Mel knows nothing could be farther from the truth but no one seems to believe her, not even Angie's hunky older brother, Joe DeLaura, an assistant at the DA's office. Only Angie and Tate believe in Mel and the ladies set out to clear Mel's name and find out who the real killer is. This is a cute, fluffy mystery. It is similar in tone to Jenn McKinlay's Hat Shop mysteries but the characters have a little more depth.

The plot was pretty typical of a cozy mystery. I didn't find it super engaging that I HAD to stay up all night. I thought I knew who the murderer was anyway but I was surprised by the direction the story took. I found it hard to believe the police would zero in on Mel and not look at other suspects. I also thought Mel and Angie were kind of stupid to confront suspected murderers. Mel also makes a stupid mistake that almost leads to another murder.

I especially liked the relationship between Mel, Angie and Tate. It was nice to read about friends who are just friends and a guy who isn't gay being friends with a woman. I strongly identify with Mel and what she went through in Junior High. I wish I had had an Angie in my life. I really felt a lot more sympathetic towards Mel because of it. Mel is kind of stupid at times, which is typical for a cozy mystery heroine but I admire her and Angie for having the guts to live their dream. I also love the characters because I love old movies. I really liked Tate. He seems very genuine and kind.

I don't know how intelligent he is to want to marry Christie! The secondary characters are all crazy, except for Joe. Joe is tall, dark, handsome and a very good prosecutor but like Tate, he lacks common sense where women are concerned. I'm not sure I really like him. I found those characters hard to take because they didn't seem realistic. There are four cupcake recipes in the back of the book.


  1. Tales of the Wolf: Enter the Wolf?
  2. Spanish National Cinema (National Cinemas)?
  3. Get A Copy.
  4. Main navigation?
  5. Cupcake Bakery Mystery;
  6. Sophie Katz Mysteries.
  7. A Dangerous Game.

They sound wonderful and I was so happy to see so many different cupcakes. I'd like to read more of the series as a fun diversion in the next few weeks. View all 3 comments. A fun, quick read. I liked the characters and see lots of room for growth. There doesn't seem to be a love triangle which makes me very happy.

The cupcakes sound amazing during the story, I was a bit disappointed not all the ones mentioned had a recipe, but maybe they will show up in future books. I'm looking forward to the sequel. Apr 18, Tari rated it it was amazing. Melanie, Angie and Tate have been best friends for years and now Tate was getting married to fashion designer, Christie Stevens.

The 3 friends co-own Fairy Tale Cupcakes who of course got the order for the reception. Christie was such a bridezilla though that she wanted to own the flavors. When Mel took over the samples, she found Christie dead in her studio and soon became the prime suspect. Of course with half the town thinking she did it as well as the police and the press, Mel was determined Melanie, Angie and Tate have been best friends for years and now Tate was getting married to fashion designer, Christie Stevens.

Of course with half the town thinking she did it as well as the police and the press, Mel was determined to clear her name and Tate's, who somehow got dragged in and depicted as Mel's old boyfriend by the press. Mel's arch nemesis Olivia, who owns a rival bakery in another part of town would probably be thrilled if Fairy Tale Cupcakes went poof! Mel had to get answers fast before she ended up in jail. This was such an awesome group of main characters! I loved the idea of three childhood friends meeting every week and watching old movies like these three did.

Uncle Stan who was a detective seemed like a teddy bear and just the best person to have around. I could really relate to what Mel said about seeing her father's face every time she looked at Stan. I have two uncles left that make me think of my sweet dad every time I see them. I loved how protective of Angie all her brothers were. I never had a big brother so even though to her it was a pain, I thought it was kind of sweet how they looked out for her, well maybe a little extreme at times! She was just plain mean spirited and awful! Am I bad person for wishing she was out of the way or becomes out of the way in a future book?

I sure thought I had the killer picked out but what a cool twist at the end. The take down was exciting and actually kind of funny because I could picture it happening in a movie.

December Cozy Mysteries

Things got wrapped up and the killer was hauled off to jail. The story ending after the killer was dealt with was very sweet but I won't give any of it away. I can't wait to read the next book! Oct 06, Becky rated it really liked it Shelves: This was a great cozy! I love the trio of best friends. Very easy to read. What's not to love. Plan to try next in series to see how things go.

VANITY, VENGEANCE & A WEEKEND IN VEGAS

My first ever experience with cozy mysteries and I must say that I quite enjoyed the ride. Was it the perfect mystery book? Melanie Cooper and Angela DeLaura are the proud owners of a cupcake bakery, Fairy Tale Cupcakes and are quite happy with their business. Their other partner, major investor and best friend Tate is getting married to Christie, who is proving to b My first ever experience with cozy mysteries and I must say that I quite enjoyed the ride. Their other partner, major investor and best friend Tate is getting married to Christie, who is proving to be quite the bridezilla!

She gives them an order of cupcakes for her wedding, wanting specially created flavours that have never been created before. While working on this order and getting her fledgling business to soar to great heights, Mel stumbles upon the Christie — dead by cupcake!

Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series

To make matters worse or rather obvious, Mel finds herself being suspected of murdering her. Now Mel is faced with the task of not only running her business but also of finding the real killer, who is out there loose somewhere! The plot was predictable and so was the killer. It was pretty obvious at the first instance.

Of course Mel and the others have to go about their own way and stumble upon the truth in a truly melodramatic way, which I guess is the style used in these books I am not really sure. So, if the plot was predictable and the mystery nothing great, what is it that made this book a really nice read?

Red Velvet Revenge

I simply loved her! She was completely over the top but it was so beautifully done that you had to love her. The interactions between Mel and her mom were exceedingly funny and made for a good laugh, something I desperately needed. The friendship between Mel, Tate and Angie, although not really gone into very deeply in this book made for a pleasurable reading as well.

Their constant exchange of movie dialogues and the appropriate use of them made it a fun read. Incidentally, the slightly simmering chemistry, which was not full blown but still somewhat anticipatory in nature between Mel and Joe was also nicely done, making the book a romance within a mystery. Yeah okay, I can hear you say that there is no need for a romance within a mystery but do remember this is a cozy mystery, where everything is accepted and even encouraged! All in all, the dialogues in this book were really great in some places while being quite obvious in others.

So, where the book does not score in plot or even the mystery part of it, it sure does by way of its dialogues. All in all, I found it a really breezy and cozy read, one that gave me a lot of pleasure and some laughing moments. Will definitely recommend it to those who want a light read and are not too bothered by a lack of plot; someone who wants to laugh while getting some sweet treats in return; for all of you — this is a good book but hardcore mystery fanatics — do stay away else you might be disappointed.

As for me, I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more of such books and also this series, who knows the series might just tempt me to bake some cupcakes: Apr 27, Jeanne Adamek rated it it was amazing. A lot of fun! Best friends that one could relate to! From the start, I really liked the pacing of the story--it was just right. I also liked the fact that I was able to connect with, or at least engage with the characters and story right away. I've found that, at least for me, reading cozy mysteries can be hard as I sometimes have trouble connecting with the charact Rating: I've found that, at least for me, reading cozy mysteries can be hard as I sometimes have trouble connecting with the characters and story right away.

Not only was I able to engage with the characters, but I was also able to engage with the story, feeling fully engrossed in Mel's cupcake store. Though I had my suspicians about who the killer was, and despite being right, I still found myself fully engaged in all aspects of the mystery. More importantly though, I didn't feel that my knowing who did it took away from my enjoyment. Oh, and a plus to this has got to be the recipes at the end!: I know I'll be trying some of these out this summer.

Overall, Sprinkle with Murder was a very enjoyable mystery and I'll definitely be continuing with the series Nov 17, Helen pagesandpeaches rated it it was ok Shelves: Aug 16, Dawn rated it really liked it Shelves: I did not need another cozy mystery series demanding my attentions when I already have nine of them in varying stages of progress, only one of them current, but here we are. And I am hooked. Amusing and fun, I liked the characters immediately.

The pages turned easily. I figured out whodunnit just before The Big Reveal. Really, my only complaint was the heavy hand with all the similes. Ease up a little on that front, please! I'll be back for book two, no question about that. Jun 05, Danielle rated it liked it Shelves: I waffled between giving this book two or three stars, and I finally settled on three, for story alone. Or maybe we should fudge and say 2. The story is cute and clever. Mel and Angie have just opened a cupcake bakery, Fairy Tale Cupcakes. Their business partner is their longtime best friend, Tate.

The three of them are inseparable, having the kind of friendship only lifelong friends can have. They quote old movie lines at each other and get together regularly for classic movie nights. Other cha I waffled between giving this book two or three stars, and I finally settled on three, for story alone.

Other characters are interesting too. Olivia, a rival baker, is just as campy as she needs to be. Mel sets out to clear her name and finds herself the target of the real killer in the process. So yes, I enjoyed the story. I want to read the next one in the series. But there are some major problems with the writing that kept me cringing, reading awkward sentences aloud to my husband, and marking pages for this review. Here are a few. Mel looked at her and noticed that her large brown eyes looked flat-out scared. They looked at her with the grim inevitability of prison walls.

His gaze met hers, and the blue depths were amused. Do I sound like a broken record? A string of fires set by an arsonist causes concern for the fire department while at the same time Marcy enlists the help of Aunt Polly to get to the bottom of her curse and she end it. Romance, laughter, mayhem and a crazy mystery will have you turning pages with a big smile on your face. Dec 17, Mary Heron rated it it was amazing. Back to Everlasting for more magical shenanigans. This series is great a group of stories stolen by various authors centred around the magical mysterious town of Everlasting, Maine.

A large percentage of the population are supernaturals of one form of another. Witches own the coffee shop, the fishing tours are fun by a Werewolf, a Werelion owns a local restaurant and a supernatural hunter owns the antiques store and the police force is made up of twelve men who were hired for their good looks and Back to Everlasting for more magical shenanigans. Witches own the coffee shop, the fishing tours are fun by a Werewolf, a Werelion owns a local restaurant and a supernatural hunter owns the antiques store and the police force is made up of twelve men who were hired for their good looks and who are known by the months of the year as a condition of their employment was posing in a police calendar, ie, officer March who is also a Centaur.

Those are just a few of the many eccentric characters who make up Everlastings citizens. All the books run along a similar theme, there is a crime or mystery to be solved usually by magical means and over the course of the investigation the hero and heroine find true love.

The books are all written by well established authors so the quality of the writing is first rate, the plots are clear and concise with a mild romantic element, there is also a lot of humour in the books and with such a large population there is room for this series to run and run. I bought the first book by Jan DeLeon as I love her writing and immediately bought the other five currently released and have read them one after the other with no break. That's how much I enjoyed them. Try the sample you may enjoy them too.

Dec 22, Laura rated it it was amazing. This is a great book; this is the sixth book in the Happily Everlasting Series written by Michelle Pillow. This book can be read as a standalone, but once you read it you will defiantly want to go back and catch up with the other book in this series. That is until the new firefighter arrives in the sleepy seaside town o This is a great book; this is the sixth book in the Happily Everlasting Series written by Michelle Pillow.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Cupcakes: The Only Cupcake Compendium You'll Ever Need by Fergal Connolly

Dec 04, Nikki Brooks rated it it was amazing Shelves: Marcie is doomed to romantic failure. Ever since high school she has lurched from one bad relationship to another, always losing herself to whatever her paramours image of an "ideal woman" was. After her last break up she just wants to recover and get back to being But on the way to work she passes a fire engince and caught a quick glimpse of a firefighter.

She couldn't see much of him but it was enough to put her on red alert. No Hot firefighter, adrenaline junkies for her. S Marcie is doomed to romantic failure. She wants peace and quiet!!! Nick is still getting used to this very quirky town. He was transferred to help teach up to date investigation techniques but they handle some weird calls! He can't believe his luck when he meets the lovely Marcie but from her reaction to him, he thinks he may have come on too strong. But as they get to know each other, they quickly realise that Marcie is in danger from a stalker and possibly the same person who cursed her long ago.

As usual Polly is in the thick of things, at least this time she is more help than hindrance! It was very poignant when Marcie realises that she is staying herself this time Dec 05, Myriam rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is another great book in the series. The stories are getting better and better as the everlasting develops and we get to know the existing characters better and new characters get introduced.

Anna, Jackson and Polly, from the same story, are prominently featured here as well. There are some references to the events from the previous books, so the story reads better if book This is another great book in the series. There are some references to the events from the previous books, so the story reads better if book order is observed. The main male character is Nicholas, new firefighter in town. They are great as a couple and their chemistry is off the charts. Obviously, there are obstacles, a curse, and a villain, who remains a secret until the end.


  1. Lone Star 68/lost Gol.
  2. Curses and Cupcakes.
  3. See a Problem??
  4. .
  5. Interventional Cardiology: 1001 Questions: An Interventional Cardiology Board Review!

It was a great story and I cannot wait for more. The book can be read as standalone but the suggested reading order is: Dec 08, Cheri rated it it was amazing. Marcie just broke another engagement. By tomorrow she'd be back to the original her. Today she had tats and a piercing. What would her darn curse bring next? She didn't want another boyfriend who changed her. That was the life in Everlasting. She'd come here to get rid of her curse. So far no luck. Then a man crossed her path.

Hot, firefighter, and a nice normal guy. Well, there was this one thing Nickolas liked her right away. She reacted a little differently, but he'd tak Marcie just broke another engagement. She reacted a little differently, but he'd take a chance. Then the fires started. Instead of dating her, protecting Marcie became his job.

The story has the funny kookie characters we've come to love from the town with all the supernatural people and things. The mystery is hard to solve but with them working together they'll figure it out--won't they? I can't wait for the next book in the series. All the authors have captured the essence of the town and the people. I voluntarily reviewed this advanced reader copy and I have not been compensated in any way. Dec 13, Melissa rated it it was amazing. Sprinkles and Nibbles Marcy is cursed to love the wrong men. Time and time again there is a spark and her life literally changes to whomever she shares an attraction with.

