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An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #3.5
Criminally Cocoa
A taste for trouble . . . As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .Recipe Included!Praise for Amanda Flower and her Amish cozies. As it turns out, Amanda Flower may have just written the first Amish rom com.” USA Today - Flower has hit it out of the ballpark . . . and continues to amaze with her knowledge of the Amish way of life.” RT Book Reviews “At turns playful and engaging . . . a satisfyingly complex cozy.” Library Journal
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2019
358 people are currently reading
909 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,947 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 228 reviews
February 25, 2019
Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower is a companion novella to the cozy Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This one is meant to be read after the third book of the series but as with all of the books the mystery within is self-contained so books may be read out of order if choosing to do so. However, there is character development that carries over from book to book so it’s most enjoyable to read from the beginning.
Criminally Cocoa is a little different than the other books of this series in which Bailey King is the main character. In this novella the point of view has been handed over to Bailey’s assistant, Charlotte Weaver. The pair has traveled into the city to film Bailey’s cooking show but as the cameras begin to roll Charlotte notices things begin to happen that seem to be trying to make Bailey look bad.
I’ve been enjoying the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series from the beginning and I will admit it started off a little odd to switch to another character after loving Bailey but once getting into the story I found the same fun writing and set up as always. The author has done a wonderful job blending the Amish community into the story and always explains their rules and how things work for them such as Charlotte has not officially become Amish yet so she was able to participate in the television show. And for those fans of the series even Jethro makes an appearance in the big city to bring along the normal laughs so this was definitely another solid addition to the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Criminally Cocoa is a little different than the other books of this series in which Bailey King is the main character. In this novella the point of view has been handed over to Bailey’s assistant, Charlotte Weaver. The pair has traveled into the city to film Bailey’s cooking show but as the cameras begin to roll Charlotte notices things begin to happen that seem to be trying to make Bailey look bad.
I’ve been enjoying the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series from the beginning and I will admit it started off a little odd to switch to another character after loving Bailey but once getting into the story I found the same fun writing and set up as always. The author has done a wonderful job blending the Amish community into the story and always explains their rules and how things work for them such as Charlotte has not officially become Amish yet so she was able to participate in the television show. And for those fans of the series even Jethro makes an appearance in the big city to bring along the normal laughs so this was definitely another solid addition to the story.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
June 2, 2019
A fun short story. The ladies from Amish town Ohio are taping Bailey's baking show in New York city. Pet pig is the star as always 🐷.
August 31, 2022
The Narrator of this book in the series is not Bailey but Charlotte. Claria's cousin ( Bailey's grandma that owns a Chocolate Shop Swiss man Sweets and is Amish) ) Charotte is an Amish Girl in her 20's that is trying to figure out if she will want to be free of Amish Life or stay Amish. Well Bailey asked her to go to Network for the Tv Show that Bailey will be starring in. And She thought it would make Charlotte figure out if she wants to stay Amish or not. Well when the sets were going on. Ongoing things start to occur 3 things Exactly. And Charlotte has been wondering if someone was tampering with the set to sabbatoge Baliey shows. Come to find out it was not in Charlotte's head it really was happening. This is a good book. But it was alright story. But I Love the series. And will keep on reading them
March 28, 2021
I loved this cute short read . The cover got me longing for a chocolate Easter bunny. This story was written as though Charlotte Weaver was personally telling the readers about her trip with Bailey to New York City. As usual the author has added enough humor to give readers a few chuckles here and there throughout the book. No one got murdered in this story but there was tense moments and blow ups to grab and keep my attention.
Bailey is off to the The Big Apple to start filming and putting together segments for her new tv show with The Gourmet Cable Network. She has asked her Amish cousin Charlotte Weaver to go along with her as an assistant. Now Charlotte being Amish has never taken a trip by plane or been to a big city like New York. And now she is working with a filming crew and just trying to fit in. Someone isn't happy about Bailey's new show and it seems they are out to sabotage it before the first show makes its debut in July. it seems they well try anything to make Bailey look bad and get the show cancelled. Charlotte is determined to find out who is behind all this and why. She must not let her shyness stop her from helping Bailey make this Cable tv show, about the Swissmen Sweets candy store, successful.
