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Magic and mystery are only part of the Southern Charms of Honeysuckle Hollow…

With Charleston's council poised to take over Honeysuckle Hollow, the town and all of its people must band together to prove they don’t need to be absorbed into the big city magical district. What better way to show off the small supernatural Southern town than to host a barbecue contest and some classic broom racing?

To keep their town safe, it's imperative that nothing go wrong. But when one of Honeysuckle’s most important residents is attacked, leaving him on the brink of death, it’s up to Charli Goodwin to convince the two men pursuing her to work together to catch the culprit and save a life.

Who’s fanning the flames and turning up the heat? Will the love triangle prove too hot and spicy or will Charli, Mason, and Dash be able to put aside personal feelings to capture the villain before the town and its people get charred?

Be ready to pig out in Barbecue & Brooms: A Southern Charms Cozy Mystery Book 4!

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2019

698 people are currently reading
377 people want to read

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Bella Falls

32 books400 followers

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5 stars
741 (49%)
4 stars
486 (32%)
3 stars
238 (15%)
2 stars
27 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Jen (That's What I'm Talking About).
1,743 reviews313 followers
July 5, 2019
Barbecue & Brooms returns listeners to the quaint Southern town of Honeysuckle Hollow, where all types of paranormals live side-by-side with the witches. The fourth book picks up after the somewhat shocking outcomes of the third book, with once-disgraced Tucker, attempting to make amends for his betrayals and trying to help prevent the Charleston council from taking over Honeysuckle. He’s organized a barbecue contest and amateur broom races. However, when things start going wrong, and she loses her magic, Charli works with her friends to set things back to normal before it’s too late.

I am not a fan of love triangles, and the Southern Charms Cozy Mystery series has one. In the previous book, it looked like Charli was going to end up with werewolf Dash, however he picked up and left town, remaining out-of-touch with Charli. So in steps magical warden Mason, who always looked like a second place love interest for Charli until Barbecue & Brooms. The pair are pretty cozy, sharing magic and getting all the feels, until Dash returns. For fans of love triangles, this one’s a doozy - always back and forth and unsure who to cheer for. Unfortunately, this plot line takes up a lot of space in the story, which brings the grade down for me.

While the mystery is a bit convoluted, it is exciting and filled with interesting twists and details. We learn more about some of the more prominent residents of Honeysuckle Hollow. I enjoyed watching Charli put together the clues, however at times I felt she wasn’t making smart decisions.

Narration: Having listened to all of the previous books in this series, I have come to associate Ms. Parker’s voice with heroine Charli. Her easy-going southern drawl brings Charli, and all of her idiosyncrasies, to life. Additionally, she is able to add just enough emotion into Charli to help identify when she’s frustrated, joyful, sad, etc. Ms. Parker’s narrative style sets the tempo and mood, keeping the cozy mystery light and entertaining. Additionally, she successfully creates a number of unique voices for each of the supporting paranormal creatures.

Overall, there are things I really enjoy about Barbecue & Brooms and the Southern Charms Cozy Mystery series - I like the residents and the mixed community and all of the crazy situations it brings. But there are things I don’t like, particularly the love triangle and accompanying drama, along with the over-the-top plot points.

My Ratings:
Story: C+
Narration: B+

Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Profile Image for Amber J (Thereadingwitch).
1,174 reviews86 followers
August 19, 2019

This time things are heating up between Charli and Mason. Which made me so happy as I am totally shipping her and Mason. Now I don't really have anything against Dash, but they just don't pair up like her and Mason do. However, when he comes back, Charli is all conflicted again and it actually started to get on my nerves. She's bordering on cruel at this point by leading them both on and not making a decision. As much as I want her to choose Mason, I would just be happy if she would choose at all.


