A great book by a fantastic author. The writing is excellent and the mystery keeps you turning the pages. Characters are well developed. Highly recommend.

Another delightful cozy mystery from Daryl Wood Gerber that is filled with suspense and lots of twists and turns along the way. Filled with excellent characters and a well defined plot, this is an amazing book to get lost in.

Jenna Hart is excited about the annual Renaissance Fair held in Crystal Cove, in the Sixth installment of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, Pressing the Issue. As usual, her business, The Cookbook Nook is packed with fair attendees. Unfortunately, one of Jenna’s friends, Nick, owner of a local vineyard has been found murdered, and there are several suspects. Jenna, who with her boyfriend likes to visit the booths, meet the new attendees, and taste the treats that are offered, uses her amateur sleuthing experience, which gets her into a bit of trouble. Jenna’s best friend, Bailey was planning to hold her upcoming wedding at Nick’s vineyard, and it looks like she will have to change her plans. During the festival, the attendees are getting into the history and are using language and acting just like they are living during the renaissance.

Anyone who reads this series is already familiar with the main characters, who are all well-developed and likeable. Gerber always brings in other characters, and does a good job developing them also. This makes the scenarios believable, and adds to the lightness of this culinary mystery. Gerber is a veteran writer, and knows how to tell a story. There are dozens of food references, which most culinary mystery readers will appreciate, and, as always, several recipes at the end of the book. In this book, the recipes are mostly from the renaissance time period which adds to the fun.

Fans of this series will enjoy this quick and easy read. Those who are not familiar with the series can read this as a stand-alone novel, but would probably enjoy reading the first installment through this one.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I was sent a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.

First of all, I am a Daryl Wood Gerber fan, and I anxiously await the day that one of her mystery books becomes a hit series on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries network or some other viable network. This is the second book of hers that I have read, and although I have read none others in her this series, I had no problem jumping in, and it's by far my favorite so far. In fact, I was greatly intrigued with the characters, and I'm now ready to go back to the beginning of this series and read from the beginning so that I can fill in the blanks, so to speak.

I was absolutely charmed with the setting, the characters, and so much more in this particular book. I found delightful surprises regarding some of the backstories of the various characters, and Daryl did an amazing job of leaving just enough clues and red herrings to ensure that the mystery was not too easily "solvable." The dialogue was smart, and everything flowed exactly as it should have.

For a cozy mystery book, this is a highly recommended book and series. I am certain the fact that this is number six in the series has guaranteed fully fleshed-out characters and fascinating solutions. There is no sex nor profanity in the book, so readers are assured to have a completely pleasant experience when savoring this tale!

Daryl Wood Gerber writes several successful mystery series and is consistently good. This is the first Cookbook Nook story that I’ve read, but I easily connected with the characters and would like to read the earlier stories. The main characters, warm and sometimes quirky, are well drawn and endearing.

The coastal California setting of Crystal Cove is vividly conveyed, making its beach and shops a place I’d love to visit. But the real setting, one that literally becomes a major character, is the Renaissance Festival. Food, crafts, theater, costumes, faire speak … the author does a great job of conveying the essence of the fair and enveloping readers in its atmosphere.

Jenna, owner of the bookstore, is an appealing lead character with logic and sensitivity. Rarely do police and amateur investigators get along, but I’d love for the Police Chief to appreciate Jenna’s insight and intuitiveness. The murder victim was a likeable figure, making this story touching. It’s probably not appropriate to enjoy the scene when the protagonist’s life is being threatened, but the final revelation was quite creative and had me smiling.

Pressing the Issue is a clean read, which I greatly appreciated. This is a perfect story for cozy mystery fans and I look forward to more Cookbook Nook mysteries.

I was provided a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The outstanding reviews and ratings made me request this book from Netgalley (thank you for the book in exchange for an honest review). The 6th in a series, this can easily be read as a standalone though I'm sure that having read the others would have given me some good background.

Jenna is a super meddlesome shopkeeper in her home town of Crystal Cove who has a bad habit of absolutely sticking her nose into places in doesn't belong....and it gets her into trouble. Shocking, right? I loved the setting, I adored the cast of characters, and I enjoyed the plot. But I could not stand how out of line Jenna was. It was my sole reason for giving this book 3 stars. She is so incredibly nosy, and asks so many questions that a typical person would not ask; that I was constantly expecting someone to punch her in the face rather than making humorous comments about her interference.

Regardless of that, the story is good, ESPECIALLY the last half. Worth picking up.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2420902780

Another delightful cozy mystery filled with suspense and plenty of twists and turns along the way. An amazing book to get lost in.

