TWW's Book Review: Bewitched, Bothered and Biscotti: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates

Since I enjoyed the first Magical Bakery Mystery, I decided to read the next one to see if I would still enjoy the characters and setting. I love coming "home" to books that have a continuation of characters, locations and even themes. I find it comforting. So much so that I just want to sink in and stay there awhile.

Katie is back with another mystery to solve and so are all the characters from Bailey Cates' first novel. This time we are given the opportunity to really get to know more about the guys in the book and why one of them shares a special kinship with Katie.

Now it's not like Katie has to solve anything, but if she didn't there would be no book. Move of her heritage is discovered and just a bit more of her parents is revealed.

So while Katie is learning more about who she is and how to deal with it, she has to figure out what's going on and pretty fast before things get out of hand.She will have help from her two male friends as well as her newly adopted coven and of course her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. And let's not forget about Mungo! I wish I had a dog like him!

The author wasted no time in getting right to it and somethings I like that while others I do not. In terms of a mystery though, you need to get there pretty quickly, otherwise you'll lose the audience. Let's remember one thing though, not every book will be for every person. So while there are some readers out there that won't like this, there will be others that will. These types of mysteries are meant to be fun, cheeky and a stress reliever from life. Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

TWW's Book Review: Brownies and Broomsticks: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates

If you're looking for something light and easy to read then you've found the right book with Brownies and Broomsticks: A Magical Bakery Mystery by Bailey Cates. I wasn't much for stretching outside of my comfort zone, but I found that these fun paranormal stories are just the ticket. Mix in a little mystery and I will keep turning the page.

Katie moves South to help her aunt and uncle with their bakery. Fresh from a broken engagement, this is her chance to start over. As a baker, this is the perfect opportunity for her. While her parents, well, let's rephrase that...while her mom isn't to keen on having her move there, Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben are thrilled to have her at The Honeybee Bakery.

Gearing up for a the grand opening, they host the Downtown Business Association meeting lead by a most unpleasant woman. Thus starts the beginning of the mystery that Katie needs to solve. Without divulging any secrets, let's just say there are a host of characters that are going to make this really fun including:

• two guys vying for her attention;
• a cat who has a bakery named after it; 
• a witch coven thinly disguised as a book club; and
• a dog who doesn't like pet food and would rather eat from the table.

I do agree with other reviewers regarding the overuse of the words "Katie-Girl." By the end of the book, I was ready to kick the guy to the curb, regardless of how good looking he is. Perhaps if the author would have downplayed that a little, he would have come off a little less annoying. Nevertheless, it did not deter me from finishing the book and solving the mystery. While the antagonism between the two male suiters may seem a bit much, without it the story would probably have fallen a little flat in that department. 

I am intrigued by the fact that this is going to be a series of books with the same characters. I haven't had much luck with those but look forward to reading more. The ladies of the witch coven, along with Aunt Lucy are quite unique and with their own talents make for a more interesting read.

Of course the baked goods is what really had me interested and of course, sharing the recipes at the end of the book. I love that! Nice touch by Bailey Cates and I hope that she continues to do that for each of her future books. Rating:

Wishing you moments of great reading!

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todaysworkingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!