So with my take on the romance aspect out of the way....lol. I liked the mystery part the best of the series. It was interesting to learn of Lucky's back story, but I found the story to be so much more intense this time, which considering to be a surprising thing. But it was definitely more nail biting then the first three. I'm excited that there will be another in the series available soon. This is a cute series that I enjoy casually reading

14 reviews
July 3, 2021
The main character is now awful

I chose 2 stars because I like some characters. The main character, Charli, was a little annoyingly fickle and hypocritical but not horrible. But after reading this book, I cannot stand her.The author's choice to have the lead character flip flop so much is annoying, it's can't live without the one in front of you or away from her and not keeping her up to date on what he is doing. As if they all owe her some thing. She is now ridiculous. Bratty. And then we have to hear about how wonderful everyone thinks she is with no basis really for why.
Sad.
Profile Image for Mummy's Naughty Corner.
1,513 reviews89 followers
June 8, 2020
Well this is my least favorite so far. I found that i didn't find it as funny or interesting as the rest of the series. I liked the ending what a kick in the teeth for her love life, at least the problem of which guy to chooses has been sorted. I find that this town needs to stop letting in outsiders as it's always them that do the unthinkable. I feel that Nana has a bigger battle coming up. Plus how many times does she need to lose her powers. i wonder if this time it's final?
Profile Image for Mystic Forest Crafts.
639 reviews2 followers
April 30, 2023
Pros:

I feel like this was one of the strongest books of the series so far. Without giving spoilers I will just say that the way things are playing out feels realistic, painful and has left me wanting to grab the next book immediately instead of the next book I had planned to read.

Cons:

Some parts of this felt oddly familiar while still being completely their own. I don’t know if the author might have gotten a little inspiration from another work or if it’s just such a classic touch to the genre that everyone gets it. I’m not in any way upset that it was there and I’m not implying that there is any theft of ideas just that I wish there had been a few more twists to the bad guy and the event of the big fight.
Profile Image for Deb Barringer.
590 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2024
Barbecue and Brooms, written by Bella Falls and narrated by Johanna Parker, is both a light and dark rollercoaster ride that may very well spell the end of Honeysuckle Hollow. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through; my head spinning from all of the twists and turns in this episode. I love how Charli manages to stay strong (at least on the outside) despite everything she goes through. The whole town definitely needs to pull together to come out on top in this one. Overall, it's a great story and one of my favorites so far!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
3,219 reviews67 followers
February 9, 2021
It took me a little while to remember the characters and town of this series, but after I warmed up to the them again, I enjoyed it. I wasn't thrilled about the focus on the love triangle, but I ended up feeling for the characters. This ended up a little darker than I expected that it would be, but it was balanced by the fun action and fantasy elements (I mean, who doesn't enjoy broom racing ;) )
498 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2020
Probably one of the best of this series yet. I need to read the next one immediately!
Profile Image for Rachael.
668 reviews65 followers
May 12, 2024
The drama in this one was top notch.
The villian was *chefs kiss*. 🤌🏼

4.5 ⭐️
Profile Image for Sharayah Rowat.
201 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2024
I think this is the most frustrating book of this series, so far... still cute, still cozy. I was left sitting on the edge of a cliff at the end; not hanging, but still more anticipation for the next book than I was expecting.
Profile Image for Wendy Schindler.
362 reviews
March 18, 2019
Southern Charms Indeed!!

I really get a kicki out of Charli and her sayings and spells. I also enjoy watching her character grow and expand!
The author does an exceptional job of making me loath the villains and love the 'good guys'!
The names of the BBQ teams were hilarious and I would love to try the fruity peach variety!
Read the book or I will 'bless your heart and hex your hiney'!
Profile Image for Meri Benson.
Author 16 books46 followers
January 23, 2022
The fourth installment of the Southern Charms Cozy series definitely wasn't a disappointment to me. The twists and turns within this book, not just from a mystery side but also from the romance side and magic side were definitely interesting and kept me wanting to continue even when it was late and I really needed to get to bed so I could function as a human being for work the next day. Spoiler: I stayed up anyway to continue it.

Spoilers ahead because I like to discuss what happened in the book!

