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CHERRY SCONES & BROKEN BONES is the second book in the Very Cherry Mysteries by Darci Hannah but the first I’ve had a chance to read… and I’m SO very glad I did! From the very first page, protagonist Whitney Bloom’s internal humorous dialog had me chuckling. And with the author’s strong descriptive voice, each new situation and scene was brought to life further increasing the humor. Whitney has found herself back in her childhood home which has turned into an Inn, and has taken on the job of manager for the Cherry Orchard Inn. After the recent murder (that occurred in book one) the Inn is struggling and rescue appears to come in the form of a famous painter, Silvia Lumiere, who has booked herself in for nine weeks. Except once she arrives, Silvia’s prickly personality and penny-pinching meanness has Whitney and the staff running for cover. Ms. Hannah “paints” vivid pictures of the characters and the setting with her words, and I felt like I was right there. She’s also created a colorful core cast of characters (including roof climbing goats and a best friend who conducts a goat yoga and all the ensuing mayhem that follows) that had me invested in what happens to them. Their snappy repartee makes the scenes flow and kept me turning pages.
With all the fun going on in the story, it was almost easy to forget that it was a cozy murder mystery… but Ms. Hannah effectively weaves in the crime and gives Whitney’s investigative skills a chance to shine. The plot is well-paced and the clues are there if you don’t get too caught up in just enjoying the read. With lots of suspects, thanks to the artist bringing a wide variety of admirers to the Inn, I didn’t guess who the culprit was until the big reveal. With a hair-raising conclusion, the author had me on the edge of my seat, and I finished the book highly entertained and satisfied that justice had been done.
Not only does Whitney manage the Inn, but she also bakes up all sorts of yummy cherry-based recipes. Her cherry scones have become quite famous and she can barely keep up with the demand. Thankfully, the author has included the recipe for the scones plus a couple other recipes that feature cherries. Scones are a special treat in my household and I had to give Whitney’s cherry scones a try. The flaky pastry is studded with plump dried cherries and toasted pecans, making these substantial. A drizzle of cherry juice glaze makes these even more delicious. On their own or smeared with butter and cherry preserves, these scones are the perfect addition to breakfast or an afternoon teatime treat!
Amazon Synopsis
At the Cherry Orchard Inn, “Cherry Scones to Die For” turns out to be all too true!
Tainted by a recent murder, the Cherry Orchard Inn is struggling to attract guests–until celebrated portrait painter Silvia Lumiere books a room for the summer. Whitney Bloom, the inn’s new manager, can’t believe her good luck. Between her scrumptious scones and the painter’s remarkable talent, the inn swiftly becomes the center of the Cherry Cove art scene.
However, all is not the bowl of cherries it appears. There’s a rotten core in the portrait painter that only Whitney and her friends can see. And just as Whitney’s baking skills and patience are pushed to their limits, another death occurs at the inn. With all fingers pointing at her, Whitney realizes it will take all her cherry-tastic talents to bake her way out of this one.
A special thanks to Darci Hannah for providing winner’s choice of either an ebook or print copy of CHERRY SCONES & BROKEN BONES. Contest ends April 24, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST and print 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!)
So good, they're to die for!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoon cold butter
- 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup unsweetened dried Montmorency cherries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons tart cherry juice
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Heat oven to 350 degrees (F). Place pecans on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and set aside.
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Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees (F).
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In large bowl or mixer, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or mixing attachment until butter is the size of peas.
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Add cherries and toasted pecans.
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Mix the sour cream into the heavy cream and stir until blended. Pour over dry ingredients and mix gently until well blended. Be careful not to overwork the dough or scones will be tough.
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With floured hands, remove dough and place on floured surface. Form into round ball, then gently flatten into round disk approximately six inches in diameter and one inch high. Using a sharp knife, cut into six wedges.
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Place scones one inch apart on parchment-covered baking sheet.
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Beat the egg with the tablespoon of milk. Brush the top of each scone with the egg wash. Let rest for ten minutes.
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Bake 15 minutes in heated oven until tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
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Stir two tablespoons of tart cherry juice into the cup of powdered sugar. Pour over scones and let sit until glaze is set.
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The scones are ready to eat! For an extra tasty treat, serve them with clotted cream and lemon curd.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for the chance! I prefer print.
Looks good! And the scones…yum! I would prefer print please. Thanks!
If I were fortunate enough to be selected, I would LOVE a print copy of “Kay Cherry Scones & Broken Bones”.
