I love cozy mysteries. I started reading them in 1995 when Diane Mott Davidson started publishing her Goldy Schultz series. This reminds me of that series. No overt violence or sex or swearing. Set in a bakery, this is a promising start to what seems to be a solid debut.

This is the debut of a delightful new series, the Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series. This is a new winning cozy mystery and a perfect mystery read.
This is a wonderful book that was well crafted and fun to read. It was engaging from the beginning. I love the authors fine characters , the wonderful candy shop and the sleuth was perfect. The great descriptions of the town and the witty repartee between the townspeople are fun to read.
In this debut our protagonist is Bailey King who returns home to Amish country to help her Grandfather who is ill. Her grandparents run the local candy shop and Bailey is a professional chocolate chef in New York. She is soon to be be chosen for a career changing elite position by her boss and needs to return to New York as soon as possible.
When a murder occurs in the shop the victim is discovered to be a unpleasant developer who previously had words with her Grandfather over buying the shop. Soon the suspicion falls on the family and Bailey jumps in as a sleuth when the local police are missing clues and not following up. She wants to clear her Grandparents good name and help them recharge their once popular business.
Bailey is a protagonist everyone can relate to. She has a strong sense of family, loyalty and work ethic. She is wonderful at finding clues and soon finds herself in danger. Her first priority is her Grandparents , their health and finding the killer to clear her families name.
The descriptions of the sweets are simply divine and the characters all add enjoyment to the book with quirky personalities and fun repartee. The wonderful addition of Amish Country make this a unique and fun cozy mystery to read. The characters of English speaking neighbors versus the Amish had a fun aspect . The small village sounds heavenly with the rich descriptions of the shops and landscape. The candy shop described so eloquently you will dream about the chocolates.
I look forward to the next in series with great anticipation.
I thank the publisher and author for the ARC which did not influence my review.

Amanda Flower has been my favorite cozy author for quite sometime.  I know when I read her books, I’m going  to get an endearing protagonist, a few oddballs, an animal or two that I’m going to love and a murder.  She didn’t disappoint.
I loved the small town feel of Harvest, Ohio and could easily imagine the characters strolling around town and going in and out of the shops.  I could even imagine Jethro, the polka-dotted pot belly pig in church.  I adored him, although I was a bit nervous when he got too close to the chocolate covered truffles.
The author injects so much humor in her writing which I love.  The mystery in Assaulted Caramel is perfect and hard as I tried, I couldn’t figure out who  killed the developer.  I was shocked to find out who the culprit is..
While I was reading this book, I  laughed, cried, consumed huge amounts of chocolate and wondered if Jethro will make an appearance in the next book in the series.  I really hope he does.
If you’re looking for a fast paced and well written book, this is one I recommend.
I received a copy from the publisher and have given my honest opinion.

Bailey is called home from her fancy Chocolatier job in NYC when her grandfather's heart condition seems to be getting worse. Her grandfather's health is touch and go but the discovery of an enemy in his candy kitchen doesn't help matters. Bailey needs to be there to support her grandparents' candy business and clear her grandfather from suspicion.

This cozy was so delicious, great start for a new series - chocolates galore as well as a look into the Amish world and work ethic. Looking forward to a new one hopefully soon.

This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

A delightful cozy mystery. I don't usually seek out Amish stories, but do find them interesting. A challenging mystery to solve. I am happy to see there will be another book. I look forward to reading it.

Assaulted Caramel is the first Amish Candy Shop Mystery. Bailey King, a chocolatier from NYC, goes home to rural Ohio when she discovers her grandfather's health issues. Already points in her favor as she is on the brink of a huge promotion when she leaves. The town of Harvest, Ohio, has a big Amish population (her grandparents included) and is rather quaint. During Bailey's first night in town, a man whom she had seen arguing with her grandfather upon her arrival is killed in the family chocolate store's kitchen. The cast of characters is interesting: the handsome sheriff's deputy, the Amish girl with a hidden cat named Nutmeg, and of course, Jethro the pet pig. The mystery was good - lots of potential killers as the dead man was rather unsavory. Overall, an enjoyable read.

