Since I’ve started this blog, the majority of my reading has been culinary cozy mysteries. I’ve been astounded at the amount of authors and books I’ve come to know and enjoy, including Edith Maxwell aka Maddie Day with her two series, the Local Foods Mysteries and the Country Store Mysteries. I knew Edith also wrote a third series, the Quaker Midwife Mysteries and while I hadn’t read any (because of my huge blog reading pile) I was intrigued. Next to mysteries and suspense, historical fiction is my favorite. When I had the chance to meet Edith at the Malice Domestic conference in April, she was kind enough to gift me a copy of her newest release, CALLED TO JUSTICE. Once I finally had the chance to start reading it, I couldn’t put it down!

Click on book to visit Amazon

The reader is transported to Amesbury, Massachusetts in 1888. Oh my, what an eye opening book this was and makes me realize how much we take every day conveniences and medical, technological, and social advances for granted!  The author brings the life of a midwife to full view in an era before technology, modern medicine and hospitals. The perils that can befall the newborn and new mothers alike are treated with compassion and grace. I found myself hoping for the best in each birth the protagonist, Rose Carroll, attended and my heart stopped when things didn’t go as expected. The author also gives the reader a charming peek into the Quaker’s lifestyle along with an uglier look at the bigotry and prejudices against other races and against women during that time period. I think it’s a good reminder, despite all the political and social upheaval our country is experiencing, that we have made great strides in becoming a better nation, a better people. 

Edith expertly weaves the historical details and social mindset of the late 1800’s into a good mystery that keeps a reader guessing about who would have wanted to kill the unwed, pregnant teen. Rose Carroll is a believable protagonist as she searches for justice, not only for the murdered girl but for the wrongly accused man. I enjoyed Rose’s character very much — she is a good role model not only for the 1800’s but for current day too! She isn’t afraid to defy conventional customs governing young ladies and instead focuses on doing what she knows to be the right thing to do. All in all, CALLED TO JUSTICE is a fascinating read with a satisfying mystery! 

While the book does not have recipes, Rose prepares several dishes including Sugar Cookies. Given the time period and the plainness of the Quaker faith, I have to assume that 1) there wasn’t room in their tiny icebox to chill cookie dough; 2) she would not have rolled out and cut the dough with cookie cutters and decorated them; 3) they would evoke a homey simpleness yet provide comfort to those who ate them. So, I developed a quick No-Chill Sugar Cookie recipe using vanilla with plenty of butter and plain sugar. They bake up soft and are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot tea or coffee. Of course my granddaughters are all about color: frosting and sprinkles make the cookie! I mixed up an easy glaze using confectioners’ sugar and just enough water to make the sugar spreadable, tinted part of it pink, and sprinkled the tops with colorful jimmies and nonpareils. It was the perfect way to celebrate the start of their summer!

 A huge thank you to Edith Maxwell for providing a copy of CALLED TO JUSTICE for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and due to shipping, is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

Print

No-Chill Sugar Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2-1/2 cups (12 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes at medium speed. Or use a hand-held electric mixer on high. 

4. Add in the egg and beat until well combined.
5. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
6. With the mixer running on the lowest speed, carefully add the flour mixture and stir just until it is incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
7. Place the extra granulated sugar into a shallow bowl.

8. Using a tablespoon scoop, form dough into 1 to 1-1/2 inch balls and then roll in the granulated sugar.

9. Place on baking sheet, about 2" apart. Bake for 9 -11 minutes, or until cookies have started to crinkle and dough looks set.

10. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

You can make a simple glaze mixing confectioners' sugar with a bit of water, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. Add food coloring as desired and top with your favorite sprinkles. 

Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

 I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I had the privilege of meeting author AND Certified Sommelier Nadine Nettmann at Left Coast Crime earlier this year. After hearing her talk about her debut novel, DECANTING A MURDER, I immediately went to the bookstore and bought it. It didn’t take me long to devour the book, all the while wishing I had several of the lovely wines she mentions. I love how she starts each chapter with a “wine pairing” which adds enjoyment to the book… and a run to Total Wine and More to seek out her suggestions. I met up with Nadine again at the Malice Domestic conference in April (and then again just this last weekend in L.A. at CA Crime Writers Conference) and was excited to find out that she was releasing UNCORKING A LIE in May… which I downloaded to my Kindle just as soon as I possibly could. Congrats are also in order for Nadine – DECANTING A MURDER has been nominated for an Anthony Award! 

