THREE TREATS TOO MANY is the third book in the Sarah Blair Mystery series by Debra H. Goldstein. While I read the first in this series, somehow I missed the second book. However, the author does a fine job of giving just enough backstory to keep the reader from feeling lost without slowing down the plot. It was also just enough to make me want to go back and catch up and enjoy the character growth of the protagonist, Sarah Blair, from the first book, and catch up on the teasers of what happened. I also found that the author has found her stride in the unfolding of the mystery. The plot was well-paced and kept my attention as clues were dispersed. The inclusion of a community “motorcycle gang”, who are charity-driven and bound together by their enjoyment of hitting the open road, was an unexpected and delightful surprise. The author’s attention to detail gives the theme an air of authenticity and adds an unusual line of characters for cozy mysteries.
The murder mystery surrounding the vegan sous chef of Sarah’s nemesis, Jane, was well-thought out. When Sarah’s good friend is accused of murder, she gets involved despite numerous people telling her not to. Clues were sprinkled about for a sharp reader to follow with some twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. While the ending was a bit quick, it was still suspenseful and I turned the pages faster and faster until I found out what happened. Ms. Goldstein does a great job of wrapping up the loose threads of the plot and subplots, and has me looking forward to the next book in the series!
There are plenty of mouthwatering treats and dishes served throughout the story. I was intrigued with the food that the vegan sous chef serves and was delighted to find that there is a vegan recipe included at the back of the book, along with other recipes. While some people might have preconceived ideas of what vegan is, I’ve found it’s every bit as good as traditionally prepared dishes (well… unless you have a craving for a steak). Since my husband is allergic to dairy products, I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try. And since I need to eat gluten-free, I was especially intrigued by the recipe for Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins since they’re both vegan and gluten-free. While actually healthy for you, these muffins were still quite delicious and delightfully moist. Even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, Pumpkin Quinoa Muffins are a treat for breakfast or a guilt-free snack. And if you do have restrictions, then these are the perfect way to indulge without fearing the consequences.
Amazon Synopsis
When a romantic rival opens a competing restaurant in small-town Wheaton, Alabama, Sarah Blair discovers murder is the specialty of the house . . .
For someone whose greatest culinary skill is ordering takeout, Sarah never expected to be co-owner of a restaurant. Even her Siamese cat, RahRah, seems to be looking at her differently. But while Sarah and her twin sister, Chef Emily, are tangled up in red tape waiting for the building inspector to get around to them, an attention-stealing new establishment—run by none other than Sarah’s late ex-husband’s mistress, Jane—is having its grand opening across the street.
Jane’s new sous chef, Riley Miller, is the talk of Wheaton with her delicious vegan specialties. When Riley is found dead outside the restaurant with Sarah’s friend, Jacob, kneeling over her, the former line cook—whose infatuation with Riley was no secret—becomes the prime suspect. Now Sarah must turn up the heat on the real culprit, who has no reservations about committing cold-blooded murder . . .
A special thanks to Debra H. Goldstein for providing one lucky winner with their choice of either a print copy or an ebook copy of THREE TREATS TOO MANY! Print giveaway is limited to U.S. residents. Contest ends Wednesday, August 26, 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!)
Makes 9 muffins
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1-1/4 cups oat flour oats, ground in a blender
- 1/2 cup quinoa flakes (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1/2 cup blanched almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (use either 1 large or 2 small bananas)
- 1/4 cup nondairy milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (or sub 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Pumpkin seeds (optional)
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
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Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
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Combine the flaxseed meal and water. Set the mixture aside to gel while preparing the remaining ingredients. (This makes a flax egg which is the vegan substitute for an egg.)
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In a large bowl, whisk the remaining dry ingredients together (minus vanilla extract).
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In a separate bowl, beat the pumpkin, milk, banana, and syrup together. Whisk in the wet flaxseed mixture and pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir to completely combine. Note: The batter will be thick but soft. It can still be stirred.
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Fill each cup 3/4 of the way full. Add water to the 3 empty muffin holders. If desired, sprinkle the tops of the muffins with pumpkin seeds and quinoa flakes.
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Bake on the center rack of the oven for 23 - 25 minutes. You should be able to insert a cake tester and have it come out clean.
