I have been looking forward to reading this book, since I read Bearly Departed the first book in this new series. I enjoyed this book as much as the first. Sasha is busy running her family bear factory and shop, trying not to let her rival or ex husband get in her way of making the Oktobear festival a success. Yet when her rivals assistant is murdered, Sasha must once again find out who the killer is. I enjoy Silver Hollow and all it's residents. The mystery had a great flow and some great twists and turns. This is a great series and I highly recommend it.

Bear Witness to Murder is the second book in Meg Mims' Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery series. Set in the Fall, Bear Witness to Murder takes place just prior to the Octobear Fest. The whole town is preparing for the festival including a fiberglass bear decorating contest. The bears will be unveiled a few at a time each night during the festivities. Sasha's sister Maddie, Maddie's new boyfriend Kip, and, a mutual friend Jay all have bears being created and unveiled during the festival.

The only problem is the return of Sasha's high school nemesis, Holly. She is making things extremely difficult for Sasha and her family's bear factory, including extended family, who own a bookstore. Holly is intent on shutting the bear factory and bookstore down - by any means possible it seems. Then Sasha stumbles across the dead body of Holly's assistant, who also just happens to be the on-again off-again girlfriend of Sasha's ex-husband, Flynn.

A clever who-done-it, Bear Witness to Murder kept me entertained and engaged in the story. Meg Macy delivered a well-written story with a unique setting in a fictional small town in southeast Michigan. As a lifelong Michigander I enjoy a good story, in any genre, that is based in my state.

I enjoyed the personalities of each character introduced to us in the book. Sasha's mother certainly is a character and we get a healthy dose of her in this book. The book was descriptive and well developed, allowing me to visualize the elements of the story, characters, and locations. The characters and situations were believable and the pacing of the story was steady. Bear Witness to Murder also includes a wonderful twist that changes the entire murder mystery.

I enjoyed Bear Witness to Murder and found the mystery interesting, the characters likable, and the story's pacing to be on target. The author provided an assortment of potential suspects and I incorrectly guessed who committed the murder. The author did a great job masking who did it from the reader. I look forward to book 3 in the series.

I thought Bear Witness To Murder was a good read. It took me a little while to get interested but once I did putting it down was hard. I wanted to see how it all turned out.

There was lots I really enjoyed about the book. I enjoyed the
story taking place around Halloween and the Oktobear Fest was a cute way to incorporate the theme. I loved the idea of the children
hunting for bear in the woods. A play on Teddy Bears Picnic.

I kind of felt like the author struggled a little in introducing people and some of plot. There were alot of descriptions like what people
were wearing, where they were or going and what they were doing that seemed a little overboard. It just didn't seem to flow for me.

Bear Witness To Murder is book 2 in the series and there were alot of references back to book 1. (which I have not had the pleasure to read). Book 2 is a stand alone and reads as one.
The author does include the references to book 1 which kind of seemed like teasers to me to draw me into reading book 1.

I was a little curious as to why Sasha's mom keep pushing her to forgive her cheating ex and try again. I won't give anything away but he's a real piece of work. So what is up with mom?

The ending is left with a bit of a cliff hanger in the romance department because Sasha's new boyfriend leaves town for a few months. He's hoping to re-kindle their budding romance in the New Year. I am left wondering hmm. With all the sniffing around the scoundrel of an ex is doing. Hurry home Jay!

The story/plot around the murder made the book a page turner.
I kind of had an idea of who was involved just by the way a couple of the characters were acting but there was a twist at the end that
threw everyone the townspeople and this reader off kilter.

As I turned the last pages I thought two things. I need to go back and read book 1. And how long do I have to wait for book 3?

Bear Witness To Murder was a good cozy read.

I received a complimentary copy.

I love stuffed bears. Whenever I see one in a store, I always grab it and give it a hug. I never had a stuffed animal growing up, but I sure did look at them when I saw one in a store. If I could I would have a room full of them now. I so enjoyed reading about the Silver Bear Shop. The tea party was so much fun to read about. I imagined myself as a child sitting there at the table with my pretty bear. We would each take a sip of tea and laugh with the others girls at the table. The author does such a great job of describing the setting and all the wonderful foods and it was evident that everyone was having a great time.

Why did Sasha's ex-husband Flynn decide that barging in on a tea party and making a scene was a good idea ? I would have gone over there and ushered him out. The children were having a grand time and didn't need some silly man making a spectacle of himself. He seems to be chatting up Gina and the mayor. Not many people like Gina. She seems to be pushy and a bit snotty. When Sasha finds out who Flynn cheated with, she is non too happy. Well she needs to keep her mind on the upcoming Bears on Parade and Oktobear Fest. It is sure to be a success and the town is looking forward to it.

Sasha sure is not going to have a good day when she discovers a body in the parking lot where she left her car the night before. I thought it was pretty funny when at first she identified the dead person as Holly. When the body is turned over it is Gina laying dead. That starts a list of suspects right away. I loved how the author gives us a great story with intrigue and an abundance of suspects that all seem to be guilty. Looks like our deceased wasn't well liked.