Click on book to visit Amazon

Click on book to visit Amazon

Back when I was in my twenties, I had the opportunity to live in Napa for a couple of years (bliss!). Nadine definitely captures both the valley and Sonoma settings, bringing them to life and making the reader feel like they are right there with Katie, the protagonist. It’s obvious the author has a passion for wine and the Napa region and she creatively applies that expertise, allowing Katie to use her wine deducing knowledge to unearth clues and figure out the murderer. There are a variety of suspects to keep the reader guessing while intriguing subplots round out the stories. Another interesting aspect is the way the author describes the characters using the characteristics of different wine varietals. 

The protagonist, Katie, is struggling with a bad relationship with her father, after she failed to follow in his footsteps and flunked out of the police academy. She also has suffered a failed relationship and finds herself driven to pass the levels of sommelier testing, leaving no time for friends. The author provides some fascinating insight into the rigorous studying and training involved required to pass the exams. In fact, there is a 60% failure rate! It resonated with me when Katie muses that “maybe damage gives us all a little character,” in regards to people and to grapes when developing wine. And I think that is excellent insight into human nature and the author does a beautiful job weaving it into her delightful books. The Sommelier Mystery series whets your palate with a read that has a lovely bouquet and a full-bodied finish! 

While the book doesn’t include recipes there is plenty of food mentioned. Katie enjoys some Madeleine cookies in the first book, so I developed a recipe for Lemon Glazed Madeleines. According to Nadine, the best wine to pair with these light, cake-like lemon cookies is bubbly Prosecco.  If you don’t imbibe, according to my granddaughter whose favorite flavor is lemon, milk is pretty good too… and I would suggest a hot cup of tea. No matter what beverage you pair with these cookies, they do make for a delectable treat! 

Amazon Synsopsis – Decanting a Murder

Katie Stillwell focuses on two things in her life: work and practicing for Sommelier Certification with her blind tasting group. The exam was supposed to be the hardest part of her week, but that was before a body was found at an exclusive Napa Valley winery party.
When all the evidence points to Katie’s best friend, the outspoken and independent Tessa, Katie drops everything to clear Tessa’s name. Using her deductive wine skills, she tries to track down the real killer. But when repeated attempts are made on her life, Katie discovers that everyone’s secrets must be uncovered–including her own.

Amazon Synopsis – Uncorking a Lie

It was the kind of invitation sommelier Katie Stillwell had only dreamed about: a dinner party at the Sonoma mansion of famed wine collector Paul Rafferty to celebrate a rare bottle. Everyone enjoys drinking the $19,000 wine, but Katie realizes it’s not the vintage listed on the label.

When she confides in Mr. Rafferty, he asks her to investigate, and she soon discovers the deception goes beyond money—it includes an accidental death that might just be murder. As Katie falls deeper into the world of counterfeit wine, she learns everything is at stake… even her life.

A huge thank you to Nadine Nettmann for providing a signed copy of DECANTING A MURDER and UNCORKING A LIE! I will pick two winners and award one book to each of them. Contest ends Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

I met up with Nadine at California Crime Writers Conference in Los Angeles

I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

It’s a delight to be a part of the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour with the brand new release, BAD TO THE BONE, by Linda O. Johnston! The protagonist, Carrie Kennersley, is not only a vet technician but also owns a charming bakery, Barkery & Biscuits…actually 2 bakeries on the same premises: one for humans and one for pets. You’ll be drooling over the delightful treats Carrie and her employees bake and it’s probably a good thing your furry friends can’t read because they’d be begging for some special treats as well! 

Word has gotten out about Carrie’s special pet treats and a large pet food manufacturer, VimPets, is interested in buying some of her recipes. When one of the obnoxious sales reps for VimPets is found murdered, (with a pooper-scooper no less!) two of Carrie’s friends are suspects. One of them begs her to clear his name only she’s not so sure of his innocence. A large number of her friends, along with her brother, beg her to not get involved in the murder investigation this time but Carrie just can’t seem to help herself.

