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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S FUDGE by Nancy Coco is the tenth book in the Candy-Coated Mystery series. This newest release is another fun return to Mackinac Island where summer is in full swing with the Midsummer Night’s Festival. The author does a marvelous job of bringing the unique island setting to life, with its shops, tourists, and no motorized vehicles (aside from emergency vehicles). Instead, the sound of birds, lakeside waves, and the clomping of horses pulling carriages can be heard, and the aroma of chocolate fudge fills the air. The protagonist Allie McMurphy owns the McMurphy hotel and fudge shop and is elbow deep in fudge as she caters to the tourists pouring in. Another strength of Ms. Coco is the development of her characters over the course of the series. Allie is genuinely likeable and you can’t help but adore her bichonpoo pup, Mal. The entire cast of core characters, including Jenn, her best friend, and Officer Rex Manning, her boyfriend, have shown growth and change over the years, making them relatable. It’s like catching up with old friends whenever you pick up the newest book.
Unfortunately, Mal has a penchant for sniffing out dead bodies. However, this time around, Allie is the one to find the first victim floating in the lake right after the festival’s fireworks show. Who could have wanted the festival’s chairwoman dead? Thrown into the list of suspects is a disqualified beauty pageant contender. As Rex investigates, Allie is determined to let him do his job without interfering… except Mal sniffs out another victim and another committee member is threatened. Allie can’t stand by and risk becoming a victim herself, having joined the committee. There are plenty of suspects to question and regrettably, despite Rex’s admonishment to not put herself in danger, Allie seems to put herself at risk by constantly taking Mal for a walk. She even strays from the “safer” populated areas of downtown. As she susses out secrets and digs to find the truth, the list of suspects grows. At the hair-raising reveal, I was shocked by the culprit… which always makes me happy when I’m fooled by misdirection and a well-plotted story!
Allie spends a lot of time in her fudge shop, making a multitude of flavors. On top of that, she gives two fudge-making demonstrations a day. All I can say is yum! I loved reading all the descriptions and couldn’t wait to try several of the recipes included in the book. Chocolate, caramel, and pecans called to me first, in the Turtle Fudge recipe. It did not disappoint and was every bit as delicious as I’d expected. One of the things I love about Nancy Coco’s recipes is that they are so doable. Candy caramel pieces, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk are effectively used to keep the fudge becoming grainy like some finicky recipes happen. Since everything is melted in the microwave, the fudge comes together quickly and the only hard part is waiting the two hours until it sets. But once it does, it’s difficult to limit yourself to just a piece or two or ten!
Amazon Synopsis
After a summer celebration on Michigan’s Mackinac Island ends in murder, hotel and fudge shop owner Allie McMurphy puts on her sleuthing hat . . .THERE’S NO SUGARCOATING A KILLER’S SCHEME
During the Midsummer Night’s Festival, Allie decides to take her bichonpoo, Mal, home to spare her furry little ears from the sounds of fireworks. But on her way back, Allie spots a body in the lake. Just minutes ago, Winona Higer was crowning the event’s Queen—could the competition have really been that deadly?
While she ponders the mystery the next morning, Allie prepares her favorite dark chocolate cherry fudge recipe. But she’s soon recruited to sub for the late Winona and serve as parade float judge, among other duties. As she hears rumors and gossip, and learns of mean pranks and threatening notes, her instincts kick in—despite her boyfriend the cop’s disapproval. Now, between managing a new hire and keeping the tourists filled with fudge, she’s dealing with a case that’s boiling over . . .
A special thanks to Nancy Coco for providing a print copy of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S FUDGE. Contest ends June 19, 2022 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!)
Makes 64 pieces
- 14 ounces soft caramel pieces
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
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In a microwave safe bowl, microwave on high, caramel pieces and heavy whipping cream - stir every thirty seconds until melted and smooth.
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In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Microwave on high, stirring every thirty seconds until chocolate is nearly all melted. It will continue to melt after you take it out. Stir until smooth. Add salt and vanilla. Stir.
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Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Pour in half the chocolate fudge. Add half the nuts. Pour caramel on top. Add remaining nuts and cover with remaining fudge.
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Cool for 2 hours until set. Cut into one-inch pieces.
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Enjoy!
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I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No I’ve never even been to Michigan. I would love to visit Mackinac Island and explore. I’ve been to Nantucket and Martha’s Vinyard off of Cape Cod several times as day trips. Thank you so much for this chance at your giveaway.
I’ve never been to Mackinac Island. I’ll just read about it! That fudge looks so decadent!
My husband and I went to Mackinac Island for our 40 wedding Anniversary. I loved it!! I want to go back. I love this series!!! Your fudge looks amazing! Thank you for your wonderful giveaway!🥰
No, but I have been to Madeline Island, up in Lake Superior. The kids loved taking the ferry over from Bayfield, WI.
I have not visited Mackinaw Island but would love to! Thanks for the chance!
