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Magical Bakery Mystery #7
Potions and Pastries
In this New York Times bestselling mystery series, witch Katie Lightfoot bakes enchanted treats—and faces more than her fair share of toil and trouble....
It’s been exactly two years since Katie and her aunt and uncle opened the Honeybee Bakery, where they serve delicious—and bespelled—treats to the good people of Savannah. After a dinner celebrating the bakery’s anniversary, they all take a stroll along the waterfront and meet Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a colorful character who has been telling the fortunes of locals and tourists alike for years.
The next day, Orla meets with what seems like a terrible accident, but Katie’s witchy intuition tells her it was something more sinister. Together with her trustworthy coven and her firefighter boyfriend, she’ll race to find out what happened to the unfortunate fortune-teller before the piping hot trail goes cold....
It’s been exactly two years since Katie and her aunt and uncle opened the Honeybee Bakery, where they serve delicious—and bespelled—treats to the good people of Savannah. After a dinner celebrating the bakery’s anniversary, they all take a stroll along the waterfront and meet Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a colorful character who has been telling the fortunes of locals and tourists alike for years.
The next day, Orla meets with what seems like a terrible accident, but Katie’s witchy intuition tells her it was something more sinister. Together with her trustworthy coven and her firefighter boyfriend, she’ll race to find out what happened to the unfortunate fortune-teller before the piping hot trail goes cold....
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2017
177 people are currently reading
1800 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
November 18, 2017
This is a series that I have enjoyed since book one. Here we are on book 7 and the storyline just keeps getting better and better. Everything from the setting, the characters, the magical element and the delicious bakery items keep evolving and drawing you in for more. In my opinion, Potions and Pastries would be best enjoyed if you have read the other books in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. It can be a little confusing (especially in the beginning) when all the various spell book club members are introduced. Plus seeing the growth of the characters gives you an additional layer of understanding that will enrich your reading experience. The characters have habits and personalities that make them endearing and unforgettable. Katie is still coming to terms with her magic. She is fearful at times that it will get out of her control as she did once before. She is cautious but able to overcome her apprehensions at just the right time.
While the mystery is simplified in comparison to others, it is well worth the journey. The red herring s make for an interesting chase interspersed with several doses of humor. All in all, this a great light hearted read that will leave you wanting more.. By the final pages the residents of Savannah’s magical community will have you hooked. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Katie and Declan!
I would like to say a huge thank you to the author, Berkley, and Net Galley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review an advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While the mystery is simplified in comparison to others, it is well worth the journey. The red herring s make for an interesting chase interspersed with several doses of humor. All in all, this a great light hearted read that will leave you wanting more.. By the final pages the residents of Savannah’s magical community will have you hooked. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Katie and Declan!
I would like to say a huge thank you to the author, Berkley, and Net Galley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review an advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2019
3 star
It’s been a few years since I read the previous book in the series and I have to say I enjoy this new book as much as those. It’s a good cozy mystery with very likable characters and a magical bakery unique setting. The series is light hearted in tone but doesn’t strive for humor. That’s why if I could read only one witch cozy I’d prefer, Adele Abbotts’ Witch P.I. Mystery series. But since I’m not limited to just one I get to happily read them both.
It’s been a few years since I read the previous book in the series and I have to say I enjoy this new book as much as those. It’s a good cozy mystery with very likable characters and a magical bakery unique setting. The series is light hearted in tone but doesn’t strive for humor. That’s why if I could read only one witch cozy I’d prefer, Adele Abbotts’ Witch P.I. Mystery series. But since I’m not limited to just one I get to happily read them both.
February 24, 2022
5/5 ⭐️
Yaaaaass this is such a good series!
Yaaaaass this is such a good series!
February 6, 2018
I've enjoyed this series from the very beginning and with each new book I find myself entertained all over again. This series is set in Savannah and is not only filled with southern charm but a bit of the paranormal as well. By now Katie is growing into her own, both with her powers and her personal life. I like that even with seven books in the series now, Bailey Cates writes these characters who continue to grow and evolve in various aspects of their lives. This is not only true of Katie and Declan, but the cast of secondary characters as well. The book had a steady pace and I kept turning pages to see how Katie would solve this mystery. There was a nice twist in terms of how the murder was committed and even though there was a small pool of suspect, the author did a good job of keeping me guessing.
