68) Spells and Scones by Bailey Cates

The Blurb :

When the bookshop next to the Honeybee Bakery hosts a signing for a Savannah radio celebrity's new self-help book, magical baker Katie Lightfoot is happy to provide some delectable desserts. A big crowd has turned out for the event, curious about the book (and maybe to sample some goodies), but the final chapter comes too soon for the author when she is found dead at the event.

The prime suspect is Angie Kissel, a former witch whose familiar was once Katie’s own terrier, Mungo. Katie is at first hesitant to help, afraid of losing the little dog who has become so important to her. But after a little nudge from Mungo himself, Katie decides to try to conjure up the real killer—before Angie gets served...

My Thoughts :

The sixth book in the Magical Bakery series was a pre-order of mine that I nearly forgot about.  Only when I was deciding on which book to read next did I come across this one hidden amongst everything else on my Kindle. Suddenly all my other reading commitments and deadlines went out the window and I had to start the latest installment in this magical cozy mystery series.

I wasn't disappointed, much.  There was a severe lack of magic, in my honest opinion.  I expected much more in the way of spells and general development in the magical aspect of the series.  However this book was more about sleuthing and I felt the paranormal twist wasn't as present as it could or should of been.  My opinion and maybe not one that other readers will agree with but for me it just wasn't enough.

However the plot was good, the mystery interesting and the development of the characters and the on-going storyline was excellent.  There were some nice surprises as well as some interesting twists with the end of the book bringing things to a nice happy conclusion.  Hopefully this wasn't the last book but if it was then I wouldn't be too sad.  Although I do believe that Katie has many a more stories to tell and it would be nice to keep visiting her and everyone else in this lovely magical series.

A must read for any paranormal cozy mystery lovers but definitely something that both paranormal and cozy fans will enjoy and appreciate.  Cute but not too soft. Yummy but not too over the top.  Serious without being too dramatic.  I really love this series and look forward to more reads from this author.

75) Magic and Macaroons by Bailey Cates

The Blurb :

For magical baker Katie Lightfoot, the only way to beat the Savannah summer heat is to whip up some cool treats for the Honeybee Bakery’s patrons. But when a meeting of the spellbook club is interrupted by a stranger collapsing on the floor of her shop, mumbling something about a voodoo talisman, Katie drops everything to begin investigating.

Her search for answers quickly leads her into a dangerous blend of Savannah’s infamous voodoo queens, a powerful missing charm—and a deadly witch who seems to be targeting the city’s magical community. And with the case getting hotter by the second, Katie will have to work fast to track down the talisman and the killer before the timer runs out…

My Thoughts :

The Magical Bakery Mysteries are always on pre-order and I was very excited to find this one on my Kindle last week.  During my small vacation I picked this book up many times and enjoyed a chapter or two but only managed to finally sit down and read the rest today.

There isn't too much progress in the on-going story in this one.  Or at least it didn't feel like there was.  In retrospect there were a few things that happened as Katie tries to find out what happened to a person she has been looking for in previous books.  With the mystery revolving around this person and also having ties to some other people from her circle of friends and family.

I don't want to give anything from the plot away so it is hard to write anything more than a yay and a hooray!  Another installment, another great read and some wonderful cozy paranormal excitement.  This is just what your Summer reading needs and also what any cozy lover will want to check out.

As always I am looking forward to the next Magical Bakery installment and hope that Katie manages to solve another mystery and find out more about her abilities.

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72) Some Enchanted Éclair by Bailey Cates

The Blurb :


When Hollywood invades Savannah’s historic district to film a Revolutionary War movie, magical baker Katie Lightfoot, and her witches’ coven, the Spellbook Club, take a break from casting spells for casting calls. One of the witches snags a part as an extra, while Katie’s firefighter boyfriend, Declan, acts as on-set security. Katie and her aunt Lucy decide to stay out of the action, but after the movie’s “fixer” fires the caterer, the Honeybee Bakery comes to the rescue, working their magic to keep the hungry crew happy.

But when someone fixes the fixer—permanently—and a spooky psychic predicts Katie will find the killer, the charming baker and her fellow conjurers step in to sift through the suspects…before someone else winds up on the cutting room floor….

My Thoughts :

I have been enjoying this series since the series began  and this fourth installment was as yummy and magical as the previous three.  It is such a great combination of cozy mystery, baking and magic with some lovely characters that you really want to spend time with.  The style is just delicious and I couldn't help myself from devouring this pre-order as soon as it arrived.  Bailey Cates cooks up a great mystery and she uses the best ingredients.