I recommend this short story to readers of Cozy Mystery and Amish Fiction. It is book #3.5 of Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery.
I borrowed a copy from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Bailey is off to the The Big Apple to start filming and putting together segments for her new tv show with The Gourmet Cable Network. She has asked her Amish cousin Charlotte Weaver to go along with her as an assistant. Now Charlotte being Amish has never taken a trip by plane or been to a big city like New York. And now she is working with a filming crew and just trying to fit in. Someone isn't happy about Bailey's new show and it seems they are out to sabotage it before the first show makes its debut in July. it seems they well try anything to make Bailey look bad and get the show cancelled. Charlotte is determined to find out who is behind all this and why. She must not let her shyness stop her from helping Bailey make this Cable tv show, about the Swissmen Sweets candy store, successful.
I recommend this short story to readers of Cozy Mystery and Amish Fiction. It is book #3.5 of Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery.
I borrowed a copy from the Ohio Digital Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
July 23, 2020
CRIMINALLY COCOA is a quick novella in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Bailey King is working at her grandparents Amish candy store, Swissmen Sweets where she has just left to start filming a new cable tv series called Bailey's Amish Sweets. Her cousin Charlotte goes along with her to New York City to help Bailey out on set. But when they start filming strange things begin happening and someone is trying to make Bailey fail! Hang on my reading friends, it's going to be a crazy but fun ride!
CRIMINALLY COCOA is filled with twists and turns and I was instantly hooked and in everyone's business! It is a very quick read and when the mystery of who was trying to take Bailey out was solved, I was in shock. I had no idea! I really liked getting to know Charlotte better. She is on rumspringa and this trip is giving her a chance to see the outside world as she decides whether or not to be baptized Amish. She has a very rough time with New York City and all that is going on around her. As usual, Jethro the pig makes an appearance, and pretty much steals the show.
CRIMINALLY COCOA is a wonderful addition to the perfect Amish cozy series! All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. While Bailey isn't Amish, her grandparents are and she has the same values they do. As I was reading I could tell Amanda Flower had done her research as it is the best cozy I have read in a very long time! There are plenty of suspects, the action is face paced, and there are many surprises. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Toxic Toffee to see what happens. Amanda Flower sure knows how to pull at her readers heart strings and I'm so excited to continue this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
CRIMINALLY COCOA is filled with twists and turns and I was instantly hooked and in everyone's business! It is a very quick read and when the mystery of who was trying to take Bailey out was solved, I was in shock. I had no idea! I really liked getting to know Charlotte better. She is on rumspringa and this trip is giving her a chance to see the outside world as she decides whether or not to be baptized Amish. She has a very rough time with New York City and all that is going on around her. As usual, Jethro the pig makes an appearance, and pretty much steals the show.
CRIMINALLY COCOA is a wonderful addition to the perfect Amish cozy series! All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time. While Bailey isn't Amish, her grandparents are and she has the same values they do. As I was reading I could tell Amanda Flower had done her research as it is the best cozy I have read in a very long time! There are plenty of suspects, the action is face paced, and there are many surprises. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Toxic Toffee to see what happens. Amanda Flower sure knows how to pull at her readers heart strings and I'm so excited to continue this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 23, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
This delightful novella picks up where the last book leaves off, Bailey and Charlotte travel to New York to film Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Both are thrilled to be part of the Gourmet Television Network. Anxious and nervous for everything to go smoothly Bailey tries to do her best but a bunch of freaky things happen. It seems the show may never get off the ground. Charlotte makes some keen observations proving the mishaps are not accidents and she is determined to find out who is trying to keep Bailey off the air. She just needs to keep herself safe in the process.
I loved that this story was told from Charlotte’s point of view. She has a huge decision to make soon and spending part of her rumspringa in New York may help her to make her decision. Seeing New York through her eyes was wonderful, that city is awestriking whether you are Amish or English. I am sure I would have reactions similar to hers.
