My rating: 4 of 5 stars, I quite liked it.

Book 6 in the series.

I was thrilled to see a new book in this series, it's always fun to visit Jenna and Aunt Vera, as well as the town Crystal Cove, to see what event they're cooking up next. This time around it's a Renaissance Fair, complete with copious amounts of "Ren speak." I will admit that personally, I don't see the appeal, I know too much about how things actually worked in that time period to allow myself to fall into the romanticized version, haha.

However, the plot was solid, and I liked the characters enough to ignore the setting and just enjoy the folks of Crystal Cove and the solid writing.

This was a quick read for me, and had some nice twists and turns to keep me entertained and guessing for a while.

I can't wait for more Crystal Cove craziness.

Crystal Cove is hosting their annual Renaissance Fair. Jenna Hart has stocked the Cookbook Nook with books and other wares. She is looking forward to enjoying herself until a local vineyard owner is murdered and she and her friend find his body. Jenna is determined to find the killer and save Bailey's wedding. Can she do it without making an enemy of the sheriff? It's nice to visit this charming town. It's filled with humorous and quirky characters as well as rambunctious kitty. I like Jenna. She's a loyal friend who knows how to track down information and get answers. I found her romance with Rhett sweet and playful. This mystery is filled with unexpected twists. There are plenty of suspects who had reason to kill the victim. I enjoyed the fair speak language the characters used. The fact that Jenna runs a bookstore is a hit with me. I also enjoy the recipes that are included. Daryl Wood Gerber has written another exciting Cookbook Nook Mystery. I'm looking forward to my next visit to Crystal Cove.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

I recently had the pleasure of reading the author's previous release A DEADLY ECLAIR and really enjoyed it. I was interested in reading more of her books, so I was so excited to receive the chance to review PRESSING THE ISSUE. While this was my first experience reading the Cookbook Nook series, I'm definitely looking forward to picking up the others to learn more about Crystal Cove and its residents from the very beginning.

Although this is the sixth book in the series, the characters are so well developed and the story flowed so consistently without feeling any loss of continuity. Jenna is another feisty protagonist that truly holds her own within this vast and eclectic cast of characters who are just quirky enough to keep you guessing until the very end. Jenna's investigative skills can come across as overly confident, but this could easily feel that way simply because the actual law enforcement officials appear so aloof. They may in fact be doing much more, but because it obviously happens apart from Jenna, they seem uninterested and uninvolved, yet overly antagonistic towards Jenna's participation.

Given that the Renaissance Fair is the primary setting and focal point for the characters, it was understandable that very little attention is given to the book store and its inner workings; however, it was certainly fun to watch everyone play along and dress up for all the activities. It would be quite entertaining to work and live in a community that becomes that involved in creating such an engaging atmosphere for residents and guests alike. The provided recipes at the end will certainly help bring this quaint place a little closer to your own home!

This delightful read is the perfect addition for fans of bookish or culinary cozies and I look forward to spending some more time with Jenna at her nook!

This is the first book I have read in Daryl Wood Gerber's Cookbook Nook series and I found it to be an enjoyable foodie cozy mystery. Pressing the Issue is the 6th book in the series but despite that I found no trouble diving right in and getting to know these characters and the small town of Crystal Cove. The setting was probably my favourite part of the book; I loved hearing about the Renaissance festival and all the quaint shops (especially the Cookbook Nook!) and activities happening in town. I also really liked the relationship between Bailey and Jenna; it was fun to read about a strong female friendship. I would read more books in this series!

Pressing the Issue by Daryl Wood Gerber is the sixth book in A Cookbook Nook Mystery series. Jenna Hart is busy getting the Cookbook Nook ready for the Crystal Cove Renaissance Fair. Bailey Bird, though, is of little help since she is out of sorts. Bailey is getting married in two weeks to Tito Martinez at Baldini Vineyard. Lola Bird has not helped matters by telling Bailey that she has a bad vibe about the nuptials. Bailey receives a cryptic message from Nick Baldini and it sounds like he is in trouble. Jenna and Bailey rush to his home to find him on the floor with blood coming from a head wound. They check for a pulse and find their King of the Renaissance Fair, Nick is dead. Jenna quickly contacts Police Chief Cinnamon Pritchett who warns Jenna to stay out of the investigation. The murder weapon turns out to be a winepress that Nick had shown them earlier in the day. Bailey is thrown into a tailspin. What will happen to her wedding? Jenna quietly (does not want to incur Cinnamon’s wrath) begins asking questions to find out more about Nick and who could have wished him harm. Time is running out because soon the Renaissance Fair visitors will be departing, and the killer could be hiding among them. Who could have committed this dastardly deed? Will Bailey and Tito have their wedding?

