Matchmaking, baking and ghosts… a recipe for disaster or a spell for success?
I’ve never been wrong with cookies or love, and it’s made my bakery popular in my small town. Rumors claim my matchmaking skills come from a dash of magic in my treats, but I can ignore the gossip about me being a witch.
But ghosts only I can see suddenly needing my help? That was never a part of my business plan, and … never a part of my business plan, and solving their problems might be more than I can handle.
If I can’t figure out the mystery of why they’re coming between the couples I’ve connected, then not only will my matches not get their happily ever afters but failing could conjure the end of my livelihood too. I can’t let the cookie crumble on my career.
Ghosts, it’s time to meet your baker.
Cookies and Curses is the first novel in the witchy Mixing Up Magic series, set in the fictional cozy town of Heartwood Hollow, Maine. It’s a delicious read with tasty treats, quirky characters, one sassy calico cat, and a smorgasbord of supernatural secrets to uncover.
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Oh my gosh, so much fun, getting to know n hanging out with Joanie, Ashley, Rich, Ken, all the bakers, (can’t wait to hear more about Sam), Kate, Daniel, Matt, Nathan, even Ivy, who we wonder if Saffron will ever like. I’m on to read the next book in the series and see what happens to who next.
This story has quirky, nosy townsfolk, ghosts, a little bit of witchcraft, more sweet treats than you can shake a stick at, and a couple of family mysteries spanning generations. Oh, and a love interest for Joanie herself, and a mountain of complications with him. Can Joanie navigate all of those to discover why her most recent love match aren’t getting along, or will the truths she uncovers be too much for her to handle? This book is something of a departure from what I usually expect to find in a cozy mystery. There are no dead bodies or murderers in here. It’s even a step to the side from what I normally find in paranormal stories that involve pets. The animals are perfectly ordinary, if filled with attitude. None of them talk (so far) and they’re not exhibiting extraordinary intelligence. I liked it for these very differences. I’m charmed by these characters and look forward to reading more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Fun!
I immediately liked the lighthearted tone. This story felt like a hug and I needed that.
Joanie denies she is a witch, but she clearly has special powers. If I were a witch, I wouldn’t be denying it, I would embrace it; haha, if only! This story is actually mostly a story of a young woman with ghost-seeing and witchy powers, learning to accept her witchiness, meeting someone and matching others, with a light mystery element concerning a ghost and a hairbrush that moves on its own – haunted? So, not a murder mystery, but a who-is-haunting mystery.
I did feel the pace was ever so slightly slow at places. But that didn’t take away from the enjoyability of this delightful book. Because I loved it. It was fun, it was entertaining. Definitely 5 stars.
What a fantastic read! We set off for the town of Heartwood Hollow in Maine and meet Joanie our matchmaker party and baker and straight off the bat I absolutely loved her. The storyline hooked me from the start and is full of magic, witchcraft, ghosts and mystery and I just couldn’t put it down. It’s a great read and I look forward to visiting again!
Cookies and Curses is the first book in this new series set in Maine. I really enjoyed Joanie and her skills in baking and matchmaking. I also enjoyed the intro to this small town and Josie’s staff, the couples set has matched and the one she is working on. Ghostly interference is causing some issues, however. I was intrigued from the beginning. I enjoyed the journey to the happy ending. I did have to take a break from reading to fix something sweet. I will be sure to have snacks on hand for reading the next book!
Joanie Suneval doesn’t think she’s a witch but things have a way of happening when she’s involved. She has a knack for matchmaking and her baked goods have a bit of magic to them. She also sees ghosts. She’s trying to get her latest match together but it seems there are two ghosts who may be preventing the couple from a happy life together. Can Joanie figure out what the ghosts want so the couple can move on with their own lives? In addition, there’s a new man in town and he is interested in Joanie. Joanie breaks her no dating streak to go out with this single father but will he back off when he learns the truth about her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It hooked me from the beginning and kept me entranced until the end. Only a severe need for sleep kept me from reading it in one sitting. The characters are well-rounded and it’s great getting to know everyone and see the relationships. I highly recommend this book and am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series.