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THE WITLESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is the fifth book in the Catering Hall Mysteries by Maria DiRico. With her trademark humor, Ms. DiRico has penned another tale that kept me laughing and turning the pages late into the night to find out who murdered protagonist Mia Carina’s supposedly already dead husband. Mia has built up the reputation and the business of Belle View Banquet manor, and things couldn’t be better… aside from impatiently waiting for a proposal from her co-worker, Shane. The storyline and the dialog from the scenes are perfect for any rom-com aficionado—hilarious and sweet. And just when you think Mia will get her happily ever after, Mia’s thought to be deceased husband shows up… at a wedding expo, no less. The character development of the core characters is spot-on, and I found it easy to become invested in what happened to them. If you enjoy watching characters grow and change, then I’d recommend starting with the first book in the series. However, The Witless Protection Program can be read as a standalone since there’s just enough backstory to keep new readers from feeling lost.
Even with all the humor and zany situations Mia finds herself in, this is still a murder mystery. The plot is fast-paced and there are enough suspects to keep the reader guessing. When Mia’s first husband is found murdered, Shane is the first and foremost suspect. Thrown into the mix is a dead reclusive artist, an empty house that seems to attract treasure hunters, and The Family… There’s never a dull moment on the page and as the intrigue and suspense build, Ms. DiRico rises to the challenge and delivers an unputdownable read. With a heartwarming ending, I can’t wait to find out what’s next in store for Mia and her family!
Running a catering hall, Mia is constantly surrounding by amazing dishes served to guests. Be prepared to be hungry as you read or cook one of the delicious recipes provided at the back of the book to enjoy while you consume this newest release. I couldn’t wait to dive in and try these Ricotta Sugar Cookies! Ricotta cheese makes these Italian sugar cookies dense and rich, with the tiniest bit of tang. They are ultra moist and the glaze topping with colorful sprinkles makes them even extra tasty and festive! Swapping out the sprinkles for holiday appropriate colors makes these cookies perfect for every occasion.
Amazon Synopsis
Mia Carina has steered her Italian-American family’s Astoria, Queens, catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the borough’s premiere party site, and nothing could make her happier—except her boyfriend proposing. There’s just one presumed-dead obstacle in the way . . .
A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .
While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family. Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .
Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
A special thanks to Kensington for offering a print copy of THE WITLESS PROTECTION PROGRAM to one lucky winner! Contest ends Saturday, March 23, 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!)
Ricotta cheese makes these Italian sugar cookies dense and rich, with the tiniest bit of tang.
Makes approximately 2 dozen cookies, depending on size.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar (I'm a fan of finely ground baking sugar)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (you can also substitute almond or rum extract)
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin the glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Decorative sprinkles
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With a fork, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Use low-speed to combine the ingredients first, then increase the speed and beat the butter and sugar until they're fluffy.
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Using medium speed on your mixer, beat in the egg, ricotta, and vanilla (or flavoring of your choice.) On a low speed, slowly add the flour mixture and beat until a dough forms.
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Chill the dough for at least several hours.
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F).
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When ready to bake, either drop the dough by tablespoons or form balls and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. (You'll need two sheets or use the one sheet twice.)
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Bake 12 - 15 minutes, until lightly golden along the bottom. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely.
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While the cookies are cooling, mix the confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and milk together to form the icing glaze. Add more milk if needed to achieve a medium-thin consistency.
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Dip each cookie in the glaze so either the top or whole cookie is covered. If you're decorating the cookies with sprinkles, do it now, before the glaze hardens.
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
LOVE the title of the book! And those cookies look so pretty!
Thanks so much! Kim did a gorgeous job with them. And they taste as good as they look!
These cookies look delicious! I can’t wait to get my preordered copy of the Witless Protection Program.
Yay! And they are! Hi, Sue!
Kim, thanks for the gorgeous post and fab review!!
You’re very welcome, Ellen! It’s always a huge pleasure hosting you on the blog and congrats on your upcoming release!
Interesting recipe .. ty
It’s simple and really good!
Wow, Ricotta! Never thought to put that in any baked goods. Going to have to try it.
I would love to read anything by Ellen Byron!