I enjoyed that Juliet Brody and her comfort pig, Jethro make a surprise appearance to help Bailey out. That Jethro shakes things up wherever he goes.
For a book of this length, there was a good number of suspects and Ms. Flower twisted the clues up nicely. There were some tense moments as everything came to a head. I was partially right in my deductions, I just didn’t get the extra little skewering twist. Well-plotted Ms. Flower.
This was a nice little interlude as fans wait for Toxic Toffee to be released June 25.
Oh, and there are recipes too!
This delightful novella picks up where the last book leaves off, Bailey and Charlotte travel to New York to film Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Both are thrilled to be part of the Gourmet Television Network. Anxious and nervous for everything to go smoothly Bailey tries to do her best but a bunch of freaky things happen. It seems the show may never get off the ground. Charlotte makes some keen observations proving the mishaps are not accidents and she is determined to find out who is trying to keep Bailey off the air. She just needs to keep herself safe in the process.
I loved that this story was told from Charlotte’s point of view. She has a huge decision to make soon and spending part of her rumspringa in New York may help her to make her decision. Seeing New York through her eyes was wonderful, that city is awestriking whether you are Amish or English. I am sure I would have reactions similar to hers.
I enjoyed that Juliet Brody and her comfort pig, Jethro make a surprise appearance to help Bailey out. That Jethro shakes things up wherever he goes.
For a book of this length, there was a good number of suspects and Ms. Flower twisted the clues up nicely. There were some tense moments as everything came to a head. I was partially right in my deductions, I just didn’t get the extra little skewering twist. Well-plotted Ms. Flower.
This was a nice little interlude as fans wait for Toxic Toffee to be released June 25.
Oh, and there are recipes too!
November 6, 2023
Cute in between book. Charlotte is in NYC with Bailey. Jethro is in this book. It’s funny. Charlotte tells the story.
May 20, 2019
Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower is a short novella in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This story focuses on Charlotte, the assistant to the usual main character Bailey King, a chocolatier. The ladies have traveled into the city to film Bailey’s cooking show but as the cameras begin to roll Charlotte notices things begin to happen that seem to be trying to make Bailey look bad or perhaps even hurt someone.
I enjoy Amanda Flower's writing. She does a great job blending in the Amish community and their customs with the English life. Charlotte has not been baptized yet and is struggling with what she wants to do in her life. As Charlotte participates in the television show, her beliefs are tested and I love how she does not understand so many of the idioms and expressions being tossed about. Many of the familiar characters make an appearance, even Jethro the pig. There is a merry chase for the little fellow in the park. This is a short story without a murder, but there is still a satisfying mystery to solve with several suspects and a satisfying outcome. A fun addition to the series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
I enjoy Amanda Flower's writing. She does a great job blending in the Amish community and their customs with the English life. Charlotte has not been baptized yet and is struggling with what she wants to do in her life. As Charlotte participates in the television show, her beliefs are tested and I love how she does not understand so many of the idioms and expressions being tossed about. Many of the familiar characters make an appearance, even Jethro the pig. There is a merry chase for the little fellow in the park. This is a short story without a murder, but there is still a satisfying mystery to solve with several suspects and a satisfying outcome. A fun addition to the series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
July 12, 2019
This is a lighthearted transition for Toxic Toffee! Fun read!💖
February 6, 2019
This is a fun novella set in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery world. It picks up where the last book left off and Bailey King is in New York filming her new TV show. She has asked Charlotte to come along with her to help and this novella is told from Charlotte's point of view. I enjoyed the change and getting to know Charlotte better. She is on rumspringa and this trip is allowing her to see the outside world as she decides whether or not to be baptized Amish. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned for Bailey and Charlotte begins to suspect someone is trying to sabotage her. Charlotte sets out to prove the mishaps and accidents are not Bailey's fault by someone else's. There are a few suspects for Charlotte to choose from and being Amish in the English world gives her a nice distance. It was fun watching Charlotte develop and maybe come closer to a decision.
