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THE DIVA SPICES IT UP is the thirteenth book in the Domestic Diva Mystery series by Krista Davis and despite what you might think about the number thirteen, this newest release is a charming delight! If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, Ms. Davis provides a list of characters at the beginning to help the reader keep track. Even though this series has been a long-time favorite of mine, I still like to refer to the list. In this newest book, protagonist Sophie Winston, owner of an event planning company, tries her hand at ghostwriting a celebrity cookbook. I liked how Sophie and her client immediately click and how down to earth they both are, which make them relatable to readers. On the other hand there is Natasha, Sophie’s somewhat frenemy and ex-girlfriend of Sophie’s ex-husband (but rest assured, there’s not a single love triangle in sight). She’s the sort of person that personifies a prima donna but instead of being annoying, the author finds ways to make her a sympathetic character. Ms. Davis uses an advice column question written to either Sophie or Natasha, at the beginning of each chapter, which allows the personality of each to shine through. I found it an effective way for the reader to get a better understanding of the characters.
THE DIVA SPICES IT UP weaves an intriguing story about code-breaking, spies, a dastardly murder, and a disappearance. I especially love that the author wrote a scene based on a dead drop experience she witnessed. While there are plenty of clues, this is a story I was happy to sit back and savor each word instead of trying to figure it out. Ms. Davis is quite adept at writing seemingly unrelated subplots and then pulling them together into one cohesive and compelling story at the end! It left this reader highly satisfied and anxious for the next book in the series.
I greatly enjoyed how the food aspect was woven into the storyline via the ghostwriting cookbook project and Sophie’s love to provide comforting and nourishing meals for her friends. I’m always impressed by not only the delectable dishes she prepares, but how she elegantly dresses her table and stylishly serves them. Sophie certainly lives up to her Domestic Diva name! (I’ll admit, I take the easy way out and don’t do anything special.) Ms. Davis provides several recipes at the back of the book and I just had to try Grandma Peggy’s Pumpkin Bundt Cake. I’d like to thank my granddaughter, Emory, for making the cake with me. We had a wonderful morning baking together and she almost couldn’t wait for the cake to come out of the pan to sample it! It smelled oh so yummy! With three cups of pumpkin used in the recipe, this cake is super moist and actually tastes like pumpkin instead of simply sugar and spices mixed with a bit of pumpkin for color. The Bundt pan gives it an elegant look without added labor and with a quick dusting of powdered sugar, it’s ready to serve just as soon as it cools enough to handle. I’ll be making this again, not only for dessert or an afternoon tea treat, but it’s perfect for a breakfast/brunch gathering too!
Amazon Synopsis
Sophie never considered ghostwriting as a side gig, until former actress and aspiring lifestyle guru, Tilly Stratford, trophy wife of Wesley Winthrope, needs someone to write her celebrity cookbook. Sophie agrees, hoping she’ll earn enough bread on this assignment to finish her bathroom renovations. She might have thought that it would be easy being someone similar to the fiction ghostwriters for hire and then perhaps agreed to it. But as it turns out, Sophie isn’t the first foodie to get a taste for recipe ghostwriting, and if the marginalia is any indication, this project could be a killer . . .
Wesley claims professional ghostwriter, Abby Bergeron, suddenly abandoned Tilly’s cookbook with no warning. But Sophie quickly discovers that Abby may be more ghost than writer now . . . and her disappearance was no accident. So Sophie cracks open a fresh investigation, but sifting the seasoned murderer from this sampling of salty suspects won’t be easy. Will Sophie savor another case closed or will the culprit simply melt away?
A special thanks to Krista Davis for providing a signed hardcover giveaway copy of THE DIVA SPICES IT UP! Contest ends Wednesday, April 29, 2020 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!)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted, plus extra for pan
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1-1/2 cups sugar, plus extra for pan
- 1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
- 3 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- Powdered sugar (optional)
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (F). Grease the Bundt pan well with butter and sprinkle sugar in it as you would flour to prevent sticking.
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Melt the 1/2 cup of butter and set aside to cool.
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In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup melted butter and the oil, and mix. Beat in the eggs. Add the sugar and dark brown sugar and beat on slow, then gradually increase the speed. Add the pumpkin and vanilla and beat.
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Slowly add in the flour mixture, about 1/3 cup at a time.
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Pour mixture into the greased Bundt pan.
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Bake 55 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Allow to rest on a rack about 15 minutes, then loosen the edges and middle and flip onto a serving plate.
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Optional: sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm or cold.
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I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am not a diva at all for those things. I’d rather read about it. Thanks for the giveaway! Take care.
No, I’m far removed from a diva.
Not really, I like it to look nice but I don’t fret about it.
