Ever since I read the teaser chapter for MUFFIN TO FEAR by Victoria Hamilton a couple of months ago, I’ve been waiting on pins and needles for this fifth book in the Merry Muffin Mystery series to release. The author starts the book with a sweet interlude, drawing the reader in, establishing a connection to the protagonist, newlywed Mrs. Merry Grace Wynter. Merry’s happiness over being married to Virgil epitomizes what honeymooners should be like. Too frequently drama and discord is so often displayed in both books and film. Instead, the author saves the mayhem for Merry’s return home where she finds a reality television show setting up to film an episode for Haunt Hunt.
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While there have been a few murders around Merry’s home, Wynter Castle, she never thought her castle was haunted. Pish, one of her dearest friends, isn’t so sure and somehow ends up with the cast and crew of Haunt Hunt on her property. From there the fireworks start. The author provides fun insight into filming the reality show: from setting up equipment to the interaction between cast and crew, to the fake scenes that goes along with putting a show together. She provides great, snarky descriptions of some of the cast members, which lends itself readily to what you would expect of a reality tv show. I loved the quirkiness of the characters, both from the show and townspeople. I especially enjoyed seeing Merry’s caring and mentoring relationship with Lizzie, the teenager from town. It adds another sweet dimension to the story aside from the murder. There were so many viable suspects who would have wanted to see the arrogant, fake tv actor/psychic dead. Just when I thought I was sure I had figured it out the author would dole out a new clue and I would change my mind all over again. There was a satisfying conclusion and the various threads of the story were pulled together for an enjoyable read!
The author provides a couple delectable muffin recipes with her book including one gluten-free one, that I’m anxious to try! Victoria asked that I create an additional muffin recipe for my blog post so after brainstorming with my granddaughter (who adores muffins for both breakfast and quick after-school snacks) came up with Raspberry Lemon Muffins. With summer in full swing, raspberries are ripe and plentiful while providing fun color. Lemon juice and zest adds a sunny burst of flavor and a tart tang to the batter that mixes up quickly. Enjoy!
Amazon Synopsis
Newlywed baker Merry Wynter has some unwanted guests looking for ghosts at Wynter Castle…
While Merry is distracted by her quickly planned marriage to Virgil Grace and a blissful honeymoon in New York, her friend Pish invites the ghost-hunting crew from the TV show Haunt Hunt to investigate Merry’s home, Wynter Castle. Merry soon discovers that not only is the crew out of sync, there are so many feuds and squabbles, it’s a miracle they get a show produced at all.
It all goes from bad to worse when the show’s psychics claim to have contact with people murdered on Merry’s property. When two cast members are found dead, Merry and Virgil must figure out who’s picking off the Haunt Hunt team before their hard-earned happily ever after is cut short.
A special thank you to Victoria Hamilton for providing a print copy of MUFFIN TO FEAR for one lucky winner! Contest ends Monday, July 31, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to Canadian and U.S. residents only. 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!)
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup milk (2% or whole)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 4 - 5 ounces fresh raspberries, washed and patted dry. Reserve 12.
- Coarse sparkling sugar, optional
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F).
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Line muffin tin with paper liners, spritz with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
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In a medium-size bowl, mix the milk and lemon juice together and set aside. The mixture will curdle but that is normal.
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In a large-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Set aside.
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Add the vanilla, egg, and vegetable oil to the lemon and milk mixture, whisking to fully incorporate.
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Add the wet ingredients to the flour ingredients, stirring until incorporated. Batter may be a little lumpy, but do not overmix.
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Fold the fresh raspberries (except for the 12 raspberries) into the batter and stir just until incorporated.
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Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full, place a reserved raspberry on top of each one, and if desired, sprinkle liberally with coarse sparkling sugar.
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Bake for 15 - 18 minutes. Muffin tops should spring back when gently touched.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool in muffin tin for 3 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool 10 minutes before serving.
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Makes 12 - 15 muffins.
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Muffins are best eaten shortly after baking. If you do have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently toast to reheat before serving.