After everything that happened in the last book with Tucker's family, he's taken his father's old seat on the Honeysuckle Hollow council and as a way to bring the town together in an effort to show Charleston's council they're strong and don't need to be absorbed into the bigger city, he's organized a barbeque cookoff and broom racing contest. Which as a whole, definitely sounds super fun to me. The citizens of Honeysuckle form teams to compete against one and other - in a friendly competition of course - and even have outsiders helping. Not only that, it draws the attention of a few outside groups who come in to complete along side the citizens.

As well from the last book, Charli and Mason's relationship has been steadily growing closer. He's been teaching her how to ride a brook, they've been dating ish, and they've even shared their magic so that she could get a better handle on how he used his magic to navigate the broom for flying. All things are looking up for the couple as a whole until the night Charli is taking down the names of the teams competing in the barbeque contest - because one of those teams is made up of Dash and his brother. Suddenly, with no word that he was even coming back into town to her, with no warning or heads up he's just sitting at one of the campfires when she moves to take down the team's name and roster.

Naturally it spurs hurt in her - because after a couple months of not hearing from him, and then coupled with he's back in town and never reached out to tell her, he's just suddenly in front of her. And he doesn't even really great her, instead staying in his camping chair with his beer and just saying her name, like he hadn't been gone for all that time. Naturally, Charli's heart flips because she'd been interested in him before he'd left. Also naturally, Mason turns somewhat caveman over Dash's return and request, eventually, to talk to Charli about what's happened while he's been away.

I know that I'm not among the more popular opinion, and while I'm hoping it doesn't happen TOO much, but I liked the tension between Dash and Mason for Charli and who she's trying to figure out to give her heart to. Honestly, in the end, it's both of them. I kind of like that as a whole, the love portion of Charli's life is legitimately as messy as real life, because in real life you don't always get to choose who you love and you can love more than one person at the same time. Which makes things super complicated with the revelations that come from Dash and the state of Mason by the end of the book. I'm not a huge one for the tug and pull of a rope contest for someone's heart if it goes on too long, but I can completely understand thinking you're moving on with one person only to have person two come crashing into your life and while theoretically you shouldn't want or be interested in them all those feelings come back.

Because let's remember, that in book two, before Dash left, he was the one making a solid effort with her and actually making headway in the relationship department while Mason had pushed her to arms length because of what happened at the cupid event coupled with his job. So it's not like she wasn't able to form a connection before Dash had to head home to take care of pack things and then ended up not talking to her. So it's not surprising that even with trying to move forward with Mason, her heart remembers all the effort Dash had made before he'd disappeared. It feels real and messy, and I am hear for it.

I love the mystery aspect of this book too, because this time we aren't revolving around a dead body that Charli has stumbled across. Lucky's luck has been stolen, and while there's a threat of death because his luck and his life are tied together so if it's not returned he will die, he's not dead yet and like Charli and her death curse in book one, there's time to save him! I also love the magic hijinks that happens with Charli and Mason's magic swapping for a time, as well as all of the witches in Honeysuckle coming together to work in helping save Lucky.

The ending and the whys of the mystery were also compelling, made sense, and worked really well for the plot and characters. I am honestly excited to see what new mystery will be cooked up in book 5, as well I'm very here for seeing where the Dash - Charli - Mason triangle goes. In the long run, I'm hoping that we do actually settle with her heart, because the push and pull between the two men can get old, right now I am actually very here for it. Also! the twist at the end with Charli's blood family, I am here for exploring that in the next book too! So on to the next!
2,009 reviews
August 19, 2022
Whew! I read this book in a matter of hours! The action was so fast and the emotions kept on rolling over me like waves. The story was fast-paced and exciting. Charli had a lot of tension trying to balance herself between Mason, the detective, and Dash, the wolf shifter who had just returned to town. Combine this with a very competitive BBQ contest, 3 broom races, and a nearby council trying to take over Honeysuckle Hollow. oh! And add in an evil witch! Whew!

Amazon synopsis:
With Charleston's council poised to take over Honeysuckle Hollow, the town and all of its people must band together to prove they don’t need to be absorbed into the big city magical district. What better way to show off the small supernatural Southern town than to host a barbecue contest and some classic broom racing?