All in all, I think this is a fun series, set in a great location, with good characters and mysteries. I enjoy the paranormal aspect of this series and find that its doesn't overpower the mystery or the characters. I will be back to what what Bailey Cates has in store for Katie, Declan and the rest of the characters.
All in all, I think this is a fun series, set in a great location, with good characters and mysteries. I enjoy the paranormal aspect of this series and find that its doesn't overpower the mystery or the characters. I will be back to what what Bailey Cates has in store for Katie, Declan and the rest of the characters.
November 27, 2022
This one I didn't like as well.
April 3, 2018
3.5 stars
Katie Lightfoot is so happy she made the move to Savannah to open The Honeybee bakery with her Aunt Lucy. She has a lot to celebrate. In 2 years she has opened a successful bakery, absolved her uncle of murder charges, learned she's a witch and is engaged to the greatest man (in her opinion) on the planet. As Lucy, Ben, Katie and Declan celebrate the 2-year anniversary of The Honeybee, they stroll along the riverfront of downtown Savannah, watching the street performers. Aunt Lucy recognizes one of their regular customers, Orla Black, telling fortunes. Someone is NOT happy with their fortune but Katie is so happy, she figures why not? Her fortune is mysterious and she makes an appointment with Orla to learn more, but before that can happen, there's a tragic accident and Orla is killed. Katie is very shaken up by the accident that happened in front of her. She heard Mungo and Nonna trying to get her attention but the accident happened too fast to save Orla. Was it an accident? The police think it was but Katie isn't so sure. She decides to befriend the close-knit Black family to find out more.
I really liked the background of the story about the Irish travelers. I don't know anything about them so it added to my pleasure of reading this book. The mystery seemed fairly obvious but still managed to surprise me. The romantic subplot is advancing with Katie and Declan getting ready to move in together and get married. I could relate to their house hunting woes but felt Katie wasn't open to compromise. The ending made a nice conclusion to the series even if there are more. I add some bonus points because of a reference to some of my favorite books and characters. I do have to nit-pick a bit again with Mungo.
THIS is a Cairn Terrier
By Wotapalaver (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons
NOT this
By Ingunn Axelsen (Kennel Imrun) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons
Their ears can not flop in the breeze unless they have a medical condition that caused their ears to crumple or not stand up. The cover artist gets it right but the author again shows her ignorance.
The new characters are the Black family. They are a close-knit family of Irish Travelers (or Gypsies). John Black, the head of the family is scary in a Godfather way. Katie didn't like him and neither will the reader. He's rude and mean and his business practices leave a lot to be desired. Orla's daughter Fern seems kind and sweet. Why she married a whiner and a bully like Taber, I don't know, but she seems to love him. I don't think Orla liked him much. Their daughter Nuala is sweet like her mother and a little shy because her family is wary of outsiders. I feel bad for the little girl growing up in that environment. Her grandmother loved her very much as does her aunt Ginnie. Ginnie seems like a fun teacher. She could be a friend for Katie. Since she married into the clan, she is not as secretive, or is she? It was truly a tragedy that Orla died. Her death was shocking. She was a kind and loving mother/grandmother and used her gift to try to help others. I'm sure she had a lot of irate people misinterpreting her readings but she seemed cheerful enough.
Another new character is Vera Smythe. She is the irate customer who didn't like Orla's fortune. I found her to be the stereotypical mean lady at first but the author manages to make her three-dimensional. Could she have killed Orla? Randy Post is a young man from the firehouse. He seems very immature and almost everything we know about him is second hand information. I think I would be obligated to go out with him though. I loved Colette. She's so precocious and ten at the same time. The author knows her 10-year-old girls and has them down pat.
The ladies of the Coven don't have much to do here. Cookie has turned her attention to real estate and her marriage. She acts only in a professional civilian capacity here and not as a witch. I feel she has lost some of her vibrant personality. Jaida adds some law advice and Bianca gets a subplot. As always Aunt Lucy lends her love and support.
This is a fun series but I'm not super crazy about the whole witch thing. I think I'm done reading this series, especially as Mungo does not appear to be a Cairn Terrier.
