Showing posts with label culinary mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culinary mystery. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Wedding Cake by Josi S. Kilpack -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


22343778Wedding Cake

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish Date: December 30th, 2014

ISBN13: 9781609079321

Paperback: 368 pages

Culinary mystery

FTC FYI: Received paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

When Sadie Hoffmiller receives a threatening, anonymous text message just days before her wedding, she is determined not to let it interfere with the celebration she has carefully planned for months. But when the threat changes from a distant fear to a frightening reality, Sadie realizes just how much she is underestimated the situation. Desperate to put an end to the game she has been forced to play, Sadie, her fiancé, Pete, and her children pull out all the stops resolved to stop running and see justice done. What they do not know, however, is just how far Sadie's nemesis is willing to go and just how many people may be hurt in the process. There is no turning back for anyone in this riveting conclusion to the twelve-volume series, and the question becomes whether or not Sadie will have a future left when the game finally comes to an end.

Author and Reviewer Warning!

*Make sure you have read the first 11 books before you start Wedding Cake.  The gloves are off when it comes to holding back the details on the previous mysteries.  Some of the other book plots are revealed, especially the books that involve Jane.*

My Review

The word perfect doesn't even come close to how utterly awesome this book is.  As much as I have been looking forward to reading Wedding Cake, I was also dreading it.  Not in a way that it was something I didn't want to do, believe me, it was only because I knew Sadie's story would be ending.  That being said, that never would have stopped me from reading and loving Wedding Cake.  I know all things must come to an end, like Harry Potter :), and WOW, what an end!   My heart raced, my head pounded, and my stomach hurt all while reading in anticipation, turning the pages as fast as I could.  As I read, I thought, what next!  Poor Sadie, poor Pete, poor everyone!

When I read the teaser chapter at the end of Fortune Cookie earlier in 2014, I knew this book was going to be a wild ride.  Jane has been keeping herself quiet for awhile, but she has been bidding her time.  I'm sure we all have been wondering what has happened to Jane since her last words to Sadie in Pumpkin Roll.  The books since have mentioned her, but in Wedding Cake, she makes her presence known right at the start, and is not holding back.  This will be spoiler free review, with no details given, but when you do read this, prepare your life for not getting anything else done until you finish this book.  The epilogue is so lovely, it had me smiling through my tears.

5 out of 5 stars.  This book is everything I wanted it to be with many surprises mixed in.  Again, Jane doesn't hold anything back when it comes to Sadie and the people she loves.  It was fun to have the other book's mysteries mentioned and their characters.  Sadie will forever be one of my all-time favorite characters, and Pete is including on that list as well.  Sadie is nothing short of amazing, as is the author who created her.

Excerpt


Everyone was silent for a moment, then Malloy pulled himself up a bit straighter in his chair. “This is an investigation that is all about keeping your mother safe. To return home when we have expressly asked that she stay out of the way and allow us to do our job compromises her safety and—”

            “Look,” Shawn said with a forced kind of calmness, zeroing his attention on Malloy. “We both appreciate what you’re doing but I think you’re forgetting that my mom isn’t some Sunday school teacher who doesn’t understand what’s what. In the last four years my mother has put over a dozen people in jail, found missing persons, discovered frauds, uncovered conspiracies, solved several murders, saved lives, and managed to break a few noses in the process. To not consider any of those things is . . . dumb, and with this threat being directly targeting her, I think she has the right to be heard in regard to how she would like to handle things. That she’s talking to you about this at all is merely because, at her core, my mother is a well-mannered woman. She doesn’t need your help—heck, she’s not even asking for your help—she’s simply asking that you support her instincts which have proven to be right time and time again.”

            Sadie blinked back tears of pride and gratitude as the room reverberated in the silence left behind her son’s words. She had no idea he felt this way about the things she’d done these last years, especially since it was only six weeks ago that her skills were put to use poking around in his business, which he hadn’t liked very much. That he was proud of her and saw her as strong and capable was an enormous boost of confidence.
            When no one spoke in the moments following Shawn’s monologue, he turned to her. “Are you coming with me, then?”

