it out of the realm of a regular culinary cozy. I greatly enjoyed that the author takes the reader on the journey with Mia, learning who belongs to the town’s magical community. She throws in some surprises that look to play out in future books (but aren’t cliffhangers). I also loved that Mia is super close to her grandmother and to her nasty ex-boyfriend’s troubled younger sister, who Mia’s taken in. It adds a depth of emotion to the storyline.

When her grandmother’s best friend is found murdered before the party Mia is supposed to be catering, and all clues point to Mia being the culprit, she gets involved in solving the crime to save herself and her fledgling catering business. As the plot unfolds, there are several twists I didn’t see coming… and one that isn’t typically found in cozy mysteries. I find this appealing and kept me on my toes as I tried to sift through the suspects as Mia’s sleuthing progresses. Along with the unusual plot twist, this cozy does contain mild language but nothing startling. Once the reveal started, it seemed to be a little rushed but most of the threads of the immediate crime were brought together in a cohesive story. There are a few unfinished items but there are hints that it sets the stage for future books in this bewitching series and has me waiting with anticipation.

Amazon Synopsis

What’s a kitchen witch to do when her almost-fiancé leaves her suddenly single and unemployed? For Mia Malone, the answer’s simple: move to her grandmother’s quirky Idaho hometown, where magic is an open secret and witches and warlocks are (mostly) welcome. With a new gourmet dinner delivery business—and a touch of magic in her recipes—Mia’s hopes are high. Even when her ex’s little sister, Christina, arrives looking for a place to stay, Mia takes it in stride.

But her first catering job takes a distasteful turn when her client’s body is found, stabbed and stuffed under the head table. Mia’s shocked to learn that she’s a suspect—and even more so when she realizes she’s next on a killer’s list. With Christina, along with Mia’s meddling grandma, in the mix, she’ll have to find out which of the town’s eccentric residents has an appetite for murder…before this fresh start comes to a sticky end. . . .

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KILLER COMFORT FOOD is the fifth book in the Farm-to-Fork Mysteries by Lynn Cahoon. One of the strengths of this series are the characters. From protagonist Angie Turner, to her best friend, Felicia, who is also co-owner of their restaurant the County Seat, to the animal characters, each are well-developed and grow with each new book. I adore Angie’s pets: Dom, the adorable St. Bernard, Precious the goat, and Mabel the chicken. Each has their own individual and charming personality. Also central to the story is Ian, Angie’s almost-too-nice boyfriend. It’s been enjoyable watching their relationship unfold over the course of this series. That said, Killer Comfort Food can be read as a stand-alone but for the full effect of the characters, starting at the beginning is worthwhile.

There are several subplots that weave together in this cozy mystery. Tethering the mystery is the soybean processing plant that is pressuring homeowners to sell their property, including Angie. While most townspeople are all for the plant coming in, Angie does not want to lose her small farm bequeathed to her by her beloved grandmother. Could the disappearance of the wife of the attorney representing the processing plant have anything to do with the grab for land? Could the Jane Doe murder victim be connected? Why is the local bar owner begging Angie for help? And who is threatening one of Angie’s employees? Ms. Cahoon writes a well-paced plot that ties incongruous clues together into a cohesive story. With a heartwarming wrap-up, the author will have fans eagerly awaiting the next release in this charming series!

I’m also sharing Lynn’s recipe for Quick Cookies and love that it’s a recipe from her childhood! Plus they are no-bake and quick to mix up so you can have fresh cookies on hand in a jiffy. My chocolate-loving granddaughter loved these cookies, especially with my extra drizzle of melted chocolate chips on the tops of the cookies, so I know I’ll be making these often!

Amazon Synopsis

Angie Turner’s Idaho restaurant, the County Seat, is known and loved for its fresh food. For Angie, it’s also meant a fresh start. But when big agriculture comes to town—along with whispers of foul play—Angie could lose more than the farm . . .

A soybean processing plant is trying to buy up the land around the small farm Angie’s beloved Nona left her. If Angie doesn’t sell, she’ll be surrounded by the plant and the congestion that comes with it. On the other hand, it’s Nona’s farmhouse. What is Angie supposed to do without it?  Move into a condo in town with Precious, Mabel, and Dom—respectively, a goat, chicken, and dog. Worse, a troubling rumor is circulating about the lawyer who’s heading up the development: His socialite wife seems to be missing. When Barb, owner of the local bar, asks Angie to look into the woman’s disappearance, she’s hesitant—until Barb reveals her surprising connection. Now it’s up to Angie to find the woman, uncover a shady plot, and hang onto her home—before she becomes a criminal’s final course . . .