This was my first Cookbook Nook Mystery and I don't think it will be my last. The characters were engaging and the story had a nice rhythm to it, plus who doesn't like a book that gives you ideas about other books. Jenna, our head bookworm and intrepid sleuth makes for a great main character complete with fun friends and an adoring boyfriend plus the supportive family member. I do like a good renaissance festival but could have done without quiet so much Regency-speak. I was not able to figure out the why but the who came to me sooner than later. This series could easily educate as well as entertain on a variety of subjects and hopefully one with be wine related as they are in wine country and have already introduced the Baldini Vineyards and Hurricane Vineyards.

Pressing the issue

Princess Fuzzypants here: While my humans know there is no way they would get me into a costume, any costume, if I was inclined, going Renaissance might be fun. To see humans all dressed up in garb of the era of Henry VIII and speaking in weird ways would make any cat laugh. Humans can be so silly.
Still, it is a good setting for a mystery. When the person behind the fair is murdered there are lots of people who might have had a reason to do it. He is a nice guy which seems to be unusual lately in the mysteries I have been reading. Most of the time, the victim is a cad. This time there were people who were upset with him, like his brother and his newly ex-girlfriend, but no one with a serious bone to pick.
There is a mysterious couple who might have had an earlier connection to him but everyone seems to have a rock solid alibi. I confess I twigged early to the real villain but the backstory and the motives were still good fun as it was revealed.
The main characters were good solid cozy types. There was a touch of this and a dab of that. It did step up in the “chase” at the end with a dollop of excitement. All in all, it was enjoyable vacation reading.
I give it four purrs and two paws up.

Fun cozy-style mystery. There is a lot of focus on the Renaissance Fair language throughout most of the book, making some of the characters' dialog a little tougher to follow, which slowed down the flow of the book some for me, but the setting of the fair in the town added an interesting element to the story line. I haven't read any of the earlier books in this series, so I think I missed some of the background of the main characters from the previous books, but not enough to affect the action of this story, though it would be nice to go back and read the earlier books to help me become more familiar with the characters. The recipes sound delicious, and I love how they related to the story line. I definitely want to try out every one of them!

I recently discovered cozy mysteries, so I was very excited to get my hands on this ARC of Pressing the Issue. The story definitely lives up to its title, although, not so much to where it becomes a nuisance . And the recipes on the back of these books are always fun especially since they are used inside the story line. This is actually the first book I've read in this Cookbook Nook series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought I would be lost without having read the first 5 books, but nope, I am now very interested in reading them!

Jenna and Bailey are step sisters, and Bailey is putting the finishing touches on her wedding with her planner, Nick. He is also the king at the Renaissance Fair that is happening around Crystal Cove. Everything happens so suddenly, and Bailey now carries stress above her head especially with her wedding date just around the corner. Will detective Cinnamon be able to solve the mystery behind Nick's death? Jenna is very eager to help out, although it is beyond her control, but she doesn't give up.

This book had me guessing until the end - very well written!

Pressing the Issue is the 6th book in the Cookbook Nook series. I have not read the other 5, but I do plan on it now! This is a very good cozy mystery, written very well. Characters and styles described well, and down to a "T". It happens during the Renaissance Fair, which gives way to so many things, such as costumes to wear. The descriptions were so good I could picture each character and their clothing. The storyline was good too, staying interesting the entire book. I found it a good, fun read with some good recipes as well!

It is the annual renaissance fair in Crystal Cove and the whole town including Jenna's shop is decorated in medieval times. Jenna's friend Bailey is set to be married at the local vineyard. They end up finding the vineyards owner dead. The is no short of suspects so Jenna and Bailey have to try to piece together who wanted the owner dead enough to kill him.
I always enjoy my trip to Crystal Cove. The characters are fun to catch up with and the mystery is always well written and keeps you guessing until the end.
I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.

In Pressing the Issue, book 6 of the Cookbook Nook series, we return to Crystal Cove where a Renaissance Fair is taking place. This is a great series and this one does not disappoint either!
When Nick Baldine, the owner of a local vineyard and the King of the fair, turns up dead with numerous possible subjects, Jenna is determined to find the murderer while keeping her fair activities at her store running smoothly and help her friend, Bailey with her upcoming wedding. The story flows and has a great cast of characters. There are plenty twists and turns in the story and you are kept guessing until the end.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an honest review.

Jenna is loving being back her hometown of Crystal Cove, CA especially during the Renaissance Fair. Her store, Cookbook Nook, is packed with tourists enjoying the yummy treats her resident chef has created and the books are flying off the shelves. Her close friend, Bailey, is getting married in a couple of weeks and wants Jenna to go with her to finalize some details at the venue, a local vineyard. Upon entering the vineyard's stately mansion they discover someone did not think too highly of the owner. He is found dead by a winepress. Can Jenna solve the murder with so many possibilities floating around?

