Book Review: Body and Soul Food

Book: Body and Soul Food (A Books & Biscuits Mystery book #1) by Abby Collette

Cover Art by Tofunmi Yosola
Book Design by George Towne

Edition: Paperback

Description:

In this page-turning new mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby will pull double duty when they take down a killer while preparing to open their new bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits.

When Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge were orphaned at age two, they were separated, but their unbreakable connection lingered. Years later, they reunite and decide to make up for lost time and capitalize on their shared interests by opening up a well-stocked bookstore and cozy soul-food café in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. But this new chapter of their lives could end on a cliffhanger after Koby's foster brother is found murdered.

The murder, which occurred in public between light-rail stops, seems impossible for the police to solve. But as Keaton and Koby know, two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to mysteries. With just a week to go before the grand opening of their new café, the twins will use their revitalized connection with each other to make sure this is the killer's final page.

Currently Reading: Body and Soul Food

Happy Saturday!

I took a little reading break before finding the next book I wanted to read. I'm still continuing with my To Be Read List challenge and so far I've been picking books that have been on my shelves for quite some time. Now this mystery book, Body and Soul Food by Abby Collette isn't that old and it's only been sitting on my shelf for almost five years. So that's not too bad. I think the cover art is so cute. I just love all the little details.

Anyway, when I first read the description, I found it interesting because separated twins Keaton and Koby reunite and open up a business of a bookstore that has a soul-food café. While doing that they are also trying to solve a murder. I do wonder why Koby's foster brother was murdered? I guess I'll find out when I read it.

Book: Body and Soul Food (A Books & Biscuits Mystery book #1) by Abby Collette

Description:

In this page-turning new mystery series, fraternal twins Keaton and Koby will pull double duty when they take down a killer while preparing to open their new bookstore and soul-food café, Books & Biscuits.

When Koby Hill and Keaton Rutledge were orphaned at age two, they were separated, but their unbreakable connection lingered. Years later, they reunite and decide to make up for lost time and capitalize on their shared interests by opening up a well-stocked bookstore and cozy soul-food café in the quaint Pacific Northwest town of Timber Lake. But this new chapter of their lives could end on a cliffhanger after Koby's foster brother is found murdered.

The murder, which occurred in public between light-rail stops, seems impossible for the police to solve. But as Keaton and Koby know, two heads are always better than one, especially when it comes to mysteries. With just a week to go before the grand opening of their new café, the twins will use their revitalized connection with each other to make sure this is the killer's final page.

Book of Interest: Arsenic and Adobo

Happy Monday! How was everyone's weekend?

My weekend was pretty good but on Sunday, I had to fix two of the shelves on one of my bookcases. Two of the shelves buckled under the weight of too many books. I had to remove all of my trade edition comic books because they were way too heavy but I did find another place for them. So now all that left on those two shelves are a some hardcover and paperback books. It's funny that those books are lighter than the comic books.

Anyway, I found another book that I'm interested in reading, Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. It's a cozy centered mystery that follows Lila as she tries to not only save her Tita (Aunt) Rosie's restaurant but also solve a murder that she's the prime suspect for. I'm interested in knowing who killed her ex-boyfriend? And why? I really love reading mystery books and this one is definitely going on my list.

Book: Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery book #1) by Mia P. Manansala

Description:

The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes—one that might just be killer....

When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case.

With the cops treating her like she's the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila's left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block…

Book Review: Murder is Binding

Book: Murder is Binding (Booktown Mysteries book #1) by Lorna Barrett

Cover Art by Teresa Fasolino
Cover Design by Diana Kolsky
Interior Text Design by Laura K. Corless

Edition: Paperback

Description:

The streets of Stoneham, New Hampshire are lined with bookstores...and paved with murder.

When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles met nothing but friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she met friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed by a carving knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had recently purchased-and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries-and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book.

Teaser Trailer: Lessons in Chemistry TV Series (and the Book)

The trailer for Lessons in Chemistry looks really interesting because it has science, food, life changing moments and self-discovery. This is making me think about getting Apple TV+ because I'd like to see this series. It's based on the book of the same name (which I posted below) that I haven't read yet. Until I think about whether to add another streaming service or see if any of my family or friends have it, I'm going to get the book to read especially since the show doesn't air until Fall.


Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)

Description:

Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.