This book has all the trappings of a good cozy - small town, possible romance, animals, food/recipes, and of course, murder! This was an enjoyable first book in the new series by Amanda Flower.

Bailey King must leave New York to visit her ailing grandfather in the Amish community of Harvest; when she arrives she sees her "Daadi" speaking to a man, who we come to learn is a very unlikable character, in and out of the Amish community. When Bailey becomes the prime suspect in his murder, she, along with her best friend, Cass, decides to find out the truth, no matter what.

There is the possible beginning of a romance (as there is is most cozies) with a very cute detective; hopefully we will see more of him in the books to come.

The ending was certainly a surprise to me and I was absolutely SHOCKED at who the murderer was. I can't wait to read the next installment of this series and see what Bailey is up to next.

I really enjoyed this book! I have read other mysteries by this author and I certainly felt like this one was done just as well. I was kept guessing at what was happening and who was responsible which is what I want in my mystery. The writing was excellent. If you have read any other books by this author, you will love this one just as much.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

What a wonderful beginning to a brand new series. Bailey, an assistant chocolatier, is waiting to hear about a promotion she is up for when she is called away to Amish country. Her grandfather's heart condition has gotten worse and she wants to be there for him and her grandmother. Bailey's first night there has her tripping over the body of a local developer and her grandfather becomes a suspect. Bailey can't leave her family alone to deal with this mess thrust upon them and decides she must figure out who the real culprit is. I was immediately pulled in and fell in love with the wonderful characters set before me. I laughed, got mad, and even cried as I read, Flowers really knows how to tug at the heart strings. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

A very different type of Amish story, one where a young woman finds her roots in her Grandparents, but she was not raised in the Amish Community.
Bailey returns to help her Grandparents in their Amish Candy Shop, when her Grandfather has health problems, not at a good point in her life, she is up for one fantastic promotion, but family comes first.
When a murder happens in the back of the store, all of the characters are called into question, and we are left guessing almost to the end. I love when I can’t guess the “who done it” right away, and this one did not disappoint.
I loved the relationship she has with her family, but you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, and page turning to the end.
I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Assaulted Caramel is a fascinating cozy. Amanda Flower not only provides readers with a solidly plotted murder mystery, she also opens the world of the Amish up to an audience whose familiarity with the culture is likely minimal.  Amish country makes for an intriguing setting and the tensions between the plain folk and the Englisch add an additional layer of complexity.

Bailey King isn't Amish, but her grandparents are, so when her grandmother phones to say her grandfather is ill Bailey knows it's serious.  Serious enough for her to leave New York even though a promotion is in the balance.  She arrives is Ohio in time to see her grandfather collapse after a confrontation with an Englisch developer.  When the same man is found murdered in their candy store’s kitchen, suspicion falls on Bailey and her family.  Aiden, one of the deputies, seems to be the only one who isn’t determined to make Bailey or her family take the fall.  

Bailey is a reluctant investigator, but it’s clear that most of the police are prejudiced against the plain folk.  Between her grandfather’s illness and her need to return to New York, Bailey is under a lot of pressure.  The mystery is pretty straightforward, but the charming characters and the intriguing culture add a lot to this debut.  Assaulted Caramel is definitely a cozy worth reading.

4 / 5

I received a copy of Assaulted Caramel from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

--Crittermom

Amanda Flower is one of my current favorite cozy authors. Her writing style has a way of drawing you in and you are hooked before you know it. I first fell in love with her books when I received the first two Magical Bookshop Mysteries last Christmas. After devouring them both by New Years, I was on a hunt to find other books by this author.

If you are new to Amanda Flower, Assaulted Caramel is a great place to start. It is the first book in the new Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series. It follows Bailey King as she makes a visit to her grandparent’s home in Harvest Village in Holmes County, Ohio. Her grandparents are the owners of a local candy shop, as well as pillars in their Amish community.

I really enjoyed this one. Here are my top reasons to check out this book.