All said, this was a quick enjoyable read told from the point of view of one the the secondary characters which gave the story a nice twist.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
All said, this was a quick enjoyable read told from the point of view of one the the secondary characters which gave the story a nice twist.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.
May 31, 2020
Fun and cute!
I really enjoyed this novella. It was fun being on the set of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. I really enjoyed the story being told from Charlotte’s point of view, that was new and different.
I really enjoyed this novella. It was fun being on the set of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. I really enjoyed the story being told from Charlotte’s point of view, that was new and different.
March 2, 2021
Cute novella. Interesting that it was told from Charlotte’s perspective. Recommended fun story to add to the series
February 15, 2019
Criminally Cocoa is a novella and a quick read in the Amish Candy Shop series. Bailey, a Chocolatier and candy maker, has caught the eye of a producer who wants to give her a food show of her own, showcasing candies made in the Amish Sweets Candy Shop that her grandparents have in Ohio. Her grandfather has passed so now she helps her grandmother in the shop. Her cousin Charlotte, who also works in the shop, goes with Bailey to New York City to start filming the show. This story is told from Charlotte's perspective and her view of the city is naturally a strange one to a young Amish girl. Charlotte is not a member of the church yet so she is able to pursue and explore her options before she makes a decision to join the church. When things start going bad on the set, Charlotte observes what is happening and forms an opinion of who is behind the events. Finally, she gets brave and lets everyone know what she thinks and for a young Amish girl, it is not an easy thing to do.
For a quick visit back to see some of the characters of the series, this is a fun and quick mystery to get into. Even Jethro, the pig, and his owner, Juliet, make an appearance. I did miss seeing Deputy Aiden, Bailey's special friend, maybe even boyfriend.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions stated are mine only.
For a quick visit back to see some of the characters of the series, this is a fun and quick mystery to get into. Even Jethro, the pig, and his owner, Juliet, make an appearance. I did miss seeing Deputy Aiden, Bailey's special friend, maybe even boyfriend.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All opinions stated are mine only.
February 20, 2019
Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower is An Amish Candy Shop Mystery novella (No. 3.5). Charlotte Weaver is thrilled to be in New York City with her cousin, Bailey King for the filming of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey is creating a hand woven chocolate Easter basket using tempered chocolate when the double boiler explodes. Glass and chocolate are sent flying around the set., but, thankfully, no one was injured. The next day, Juliet Brody and her comfort pig, Jethro arrive to be a part of the show and publicity photos. While shooting photographs in the park, a loud horn sounds which scares poor Jethro and sends him running into the park. Charlotte is concerned that someone is trying to sabotage the show as the small incidents continue. With Bailey already nervous about the filming, Charlotte decides to investigate on her own. Can Charlotte unmask the saboteur? Join Charlotte, Bailey, Cass and Jethro on their New York City adventure in Criminally Cocoa.
Criminally Cocoa picks up where Premeditated Peppermint ended. We join Bailey, Charlotte and Cass in New York where they are filming the first season of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey asked Charlotte to come along and be her assistant on the show. Criminally Cocoa is told from Charlotte’s point-of-view. It was humorous to see New York City through Charlotte’s eyes. Charlotte grew up Amish and has yet to join the church. She views things differently from Englishers. I thought Criminally Cocoa was well-written with steady pacing. It was nice to learn more about Charlotte in this story. When Bailey blames herself for the explosion of the double boiler, Charlotte wants to help prove it was not her cousin’s fault. Charlotte has watched Bailey solve three crimes and puts that knowledge to use. The mystery was straightforward. Readers will have no problem solving it before the reveal. However, it is the right type of mystery for the length of the story. While the story focuses on the group in New York, we do get updates on their friends back home in Harvest, Ohio. I especially enjoyed the addition of Juliet Brody and her polka dotted pig, Jethro. Their antics provided me with plenty of laughs. It is always delightful to read one of Amanda Flower’s books. I am eager to read Toxic Toffee which is the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.
