3.5*
Katie has settled in after 2 years. She gets involved in another mystery when as acquaintance walks right in front of a car and is killed. She is also house hunting with Declan, but is having a hard time finding the "right" one. The problem is, she LOVES her house, but it's too small as things are now.
This was a decent entry in the series, but it dragged a bit for me before it picked up about 1/2 way through. The mystery was unique and a good one (hypnotism). Katie and Declan do settle on a house and set a wedding date. The coven members have life changes; some of them.
Katie has settled in after 2 years. She gets involved in another mystery when as acquaintance walks right in front of a car and is killed. She is also house hunting with Declan, but is having a hard time finding the "right" one. The problem is, she LOVES her house, but it's too small as things are now.
This was a decent entry in the series, but it dragged a bit for me before it picked up about 1/2 way through. The mystery was unique and a good one (hypnotism). Katie and Declan do settle on a house and set a wedding date. The coven members have life changes; some of them.
Potions and Pastries by Bailey Cates is the seventh story in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. Katie Lightfoot along with her Aunt Lucy and Uncle Ben own the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, Georgia. They provide baked goods that have a magical boost. Ben, Lucy, Katie, and her fiancé, Declan are out walking along the riverfront and see friend Orla Black telling fortunes. Orla has a message for Katie that she takes as a warning--sacrifice. What will Katie have to sacrifice? The next day Katie sees Orla nearby and wishes to get more information from her. Unfortunately, Orla walks in front of a car and is struck dead before Katie can speak with her. It looks like an accident, but Katie's magical awareness tells her something sinister is afoot. Katie, Declan and the spellbook club work together to find out what happened to Orla. But what happens when Katie gets close to uncovering the truth?
Potions and Pastries is best enjoyed if you have read the other books in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. It can be a little confusing (especially in the beginning) when all the various spellbook club members are introduced. I found this story to be well-written and engaging. I was drawn into the story and I liked the magical elements. Potions and Pastries has great characters that you will enjoy visiting in each new installment in the series. The only downfall for me was the mystery. I identified the guilty party before the Orla was struck by the car. I did appreciate the author use of misdirection to lead readers on a merry chase. Potions and Pastries is a light cozy mystery with magic, humor, family, friends, pets and luscious baked goods. I am giving Potions and Pastries 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading the next novel in A Magical Bakery Mystery series.
Potions and Pastries is best enjoyed if you have read the other books in A Magical Bakery Mystery series. It can be a little confusing (especially in the beginning) when all the various spellbook club members are introduced. I found this story to be well-written and engaging. I was drawn into the story and I liked the magical elements. Potions and Pastries has great characters that you will enjoy visiting in each new installment in the series. The only downfall for me was the mystery. I identified the guilty party before the Orla was struck by the car. I did appreciate the author use of misdirection to lead readers on a merry chase. Potions and Pastries is a light cozy mystery with magic, humor, family, friends, pets and luscious baked goods. I am giving Potions and Pastries 4 out of 5 stars. I look forward to reading the next novel in A Magical Bakery Mystery series.