This time around the story revolves around the filming of a movie in Savannah.  The guys are working security and another character or two are involved in the filming.  Katie ends up getting involved via her culinary delights which leads to her being, once again, smack bang in the middle of a murder investigation.  It sounds like your usual cozy but the surprises inside are mostly due to the magic.  Some interesting developments occur in this fourth installment and I have to wonder what will happen next.

Some changes in the Declan and Katie relationship is related once again to magic but this time around the tables are turned.  A search for an old acquaintance has Katie confused and then shocked.  The coven has some news and also it looks like there will be a new younger character joining the coven/bakery in the next book.   Also it seems that Detective Quinn is happier having Katie help than interfering.

If you haven't already had the pleasure of visiting the Magical Bakery series then you are missing a treat.  The covers look a little too cozy and cute but to be honest I really like them.   The mystery inside is always interesting and keeps you guessing till the end.  The on-going magical theme is engaging and I am always surprised at the new details and depths the author adds in each installment.  The baking ideas and recipes at the end are just an added bonus to a really great read.

The fifth book will be going on pre-order as soon as it is listed.  I can't wait to visit Katie and the rest of the gang again.  The whole book envelopes the reader in a cozy but magical blanket which keeps you warm and happy till the very end.  I feel honoured to spend time in this wonderful bakery in Savannah and read about the characters who make up the friends and family of Katie, a person I would love to be friends with.  Well worth checking out and definitely worth sharing with friends!

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150) Charms & Chocolate Chips by Bailey Cates

The Blurb :


Between brewing magically spiced treats at Honeybee Bakery and volunteering with a local conservation group, Katie Lightfoot barely has time to see her firefighter boyfriend, Declan McCarthy, much less delve further into her destiny as a witch. But avoiding her fate won’t be as easy as whipping up a new recipe—especially when Katie finds herself once again mixed up in murder.

When a fellow volunteer for the conservation group is found dead, Katie’s mystical senses tell her that there’s more to the death than meets the eye. Her suspicions are confirmed when members of her coven are targeted next. Katie will have to embrace her powers quickly...or she may find herself chewed up and spit out by some serious black magic.

My Thoughts :

Quite a few new releases appeared on my Kindle this week and I was excited about each and every one of them.  Even if I won't get around to reading them all straight away!  However I had to pick one and I was feeling in a cozy mood.  This third book in the Magical Bakery Series was the clear winner.  Not only are there witches and a mystery but best of all there are baked goods!

I really enjoyed the first two books in this series and this new installment was a lovely addition.  Things get more magical during the course of this new mystery and it was interesting to see how serious the author is getting about the paranormal element of the series.  The mystery was good and thrilling but the ongoing story was definitely more interesting.  The coven and their members, Katie and Deacon and the bakery itself are all too wonderful to miss.  Also there was a surprise visitor and the appearance of Steve that filled the story to the brim.  Actually the author could have left the mystery out completely!

Delicious, exciting and totally magical, I am really enjoying this series.  If you are a paranormal lover then you may want to check this out and if you love cozies then you really need to give this one a read.  Oh and if you like eating yummy baked good or baking then you will also find this one to be a nice read.  The recipes in the back of the book are welcomed and maybe one day I will try something from Katie's magical treats.

This stays on my must read, must buy and pre-order list.  Hopefully the fourth book will be out soon and maybe the author will start another magical cozy series?  She really does have a talent and she should spoil us with more!

 

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Monthly Giveaway Results/Winners

The January Monthly Giveaway is over! And the February one will be starting soon! 2013 is racing along!

Time to see which book won the Monthly Giveaway and who has won a copy of the winning book!

What is the Monthly Giveaway?

I picked five of my favourite reads from January month (sorry no ARCs are included unless they have already been released!) then you guys could vote for the book you would like to win or the one you think deserves to win!

Did you enter the Monthly Giveaway? Did you vote? Here are the results!


In last place with a miserable 3.64% of the vote was Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish by Andrew Buckley. You may not have wanted to vote for this book but make sure you read it at some point. It is hilarious!

Monthly Giveaway Reminder

Do you want to win one of my favourite reads from last month? Well all you have to do is enter the Monthly Giveaway!

What is the Monthly Giveaway?

I picked five of my favourite reads from last month (sorry no ARCs are included unless they have already been released!) and you guys get to vote for the book you want to win or the one you think deserves to win! Remember! You may not actually win the book you voted for.

Here is a little info about each book on offer this month. Just click on the book title and author to see my review -



What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie

Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish by Andrew Buckley


Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti by Bailey Cates


Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep


Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland

How does the monthly giveaway work?