Location

I have never read a book that bills itself as an Amish mystery before. I have heard of them, but didn’t quite know what to expect. I found myself taken in with the idyllic setting that draws you into its simplistic and down-to-earth charm.

Emotionally Heartwarming

Assaulted Caramel is real, raw, and heartwarming. You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with the residents of Holmes County. Honestly it is the first cozy that I’ve teared up reading in a long time. It was just a testament to how invested I became in the characters – and it is only the first book of the series!

Inspiring Characters

Hardworking, loyal, and full of grace, these characters will inspire you long after you’ve left their pages. They are a great example of simple, hardworking folk. Bailey makes a great protagonist and you really walk along side her in the ups and downs of her journey.

This book was a great read.

When you are looking for something to curl up with in front of the fire as Fall approaches, consider picking up a copy of Assaulted Caramel. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to see where the series takes Bailey in the future.

Bailey King lives in New York City, working as assistant chocolatier at JP Chocolates. She learned to love chocolate and making candy from her Amish grandfather. When she receives a phone call that her grandfather is very ill, she drops everything and rushes to Ohio. When she arrives, she discovers her Daadi is not only having health problems but he's also being pressured to sell his candy shop to a local developer, Tyson Colton. Several other Amish business owners have been pressured by Colton as well. Bailey is so upset that night she can't sleep. She wanders down to the candy shop from her grandparents upstairs living quarters, only to discover something horrific -- Tyson Colton's dead body bleeding all over the store's kitchen floor. Immediately Bailey finds herself the main suspect in the murder. How can she prove her innocence, make candies for a local wedding, and make it back to NYC in time to find out about an important job promotion?

I loved this book! It is hands-down the best cozy I've read in a long time! The setting and characters are interesting and engaging (except for one annoying woman I wanted to throttle....but I was supposed to hate her. ha ha). The mystery was well-paced, exciting and had plenty of suspects and surprises. I was reading an advanced readers copy on my phone.....I stayed up til 2 am to finish it, reading in bed. I felt like a kid again reading under my covers with a flashlight. :)

I am not surprised at all that I loved this book. Amanda Flower never disappoints me. I enjoy her Magical Bookshop series too! She also writes the Living History Museum mystery series and the India Hayes series. Assaulted Caramel is the first book in the new Amish Candy Shop cozy series. A second book in this series, Lethal Licorice, will be coming out in February 2018. For more information on the author and her books: check out her website at http://www.amandaflower.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Amanda Flower starts off a new cozy mystery series with a cast of quirky characters including a cat named Nutmeg and a polka dotted potbellied pig named Jethro. The little “bacon bundle” steals the show in this book and he may very well be my favorite character. I liked the mix of Amish and non-Amish characters in this book. There were enough potential suspects that I was kept guessing as to who the murderer was until the reveal.

This book is everything I have come to expect from this author. She has a great way of telling a story that is entertaining and keeps me reading even if I think I’ve guessed who the murderer is. (Though I’m always wrong…lol.) I can’t wait for the next book in this series and the chance to spend more time with these characters who quickly grew on me.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries this book is a must read. If you’re not a fan of the genre then grab a copy of this book and give it a try. Amanda Flower has what it takes to make you an instant fan of the cozy mystery genre and her! I know you won’t be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.

Wonderful beginning to a new series by Amanda Flower. This book has more twists and turns, that kept me reading page after page. I love the quirky people and situations in this book, and a possible romance. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an
honest review.

Amanda Flower is an amazing writer and her newest series doesn't disappoint. The first book in the series sets the stage for books to come and leaves the reader wanting more. I love the mix of Amish and English and the pig was the star of the show!

This is the first in a series set in Amish Country in Ohio. Bailey King goes to visit her sick grandfather and steps into a murder.
The characters are believable and you care what happens to them.

Assaulted Carmel is a must read! I couldn't but the book down, I loved the setting of the Amish town of Harvest and Bailey and her grandparents are character that draw you in and get attached to. The story flowed perfectly and you can't go wrong with a book that has a Polk a dotted pig named Jethro. I would recommend this to Cozy lovers and any one else who like books with heart and mystery