Content:
engaged couple "practically" living together
His hand starts to creep up under her shirt
Mild violence
Katie Lightfoot is so happy she made the move to Savannah to open The Honeybee bakery with her Aunt Lucy. She has a lot to celebrate. In 2 years she has opened a successful bakery, absolved her uncle of murder charges, learned she's a witch and is engaged to the greatest man (in her opinion) on the planet. As Lucy, Ben, Katie and Declan celebrate the 2-year anniversary of The Honeybee, they stroll along the riverfront of downtown Savannah, watching the street performers. Aunt Lucy recognizes one of their regular customers, Orla Black, telling fortunes. Someone is NOT happy with their fortune but Katie is so happy, she figures why not? Her fortune is mysterious and she makes an appointment with Orla to learn more, but before that can happen, there's a tragic accident and Orla is killed. Katie is very shaken up by the accident that happened in front of her. She heard Mungo and Nonna trying to get her attention but the accident happened too fast to save Orla. Was it an accident? The police think it was but Katie isn't so sure. She decides to befriend the close-knit Black family to find out more.
I really liked the background of the story about the Irish travelers. I don't know anything about them so it added to my pleasure of reading this book. The mystery seemed fairly obvious but still managed to surprise me. The romantic subplot is advancing with Katie and Declan getting ready to move in together and get married. I could relate to their house hunting woes but felt Katie wasn't open to compromise. The ending made a nice conclusion to the series even if there are more. I add some bonus points because of a reference to some of my favorite books and characters. I do have to nit-pick a bit again with Mungo.
THIS is a Cairn Terrier
By Wotapalaver (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons
NOT this
By Ingunn Axelsen (Kennel Imrun) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)], via Wikimedia Commons
Their ears can not flop in the breeze unless they have a medical condition that caused their ears to crumple or not stand up. The cover artist gets it right but the author again shows her ignorance.
The new characters are the Black family. They are a close-knit family of Irish Travelers (or Gypsies). John Black, the head of the family is scary in a Godfather way. Katie didn't like him and neither will the reader. He's rude and mean and his business practices leave a lot to be desired. Orla's daughter Fern seems kind and sweet. Why she married a whiner and a bully like Taber, I don't know, but she seems to love him. I don't think Orla liked him much. Their daughter Nuala is sweet like her mother and a little shy because her family is wary of outsiders. I feel bad for the little girl growing up in that environment. Her grandmother loved her very much as does her aunt Ginnie. Ginnie seems like a fun teacher. She could be a friend for Katie. Since she married into the clan, she is not as secretive, or is she? It was truly a tragedy that Orla died. Her death was shocking. She was a kind and loving mother/grandmother and used her gift to try to help others. I'm sure she had a lot of irate people misinterpreting her readings but she seemed cheerful enough.
Another new character is Vera Smythe. She is the irate customer who didn't like Orla's fortune. I found her to be the stereotypical mean lady at first but the author manages to make her three-dimensional. Could she have killed Orla? Randy Post is a young man from the firehouse. He seems very immature and almost everything we know about him is second hand information. I think I would be obligated to go out with him though. I loved Colette. She's so precocious and ten at the same time. The author knows her 10-year-old girls and has them down pat.
The ladies of the Coven don't have much to do here. Cookie has turned her attention to real estate and her marriage. She acts only in a professional civilian capacity here and not as a witch. I feel she has lost some of her vibrant personality. Jaida adds some law advice and Bianca gets a subplot. As always Aunt Lucy lends her love and support.
This is a fun series but I'm not super crazy about the whole witch thing. I think I'm done reading this series, especially as Mungo does not appear to be a Cairn Terrier.
Content:
engaged couple "practically" living together
His hand starts to creep up under her shirt
Mild violence
November 18, 2017
I have been a longtime fan of the Magical Bakery Series by Bailey Cates and Potions and Pastries was one of the best in the series. I enjoy the supporting characters as much as main character Katie, and at times more. The Spell Book Club members have come to feel like old friends so for me it was hard to believe that it was only the second anniversary in the book of the bakery's opening. It felt like more connections were made in this book than ever before and the story came together magnetically if not magically. I loved the story line. The mystery and romance that Potions and Pastries was all about. Great read!
April 11, 2020
Another great read
Bailey Cates did it again. She brought magic, romance and murder to life with this book. Witches and familiars abound as does trouble and danger. It's a wonderful book in a great series and I can't wait to read the next one.
Bailey Cates did it again. She brought magic, romance and murder to life with this book. Witches and familiars abound as does trouble and danger. It's a wonderful book in a great series and I can't wait to read the next one.
September 10, 2021
4.5/5 magical stars. Such a pleasant, solid series...I truly enjoy it!