Mystery lovers will enjoy this story filled with whimsical themes and fun characters that will have you wanting more. I adored the book and the authors style of writing. The ending is explosive and unexpected. I love when I can't figure out the mystery, because it shows how creative the author is. Don't miss this wonderful 2nd in a series cozy mystery series.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.

Sasha Silverman and her sister run the teddy bear factory that their parents own, along with help from their aunt, uncle, and several employees. But when Sasha’s old high school nemesis Holly Parker shows up in town, she knows things are about to get problematic. While in school Holly did her best to make Sasha’s life miserable, and her return is proving that things haven’t changed. She’s opened a shop that sells teddy bears and other toys along with books, and it’s causing a loss in customers for Sasha’s cousin Matt who own a bookstore across the street; and Sasha fears that there might soon be a loss in her own customer base, too.

But while at a teddy bear tea party for little ones and their teddy bears she learns that Holly’s assistant Gina is suing the mayor because he refused to pay her for some work - work that presented him in a negative light. It doesn’t help that the suit has been delivered by her ex-husband Flynn Hanson, whom Sasha wants nothing to do with. Then Gina is killed, and while everyone thinks the current mayor had the best reason to want her dead, Sasha's mom Judith is convinced otherwise and asks her to prove him innocent.

Her sister Maddie is working on a large acrylic bear for the Oktobear Fest, along with other artists in the town, including Maddie's boyfriend, Kip O'Sullivan. But she's upset that Kip won't finish his bear, and she's afraid it won't be done in time for the fest, which is causing tension between them. She doesn't know that Kip, in a moment alone with Sasha, has professed his love for Maddie and wants to marry her.

Also, Jay Kirby, another local artist, has made no bones about the fact that he's highly interested in Sasha, but this is complicated by the fact that her ex-husband was a louse, and her mother is trying to push them back together again, regardless of what Sasha wants.

It doesn't help that Holly is making her life miserable, making snide remarks at every turn and trying to ruin her business any way she can. But little things she discovers about Holly make her suspicious of the woman, and when she goes so far as to do something that puts Sasha in a panic that she realizes she'll have to keep on her guard. However, it might almost be too late for her when she discovers the truth of the matter, and how far some people are willing to go...

I truly enjoyed reading this book; Meg Macy is a talented writer with a voice that naturally tends to mystery. She is able to spin a tale that is lively and full of twists and turns, many of which you never see coming - like that in the end. She has drawn Holly as an unlikable character indeed; I can't imagine having someone this toxic in my life, and I truly feel for Sasha - which brings us to the fact that these are no one-dimensional characters, they have life and breath and you enjoy being with most of them (except, perhaps, Sasha's annoying mother, which is probably which she has the patience she does).

It is always a treat to read about a protagonist who doesn’t allow her emotions to run wild over her life. Sasha is a delight to read about - she’s smart, attractive, and doesn’t cave to the whims or machinations of others - including those of her mother and ex-husband. I like a woman with a backbone, and one who doesn’t come off as bumbling or pushy. Sasha is just such a woman, one you would enjoy spending time with and call your friend.

When all is said and done, I was truly surprised at the ending, which makes a very good mystery indeed. While this is only the second book in the series, I hope that there are many more to come, and I look forward to the next. Highly recommended.

One always hopes that a second installment of a series doesn't fall flat, this one definitely doesn't. This has all of the charm of the first book, while adding to it by furthering the characters and a really solid mystery. The setting of the story is beautiful, the characters charming and the mystery doesn't disappoint. A well written story!

I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and do recommend you read it as well. I think you may get more from this book if you have read Bearly Departed but Bear Witness can be read as a stand alone.
Autumn has arrived along with more bear themed celebrations. Being a midwestern girl myself I love the Michigan setting. I am also a huge fan of themed festivals and those in cozy mysteries give us the very best and more. I can't wait to add a few suggestions to my own decorations this year.
So, I love the setting and the themes and the characters! Sasha and her family have their quirks and arguments but also have each others' backs. Something is up with her mother this time! I understand she wants to see her girls settled and happy, and perhaps providing some grandchildren, but to wish Sasha back with a conniving, low-life, cheating ex! Mother, please!
Lots of dating drama and a healthy dose of friendly competition while decorating oversize art bears for the village. Less friendly competition between shop keepers.
I was riveted and worried and really did not see THIS ending happening.
I am looking forward to see where the series goes and new things coming to Silver Hollow and the Silverman family.

I loved everything about this book! The cover is vibrant and I loved the pumpkin teddy falling down the stairs.
The characters were fantastic in this book, they were witty and smart with just the right touch of sarcasm included.
Sasha is a strong, likeable character who works well with her sister Maddie.
Fall is my favorite time of year, so that made the book even more appealing.

An old high school nemesis, Holly Parker, is back on the scene and causing even more trouble as an adult.
I really disliked Holly and found myself yelling at her as I was reading. That is how I know it is a great book. For an author to create such a magical world, filled with teddy bear tea parties and murder, is a special talent and this book really outdid itself.

