Spellbound, Scones, and Secrets

Southern Magical Bakery #1

by Tonya Kappes

Yes. I'm the daughter of the infamous couple, June Heal and Oscar Park.

One teeny weeny problem, I'm a mortal. Yep. I guess I got my granny Darla's DNA.

Good news! I might not have spiritual powers but I have a mean set of baking skills. I'm delighted to be moving out of Whispering Falls, where y'all know I can't live since I'm mortal, and to Celestial Falls, another small southern town where I'm opening Heavenly Desserts. Of course The Marys wouldn't let me leave unless I took my new kitten with me.

I'm beyond excited but fluff left my dough when Orin Reguila showed up. But that's not all that put too much flour in my cookies, there just so happened to be a murder...when someone ate my cookie.

I've got no one to turn to! It looks like I'm going to have to enlist Orin's help with his wizard skills.

I just hope I can clear my name and save my business before The Marys make me pack up and go back to Whispering Falls.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic, Southern

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2021

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first novel in this new series, Southern Magical Bakery, has amazing scenes that are beautifully fascinating, such what they find on the other side of the portal. Some scenes are funny, still others were scary. I felt as if I were there watching events unfold. We meet the grown-up Lo Heal-Park, daughter of June Heal and her husband, Oscar Park from the Magical Cures series. It is easy to get to know Lo and the main characters, so well are they portrayed. Sufficient background on Whispering Falls, June, and Oscar is provided for those who haven’t read their series.

Lo is a delightful, engaging young woman who had some of the same challenges teens and young adults face, with one exception. June, Oscar, and all the residents of Whispering Falls have special powers except for Lo, who is a mortal. Only people who have special gifts can work there, and their work correlates with their gift. As a mortal, Lo feels left out, since there are many things she cannot participate in.

Lo loves to bake and has been certified after being trained by Raven, owner of the local bakery. Her dream is to open her own bakery in another town. Finally, Lo had permission to go to Celestial Falls. She was told about a little cottage she could buy and a former bakery to lease and handled everything online. She also has been given a tiny special kitten to keep her company, Skylar Blue.

When Lo arrives in Celestial Falls, she has many surprises. One is the nosy little old lady next door who called the sheriff on her. Orin, a wizard who is slightly older than Lo, followed there. They grew up together but she never liked him very well. The power in her cottage went out. The building she leased has also been rented both to her and to a gorgeous young woman who designs and sells clothing.

Just when she thought things were better, Lo is in the sheriff’s office, possibly facing a murder charge. Lo’s rival for the building is discovered dead minutes after being seen accepting one of her cookies; she had been clubbed with a rolling pin. She and Orin only have a chance of staying in Celestial Falls if they find who killed the woman. The sheriff, not the sharpest tool in the shed, just wants to arrest someone for the murder and be the hero. Lo, being the newcomer, is the perfect patsy for the sheriff and whoever framed her.

Orin doesn’t want to go back home and is helping Lo with his magic to repair everything in hopes of staying there. Orin has grown into a better man than expected. He is very knowledgeable about many things, including the business world. Grace, the local newspaper reporter, is helping them find whodunit. She and Lo are my favorite people, with Orin easily moving into third place. I typically do not read paranormal novels, and there were a few elements I was uncomfortable with, so I focused on the characters and mystery itself.

I never could have solved that murder; the real killer was quite a surprise! Whodunit wasn’t even on my suspect list, especially after a couple of the person’s behaviors when first meeting Lo. It was a complete surprise, which was part of the fun. All loose ends were tied up, yet the end seemed a bit abrupt. It will be interesting to see what comes next for Lo and Oscar. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Southern cozy mysteries, bakeries, and a light paranormal influence.