Criminally Cocoa picks up where Premeditated Peppermint ended. We join Bailey, Charlotte and Cass in New York where they are filming the first season of Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey asked Charlotte to come along and be her assistant on the show. Criminally Cocoa is told from Charlotte’s point-of-view. It was humorous to see New York City through Charlotte’s eyes. Charlotte grew up Amish and has yet to join the church. She views things differently from Englishers. I thought Criminally Cocoa was well-written with steady pacing. It was nice to learn more about Charlotte in this story. When Bailey blames herself for the explosion of the double boiler, Charlotte wants to help prove it was not her cousin’s fault. Charlotte has watched Bailey solve three crimes and puts that knowledge to use. The mystery was straightforward. Readers will have no problem solving it before the reveal. However, it is the right type of mystery for the length of the story. While the story focuses on the group in New York, we do get updates on their friends back home in Harvest, Ohio. I especially enjoyed the addition of Juliet Brody and her polka dotted pig, Jethro. Their antics provided me with plenty of laughs. It is always delightful to read one of Amanda Flower’s books. I am eager to read Toxic Toffee which is the next An Amish Candy Shop Mystery.
September 7, 2019
This was the perfect little filler novella for the six weeks of filming that Bailey and her cousin Charlotte were doing in New York City now that Bailey had agreed to do a cable show. It picked up in March after the last book, which was set at Christmas. It was quick, fun and very lighthearted, and I really loved that it came from Charlotte's viewpoint this time. I kind of forgot at times that the author was really her voice and could imagine Charlotte as she explored the city with her friends. It's fairly obvious from the book cover that Jethro makes an appearance in this book. Let's just say that his usual antics happened, and the film crew found out what it was like to chase a pig through Central Park.
The mystery was very easy and quick with a bit of a surprise to the culprit. It a case of pranks on the set that they needed to solve instead of a murder this time, since they really didn't have time for that in this time frame anyway. I think I'm going to continue on to the next book which seems to continue immediately after this novella ends. It makes it easy to do that after reading the teaser chapter at the end of this. You also get the recipe for Bailey's Easter egg baskets made from pretzels. Readers could probably read this novella as a standalone, but I would highly recommend getting caught up in the series to thoroughly appreciate this story. It would just lose something to some people if they didn't already know about Juliet, Jethro and his his previous piggy escapades! :)
The mystery was very easy and quick with a bit of a surprise to the culprit. It a case of pranks on the set that they needed to solve instead of a murder this time, since they really didn't have time for that in this time frame anyway. I think I'm going to continue on to the next book which seems to continue immediately after this novella ends. It makes it easy to do that after reading the teaser chapter at the end of this. You also get the recipe for Bailey's Easter egg baskets made from pretzels. Readers could probably read this novella as a standalone, but I would highly recommend getting caught up in the series to thoroughly appreciate this story. It would just lose something to some people if they didn't already know about Juliet, Jethro and his his previous piggy escapades! :)
March 12, 2019
Bailey King is in New York City, filming her new cooking show, Bailey's amish Sweets. She's brought her cousin, Charlotte Weaver, with her. While they're on the set, strange things start happening, including an explosion that could have turned deadly
While Bailey is working to get things just right, Charlotte decides to look into the sabotage herself, to find out what is happening and make it stop.
This was a fun interlude in the Amish Candy Shop mysteries. It was entertaining to see Bailey from Charlotte's point of view, and to see Charlotte react to the world of the English while she decides between that and the Amish way of life.
As usual, Jethro the pig makes an appearance, and pretty much steals the show, lol. I highly recommend this series. It's great fun, and this short story is a wonderful addition.
While Bailey is working to get things just right, Charlotte decides to look into the sabotage herself, to find out what is happening and make it stop.
This was a fun interlude in the Amish Candy Shop mysteries. It was entertaining to see Bailey from Charlotte's point of view, and to see Charlotte react to the world of the English while she decides between that and the Amish way of life.
As usual, Jethro the pig makes an appearance, and pretty much steals the show, lol. I highly recommend this series. It's great fun, and this short story is a wonderful addition.