I have been counting the days waiting for this book to be released, Diva fan that I am. I am also very excited about this recipe having recently treated myself to the most gorgeous Bundt pan ever. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love setting a lovely table but don’t think I’m talented enough to be a diva at it. I love Sophie and am so looking forward to this latest book in the series!
Not a Diva. It takes three of us to do a festive table. I cook, my wife and one of the daughters decide what the color scheme is and gets the proper table cloth and silverware. I’m also not that social. I greet my family and friends and fifteen minutes or so later I’m in my library online or reading a book.
Thanks for the chance to review this! A must read after reading your review! Great page! Good luck everyone ❤️?
I love anything pumpkin and the recipe sound great. When it comes to being a Diva I love getting dressed up and also dressing up my table with fancy things. Thanks for this amazing giveaway.
At 70 no. Years ago yes.
I’m not a diva but I love to cook and bake cause my grandmother taught me how to cook.
Nope. Not a all. Got stuck with too much of that malarkey when growing up. Just sad how people go for that stuff. Position and money for the sake of appearances. Just sad. When people put that malarkey first they leave behind family time. And enjoying the sunset. A flower. Animals at play. Don’t get me wrong. Nothing wrong with money or position. If it’s kept in it’s place. Food on the table, roof over the head, clothes on the back. Fine. But a bunch of other stuff??? No. My Mom was all about show. Really! Who needs a different pair of shoes for each outfit. Who needs a different outfit for each day of the month and for each occasion. She was so concerned about appearances Not supposed to be two sets of laws. But there is. One for those with money and position. And one for the not so rich & privileged. Want some good story ideas. Ask me about the sister who abused her kids and the authorities did nothing. Compared to a poor couple whose kid was kidnapped (that is what it really is) because of a birthmark. They spent 9 months going through legal hoops before they got their kid back. Yep. I’ve seen it from both sides of the $$$ It is just plain sad the disparity.
I am definitely NOT a diva at anything. I’m not crafty by any means. I’d love to win the book and read it though!
Diva, me, heck no lol. I usually set a simple, but lovely table. With little, special touches such as simple favors at each place setting. And…I MUST try that pumpkin recipe! I love anything pumpkin!
I happy to say I’m not a diva.
I like for my home to feel welcoming, but I am laid back about it. I feel that if I am overly attentive to it, my home will no longer feel welcoming! I also want my home to feel like a space to celebrate holidays, so I may decorate a big too much. So, welcoming and festive is the vibe I am going for. I hope I am achieving my goal!
I would love to read this book!
Very rarely does this non diva make up fancy table settings
Can’t see myself being described as a diva in any way. I do love to bake and know that we first eat with our eyes, then our nose before we get to the tasting part. 🙂
Can’t wait for the opportunity to read “THE DIVA SPICES IT UP”.
That is very similar to my grandmother’s pumpkin cake recipe – except hers called for ginger in addition to the cinnamon and nutmeg, and buttermilk (milk with 2 tbsp. apple vinegar). We had this every year at Thanksgiving when I was growing up, and I loved the smell while it was baking. And to answer your blog question – I am definitely a diva – I want everything to be seasonal and matching during those special holiday meals.
I’m not a diva in anything, but I do like to set a fancy table, when it’s called for…However, both my girls Are diva’s when it comes to fancy tables, parties and the like. Both would make wonderful party/ wedding planners
One of the BEST series ever. Thank you and stay safe.
No, not a diva about place settings and table decorations.
I not much at table dressing, just bring on the food LOL!
I love pumpkin flavored desserts, not so much in the fall because they over-do it. Definitely not eating pumpkin flavored cheerios folks.
I need to catch up with the series! Winning a copy of The Diva Spices it Up will push me to binge read! Thanks for the chance to win!
Not really. I try to match dishes and glassware, and put silverware in the right places. Don’t have room for centerpieces, etc.
I am the total opposite of a diva. I go with the flow. I love this series. Thank you for this chance!
Not a diva, but for special holiday meals I try to make the table a little nicer, but definitely not creative.
No I’m not. Just an ordinary grandma! Thanks so much for the chance to win! Enjoy reading your books!
I’m no where near a diva. But I love reading Krista’s books!!
I’m far from a diva. I do enjoy Krista’s book though!!
No I’m not a diva. Thank you for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of The Diva Spices It Up.
I’m not a diva. Prefer easy
Not a diva at all.. thank you for the chance.
lilyanngill56(at)gmail(dot)com
I am NOT a kitchen diva. I do well to get a meal together. Ha!
I’m not a diva.
I do like to plan menus for dinner parties that have complimentary dishes, and I’m particular about people helping me. I don’t get stressed out about decorations or matching dishes, though. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
My kids were rather fussy about foods growing up. Family meals for special occasions (like Thanksgiving, for example) were a challenge.