From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Southern Magical Bakery by Tonya Kappes is the beginning of a new paranormal cozy mystery series that is a spin-off from A Magical Cures Mystery series. June Heal and Oscar Park’s daughter is all grown up. Lo has no spiritual gift and desires to live in a mortal town. Lo gets her wish, but things do not turn out quite as planned. I felt bad for Lo. I do not know how she put up with her overbearing mother (there was no sneaking out for Lo). There are some entertaining characters, but it can be a challenge to keep track of them all. The nosy next-door neighbor, the upbeat reporter, Orin who Lo prefers to avoid like the plague, Skylar Blue who is Lo’s new kitten as well as familiar characters from A Magical Cures Mystery series. I liked the town of Celestial Falls. It is a quirky town where there is more to it than meets the eye. The mystery was not at the forefront of the story. The whodunit was light. The motive was understandable, but I thought it was weak. There is humor scattered throughout the story that will make readers laugh. Southern Magical Bakery is a cute story that fans of A Magical Cures Mystery series will enjoy. Southern Magical Bakery is an enchanted tale with tasty treats, a lease delay, a mortal dilemma, a cookie conundrum, a cute kitty, the meddling Marys, a slow sheriff, and an unexpected experience that leads to a disconcerting conclusion.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new southern cozy mystery series, with just a touch of paranormal. It’s very sweet and it drew me right in. Lo is a great main character and she’s surrounded by a host of intriguing minor characters. I love the small town setting and that it’s supposed to be mortals only who live there—but are we sure about that? I can definitely recommend this book and am eager to read the next book in the series. I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed getting to know Lo and Orrin, having met their parents in a previous series. It's nice to think that life goes on even after the original sleuths are settled and not investigating anymore. There was so much going on in this book - Lo finding out about her powers, Lo moving to another area and setting up her business, Lo getting to know the residents (good and bad) - that the ending and the resolution of the murder seemed rushed. Still, I am curious to see how the series develops.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Magical Bakery
Southern Magical Bakery, Book #1
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Yes. I'm the daughter of the infamous couple, June Heal and Oscar Park.

One teeny weeny problem, I'm a mortal. Yep. I guess I got my granny Darla's DNA.

Good news! I might not have spiritual powers but I have a mean set of baking skills. I'm delighted to be moving out of Whispering Falls, where y'all know I can't live since I'm mortal, and to Celestial Falls, another small southern town where I'm opening Heavenly Desserts. Of course The Marys wouldn't let me leave unless I took my new kitten with me.

I'm beyond excited but fluff left my dough when Orin Reguila showed up. But that's not all that put too much flour in my cookies, there just so happened to be a murder...when someone ate my cookie.

I've got no one to turn to! It looks like I'm going to have to enlist Orin's help with his wizard skills.

I just hope I can clear my name and save my business before The Marys make me pack up and go back to Whispering Falls. (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. We are introduced to Lo, who is a mortal. She wants to open a bakery and she is working to make it happen. But there is a slight problem, someone ends up dead. When Lo is a suspect, she has to figure out who the culprit is. Orin, a wizard friend, will try to help her the killer.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning and kept me engaged. She has created another small town with a lot of southern charm. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and it had enough twists and turns to keep the readers on their toes.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you enjoy great characters, a homey setting and a bit of magic, pick up this book and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series for Tonya Kappes that is a spin off from her Magical Cure Mystery Series. Her main character in this one, Lo Heal-Park is the daughter of June Heal and Oscar Park. They are residents of Whispering FallS, where all the residents have some type of spiritual power. Unlike her parents she appears to have no magical powers and petitions to live in a mortal town to become a baker. She has a kitten Skylar Blue as company. Another resident of Whispering Falls, Orin, sneaks away from the town to join her without her approval or the approval of anyone in Whispering Falls as he does have spiritual abilities.

In this story several characters from the Magical Cures Mystery series make an appearance, especially when a resident of the mortal town is found dead and Lo is suspected of the murder. It’s up to Lo, Orin, and Skylar Blue to find the real killer while Lo tries to establish her bakery business.