Author Links 


Purchase Links

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Fortune Cookie by Josi S. Kilpack -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


Fortune Cookie Tour

Fortune CookieFortune Cookie

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 2014

ISBN13: 9781609077877

Paperback: 356 pages

FTC, I received a PDF copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fortune Cookie
Sadie Hoffmiller has always liked things to be just so. A place for everything and everything in its place. Order over chaos. And of all things Sadie should be able to control, her own wedding is at the top of the list.
With the big day just three weeks away, Sadie is busily adding the final touches to her wedding plans but the arrival of a mysterious letter from San Francisco changes everything. The only person Sadie knows in San Francisco is her older sister, Wendy, whom she hasn’t seen since their mother’s funeral nearly fifteen years ago.
Sadie has faced off against murderers and criminals in recent years, yet the possibility of reconnecting with her sister is both overwhelming and frightening. Sadie soon discovers, however, that the letter is just the beginning when Wendy’s world turns out to be a place of unanswered questions, twisted truths, and more than one person with a motive for murder.
The more Sadie digs into her sister’s past, the more she places her own future at risk.

My Review

There are few things I love more than a Sadie Hoffmiller mystery by Josi.  Sadie has become like an old friend to me.  Everything about her makes me smile.  I worry for her, I cheer for her, and I laugh with her.

This time the mystery is different for Sadie.  It involves her estranged sister, Wendy.  Sadie's memories of Wendy were not pleasant.  Wendy was troubled and treated Sadie very badly.  She left home when Sadie was 12, and they didn't hear from her much.  So, when Sadie receives a letter from Wendy's son, 3 weeks before her wedding to Pete (one of my all-time favorite characters), she and Pete travel to San Francisco to try to figure out what happened to her.  What they find are more questions than answers at first.  It turns out, Wendy was awful to everyone.  And Pete is plagued by memories of his late wife, making Sadie feel he may not be ready to re-marry.  

The climax of this book had me down right anxious.  I could not stop reading, and at one point felt this was Sadie's most dangerous mission yet.  And, if you like teasers, make sure you read the sneak peak chapter of Wedding Cake, due fall 2014.  If you are like me, you will be counting the days until it is released.

5 out of 5 stars.  This series is one of my all-time favorites.  They can be read as stand alones, but why not start at the beginning...
Culinary Mysteries
JosiAuthor Josi S. Kilpack
Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009.  Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 4/30/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

 
rocky road


Rocky RoadRocky Road Summary

It was supposed to be a girls’ weekend in scenic St. George, Utah that would include shopping, trying out the local cuisine, and participating in a breast cancer fundraiser. The fact that one of the organizers of the fundraising event, a local doctor, disappeared two months ago was not supposed to be Sadie’s problem. In fact, she refuses to participate in the grassroots investigation her friend Caro, and Caro’s cousin, Tess, have put together prior to her arrival. But then she meets the ex-wife of the missing doctor. How could she not ask a few questions . . . that lead to a few more questions . . . that lead to a small town and yet even more questions. Before she knows it, Sadie is in the middle of yet another murder investigation and trying to piece together a convoluted trail of good intentions, hidden motivations, and philanthropy turned big business.




My Review

5 out of 5 stars.  There is not many things I love more than a Sadie Hoffmiller mystery.  Josi writes this series with originality and fun.  Even though the characters are the same, each story is unique and very enjoyable.  I loved that Rocky Road was based in St. George.  I've been to many of the places that Sadie and Caro visit, even Pine Valley.  I have attended the church mentioned, and stayed in a cabin there, as well.  It was very fun seeing those beautiful places through their eyes.

This case that Sadie and Caro investigate is different.  This time she has police support and doesn't quite now how to handle that.  Rocky Road takes place in just a couple days and, like always, is a page-turning romp that will leave you hungry for more Sadie.  I loved the ending, especially, and how the "road becomes smooth". 

I can't wait for Fortune Cookie next spring.



 


Author Josi S. Kilpack Born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah, I met my husband in high-school--well, he wasn't my husband then, just the cute guy in weight training with the permed mullet--and we married in 1993. I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child and have gone on to publish 20 novels, the most recent being part of The Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, children, and cat.  
 








Culinary Mysteries by Josi S. Kilpack

culinary mysteries

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/6/13   Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Baked Alaska

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 18th, 2013

ISBN13: 9781609073282

Paperback: 368 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.






Tour Schedule



Baked Alaska by Josi S. Kilpack

An Alaskan cruise is the setting for amateur detective Sadie Hoffmillers latest adventure. Sadie plans to spend time relaxing with her two grown children, Breanna and Shawn, and her boyfriend, Pete, while enjoying the luxury and cuisine of an elegant cruise ship and helping to plan her daughters upcoming wedding. But even as the crew prepares to leave port, Sadie has suspicions about the voyage ahead and the relationship between her normally easygoing son and a mysterious female passenger he obviously knows but refuses to discuss. When the woman is discovered unconscious during the second night at sea, Sadies apprehension escalates. Over the last few years, Sadie has developed an extreme dislike for secrets and it would seem her son is keeping one from her. *Includes eight new mouthwatering recipes, tested and approved by the official bakers of Sadies Virtual Test Kitchen.