Pressing the Issue can be read alone. Everything a reader needs to know is included in the book. Returning to Crystal Cove is like visiting old friends. It is a charming town with welcoming townspeople, a beach, and inviting shops. The main characters are warm, friendly and relatable. It was lovely to catch up with Jenna, Bailey, Kate, Rhett and Aunt Vera. The descriptions of the Renaissance Fair are vivid. I enjoyed reading about the costumes, food and activities (the Renaissance Fair speak was entertaining and amusing). It felt like I was there enjoying it with them. There are delightful book descriptions (cookbooks and some cozy mysteries). The tantalizing food narratives will have your mouth watering (recipes included at the end of the book). I appreciated how the author incorporated Charlotte Bessette of Fromagerie Bessette into the story (from the Cheese Shop Mystery series written under her Avery Aames pen name) and her mention of Ohio State University (Go Buckeyes). The mystery was enticing, but avid cozy mystery readers will find it child’s play to solve. There are several suspects and some good misdirection that will lead readers down the wrong path. I do wish that Police Chief Pritchett would start working with Jenna on the investigations. Cinnamon knows that Jenna’s natural curiosity will not keep her away from looking into a case and Jenna is good at ferreting out information. I found the ending to be endearing. I am rating Pressing the Issue 4 out of 5 stars.

I was thrilled to see another book in this series was available. Reading this was like a nice long visit with friends. There is plenty talk about food - you can't have a book set at the Renaissance Fair and not have turkey legs - and an interesting mystery for the Jenna to solve. The author kept me guessing until the final reveal with a few twists and red herrings. I hope to see many more books in this series, I enjoy my visits to Crystal Cove, CA.

I received a copy of this book from the author, through NetGalley, my review has been voluntarily submitted.

What an enjoyable book! I love being taken back to Crystal Cove with Jenna and the Cookbook Nook gang. It is like coming home and slipping into a soft, well-worn pair of jeans. Everything just fits and feels right. It is Renaissance Faire time and in Crystal Cove that means plenty of costumes, camaraderie and a king who gets killed. As usual, Jenna just can’t stop herself from sleuthing, to police chief Cinnamon Pritchard’s chagrin. The book is well-written and fun with captivating characters. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my rating. I have provided an unbiased and honest review.

Welcome back to Crystal Cove, CA and the Ren Faire that takes over the whole town. People in period garb - some plain and some very fancy, speaking in the medieval tongue, eating lots of great food...I felt as though I had attended the Faire. Trouble starts with bad vibes which leads to murder. Jenn is trying to get her CookBook Nook ready to sell medieval themed cookbooks and trying to help her best friend, Bailey, as she prepares for her wedding in just two weeks. The victim is the King of the Faire who is also the owner of the vineyard where Bailey and Tito are going to get married....or maybe not. Hard to get married when the venue has become a crime scene.
This is the sixth CookBook Nook mystery and while it can be read out of order, I'm sure you will like this one enough that you will be eager to catch up with the previous five entries. A lovely cozy, character driven with people I know I would like to call my friends. The clues are there along with some red herrings and nice twists leading to a very satisfying conclusion.

I had to include this book today, as it features a Renaissance Fair as the prime story line and backdrop, allowing for MUCH 'faire speak', taking the reader back to merry olde England! So it's a great book for Mom to read, as the kids listen to Wulf!

This is book 6 of the Cookbook Nook Mystery series, but the first I had read,but it won't be the last! Jenna and her friends and family are as chaming as her town and bookshop! Add in a fun little mystery to solve, as well as a few personal crisises and you have a fun chick lit cozy mystery series. If you are looking for a fun new series that is a quick read, add this one to your Spring reading list!