It’s an interesting premise. New characters are being introduced and show promise but are not fully developed yet. The mystery keeps you guessing but it seemed to end rather abruptly and was not as well resolved as most of Tonya Kappes’ cozy mysteries are. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see where it goes.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sad when Tonya ended her Magical Cures series right after Lo Heal-Park was born but was really excited when she introduced her new series, Southern Magical Baker. with Lo Heal Park as the main character. Lo has left Whispering Springs, since she doesn’t have magical power like everyone else, and has moved to Celestial Springs to set up her new bakery, Heavenly Desserts. This is the perfect start to a new series! I enjoyed the characters that were introduced, both new and old, and can’t wait to see where this magical journey will lead Lo, Orin, and her tiny kitty, Skylar Blue.

I was fortunate to receive an early copy of this story and happily provide my honest review.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery relationship listening 🎧

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 2

Tonya Mapped is one of my favorite authors. I have enjoyed a number of her series.

Lo has no magic skills and must move on. She moves to a new town and wants to open a bakery. A woman is murdered. Lo finds she has a skill which she uses to find the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of family and family relationships fantasy mystery novels. 2024

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I adored the "Charming Series", so the fact that this is a new series about the next generation, absolutely delighted me to no end!

Lo always felt like an outcast in Whispering Falls, because it seems that any spiritualist powers that both her parents have, seem to have skipped her. She wants to leave the village and break out on her own, in the "mortal" world. She gets permission to move to Celestial Falls, provided that she brings the kitten that was gifted to her along.

When she arrives in town, trouble begins at the get go. The nosy neighbor thinks she's a trespasser and calls the police on her. Add to the, the house is in shambles! When she arrives at the store , she rented, she finds out that someone else has rented it too! Now she has to have a contest to see what the town wants!

With the arrival of Orin, a friend and contemporary from Whispering Falls, Lo proceeds to follow her dreams. She gets to open her bakery, but then a wrench is thrown into her plans. Her rival for the shop, turns up dead and she is the prime suspect.!

Can Lo figure out who's trying to frame her? Why is she suddenly hearing voices? Will Lo and Orin be allowed to stay in Celestial Falls or will the Elders decide that this "Experiment" in independence was a complete failure?

With lots of cameos from the previous series, you will be "charmed" by what is the beginning of a great tasty treat!

Thank you to Tonya Kappes for the advance copy.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful start to a new series by one of my favorite authors, Tonya Kappes, that is so charming and fun, I was immediately pulled into all that was happening and couldn't put the book down until I read the last word even though I wasn't ready to leave my book friends. I fell in love with Lo Heal-Park, daughter of spiritualists June Heal and Oscar Park from the Magical Cures Mystery series and enjoyed her dynamic with the other characters especially wizard Orin Regalia who follows her to Celestial Falls and her mischievous kitten Skylar Blue. Even though Lo just wants to enjoy her new bakery Heavenly Desserts, she has to find out whodunit after she becomes the primary suspect in the murder of Scarlet Rose. If you enjoy expertly written can't-put-down mysteries with twists, eccentric characters, humor and a bit of magic, you will love "Southern Magical Bakery". I can hardly wait to see what happens next with Lo, Orin and all the rest. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lo Heal-Park is searching for a place she belongs. Just when she thinks she has found it, another monkey wrench is thrown into her plans. Seems like her moving from Whispering Falls to Celestial Falls was fate? But she has a limited amount of time to get her bakery up, running and successful before her world comes crashing down. Will she get it done? Will she have help or will those who want to see her fail succeed? Lots of things going on in this story.

[Keli · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audio, so I have no way of knowing, hut she must have said "spiritualist" around 100 tines! Also, she explained the Marys and the living situation at least twice in the first hour of audio. I think it might have been three times, but I absolutely know it happened twice because I thought I'd accidentally rewound a bit. But when I check my location, nope it was like chapter 7 or something.
I also didn't enjoy the narration. And what's truly tragic about this is that I believe she probably helped the book! If not for a group challenge, i defo would have stopped at the second Marys explanation.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. As this is a spin off from another series by this author, so you might recognise some of the characters but don't sorry if you haven't read or listened to the other series because it does work as a standalone. It starts in the magic community with what feels like a trail and I must admit I did get a bit confused with so many characters being introduced and not really understand what was going on but Lo Heal-Park soon gets her way and it becomes easier to follow and understand. She suddenly comes into powers and the mystery becomes unusual with the skill of just being able to talk to the suspect and knowing or seeing what they are thinking. Very handy when solving a murder, I had guessed who the killer was a few minutes before the killer revealed themselves. That doesn't mean the story was boring and ended quickly because Lo has to prove herself so she can stay and there's lots of drama and the possibility of romance. I did think the game down of the killer was a bit quick and sudden but otherwise it held my attention and I enjoyed it. I liked the characters, especially the love struck kitten Skylar Blue. It's a series that I might have to look out for again.
Lo wants to leave the shelter of her family and go out and prove herself in the world. The problem is Lo is the child of a long line of powerful witches and is the only one not to have any powers of her own, which is why she wants to make it in the human world as a baker. Things don't go to plan when the shop she has brought is claimed by a local. Then the local is found dead, but over the head with a rolling pin and Lo is the prime suspect. Everybody wants to whisk her back home expect her cat familiar skylar Blue and a wizard who for his own reason wants to stay out of Whispering Falls. The three of them have a week to prove they can make it in the human world. A week to get the bakery up and running and to find a killer. As if things weren't already complicated but Lo turns out to be a late bloomer and her new magic might just give her the edge she needs.
I have heard this narrator a number of times, with her southern accent she is easy to recognise unfortunately this all meant I kept picturing the other characters and it took me a while to associate with the characters in this book.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series picks up with Lo Heal-Park, the daughter of June Heal and Oscar Park. Lo is all grown up and has longed to venture away from Whispering Falls. Lo has no special powers and is considered a mortal. Lo doesn't need special powers to be an extraordinary baker. Lo Heal-Park is granted her wish to leave Whispering Falls and live in Celestial Falls, to fulfill her dreams of opening her own bakery. She also gets a beautiful Victorian home and a companion fairy god-cat, Skylar Blue, a kitten.

What Lo doesn't count on is Orin Regiula showing up at her home. Orin doesn't have permission to leave Whispering Falls and Lo thinks her mother sent him to spy on her. Turns out Orin is a tad jealous that Lo got to leave, so he is hiding behind magic so that no one knows where he is.

Heavenly Desserts hadn't gotten off the ground before trouble starts. Orin turns out to be a blessing and helps Lo win a competition. Just as Lo is about to open her doors to Heavenly Desserts, her competitor is found dead with cookie crumbles on her, and a witness claiming the deceased was seen speaking with Lo just minutes before.

What a fantastic start to a new series! This book is filled with humor, interesting characters, and magic. I laughed at the nosy neighbor having to have magic used on her when she witnessed something she shouldn't have and having to come up with plausible excuses when others were befuddled over a sudden turn of events. My favorite two are Grace Ogden and Skylar Blue, both had me laughing out loud. I'm wondering if Vet Ace will get another chance and will Orin abide by the Marys condition. I'm very much looking forward to the next book!

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every book in the "Charming" series and so wanted it to continue. This new series makes me a very happy reader. Lo Heal Park has been given her own series and it's off to a great start. Not every generation is gifted with magical talent and Lo has none which means she cannot continue to live in Whispering Falls. She requests and is granted permission to move to town and make her dream of opening a bakery, Heavenly Desserts, come true. It all seems to be a great plan until it isn't. Not at all a smooth start for Lo.
First the house - hard to live in a house that is a major mess. Second - the space she rented for Heavenly Desserts has another renter. Once the shop situation is sorted out it should be a smooth start for her bakery. It would be if not for the dead body of the other renter, Scarlet Rose and the police focusing on Lo as the prime suspect. With the help of Orin - the only other person in Whispering Falls of the same age and who now has followed her to Celestial Falls - they set out to unmask a killer.
If you haven't read the Charming series that tells the story of Lo's parents and the rest of the magical folks of Whispering Falls, no problem. If you like engrossing mysteries filled with fun, quirky characters, humor and various special animals - Lo's kitten, Skylar Blue, for instance - then both this series and the Charming series are must reads.
My thanks to Tonya Kappes for offering me an advance reading copy to review.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great surprise! I'm always a bit worried when i start a spin off because when we loved a series with its main characters we are afraid to be disappointed...this is not the case for sure!!! It's a pure delight, yes we follow Lo but we still get to see her parents and other characters we have come to love so the transistion is softly done and not a complete cut from the main series as there are links between them but they can be read independently.

This is the first book in a series but you don't need to have read the magical cure mystery series to fully enjoy this one .You do get enough background information to be swept in the adventures and just want more.

Lo thought she had no power, no magic and she wanted her independance however not is like it seems and living in a new city she discovers that she is only a late bloomer....which does not means she wants to drop her dream to open her bakery so when she is accused of murder Lo will need to count on Orin and her new powers to find the culprit and win the right to stay.


It was sweet, it was funny ( really Orin is perfect) the little cat need training but she is so cute and funny, the investigation is wonderfully written so really a great magical cozy mystery and a new town i can't wait to discover more.

to be recommended

[Cinda Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series begins with Lo Heal-Park, the daughter of June Heal and Oscar Park from The Charming Series. Lo is now 25 and doesnt feel she fits in with the spiritualists in Whispering Falls. She is a mortal and wants to move to a mortal town. The town has a meeting and they vote to let Lo go to Celestial Falls as long as she takes her new kitten, Skyler Blue. When Lo arrives in her old El Camino the house is in shambles, she has a nosy neighbor and the store she rented to start Heavenly Desserts is also rented to Scarlet Rose to start a boutique. Grace Ogden, a journalist, steps in to help Lo. They have a contest and Lo wins the store.
When Orin Regiula shows up at the house, she feels her mother has sent him to watch her. Orin left behind a cloud of magic and his parents don't know where he is. Orin uses his wand and whips the house and bakery into shape against Lo's wishes.
The first day of the bakery Scarlet Rose is killed with a rolling pin with hair on it and Lo is accused of murdering her. Lo and Orin set out to find out who is trying to frame Lo.
When Lo starts hearing Skyler Blue in her head and begins hearing the thoughts of others, she becomes worried.
This book has a lot of twists and turns. It will make you laugh, it will keep you puzzled.
Thank you Tonya Kappes. I received an advanced copy. This is my honest opinion.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Southern Magical Bakery is the first book in a new spin-off series from the A Magical Cures Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. The book stars a grown up Lo Heal-Park who has a small issue. She lives in a magical town but isn’t herself magical. Always having felt like an outcast, Lo pleads with her parents, the town, and magical beings to be allowed to leave Whispering Falls and begin her new life with humans like her.

Lo’s new life in Celestial Falls is beginning to shape up when Oren follows her there. He’s a spiritualist but wants to be free like Lo. Together, they make a go at opening Lo’s bakery, Magical Desserts. All Lo’s hard earned plans may just end up in the trash, though, when there’s a murder in Celestial Falls and their one-track police officer points his finger at her.

Clearing her name is only part of what Lo needs to do to help secure her new life in Celestial Falls. She must prove to herself, her parents, Oren, and the Marys, that she can make it on her own. To prove, Lo doesn’t need magic to make her dreams come true.

Celestial Falls may not have any spiritualists, but the town has a rich history and some quirky characters. The single-minded police officer was kind of a drag, but it fit into the investigation of the murder. The story was interesting, kept me engaged, and well-paced. I enjoyed learning about Lo and Oren, along with the side characters.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Magical Bakery is an exciting start to Kappes "Charming" spinoff series featuring June and Oscar's daughter, Lo. All her life, Lo has lived in a magical community with no magic or gift of her own. Lo gets a chance to start fresh when she leaves Whispering Falls to be on her own starting her own bakery. Her friend, Orin, follows her on this new adventure along with her new kitten. Things don't go as planned when her rival for the property Lo wanted for her bakery ends up dead. Lo needs to find out who the killer is before she is forced to return home a failure.

Kappes does a great job at setting up this new series successfully blending new characters with favorite characters from the other series. Lo is developed really well and you can't help but root for her to succeed at this new venture. I also love the set up of great secondary characters that I always feel really add to the story. The mystery is well done and keeps the reader guessing until the end. Overall Southern Magical Bakery proved to be great read read that I would most certainly recommend.

