Interests have changed - no longer going to review this book as its bo my cup of tea any longer - sorry

When I first started reading the series, I thought the stories were entertaining, but none of them seemed like anything to really "write home about". But I kept reading the series because I liked the characters. These latest two books though have really been great and I've really enjoyed them.

In this particular book, Katie and her friends are trying to solve the mystery of Orla, Aunt Lucy's friend's death. It seems like a tragic accident, but Katie knows that something just isn't right about it. But delving into this mystery almost makes Katie a victim!

The plot was well-written and well thought out. I wasn't positive about the villain until it was revealed. I knew it was one of about 3-4 people but I just couldn't settle on a particular person before it was revealed. This book definitely kept me on my toes with guessing!

The characters in this series are wonderful. They're well-rounded, complex, developed characters who have their own sense of weirdness and fun. I find it very entertaining to read about them! I recommend this series to any paranormal cozy mystery fan! Make sure you start at the beginning of the series with Brownies and Broomsticks in order to understand all the dynamics between the characters!

I absolutely loved the magical aspect of this book and will likely read some more in the Magical Bakery Mystery series. The use of kitchen herbs, the backyard garden, the moon, and stream make it so appealing.

Katie and her aunt and uncle, are not your normal bakery owners. They are part of a group called the Spellbook Club, which consists of local witches and others with special powers in the Savannah, Georgia area. One night, as they were leaving the bakery, they witness one of their acquaintances, a fortune teller named Orla Black, giving a not-so-good seeming fortune to one of her clients on the Riverwalk. One of the following days, Katie and her aunt, Lucy, see Orla outside their bakery and decide to have a chat with her. But faster than they could all register what was happening, Katie's dog Mungo was yipping, a loud, high pitched whistle was heard, and Katie could smell the perfume of her dead grandmother right before Orla blindly stepped out into the street only to get hit by an oncoming car.

The Spellbook Club isn't convinced that this was merely an accident. Katie, along with Lucy, some of their Spellbook friends, and Katie's fiance Declan (don't mind the leprechaun that may potentially be living inside him) begin to suspect that the rest of Orla's odd, street performing family could be behind Orla's odd behavior before she stepped out into the road. Katie has her suspicions, especially after a near accident herself after a visit with the family. Things only get weirder from there. Someone breaks through her living room window with a Molotov Cocktail, her normally nice next door neighbor comes wielding a butcher knife at her, and the suspected killer is actually trying to save everyone! Was it still a Black family member trying to off Orla Black? Or one of the various other street performers down on the Riverwalk. And why?

I liked that the ending left me relatively surprised. I had in my mind who I thought the suspect was and it turned out to be completely wrong, but that's not a bad thing!

Who'd expect to find a witch in Savannah, GA? Bailey Cates makes such an encounter seem perfectly normal and definitely desirable. Katie Lightfoot and her family and friends add new meaning to the word community. They use compassion and delicious food to care for others. As a librarian I especially appreciate their ability to stock the bakery's library with exactly the right books their customers need when they need them. Cates deftly creates just the right mix of the normal and paranormal in her mysteries to hook readers on this series. Developments in Katie's relationship with Declan and Declan's paranormal abilities add extra spice this time. I live an hour from Savannah, and I'd probably visit daily if I could go to the Honeybee Bakery! Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me access to this delightful mystery!!

Potions and Pastries is the seventh book in the Magical Bakery Series. I enjoy these cozy mysteries. The characters are engaging, and the magic isn’t too intense. In this book Katie works to solve the mysterious death of Orla, a fortune teller who is also a friend. Orla gets killed by a car but Katie feels something is off about the whole thing. Orla seemed to almost be in a trance as she walked out into traffic. The dragonflies (her totem) lead her to believe that she needs to investigate.
She gets involved in the case and believes something suspicious is going on with Orla’s family. The Blacks are a tight knit secretive group and when she goes to visit them something goes horribly wrong and she realizes there is bad magic involved with this family and Orla’s death was not accident.
As usual Katie is aided by the coven and Declan. There is also a nice side story about Declan and Katie looking for a home to settle in together.
I recommend this series for anyone that enjoys a cozy mystery with magic involved but doesn’t want an intense supernatural element.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for my honest review.

This is quickly becoming one of my top favorite cozy mystery series to read. The story just pulls you right in and keeps you invested until the very end. There's nothing better than when a story is able to do that.
The characters are really enjoyable. I love Katie's character. I also really enjoy getting to learn more about the members of the Spell Book Club. The mystery in this book was intriguing and had me stumped - just when I thought I had things figured out, something would change my mind. And of course, I love reading about the magical treats that are served in the bakery and looking over the recipes in the back of the book.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Potions and Pastries by Bailey Cates is a fun cozy mystery full of murder, mayhem, and magic. The three wonderful words that make this fictional world enchanting. The main protagonist is a witch. She has several categories under her belt but it comes down to her simply being just that. She owns a bakery in a small-town. There have been several murders within a short time. The detective at first wants her to stay out of his work, but soon learns that Katie happens to be right about things all the time. Katie is dating a man who is a firefighter. Declan knows what she is. In fact, he has an interesting background, too. Katie is soon caught up in another murder mystery and danger is closer than she thinks. Almost dying gives enough chills, and until the killer is caught, more deadly attempts are made. I found this novel funny, sweet, and dark. A great combination from this writer. Overall, I recommend this tale to all.