The premise of this storyline is cute. I loved all the pets and their owners who frequent Barkery & Biscuits and Carrie has endeared herself to the townspeople. The author brings to the forefront the need for people to adopt rescue animals and the plight that can befall these unfortunate creatures.  The location is in the mountains of Southern California, close to where I live, so I could completely envision the descriptions of the town and its surrounding areas…making me feel at home. Carrie’s romance with veterinarian, Reed, is progressing and is very sweet. I like seeing growth in characters in series, and the author provides that both with the main protagonist and with the close characters surrounding her. The reader will get a good feel for what it takes to run two bakeries and still work part time at the vet’s office. Carrie doesn’t shirk her duties yet manages to find the time to ask questions and try to find out who the murderer is. The grand finale caught me by surprise and wrapped up the plot and subplots in a satisfactory manner. 

Thankfully after you’ve finished drooling on the pages, Linda has provided a recipe for your dog along with a recipe for yourself! She has graciously allowed me to share her recipe for Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for People. I’ve tried a lot of snickerdoodles before along with pumpkin cookies, and my main complaint is that they’re too cake-like. Linda’s recipe manages to bypass the cake-y texture with this recipe. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, these cookies have a subtle pumpkin flavor while the cinnamon and sugar coating provides a burst of sweet spiciness in each bite! And in my own opinion, pumpkin isn’t just for autumn…it’s the perfect treat all year long! 

Amazon Synopsis

Veterinary technician Carrie Kennersly, owner of the Barkery & Biscuits bakery for dogs, is reluctant to sell her recipes to pet food manufacturer VimPets. Jack Loroco, a VimPets representative, assures Carrie that it would be a great opportunity to grow her business. His promising new relationship with Carrie’s friend Billi Matlock doesn’t hurt his cause.

But the budding romance takes a bad turn when Wanda Addler, another VimPets employee, sets her sights on Jack. After threatening to ruin Jack’s career if he doesn’t give her what she wants, Wanda is found dead. Jack and Billi are put at the top of the suspect list, and Carrie is doggone determined to rescue them from a life behind bars.

A very special thank you to Linda O. Johnston for providing 2 print copies of BAD TO THE BONE! This giveaway is administered by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and you can use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. Contest ends May 21, 2017 and is limited to U.S. residents only. Winners will be announced on this page and on Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours site, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

Tour Participants

May 8 – Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder 
May 8 – T’s Stuff 
May 9 – My Journey Back 
May 9 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! 
May 10 – Rainy Day Reviews 
May 10 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews 
May 11 – Bookworm Mom
May 11 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers 
May 12 – Readeropolis 
May 13 – Brooke Blogs 
May 13 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book 
May 14 – Texas Book-aholic 
May 15 – Community Bookstop 
May 15 – Author Annette Drake’s blog 
May 16 – Celticlady’s Reviews 
May 16 – A Blue Million Books 
May 17 – Laura’s Interests 
May 17 – Books Direct 
May 18 – A Chick Who Reads 
May 18 – Island Confidential 
May 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy 
May 20 – Melina’s Book Blog 
May 21 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews 
May 21 – Bibliophile Reviews 

I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This past weekend I had the chance to meet up with author Catherine Bruns while at the Malice Domestic conference in Maryland. She is just as delightful in person as she is on-line, and her personality shines through in her brand new release, FROSTED WITH REVENGE! This fourth book in her Cookies & Chance Mystery series had me laughing out loud one moment then gripping my tablet the next, on edge, waiting to see what was going to happen to Sally Muccio. Catherine also captures the angst brides can feel trying to appease their mothers with all the planning while trying to retain their own vision of what they want for their wedding. I’ve always loved Sally’s quirky parents and the author aptly describes them as “loud, proud, and march to the beat of their own drum.” But this time we see a different side to Sally’s mother and come to know her, along with Sally, on a deeper, emotional level. It adds to the appeal of the story.

Click on book to visit Amazon

The murder plot has so many twists and turns, making the reader feel like they’re on a wicked roller coaster ride. Catherine builds on the initial shock with tension-filled scenes until I was dying to find out if Sally does make it to the church on time. Fortunately, sandwiched in between the tension are moments of humor thanks to Sally’s best friend, Josie, and Sally’s dad, Father Death blogger extraordinaire! Both of these characters bring support to Sally and add to the overall enjoyment of the book. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, it is easily read as a stand-alone…but if you haven’t read any of the proceeding books, you’re going to want to go back and catch up with this delightful series!