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing a winner with an advance print copy of ONE POISON PIE. Contest ends Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. 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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Quick Cookies

From the author, Lynn Cahoon: When I was thinking about the recipe for this book, I wanted something from my past. A memory. The way a dish tastes or a memory of a meal stays with you. I made brownies while I was editing this and almost went with that recipe since the rich chocolate taste is still in my mouth. Instead I give you a childhood treat. Quick Cookies were probably the first cookies I learned to make. And the ones I messed up, more often than not.

The secret is in the chocolate mixture you cook on the stove. Cook it too long, and your cookies will turn into a crumble (that's really good over vanilla ice cream - not all failures have to be trashed.) Not cooked long enough, and the cookies won't set. You want a soft ball stage for the chocolate. Drop a bit into a glass of water and reach in. If it turns into a ball, you're ready to stir it into the oats.

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 cups oatmeal
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2 bag miniature marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the sugar, cocoa, milk, and butter together in a heavy saucepan on the stove, boiling 3 - 4 minutes until mixture reaches the soft ball stage.

2. Pour the chocolate mixture over the oatmeal and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, and marshmallows (if using) until well combined.

3. Drop onto a greased (or parchment-lined) cookie sheet until set.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Notes

1. I've made these cookies three times already, twice using quick cook oats (we preferred this texture best) and once using regular oats (the texture seemed too chewy to me since the oats aren't cooked).

2. I used both a candy thermometer and an instant read thermometer to monitor the mixture until it reached the soft ball stage (235 degrees). Both batches of cookies turned out crumbly (but delicious!). I cooked the third batch to just 231 degrees and they turned out perfect! I like the accuracy of using a thermometer so there's no guesswork.

3. To evenly distribute the peanut butter and vanilla, I stirred them into the chocolate mixture BEFORE adding to the oats and marshmallows.

4. To make a decorative (and delicious) drizzle, I melted 1/4 cup chocolate chips in the microwave then placed in a piping bag. Drizzle in a variety of patterns if desired.

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

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A CURIOUS INCIDENT is the sixth book in the Sherlock Bookshop Mysteries by Vicki Delany, and with this newest addition, confirms why this series is one of my favorites! Protagonist Gemma Doyle, may at times, be an abrupt quirky character and can be a bit off-putting to some. From my viewpoint though, I’ve found her to be a refreshing change from the typical amateur sleuth in cozy mysteries. And with the Sherlock Bookshop that she co-owns with her uncle, her personality fits into the character of the great detective himself: hyper-observant, methodical analyzation of facts, and no hesitation in offering opinions. That said, in this newest book, the author has expanded Gemma’s personality and shown a softer, more caring side via her interaction with 10-year-old Lauren. Plus there’s a greater interjection of humor throughout the storyline. British Gemma’s misuse of American words had me laughing several times and overall the book has a cheerful feel, despite the murder.

The story starts out with Lauren deciding she has to hire Gemma to find her cat, no matter that Gemma says she can’t do it. But Gemma’s dog, Violet, comes to the rescue and solves the case. Shortly thereafter, Lauren is back and hires Gemma to prove her mom’s innocence in a murder she’s been accused of committing. From there the reader is taken on an engaging page turner as Gemma struggles to do what’s best for Lauren and keep her detective boyfriend from getting angry over her investigations. Not only does Ms. Delany write a strong character-driven story, her well-plotted mystery is solid. With some twists and turns I didn’t see coming and plenty of suspects unearthed to keep me guessing, I was entertained with each turn of the page. I didn’t want to put it down even though I wanted to slowly savor the read since I’ll have to impatiently wait another year before the next book releases.

While there aren’t any recipes in the book, Gemma’s best friend and co-owner of Mrs. Hudson’s Teashop attached to the bookshop, Jayne, creates all sorts of delectable eats. Jayne is shocked that Lauren has never baked anything with her mother and is determined to rectify that. Jayne says she learned to make Oatmeal Cookies day one in cooking school and is sharing the Delany family favorite oatmeal cookie which couldn’t be easier! With the addition of molasses and cranberries to give the cookies an added depth of flavor and texture, these just might become my family’s newest favorite too. Thanks to Vicki for creating another yummy recipe to add to my collection and letting me share!