Set in the early 1960s, Elizabeth Zotts' dream of being a scientist is put on hold when she finds herself pregnant, alone and fired from her lab.

Book of Interest: The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook

The Magical World of Harry Potter just became a little more plant-based with this new cookbook, The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook by Imana Grashuis and Tylor Starr. I love geeky cookbooks and recipes, which I know I've said quite a few times but I just love trying fandom inspired recipes. I think it will be interesting to see the authors plant-based or vegan take on the many of the popular Harry Potter inspired foods.

As the plant-based and vegan diets and lifestyle have become more popular and mainstream, I think it's cool that vegan and plant-based Harry Potter fans have an option for making some fandom inspired foods.

Book: The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook by Imana Grashuis and Tylor Starr with Foreword by Evanna Lynch

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Description:

The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook is a stunning, visual delight that features more than 75 mouth-watering recipes certain to be enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike.

Created by Imana Grashuis, kitchen witch, recipe developer and photographer and Tylor Starr, founder of The Protego Foundation and the Chickpeeps podcast, the book is both an amazing recipe collection as well as an encouraging, uplifting invitation to the vegan lifestyle.

From Molly Weasley’s Breakfast Spread to Giant Pumpkin Patch Brownies, the authors imbue every recipe with text and imagery that capture the feel of the Wizarding World, with a bit of storytelling thrown in for good measure.

The book's Foreword is written by Harry Potter actor/icon Evanna Lynch, best-known for her role as Luna Lovegood.

Book of Interest: Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook Gift Set

I love finding geeky or fandom inspired cookbooks and I don't know how I missed this Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook Gift Set. I knew there was going to be an official Gilmore Girls cookbook (there's also several unofficial ones as well) but I didn't know they were also going to release a gift set too. I like that you get the cookbook and a Luke's Diner apron but I also wish it included a mug as well. Especially since the retail price for this gift set is $39.99.

Regardless, this still seems like a pretty good gift set even if you're only buying it for yourself. Under the cut, are pictures of the cookbook and apron.

Book: Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook Gift Set by Elena Craig and Kristen Mulrooney

Description:

USA Today Bestseller! Oy with the poodles already! The first official collection of recipes inspired by the world of the fast-talking Gilmore Girls.

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook features dishes from every corner of Stars Hollow and beyond, including the Dragonfly Inn, Weston’s Bakery, Al’s Pancake World, Luke’s Diner, and Emily and Richard’s dinner table . Fans will delight in recreating iconic dishes from the beloved series, such as Sookie’s Risotto, Mrs. Kim’s Flaxseed Muffins, Luke’s Cheeseburger and Fries, and, of course, the perfect cup of coffee! This official cookbook also includes clever cooking tips from Sookie, hosting tips from Michel, etiquette tips from Emily Gilmore, and the wisdom from Lorelai and Rory for cooking fast and talking faster.

MORE THAN 50 RECIPES: Dozens of recipes for Stars Hollow favorites from Sookie’s Risotto to Luke’s Cheeseburger.

TIPS FROM SOOKIE: Recreate iconic dishes from Gilmore Girls with tips from Chef Sookie! Where easy-to-follow step-by-step directions lead, you can follow.

RECIPES FOR EVERY OCCASION: Whip up delicious dishes for everything from a mother-daughter brunch to a family dinner to a celebration for the whole town!

FILLED WITH PHOTOS: Includes gorgeous full-color photos of recipes to help ensure success, as well as beloved moments from the series.

THE FIRST OFFICIAL GILMORE GIRLS COOKBOOK: The only cookbook with official recipes direct from the set of Gilmore Girls.

EXCLUSIVE APRON: This deluxe gift set includes a high-quality apron with adjustable straps and a large front pocket, and the iconic Luke’s Diner logo.

Book of Interest: Aunty Lee's Delights

Good morning! I found this mystery book, Aunty Lee's Delights by Ovidia Yu that seems rather interesting. So in between running a restaurant, Rosie Lee is out there trying to solve a mystery against Raja, a rookie Police Commissioner. It'll be interesting to see who will be better at solving the murder, the amateur detective or the rookie police.

Book: Aunty Lee's Delights (A Singaporean Mystery book #1) by Ovidia Yu

Description:

This delectable and witty mystery introduces Rosie “Aunty” Lee, feisty widow, amateur sleuth and proprietor of Singapore’s best-loved home cooking restaurant.

After losing her husband, Rosie Lee could easily have become one of Singapore’s “tai tai,” an idle rich lady devoted to an aimless life of mah-jongg and luxury shopping. Instead she threw herself into building a culinary empire from her restaurant, Aunty Lee’s Delights, where spicy Singaporean home cooking is graciously served by Rosie Lee herself to locals and tourists alike. But when a body is found in one of Singapore’s beautiful tourist havens, and when one of her wealthy guests fails to show at a dinner party, Aunty Lee knows that the two are likely connected.

The murder and disappearance throws together Aunty Lee’s henpecked stepson Mark, his social-climbing wife Selina, a gay couple whose love is still illegal in Singapore, and an elderly Australian tourist couple whose visit—billed at first as a pleasure cruise—may mask a deeper purpose. Investigating the murder is rookie Police Commissioner Raja, who quickly discovers that the savvy and well-connected Aunty Lee can track down clues even better than local law enforcement.

Wise, witty and unusually charming, Aunty Lee’s Delights is a spicy mystery about love, friendship and home cooking in Singapore, where money flows freely and people of many religions and ethnicities co-exist peacefully, but where tensions lurk just below the surface, sometimes with deadly results.

Book of Interest: Donut Fall in Love

Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau seems like a wonderfully unexpected romance when Ryan, an actor meets Lindsay, a baker in this story. I just know when I read this story, it'll have me thinking about food and of course the foodie love story.

Book: Donut Fall in Love by Jackie Lau

Description:

A baker provides the sweetest escape for an actor in this charming romantic comedy.

Actor Ryan Kwok is back in Toronto after the promotional tour for his latest film, a rom-com that is getting less-than-stellar reviews. After years of constant work and the sudden death of his mother, Ryan is taking some much-needed time off. But as he tries to be supportive to his family, he struggles with his loss and doesn't know how to talk to his dad—who now trolls him on Twitter instead of meeting him for dim sum.

Innovative baker Lindsay McLeod meets Ryan when he knocks over two dozen specialty donuts at her bakery. Their relationship is off to a messy start, but there’s no denying their immediate attraction. When Ryan signs up for a celebrity episode of Baking Fail, he asks Lindsay to teach him how to bake and she agrees.

As Lindsay and Ryan spend time together, bonding over grief and bubble tea, it starts to feel like they’re cooking up something sweeter than cupcakes in the kitchen.

Book of Interest: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Cookbook

I love finding geeky cookbooks, it's fun trying out different recipes inspired by a fandom, show, movie, etc. I am such a big fan of Avatar: The Last Airbender, it's one of my favorite shows which is why I want to get this official cookbook. According to the description, there are recipes inspired by each of the four nations.

I've seen a few sample pages online and it seems like the author put a lot of thought into what recipes are featured in this. As an Avatar: TLA fan and a geeky foodie, this is a cookbook I have to get.

Book: Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Cookbook: Recipes from the Four Nations by Jenny Dorsey

Publication Date: November 9, 2021

Description:

Feast on delicacies unique to the Earth Kingdom, Water Tribe, Air Nomads, and the Fire Nation with the Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Cookbook.

From the shores of Kyoshi Island to the crowded streets of Ba Sing Se, this official cookbook collects signature dishes from all four nations, like vegetarian plates of the Air Nomads, fiery entrees from the Fire Nation, seafood from the North and South Poles, and delectable cuisine from the Earth Kingdom.

Featuring enticing color photography, step-by-step instructions, and tips for adapting dishes to specific diets, this book includes sixty authentic food and beverage recipes inspired by the beloved series. Enjoy this diverse compendium of delicacies from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Book of Interest: The Official Harry Potter Baking Book

I've said it before but I love geeky cookbooks because I love trying different fandom inspired recipes. Over the years, I've tried a few unofficial Harry Potter recipes I've found online and fans are really creative by either recreating something they've seen or read in the movies and books or creating something fandom inspired.

As creative as the fan recipes are, I do wonder what recipes are in this official cookbook? I may have to add this to my geeky cookbook collection.

Book: The Official Harry Potter Baking Book: 40+ Recipes Inspired by the Films by Joanna Farrow

Description:

Bake your way through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Inspired by the films, this is the ONE and ONLY official Harry Potter cookbook! Packed with over 40 recipes and gorgeous, eye-catching photography, this baking cookbook is a must-have for every Harry Potter fan.