Well in the sidebar ---> there is this poll. You vote for the book you would most like to win. Then enter the Monthly Giveaway!

The poll will is open until Friday 1st of March 2013 4pm (all times are in Central European Time). So you only have till the end of the week to vote and enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Newsletter subscribers! If you have not confirmed your email address then you will not be added to the draw!!!

Enter your email address:

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Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)

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Monthly Giveaway - Win one of my January reads!

February is nearly over already and it has taken me till now to start the January Monthly Giveaway! So apologies for the long wait but now it is finally here! The first Monthly Giveaway of 2013!

Every month there is a Monthly Giveaway!

My January reads were a mixed bunch and there weren't that many to choose from. So picking five books for the Monthly Giveaway wasn't too hard. I just wonder if there is anything that will interest you guys?

Would you like to win one of the books I read in January? Well you can! Just keep reading and enter the Monthly Giveaway!

You have the chance to vote for which book you want to win from my five favourite reads from last month!

What is the Monthly Giveaway?

I pick five of my favourite reads from the last month (sorry no ARCs are included unless they have already been released!) then you guys go to the poll and vote for the book you want to win or the one you think deserves to win! Remember! You may not actually win the book you voted for.

Here is a little info about each book on offer this month. Just click on the book title and author to see my review -



What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie

Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish by Andrew Buckley


Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti by Bailey Cates


Crimson Frost by Jennifer Estep


Touch of the Demon by Diana Rowland

How does the monthly giveaway work?

Well in the sidebar ---> there is this poll. You vote for the book you would most like to win. Then enter the Monthly Giveaway via the Rafflecopter widget below. When the giveaway is over the winner gets book with the most votes. So you may not even win the book you voted for!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Newsletter subscribers! If you have not confirmed your email address then you will not be added to the draw!!!

The poll will stay open for votes until Friday 1st of March 2013 4pm (all times are in Central European Time). The winner will be announced within days of the contest closing.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)

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13) Bewitched, Bothered & Biscotti by Bailey Cates

The Blurb :

As a new witch—not to mention owner of Savannah’s most enchanting bakery—Katie Lightfoot is still getting used to casting spells, brewing potions, and mastering her magical powers. But that doesn’t mean she can’t find time to enjoy a picnic with firefighter Declan McCarthy…until she stumbles upon a corpse.

The dead man’s tattoo reveals he was a member of a secret society—and it turns out he's missing an object that was very important to the group. When Katie learns the killer was after more than the man's life, she and her Aunt Lucy leave the baked goods on the rack to cool and set off in hot pursuit of a killer.

My Thoughts :

The second book in the Magical Bakery Mysteries made it onto my pre-order list after I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series. With its blend of magic and baked goods there is so much that is yummy about this concept and this second book not only left my mouth watering but made me want another installment right away.

Cozy mysteries are a love of mine and I quite enjoy cuddling up with one now and again. If they have some kind of Paranormal element to them then all the better. This series has some magical bits and bobs floating around and although it doesn't take over the whole mystery or book it does have a big presence. This time around more than before.

Druids are a theme in this sequel and I really found it fascinating. A Secret club with hardly any members it was quite spooky in a way. I loved how the author mixed this up in the plot and it made things interesting. I was hoping that the magic would become more prominent in the books and it seems it will. As Katie gets better at her skills and spends more time with her spell book club it seems only fair that next time around there will be even more witchery going on.

The plot was well thought out and even though it took me some time to understand who was who I managed to keep up with things pretty easily. Actually the book was a nice light and quick read for me and made me smile more than once. Oh and it also made me want to start baking. Luckily some of the recipes are included and I will be trying at least one of them.

I liked this new installment and I will certainly be getting hold of the next book in the series when it releases. I like Katie and her love interests keep things hot outside of the bakery. Her family and friends are growing on me and I like the whole bakery and witch aspects. Definitely one to read if either of these subjects interest you.

Contest & Monthly Giveaway Results!

I am back! Normal viewing will commence! And to start off I have some long awaited Monthly Giveaway results to share with you and a contest winner to announce. So off we go!

First up lets see who won the Monthly Giveaway!

There were, as always, five books to vote for and one lucky newsletter subscriber will win a copy of the book that got the most votes. So which book won?

Last place goes to Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez With only 3.17% of the vote this book didn't stand a chance against the other four on offer!


And fourth place didn't do much better! With only 7.94% of the votes Scent to her Grave by India Ink (Yasmine Galenorn) just couldn't compete with the top three!


Definitely a must read but only third place was Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates 26.98% of the vote was a good try but not enough to win!


Second place goes to Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells. With 30.16% of the vote this book only just missed winning first place.