November 19, 2017
After a celebratory meal (2 years of the Honeybee Bakery/Cafe being open) Katie, Declan, Lucy and Ben are strolling along the waterfront when they see and overhear a disagreement over a Tarot reading. The next day the Tarot Reader walks in front of a car, the Police believe she committed a rather bizarre suicide Katie, Lucy and the Spellbook Club are not so sure - they believe she was murdered by magic. So Katie needs to gather her Lightwitch aura and find out the truth, oh and find a new house for her and Declan at the same time!
November 4, 2017
The two year anniversary of the opening of the Honeybee Bakery has arrived. After having a celebratory meal everyone decides to take a walk by the waterfront to relax and just enjoy the day. When they come upon Orla, Aunt Lucy's friend, she inadvertently gives Katie a reading that was truly unexpected. Katie is taken aback by what she is told and begins to worry about just what the fortune means for her future. She is supposed to meet Orla the next day so she can finish the reading but Orla is killed in what seems to be an accident. Katie witnessed part of the accident and isn't quite so sure it really was one. With the help of her fiancee and the coven she starts looking into what could have really happened that day. As she investigates things get weird with Orla's family, they had several insurance polices out on Orla, and their way of living has Katie worried that she won't be able to find the answers that she is so desperately looking for. Could one of Orla's family have killed her for the money? Did she give out a fortune that someone couldn't deal with? She was taking up a major spot on the waterfront, could that have gotten her killed? Will Katie be able to answer these questions and more before she ends up just like Orla? Follow along and find out. This is such a fun and original series and I love that everyone in the Coven has a different type of familiar, there are quite a few originals that even I wouldn't have picked for my own. So take a few moments and you will be transported to a wonderful southern town full of fun happenings, and there is always a great mystery to be had.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2022
3.5 *
Katie has settled in after 2 years. She gets involved in another mystery when as acquaintance walks right in front of a car and is killed. She is also house hunting with Declan, but is having a hard time finding the "right" one. The problem is, she LOVES her house, but it's too small as things are now.
This was a decent entry in the series, but it dragged a bit for me before it picked up about 1/2 way through. The mystery was unique and a good one (hypnotism). Katie and Declan do settle on a house and set a wedding date. The coven members have life changes; some of them.
I will use this for Ripper Bodice Summer Bingo food on the cover square.
Katie has settled in after 2 years. She gets involved in another mystery when as acquaintance walks right in front of a car and is killed. She is also house hunting with Declan, but is having a hard time finding the "right" one. The problem is, she LOVES her house, but it's too small as things are now.
This was a decent entry in the series, but it dragged a bit for me before it picked up about 1/2 way through. The mystery was unique and a good one (hypnotism). Katie and Declan do settle on a house and set a wedding date. The coven members have life changes; some of them.
I will use this for Ripper Bodice Summer Bingo food on the cover square.
December 4, 2024
Fortune teller winds up dead in a way that looks like an accident. Katie figures out the truth while finding a place to live after marriage. It is picking up a bit send I hope the last couple books in this series continue to do so.
October 22, 2024
This book was a good one, but still a bit dark. However, (justification for reading maybe) I’m realizing that any time magic is used for murder it is going to be dark. It is Katie’s “calling” to fight dark with light, and with the help of her coven she does it well.
The fact that a puppet seemed to take on life was a bit unsettling though.
The fact that a puppet seemed to take on life was a bit unsettling though.
December 3, 2017
I always look forward to the next installment of this cozy series and I have never been disappointed. Visit the Honeybee Cafe in Savannah where the pastries are not just delicious, they often have just what you need. The cast of regulars is back, plus a family of Irish Travelers to liven it all up.
October 6, 2017
I liked this book better than the last one; in the last one, there was just too much cheese. That being said, while I really loved this series in the beginning, I'm starting to find our heroine obnoxious and on the edge of too-stupid-to-live (TSTL). She's incredibly ham-fisted in her "investigating techniques," which are, essentially, asking the subject incredibly obvious and intrusive questions, like "so what's up with all those insurance policies?" I know a cozy is supposed to be a little fluffy, but if you're going to investigate a murder, a little subtlety should be in order.
Now I'm wondering if all the books have been this way, and I was just in a zone where I could accept it, or if this is a new development. Either way, this may be the last book I read in the series.
Now I'm wondering if all the books have been this way, and I was just in a zone where I could accept it, or if this is a new development. Either way, this may be the last book I read in the series.
November 30, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/po...