Received a copy of Southern Magical Bakery from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this new book !!! What a great start to a series by one of the best cozy mystery writers around Tonya Kappes. This series is a spin off of another series but you can start with this book in a new series and not really have to have read the other series (But girl you need to read the other series). The book is about the daughter from the characters in the Charming series and it starts as Lo Heal Park is grown and wants to move out on her own. She doesn't feel like she belongs in Whispering Falls since she doesn't possess the powers that her parents and other people in the town have and wants to go to the "mortal" world and make it on her own. She moves to Celestial Falls and sets up her own bakery to finally make it own her own. Everything is great until Scarlet Rose turns up dead and Lo Heal is the main suspect. Can Orin who followed her to Celestial Falls help her figure out what happened and save Lo Heal or is this the beginning of the end for her?

Great characters !! Great new setting!! Can't wait for more in this great series!

[Valarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first in a new series by one of my favorite authors, Tonya Kappes. I will begin by saying that magical or paranormal is not my preferred genre, so I was skeptical about the book before reading it. Tonya has created a charming cast of characters (some from another of Tonya's series, Magical Cures) and a cute, though struggling town, Celestial Falls. The main character Lo Heal-Park has left her hometown of Whispering Falls to sprout wings by opening a bakery in Celestial Falls. Within twenty four hours, she is accused of murder and must work to find the actual murderer or be forced to give up her dream of owning a bakery. Magic wands, unexpected mind reading, visits from many of her hometown "spirituals", dead ends in sleuthing, and baked goods galore move the story along. I was disappointed with who the killer was, mostly because the motive was weak and kind of forced. The plot and dialogue were not as creative and developed as usual, and there were way too many characters to keep track of. Not a bad read but far from Tonya's best.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed tis first in a series. There are some surprises and unexpected twists.
Lo Heal Park is the daughter of June Heal & Oscar Park. Lo is about 30 years old and must leave Whispering Falls as she has no spiritual gifts. It appears it has skipped her. Town code states she can’t own a shop in Whispering Falls.

The Mary’s allow June to more to Celestial Falls to set up a bakery. As the story progresses, Orin shows up and gives her a hand. The woman, Scarlett Rose, that the shop is also promised to winds up dead at a talent off during the evening festival.
Of course, Lo is the main suspect.
I found the nosy neighbor and Lo’s new friend interesting characters.

Loved the mystery and the unfolding history of this little town. Looking forward to more secrets being revealed in future episodes.

I was given an advanced copy and am Not required to leave a positive review. I love the humor Ms. Kappes infuses in her series.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sad when the Magical Cures series ended because I enjoyed reading about the town of Whispering Falls and the adventures of June Heal and Oscar Park. Now, there is the Magical Bakery series from Tonya Kappes and that picks up with Lo Heal-Park, the daughter of June and Oscar.

Lo is now an adult and feels out of place in Whispering Falls so she moves to Celestial Falls to open her new bakery Heavenly Desserts. She is starting her new life, and everything is great. Next thing she knows, Orin, from Whispering Falls, comes along for the start of this adventure.

Of course, there is murder and mayhem following Lo and Orin and they must tackle them head-on so Lo can open her store. The new characters in this series are wonderful and provide some genuine laugh-out-loud moments through the twists and turns in this book which will keep you guessing!

You do not have to read the Magical Cures series to start the Magical Bakery series, but it is recommended just for the great reads!

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo Heal-Park has grown up in the magical community of Whispering Falls but she’s not spiritual and is uncomfortable being the only mortal. She’s saved her money and wants to move to the nearby community of Celestial Falls to start her own bakery. She finally receives the message and she moves. Nothing is as promised the cottage is in ill-repair, the building she has leased for her bakery was leased by the older owner to someone else also. Orin shows up from her old community to “help” Lo. And Lo will need more help than she thought as she’s accused in the murder of the woman who also held the lease to the future bakery property.

This is the first in the series; however, it is a spin-off of the “Charming” series which I have not read. I enjoyed the characters and look forward to learning more about them in future books. I love the setting. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always loved the Charming Cure series and have my hopes up with this one. It met most of those hopes.

To begin, with as independent as June is it surprises me how much they control Lo. I understand people are always gunning after June and the need to be protective, but it's teeth gritting. Secondly, it's Lo in her 20s or mud 30s? It seemed to be jumping back and forth so I'm confused. I figured 20s.

The story itself is a nice read as Lo branches out on her own for the first time and the development of her character and Orin as well. He's not a shallow as he seems, though other times he's obviously spoiled. The inclusion of long suppressed powers in Lo aids in the stories building. At first it felt forced, but overall gives it meaning.

Character building and world building in this story is very well done and kept my interest while being entertained.

[Sheri Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lo is the daughter of two spiritualists, however, she has no spiritual gifts she is allowed to leave the magical village and move to a mortal town to open a bakery. There is a problem though, the lease has been promised to two different people. They decide to hold a contest in which Lo wins the lease. Then the other person is killed. Of course, Lo is the top suspect but Orin is there to help her investigate. But one little problem, Lo is a late bloomer like her mother, yes she has special gifts also. I loved reading how she was first learning to use her gift and was finally able to use it to find the true murderer. But will she get to stay in the town she has learned to love, or will she have to return to the spiritualist village?

I received an advanced copy but all opinions are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful start to a new series.
Lo Heal- Park is grown and ready to move out on her own. She has not shown any spiritual signs. In other words she has “no gifts.”
Lo wants to open her own bakery and moves to Celestial Falls with her kitten Skylar Blue who is filled with mischief. Only to find the house is not what she expected.
When Scarlet Rose turns up dead Lo becomes the main suspect.
With the help of Orin who has followed her, can they figure out who is trying to frame Lo? Also why is Lo hearing voices? Will Lo be successful in getting her bakery up and running?
Surprises, and characters from Whispering Falls in this absolutely delightfully charming new series.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the Charmed Series with Jane Heal and Oscar Park. Now I get to meet their daughter Lo Park, a non-spiritualist, who has moved to Celestial Hills to open a mortal bakery. Given a fairy god-cat like her mother was given years ago, Lo embarks on her first adventure outside of Whispering Falls. When a woman is murdered and Lo is the suspect, she, along with her magical friend Orin take on the task of investigating to clear her name. When Lo and Orin discover there is more to Celestial Falls than meets the eye, magic happens. I am going to enjoy getting to know Lo as she finds her way in the world without her parents to help. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern Magical Bakery is the first book in this series by Tonya Kappes in which we meet Lo Heal-Park who doesn't have any magic so she must leave Whispering Falls spiritual community. So the Mary's set her up in house in Celestial Falls and Lo opens a bakery with her kitten, Skylar Blue. Only Lo doesn't know that Skylar Blue is her familiar until she figures out she has ESP! Wow, Lo is really spiritual! Guess who shows up to help? Orin! Lo enlists Orin's help with the Scarlet ends up dead and Lo is the prime suppect. Can Lo and Orin solve the mystery before the Mary's come and make them return to Whispering Falls now that Lo have spiritual powers? Mixture of paranormal, cozy, a taking familiar with an atitude, and lots of humor! I can wait for the second book!

Thank you Tonya Kappes for giving me a copy of this book for my true opinion.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Southern Magical Bakery” by Tonya Kappes the first book in her all new series starring Lo Heal-Park and her kitten . Lo is the daughter of June Heal and Oscar Park from Whispering Falls in the Magical Cures Mystery series. I’m wondering if each book will have a quirky title or if it will just be volume 1,2,3 etc.

I absolutely loved this story! I think it’s my new favorite series of Tonya’s. Once again Tonya has woven a picture of small town Kentucky with its southern charm, quirky characters and a dash of humour. Welcome to the small town of Celestial Falls, Kentucky where it’s not all as it seems.

The story moved at a steady pace with a few red herrings and a few twists to keep you guessing. I was completely surprised by the ending, totally not what I expected. I am super excited to read book two.