Review: The Candy Cane Caper

The Candy Cane Caper (Cozy Culinary Mystery)

"The theft of a friend’s priceless, family-legacy Christmas ornaments brings amateur detective and culinary expert, Sadie Hoffmiller, back on the case in a new standalone cozy mystery.

"In the latest chapter to the Culinary Mystery series, amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller continues combining her sleuthing with her cooking and baking to connect with people and gain information she might otherwise not have access to. Moreover, now that Sadie is married to Detective Pete Cunningham, she has a street-savvy husband to test out her crime-solving theories.

"With Christmas approaching, Sadie is preparing for a large blended-family gathering including many new grandchildren--in their home in Fort Collins, Colorado.  Even with the festive chaos, Sadie drops everything when word gets out that her friend, Mary, is the victim of a holiday robbery.   

"At ninety-four years old, and nearly blind, Mary knows this is may be her last Christmas and the last year to enjoy her family heirloom Christmas tree ornaments. She wants just one more holiday to display her ornaments and following Christmas Eve Mass, she’ll pass them on to her great-granddaughter, Joy. Though priceless to the family, the collection has been valued at $40,000, and the Christmas tree in the care facility has never looked so good. But before the ornaments can be retrieved by Mary, eleven of the most expensive ornaments are stolen.  

"A holiday Christmas caper might be new to Sadie, but she’s ready to mix in her seasoned crime-solving skills with a pinch of new holiday recipes."

I learned something about myself while reviewing this book, that has the most adorable cover, by the way. I can read most books out of season, but I cannot read Christmas books out of season. I tried, getting about 50 pages in to The Candy Cane Caper, but ultimately put it down because I knew I would simply enjoy it more reading it in December rather than October. That being said, I am looking forward to picking it back up nearer to Christmas. I have never read any of Kilpack's culinary mysteries, but I am familiar with her other books and have enjoyed them, so I am hopeful I will enjoy this one as well. In case you are interested, here is my favorite Kilpack book.

The Lady of the Lakes (Historical Proper Romance)

Title: The Candy Cane Caper

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain 

Format: Paperback 

Price: $15.99 on AmazonThe Candy Cane Caper (Cozy Culinary Mystery)
Source: Shadow Mountain

Fashion & Fiction was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

What I've Been Reading - December 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my quick and personal thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics about each book, click on the provided book images.

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan
3 stars

Christmas at Little Beach Street Bakery is the third in Colgan's Little Beach Street Bakery series. I really loved the first in the series. I found it simple, sweet, quirky and fun. Unfortunately, the second and third books didn't quite live up to the first. However, I still enjoyed them and am glad to have read the entire series.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

5 stars

Harry Potter needs no introduction. It has been six years since I read this series for the first time, so I felt it was time for a reread. I think I may have enjoyed this second reading more than the first. It was such a joy. I can't wait to read the rest of the series in the coming year.

Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy

5 stars

I was so excited, yet so nervous to read Marilla of Green Gables. I had nothing to worry about, however. It is wonderful. I absolutely loved it. The story McCoy weaved feels genuine and I believe would be approved my L.M. Montgomery herself. Just beautiful.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

2 stars

My family recently decided to start a family book club. My husband got the honor of choosing our first book and chose The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I must admit, I laughed out loud a few times while reading it, but ultimately, it wasn't for me. I am looking forward, however, to discussing it as a family.

The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan

4 stars

Colgan is quickly becoming a favorite author. Her books are simply a lot of fun and The Bookshop on the Corner is no exception. This one combined two of my favorite things -- Books and Scotland. I enjoyed it so much and would be happy if Colgan turned this one into a series.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 

5 stars

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

5 stars

I thought I would return to the rest of this series in the new year, but I couldn't wait. I am so glad I didn't. These are the perfect books to read during the Christmas season. I am enjoying them so, so much this second time through. 

What I've Been Reading - November 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my quick and personal thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics about each book, click on the provided book images.

This month, I decided it was time to complete Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad series. I started this series in hopes that I would love it as much as I love Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, the two often being compared to one another. Sadly, I don't, but I am a completionist, so I had to complete this series despite my lack of love. Tana French does write smart, well-crafted murder mysteries that are more about the characters than the murders, much like Louise Penny, but I just don't love her characters as I do Penny's, nor do I get the cozy vibe I get from Penny's novels. Anyway, enough comparison. I found The Secret Place, the fifth book in this series, to be a good read. The premise and pacing kept me turning the pages. 3 stars (Warning - Language)

Like I said, this month was the time to complete this series. The Trespasser is the final book in the series (as of today) and, so, with its completion, I am done with the series. The Trespasser was also a good read. I didn't quite turn the pages as quickly as I did with The Secret Place, but almost. 3 stars (Warming - Language)

I chose A Little Princess to fulfill my goal to read one classic each month this year. This was one of those classics that I somehow missed growing up. I am glad to have finally read it. It was a sweet read and I can see why it is so loved. 4 stars

I am part of the Modern Mrs Darcy book club and this was the flight (optional) book this month. I almost didn't read it, because the synopsis didn't draw me in, but for some reason I decided to try it and I am so glad I did. It was a beautiful book. It touches on some tough topics, but, as it is written for middle graders, it is done so in a gentle manner. I highly recommend this one for all readers. 4 stars

This was a surprise read for me. I liked it so much more than I expected to. On my Instagram account, I asked for cozy December/Christmas reads. The Little Beach Street Bakery series was suggested, as it has a Christmas book within the series. Though a bit outside what I usually read, I decided to go for it. I am so glad I did. I really, really enjoyed it. Simple, sweet, quirky and fun. 4 stars

This is the second in the Little Beach Street Bakery series. It didn't quite live up to the first, but I still enjoyed it and definitely will pick up the third book in the series. Still simple, sweet, quirky and fun. 3 stars

This was the main book chosen for Modern Mrs Darcy 's book club this month. Somehow, I had never even heard of this book. Thank goodness for book clubs, because I am so glad to have read it. It ended up being almost a five star read for me. How to describe what I loved about this book? It has a unique structure, which can be difficult. It has an unreliable narrator, amongst its many narrators, which can also be difficult. It is a bit tragic, but despite those things, (and because of those things) I loved it. Thankfully, it all came together in the end and I feel ended hopefully. I will definitely be returning to this one in the future. 4.5 stars

What I've Been Reading - October 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I usually share my quick and personal thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. This month has been incredibly busy, so today I'm simply sharing what I've been reading and my star rating.

Enduring Light - 3 stars

Tell Me More - 3 stars

The Hollow of Fear - 4 stars

The Old Man and the Sea - 4 stars

The Clockmaker's Daughter - 4 stars

The Thorn Birds - 3 stars

What I've Been Reading - September 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my quick and personal thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics about each book, click on the book images.

Loving Lieutenant Lancaster - 5 stars

Promises and Primroses - 3 stars

Broken Harbor - 3 stars

The Weaver's Daughter - 3 stars

Intuitive Eating - 3.5 stars

East of Eden - 4 stars

The German Girl - 3.5 stars

Borrowed Light - 3 stars

What I've Been Reading - Summer 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my quick and personal thoughts on what I've been reading this past month (or season). For specifics about each book, click on the provided book images.

How to Hug a Hedgehog - 3 stars

I was hoping for more from this book. It had helpful ideas, but I had heard all of them before.

Why I Don't Hide My Freckles Anymore - 3 stars

I enjoyed this collection of essays.

The 5 Love Languages - 4 stars 

This book had been sitting on my shelf for one too many years. I am so glad I have finally read it. All these years I have assumed my love language was physical touch. I was wrong. It is quality time.

The Bridal Wreath (Kristin Lavransdatter #1) - 3 stars

I was expecting to love this classic book. I didn't. It was just okay.

O Pioneers! - 4.5 stars

I went into this classic book knowing nothing. It was fantastic. I can't wait to read more by Willa Cather.

The Blue Castle - 4.5 stars

I love L. M. Montgomery. This book was very different from her Anne and Emily books, but I loved it.

The Suspect's Daughter (Rogue Hearts #4) - 4 stars

Unmasking the Duke (Rogue Hearts #5) - 4 stars

Courting the Countess (Courting #1) - 4 stars

Courting the Country Miss (Courting #2) - 4 stars

Donna Hatch wins my personal award for best books with the worst covers. She writes clean, romantic, regency-era books. I really enjoy them. I just wish they had different covers.

My Dearest Enemy - 3 stars

This book was simple, but sweet.

My Dearest Love (Hope Springs #0.5) - 5 stars

Sarah M. Eden can do no wrong in my book. I loved this novella.

A Treacherous Curse (Veronica Speedwell #3) - 3 stars

Deanna Raybourn's books are a lot of fun. This one was no different.

Kiss of the Spindle - 3 stars

This book was different, but a lot of fun.

Legendary (Caravel #2) - 3.5 stars

This book was a highly anticipated read for me. It didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the third in the series.

The Widows of Malabar Hill - 3 stars

I learned so much from this book and it was a really good mystery.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - 5 stars

If you are a book lover and you haven't read this book yet, please do. It is wonderful. This was a re-read for me and I think I fell even more in love with it this second time.

Origin - 2 stars

I picked this one up on a whim at the library. I wish I hadn't. I don't believe I will be giving Dan Brown another chance.

Faithful Place (Dublin Murder Squad #3) - 3 stars

I haven't yet decided if I like Tana French or not. Her writing is fantastic, but at times it is a little too gritty for me. The jury is still out. (Language warning!)

I'll Be Your Blue Sky (Love Walked In #3) - 4 stars

I loved this book. It was smart, but simple and sweet.

What I've Been Reading - May 2018

Welcome to What I've Been Reading, where I share my (quick and personal) thoughts on what I've been reading this past month. For specifics (plot summary, etc.) about each book, click on the provided links or book images.

Educated by Tara Westover (4 stars)

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner (3 stars)

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz (2 stars)

In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It by Lauren Graham (4 stars)

Howards End by E.M. Forster (3 stars)

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi S. Kilpack (3 stars)

Dawn at Emberwilde by Sarah E. Ladd (3 stars)

What I Saw And How I Lied by Judy Blunell (3 stars)

I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhon (3.5 stars)

A Conspiracy in Belgravia (The Lady Sherlock Series) by Sherry Thomas (4 stars)

 A Perilous Undertaking (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery) by Deanna Raybourn (3 stars)

The Fairest Beauty (Fairy Tale Romance Series) by Melanie Dickerson (2 stars)