I enjoy this series. It's a good cozy mystery with interesting characters and a hint of magic. Katie and Declan are now engaged and the bakery is doing really well. Being a kitchen witch gives her an edge but she has now discovered she's a light witch. When an old friend, Orla is found dead the police think it's an accident but Katie knows through her magic it's murder. Bailey Cates writes a great story and this is book 7 in the Magical Bakery Mystery series. You can pick up any of the books and read without being lost.

The seventh book in this series opens after dinner in downtown Savannah, where Katie and Declan have just been out for a meal with Ben and Lucy to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Honeybee Bakery. Continuing the evening before Lucy and Katie return to the bakery to get their familiars, they walk along the waterfront where various street shows, merchants and entertainers are making the most of the setting and weather. Witnessing an odd conversation and scene at the Fortune Teller’s stall, Katie recognizes Orla, a friend of her Aunt Lucy and a customer. But, Orla is so much more – she has a prediction for Katie and a family that is nothing if not secretive and insular. The very next day, Orla walks in front of a car and is killed, shortly after a conversation with Katie and Lucy. Of course, nothing about Orla’s death feels right, and with a touch of interference from her grandmother’s gardenia scent, her familiar Mungo’s frantic barking and Declans long past (and thought to be banished) Leprechaun ancestor all pointing to murder, Katie’s curiosity is piqued.

Not having read the earlier titles in this series (and a situation I intend to remedy immediately) Cates does manage to introduce the many characters with enough information about their background and history of interactions, including Katie’s draw and need to investigate the deaths that have a connection to magic. It’s been, by her own estimation, a very busy couple of years with plenty of revelations: her understanding of her own hedgewitch heritage, learning about magic and understanding her own task to help the magical in need, finding a fiancé in Declan, and now her search for a new house for the two of them as the carriage house that she has customized and crafted into her home. She’s got plenty going on – and the questions about Orla, the Black family and their unfamiliar customs born of their Irish Traveler history all come into play in this story.

While the mystery grows as the Black family curls in upon itself against outsiders, and the dangers from hypnotic suggestions, fire and her own uncertain thoughts about her future, her choices and her options all unveil themselves, the story is both easy to read and engaging - keeping me intrigued with every page. A quiet community existing in the midst of tourist-rich Savannah – support, friendship and plenty of gossipy history is all there for the asking – and will have you wanting to find your own bakery with more.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-9wk/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

This was a top notch story! This was the first book in the series I have read but it will not be the last.
Vivid and vibrant characters that are interesting and engaging along with a whodunit that keeps you engrossed and guessing!
I heartily recommend this book and look forward to reading more.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Welcome to the Honeybee Bakery where you can get a sweet treat and a little extra in Savannah .  One night after celebrating the anniversary of the shop , Katie her boyfriend and her aunt Lucy and her man . They meet Orla the local fortune teller. After Orla had a horrible accident Katie thinks it is a little more sinister is at work . Will Katie and Declan figure out who hurt Orla before it is too late . 
     This is the seventh book in the series and this is actually the first book I have read . The characters are well written and there are some really good twists and turns that will make you wth . Katie took a little getting use to , sometimes she came of as a little bit pushy to me . Orla is an awesome character she is a fortune teller and a gypsy traveler. We actually learn a lot about gypsy travelers in this book. Which I enjoyed immensely.  Over all the characters all of them were well written and well developed .
    Over all the story was well written and you will get sucked into the story line . There are some great misdirections and red herrings that will keep you guessing all the way through 
 I am going to go back and read the rest of the series . So if you like cozy mysteries this is a good series to read so check it out .

This was a wild ride of mystery that kept me guessing throughout. I like the magical aspect of these novels, and it played a large part in this installment.

I have been a longtime fan of the Magical Bakery Series by Bailey Cates and Potions and Pastries was one of the best in the series. I enjoy the supporting characters as much as main character Katie, and at times more. The Spell Book Club members have come to feel like old friends so for me it was hard to believe that it was only the second anniversary in the book of the bakery's opening. It felt like more connections were made in this book than ever before and the story came together magnetically if not magically. I loved the story line. The mystery and romance that Potions and Pastries was all about. Great read!

Another fun cozy mystery in Bailey Cates' delightful Magical Bakery Series. This time gypsies and hypnotism abound forcing Katie to learn a thing or two about sacrifice. Filled with iconic characters and friendly familiars, Potions and Pastries is as sweet as the pastries Katie and Lucy sell in their bakery.

