Richard M. (algernon99) -
Helpful Score: 3
This book threw me for a figurative loop. I loved the first book in the series, which had an innocent charm with a mild and slightly mysterious element of enchantment.
This one leaves that atmosphere and feeling behind. I found myself involved in a serious fantasy novel about a power struggle between rival factions of magical people.
There's still the unresolved possibility of romance between Ella Mae and the hunky fireman. She still has her pie shop and cute little dog. The elements that I loved from the first book are still there, but they're now background to the more serious and scary business of a magical feud that includes murder and a curious sort of evil magical creature.
Had I known what was coming, I probably would not have read this. As it is, once I had adjusted my expectations seriously downward from the joy of the first book, it was OK. But only OK.
On the other hand, if I were a fan of such books, I probably would have loved the book.
This one leaves that atmosphere and feeling behind. I found myself involved in a serious fantasy novel about a power struggle between rival factions of magical people.
There's still the unresolved possibility of romance between Ella Mae and the hunky fireman. She still has her pie shop and cute little dog. The elements that I loved from the first book are still there, but they're now background to the more serious and scary business of a magical feud that includes murder and a curious sort of evil magical creature.
Had I known what was coming, I probably would not have read this. As it is, once I had adjusted my expectations seriously downward from the joy of the first book, it was OK. But only OK.
On the other hand, if I were a fan of such books, I probably would have loved the book.
Lori C. (dollycas) reviewed Peach Pies and Alibis (Charmed Pie Shoppe, Bk 2) on + 704 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ella Mae has a lot on her plate with running her very successful Charmed Pie Shoppe but has decided to add a little catering to the mix. Her first job is a dessert buffet at a wedding. Things are going well until right after the couple ride away on horseback the brides stepmother is rushed to the hospital where she slips into a coma. This on the tails of a prominent member of the community has died. Ella Mae is afraid these two things may be related.
Ella Mae is also trying to understand her enchanted gift and wants to know the origin of her magical powers. She also needs to know if the attraction she feels for Hugh is true. She needs to get her divorce finalized and then see if she can have a future with the guy she has loved since middle school.
Dollycass Thoughts
Peach Pies and Alibis is a very unique story that will have you enthralled from the first page to the last.
In her search to understand her powers Ella Maes journey takes the reader on a magical ride. From her mothers beautiful gardens to a very special place for those that are charmed. I felt like I was on Ella Maes shoulder with a birds eye view watching the entire story take place. Ellery Adams has the gift to suspend time as her readers almost descend right into the book for an amazing trip that takes us beyond Havenwood. I was most definitely captivating by her words. The way she weaves this mystery with the mystery of finding the killer is flawless.
The characters are wonderful including the lovable Jack Russell terrier, Charleston Chew (Chewy). Ellas aunts and mother, each with their distinct charms, are extraordinary characters. Loralyn and her family are the Havenwood residents that must be endured by Ella Mae and her family but they add the strife every good cozy needs. Hugh Dylan brings the romantic tension and sparks actually fly. Mr. & Mrs. Caswell even make a cameo appearance. The Shepards pie was delicious!
This story get my highest recommendation! If I could I would award it much more than 5 starfish!! I know this is going to be on my 2013 favorites list!!
Ella Mae is also trying to understand her enchanted gift and wants to know the origin of her magical powers. She also needs to know if the attraction she feels for Hugh is true. She needs to get her divorce finalized and then see if she can have a future with the guy she has loved since middle school.
Dollycass Thoughts
Peach Pies and Alibis is a very unique story that will have you enthralled from the first page to the last.
In her search to understand her powers Ella Maes journey takes the reader on a magical ride. From her mothers beautiful gardens to a very special place for those that are charmed. I felt like I was on Ella Maes shoulder with a birds eye view watching the entire story take place. Ellery Adams has the gift to suspend time as her readers almost descend right into the book for an amazing trip that takes us beyond Havenwood. I was most definitely captivating by her words. The way she weaves this mystery with the mystery of finding the killer is flawless.
The characters are wonderful including the lovable Jack Russell terrier, Charleston Chew (Chewy). Ellas aunts and mother, each with their distinct charms, are extraordinary characters. Loralyn and her family are the Havenwood residents that must be endured by Ella Mae and her family but they add the strife every good cozy needs. Hugh Dylan brings the romantic tension and sparks actually fly. Mr. & Mrs. Caswell even make a cameo appearance. The Shepards pie was delicious!
This story get my highest recommendation! If I could I would award it much more than 5 starfish!! I know this is going to be on my 2013 favorites list!!
Heather F. (AZmom875) -
Helpful Score: 1
This book took a serious turn from its charmed pie shoppe cozy mystery in book one.
Ella Mae begins to learn about why she can infuse her emotions into the pies that she creates and change the people who eat them. Instead of the explanation making me enjoy this book more, I just wanted to quit.
I really hated the direction this series was going. It was a full fledged fantasy adventure, and less about the pie shop. I dont despise fantasy and love some magic in my books, but this book doesnt do a good job of being a cozy or fantasy book.
Hint her last name is LaFaye, where do you think this book is going? I bet you wont like where it is going either.
Ella Mae begins to learn about why she can infuse her emotions into the pies that she creates and change the people who eat them. Instead of the explanation making me enjoy this book more, I just wanted to quit.
I really hated the direction this series was going. It was a full fledged fantasy adventure, and less about the pie shop. I dont despise fantasy and love some magic in my books, but this book doesnt do a good job of being a cozy or fantasy book.
Hint her last name is LaFaye, where do you think this book is going? I bet you wont like where it is going either.
Cheryl C. (moondance120) reviewed Peach Pies and Alibis (Charmed Pie Shoppe, Bk 2) on + 422 more book reviews
Ella Mae is coming to term with her family's powers and her own evolving skills. The Charmed Pie Shoppe is doing well enough to consider catering. Unexplained deaths of women that are intertwined with the LeFaye family causes stress and ends with sacrifice. Interesting use of Arthurian legends. 3.75 stars
Nancy C. (Nuffy) reviewed Peach Pies and Alibis (Charmed Pie Shoppe, Bk 2) on + 121 more book reviews
Have read the first two books the series, BUT not sure I want an entire series of "magical powers',"Shadow Children" and "Lady of the Ash Tree" The first two were entertaining but I'd rather a less magical and more typical mystery series.