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Let muffins cool in pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
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I was provided an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Print
I like the print edition.
I would love a print copy of THREE TREATS TOO MANY!
Thanks for featuring Three Treats Too Many on your blog – such a great cover! I prefer ebooks.
I would prefer print but would also happily take ebook. Thanks for the chance to win!!
I would prefer a print copy.
I prefer a print copy of Three Treats Too Many. Thank you for a chance.à
Print, please! The muffins look good!
I would love a print copy. Thanks for the chance.
I would prefer a print copy. That cover is so cute! Thanks for the chance to win!
Either a print or ebook I’m not picky. Thanks for the recipe! They look great and I love pumpkin everything!
Print, please. Sounds like a super read.
Ebook copy please. Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Print, please!
I’d prefer a print copy please. Everyone stay safe and have a great weekend.
I would like a print copy
I am battling a disease called RSD so print as can’t use fingers on right hand at all. Stay Safe
Print, please!
Thanks for having me today! Love our beautiful you displayed muffins. A fun recipe…. and if you like, we can give print and e ?:)
Appreciate everyone’s responses. Debr
Print of Three Treats Too Many thank you for the chance.?
I would love the print copy of Three Treats Too Many. Once I read it, I send a box of box to my sister whom I have converted to a cozy reader! Thank you for the chance. ?
I would Like the print copy. The recipe sounds yummy!
I would prefer a print copy.
print copy. It sounds like a fun mystery. Thanks for the chance.
I prefer a print copy please. Thanks for the chance!
I prefer a print copy. Thanks for the chance.
print.
and so psyched that you have vegan recipe. thanks.
Print version, please! those muffins look quite healthy!!
I would prefer a print copy, please.
I prefer a print copy. Three Treats Too Many sounds fun! Although I am not a vegan, I appreciate recipes that I can make for those who are vegan!
Print copy for me please ?
I prefer a print copy.
Thank you for the giveaway! I would be thrilled with a print copy of this book. Thank you, again!
Print copy please. Thank you!
I PREFER THE PRINT.
This recipe sounds great and I love to read Print books. Thanks for your great generosity.
I read both, but prefer print.
I would prefer a print copy. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would prefer a print copy. The books sounds great and the muffins too! Thanks for the chance!
Hi The books look for a great read. Muffins look good but lots of work. Thanks for the chance.
Forgot print or ebook would be fine. Thanks for the chance.
I prefer a print copy. Thanks for the chance!
Would love to get a print copy!
A print copy, please.
I prefer ebooks, but certainly wouldn’t turn down a hardback or softcover.
I would prefer the e-book copy.
I would prefer a print copy please.
I prefer a print copy. I have to be able to smell my books while I read
What a happy day to get a real paperback in the mail! It takes me 30 minutes to walk to my mailbox at the top of the ridge and back, so my husband usually drives up every other day and sometimes I wait n the porch but receive nothing. Mail is a huge deal in the mountains, can you tell? Thanks for doing this giveaway.
Print copy please.Thank you for the chance.
Those muffins look delicious. Would love to win the print book and thanks for the chance to win….
Print please. I would love to read it!
Wow can hardly wAit for the book to come out. Read the others!!! I would like an e book. I love the printed books but my eyes are giving me issues so kindle is my go to fight now. Recipe sounds good but I’m allergic to pumpkin so I have to steer clear.
I would love a printed copy
Omg. I am so trying this. Thank you.
I prefer a print copy please.
I prefer a print copy. I like holding my books as I read them.
I read both but I prefer print
I prefer an ebook
Prefer print copy.
I’d prefer a print copy.
I accidentally pressed “enter” on the “I don’t tweet” option . I DO tweet so I didn’t enter the “free entry” option to be fair.
print
Print, but ebooks and audio are great for bedtime ? ?
I would be happy with either one.
Hi! I would be just be happy to win!! So I will take it either way but if I must choose, I’d say in print. Thanks for your generosity!
Print copy please
Print book, please. thanks for the chance
I would prefer the print book.
I would want the print book. I like having them.
Print
Print Copy. I love this series! Thank you for this chance!
I prefer a print copy.
I prefer print but can’t read most of the books because the print is too small so I have to go with an e-book.