Potions and Pastries
Magical Bakery Series, Book #7
By Bailey Cates
ISBN#9780399586996
Author Website: Baileycates(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
It’s been exactly two years since Katie and her aunt and uncle opened the Honeybee Bakery, where they serve delicious–and bespelled–treats to the good people of Savannah. After a dinner celebrating the bakery’s anniversary, they all take a stroll along the waterfront and meet Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a colorful character who has been telling the fortunes of locals and tourists alike for years.
The next day, Orla meets with what seems like a terrible accident, but Katie’s witchy intuition tells her it was something more sinister. Together with her trustworthy coven and her firefighter boyfriend, she’ll race to find out what happened to the unfortunate fortune-teller before the piping hot trail goes cold…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Cozy mystery readers are in for a treat with Potions and Pasties, the seventh book in the Magical Bakery Series. I liked this light-hearted murder mystery that has a bit of romance and magic sprinkled throughout.
When Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a local fortune teller, meets an untimely end, Katie’s magical sixth sense tells her Orla’s death was no accident. Detective Quinn is unconvinced by Katie’s insistence so Katie investigate on her own. Her questions lead her straight to Orla’s family, a tightly knit group of Irish Traveler heritage who do not want to have anything to do with Katie. Even after Katie finds herself in danger, she does not stop until the guilty party is revealed.
Cates has created a fun world with magical influences set in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah makes a beautiful backdrop, but I never really get a good sense of place from the writing. The action could take place in any charming Southern town, real or imaginary though there are some landmark references. I wish I could visit the Honeybee Bakery and partake of the delicious offerings. The descriptions of the baked goods make my mouth water. The characters are what keep me coming back for more with the Magical Bakery series. I particularly enjoy Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. They set the bar for relationship goals. Declan, Katie’s fiancé, is an honorable and nice guy (Is it bad that I sometimes think he is too good for Katie?) The members of Katie’s coven add variety and interest to the series though we do not see much of them in this installment. Of course, I enjoy the animals and wish Katie’s familiar Mungo could talk.
The mystery here is intriguing, and I spent most of the book vacillating between the suspects trying to figure out whodunit. The killer’s identity is not exactly a surprise when it is revealed, but it makes sense with the mystery. Katie is a bit too obvious in her investigating for my taste, and she does teeter on the edge of having “too stupid to live” moments, but, overall, she makes a fine amateur sleuth. I appreciate the balance of magical and mundane in her life.
I enjoyed Potions and Pastries and recommend it to readers who appreciate magic with their murders.
Potions and Pastries
Magical Bakery Series, Book #7
By Bailey Cates
ISBN#9780399586996
Author Website: Baileycates(.)com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
It’s been exactly two years since Katie and her aunt and uncle opened the Honeybee Bakery, where they serve delicious–and bespelled–treats to the good people of Savannah. After a dinner celebrating the bakery’s anniversary, they all take a stroll along the waterfront and meet Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a colorful character who has been telling the fortunes of locals and tourists alike for years.
The next day, Orla meets with what seems like a terrible accident, but Katie’s witchy intuition tells her it was something more sinister. Together with her trustworthy coven and her firefighter boyfriend, she’ll race to find out what happened to the unfortunate fortune-teller before the piping hot trail goes cold…. (Goodreads)
Review:
Cozy mystery readers are in for a treat with Potions and Pasties, the seventh book in the Magical Bakery Series. I liked this light-hearted murder mystery that has a bit of romance and magic sprinkled throughout.
When Aunt Lucy’s friend Orla, a local fortune teller, meets an untimely end, Katie’s magical sixth sense tells her Orla’s death was no accident. Detective Quinn is unconvinced by Katie’s insistence so Katie investigate on her own. Her questions lead her straight to Orla’s family, a tightly knit group of Irish Traveler heritage who do not want to have anything to do with Katie. Even after Katie finds herself in danger, she does not stop until the guilty party is revealed.
Cates has created a fun world with magical influences set in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah makes a beautiful backdrop, but I never really get a good sense of place from the writing. The action could take place in any charming Southern town, real or imaginary though there are some landmark references. I wish I could visit the Honeybee Bakery and partake of the delicious offerings. The descriptions of the baked goods make my mouth water. The characters are what keep me coming back for more with the Magical Bakery series. I particularly enjoy Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben. They set the bar for relationship goals. Declan, Katie’s fiancé, is an honorable and nice guy (Is it bad that I sometimes think he is too good for Katie?) The members of Katie’s coven add variety and interest to the series though we do not see much of them in this installment. Of course, I enjoy the animals and wish Katie’s familiar Mungo could talk.
