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The fall holidays are fast approaching in Roseland, Georgia, and despite a November heat wave, jewelry designer Emma Madison can’t wait to set up shop at her town’s annual Christmas bazaar, where she’s hoping to dazzle the crowds and see brisk sales of her cheerful charms and riveting rhinestones.But someone has other plans for the beloved holiday extravaganza, and the bazaar’s controversial organizer, the leader of the Happy Hometown program, turns up dead. As the newest Happy Hometown board member, Emma gets drawn into the investigation of their departed leader, a woman who ruffled lots of feathers and made few friends during her short stint in town.Someone on the naughty list appears to have it out for the program and its board members, and if Emma doesn’t watch her back, their red-hot revenge will take the happy out of her holidays and turn her Thanksgiving into a silent night.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

4 people are currently reading
9 people want to read

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Angela McRae

7 books10 followers

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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,655 reviews14 followers
October 4, 2021
I love jewelry so this cozy series is very appealing to me. In book two, the protagonist is really upping her game by creating and selling lots of unique jewelry items. The mystery is appealing and a fairly quick read. It’s one of those stories I find hard to put down once I’m engrossed in the plot. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Mystereity Reviews.
778 reviews50 followers
November 17, 2021
After reading the first book, Emeralds and Envy a few months ago, I've been hoarding this one for the Holiday Theme Read and this filled the Fall-ing for Hobbies square perfectly!

In this one, it's just after Halloween and Emma is readying her latest jewelry designs for the busy holiday shopping season, beginning with the annual Christmas Bazaar in Roseland. But there's already friction as Melinda Hargrove, hired to coordinate Roseland's community events, has managed to alienate nearly everyone in town; so it comes as no surprise when Miranda is found dead in Santa's sleigh and since everyone hated Miranda, there's no shortage of suspects.

This one was every bit as good as the first one! I loved the plot, lots of twists and turns and let's face it, Miranda had it coming with her AUDACITY. I particularly liked the scene with Miranda's entrance with the "reindeer", clearly this woman has no sense of propriety! As with the first one, the investigation was organic, more gathering clues and giving them to the police instead of interrogating suspects and gallivanting around town like a sleuth. I loved how it all unfolded and the ending was perfect, the right amount of believability and action.

This is quickly rising to the top of my favorite cozy series and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Roseland.
Profile Image for BlueJeansAndTeacups.
692 reviews25 followers
December 5, 2021
•°o•:*:•. Another Clean Small-town Murder Mystery .•:*:• o°•
Modern story, told in first person, past tense.

Emma Madison and her Siamese kitty, Miriam Haskell, join us during the holiday season (perfect since that is when I am reading the book -smile). There is a lot happening with the small-town Christmas bazaar, tons of holiday goodies and get-togethers, plus shopping sprees and right in the mix a murder that has everyone concerned. Former characters return from book one and some new ones are introduced keeping us guessing.
Detective Alan Shelton makes it obvious that none of Emma’s help is welcomed. I found him a bit bothersome this time. I enjoyed the turkey toss which helps out the less fortunate and appreciated the occasional prayer and one scripture reference. All of Emma’s designs always sound interesting, particularly the broken bits of Spode Christmas china turned into jewelry and her Ruby and Doris line named for both the character and the author’s grandmothers. There are two recipes related to the story, at least 3 different hot teas (earl grey, chamomile, green) and of course sweet tea referenced, a link to the author’s Pinterest for inspirational pictures related to the story:
https://www.pinterest.com/angelawmcra...
Once again the killer was difficult to determine. I recommend book two in the series.

4 stars – very good

I won a copy of this book in a raffle held by the author on her website: TeaWithFriends.blogspot.com
My opinion is entirely my own.