February 13, 2019
A novella from the Amish Candy series. The story is told by Charlotte Weaver, a cousin of Bailey. We find Charlotte and Bailey in New York to film a new show that will feature Bailey and Amish Candy store. Things for wrong on the set and Charlotte feels someone is out to harm Bailey. She sets out to find an answer. Juliet Brody brings Jethro to add humor to the tale. This is a fast-moving story. I highly recommend this novella and the series.
A Recipe for the Easter baskets is in included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
A Recipe for the Easter baskets is in included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 14, 2021
Super cute mini story!
August 20, 2022
I love that this series has a few short story additions. This one in particular takes the characters to New York City (including some Amish). And the different POV makes it interesting. It’s a fun read.
February 11, 2019
Criminally Cocoa
Amish Candy Shop Mystery, Book #3.5
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A taste for trouble . . .
As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things
happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .
With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .
Recipe Included!
Praise for Amanda Flower and her Amish cozies
“As it turns out, Amanda Flower may have just written the first Amish rom com.”— USA Today
“Flower has hit it out of the ballpark . . . and continues to amaze with her knowledge of the Amish way of life.”— RT Book Reviews
“At turns playful and engaging . . . a satisfyingly complex cozy.”— Library Journal (Goodreads)
Review:
I really enjoy this series and I really liked this novella. It will hold me over until book four is released.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Charlotte is an Amish girl who is on her Rumspringa and she is in New York, helping her cousin Bailey as she prepares for her new food show on television. After a series of incidents happen that disrupts the filming of the show, Charlotte is afraid someone is trying to derail the show. She has to keep her eyes and ears open to protect Bailey.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I could just imagine Charlotte’s excitement and confusion as she is visiting New York. Talk about culture shock. This story is told from Charlotte’s point of view and that took a little getting used to. I really liked the fact that although there was a mystery to solve, it did not revolve around a dead body. I found that refreshing.
I would recommend this novella (and series) to anyone that enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading Toxic Toffee when it is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Amish Candy Shop Mystery, Book #3.5
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A taste for trouble . . .
As if being in New York City for Easter isn’t exciting enough, Charlotte Weaver has another reason to be thrilled. She’s helping her cousin, Bailey, on the set of her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Bailey will even be re-creating the delectable hand-woven chocolate Easter baskets she once crafted for the city’s world-famous JP Chocolates. But once things start rolling, Charlotte starts to notice odd things
happening—things that seem intended to make Bailey look bad . . .
With Bailey feeling extra nervous about being on camera, Charlotte decides to keep her suspicion of sabotage to herself. But she knows that among Bailey’s fans at the Gourmet Television network lurks a dangerously jealous rival. Now Charlotte will have to find out who that person is—before sour grapes turns one of the sweetest times of the year fatally bitter . . .
Recipe Included!
Praise for Amanda Flower and her Amish cozies
“As it turns out, Amanda Flower may have just written the first Amish rom com.”— USA Today
“Flower has hit it out of the ballpark . . . and continues to amaze with her knowledge of the Amish way of life.”— RT Book Reviews
“At turns playful and engaging . . . a satisfyingly complex cozy.”— Library Journal (Goodreads)
Review:
I really enjoy this series and I really liked this novella. It will hold me over until book four is released.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Charlotte is an Amish girl who is on her Rumspringa and she is in New York, helping her cousin Bailey as she prepares for her new food show on television. After a series of incidents happen that disrupts the filming of the show, Charlotte is afraid someone is trying to derail the show. She has to keep her eyes and ears open to protect Bailey.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I could just imagine Charlotte’s excitement and confusion as she is visiting New York. Talk about culture shock. This story is told from Charlotte’s point of view and that took a little getting used to. I really liked the fact that although there was a mystery to solve, it did not revolve around a dead body. I found that refreshing.
I would recommend this novella (and series) to anyone that enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading Toxic Toffee when it is released.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 14, 2024
My library has this listed as 1.5 and it’s 3.5…. So there is a lot that happened that I wasn’t aware of. I did really enjoy Charlotte as the MC. I actually enjoyed her POV more than Bailey’s. It was a quick little read but enjoyable . 3.5⭐️
August 23, 2022
Cute novella. I've forgotten who Charlotte is and need to read Lethal Licorice to refresh my memory.
March 16, 2019
In this installment of the Amish Candy series, Bailey and Charlotte have ventured to NY to film Bailey's new candy based tv show. Unfortunately things start to go awry and it seems someone is out to get Bailey. In an interesting twist, this book is told from Charlotte's perspective which brings an interesting perspective to the events unfolding. The character development is quite good as usual as is the plot so all in all a very successful visit with the ladies. I quite look forward to how the next book unfolds and how the community of Harvest deals with Charlotte's role in the tv show.
Merged review:
In this installment of the Amish Candy series, Bailey and Charlotte have ventured to NY to film Bailey's new candy based tv show. Unfortunately things start to go awry and it seems someone is out to get Bailey. In an interesting twist, this book is told from Charlotte's perspective which brings an interesting perspective to the events unfolding. The character development is quite good as usual as is the plot so all in all a very successful visit with the ladies. I quite look forward to how the next book unfolds and how the community of Harvest deals with Charlotte's role in the tv show.
Merged review:
In this installment of the Amish Candy series, Bailey and Charlotte have ventured to NY to film Bailey's new candy based tv show. Unfortunately things start to go awry and it seems someone is out to get Bailey. In an interesting twist, this book is told from Charlotte's perspective which brings an interesting perspective to the events unfolding. The character development is quite good as usual as is the plot so all in all a very successful visit with the ladies. I quite look forward to how the next book unfolds and how the community of Harvest deals with Charlotte's role in the tv show.
February 16, 2019
Criminally Cocoa by Amanda Flower is the 3.5 book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series novella, and another fun addition. I really enjoy this series, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This book is told through Charlotte Weaver, Bailey cousin, point of view. Charlotte travels with her to film Bailey's Amish Sweets in New York City. When Bailey's show is being sabotaged, the mystery begins. I found this book to be a quick read, and interesting from an Amish girl's point of view. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book/ series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 6, 2019
This is a novella in the Amish Candy shop series. Bailey and her cousin, Clara travel to New York to tape Bailey's candy show. This is told from Clara's point of view, which is a change from the previous books. It seems someone is out to sabotage Bailey's show. Clara doesn't want to worry Bailey so she doesn't tell her about her suspicions and investigates on her own.
This was a cute story. I liked that it was written from Clara's point of view. It was interesting to see the story from that side. It was light and fun and perfect for a novella between books.
This was a cute story. I liked that it was written from Clara's point of view. It was interesting to see the story from that side. It was light and fun and perfect for a novella between books.
July 25, 2020
I'm not a great fan of short mysteries. They tend to lose so much in the shortening.
June 15, 2019
This was a fun little side trip in the Amish Candy world - this book is told from the POV of Charlotte, the young Amish girl that works with Bailey and her grandmother in the candy shop in Ohio. She has left her old older Amish community [because of her love of the organ] and is now trying to decide if she wants to join Bailey's grandmother's Amish community and be baptized Amish or if she wants to turn her back on that and become an "Englisher". The decision has been tough for her and when Bailey offers to take her to New York City with her while she tapes a new cooking show, Charlotte jumps at the chance and of course, while they are there, chaos ensues. And poor Charlotte is left trying to help her cousin, navigate the big city and try and figure out just what SHE is supposed to be doing with her life.
It was amazing to see NYC and all its idioms through the eyes of a young Amish girl that has never left rural Ohio - to be honest, in the beginning, I was frustrated with her because everything was just so much and then I realized that as a young Amish girl, she truly would not know ANYTHING about this huge modern city [I live where there are many Amish and I sometimes forget that they truly don't know a lot about the big world, especially the old order ones] and once I wrapped my [stupid] little head around that, I was able to enjoy seeing just how chaotic the city I love the most truly can be to a complete outsider.