The mystery here is intriguing, and I spent most of the book vacillating between the suspects trying to figure out whodunit. The killer’s identity is not exactly a surprise when it is revealed, but it makes sense with the mystery. Katie is a bit too obvious in her investigating for my taste, and she does teeter on the edge of having “too stupid to live” moments, but, overall, she makes a fine amateur sleuth. I appreciate the balance of magical and mundane in her life.
I enjoyed Potions and Pastries and recommend it to readers who appreciate magic with their murders.
December 12, 2017
The seventh book in this series opens after dinner in downtown Savannah, where Katie and Declan have just been out for a meal with Ben and Lucy to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Honeybee Bakery. Continuing the evening before Lucy and Katie return to the bakery to get their familiars, they walk along the waterfront where various street shows, merchants and entertainers are making the most of the setting and weather. Witnessing an odd conversation and scene at the Fortune Teller’s stall, Katie recognizes Orla, a friend of her Aunt Lucy and a customer. But, Orla is so much more – she has a prediction for Katie and a family that is nothing if not secretive and insular. The very next day, Orla walks in front of a car and is killed, shortly after a conversation with Katie and Lucy. Of course, nothing about Orla’s death feels right, and with a touch of interference from her grandmother’s gardenia scent, her familiar Mungo’s frantic barking and Declans long past (and thought to be banished) Leprechaun ancestor all pointing to murder, Katie’s curiosity is piqued.
Not having read the earlier titles in this series (and a situation I intend to remedy immediately) Cates does manage to introduce the many characters with enough information about their background and history of interactions, including Katie’s draw and need to investigate the deaths that have a connection to magic. It’s been, by her own estimation, a very busy couple of years with plenty of revelations: her understanding of her own hedgewitch heritage, learning about magic and understanding her own task to help the magical in need, finding a fiancé in Declan, and now her search for a new house for the two of them as the carriage house that she has customized and crafted into her home. She’s got plenty going on – and the questions about Orla, the Black family and their unfamiliar customs born of their Irish Traveler history all come into play in this story.
While the mystery grows as the Black family curls in upon itself against outsiders, and the dangers from hypnotic suggestions, fire and her own uncertain thoughts about her future, her choices and her options all unveil themselves, the story is both easy to read and engaging - keeping me intrigued with every page. A quiet community existing in the midst of tourist-rich Savannah – support, friendship and plenty of gossipy history is all there for the asking – and will have you wanting to find your own bakery with more.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Not having read the earlier titles in this series (and a situation I intend to remedy immediately) Cates does manage to introduce the many characters with enough information about their background and history of interactions, including Katie’s draw and need to investigate the deaths that have a connection to magic. It’s been, by her own estimation, a very busy couple of years with plenty of revelations: her understanding of her own hedgewitch heritage, learning about magic and understanding her own task to help the magical in need, finding a fiancé in Declan, and now her search for a new house for the two of them as the carriage house that she has customized and crafted into her home. She’s got plenty going on – and the questions about Orla, the Black family and their unfamiliar customs born of their Irish Traveler history all come into play in this story.
While the mystery grows as the Black family curls in upon itself against outsiders, and the dangers from hypnotic suggestions, fire and her own uncertain thoughts about her future, her choices and her options all unveil themselves, the story is both easy to read and engaging - keeping me intrigued with every page. A quiet community existing in the midst of tourist-rich Savannah – support, friendship and plenty of gossipy history is all there for the asking – and will have you wanting to find your own bakery with more.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
November 2, 2017
Potions and Pastries by Bailey Cates is the seventh story in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. Katie Lightfoot along with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben own the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, Georgia. They provide baked goods that have a magical boost. Ben, Lucy, Katie, and her fiancé, Declan are out walking along the riverfront and see friend Orla Black telling fortunes. Orla has a message for Katie that she takes as a warning--sacrifice. What will Katie have to sacrifice? The next day Katie sees Orla nearby and wishes to get more information from her. Unfortunately, Orla walks in front of a car and is struck dead before Katie can speak with her. It looks like an accident, but Katie’s magical awareness tells her something sinister is afoot. Katie, Declan and the spellbook club work together to find out what happened to Orla. But what happens when Katie gets close to uncovering the truth?