Amazon Synopsis

“I am not a Consulting Detective,” Gemma Doyle reluctantly tells 10-year-old Lauren Tierney, when the little girl comes to the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium to beg Gemma to find her missing cat, Snowball. Gemma might not be able to follow the clues to find the cat, but her dog Violet follows her nose to locate the missing kitten in a neighbor’s garden shed. Gemma and Violet proudly return Snowball to her grateful owner, and Gemma basks in praise for a job well done. But a few days later Lauren is back with ten dollars in hand, wanting to once again hire a consulting detective, and this time for a far bigger job: Her mother has been accused of murdering her garden club rival.

Sheila Tierney’s garden, which everyone said was the one to beat for the West London Garden Club trophy, had been vandalized the night before the club’s early summer tour. Sheila confronted her former friend and gardening partner Anna Wentworth in a towering rage, and the women nearly came to blows. Later that night, after having won the trophy for best garden, Anna is found murdered and Sheila Tierney is the police’s prime suspect. Despite herself, and despite the disapproval of her police detective boyfriend Ryan Ashburton, the game is once again afoot, and Gemma finds herself and Jayne Wilson using their powers of deduction to ponder yet another curious incident.

A special thanks to Vicki Delany for providing a winner with a print copy of A CURIOUS INCIDENT.  Contest ends Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. and Canadian residents. 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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Vicki Delany’s Molasses Oatmeal Cookies

In A Curious Incident, the sixth Sherlock Holmes Bookshop book, Gemma Doyle and Jayne Wilson take an eleven year old girl under their wing. Jayne is shocked to find out that the girl has never baked with either of her parents. Jayne is determined to rectify that, and as she says, she learned to make Oatmeal Cookies day one in cooking school. This is the Delany family favourite oatmeal cookie. It couldn’t be easier!

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1-3/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

2. Mix all ingredients in order given.

3. Drop by teaspoon on a greased (or parchment-lined) cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 10 – 12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

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

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I’m delighted to be participating in the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour introducing GROUNDS FOR MURDER! This debut cozy mystery in the Coffee Lover’s Mystery series, by Tara Lush, pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me glued to the pages throughout this fast-paced story until the very end. The protagonist, Lana Lewis, has not only lost her investigative reporter job but her marriage disintegrated at the same time. Distraught, she’s moved back to her childhood home on Devil’s Island, Florida. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico, the setting has location, location, location, which Ms. Lush describes in alluring detail. A vacation destination it is! Despite being bereft over the loss of a job she loved, she puts her feelings aside and takes over managing her family’s coffee café, Perkatory. Ms. Lush has created a string of quirky characters with zippy, and often, snarky dialog. I felt like she accurately captures the essence and lifestyles of single, twenty-something-year-olds (along with Lana’s bohemian dad, whose an absolute hoot!) living in a location that embraces free spirts and partying. While at times it may push the boundaries of traditional cozies, I found it made the scenarios and characters more realistic without crossing the line.

The mystery revolved around the lothario barista who worked for Lana, until he quit the day before his death. Although she wasn’t a fan of his lifestyle, Fabrizio brought in a steady stream of women who’d buy her coffee for a chance to partake of the Casanova’s latte art. While hunky Noah, the investigating officer, would rather label the barista’s death as accidental or self-inflicted, Lana can’t quite believe it. She uses her skills honed as a journalist to investigate and ask questions. Ms. Lush writes a well-plotted whodunit with some twists to keep the story moving. As Lana delves into Fabrizio’s life, she finds almost too many suspects. It kept me guessing and turning pages to see what Lana uncovers next. With the adorable Shih Tzu puppy, Stanley, who adds cuteness galore, along with her new misfit best friend, I can’t wait to find out what’s next in store for Lana.

Running a coffee café along with providing treats to sell alongside the caffeinated beverages, Lana does quite a bit of baking. She comes up with a quick and simple recipe for Tropical Krispie Treats, a nod to the beach vibes of the island. With the simple addition of candied pineapple and sweetened coconut, the longest part of making this no-bake recipe is waiting for the bars to firm up after pressing the mixture into the pan. Sweet and crunchy, the hint of pineapple citrus and rich coconut will have you dreaming of a warm, beach-y getaway.