With 31.75% , just a little over one percent more votes, Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones wins this months giveaway!

So who has won a copy of Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones?

The newsletter subscriber with the email address beginning with :


Topsail246


Congrats! Keep reading to find out how to claim your prize!

Didn't win this time? Keep trying! The next Monthly Giveaway will be coming along really soon! July is nearly over!

Make sure you check out all the books that were on offer this month. They were really good reads!

Now it is time to announce the winner of the Margay Leah Justice Contest!

Margay was here on the blog telling us about her latest book Sloane Wolf and was also giving away a copy.

So congrats to :



Clenna!!



Keep reading to find out how to claim your prize! Thanks to everyone who entered! Try again next time!



----------------------------------------

How to claim your prize!

Please contact me via email - Amberkatzes_book_blog at gmx dot eu within the next 7 days to claim your prize. Your claim will go quicker if you send me your address. If you won a contest where you can choose your prize, then please make sure you state in your email which book you would like. This will help things go alot quicker! If you won an e-book please make sure you send me the email address you would like the book sent to!

If you email me and don't get a reply within 48 hours please post on the blog letting me know. Some email gets eaten by my spam filter. However please don't send me more than one email unless you really don't get an answer within 3 days. I am not online 24/7 ;) Sometimes it takes a little longer to reply.

If a prize isn't claimed after 7 days I will, if the author agrees, pick another winner.

Please also note that I can not be held responsible for prizes that come direct from authors. I will check with them for you if you haven't received your prize but I can not hunt down your mail! Any prizes that come from myself could come from a 3rd party eg. Amazon or Bookdepository. If I am sending a prize myself please be aware that it could take a few weeks to reach you as it is coming from Europe.

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Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)

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Monthly Giveaway Reminder

The June Monthly Giveaway is nearly over! You have only a few days left to vote and win!

I have picked five of my favourite reads from last month and you guys can go to the poll and vote for the book you want to win or the one you think deserves to win! Remember! You may not actually win the book you voted for.

You have till the 22nd of July to vote and enter the Monthly Giveaway! Make sure you validate your newsletter subscription to be entered!

Here is a little info about each book on offer this month. Just click on the book title and author to see my review -



Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells


Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones


Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez


Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates


Scent to her Grave by India Ink (Yasmine Galenorn)




For more chances to win -

Post about this giveaway somewhere on the internet eg. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. Make sure you post the link here so I can confirm your extra entry.

Email your friends about this giveaway. Make sure you add my email address so I also get a copy and can confirm your entry. Amberkatzes_Book_Blog@gmx.eu

Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)

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June Monthly Giveaway!

The June Monthly Giveaway has started!!!

June wasn't a good month for reading. I got some books read but they weren't extremely amazing ones but the five I liked the most are now up for grabs!

Would you like to win one of the books I read in June? Well you can! just keep reading and enter the Monthly Giveaway!

You have the chance to vote for which book you want to win from my five favourite reads from last month!

What is the Monthly Giveaway?

I pick five of my favourite reads from the last month (sorry no ARCs are included unless they have already been released!) then you guys go to the poll and vote for the book you want to win or the one you think deserves to win! Remember! You may not actually win the book you voted for.

Here is a little info about each book on offer this month. Just click on the book title and author to see my review -



Blue-Blooded Vamp by Jaye Wells

Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones


Dead is a Battlefield by Marlene Perez


Brownies and Broomsticks by Bailey Cates


Scent to her Grave by India Ink (Yasmine Galenorn)

How does the monthly giveaway work?

Well in the sidebar ---> there is this poll. You vote for the book you would most like to win. I pick a name from the subscibers list and that person wins the book with the most votes. So you may not even win the book you voted for!

To subscribe to Amberkatze's Book Blog all you have to do is use the box in the sidebar ---> or at the bottom of this post. Everyone who is already subscribed will be entered in the contest as well as new subscribers. If you have not confirmed your email address then you will not be added to the draw!!! The poll will stay open for votes until Sunday 22nd of July 2012 4pm (all times are in Central European Time). The winner will be announced within days of the contest closing.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Have you 'Liked' Amberkatze's Book Blog on Facebook?


For more chances to win -

Post about this giveaway somewhere on the internet eg. Facebook, Myspace, Twitter etc. Make sure you post the link here so I can confirm your extra entry.

Email your friends about this giveaway. Make sure you add my email address so I also get a copy and can confirm your entry. Amberkatzes_Book_Blog@gmx.eu

Use the Bookdepository or Amazon links/banners to keep the prizes coming! Oh and advertise Amberkatze's Book Blog wherever you can ;)

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