Laney Eskridge worked to put her husband through dental school. Then he left with another woman. She’s on edge from the emotional scars and her parents’ deaths. Then she hears unexplained noises in her new tea house, and her anxiety is tripled. Add a budding romance with Eric—a guy with a fear of commitment—and it’s all too much to handle. She cuts ties with Eric and plunges into making her … business pay off.
When Eric discovers that Laney’s in danger, he vows to protect her. But can he make a lasting promise? Will she trust him? . . .and when they overhear a threat that could cause national turmoil, will anyone believe them? There’s more brewing than herbal tea in Cooking up a Mystery.
Includes over two dozen recipes
more
Author Gail Pallotta has served up another delicious, page-turning mystery filled with suspense. Cooking up a Mystery features a recently divorced chef, Laney who—thanks to her philandering ex-husband—has trust issues. So, when she delivers food to an injured, handsome college professor, Eric who shows an interest in her, she shies away—even though she is attracted.
She tries to convince herself that she can’t be bothered with exploring these new feelings for the professor or any relationships because she has a new tearoom and catering business, and some strange happenings are going on in her restaurant at night.
Those noises Laney thinks are partly her overactive imagination turn out to be more. Much more. And Eric wants to help her solve the mystery!
Laney and Eric’s humorous and touching story will leave Christian romantic mystery lovers feeling satisfied.
Oh, and the recipes included in the back of the book? Delicious!
What I think you should know:
Cooling Up A Mystery by Gail Pollotta is a contemporary Cozy Mystery. It is set in a small town in Western North Carolina.
What you might need to know:
Laney struggles to understand her worth and value. She has allowed the hurts caused by her ex husband to define who she is and she looks down upon herself and her intelligence.
What I think in this book:
Pollotta has written an engaging story with a mystery that takes time to unfold. Laney and Eric are both trapped by hurts of their past, while I normally prefer the heroine to be stronger, I appreciate how Laney grows throughout the story. Eric was charmingly bumbling at the start of the story, but as he gained confidence in himself. I adored many of the side characters of the story including George, Greta and the Busy Bee Seniors. I enjoyed this story and would like to read more about the town and its eccentric residents.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own
I always enjoy a good mystery, and when it involves incredible sounding food, that just adds the “icing on the cake” if you will. At the very beginning of the book, when Laney hears noises coming from her kitchen, it reminded me of when I a girl. My parents went out for the night and left my sister and me home alone. We heard noises coming from outside the house and it made us nervous. So I could appreciate what Laney experienced.
Add in heartbreak and the effects of an ex-husband along with the deaths of her parents, and the tensions just rise in this book. This book captured my attention and would not let me put it down. I continue reading to find how things would turn out. Adding someone like Eric to the recipe of this book brought even more to this story. So if you want to find out how this recipe for mystery turns out, check it out for yourself. I
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
“He’d wrapped her in shame and disgust and tied it as tight around her as if he’d bound her to a chair. No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t untie the knots.” Laney Eskridge, the protagonist in Gail Pallotta’s Cooking Up a Mystery, is hurting from the mistreatment in her first marriage and has no time for romance as she starts her dream restaurant. When she meets recuperating college professor Eric, will she rebuff his offers of friendship and possibly more because of her past?
The novel starts off a little slowly for my liking. The action picks up about mid-book with more mystery in the restaurant itself, some of it revolving around an unseemly simple painting.
Eric sounds like a winner, yet he can’t figure out why he scares Laney off sometimes. I read this thinking, “Slow down, pal, she’s giving off signals that say not to move too fast!!” So his puzzlement eludes me.
I love a good secondary character, and George is a wonderful one! He isn’t part of the romance, but he does want to help the romance along. He will do anything within his power to help Laney and gives extra of his time and thought to help her. He is just sweet and loveable. Nominated for a best secondary character.
I like that Laney spends a good deal of her time actually at her restaurant, and we see her interactions there. I always think that it is important the main character truly works the job she supposedly holds. Kudos to Pallotta here.
Overall a great read.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. I am voluntarily leaving my thoughts, which are solely my own.
This book is light, fun reading. The characters are easy to like and the mystery has just enough suspense to hold your interest without being scary. This is not a “murder mystery”, but rather one of seeking to discover who is trying to destroy Laney Eskridge’s tea room business. She also finds herself falling for Eric, one of her customers. The romance in this book is sweet and clean, and I liked Eric and Laney as a couple. There’s some good secondary characters in this book that contribute fun, faith, and a touch of humor to the story.
My only drawback to this book is that I think the mystery part of the storyline got off to somewhat of a slow start—I kept waiting for the “big event” to happen. However, I also realize that the author was establishing her characters’ backstories during that time, and she did a nice job of that. The mystery developed into an interesting one and the plot was surprising. I enjoyed reading this book and I think devoted readers of the cozy mystery genre will enjoy it, too. I’d like to read another book that featured these same characters. And I have to mention this—there are several delicious-looking recipes included at the end of the book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This was a well-written book that kept me interested the whole there. There were several little plots and subplots that kept me reading the whole time which was nice. It also helped to keep the book moving and keep the reader engaged.
I loved the business that Laney owns. Who wouldn’t love to go visit? I know I would. I love small shops and people supporting themselves and others.
The book does contain recipes. And this is a very good thing. Because when you’re reading this book you’re going to want to be snacking as they talk about all the delectable creations. Definitely try the recipes but also keep maybe a lower calorie snack nearby like veggies. It won’t satisfy those sweet cravings but it’ll help with the munchies you’re going to get!
This was a great book. The author sets the foundation in the beginning and though other books this might make it slow and unmoving it actually doesn’t with this book. It keeps moving. It was not as fast paced as other books but still moved at a good pace and was one I enjoyed reading.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I like how the author lays a foundation in the first part of the book. It allows readers to get familiar with each character. The author doesn’t rush the story and let’s us savor each detail. Yes I was hungry the whole time I read the book. I could smell the delicate pastries and the hearty meals that was prepared by our star character, Laney. She is determined to make her place a success even it takes her away from everything else. I think maybe she is hiding behind her success because she has some emotional baggage to deal with.
Eric is perfect for Laney even though she fights her feelings for him. I liked how they met and thought it was a unique way to start a friendship. Eric is definitely intrigued by Laney and doesn’t give up easily. I liked Eric’s integrity and caring way he has about him. There is a faith element scattered throughout the story that is just the right amount without feeling preachy.
The mystery really picks up in the second half of the book when Laney continues to hear banging noises in the kitchen when no one is in there. I would not be able to stay there alone like she does at night. I’m glad others started to hear the same noises because I was beginning to wonder if she was imagining things.
The author does a great job of leaving hints like little crumbs as Eric and Laney start to investigate the building. I couldn’t wait to find out where the story would go. It has all the elements of a cozy mystery with enticing food, relatable characters and a little lesson on forgiveness and trust. It is a great recipe for an entertaining read filled with surprises and a great ending. I really enjoyed this story and the wonderful recipes included at the end of the book. It’s like getting a cozy mystery and mini cookbook packed together to fill you with joy.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Gail Pallota pens a cozy mystery featuring a divorced woman entrepreneur struggling to establish her business, a bachelor college professor recovering from a broken leg, an ugly painting, and an overheard conversation threatening others.
In Cooking Up A Mystery, Laney Eskridge’s mother died just before they could open a catering business and restaurant together. Laney has the cooking skills to run it, but she is less confident with the business side.
Her first catering client is Eric Crider, who orders meals for a month while he recuperates at home. He develops an interest in her and her small business. Eric helps her investigate the mysterious noises heard in the restaurant late at night. Is there a ghost, an intruder, or something more sinister going on?
Pallotta provides realistic characters, an imaginative plot, and deliciously described food, but the book could do with more narrative details especially in the early chapters. Things start out slowly and improve midway through the book. Cooking Up A Mystery has interesting secondary characters in Laney’s assistant George, Greta, and the Busy Bee Seniors. Recipes included in the back, are named after the book’s various characters.