Amazon Synopsis

When Lana Lewis’ best — and most difficult — employee abruptly quits and goes to work for the competition just days before the Sunshine State Barista Championship, her café’s chances of winning the contest are creamed. In front of a gossipy crowd in the small Florida town of Devil’s Beach, Lana’s normally calm demeanor heats to a boil when she runs into the arrogant java slinger. Of course, Fabrizio “Fab” Bellucci has a slick explanation for jumping ship. But when he’s found dead the next morning under a palm tree in the alley behind Lana’s café, she becomes the prime suspect.

Even the island’s handsome police chief isn’t quite certain of her innocence. But Lana isn’t the only one in town who was angry with Fabrizio. Jilted lovers, a shrimp boat captain, and a surfer with ties to the mob are all suspects as trouble brews on the beach.

With her stoned, hippie dad, a Shih Tzu named Stanley, and a new, curious barista sporting a punk rock aesthetic at her side, Lana’s prepared to turn up the heat to catch the real killer. After all, she is a former award-winning reporter. As scandal hangs over her beachside café, can Lana clear her name and win the championship — or will she come to a bitter end?

A special thanks to Tara Lush for providing one lucky winner with a $20 Amazon gift card. Contest ends December 17, 2020 at 11:59 pm PST, and is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. 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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Tropical Krispie Treats

From Author Tara Lush: I love to cook. I also love simple recipes! I have a day job and write fiction so it's not like there's a ton of time left over. Baking needs to be simple. And delicious. In my book, GROUNDS FOR MURDER, heroine Lana Lewis is a coffee lover whose family owns a café. She bakes treats to sell to her customers, but they all have only a handful of ingredients. In that spirit, here's one of my favorite recipes that helped inspire my heroine's baking passion!

Ingredients

• 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 5 cups toasted rice cereal (Rice Krispies or similar)
• 1-1/2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
• 1 cup diced dried pineapple

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add marshmallows and allow them to melt, then add chocolate and stir until combined. Add vanilla.

2. Remove saucepan from stove. Mix the dry ingredients in and stir.

3. Pour everything into a pan of your choice (I use a foil-lined, 9x13-inch glass pan). Top with extra coconut if you wish.

4. Chill in fridge, then cut into squares and enjoy with coffee and a great book!

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

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YULETIDE AT MOONGLOW, the sixth installment in the charming Moonglow Christmas series by Deborah Garner, is a feast for the senses! From the very first book, I anticipate starting out each holiday season with a new heartwarming novella from this series, which captures the spirit of the season. At the center of the story is Mist, who has almost a mystical feel about her without crossing into the paranormal. Her calmness, along with projecting all things good about the people and situations around her, brings a much needed peaceful sentiment this year. As I settled into a comfy and cozy chair to read about Mist and the Moonglow Café where she works at the Timberton Hotel in Montana, I was swept into the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas. Using the hotel as a backdrop, guests gather to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas together. Over the course of the six books, it’s been a joy getting to know recurring guests, such as Michael, Mist’s beau, along with new guests who show up with the need to connect to humanity and find comfort. Mist has a prescient feel for what each guest needs along with creating a meaningful miniature painting to memorialize the holiday for each of the guests. I’ll admit, I always look forward to the unveiling, so to speak, of what Mist has created… it’s inspiring and celebrates the best of what the holiday season has to offer!

While Mist creates both works of art on the canvas and in the kitchen, the owner of the hotel, Betty, hosts an annual cookie exchange party for the townspeople. Oh my goodness, so many delectable goodies mentioned in the story! I love how Ms. Garner gathers recipes from her readers (including yours truly) and weaves the treats into the story along with providing numerous drool-worthy recipes at the back of the book. I bookmarked several I need to try soon! I had the pleasure of creating Yuletide Coconut Cherry Cookies for the book and am happy to share that recipe with you here. With snowy white coconut and glistening red cherries, these shortbread-style cookies add holiday cheer making them an ideal addition to Christmas cookie platters.

Amazon Synopsis

When a Yuletide festival promises jovial crowds, resident artist and chef, Mist, knows she’ll have her hands full, as will all of the regular townsfolk. Between Mist’s legendary Christmas Eve dinner at the Timberton Hotel and this season’s festival events, guests will be surrounded with opportunities for camaraderie and celebration.