It's time for Crystal Coves annual Ren Fair and everyone is excited. All the shop keepers are getting into the spirit, even Pepper who can be a grouch. Jenna has so many things planned and hopes she'll be able to attend everything that she wants to. There is so much to look forward to, like her best friend Bailey's wedding in a couple of weeks. The wedding is to be held at a local winery and Jenna is happy to take a moment away to help Bailey figure out some of the wedding details. Nick Baldini, the winery owner, also happens to be king of the fair. When Nick is found dead people wonder why someone would kill him, he was a beloved member of the town and didn't seem to have any real enemies. With Buck's death Bailey is afraid she'll have to look for another venue and postpone her wedding. Even though the police told her to stay out of it Jenna feels like she needs to look into Nick's death and Bailey is right there with her. Will they be able to come up with the answers to the clues they find as they investigate? Follow along as they delve into Nick's everyday life, his persona at the Ren Fair, and into his past. Will they find the killer before the killer finds them? This is such a fun series filled with great characters, an exciting story line, and tasty recipes!!!

Daryl Wood Gerber is back with her sixth book in her Cookbook Nook Mystery Series. We are privileged with the research of Ms. Gerber into Renaissance Fairs as well as the foods served at these events. The annual Crystal Cove Renaissance Fair is gearing up and Jenna and Bailey are preparing the Cookbook Nook for this event. Bailey is keyed up about her wedding to Tito Martinez, that is scheduled in two weeks at Baldini Vineyards. After Bailey’s first venue fell through Jenna contacted Nick Baldini, a regular customer of the Cookbook Nook. Nick is also the main person in charge of the Renaissance Fair. Bailey’s nerves have been instigated by her mother who is getting vibes that something bad is going to happen. Jenna as always tries to reassure Bailey it will all work out. Many of the other businesses in Crystal Cove are also participating in the Renaissance Fair and have their own booths. Everything seems to be a success until Bailey and Jenna go to Baldini’s Vineyard for last minute wedding planning. It is then the answer to the bad vibes is discovered. Jenna’s tendency is perked to investigate into the situation and the story begins.

It’s been 1-1/2 years since the last release of a Cookbook Nook Mystery book by Daryl Wood Gerber and I am beyond happy that there is a new addition! PRESSING THE ISSUE, the sixth book in this delightful series, finds Jenna Hart and the town of Crystal Cove, California, getting ready for a Renaissance Fair. While I have never attended a “Ren Fair”, the author’s descriptive voice brings the sights, sounds, and yummy tastes to life and the reader will feel like they are right there. Ms. Gerber effectively uses “fair-speak” between the characters which adds to the festive atmosphere, providing fun entertainment. Jenna owns the Cookbook Nook, a shop I would dearly love to spend lots of time in. Not only does Jenna have plenty of Renaissance-themed decorations and period music for her shop but she has also located and stocked numerous medieval-themed cookbooks. I love the clever names assigned to these cook books and who knew there were so many out there?

Jenna is helping her good friend, Bailey Bird, plan her wedding, which is scheduled to be held at the Boldini Vineyards. When they find the winery’s owner murdered, Jenna’s curiosity and sense of justice drags her into getting involved. Plus she needs to find a resolution for the bride-to-be’s wedding venue. There are plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing and plenty of twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. Ms. Gerber includes a unique condition called “Face Blindness” in the book and I found the use intriguing! The chilling climax ties all the subplots together and provides a satisfying conclusion. I so enjoyed catching up with Jenna and the characters surrounding her. They have been allowed to grow and develop in their personal lives and relationships and it’s been a pleasure reading their adventure!

The Renaissance Fair provides so many opportunities to indulge in yummy food and you will be drooling while reading the decadent descriptions. Fortunately for the reader, Ms. Gerber provides numerous recipes at the back of the book to indulge in!

I am so happy to see a new Cookbook Nook book. I enjoyed revisiting Jenna and the cast of characters that I have grown to love. I really liked the setting. Who wouldn't want to be in Crystal Cove for a Renn Faire. I liked the Faire speak that the characters engaged in. I like the details of each theme of the books and that the cookbooks in the shop reflect that. The mystery was well plotted and kept my interest and I was genuinely surprised at who the murderer ended up being. And as always I loved the recipes at the end of the page, especially the Scotch Eggs.

Just finished the arc I received of this book through NetGalley. I’ve been waiting for the latest Cookbook Nook installment and I was not disappointed! This time it’s about the doings of the annual Renaissance Faire and how Jenna and the gang deal with the latest murder in Crystal Cove. Fast-paced, great character development, intriguing mystery and classic whodunit. It was hard to put down. Very enjoyable and love is definitely in the air in Crystal Cove!