The relationship between Laney and Eric is a clean one. Laney is not in any hurry to jump into a relationship. She struggles with her self-worth as a result of her husband’s unfaithfulness. Meanwhile Eric is unsure if he can commit to a lifelong relationship. Eventually they realize they make a good team. Together with George, they unravel the mystery behind the sounds they heard and the painting given to the restaurant.
Recommended for cosy mystery fans. It is not as intense as romantic suspense but it is an entertaining read.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are my honest opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write reviews, nor to even post positive reviews.
Cooking Up a Mystery is another entertaining book by Gail Pallotta. This delightful story has a lot of what I enjoy reading in a book. There was light suspense and mystery, with sweet romance. The plot is somewhat easily predictable but still oh so good to read. It was fun meeting Laney and Eric. The book is not a long one and it took me no time to have it read in one sitting.
I am going to give Cooking Up a Mystery four stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading a clean and quick cozy mystery. I am interested in reading more like this by Gail Pallotta in the future. This one is that should not be missed and worth a read.
I received a digital copy of Cooking Up a Mystery from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Laney longs for her tea shop to be successful, but she’s still grieving her mother’s death and her former husband’s faithlessness. Full of doubt and worry, she hears noises at night and wonders is she’s losing her mind. But then her assistant hears the noises, too, and thinks it’s a ghost. The story moves along in a gentle manner as Laney’s customer base grows. There’s the beginning of a romance, as well. Eric has a broken foot and signs up for Laney’s Delectable Delights–but he wants Laney to deliver everyday, not her assistant. While Laney and Eric grow fond of each other, they both doubt their ability to commit to a lasting love. Then Eric proves to very helpful in discovering the mystery of the kitchen noises. All in all, this was quite a treat, especially with the recipes at the end of the book.
Laney Eskridge is a successful, up-and-coming young entrepreneur who runs her own restaurant Laney’s Delectable Delights. Customers can eat in the dining room to enjoy a delicious meal and a scrumptious dessert. Or Laney’s wonderful food is available for delivery.
That’s how she meets the handsome Eric Crider who’s stuck at home with a broken foot. He orders food service from Laney’s and becomes so enthralled with the lovely woman who delivers his meal, he orders them for a whole month.
Laney needs to prove to herself she can be a success in her business, especially since Brian, her ex-husband, allowed her to put him through school then left. But when she begins to hear strange noises like the banging of pots and pans from the kitchen, she believes she could be losing her mind.
After Eric hears the sounds, too, he joins her along with George, Laney’s assistant, to discover what’s going on and why someone would pay late-night visits to Laney’s Delectable Delights.
To further delight the reader, over two dozen recipes Laney cooks up in her kitchen are available for the reader. I especially enjoyed the uplifting devotional at the end.
A wounded but determined chef and a commitment-phobic university professor fight their attraction. When they decide to take on an overheard terrorist plot, they must decide what’s more important—their personal hangups or the fate of the nation.
Laney finally landed on both feet and set off running. She’s got a great business, an assistant whose loyal and trustworthy, and a burgeoning catering clientele. She’s done the marriage thing and it didn’t work for her. That’s okay. Laney’s got enough on her plate and counting on only herself is a refreshing change, even though the weird noises coming from the other side of the wall creep her out. Then she meets Eric and his avant-garde taste in art.
Bachelor Eric’s broken-footed helplessness tugs at Laney’s heartstrings. He only needs dinner for a few weeks, thank you. Or does he? Na… Maybe… Could he? Could they? Every relationship has a few hiccups, and when these two souls accidentally overhear some truly frightening threats, they realize life is bigger than their issues. Besides, they make a pretty good team investigating things that go bump in the night. What happens after they save the world…well, you’ll just have to read the book.
Told from both sides of the oven, Laney and Eric’s humorous and poignant story of modern-day romance among the faith-filled set will leave Christian romantic mystery lovers smiling.