Pressing the Issue is the sixth book in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series but I am very happy I started with this book. I have been reading mixed reviews on the series but I am in love with it already. Jenna is cute, fun and fearless. She likes to see justice served whether by her or the local police chief, Cinnamon. Her cat, Tigger, is fun also. He makes me miss having a cat of my own.

I am not a fan of Renaissance Fairs but this book has definitely piqued my interest. I did not realize there was so much to do at one. I had to look up Renaissance Fairs to see if all were as active as this one and they truly are full of fun things to do. I always just thought you watched reenactments and ate food from that time period.

The recipes in the back of the book are extremely tempting. You can learn how to make rosewater, raspberry cheesecake bites and shepherd's pie among a few other tasty treats. I am thinking of trying a few myself in the next several weeks.

The romance in this book is tasteful and not overbearing of the murder mystery. I hope it continues in that fashion.

I have added this to my growing list of summer TBR series. I am beginning to think it will become my summer/fall TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Beyond the Page through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The first book I've read by Daryl Wood Gerber and the first I've read in this series. I found this book a little hard to get going with and get a roll on reading but I'm not really sure why. The writing was definitely good and and she had likable main and supporting characters and an interesting setting (a Ren Faire) and I was able to follow the story very well, even without having read the preceding books in this series, and even though I wouldn't normally jump in with book 6 of an established series. So that was another definite plus for me. However the second half of the book went like gangbusters for me and I finished that in just a few hours. I had the killer pegged from pretty early on but much of the draw for me is seeing how the author gets us to that point and (hopefully) gives us the clues to solve the mystery ourselves. I always feel vindicated when I'm correct and still feel satisfied even when I am not correct, because that means the author was able to put one over on me, something I consider hard to do with such an avid and life-long mystery reader such as myself.

This was a very enjoyable read and I liked the book very much. I liked it so much that I look forward to discovering both the previous and continuing books in the Cookbook Nook series, as well as reading Mrs. Gerber's other cozy works. I received an ARC of this title via Netgalley but all reviews written by me are done so voluntarily.

Jenna Hart, proprietor of the Cookbook Nook, is excited for two reasons. A Renaissance Festival is being held in town, and her friend Bailey is getting married at one of the local vineyards. When Jenna and Bailey arrive at the vineyard for a pre-wedding meeting, they find the owner bludgeoned to death. Can Jenna find the culprit before the wedding gets cancelled?
I loved this book and wished it would never end. The characters and setting drew me into a wonderfully plotted mystery. I was surprised about the identity of the culprit. I can’t wait to read another mystery by this wonderful author. An advanced reader’s copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

I was waiting for this book to come out ever since the fifth one, Grilling the Subject had been published in August 2016. I’m thrilled that Daryl Wood Gerber found another publisher to continue the series as I really enjoy it. Even though I’d had a long wait between books, this newest installment in the series did not disappoint at all!

It was so good to be back in Crystal Cove with Jenna, Aunt Vera, Bailey, Katie, Rhett, and the rest of the townspeople. It’s one thing I love about reading series – the characters start to feel like they’re old friends that you’re visiting. These are great characters. Daryl Wood Gerber has done a great job creating well-developed and complex characters. They’re fun to come back to book after book.

This plotline had several red herrings. I did wonder about the villain but I wasn’t sure about my wonderings until just before they were revealed in the end. I was sorry the victim had to die. We’d met him in other books and I kinda liked him as a character. But alas, what’s a mystery without a victim of some sort?

This is definitely a series that you want to read from the beginning, starting with Final Sentence, the first book in the series. Each of the mysteries are stand-alone but there’s a lot of back story that will make MUCH more sense if you read the books in order.

I do recommend the series for cozy mystery fans. Come join the fun in Crystal Cove and get to know this great cast of characters!

This was a fun little cozy mystery. I liked the Renaissance fair setting and that the characters often spoke in "fair" language. The characters were fun. I enjoyed going along for the ride as Jenna and her pals work together to solve a murder mystery.

This is book #6 in the Cookbook Nook Mystery series. And while it worked well as a standalone, it was intriguing enough that I would be interested in going back to read the earlier books.

I received this book from Beyond the Page Publishing via Netgalley.

This is my first visit to Crystal Cove and the Renaissance fair in this Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Jenna owns the small bookstore and is happy preparing not only for the fair but her best friend, Bailey's wedding set to take place at the local vineyard. When the girls finds the vineyard owner dead it puts on damper on the wedding plans. There are a lot of suspects and Jenna is strongly discouraged to not investigate by the local police. The required cute cat is present at the book store and the mystery is pretty good. I haven't read the previous 5 books in the series but this one stood alone pretty well. I received a this free ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.