I really like this series and I enjoyed this book but the mystery was a little disappointing. The Renaissance Fair has arrived in Crystal Cove. The author does a really good job with the fair background and it is a lot of fun. Bailey is working with a local vineyard owner planning her wedding. When they find his body Jenna sets out to solve his murder. The mystery was pretty easy to solve and there were not many suspects to make the mystery interesting. I like the Cookbook Bookstore background and I enjoyed reading about all the Renaissance Food. Recipes are included in the back. This series does not have to be read in order. Overall this is a nice entry in the series I would just like some more mystery.

While most Renaissance Faires are contained within a park or fairground, in Crystal Cove the entire town gets into ye olde mood. Love is also in the air as Bailey's wedding date approacheth and other couples appear to be moving in the direction of more serious bonds. The town gentlemen take advantage of Faire's fantasy appeal to act more romantically. However "bad vibes" are reverberating along with the celebratory energies. Strangers are in town and secrets may be revealed.
When Bailey's wedding venue is marred by bloodshed, Jenna Hart can not contain her concern and curiosity, so presses for answers.
Interesting characters in creative costuming consume delicious fare as the plot twists and tangles.
Forsooth -will anyone engage a happy ending?

This is number six in the series but the first I have read. The Renaissance Fair is upon us in Crystal Cove, California. Bailey is planning her wedding. The wedding venue, is a vineyard owned by Nick Baldini. Unfortunately Nick’s body is discovered by Jenna Hart and Bailey Bird when they stop by to discuss Bailey's upcoming nuptials. Will the wedding take place, will they have to change venues?
I liked how the town had festivities and shops on the pier. The twists and turns added to the story line. The characters had depth.
I did not particularly care for the fair speak. Frankly it gave me a headache.

The sixth adventure in Daryl Gerber’s Cookbook Nook Mystery series finds Jenna Hart and her friend Bailey getting ready for the multiple day Renaissance Fair in Crystal Cove and Bailey’s upcoming nuptials. Unfortunately, when Jenna and Bailey go to meet with the owner of the vineyard to discuss Bailey’s wedding arrangements, they find him dead.

There is no shortage of suspects as Nick had apparently argued publicly with several people before his death. Bailey pushes Jenna to find the killer in hopes that her wedding can still take place at the vineyard as planned.

Ms. Gerber, as usual, has constructed a strong story with an unusual twist that kept me engaged. Her characters and their relationships are well drawn and realistic. Ms. Gerber took great pains to keep characters interacting appropriately as medieval players (language and actions) during the Renaissance Fair scenes which really added to the book’s atmosphere. Well done.

A fun mystery book wrapped up with recipes for your cookbook. I love the fact they introduce rescued animals and family and friends, fast moving adventurous scenes. I couldn't put the book down or stop laughing in places. This a truly fun must have for your bookshelf!! They certainly keep you guessing.

What’s more enjoyable than getting to catch up with old friends? Warm conversations, delicious food, and diving into adventures together. That’s just how it felt to revisit Crystal Cover, Jenna Hart, and all her friends!

Pressing the Issue is Daryl Wood Gerber’s return to her Cookbook Nook Series after a year and a half and I am delighted. I think this is the best of the series yet!

Crystal Cove is hosting a Renaissance Faire, and all the businesses, Ren Faire vendors, and friends new and old are gathered together to make it an enjoyable experience for guests – and a positive business experience for the shops. Just as things seem to be looking great for the wedding of her Best Friend, Bailey’s wedding – a local winery has been chosen as the venue! – Jenna and Bailey discover the owner of the vineyard – and official King of the Faire – has been murdered.

Scattered with twists, red herrings, and delightful recipes, Pressing the Issue leans into relationships, shared experiences, and Jenna’s insatiable desire for the truth. Can Jenna solve the murder without becoming a victim herself?

I highly recommend Pressing the Issue for lovers of food, mysteries and the ways in which characters grow and connect. Though I prefer to read series in order, this book could be read as a standalone. Don’t forget to snag the enticing recipes in the back for some Ren Faire inspired fare!

(Note: Thanks to Daryl Wood Gerber and Net Galley for an ARC of Pressing the Issue . All Opinions are my own.)