Although not at that particular location, we have traveled up the entire coastline of Maine and then explored all the New England states before heading to Niagara Falls. Loved the lighthouses, the ocean views and the quaint little towns. It was an awesome experience!
Thank you for the heavenly recipe which I will most definitely be trying. Can’t wait for the opportunity to dive in read “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S FUDGE” by Nancy Coco. Her books never disappoint.
No I have never been to Mackinac Island or any other spot that fabulous as far as I can think. And I am saving that fudge recipe—a must try for my husband.
Yes I have been to Mackinac Is ok and a few times,do beautiful quiet and serene and they have the best fudge.
Yes I have been, great place to visit and they have the best fudge.
I have never been to Mackinac Island. The only island vacation I have taken was to
I’ve never been there but I would love to. It sounds wonderful and I love fudge.
I normally don’t go for chocolate, but this fudge I MUST try. It has written: “EAT ME” all over it! Thank you so much!
No visit to Mackinac Island but I have been to many coastal towns. Monterey Bay is always stunning!
no i have not visited such a place but it sounds like fun.
Never be to Mackinac Island, maybe someday. Definitely love fudge though!
I have never visited Mackinac Island, but I recently had some Mackinac fudge ice cream from Publix. It was delicious. This fudge recipe looks easy with beautiful results. I will have to give it a try soon. Wonderful to keep in mind for the holidays as well!
I have never been there but sounds like a lovely place to visit! Thanks for the recipe! I love fudge! The book cover is adorable and the book sounds like a great read!
I visited Mackinac Island as a child, but all I remember is how cold it was, I had no idea that it was THE place to get fudge. I have it on my cozy places to visit bucket list! I too have read the story and was amazed as to how much the danger level escalated in the story, thank goodness for all of the recipes for a little sugar boost. I was drawn right away to the turtle fudge recipe as well and can’t wait to make it.
I have never visited Mackinac Island. It sounds like a wonderful destination to visit.
I have never visited Mackinac Island.The book makes it sound like a greaat place to go.We live in Cocoa Beach,Florida and it is like a island.You cross two bridges to get there ,then it is the ocean.We love it there.
I have never been to Mackinac Island.
I have never been there. Love the book cover!
No, I have never visited, but I hear it is beautiful. Thank you for this chance!
That is some righteous looking fudge!
Michigan is my home state and I have been to Michigan several times. It’s a beautiful place to visit.
no
I have never been to Mackinac Island but I would love to visit some day.
I would love to visit Mackinac Island. Doctor Joe Solomon here in Kingsport, Tennessee was the doctor for the whole Mackinac Island after WWII.
In 2019, my husband and I drove from Pennsylvania to visit friends who had moved to Utah. On our way back, we decided to visit places that were on our bucket lists, and Mackinac Island was my first choice. We always stop in the local library wherever we travel, and I enjoyed the little library there, as well as the horse drawn carriage tour, and ice cream (and fudge) at the fudge shop.
No I haven’t visited but love the idea
I haven’t visited but I would love to one day. Congrats on your release and thanks for the recipe.
I live in MIchigan and yes I have, it’s one of my favorite places to go!
No, I have not visited Mackinac Island but it is on my “bucket” list. The island sounds fascinating and I do hope I get the chance to visit. Thank you for the giveaway!
This turtle fudge looks SO good! No, I have never been to Mackinac Island.
Oops! Hit send before I made sure my name was spelled right. 😀
I have never been to Mackinac.
I have never visited Mackinac Island. The fudge looks delicious.
I haven’t done much traveling in the East.
I have not been to Mackinac Island.
Yummy looking fudge. thanks for sharing
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I have never been to Mackinac Island, but have visited many isles on the east coast (Massachusetts to Florida) and the southern coast (Florida to Texas). My mother has been to Mackinac and has highly recommended it–and it is on my bucket list.
I have not been to Mackinac Island, but it is definitely on my bucket list. My mother had been there (with an Elder Hostel) and highly recommended it. I have been to many isles and islands on the east coast (Massachusetts to Florida) and the southern coasts (Florida to near Texas–I did not quite as far as Texas). My favorite son and I hope to make it this summer or next–depending on gas prices and his work schedule.
I have not been to Mackinac Island, but it is definitely on my bucket list. My mother had been there (with an Elder Hostel) and highly recommended it. I have been to many isles and islands on the east coast (Massachusetts to Florida) and the southern coasts (Florida to near Texas–I did not quite as far as Texas). My favorite son and I hope to make it this summer or next–depending on gas prices and his work schedule.
Steelers4Sandi(at)yahoo(dot)com
I haven’t been to Mackinac Island as of yet, but would love to go there sometime.
Never been to Mackinac Island, but I hope to get there one day to try the famous fudge!
I’ve ever visited Mackinac Island or any similar location but I would love to in the future. Thanks for the delicious recipe. I can’t wait to try it.
I would love to go to Mackinaw Island if Marshmallow is there!🥰