I got inspired, finally, and realized the important thing was a family meal that we shared happily.
From then on I made “real” food for my husband and me and ordered take out for the kids. They got their burger or mozzarella sticks, or pizza served on the fancy dishes with the family silverware.
Everyone was happy.
My mom set pretty tables, but I did not inherit that gene. I do draw a line at meals served from pots on the stove, though!
I’m not really a Diva, but I try to go all out when decorating my table from Halloween through New Year’s Day. Although, I am pretty particular when it comes to my Christmas table.
No, I am not a diva. I try to keep things simple so I have less stress. The Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe sounds wonderful. I need to make it.
No I am not at all!
Not really Some times a table cloth or place mats. So not a diva. Your book looks amazing and fun to read.
I love to decorate for the holidays, and not just the table! And yes, everything has to be just perfect. Not “Adrian Monk” perfect, but perfect, nonetheless.
I am more relaxed and casual rather than being fussy and formal.
I’m not a diva.
Haha, far from a diva, but love reading about Sophie’s adventures! And I love a good bundt!
Not a diva, but I do like bling.
No where close to being a diva but LOVE the series!
Not a diva but LOVE the series!
Definitely not a diva. Don’t have many special events but I like to try new recipes, especially for holidays.
Not a diva! I prefer things to be casual.
Not a diva but I do like the table to look nice on occasions
I only decorate my table for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have dishes and tablecloths for each holiday. I would love to read The Diva Spices It Up! Thanks for the chance
I once spent hours cooking and cleaning for my first dinner party in my very first apartment! Days really of cleaning and decorating and tweaking til the day of the dinner party. Boy I was nervous – cooked and cleaned and set the table just so – the menu was all planned and the final touches underway. I still remember how proud I was when I finished setting that table – was only a small little dinner party, me and my parents. But to me it was a very proud moment – I had done it, I had a new apartment, was starting a new life on my own! So I planned and I cooked and I tweaked and I sweated it out. Now, now the table was set and it looked so pretty! Time now to set out the sorbet for the first course! I wanted them to see it when they came in, to oooh how pretty it looked with the pretty plates and napkins and the candles and the colorful sorbet! So very pretty and so very sophisticated! They would be here soon so it was time, so I set out the sorbet and I thought, soon, soon they’ll be here soon………and the time ticked away, soon right they’re just a bit late, its ok, just a bit late is all, they’ll be here soon……and the sorbet melted into pretty little puddles and the dinner cooked, now it was over cooked……they’ll be here soon, soon, I know they’ll be here soon….and I waited and the dinner grew cold and colder and finally, finally here they were – but it was no longer a proud moment, it was ruined, my first and my last dinner party…..ever…..but that sorbet looked so pretty, so very pretty……
Awwww… I’m sorry that happened. It is tricky to juggle having dinner prepared to the arrival of guests. I tend to have everything prepped then finish cooking once guests arrive and put them to work helping out, especially when it comes to family. I guess that makes me not a diva 🙂
Yes, I can be a diva when it comes to celebrating a special meal! It’s so fun to create a mood of festivity,!
I’m not a diva. However, for special times I enjoy lovingly, thoughtful touches to compliment the particular festivity at hand.
I pay particular attention to detail but not a diva about anything really. Sounds good. Terrific cover. Thanks for the chance.
I used to be a huge diva about all kinds of homemaking stuff. Then I got MS, so my fatigue and pain are often overwhelming. I’ve had to lower my standards about a lot of things!
I always like to have my table looking pretty and keep it set up year round. I especially go all out for every holiday and decorate my whole kitchen! Autumn is my favorite time of year and this recipe sounds yummy as I love pumpkin treats!
I’m not concerned about the decorating. The food is what’s important.
No, I’m not a diva about decorating the table, I do like it to look nice but we rarely have people over so it’s not a big deal for me.
I use to be. Sadly I’ve lost my motivation due to dealing with a chronic illness. I love living vicariously through this series. My absolute favorite!!!
not by a long shot and really not something i am interested in doing.
I am so not a diva.
I am not at all a diva. I like things to look nice but I don’t get bent out of shape if things aren’t perfect. Love this series and can’t wait for the new book!
Not a diva but enjoy reading about them.
Great review thank you! I am not a diva on fixing up the table but my youngest daughter is she loves it.
Thanks
Penney
Definitely not a Diva.. I have a 2 daughters’, a daughter in law and 2 grand daughters’ who will bake me anything I want or need. My area of expertise is cooking. I’ve even done a few personal chef gigs over the centuries. I love the series though, I own six of the Diva books and four of her others.
I’m not a diva at all. If the food is good and everyone has fun, I’m happy.