I prefer print.
I enjoy both print and e-books. Being able to own a Kindle is convenient since I can take more than one book to read and not have to find space in my purse or tote. Thanks for the insight into Dacy Hannah’s book.
I prefer print please. Thanks for your great generosity.
Congratulations on another book! It sounds wonderful. I prefer print books.
Thank you! These cherry books are near and dear to my heart! Good luck!
I would prefer a print copy. Thank you!
I prefer e copy, thank you!
I had forgotten about the Very Cherry Mysteries. I was disappointed to learn that there would not be another one, but am glad that Ms. Hannah is writing the Beacon Bakeshop mysteries. It was very easy to be drawn into the story and to be invested in the characters, even the roof residing goats 🐐 😁. I am goung to need to find some cherries and try the recipe very soon as cherries are some of my favorite fruits. Thank you for the opportunity to win a print copy! I really enjoy reading your blog!
Print copy, please.
thanks for the recipe. I love scones. Haven’t
had a cherry one yet. Just had a cherry
cherry cheesecake over Easter. It was
delicious. Would love to read the book.
thanks txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I prefer print copies. There is just something about holding the book plus I can’t read that long on my phone without charging. And those sconces look delicious!!
I would love a print copy , please, if I win.
Print, please
I would prefer a print copy. That cover is so cute!! Love to display it on my bookshelf. The recipe sounds delicious! Love scones!
Thank you for the chance! I would love the print copy so that, after I have read it, I share it with my sister and her friends who then donate books to a retirement center when they have all read the books! Ooh, and I copied the scone recipe so that I can adjust it to my special low fat/low sodium/no added sugar dietary needs! 🤗💖
Print copy for me please.
These look yummy!😋 I prefer print and thank you!😊💞
Thank you for your wonderful giveaway and delicious looking recipe! If I win I’d love the print version.🥰
Battling RSd fingers are deformed from it and it is through my body so I would need a print thank you so much for asking!
I read both, but prefer print.
Yummy! Those Cherry Scones look so good! If I win the drawing, I prefer a hard copy…but realize that giving away hard copies can get expensive, so am more than happy to accept an ebook. I know..decisions are not my strongest point these days!
I prefer a print copy. The scones look delicious! I love anything with cherries. I haven’t read this series yet but will check it out. I really like the Beacon Bakeshop series.
I love this cover! The goat is absolutely adorable! 🥰🥰🥰
I read both but lately, I’ve been reading more ebooks so I would like an ebook copy if I were lucky enough to win. Congratulations on a new book! It looks it’s going to be an amazing read.
Thank you for the chance!
I prefer a print book.
I prefer a print copy.
I’d prefer a print copy please.
I am still old school and like holding a book in my hands.
Thank you for the chance to win.
madam hawk at g mail dot com
I prefer print books. Thank you for sharing the recipe, and for this chance!
Print copies always!
The recipe and book sound great. I would prefer an E book!
I know what I will be making for breakfast tomorrow! While I am now reading a lot of ebooks… I am still a bit old school and really prefer hard copy.
ebook
Love the book cover and the book sounds great. The recipe yummy. I also prefer printyed books, especially if I can get an author to sign it! Thanks for the chance.
I prefer a print copy.
I prefer print, but I’d ask for an ecopy for the space savings.
Prefer print/thanks
The book sounds so good that I will have to read the first one so I can read this one. I prefer to read series in order. And those Cherry Scones look so delicious.
I was wrapped up in commenting and forgot to say that if I should be so lucky to win that I would prefer a print copy. Thank you.
I prefer print books
I read both but I prefer paperback. Thank you!
“Do you prefer print or an ebook copy?” A print copy, please!
I love a humorous protagonist! I prefer print.
I prefer a print copy of Cherry Scones & Broken Bones. Thank you for the chance
I like both. Today prefer a print copy.
I love printed books to read in the bathtub!! My escape!
I prefer print.
The scones look great! I would love a print copy. Thank you!
I would prefer a print copy-thank you!
I’d prefer a print copy.
I would prefer an e-book copy.
I prefer the print copy. Thank you so much for the chance!
Cherry Scones making me hungry. Look 😋
I would love to receive an e-copy
I’d prefer a print copy. I love the feel of a book in my hands although I do have an e-reader for when I’m on the go.
For several reasons, I personally prefer physical copies.
Thanks for the giveaway, and for sharing about this book!