I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Oh my gosh, the bear themed naming was un-bear-ably cute! The mystery was predictable yet intriguing. I wasn't a fan of the ending, but otherwise really enjoyed the book. I'm definitely looking forward to book 3.

I wanted to like this book because the cover is cute and I love books that take place around Halloween, but I just had a hard time getting into it. And there were to many characters.

This second entry to this series is even better than the first. Sasha and her family are back and this time it for Oktoberfest. (Or Oktobear in this case). Her sister Maddie does the books and Sasha does the selling and promoting of the Silver Bear Shop and Factory. Add to the preparations for the festivities, Sasha has to deal with her creep of an ex husband (who has somehow convinced her mom to side with him) and her high school nemesis who has opened a gift and bookstore in town. That could really kill business for the Silver Bear and for the bookstore run by Sasha's cousin. When murder enters the picture Sasha is left to wonder if the victim was the target or a case of mistaken identity. Well written, full of twists and turns make for a very satisfying cozy mystery.
Sasha is one of my favorite characters and she continues to grow despite the difficulties that surround her and her family and friends. If you haven't read the previous book you can enjoy this one out of order but you will really dislike her ex a whole lot more if you have already met the jerk in the first book. Now I'm eagerly waiting for the third book.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second in a series, and a pretty enjoyable cozy. Likable characters, plenty of fur babies, lots of teddy bears, and an entertaining murder mystery. Read the debut cozy first, for a more enjoyable read.

A good mystery with a realistic telling of family dynamics. The book is well wriiten, the plot interesting and kept me guessing till the end.
I liked the characters and the way the family iterations were written, very realistic and not a bit lovey dovey.
I look forward to read the next instalments.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for giving me this arc in exchange of a honest review

Another out of the park hit. I enjoy books from Meg Macy. This is the second in the series.
This can be placed in autumn themed books. A Cran-beary tea party celebrating Octoberfest- October bear!
There is humor, bear puns, and the such. Well crafted, engaging, and down right cute provides a smooth flow. This was a quick enjoyable read.

Set in Silver Hollow, MI at a family owned toy bear factory. Sasha and her sister, Maddie, are dedicated to keep the family business going. They get plenty of help and meddling from the family.

I had no problem reaching the end of the story in record time - Please keep them coming.

Teddy bears, books, the (accidental) murder of someone thought to be someone else (a rotten someone else) and an intrepid amateur detective- all elements of a classic cozy. Sasha has matured a lot since the first book (and feel free to start with this one). Her interaction with her sister Maddie is wonderful. Holly, a mean girl in high school, has a new store threatens Sasha's but is that a reason to murder her? And what about Gina, who is murdered? The concept of Octobear fest and the associated events is a bit much but par for the course for the genre. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Bear Witness to Murder by Meg Macy is a second book in Shamelessly Adorable Teddy Bear Mystery but it can be read as a standalone.
Sasha Silverman is Teddy Bear Shop owner and she just found out that Holly, her high school rival is back. Not only does she present a problem on personal level but she might become a possible problem on professional level as well. Her ex husband is back as well. With Octobear fest to organize Sasha does not have a spare moment to waste thinking about any of this until she finds Holly's assistand stabbed. To save herself and the Fest she must investigate and find out the culprit.
In the beginning I found it slightly hard to follow with many references to everything relating to bears. As the story unfolded it became easier to connect the dots and get into the story.
I liked the characters and how versatile they are. Family relations are another part of the book that I enjoyed as well as the cleverly presented mystery.

Really enjoyed this breezy paced small-town mystery. I thought it was well written and I enjoyed the author's writing style. It was filled with engaging characters like amateur sleuth Sasha and her sister Maddie who own a teddy bear business. I love the town and all the festivities they put on. Of course, there are some not so nice characters like Sasha's ex husband, Holly-her childhood tormentor, and even Sasha's mom who can't seem to wish Sasha's divorce hadn't happened. They give the story some of problems and conflicts to deal with. Good mystery, good writing and all in all good reading. This is book #2, so I need to put the first book on my TBR list. I am glad to have discovered this new to me author and look forward to more in the series. I received an ARC thru NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Second in a serious, after Bearly Departed. The writing is smoother in this one, without the overly intrusive descriptions of everything. On the other hand, there is a lot less focus on teddy bears.

This continues to be a light, pleasant series of cozy mysteries, with engaging characters and a small-town feel.

It was a interesting cozy mystery. The plot was intriguing and had good characters. I would recommend this to fans of cozy mysteries.

Sasha and Maddie Silverman are working various events at Oktobear festival Holly Parker, Silver Hollow is celebrating Bears on Parade for their Oktobear Festival. Holly Parker, a high school enemy has opened a Gift and bookstore nearby and is causing problems. Sasha exercising her dog, Rosie when finding Gina Larson Holly's assistant stabbed to death in a parking lot. Sasha is worried about who will be arrested so begins to ask questions about the incident. Sasha ex-husband is back in town hoping to reconnect with her. Her Mother is supporting him. Sasha and Maddie are both making bear statues for sHears on Parade. Sasha is looking for answers before another death occurs. I highly recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Kensington Press for a review copy The opinions expressed are my own.