There’s a unique magic to Christmas in the small Montana town, one that offers joy, peace, and community to all who pass through. One thing is always certain: no one leaves Timberton without a renewed sense of hope for the future.

A special thanks to Deborah Garner for providing one lucky winner with their choice of print or ebook copy of YULETIDE AT MOONGLOW. Print is limited to U.S. residents and ends Monday, November 30, 2020 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!)

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Yuletide Coconut Cherry Cookies

Snowy white coconut and glistening red cherries add holiday cheer to these shortbread-style cookies making them an ideal addition to Christmas cookie platters.

Makes 18 - 20 cookies.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter (substitute vegan margarine if desired, to make suitable for vegans)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (if using margarine, omit)
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 20 small maraschino cherries, divided

Instructions

1. Drain the maraschino cherries. Cut 10 of the cherries in half, pat dry and set aside. Coarsely chop the remaining cherries, blot excess liquid, and set aside.

2. Cream together the butter (or margarine), sugar, and almond extract, for 2 minutes.

3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt then stir into the butter mixture until incorporated.

4. Gently fold the reserved coarsely chopped cherries into the cookie dough.

5. Cover dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate 1 hour.

6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).

7. Shape dough into walnut-sized balls. Roll in coconut flakes and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between cookies.

8. Bake 10 - 12 minutes until bottom of cookies are slightly golden. Remove from oven and immediately press the reserved cherry halves into the center of each cookie.

9. Cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.

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

I was fortunate enough to be the recipient of two print cozy mysteries, thanks to the generosity of the publishers. Since neither book contains recipes, I’m sharing my own recipe below for Butterscotch Cookies to fit in the themes of both books. First for Christmas (because Christmas always means lots of cookie baking in my house!) for MRS. CLAUSE AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS by Liz Ireland and next the Cookie House Mystery, SUGAR AND VICE by Eve Calder, which has SO many yummy-sounding cookies. Scroll down for my reviews, the recipe, and the Rafflecopter to enter for a chance to win a copy of your choice of book!

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MRS. CLAUSE AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS, by Liz Ireland, could very well be my favorite new series of the year! With the fantasy setting of the North Pole, Santa is under suspicion for murdering an elf, and the new bride, Mrs. Claus, is trying to adjust after a whirlwind romance and moving from Oregon to Santaland. Ms. Ireland captured my complete attention and I couldn’t put the book down. Without slowing the fast-paced plot, the author weaves in detailed descriptions of the setting. I felt like I could see, hear, taste, smell, and feel all that the protagonist, new bride April Claus, did which brought the setting to life. Some of the examples include red and green clothing worn everywhere; thirty clogging elves jingling bells loud enough to drown out every other sound; eggnog served at every turn; the sharp, sweet smell of peppermint so strong it permeates pores; and sub-freezing cold that April cannot get used to. The Claus’s castle even uses a room with a window cracked open as a substitute for a freezer. There’s Christmas cheer galore, reindeer games, and caroling, along with plenty of humor and some witty puns.

When a mean-spirited elf is found murdered, Santa becomes the prime suspect after everyone in town witnessed them arguing. April, being a newcomer to Santaland, can’t fathom the Claus family insisting that they have to exhibit nothing but Christmas cheer and ignore the investigation. She decides to start asking questions about who might have killed the elf and melted the snowman who may have been a witness. Enlisting the help of Jingles, Santa’s head elf, she investigates while trying to keep up with her public duties as Mrs. Claus. It was a treat watching the story unfold and following the clues April uncovered. With a heart-stopping reveal, the threads of the plot and subplots were pulled together into a highly satisfying conclusion. While this is a Christmas cozy mystery, there are hints of where the next book might take place without readers having to wait an entire year for the next release… At least I hope I’m right because I’m anxious for the next installment in this wholly delightful and imaginative start to a new series!

Amazon Synopsis

Love is full of surprises—though few compare to realizing that you’re marrying the real-life Santa. April Claus dearly loves her new husband, Nick, but adjusting to life in the North Pole is not all sugarplums and candy canes. Especially when a cantankerous elf named Giblet Hollyberry is killed—felled by a black widow spider in his stocking—shortly after publicly arguing with Nick.

