Member Reviews
Oh to be in Crystal Cove at the Ren Fair! The entire town gets into the fun with booths and special faire events. Jenna is busy with her own shop as well as helping Bailey with her wedding which is supposed to take place at Nick's vineyard.
Love is definitely in the air with more than one couple getting shot with Cupid's arrow, but some couples aren't all they appear to be. Could one of them be the killer? There are suspects coming out of the woodwork and everyone is acting oddly, even the cat!
If you haven't tried this author, please do! The recipes are drool worthy and Crystal Cove is worth dropping in on!
February 20th 2018 by Beyond The Page NetGalley Review
It's Renaissance Fair time in Crystal Cove, California. Just about everyone in town is in the spirit and embracing the trip back to medieval times - especially the fair Maid Marian and Robin Hood, also known as Jenna and Rhett! All the squires, serfs, noblemen and noblewomen are having a wonderful time until Nick Baldini, local vintner and the man in charge of the Ren Fair, is found murdered at his home by Jenna and her bestie Bailey when they stop by to discuss Bailey's upcoming nuptials. Cue Jenna's guilt over the fact that ever since she moved back to town murders are happening at an alarming rate, but she quickly gets over that and starts her investigation into who could've committed this dastardly deed! Was it a visitor to the fair? Was it a town resident?? Was it a family member??? Love is in the air, as well, and it looks as if Bailey and Tito aren't the only couple who'll be headed down the aisle soon!
Pressing the Issue is the 6th book in Daryl Wood Gerber's Cookbook Nook series, and I really enjoy the "themes" of this series, and that each book is so different from the last. Nicely written, kept me guessing as to the who and why, and lots of fun recipes and book recommendations included! A+
I've always wanted to go to a Renaissance Faire, and with Pressing the Issue, my wish was granted (at least vicariously). The atmosphere was so realistic, and I think I enjoyed it as much as the characters -- at least until Nick Baldini, vineyard owner and official King of the Faire, is murdered. Everyone liked Nick, so who could have wanted him dead? Jenna Hart is wondering the same thing and just can't stop herself from investigating, although she has her work cut out for her and is not receiving any help from the police, who just want her to stay out of it and keep safe.
Pressing the issue is a wonderful read with lots of clues and a few red herrings that keep the reader guessing. It was so nice to come home to Crystal Cove and revisit the characters we have grown to know and enjoy. Frankly, I could spend all day in Jenna's Cookbook Nook shop that has been filled with Renaissance cookbooks, history books, medieval crafts and other items. I especially like Daryl Wood Gerber's cozy book and cookbook recommendations that pepper the pages, and the recipes at the end of the book are very enticing. Oh, and did I mention the Faire speak? Dilly, Dilly!
I highly recommend this book as it is well written, authentic, and although there is a murder, there is also a lot of fun. I look forward to each visit to Crystal Cove and know you will as well.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really like the author and I like this series but I felt like this mystery was too predictable. I hope the next book surprises me.
Crystal Cove is holding a Renaissance Fair and the entire town is caught up in the festivities. At the same time, Bailey, Jenna Hart's assistant at the Cookbook Nook, is preparing for her wedding to be held at one of the local wineries. When the winery owner (a huge fair advocate) is found murdered, investigations get underway, but was he killed because of the winery or the fair?
The twists and turns that are incorporated into this finely crafted cozy mystery keep the reader searching for answers right up unto the end.
Another great book in a fantastic series. Daryl Wood Gerber is a masterful storyteller. Jenna Hart once again finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation, through no fault of her own. This book has a lot of twists and turns, and kept me engrossed from beginning to end. If you love books, food, and cats, then this is the book, and series, for you. I highly recommend this book!
A mild yet interesting mystery with a few clouded moments, Jenna is a sleuth to her heart she just can’t help it when it comes to knowing what’s going on. This attitude gets her in the out the with the chief of police and even her father, but the girl can’t help it she is just a curious sort just like her cat Tigger.
Getting to the truth as to who killed Nick their friend was a priority for Jenna and her friends, to them the police was moving way too slow. Through her diligence and need to know she was able to figure out the truth before it was too late and a murderer escapes a second time around. The storyline is intriguing and somewhat captivating with great characters, a mild yet engaging cozy mystery.
Lots of interesting research must have been done for this book. I feel as if I have finally attended a Ren Faire. I had considered it a few times and decided it was not for me. The book proved it. I loved the mystery. I would never have gotten into the fair speak or the clothes. I think that is why I never actually attended one. Interesting characters, lots of romance in the air, including wedding plans, and more. Not a fan of tarot cards or readings, which is mainly why I gave the book four stars instead of five. I liked the book, but was not totally engulfed in it.
It was fantastic to be back in Crystal Cove with Jenna and Bailey for the Renaissance Faire. The Cookbook Nook is geared up for the Renaissance Faire with books, crafts and food, and all are in costumes as well.
Bailey is excited preparing for her wedding at Baldini Vineyards.
When a death occurs at Baldini Vineyards, Bailey is upset as her wedding will not take place. Can she find a new venue on short notice?
Jenna has said she will leave the investigation to Cinnamon and the police, but no matter how she tries she just can't stay out of it.
Another wonderful written book by Daryl Wood Gerber.
Thank you NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Daryl Wood Gerber for another fun trip to Crystal Cove.
I missed this series so much! I loved everything about this story. Being immersed into it was like being surrounded by old beloved friends and finally coming home. As always the story and mystery were written beautifully. I love how Jenna stumbles along, her curiosity and needing to help over powers her self preservation. I love how everything came together seamlessly at the end, the mystery and whodunit all made complete sense and you find your self amazed you didn't figure it out sooner. I hope this series continues on, it is one I am truly enamored with.
Huzzah! I tell ye truth, Pressing the Issue is a fantastic book.
The story takes place in Crystal Cove, which is full of tourists for the renaissance faire. Jenna Hart’s Cookbook Nook is in full renaissance mode, from the food to the books and the craft demos as well.
Her best friend Bailey is over the moon, her wedding day is fast approaching and between the fair and the wedding, both women are busy bees.
Unfortunately, a tragic death mars the wedding venue and Bailey is quite upset. Not only is the venue at risk, but the victim was a good friend.
Even though Jenna tries not to investigate she cannot stand by and watch the well laid plans fall apart.
Cozy mystery fans will be delighted with this fantastic book by Daryl Wood Gerber.
I thank thee NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for approving me to read this book.
I bid thee farewell
I love this series of books! The mystery is always written so well amongst an amazing cast of characters. Cinnamon and her mom made me shake my head and laugh throughout. Jenna and her crew work their way through another murder with the twists and turns to keep the reader very interested. I hope the author continues developing these characters as she stays true to their personalities and quirks. Loved it.
Big fan of this series and it's wide ranging subjects, this time a renaissance fair. A super fun, well written and entertaining read with interesting characters. A wonderful addition to the series, what will Jenna and Bailey get into next? Looking forward to more.