Unfortunately, this is not true love and it will never stay. Her last fiance Donnie ran off with all of her engagement rings and destroyed her apartment. She is relieved and wants to avoid any romantic entanglements. However, in walks the new firefighter Nicholas. There is an instant attraction that she tries to fight and he w Sprinkles and Nibbles Marcy is cursed to love the wrong men. There is an instant attraction that she tries to fight and he wants to pursue.

Will her curse take another victim? Why are there so many fires in Everlasting? Michelle does an amazing job with expanding on the characters in this town we are quickly coming to love. Each person has their own personality and I love seeing them come together. Waiting to see if they find out who cursed Marcy and how that will affect her budding relationship kept me turning the page. I fell in love with Sprinkles and Nibbles and I highly recommend reading this story so you can do the same!

May 06, Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it really liked it. Marcy is doomed to failed relationships. Nineteen to be exact. You scoff at my words, curse, but I assure you in the town of Everlasting, curses are a rare but normal occurrence. Luckily for Marcy the coffee shop is owned by a Witch. However, before she can enlist the witches' aid, Marcy meets the new Fire department hire. The attraction as per usual is immediate but, there is more going on. Someone is a serial arsonist.

Someone who seems to be stalking and harming Marcy and her friends. Can Nicholas, the Witches: Polly, Anne, and other friends save Marcy from her altered fate and also save the town from burning down? This novel has romance, paranormal action and a solution which will have you craving cupcakes! Aug 22, iliana G rated it it was amazing. Nicholas doesn't know what Marcy Lewis is cursed honestly and truly which makes dating very interesting. I so so so so so love this series and i loved this book! Fun and fast paced always in the mysterious everlasting this book is what anyone needs for some relaxing time.

Dec 16, Pam Louis rated it it was amazing. Marcy lewis is a cursed. Has been since high school. She has two cats named Mr Monty and Mr whiffle. She also works at witch's Brew coffee shop and bakery in everlasting Maine. Nicholas Logan has just moved to everlasting as a firefighter. He's not your normal type guy. He see's dead people. OMG I loved it! Poor Marcy her curse is crazy. When she meets Nicholas she thinks the curse has started over again.

I love the characters in this story they were amazing but aunt Polly is the best! So much f Marcy lewis is a cursed. So much fun it never stops. The characters pull you into the story and you never want to leave. While there are some ideas contained in these pages which are theftworthy, a better general guide is Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook, New York: Fortunately, I bought it off the discount table at Sur la Table and invested neither much money nor reading time in it.

Jul 16, Alex rated it it was ok Shelves: I always cut the flour almost in half and mine turn out moist and delicious everytime. View all 3 comments. Apr 28, Rebecca rated it liked it Shelves: A bit of a cheat to call it cupcakes when its more like cupcakes with variations. Still it is a clever concept and great for gathering ideas. The recipes are very basic, nothing fancy or special. May 14, Truly rated it really liked it.

Feb 06, Sabrina rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book is amazing. The amount of butter in everything is also amazing but delicious. But cupcakes are awesome and I'm a girly girl who likes to bake. Aug 27, michelle rated it did not like it Shelves: Nov 30, Asma rated it liked it Shelves: Jun 17, Nicol rated it liked it Shelves: These include savory cupcakes which to me become muffins by definition. Cute book, lots of pictures and some great ideas.

There is definitely a cupcake for everyone in here. Feb 03, Danielle added it Shelves: So far I've made the banana and the peanutbutter cupcakes. Jul 27, Ailani Durham rated it it was amazing. I love the recipies this is my go to recipie book for all the cupcakes I make my goal is to make every cupcake in the book. I hope you do too. May 05, Beth rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Easy to make recipes.


  • .
  • Erotic Couples Short Stories Volume 1.
  • Red Velvet Revenge (Cupcake Bakery Mystery, #4) by Jenn McKinlay?
  • 500 Cupcakes: The Only Cupcake Compendium You'll Ever Need (500 Series Cookbooks)!
  • Sprinkle with Murder.
  • Curses and Cupcakes by Michelle M. Pillow!

    • A geat cupcake place to start! Apr 04, Evan rated it liked it Shelves: A little too "foo-foo" for me May 26, Hannah rated it really liked it. Every recipe I've tried from this book has been absolutely amazing. They're cupcakes with substance, if that makes sense. There are pistachio cupcakes and chai chocolate chip cupcakes, plus a super tasty recipe for applesauce raisin nutty deliciousness. If you can't tell, I'm a pretty big fan. There are plenty of pictures for inspiration, and the recipes are easy to follow.

    It's definitely my favorite cookbook I've ever encountered. You won't run out of ideas for flavoring and stylizing your little cakes. Photography is limited but the images that are included are super cute.