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I was provided a copy of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I have actually never watched a reality tv show
“Reality” TV shows seem to be pretty much scripted! (I’d rather read a book and eat a delicious muffin.)
I don’t really like “reality” TV programs. There is one exception: The Next Food network Star, although I don’t know if you can call that a reality TV show. Thanks for the chance to win…and the recipe!
Oh, that sounds like a delightful book. I love watching paranormal “reality” shows. They always give me a good laugh and something to think about. This sounds like a book that I’m going to have to read. I guess I will have to pick this one up when I go back to the bookstore if I don’t win a copy! This would be great to buy for some of my friends for “Buy your friend a Book Day” coming up next month. I am for sure going to have to try these muffins because muffins Make everything better.
The only reality show I have ever watched was Project Runway.
I don’t watch many but, I do watch Married at First Sight.
I never watch reality shows, some of the games I do most times I have my head buried in a book!
This sounds very good, love the cover.
Penney
Wow I can’t wait to make those muffins! I can’t wait to read Muffin to Fear, Ilove my name sake Merry! I never watch reality shows except So You Think You Can Dance since it gives kids a change at a career!
I’m guilty of watching several but my favorite The Great English Baking Show is ending , breaks my heart funny good food and the people are great. I also like Master Chef but not Hell’s Kitchen.
No, I have never watched any of them.
I consider most of them a complete waste of time. I would rather read.
I don’t like reality TV shows.
I don’t watch TV really, but when we do, we only have Netflix and tend to watch crime shows. I’m really excited to read this series. I have the first one on my shelf and after reading a summary from another reader on facebook I bumped it up to the front of my stack.
I don’t like reality tv. Everything looks scripted like it was planned.
I used to watch bachorlette and the other one that they have until the scenes went to far. I stopped watching and so did my friend so we weren’t surprised when there recently was a battle that the woman said the man went to far. We also live in Iowa and have to listen how Chris Soules has hit a man on a tractor and left the scene. This trial has been moved and moved why just due to him being this reality star also it being in the news so much has turned a lot of people off.
I’m not a fan of reality tv unless you count the true crime investigation shows
Reality TV is not for me.
These muffins, however, are!
I’m not much into the reality shows. Guess I’m old fashioned when it comes to TV programs. We love watching the oldies like Andy Griffith and Mash or some of the older music shows like the Jimmy Dean Show or HeeHaw. I’m so glad they are still on the air and hope they continue to be.
I’ve watched reality shows in the past but not a fan. I will usually read. I prefer the drama in my cozies rather than watching it take place on Tv. Can’t wait to try this recipe! It just needs to cool down a bit.
I can’t stand any of these reality programs. I think they are disgusting and fake. Can’t wait to try some of the recipes in this book. I love muffins.
I really don’t care for reality TV shows–I think too many of them are just too fake.
Dancing With The Stars is very enjoyable to watch.
I’m really not a reality TV fan ~
They don’t appeal to me, so I’ve never watched a reality tv show.
Does America’s Got Talent count? I really enjoy watching it! Only one we watch! Would really love to eat one or two of those muffins right now though! YUM! Congratulations on new book. Want to read it so winning would be great! Thanks for the chance.
I enjoy seeing the world on The Amazing Race and the recipes on the Great British Baking Show.
I have gone off most reality shows because they so often become antagonistic and mean…I’ll check in on Ink Master and the Amazing Race… However, I like watching “Chopped”, and absolutely love the “Great British Baking Show. It is fun, informative, and all participants support each other.
I don’t watch reality tv shows.
I don’t watch reality tv shows.
I don’t usually watch reality tv, maybe Survivor or The Amazing Race at times.
Thank you for the giveaway. I would be thrilled to receive Victoria’s book. As to reality TV. I think that is the news these days and it’s a bit too much “reality” for many of us. Otherwise, I watch Survivor be as that is something that I could never have done and live to see others succeed in the game. Thank you.
Cynthia
I don’t watch any of the competition-type reality shows, I won’t waste my valuable reading time!