Delight in 43 tasty recipes inspired by the Harry Potter films! From Pumpkin Patch Pies to Owl Muffins, Luna's Spectrespecs Cookies to Hogwarts Gingerbread, The Official Harry Potter Baking Cookbook is packed with mouthwatering recipes that will, dare we say, ... ensnare the senses.

Host a Great Hall-inspired feast for your friends or delight in a portion for one. Includes recipes for all kinds of delicious baked goods, as well as nutritional and dietary information. This baking cookbook is great for everyone and includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan recipes as well!

On My List: March 27th

There are some books, shows and movies on my list this week that I want to share with everyone.


Books I Want to Read:

From a strange yet interesting fantasy to an enemy to lovers romance, I have to get these books. So as not to be overlooked there is an unofficial The Lord of the Rings cookbook included as well. I love LOTR and wouldn't mind trying out a few inspired recipes.

Book: Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Description:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, an intoxicating, hypnotic new novel set in a dreamlike alternative reality.

Piranesi’s house is no ordinary building: its rooms are infinite, its corridors endless, its walls are lined with thousands upon thousands of statues, each one different from all the others. Within the labyrinth of halls an ocean is imprisoned; waves thunder up staircases, rooms are flooded in an instant. But Piranesi is not afraid; he understands the tides as he understands the pattern of the labyrinth itself. He lives to explore the house.

There is one other person in the house―a man called The Other, who visits Piranesi twice a week and asks for help with research into A Great and Secret Knowledge. But as Piranesi explores, evidence emerges of another person, and a terrible truth begins to unravel, revealing a world beyond the one Piranesi has always known.

For readers of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane and fans of Madeline Miller’s Circe, Piranesi introduces an astonishing new world, an infinite labyrinth, full of startling images and surreal beauty, haunted by the tides and the clouds.

On My List: September 19th

Happy Saturday!

I hope everyone's having a good day. I just wanted share a few books, a show and a movie on my list. If you have something interesting on your list, let me know.


Books I Want To Read:

On My List are three books that seem really interesting: a food centered romance, a spellbinding fantasy and a young adult romance. Each book feels like a good read you can curl up with.

Book: A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee

Description:

Jayci Lee delivers “a perfect balance of impeccable wit, laugh out loud hilarity, and off the charts chemistry. A Sweet Mess is a sinfully decadent romantic comedy.”—New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting

Aubrey Choi has been content running her highly successful bakery Comfort Zone and with its first expansion taking up all of her time, dating has been the least of her priorities. Then a one-night-stand with gorgeous Korean hunk Landon Kim makes her want things she didn’t think she had time for. Too bad it turns out he’s a celebrity food critic whose scathing review of Comfort Zone goes viral and nearly destroys Aubrey’s business―and her fond memory of their night together.

Landon tries to clean up the mess he made by offering Aubrey a spot on the new celebrity cooking show he’s producing. She agrees to use this as a way to save her bakery and her reputation―no thanks to him―but vows to guard her heart. Now Aubrey and Landon find themselves sharing a villa in California wine country, which is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. For the next three weeks, baker and critic will tempt each other as they struggle to resist admitting that they have all the necessary ingredients for love.

Includes Delicious Dessert Recipes!

Book of Interest: Kneaded to Death

If I had a book store, I certainly would have a cozy mystery section because I love finding and reading cozy mysteries. The books are usually creatively themed mysteries centered around an amateur sleuth who usually has no choice but to try to solve a mystery.

Here is a series I just found, A Bread Shop Mystery by Winnie Archer which is a bread themed mystery series. The first book in the series, Kneaded to Death seems like an interesting read with Ivy Culpepper trying to solve a murder. This something I knead to read (yeah, I know I'll stop with the bread puns).

Book: Kneaded to Death (A Bread Shop Mystery series book #1) by Winnie Archer

Description:

Everyone swears by Yeast of Eden, the Mexican bread shop in town. But tonight, the only thing on the menu is la muerte . . .

Struggling photographer Ivy Culpepper has lots of soul-searching to do since returning to seaside Santa Sofia, California. That is, until the thirty-six-year-old enters a bread making class at Yeast of Eden. Whether it’s the aroma of fresh conchas in the oven, or her instant connection with owner Olaya Solis, Ivy just knows the missing ingredients in her life are hidden among the secrets of Olaya’s bakery . . .