Potions and Pastries is best enjoyed if you have read the other books in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. It can be a little confusing (especially in the beginning) when all the various spellbook club members are introduced. I found this story to be well-written and engaging. I was drawn into the story and I liked the magical elements. Potions and Pastries has great characters that you will enjoy visiting in each new installment in the series. The only downfall for me was the mystery. I identified the guilty party before the Orla was struck by the car. I did appreciate the author use of misdirection to lead readers on a merry chase. Potions and Pastries is a light cozy mystery with magic, humor, family, friends, pets and luscious baked goods. I am giving Potions and Pastries 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading the next novel in A Magical Bakery Mystery series.
*I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from Kensington via NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Potions and Pastries is best enjoyed if you have read the other books in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. It can be a little confusing (especially in the beginning) when all the various spellbook club members are introduced. I found this story to be well-written and engaging. I was drawn into the story and I liked the magical elements. Potions and Pastries has great characters that you will enjoy visiting in each new installment in the series. The only downfall for me was the mystery. I identified the guilty party before the Orla was struck by the car. I did appreciate the author use of misdirection to lead readers on a merry chase. Potions and Pastries is a light cozy mystery with magic, humor, family, friends, pets and luscious baked goods. I am giving Potions and Pastries 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading the next novel in A Magical Bakery Mystery series.
*I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy from Kensington via NetGalley. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
November 7, 2019
The Honeybee Bakery has been open for two years. While out celebrating Katie Lightfoot and her partners, who are also her Aunt and Uncle, run into Orla. Orla is a regular customer and is “gifted” as Katie and the other members of the Spell Book Club are. Tonight she’s telling fortunes on the waterfront. As she’s speaking with Katie, Orla mentions a glimpse she had for Katie. One that shakes her to the core.
Before she can make arrangements to get a full reading from Orla, the fortune teller is killed right in front of the bakery and in front of Katie and her Aunt. It seems straight forward, but why would Orla just walk out into traffic like that?
I’ve been following this series from the beginning. I like a little bit of the paranormal mixed with my mysteries and I think this series does that very well. Like all series like this, the world-building and mythology of the magic are as important as the mystery. Bailey Cates does a great job of continuing to explore and expand the world Katie and her coven inhabit.
I was a little frustrated with this one because as much or more time was spent on Katie and Declan’s couple life as on the mystery. There were multiple suspects, but I don’t know if that was enough to keep this truly mysterious.
It was still a very well written book. I look forward to spending more times with these characters.
Before she can make arrangements to get a full reading from Orla, the fortune teller is killed right in front of the bakery and in front of Katie and her Aunt. It seems straight forward, but why would Orla just walk out into traffic like that?
I’ve been following this series from the beginning. I like a little bit of the paranormal mixed with my mysteries and I think this series does that very well. Like all series like this, the world-building and mythology of the magic are as important as the mystery. Bailey Cates does a great job of continuing to explore and expand the world Katie and her coven inhabit.
I was a little frustrated with this one because as much or more time was spent on Katie and Declan’s couple life as on the mystery. There were multiple suspects, but I don’t know if that was enough to keep this truly mysterious.
It was still a very well written book. I look forward to spending more times with these characters.
January 27, 2022
Katie Lightfoot gets an unexpected and intriguing fortune from one of the women in their group, Orla Black, while strolling the Savannah waterfront. Following up with her the next day at the Honeybee bakery, Katie and her aunt witness Orla step out in front of car and lose her life. Immediately the situation seems suspicious and Katie feels compelled to investigate further with Orla's close knit Traveler family as key suspects. At the same time, Katie is trying to process the plan to leave her beloved carriage house to move into a bigger shared space with Declan.
While I missed a few in the series, I really appreciated that I didn't feel too left behind when jumping into the series. Katie is a bit more settled in her life which is an improvement from earlier in the series. I enjoy the quirky cast of characters especially the familiars. It was pretty obvious as to how it would end but I was still engaged throughout.
While I missed a few in the series, I really appreciated that I didn't feel too left behind when jumping into the series. Katie is a bit more settled in her life which is an improvement from earlier in the series. I enjoy the quirky cast of characters especially the familiars. It was pretty obvious as to how it would end but I was still engaged throughout.
October 23, 2018
Declan and Katie are house hunting even though they have not set the date yet. A chance encounter with a fortune-teller, Orla, who used to be a client at Honeybee's, sets off a chain of events that have Katie worried. What did she mean by "sacrifice"? Before they get a chance to talk, Orla is killed in a car accident. Katie reads her own Tarot cards, but she gets the Tower, and her worries continue. Was Orla killed? Did her Irish-Traveler family and their costumes have anything to do with it? Or do they have magic more powerful than her hedgewitch/lightwitch ones?
I felt bad for Katie, who is really experiencing some chaos in her life. She loves Declan, but she also loves her home and does not want to move. If they get married, though, they really need more space. Then there's the prediction Orla made, and was she killed or was it just an accident?
I felt bad for Katie, who is really experiencing some chaos in her life. She loves Declan, but she also loves her home and does not want to move. If they get married, though, they really need more space. Then there's the prediction Orla made, and was she killed or was it just an accident?
July 27, 2022
2022 bk 213. One of my more favorite of the series. I don't remember reading it previously - but maybe that was part of the hypnosis involved in the story line.... When an "Irish traveler" fortuneteller of Lucy and Mimsey's acquaintance dies, the group is pulled into solving the how and why of the death. This book gives Katie and the reader's a look at the lives of Irish travelers (not gypsies) in the U.S., how their economics work, and a little of how family ties run deep. Throughout the story are threaded pieces of Katie's developing a further committment to her relationship with Declan, Cookies growth in her marriage, and a new relationship for Bianca. There is good advice on the subject of making important choices for life included.
December 4, 2017
This is the seventh book in the magical bakery series. Katie Lightfoot owns the Honeybee Bakery with her aunt and unvle. After the bakery's anniversary dinner, Katie, along with her boyfriend , Declan , and her aunt and uncle decide to take a walk by the waterfront, and run into lucy's friend Orla who is tatot card reader. The next day Orla walks in front of car in an apparent suicide. B6t Katie's lightwitch aura is telling her somethimg is off. Katie along with the members of the spellbook club set to to find out what really happened.
I really like this series. I loved how the characters have progressed since the first book. This was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what happens with Katie and Declan , and evrn with Cookie
I really like this series. I loved how the characters have progressed since the first book. This was a great addition to the series. I can't wait to see what happens with Katie and Declan , and evrn with Cookie
May 28, 2018
You know what, I love these books. The mysteries are intriguing, the characters are like an old group of friends you jump right back into, and the romance is heart warming.
Each mystery has been new and I believe this one included the most magic and the most show of Katie performing the magic which was interesting.
The romance has been a draw with these because I’ve always loved the two of them together and it just keeps getting better.
I’m going to keep reading them and no one can stop me from my magical baking mysteries.
Each mystery has been new and I believe this one included the most magic and the most show of Katie performing the magic which was interesting.
The romance has been a draw with these because I’ve always loved the two of them together and it just keeps getting better.
I’m going to keep reading them and no one can stop me from my magical baking mysteries.
December 5, 2023
Book was good. Ok, diatribe, the FMC is of mixed native heritage and sometimes that comes out in plot points that are convenient. A little too convenient. Am I being too sensitive to this and worried about the mystical indian trope? I looked it up and thought well if the author is native she can use her culture as she wants... nothing pointed one way or the other. Should I even be worried? Maybe I shouldn't even be policing what could be innocent and what is trying to be inclusive.
I recommend the series for lovers of immersive cozy mysteries that are quick reads.
I recommend the series for lovers of immersive cozy mysteries that are quick reads.
May 11, 2021
The Honeybee Bakery is doing well. There is a festival going on near the water and so Katie's aunt along with her boyfriend, Duran and they encounter a person known as Orla and she gives out fortunes. The person she is giving a fortune to does not like her fortune.
The following day directly outside the Honeybee Orla seems to walk as a car comes directly at her. She is killed and Katie knows that this was not accident. So she tries to find out more about Orla's family and why someone would want to hurt her. I also love the side part where Duran and Katie are being shown homes to move into by their friend, Cookie.
The following day directly outside the Honeybee Orla seems to walk as a car comes directly at her. She is killed and Katie knows that this was not accident. So she tries to find out more about Orla's family and why someone would want to hurt her. I also love the side part where Duran and Katie are being shown homes to move into by their friend, Cookie.
October 18, 2018
Wonderful! Amazing! Hypnotizing! This was the best installment of the Magical Bakery Series yet! The suspense was perfect and all of the other things that came together couldn't be more timely! I really hope there will be more in this series!
November 3, 2017
11/3/17 Full review tk.
May 16, 2018
This series is just light fun to me. I enjoy reading them all. In this one, I did find the solution to the house problem to be painfully obvious from the beginning, but other than that, this one was good. :)
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