Christmastown is hardly a hotbed of crime, aside from mishaps caused by too much eggnog, but April disagrees with Constable Crinkle’s verdict of accidental death. As April sets out to find the culprit, it’ll mean putting the future of Christmas on the line—and hoping her own name isn’t on a lethal naughty list . . .

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SUGAR AND VICE is the second book in the Cookie House Mystery series by Eve Calder but the first I’ve had the chance to read… and it won’t be my last! The action starts right off the bat and pulled me into the story and didn’t let up until the final page. Ms. Calder has created memorable characters with the protagonist Kate, owner of the Cookie House in Coral Cay, Florida, and her best friend, Maxi, a fiery Cuban florist. I loved the interaction between the two women and especially loved the adorable dog, Oliver, who “adopted” Kate but basically thinks he belongs to the entire town. The author does an excellent job weaving in an ancient pirate mystery with a current day murder. There were plenty of clues and several twists to keep the reader guessing. With a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up the threads of the story, I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series. The only downside of the book is Kate bakes up so many incredibly yummy sounding cookies for the Cookie House that I craved a plateful of cookies. Unfortunately, there aren’t any recipes included.

Amazon Synopsis

OUT OF THE OVEN: Lately, Kate has a lot on her dessert plate. She’s launching a cookie-of-the-day challenge in the heart of Coral Cay, providing sweet treats for the reception of the town’s handsome new veterinarian―not to mention dealing with tourists in town for a pirate festival and the surprise arrival of her former fiancé, Evan, who seems determined to win her back.
AND INTO THE FIRE: And if that’s not enough, a skeleton has been found―in the backyard behind her best friend Maxi’s floral shop. Kate knows Maxi could never hurt a fly. Maybe the remains belong to Sir George Bly, a long-dead pirate whose name has become urban legend―until now? It’s time for Kate to use every trick in the recipe book to prove Maxi’s innocence, and find the truth about the skeleton, before the last of the cookies crumble…

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and St. Martin’s Paperbacks for providing a print copy of MRS. CLAUSE AND THE SANTALAND SLAYINGS and SUGAR AND VICE. I’ll choose one winner per each book. Contest is limited to U.S. residents and ends Sunday, November 15, 2020 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!)

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Butterscotch Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (divided)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups 12 ounces butterscotch chips (divided)

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup choice of butterscotch, semi-sweet chocolate, or white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine 1/2 cup (3 ounces) butterscotch chips and 3 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15 second increments, stirring each time, until melted. Set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together the remaining butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar about 2 minutes.
4. Add in eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.
5. Mix in the vanilla and the melted butterscotch mixture (be sure it’s only warm and not hot).
6. In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir into the butter and sugar mixture until incorporated.
7. Stir in the remaining butterscotch chips.
8. If time permits, refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. (If you refrigerate dough, don’t preheat oven until 20 minutes before baking cookies.)
9. Scoop by rounded tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets, keeping at least 3 inches between the cookies.
10. Bake for 10 – 13 minutes, just until the edges of the cookies begin to brown.
11. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Optional Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt you choice of chips in the microwave in 15 second increments, stirring after each heat cycle until melted. Transfer to a piping bag and snip off the end. Pipe melted chips over the tops of cooled cookies. Allow 30 minutes for topping to harden before serving.

Tip

1. To freeze cookie dough, form dough into tablespoon-sized balls then roll in sugar. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer frozen cookie balls to a freezer-safe ziplock bag for storage. When ready to bake, remove the amount you’d like to bake and allow to come to room temperature while the oven preheats. Bake as directed above.

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I was provided with advance copies of both books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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THE SOLACE OF BAY LEAVES, the fifth book in the Spice Shop Mysteries by Leslie Budewitz, is another delicious addition to a tantalizing series! In this newest release, Ms. Budewitz once again displays her strengths in developing relatable and memorable characters that show growth over the course of the series. She also includes a colorful cast of characters that add to the whimsy of the locale. While this can be read as a standalone, I think the story is stronger by getting to know the protagonist, Pepper Reece, from the beginning and following her journey. I love how the author effectively uses Pepper, as owner of the Spice Shop in Pike Place Market, to showcase the bounty and tastes of the setting. In fact, she immerses the reader using all five senses so that I felt like I was right there and made me want to hop on a plane and visit in person. The Spice Shop would definitely be one of the first places I’d want to visit if it were possible! I also enjoyed all the tidbits of information offered up about spices and uses, along with all the mouthwatering descriptions of food.