All-in-all, it was a fun and engaging short story that I enjoyed very much. I really am enjoying this series a lot. :-)
It was amazing to see NYC and all its idioms through the eyes of a young Amish girl that has never left rural Ohio - to be honest, in the beginning, I was frustrated with her because everything was just so much and then I realized that as a young Amish girl, she truly would not know ANYTHING about this huge modern city [I live where there are many Amish and I sometimes forget that they truly don't know a lot about the big world, especially the old order ones] and once I wrapped my [stupid] little head around that, I was able to enjoy seeing just how chaotic the city I love the most truly can be to a complete outsider.
All-in-all, it was a fun and engaging short story that I enjoyed very much. I really am enjoying this series a lot. :-)
February 6, 2019
Criminally Cocoa is the next installment in Amanda Flower’s An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This is an easy to read confectionery cozy. Unlike the other books in this series, this one provides a secondary character’s perspective of events. The story flows smoothly, and the characters are well developed. This is a delightful addition to the series.
Bailey King is in New York City filming ‘Bailey’s Amish Sweets’ and invited her Amish cousin, Charlotte Weaver, to be her candy-making helper. Being photographed or on television isn’t something accepted by the Amish community, but Bailey isn’t Amish, although she makes her chocolates and other candies the Amish way. Charlotte’s able to join her because she’s on her Rumspringa, the time when unbaptized Amish youth left their community to try new things, English things, way, and decide the path their life will take. Bailey’s best friend and ‘agent,’ Cass Calbera, surprises Bailey by bringing Juliet Brody (Bailey’s boyfriend’s mother) and arranging to include Jethro, Juliet’s white polka-dotted potbellied pig, in the filming. When things start happening on the set that make Bailey look bad, Charlotte believes someone s sabotaging the filming and puts the sleuthing skills she learned from Bailey to try to track down the guilty party.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Bailey King is in New York City filming ‘Bailey’s Amish Sweets’ and invited her Amish cousin, Charlotte Weaver, to be her candy-making helper. Being photographed or on television isn’t something accepted by the Amish community, but Bailey isn’t Amish, although she makes her chocolates and other candies the Amish way. Charlotte’s able to join her because she’s on her Rumspringa, the time when unbaptized Amish youth left their community to try new things, English things, way, and decide the path their life will take. Bailey’s best friend and ‘agent,’ Cass Calbera, surprises Bailey by bringing Juliet Brody (Bailey’s boyfriend’s mother) and arranging to include Jethro, Juliet’s white polka-dotted potbellied pig, in the filming. When things start happening on the set that make Bailey look bad, Charlotte believes someone s sabotaging the filming and puts the sleuthing skills she learned from Bailey to try to track down the guilty party.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 4, 2019
3.5 stars
CRIMINALLY COCOA is a fun little novella set in author Amanda Flower’s Amish Candy Shop series’ world. It is a bit different from the full length novels as it is told from Amanda’s Amish cousin Charlotte’s point of view. Flower does a great job capturing Charlotte’s “fish out of water” culture clash with bustling New York City. The mystery is gentle and does not include murder, only mischief. Even Juliet Brody and Jethro the pig make an appearance.
CRIMINALLY COCOA fills the void while waiting for the next book in the series to be released. It is cute, fast reading.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
CRIMINALLY COCOA is a fun little novella set in author Amanda Flower’s Amish Candy Shop series’ world. It is a bit different from the full length novels as it is told from Amanda’s Amish cousin Charlotte’s point of view. Flower does a great job capturing Charlotte’s “fish out of water” culture clash with bustling New York City. The mystery is gentle and does not include murder, only mischief. Even Juliet Brody and Jethro the pig make an appearance.
CRIMINALLY COCOA fills the void while waiting for the next book in the series to be released. It is cute, fast reading.
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
April 30, 2019
When it is time for Bailey to move to New York to film her cooking show, Bailey's Amish Chocolates, she takes her cousin, Charlotte Weaver who is on rumspringa. Where the other books in this series focused on Bailey and her struggle being accepted by the Amish and trying to help solves murders, this book focuses on Charlotte and how she tries to figure out who is trying to sabotage Bailey's chance of landing her cooking show. While I enjoyed the book I didn't find it as entertainment as the other's in this series.
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