Seashells, Spells & Caramels (Spells & Caramels #1) by Erin Johnson - Starting June 5th 2020

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Imogen’s spent her twenties in Seattle, saving every penny and missing every party, to follow her dream of opening her own bakery.

When that dream goes up in flames, she accepts a spot in a mysterious baking contest—one she doesn’t remember entering. She travels to a bustling, medieval village off the coast of France and discovers an enchanting world of magic and mystery, and learns that she, too, possesses powers.

Unable to so much as cast a spell, Imogen struggles to keep up with the other witches and wizards who have come from all over the magical world to the Water Kingdom's big competition. She juggles relationships with a sweet new friend, a snarky baking fire, and a brooding, handsome baker. As Imogen falls for this bewitching world, she fears she won’t master her magic in time to win the job of Royal Head Baker, and will be forced to return to the shambles of her non magical life.

It only gets worse, when a competitor drops dead in the middle of the big white baking tent, and Imogen’s the prime suspect. Now, she’ll not only have to survive the vampire and psychic judges, but also clear her name by finding the real murderer, before they strike again.

With a killer on the loose, a missing prince, and the Summer Solstice Festival fast approaching, Imogen will have to bake like her life depends on it- because it just might.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

24%

(view spoiler)[ This hasn't started out like I thought but I like it. It's interesting and I wonder what will happen. The biggest question is what is she going to be. Love how she's introduced to magic. (hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

30%

(view spoiler)[ OMG that seer what a cracker. My second vision was a good one that bowel movement is on it's way. (hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

I've read about 5 chapters (started today).
I love the writing style. I was a bit afraid it would be worse, because in many books of the same genre the writing style is bad and I've already dropped a bunch because of this issue.
(view spoiler)[
The story is interesting. I love the main character and all the idea of owning a patisserie.
Looking forward to reading how the contest will turn out.
(hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

Chapter 9
(view spoiler)[
Do you feel all the Harry Potter vibes? Especially when Imogen received the letter. Super predictable after she set her place on fire and left with almost nothing, the letter came.
But still I enjoy reading and all the atmosphere of coziness and tastiness the book creates.
(hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

46%
(view spoiler)[ I wonder whats happening to hank? How is she going to get far in this competition and how is sh going to get her magic? (hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

51%

(view spoiler)[ Is hank the prince in disguise? Plus I reckon his the one that sent her the clothes. (hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

65%

(view spoiler)[ I knew he was the prince. (hide spoiler)]

69%

(view spoiler)[ Oh no poor Sam. I don't think he killed him on purpose he only wanted to bake. (hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

Finished

(view spoiler)[ well what a whirlwind of an ending. i knew he was the Prince. I don't really think it was Priscilla or Hank. Hank really surprised me. I'm glad it all worked out in the end. I do believe her magic ability is Luck more then anything as when it always seems like she has nothing something comes up for her. Loved this and sorry for so many comments I did want to add more lol. (hide spoiler)]

I'm happy to read the next one if you want too.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

Elena wrote: "I've read about 5 chapters (started today).
I love the writing style. I was a bit afraid it would be worse, because in many books of the same genre the writing style is bad and I've already dropped..."

I agree it starts off well and the author has a way of sucking you in. I have read quite a few like this too and I know what you mean.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

Elena wrote: "Chapter 9

."

(view spoiler)[ I didn't even think of that but now that you've mentioned it it is similar lol. (hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

Chapter 29
There are some things similar to some other books. F.e. Harry Potter vibes (as I mentioned earlier). And Iggy reminds me of Calcifer from Howl's Moving Castle.
(view spoiler)[
Especially the scene when Imogen thinks of giving him eggshells.
I think Hank is the prince. It’s pretty obvious. And it’s also obvious that there will be some romantic staff between him and Imogen. But I’m going to be very surprised if it’s not.
For some people Glenn could be annoying, but I somehow feel pity for him. Having so much food related issues is quite hard to handle.
So the competition is here! I wonder how Imogen will handle it. Especially relating to the time when Iggy burnt her cake.
And I love how tasty this book is. It inspired me to plan cooking something delicious next weekend. Maybe a healthy version of carrot poppy seed cake?
(hide spoiler)]

[Elena]

@Mummy's Naughty Corner I'm also curious when and how she's going to learn magic at this point. So far no clues. (I haven't read your spoilers after 47%, don't want to spoil my read :D, going to read when I get there).

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

@ Elena.

Don't worry I'm the same I never read buddies read until I've past that point too.

[Elena]

Finished a couple of days ago and finally managed to write a review :)
@Mummy's Naughty Corner I agree with almost all your thoughts and I also liked reading it and definitely going to read the next one (later this month I think, about 25th).
(view spoiler)[
The best part was when Maple told Imogen that she won and decided to pick Sam also as her assistant. I felt sorry for him being expelled and actually never believed he was evil and poisoned Glenn on purpose. After all I'm happy he is innocent :)
And I really want to know how the princes marriage will turn out (Will he be married or not?) Actually I think he won't get married, but I want to learn how exactly he goes to that point.
(hide spoiler)]

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

Cool I'll join you. I can set up a thread for it tomorrow.

[Mummy's Naughty Corner]

Here's the thread for book 2.

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

It's set for the 25th.

[Elena]

Great! Thank you :)