SERIES: Junkin’ Jewelry Mysteries
Emeralds and Envy book one,
Rubies and Revenge book two
Profile Image for Sharon.
Author 15 books119 followers
April 24, 2022
Rubies and Revenge is the second book in this clean, cozy mystery series by Angela McRae. Although I'd read the first book, and, therefore, recognized some of the characters, I believe it could be enjoyed as a stand-alone.
Emma Madison, the protagonist, is the Jessica Fletcher of the south. A former reporter, she now creates artisan jewelry by restoring and/or upscaling discarded vintage items. She's friendly and generous with almost all the other business owners in the small Georgia town of Roseland, and everyone likes and respects her. With the possible exception of Detective Alan Shelton, who accuses her of overstepping and interfering in his investigations.
When the story opens, the town of Roseland is holding a Christmas bazaar, and most of the players are exhibiting their wares. Miranda Hargrove, the new executive director of the Happy Hometown program, which sponsors the bazaar, has alienated a number of participants and potential participants, including the president of the local humane society. When Miranda turns up dead toward the end of the day, suspects abound.
Although Emma struggles to stay out of the investigation, she keeps turning up clues, much to the annoyance of Detective Shelton. Plus she's a sounding board for others who bring her their observations and suspicions.
I figured out the killer about halfway through the book, but it was still an enjoyable read. Emma is a likable sleuth and the descriptions of her jewelry-making process feel authentic.
23 reviews
October 2, 2021
If there is a murder in Roseland, Emma will have her nose in it, somehow or other, despite being warned NOT to interfere with the police. Can she help NOT react when clues fall in her proverbial lap? Of course not!

This is another warm and cozy whodunit from Angela McRae, filled with sweet, small-town life and interesting people. I'm looking forward to getting bejeweled again!
Profile Image for Cynda Pierce.
12 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2021
Such a fun book

I really enjoy joining Emma as she tries to NOT solve the mystery of Miranda Hargrove’s murder. This was a fun and quick read. I can’t wait for the next installment of this cozy mystery series.
1 review
October 24, 2021
Warm, inviting and exciting to the end

I couldn’t put it down, and look forward to reading about Emma’s next adventure in Roseland. Will she and Justin end up marrying??
Profile Image for Denise :).
56 reviews13 followers
November 19, 2021
Fun read; I love these characters! There’s always a bit of a plot twist….and I enjoy the tension between Emma and the Detective!! I’m already looking forward to the next in this series!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
586 reviews7 followers
August 17, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Rubies and Revenge by Angela McRae brings us back to Roseland for another murder that reveals not everyone is what they seem.
Will Emma find out what happened to Miranda before someone else gets hurt?
Emma Madison
Emma is our sleuth and a jewelry designer. She tries to stay out of the investigation, but it seems that the town thinks she can find the culprit before the police. Therefore they keep sending clues her way. Emma's relationship with the detective on the case is...complicated. However, her relationship with the rest of the town seems good.

I like Emma, she is a great sleuth, and she is a wonderful friend. She has a heart of gold and is always willing to help someone out, even when that means that she has to rearrange her schedule or stay up late. I also like how Emma lets us know about jewelry designers that were once popular or styles that are now coming back.
The Happenings
Rubies and Revenge CRThe Happy Hometown executive director Miranda is murdered at the Christmas bazaar, and her body is stashed in Santa's sled. Of course, Miranda upset by many people, and she was making many of the locals mad. Townspeople keep giving clues to Emma anonymously. It seems that Emma ends up in the middle of each clue.

I like how Emma puts the current trend on our country regarding the end of the year holidays.
"I wondered why my town insisted on kicking off Christmas so early. No wonder folks had taken to saying, "Merry Hallowthanksmas."

Five Stars
I really enjoyed Rubies and Revenge. I feel like we get to know Emma and her group of friends better. The mystery was well done and kept me guessing. My rating for Rubies and Revenge by Angela McRae is five stars. I think that Ms. McRae is doing a good job growing as an author.

Check out the recipes at the end. There is Pumpkin Spice Shortbread and Indian Butter Chicken.


First Book in Series

Emeralds and Envy by Angela McRae


Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Rubies and Revenge by Angela McRae.

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This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews