STICKS AND SCONES is the nineteenth book in the Bakeshop Mysteries by Ellie Alexander. If you’re new to the series, rest assured the author does an amazing job of keeping newbies informed (or, if you’re like me and haven’t kept up with all the books, it’s easy to catch up within the story) with enough backstory so you’ll never feel lost. However, this is one of those series where the character development over the years is worth reading from start to finish. (And I really need to take my own advice, lol!) Protagonist Juliet—Jules—Capshaw, owner of Torte bakery in Ashland, Oregon, is one of those people you’d love to sit down with and savor a cup of coffee and a pastry. And I’d never turn down a chance to sip a glass of wine with her charming vintner/chef husband, Carlos! Together, they are a couple everyone should aspire to. Jules and Carlos both treat everyone in their orbit with love, affection, and, most of all, respect. It’s no wonder their businesses have flourished and the skills of their employees have expanded. Ms. Alexander’s strong descriptive voice brings both the characters and the setting to life, yet imbues an emotional depth.

 

While it may be the characters that keep bringing readers back, the author pens well-plotted mysteries that keep them turning pages. In this newest story, Jule’s best friend, Lance, is opening a stage production with a new theater troupe and staging it at Uva, Carlos and Jules winery. It’s a tremendous success until the leading actor meets his demise. As Jules asks questions and listening to “gossip” it becomes apparent no one is mourning his loss…and some just might be celebrating. This brings a slew of suspects to sift through, especially when all the major players seem to tell lies or trying to hide something. There are twists aplenty sprinkled liberally with treats galore as Jules narrows in on the culprit. And as the story concludes, a heartwarming scene has me ready to get caught up and then read the next one!

 

Running a bakery, Jules has all sorts of tempting treats on hand. Be prepared to want to snack on your favorite sweet and sip on your favorite hot beverage while you read. Or better yet, try one of the recipes included at the back of the book. I couldn’t wait to nibble on a batch of Chocolate Tahini Cookies, especially since they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan! And instead of using processed sugar, the sweetness comes from maple syrup. With the addition of almond flour, ground flaxseed, and tahini, the nutritional value is increased so you can enjoy these delicious, ultra chocolatey cookies without any of the guilt. Next time I make these, I’ll mix up a double batch and keep some in the freezer for when a chocolate craving hits!

 

 

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

 

It’s late spring in Juliet’s charming hamlet of Ashland. Spotted deer are nibbling on lush green grasses in Lithia Park, the Japanese maples are blooming, and Torte is baking a bevy of spring delights—lemon curd cupcakes, mini coconut cream pies, grapefruit tartlets, and chocolate dipped almond Tuiles.

 

Meanwhile, Juliet’s friend Lance, the artistic director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, is taking center stage with his new theater troupe—the Fair Verona Players. Their performance in Uva’s vineyard promises to be a modern, gender-bending twist on “The Taming of the Shrew,” but as the curtain rises, so do the strange occurrences. Stage mishaps and internal bickering threaten to derail the production. But the real show begins when the leading actor, Jimmy Paxton, meets his final curtain call. Now, Jules is not only in the mix, but she’s going to need to craft the perfect recipe for solving this theatrical whodunit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group for offering a print copy of STICKS AND SCONES to one lucky winner! Contest ends September 15, 2024 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!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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