Owning a cookie shop, Sally is always baking up lots of yummy cookies that will have you drooling. Fortunately, Catherine provides several recipes at the back of the book. As soon as she mentioned that the traditional Middle Eastern Maamoul Cookies (reminiscent of Italian Wedding Cookies) were from an old family recipe handed down from her aunt, I knew I had to try them. Shortbread style dough is stuffed with dates and/or walnuts (both staples in my house) then formed in beautiful molds. Catherine has provided instructions for making these without using a mold, but I found an inexpensive sturdy plastic one on Amazon, so used that. However, the traditional molds are made with beautiful and intricately carved wood and I’ll have to admit, I had a hard time passing those beauties up. If I had a place to display the carved maamoul molds along with my carved springerle molds and rolling pins, I’d be one happy woman! But back to these delectable cookies… they were a bit time consuming to form, but once I started making them, the time flew by and I enjoyed the creativity of the process along with the gorgeous, delicious results!

Amazon Synopsis

Sally Muccio’s walk down the aisle might be her last. The some-time amateur sleuth and full-time bakery owner is finally marrying the man of her dreams. But during a last minute taste testing of their wedding cake, Sally and her fiancé are witnesses—and almost victims!—of a random shooting. At least they think it’s random, until an original fortune cookie message proves otherwise. Is someone after Sally? And why does the mysterious shooter want to ice the baker? Sal tries to proceed with caution, but when someone close to her is attacked, all bets are off. She’ll do whatever it takes to bring this monster to justice, even if it means sacrificing herself in the process. Can Sal make it to the church on time…and alive?

A huge thank you to Catherine Bruns for providing winner’s choice of print or e-book copy of FROSTED WITH REVENGE for one winner. Contest ends Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe 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!)

For a short time the e-book copy of FROSTED WITH REVENGE is on sale for $2.99. The author isn’t sure how long this special release price will last so grab the book while you can!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Meeting up with Catherine at Malice Domestic 2017

It’s always a pleasure revisiting the town of Cranberry Cove from Peg Cochran’s Cranberry Cove Mystery series! The newest release, DEAD AND BERRIED grabbed my attention from the very first page with its tightly written riveting plot and colorful characters. The heavily Dutch populated town of Cranberry Cove is preparing for Vlaggetjesdag Celebration…Netherland’s Flag Day. I enjoyed the tidbits of information the author provides about Dutch food and customs, along with how they celebrate their holiday. The setting of the Sassamanash Cranberry Farm is eye-opening. The author’s descriptions had me feeling like I was right there. I loved the words she used to paint the picture of seeing the cranberries in bloom, with their delicate pink blossoms. It makes me want to see them for myself! She also brings to life the hard work being a cranberry farmer. The reader learns, right along with protagonist Monica Albertson, some of the things required to produce a successful crop, such as renting bees to pollinate. Peg weaves into the story the plight of the Honeybee due to pesticides, loss of habitats, disease and climate change.

Click on book to visit Amazon

When another murder happens on Sassamansh Farm, the cranberry farm Monica Albertson’s brother owns, Monica’s determination to find the truth is put to the test. Especially when her employee’s husband, beekeeper Rick becomes the suspect. The victim, Lori, was Rick’s assistant, and as Monica starts asking questions around town, she finds that Lori had made a lot of enemies, including her own boss. There are plenty of suspects and I didn’t see the surprising, suspenseful ending coming! There are also subplots that Monica finds herself involved in. I had to chuckle out loud when she’s horrified to find out the town has a betting pool going on when she’s going to get engaged. But that’s part of the charm of a small town setting…everyone knows everyone else’s business. The author also touches on the heartbreaking situation of elderly people, especially those with dementia, being taken advantage of. This subplot was artfully woven into the plot while bringing to light something that happens much more frequently than we think.