But Ivy’s spirits crumble when a missing classmate is suddenly discovered dead in her car. Even more devastating, the prime suspect is Olaya Solis herself. Doubting the woman could commit such a crime, Ivy embarks on a murder investigation of her own to prove her innocence and seize the real killer. As she follows a deadly trail of crumbs around town, Ivy must trust her gut like never before—or someone else could be toast!

Book of Interest: Eat What You Watch: A Cook Book for Movie Lovers

Two things I really enjoy is watching movies and finding different recipes to try. And this cookbook, Eat What You Watch combines both interest with movie inspired recipes. I've never seen any of the movies listed in the description (yeah, I can't believe I haven't seen Sixteen Candles) but I did recently buy When Harry Met Sally. I think it'll be interesting to see what other movies and recipes are featured in this book. I'm sure I'll find some more new to me movies I might want to watch if not at least I can try the recipes.

Book: Eat What You Watch: A Cookbook for Movie Lovers by Andrew Rea

Description:

Many of our favorite movies come with a side of iconic food moments: the elaborate timpano from Big Night, Charlie Chaplin’s dancing dinner rolls in The Gold Rush, the orgasmic deli fare from When Harry Met Sally, or the redemptive birthday cake from Sixteen Candles. In this cookbook, author Andrew Rea (of the hit YouTube channel “Binging with Babish”) recreates these iconic food scenes and many more. With recipes from more than 40 classic and cult films, Eat What You Watch is the perfect gift for both movie buffs and home cooks who want to add some cinematic flair to their cooking repertoire.

Book of Interest: Recipe for Persuasion

I don't mind stories being retold if they're in a fun and creative way and Recipe for Persuasion seems like it's going be just that. I love when authors honor the source material but still add something new and interesting to the story.

I'll have to add this to my wishlist as well as Pride, Prejudices and Other Flavors.

Book: Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Description:

From the author of Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors comes another , clever, deeply layered, and heartwarming romantic comedy that follows in the Jane Austen tradition—this time, with a twist on Persuasion.

Chef Ashna Raje desperately needs a new strategy. How else can she save her beloved restaurant and prove to her estranged, overachieving mother that she isn’t a complete screw up? When she’s asked to join the cast of Cooking with the Stars, the latest hit reality show teaming chefs with celebrities, it seems like just the leap of faith she needs to put her restaurant back on the map. She’s a chef, what’s the worst that could happen?

Rico Silva, that’s what.

Being paired with a celebrity who was her first love, the man who ghosted her at the worst possible time in her life, only proves what Ashna has always believed: leaps of faith are a recipe for disaster.

FIFA winning soccer star Rico Silva isn't too happy to be paired up with Ashna either. Losing Ashna years ago almost destroyed him. The only silver lining to this bizarre situation is that he can finally prove to Ashna that he's definitely over her.

But when their catastrophic first meeting goes viral, social media becomes obsessed with their chemistry. The competition on the show is fierce…and so is the simmering desire between Ashna and Rico. Every minute they spend together rekindles feelings that pull them toward their disastrous past. Will letting go again be another recipe for heartbreak—or a recipe for persuasion…?

In Recipe for Persuasion, Sonali Dev once again takes readers on an unforgettable adventure in this fresh, fun, and enchanting romantic comedy.

Book of Interest: Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook

Here's a fun fact about me: I love geeky cookbooks because I enjoy making food inspired by my favorite TV shows, movies or fandom.

Which is why I wish this Marvel cookbook Eat the Universe was available now because cooking hero inspired meals would certainly add a little fun to meal time. This cookbook which is based on the YouTube series of the same name hosted by the author Justin Warner, is not available until July but you can pre-order it.

Is this a cookbook that you would be interested in?

Book: Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook by Justin Warner

Publication Date: July 28, 2020

Description:

Feast your way through the world of Marvel Comics with celebrity chef Justin Warner in Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook.

Prepare to eat like a Marvel Super Hero with Marvel Eat the Universe: The Official Cookbook. Chef Justin Warner invites you to pull up a chair and explore the Marvel Universe through these creative dishes inspired by Marvel's heroes.