The mystery surrounding the brutal shooting of one of Pepper’s childhood friends takes center stage. It also pulls in an unsolved 3-year-old murder case of the husband of another childhood friend. As Pepper searches for answers, it appears that the two crimes are connected. The author has created a complex, well-plotted mystery that revolves around the re-gentrification of a rundown area in Seattle. With plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing, the ending caught me by surprise with a historical twist that provided another layer of intrigue. Tying in the themes of friendship and loss, hope and acceptance, the reader is taken along for an enticing read as they follow Pepper’s search for answers!

There are several delicious sounding recipes at the back of the book as well. I couldn’t help but want to try out the recipe for Almond Biscotti! These hearty, crunchy cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks and if you ship to loved ones, they remain intact and delicious. Crunchy, with a delicate almond flavor thanks to a generous amount of toasted almonds, these traditional Almond Biscotti don’t contain any butter or oil. Perfect for dunking in your favorite hot beverage!

Amazon Synopsis

Pepper Reece never expected to find solace in bay leaves.

But when her life fell apart at forty and she bought the venerable-but-rundown Spice Shop in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, her days took a tasty turn. Now she’s savoring the prospect of a flavorful fall and a busy holiday cooking season, until danger bubbles to the surface . . .

Between managing her shop, worrying about her staff, and navigating a delicious new relationship, Pepper’s firing on all burners. But when her childhood friend Maddie is shot and gravely wounded, the incident is quickly tied to an unsolved murder that left another close friend a widow.

Convinced that the secret to both crimes lies in the history of a once-beloved building, Pepper uses her local-girl contacts and her talent for asking questions to unearth startling links between the past and present—links that suggest her childhood friend may not have been the Golden Girl she appeared to be. Pepper is forced to face her own regrets and unsavory emotions, if she wants to save Maddie’s life—and her own.

A special thanks to Leslie Budewitz for providing one lucky winner with a print copy of THE SOLACE OF BAY LEAVES. Contest is limited to U.S. residents and ends Wednesday, October 28, 2020 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!)

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Almond Biscotti

Biscotti have a reputation for being a major kitchen project, but Laurel's version of the classic Italian dipping cookie is as easy as it is tasty, crunchy on the outside and chewy inside. For an extra treat, dip a few in melted chocolate, or paint chocolate on one side.

Ingredients

• 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 cup slivered almonds, lightly toasted (see below)
• 3 large eggs (one separated)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees (F).

2. *Toast the nuts on a rimmed baking sheet for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they just begin to change color. Remember that nuts continue to cook as they cool. Cool completely before using.

3. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon sheet.

4. In the bowl of your mixer, combine the flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the almonds and beat on low to blend well. Add 2 whole eggs, the yolk of the third egg, and the extracts. Beat on medium until a sticky dough forms. (If your flour is quite dry, you may need to add a teaspoon of milk.)

5. Lightly flour a cutting board. Turn the dough onto the board and shape into a disk. Cut the disk into four equal quarters. Lightly moisten your hands, then roll each quarter into a log, about 1-1/2 inches wide and 9 inches long. Place logs on the baking sheet, at least 2 inches apart. Press the tops gently to make sure they are even.

6. Lightly beat the remaining egg white; brush it on tops of the logs, then sprinkle them evenly with the remaining tablespoon of sugar.

7. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until the logs are lightly browned and just set; there will be cracks on the surface. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack; let the logs rest for 5 minutes, then carefully peel them off the parchment - they will be hot - and place them directly on the rack to cool for 10 minutes. Discard the parchment.

8. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Use a chef's knife to trim the end of each log. Then cut each log on the diagonal into equal slices. (Press down into the log, rather than sawing, to prevent breaking.) Place the slices on the baking sheet, with a cut side facing up. Bake 10 minutes, then turn each slice over. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until the slices are lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack before dipping in chocolate, if you'd like.

Note:

1. Makes about 40 cookies. The biscotti will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

Cinnamon & Sugar's Note:

1. *I found pre-toasted slivered almonds at Trader Joe's if you want to skip toasting the almonds yourself.

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