I love browsing through the many cranberry recipes Peg Cochran includes at the back of the book. I want to try them all! In the end I chose to make Cranberry Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies… an amazing combination of flavors and textures! Semisweet chocolate enhances ruby red tart cranberries, while the crunch of walnuts rounds out the texture of the soft and chewy cookies. I sent a large container of these cookies with my husband and his friends while on a golf trip. He said they disappeared in record time, even though we both thought I had sent more than enough! I’ll be making these again, soon!

Amazon Synopsis

It’s June in Cranberry Cove and Monica Albertson’s plan to sell cranberry relish to chain stores is taking off. The cranberry bogs are in bloom, and local beekeeper Rick Taylor and his assistant Lori Wenk are bringing in bees to pollinate the blossoms.  When a fatal prick fells Lori, the buzz is that Rick is to blame. 

In trying to clear her friend’s name, Monica discovers that more than a few people in Cranberry Cove have felt the power of Lori’s venom, and it looks as if this time she may have agitated the hive a bit too much.  With the fate of the farm on the line, Monica must get to the bottom of the crime before another victim gets stung. 

A huge thank you to Peg Cochran for providing a signed copy of DEAD AND BERRIED for one winner. Contest ends Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. 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!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

I was provided an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

TOWN IN A MAPLE MADNESS, the eighth book in the Candy Holliday Murder Mystery series by B.B. Haywood, starts off with a bang from the very first page! The author sets the stage, pulling you in, keeping you guessing and turning pages throughout the entire book. The protagonist, Candy Holliday, works part-time for the newspaper in Cape Willington, Maine. She also helps her father, Doc, with their blueberry farm when it’s in season, and helps other farmers in the area during their particular seasonal crop. The town is preparing for a new annual celebration, Maple Madness weekend, to be held in conjunction with the state’s Maine Maple Sunday… and yes, I researched and found out Maine really does hold a Maple Sunday celebration! Cape Willington will be holding demonstrations on how sugar maple sap becomes maple syrup along with many ways to use and eat maple syrup. I was astounded at the variety of food the author weaves into the book and I enjoyed the tidbits of information surrounding the maple syrup small farm industry sprinkled throughout the book. 

Click on book to visit Amazon

The setting of Cape Willington is a quaint, close-knit town with a history of a long-standing feud between the two wealthiest families who settled the area. There is a mystery surrounding this feud with the thread running through the entire series, however, the books can all be read on their own without the reader getting lost. Being a Southern California gal, my mouth dropped open when I read that Candy thinks it’s almost balmy in late March as spring is arriving… and it’s only a touch above 40 degrees! I have come to the firm conclusion that it takes a hardy person to live and thrive in Maine, especially during winter and early spring. Between the low temperatures and the icy mucky mud the residents have to endure, I have a new found appreciation for people who choose to live there.

However, on the positive side, the residents do get to indulge in fresh maple syrup each season. B.B. Haywood provides plenty of recipes at the back of the book for using pure maple syrup and they all sound fabulous! Being a huge fan of cookies, I chose to make Melody’s Cafe’s Maple Drop Cookies. A generous amount of maple syrup along with maple extract provide the recognizable flavor to these cake-like cookies. I always have a stash of maple sugar in my pantry and sprinkled some on top of the cookies just before baking for added maple sweetness. This recipe makes a lot of small, bite-sized cookies, which are sure to bring a smile to all those you share with! 

Amazon Synopsis

The imminent arrival of spring has the locals gearing up for their sweetest celebration ever—the first annual Maple Madness Weekend. Along with maple sugar house tours, a community-wide marshmallow roast, and a weekend-long pancake breakfast, restaurants will be serving up special maple syrup dishes. But the weekend festivities are put in jeopardy when things start to get sticky…
 
One of Candy’s friends is accused of stealing sap from a rival’s sugar maple trees, and landscaper Mick Rilke is found dead, floating down the river wrapped up in a fisherman’s net. As Candy taps into Mick’s life, his unsavory side comes to light, as well as a possible connection to both crimes. Now it’s up to Candy to follow the flow of suspects to a cold-blooded killer…

A huge thank you to B.B. Haywood for providing a print copy of TOWN IN A MAPLE MADNESS to one winner. Limited to U.S. residents only, please. Contest ends Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. 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!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Pin to Pinterest:

If you receive my blog post via email you will need to visit my website to view the video.

I received an advanced copy with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.