Reviews, a Contest and a Book Sale
Hot Off the Press this morning - See below for The Texas Book-aholic entire review!
Cooking up a Mystery's touring blogs with Celebrate Lit from now through April 22. In honor of the tour Pelican Book Group has put Cooking up a Mystery e-Books on sale for $1.99 from now until April 15th.
About Cooking up a Mystery
Laney Eskridge worked to put her husband through dental school. Then he left with another woman. She's on edge from the emotional scars and her parents' deaths. Then she hears unexplained noises in her new tea house, and her anxiety is tripled. Add a budding romance with Eric—a guy with a fear of commitment—and it's all too much to handle. She cuts ties with Eric and plunges into making her business pay off.
When Eric discovers that Laney's in danger, he vows to protect her. But can he make a lasting promise? Will she trust him? . . .and when they overhear a threat that could cause national turmoil, will anyone believe them? There's more brewing than herbal tea in Cooking up a Mystery.
Brief Excerpt
The sound of several pots clanking one right after the other drifted into the dining area. Did he not hear the racket? Laney opened her mouth to ask, but snapped it shut. The last thing she wanted to do was say she heard a commotion when there was none. Eric would think she had a bad psychological problem. She put her hand over her mouth. Did she?
What the Reviewers on the Tour Are Saying
From Debbie's Dusty Deliberations
"Cooking Up A Mystery" by Gail Pallotta is a fun read. It is a romance with a mystery to be solved. What and who and why is causing all the noises late at night in the restaurant?
I wonder if this is going to be a series or just the one novel. I would read an entire series based these on characters.
This is a clean read and it does share the importance of forgiveness.
This novel might make you hungry as the characters are always cooking or eating.
There are recipes at the back of the book.
This is a book for when a reader wants to read something fun and relaxing.
From Blogging with Carol
Laney's kitchen is making sounds, on its own. Why? Between the successful business, the mystery and then a budding romance with Eric, this book has all the ingredients for a great story included. I liked the characters, the mystery, the multiple recipes, even the ugly painting made me laugh! I enjoyed the humor, the small twists, and the sweet satisfying ending.
While a bit light on the faith elements, it is a very nice cozy read that was good clean fun, that made me hungry.
4 Stars
From Book Reviews from an Avid Reader
This is a mystery for readers who like a plot that is not complex and writing that is not overly sophisticated. The movement of the mystery is easy to follow and there are a limited number of characters to remember. Laney is a good damsel in distress. She has a ton of hurt and insecurity to overcome. It took me a while to like Eric but he overcame his character flaws to become a knight in shining white foot cast.
There is a good spiritual message contained in the plot, supplemented by a devotional at the end. And there is food, yummy food. I was so glad to see recipes were included. I enjoyed this cozy mystery, an easy read.
My rating: 4/5 stars.
The Texas Book-aholic Review
I like how the author lays a foundation in the first part of the book. It allows readers to get familiar with each character. The author doesn’t rush the story and let’s us savor each detail. Yes I was hungry the whole time I read the book. I could smell the delicate pastries and the hearty meals that was prepared by our star character, Laney. She is determined to make her place a success even it takes her away from everything else. I think maybe she is hiding behind her success because she has some emotional baggage to deal with.
Eric is perfect for Laney even though she fights her feelings for him. I liked how they met and thought it was a unique way to start a friendship. Eric is definitely intrigued by Laney and doesn’t give up easily. I liked Eric’s integrity and caring way he has about him. There is a faith element scattered throughout the story that is just the right amount without feeling preachy.
The mystery really picks up in the second half of the book when Laney continues to hear banging noises in the kitchen when no one is in there. I would not be able to stay there alone like she does at night. I’m glad others started to hear the same noises because I was beginning to wonder if she was imagining things.
The author does a great job of leaving hints like little crumbs as Eric and Laney start to investigate the building. I couldn’t wait to find out where the story would go. It has all the elements of a cozy mystery with enticing food, relatable characters and a little lesson on forgiveness and trust. It is a great recipe for an entertaining read filled with surprises and a great ending. I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful recipes included at the end of the book. It’s like getting a cozy mystery and mini cookbook packed together to fill you with joy.
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