My Review

5 out 5 stars.  As with reading all of Josi's books, make sure you clear your schedule, because you will be reading Baked Alaska until it's finished.  Josi is a master at her craft.  What I love most about these books is Sadie's inner voice.  The things she thinks sometimes make me smile.  Every book in this series just get better and better.  And, every book is uniquely different.  I really enjoyed the way this book plays out.  There was so many wonderful twists that had me eagerly reading until the very end.  Speaking of the ending, it had me crying happy tears.  Well done, Josi.

Praise for Baked Alaska
Josi Kilpack has done it again. You would think that all these events that occur in Sadie's life wouldn't be natural, but Josi Kilpack has a way of making you believe that it just "happens" and it is normal. I have grown to love Sadie's character, even if she is a busybody, you can't help but cheer for her as she attempts to solve a mystery or crime. One of my favorite series. :)
~Goodreads Reviewer Lacey McNeill









Author Josi S. Kilpack

Josi S. Kilpack grew up hating to read until she was thirteen and her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began her first novel in 1998 and hasn’t stopped since. Her seventh novel, Sheep’s Clothing, won the 2007 Whitney Award for Mystery/Suspense, and Lemon Tart, her ninth novel, was a 2009 Whitney Award Finalist. Josi was the Best in State winner in literature for 2012 and currently has two books (Banana Split and Tres Leches Cupcakes) as finalists in the 2012 Whitney awards.

Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her family.





Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 3/20/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Banana Split by Josi S. Kilpack

You have a chance to win a copy of Banana Split.

Banana Split: A Culinary Mystery

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: February 2012

Paperback: 372 pages

ISBN-13: 978-1-60908-903-0

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Goodreads Summary: "Sadie Hoffmiller has survived eighteen months of nonstop adventures filled with murder, deceit, and danger. She could really use some rest—and maybe even some time to heal—relaxing in the tropical paradise of Kaua'i. However, palm trees and sunshine are not as effective a medication as Sadie had hoped. And when she finds herself entangled—literally—with a dead body, she is forced to face the compounding fears and anxieties that are making her life so difficult to live.

Her determination to stay out of danger and to focus on overcoming her anxieties soon takes a backseat when she meets eleven-year-old Charlie, the son of the woman whose body she discovered near Anahola Beach. Charlies has some questions of his own about what happened to his mother, and he is convinced that only Sadie can help him. If only Sadie were as confident in her abilities as Charlie is.

With the help of her best friend and a local social worker, Sadie dives into another mystery with the hope that, at the end, she'll be able to find the peace and closure that has eluded her."

My Review

Sadie is having a rough time. All that has happened to her in the last 18 months has finally taken it's toll. Her panic attacks are getting more frequent, and in the middle of one, after an attempt at snorkeling, Sadie finds another dead body under a pier. Sadie visits Dr. McKay, her new psychiatrist. He talks with her about PTSD, and how he feels she is suffering from that. Determined to feel better, Sadie makes a list of things to do everyday.

"Go outside every day.

Eat fruit every day.

Talk to Pete every day.

Do something brave every day." Page 51

When the son of the woman whose body Sadie found comes to her, it takes time, but she realizes that she needs to help this boy. Sadie finds a list of Charlie's that he left at her house. That spurs her into action.

This is another strong offering from Josi. The best thing about her books is not only do they get better and better, but they are unique in their own way and can stand alone. Sadie is a different person in his book. She is hurting, mentally and physically. It's quite a change to see her react the way she does, my heart just ached for her. What I love most about Sadie is, even though she has forgotten this, she is a very strong lady. Sadie finds herself getting better when she is investigating, and it helps with her anxiety. She also remembers that helping others is a good thing, and she is not a dead body magnet. Gayle helps her see that it's okay to let someone else help her, too.

5 out of 5 stars. Follow Josi on Facebook and Twitter. Here are some purchase links as well.


NOW FOR A GIVEAWAY!

One lucky follower will win an autographed copy of Banana Split. All you have to do is follow this blog, and comment that you are a follower.
Easy as pie, or a banana split.
US ONLY. Ends Saturday, midnight.
Good Luck!