This is a series that I have enjoyed since book one. Here we are on book 7 and the storyline just keeps getting better and better. Everything from the setting, the characters, the magical element and the delicious bakery items keep evolving and drawing you in for more. In my opinion, Potions and Pastries would be 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 spell book club members are introduced. Plus seeing the growth of the characters gives you an additional layer of understanding that will enrich your reading experience. The characters have habits and personalities that make them endearing and unforgettable. Katie is still coming to terms with her magic. She is fearful at times that it will get out of her control as she did once before. She is cautious but able to overcome her apprehensions at just the right time.

While the mystery is simplified in comparison to others, it is well worth the journey. The red herring s make for an interesting chase interspersed with several doses of humor. All in all, this a great light hearted read that will leave you wanting more.. By the final pages the residents of Savannah’s magical community will have you hooked. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Katie and Declan!

I would like to say a huge thank you to the author, Berkley, and Net Galley for the opportunity to voluntarily read and review an advance readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

The two year anniversary of the opening of the Honeybee Bakery has arrived. After having a celebratory meal everyone decides to take a walk by the waterfront to relax and just enjoy the day. When they come upon Orla, Aunt Lucy's friend, she inadvertently gives Katie a reading that was truly unexpected. Katie is taken aback by what she is told and begins to worry about just what the fortune means for her future. She is supposed to meet Orla the next day so she can finish the reading but Orla is killed in what seems to be an accident. Katie witnessed part of the accident and isn't quite so sure it really was one. With the help of her fiancee and the coven she starts looking into what could have really happened that day. As she investigates things get weird with Orla's family, they had several insurance polices out on Orla, and their way of living has Katie worried that she won't be able to find the answers that she is so desperately looking for. Could one of Orla's family have killed her for the money? Did she give out a fortune that someone couldn't deal with? She was taking up a major spot on the waterfront, could that have gotten her killed? Will Katie be able to answer these questions and more before she ends up just like Orla? Follow along and find out. This is such a fun and original series and I love that everyone in the Coven has a different type of familiar, there are quite a few originals that even I wouldn't have picked for my own. So take a few moments and you will be transported to a wonderful southern town full of fun happenings, and there is always a great mystery to be had.

Potions and Pastries: A Magical Bakery Mystery
By Bailey Cates
Berkley
November 2017

Review by Cynthia Chow

As the two-year anniversary of the Honeybee Bakery’s opening approaches, Katie Lightfoot reflects on just how much has changed. She never regrets being convinced by her Aunt Lucy to leave Akron for Savannah, as it has led to the joy of opening their own bakery, discovering her hedgewitch heritage, and even becoming engaged. As much as she’s embraced her family’s legacy of healing with nature and food, Katie does raise an eyebrow at the predictions of a gypsy fortune-teller warning of impending sacrifices and portentous decisions to come. Orla Black comes from a long line of Irish Travelers, and as much as Katie would like to believe Orla’s just another charlatan, Aunt Lucy respects the woman’s talents. Perhaps Orla should have been looking ahead to her own future – or even just right in front of her – as she inexplicably walks in front of a car and to her death.

Detective Peter Quinn may have finally accepted the existence of things he can’t explain, but he’s unable to declare the death as anything other than a tragic accident. The presence of Katie’s totem dragonflies, as well as the reaction of her Cairn terrier Mungo, indicate a more otherworldly influence. Even more suspicious than the leprechaun spirit inhabiting Katie’s fiancé are the five life insurance policies placed on Orla, each by a different family member. With Orla’s own family of Travelers having the most reasons to want her dead, it’s up to Katie and her spellbook club of fellow witches and familiars to discover if - and how - magic may have had a hand in Orla’s death.

A catalyst for danger and lightwitch whose mission is to bring justice, this explains how Katie has found herself in the midst of her seventh murder. Despite the deaths, a rival druid, and even the aforementioned possession by an ancestor, Katie is finally engaged to firefighter Declan McCarthy. Even those without a hedgewitch background with relate to Katie’s dilemma as they blend households and hunt for the perfect new home, as Katie’ dreads leaving her beloved cottage and bewitching garden. Choices and sacrifices must be made, and yet they will not be the ones Katie expected. An eerie weapon is unleashed, yet it is set into motion by very mundane and human motivations. As the truth spreads about Katie’s talents and investigations, her world opens up to even more exciting and intriguing possibilities.

This was another great addition to the Magical Bakery Mystery series. Katie Lightfoot and the rest of the colorful cast of characters return for another magical adventure. Katie is a great protagonist - she is growing in her magic but she still has her insecurities and fears. Aunt Lucy, one of my favorite side characters, is around more in this one which is great. Overall, this is a great series that has fun, complicated mysteries mixed with magic. Learning about the hedge witchery is also really interesting and feels consistent and solid in this series.