To keep their town safe, it's imperative that nothing go wrong. But when one of Honeysuckle’s most important residents is attacked, leaving him on the brink of death, it’s up to Charli Goodwin to convince the two men pursuing her to work together to catch the culprit and save a life.

Who’s fanning the flames and turning up the heat? Will the love triangle prove too hot and spicy or will Charli, Mason, and Dash be able to put aside personal feelings to capture the villain before the town and its people get charred?
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
March 13, 2019
Mind over matter

A terrific read all wrapped up in a plot that covers greed, malic, ego and murder. I must admit that i had my suspicions on who the culprit was (to sure of themselves) from the start. One heroine is growing in leaps and bounds. Has she lost her magic? Has she gained other powers? Why is she the lower in this love triangle? Will she ever win?
Her broom flying is atrocious and when Mason swaps their powers she suddenly finds hers zipping around however when the big Barbecue and Broom event is interrupted by the disappearance of Lucky she finds herself unable to find him. Her powers are now Mason's. Throw in a theft of Lucky's magic, a gambling ring, a nefarious plot to enslave and hurt people, a murder and the return of Dash. Will they work out who is running the gambling ring? Will they work out who stole Lucky's luck? Which man will she pick or doesn't she have a choice? Why did Dash vanish? What will it cost her to go against the thief? Will the Council gain control over the town?
Profile Image for Jessi.
5,616 reviews20 followers
August 27, 2020
Charli is finally getting out of the stupid love triangle that's been building in previous books. She and Mason are getting ever closer. To the point that, in the last book, they were sharing their powers. But that has come at a cost. Charli's powers seem to be gone. But that is only a small part of their concerns since the witch's council of Charleston seems ready to take over Honeysuckle. What can prove that Honeysuckle can take care of itself? A barbecue cookoff! Add in some amateur broom racing who will get to compete against some of the biggest named pros in the business and it seems like fun. Except that local leprechaun Lucky's luck has been stolen. And then there's a death. It's no longer just fun and games.
Fast, fun, and fluffy though I'm super bummed that Falls seems determined to draw the love triangle out by hook crook and every other means.
2,873 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2024
A witch & wizard mystery. Charli Goodwin has fallen for Mason since Dash departed Honeysuckle Hollow for parts unknown. With barbecue and broom riding contests being hosted in town, Charleston's council has arrived with representatives of the governing board in a bid to take over. When a resident is left at death's door, Charli steps in to help solve the case.

This tale weaves a tangled web of emotions over the town and the reader. The elaborate twists and turns make tracking the culprit a challenge. However, ultimately, the villain is captured as expected. The end is anything but satisfying. Nevertheless, the story was well worth my time.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
6,228 reviews40 followers
March 17, 2020
Charleston is still determined to take over Honeysuckle Hollow. There's going to be a barbecue and a broom racing contest and several retired champions are going to be there. There's a leprechaun who has lost his luck, competition between Mason and Dash for Charli's attentions, a loss of magic, an upsetting revelation for Charli and a person that is pretty close to being totally evil.

There's a lot of things going on in this story. The characters are still being written quite well, there's a lot of different things that go on in the various novels and they continue to be interesting. Definitely a series I intend to keep reading.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2021
A fun and entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series

A fun and entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Charlie is a witch with a unique skill she has the ability to locate objects people etc. She lives in a small supernatural town that is worded against the outside world entering. So only supernaturals live in a town. Which is vampires werewolves pixies fairies trolls you name it. Follow along as Charlie and her family and friends solve the murder mysteries and other troubles in her town. If you have not caught on her ability to locate things also includes clues on occasion. Very entertaining check it out.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,682 reviews5 followers
August 11, 2020
Heading back to Honeysuckle ASAP!