Based on Marvel’s hit digital series hosted by Warner, this ultimate compendium of recipes will feature dishes that span a variety of skill levels including:

- Phoenix Hot Chicken and Egg Bowl
- Storm’s Tournedos
- Dazzler’s Glittering Pizza Bagels
- Hulk Smashed Potatoes
- Green Goblin Pumpkin Bombs

Book of Interest: Death by Dumpling

I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading mystery books. I love trying to find the clues and figure out mystery before the big reveal. Are you guys fans of cozy mysteries? I'm a big fan, yeah I know they tend to be cookie cutter but a lot of writers add a good amount of drama and suspense making the mystery totally engaging. I also love that there is a theme for nearly every interest such as hobbies, pets, food and drinks, fashion and so many more. I think Death by Dumpling seems like an interesting read with amateur sleuth Lana Lee trying to solve a murder mystery.

Book: Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery book #1) by Vivien Chien

Description:

Welcome to the Ho-Lee Noodle House, where the Chinese food is to die for. . .

The last place Lana Lee thought she would ever end up is back at her family’s restaurant. But after a brutal break-up and a dramatic workplace walk-out, she figures that helping wait tables is her best option for putting her life back together. Even if that means having to put up with her mother, who is dead-set on finding her a husband.

Lana’s love life soon becomes yesterday’s news once the restaurant’s property manager, Mr. Feng, turns up dead—after a delivery of shrimp dumplings from Ho-Lee. But how could this have happened when everyone on staff knew about Mr. Feng’s severe, life-threatening shellfish allergy? Now, with the whole restaurant under suspicion for murder and the local media in a feeding frenzy—to say nothing of the gorgeous police detective who keeps turning up for take-out—it’s up to Lana to find out who is behind Feng’s killer order. . . before her own number is up.

Book Review for The Book Girl's Book Club for January: Brownies and Broomsticks

Book: Brownies and Broomsticks (A Magical Bakery Mystery book #1) by Bailey Cates

Edition: Paperback

Description:

Katie Lightfoot's tired of loafing around as the assistant manager of an Ohio bakery. So when her aunt Lucy and uncle Ben open a bakery in Savannah's quaint downtown district and ask Katie to join them, she enthusiastically agrees.

While working at the Honeybee Bakery—named after Lucy's cat—Katie notices that her aunt is adding mysterious herbs to her recipes. Turns out these herbal enhancements aren't just tasty—Aunt Lucy is a witch and her recipes are actually spells!

When a curmudgeonly customer is murdered outside the Honeybee Bakery, Uncle Ben becomes the prime suspect. With the help of handsome journalist Steve Dawes, charming firefighter Declan McCarthy, and a few spells, Katie and Aunt Lucy stir up some toil and trouble to clear Ben's name and find the real killer.

Book Club Picks for January: Brownies and Broomsticks, Batman: Year One and Star Wars Trilogy

I have been waiting until today to make this exciting announcement, I am starting a Star Wars Book Club. I have always wanted to start one but I never got around to doing it but it's a new year and I figure if not now then when. For the book club, I picked Star Wars Trilogy by George Lucas, Donald F. Glut and James Kahn. Although I've read it before, I figured we should start this club with newbie Star Wars fans in mind by beginning with the original stories of the saga.

Starting this new club doesn't mean I have forgotten about my other two book clubs, not at all. I'm still equally excited about them as well. For The Book Girl's Book Club, I picked the magical mystery, Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates and for the Comic Book Club, I picked Batman: Year One by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli.

Here's to a new year, a new month and many more new book club picks.


The Book Girl's Book Club Pick:

Book: Brownies and Broomsticks (A Magical Bakery Mystery book #1) by Bailey Cates

Description:

Katie Lightfoot's tired of loafing around as the assistant manager of an Ohio bakery. So when her aunt Lucy and uncle Ben open a bakery in Savannah's quaint downtown district and ask Katie to join them, she enthusiastically agrees.

While working at the Honeybee Bakery—named after Lucy's cat—Katie notices that her aunt is adding mysterious herbs to her recipes. Turns out these herbal enhancements aren't just tasty—Aunt Lucy is a witch and her recipes are actually spells!

When a curmudgeonly customer is murdered outside the Honeybee Bakery, Uncle Ben becomes the prime suspect. With the help of handsome journalist Steve Dawes, charming firefighter Declan McCarthy, and a few spells, Katie and Aunt Lucy stir up some toil and trouble to clear Ben's name and find the real killer.