I don’t like reality TV all that much but occasionally I will see one that I just have to check out. I’ve watched Dating in the Dark and Tommy Lee went to college. Wow! LOL
I love Married at First Sight and Chopped. Looking forward to reading Muffin to Fear and to trying the Lemon Raspberry Muffin recipe!
I don’t watch much TV at all, I rather have an interesting book in my hands reading!
I think Dancing With The Stars has many talented dancers to make the show exciting.
I never watch a reality show, I think. I watch the cooking shows like Gordon Ramsey. Master Chef, Master Chef Jr. and Hells Kitchen. I don’t know if those are like reality shows. And thank you for the chance to win a print copy of Muffin To Fear.
Spuds like a fine cozy wo dun it
I watch a few of the cooking shows.
DWTS and some of the cooking shows.
I like watching Southern Charm on Bravo. It takes place in Charleston SC and I like to see how the people from Charleston live, since it’s one of my favorite cities.
I don’t watch reality TV shows. I think they are fake.
I love watching Big Brother!
No, I do not like reality shows! And I do not watch any (unless my DIL has one on when we are in their house).
Now, some might consider Dancing With the Stars, or one of the ‘talent shows reality shows. I do not. But even those shows get limited viewing by hubby & I.
I don’t like reality TV shows at all.
I have flipped past many of the reality programs du jour, but don’t watch any in particular.
I love Big Brother 🙂
The reality tv shows I enjoy have mostly to do with cooking. The Great British Baking Show and Top Chef are my favorites.
If Survivor and The Amazing Race count then I watch Reality Tv.
I don’t watch tv much except for Netflix. I used to watch The Biggest Loser.
I’d rather read!!!!!!!!
My reality TV shows are NASCAR.
i don’t much like reality shows. but the book and the muffins look great!
I watched Gean Simons Family Jewels, Deadlest Catch, Dirty Jobs,…quite a few reality shows! Those muffins sound lovely by the way.
I am a reality show junkie! I love Amazing Race, the food ones and The Voice, to name a few.
Thanks.
I’ll occasionally watch videos from the ‘talent’-type shows on YouTube. About the only thing I watch on network tv anymore is NCIS!
Raspberries are not a favorite of mine but I suppose that fruit could be substituted, cause I’m all over the muffins! Great title for the book!
I don’t watch a lot of tv any more. I try to read when I have time! The muffins look amazing ?
Love this recipe!
I love Chrisley knows best. He cracks me up.
I love Chrisley knows best. He cracks me up
. That is the only one we watch.
Loved the post. Looks like a super good read. My daughter is a faithful of of Project Runway and cosplay. Other than that. No. Staged reality shows hold no interest for me. Occasionally I will look in with my daughter on her two shows. But that is rare. Like the recipe. But not really into muffins. But it did make me hungry from a raspberry cake. So think I’ll pick up a couple quarts of fresh raspberries for a fresh raspberry cake.
i use to watch some like american idol when simon was on,the voice,dancing with the stars,project runway.i recently found a channel on my cable that i didnt know i had called Hallmark Movies & Mysteries that has movies that are like the cozy mystery books i read…really enjoy watching it
I diont like reality shows. I enjoy reading mystery books and especially ones with recipes
I watch Dancing With the Stars and America’s Got Talent, does that count?
This sounds like such a great book and I LOVE the cover. Thank you for the contest!
I Love so many reality TV shows like The Bachelor & The Bachelorette, Dancing With the Stars, The Little Couple & so many more. This recipe sounds delicious & I love your mysteries. Thanks for this generous chance.
We can’t be bothered with those fake “reality” tv shows. Mostly we watch PBS and only watch CBS for the NCIS programs and Scorpion.
I really like Top Chef, Survivor, The Amazing Race, & Project Runway. Thanks for having the great give away!
I like the competition reality shows like The Voice.
I don’t watch them at all.
There are some reality shows that I like. Big Brother, Dancing with the Stars, The Amazing Race are some of my favorites, though there are more that I like. Thanks for the chance to win.