Charli Goodwin can now take her place with another fave, Maddie Graves. Charli is everything a heroine should be: strong, loyal, brave, good-hearted, protective, AND willing to kick ass! This story grabs the reader and never lets go, weaving between romantic turmoil, political upheaval, a friend in mortal peril, a win-or-die competition, a truly wicked witch, and so much loss. And there's a murder! And that ending... Charli truly takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'... I am amazed that a paranormal cozy mystery could be so heartwrenching!
Profile Image for Shaunna Marshall.
248 reviews2 followers
September 8, 2023
The majority of the story is enjoyable enough, I listened to the audiobook and couldn’t stand the fake southern accent of the mc which made it difficult to like her. She’s also very indecisive and little confidence in many things which is annoying to listen to. The last 1-2 chapters introduce a bunch of new themes which may make more sense of you read this series in order and don’t start with book 4 like I did, these are likely setting up the next book. I may go back and start at the beginning, but if they’re all the same narrator, I will opt to read on paperback vs listen to them.
260 reviews
March 18, 2019
Fantastic!

Charli and her lovable family and friends are back with another fast paced mystery that will sweep you along until the very end! When the town throws a barbeque and broom race to prove how well things are going magical politics and nasty shenanigans put someone's life on the line and Charli, Mason, and Dash have to race to solve the crime before someone dies. Excellent story telling, rich character development, and masterful pacing keeps you engrossed throughout!
Profile Image for Kat, lover of bears....
611 reviews23 followers
May 21, 2021
Just when I thought the dreaded love triangle might be over, Dash returns. I find Charli a little mean getting closer to Mason and yet still having feelings for Dash. She really needs to make a decision and save everyone the frustration. Speaking of frustration, how many times can someone sabotage a town before they are banished? While I am enjoying all of the side stories and the who the mystery unfolds, I am perplexed on how a Troll and Fairy make babies..... Love narration by Johanna Parker!
866 reviews7 followers
January 20, 2022
It finally happened ... I hit the wall with this series. Didn't get halfway into this one before I realized that I just couldn't take anymore. The same thing over and over. "Find something, Charli!". Oh, wait. No? Of course. And the whole deal with the two guys is back. I don't care. Give the heroine a love interest and move onto actual plot writing. It is not something that can hold my interest for four books. I'm done.
316 reviews
April 8, 2019
What a Crazy Ride!

Charlie has some serious issues to sort through this time around. With a Barbecue contest, a Broom riding race, lots of outsiders in town, and her relationship with Mason growing closer. What else could possibly happen?

Great Book! Get comfy with a large glass of sweet tea and enjoy a whirlwind of excitement!
Profile Image for Amy.
940 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2019
Fate is a witch with a capital B

Tears...I get so emotional when I read this series.
That is just how good the books are written!
Seems everything that Charlie has learned and fought for is....I won't finish that, you really do need to read this series.
Hopefully you love it as much as I do.
Profile Image for Michelle.
189 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2020
Another exciting read

With captivating characters and an enticing storyline, it's a wonder that I didn't find these sooner. Me Falls ,you are a wonderful writer. The mysteries are great, I love mostly all the characters, except Aunt Nora and Tuckers mom . Add a splash of romance and humor and you have these books❤❤❤❤
358 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2021
Well bless your heart

Oh my goodness, this one made me cry. This book was packed start to finish with answers, questions, love, heartbreak and so many unanswered questions. Each book keeps getting better. I love tis series, these chapters, the mystery, the magic and most of all the love and support of family
142 reviews
January 4, 2022
Too many mistakes in this book!

I found over12 typographical mistakes while reading this book. There were words left out and words added that should have not been there. These books should always be proofread prior to being published. It is very distracting.
Please, be more careful in your future books.
Profile Image for Faye.
1,045 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2022
RATING: 4.5-STARS
AGE: PG-18
SERIES: SOUTHERN CHARMS MYSTERY
Honeysuckle Hollow-Magic and mystery- Charli Goodwin is nervous returning to her hometown after skipped town, leaving her fiancé and family without a clue as to her whereabouts for years.
really enjoyed this series--FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY---
Mrs.C
Profile Image for Linda.
1,377 reviews
August 4, 2022
Well crud

This one ends in a boozy. Charli never really chooses to play it safe so when a friend is hurt during friendly competition, she jumps right into playing warden with Mason and the newly returned Dash. Secrets will unfold, someone will die, and unfortunately, not everyone will walk away unscathed.
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