We are back in Ohio with Bailey King, and just in time for the Christmas Market, and helping in the family candy store.
Of course, as in the past two books there is a murder, and somehow our Bailey is in the middle of the investigation again, along with some other familiar characters, including our loveable pig Jethro.
Will this be the end of Bailey’s involvement in the family business, will she decide to go back to NYC now that Eric her former boyfriend has come back into her life?
This book is going to keep you guessing almost to the last page, and danger is ever present, will you be able to guess ahead of time as whom the culprit is? Enjoy this cozy Christmas mystery!

I received this book through Net Galley and the published Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

The small town of Harvest, Ohio is about to get shaken up when Bailey King's ex-boyfriend, Eric Sharp, and his tv production crew arrive to film a Christmas special. Bailey's world will be topsy-turvy and peppermint may not even be able to fix things!

Murder, mayhem, and charm (yes, charm!) go hand in hand in Amanda Flower's latest installment in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. From beginning to end this book had my attention. I liked the quick pace of the book. There was always something happening and clues being revealed. With plenty of twists and turns, I was kept guessing until the very end as to who the murderer was. The author's sense of humor shines through in her characters thoughts and dialogue making this book fun to read. Even though I enjoyed the human characters my favorites were Jethro, the pot-bellied pig, and Melchior, a rather reluctant camel.

Fans of cozy mysteries will definitely want to add this book to their must-read lists. A quick, fun read this book will bring readers hours of enjoyment!

The premise sounded so interesting. Bailey, who’s not Amish, joins her Amish grandmother in running her grandparent’s candy store in Holmes County, Ohio. But her ex-boyfriend Eric, a New York chef, comes to Harvest to film a reality baking show and win her back to boost his ratings. The first thing to happen is his producer is murdered.
Eric is insufferable. Conceited, sarcastic, whiny. His attitude gets old real fast.
The deputy’s mother wants her son Aiden to marry Bailey. They’re not even dating, but she’s pushing for a wedding and grandchildren. And she’s got a pet pig that has to go everywhere with her. Again, enough!
Bailey presumes to search for clues and solve the murder rather than let Aiden. Too much like Hallmark’s “Garage Sale Mysteries.” Why does she think she’s qualified?
All ends well for Bailey, but I was antsy to get to the end.

Bailey is looking forward to her first Christmas in Harvest, Ohio. Things have been going well with the shop and other than a few minor issues all is well. When Bailey's ex-boyfriend shows up in town with a film crew in tow she is shocked! What is he doing in town and why does he think she would want anything to do with him? Eric wants to film an authentic Amish Christmas for his show and hopes that he can convince Bailey to not only be a part of it but also film it in her grandmother's shop. Bailey realizes the publicity would be good for the shop but can she stand being around Eric for more than a few minutes? Things start out okay but when Bailey finds the executive producer strangled to death on the town square things take a turn for the worse. Eric becomes the main suspect in the death and looks forward Bailey for help in proving his innocence. Bailey wants to help so she can get her life back to normal. The producer wasn't well liked among the crew so there are more than enough suspects to take a look at. When Bailey comes across some strange information she starts to dig even deeper. Can she find the killer before something else goes wrong? This is such a wonderful series filled with a fantastic cast of characters, who wouldn't love Jethro. The setting is one that I would love to visit, and the Amish culture is well written. I look forward to seeing what Bailey gets into next.

I love this series, although the ending almost gave me a heart attack (I thought the series was ending - don't worry all good). We get to meet Bailey King’s former boyfriend, Eric Sharp, and see what a jerk he is. While he isn't the murder victim, he is a suspect. This is a good read with likable main characters and love the setting of Harvest, Ohio. While this is a book in a series, I don't think you have to read the others first.

The book is part of a series, I hadn't read the previous books but it works well as a stand alone novel. Bailey is spending her first Christmas in Harvest, Ohio with her Amish Grandma. Harvest is described beautifully and seems the perfect place to spend the holidays.

Her ex Eric also thinks that Harvest with its Amish Christmas will be a perfect backdrop for his television cooking show. Eric's producer is murdered and Eric is the prime suspect . Bailey despite disliking him doesn't believe that Eric is the murderer bringing her into conflict with her potential boyfriend Deputy Aiden.

The characters are as charming as the place. I'll definitely be reading the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of PREMEDITATED PEPPERMENT (Book 4 of the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries) by Amanda Flower in exchange for an honest review. Christmas is coming, and Swissmen Sweets has been assigned “peppermint” as the theme for their booth and candies at the Yuletide Festival. Bailey King’s ex-boyfriend celebrity chef Eric Sharp makes a surprise appearance, and a full camera crew and production team tag along. While the television people attempt to sweet talk Bailey into appearing on their Amish Christmas special, someone is murdered. When it looks like Eric will be arrested and charged because of the Sheriff’s general surly incompetence, Bailey agrees to investigate in order to clear Eric of the charges. In doing so, Bailey finds herself in some sticky situations.

This book moved the story along for Bailey in both a professional and personal capacity. This may be my favorite of the series so far.

#PremeditatedPeppermint #NetGalley

Premeditated Peppermint is the third book in the series. I recommend very highly the entire series. This book can be read as a stand alone for new readers as the author does a excellent job of introducing the background of the previous books as well as the charcters. This is a charming delightful series that captures the readers heart.
Bailey King is a former high profile world class trained master chocolatier who has returned to the charming town of Harvest Ohio in Amish Country to work with her Grandmother at their family sweet shop- Swissman Sweets in their small Amish town. She has had a rocky reintroduction to the town as she is not Amish although her work and the shop follows the Amish ways. She has helped to solve past murders and has gained respect from the townspeople slowly with her craft and winning awards at local events . She is rebuilding her new life after a bad break up and adjusting to starting over. Together Bailey and her Grandmother practice the old ways of candy making and maintain their shop in the Amish traditions.

Bailey is looking forward to her first holiday season in Harvest with great anticipation. She is recreating peppermint combined with molten white chocolate for the holidays. Soon her ex-boyfriend walks into the candy shop. Celebrity chef Eric Sharp and his TV crew have arrived to film a traditional Amish Christmas. Bailey’s upset and knows the Amish do not want to be on film so she argues with him . She refuses to allow their shop to be filmed. Soon after Eric’s executive producer is found strangled and Eric is the prime suspect.

Her sheriff boyfriend is certainly out to prove Eric’s guilt. Her ex-tries to sweet-talk her into helping him. Bailey sees right through him however she jumps in to investigate yet again a third murder. She has proven to be a savvy protagonist in the past with solving clues and finding suspects . She wants to solve the murder and march Eric back out of her life once and for all. She is happy in her new relationship with Aiden and does not want Eric to further upset her new life where she has found contentment and a sense of community.

Amanda Flower is a delightfully fun writer who has created a world in this series that every reader will enjoy. Her characters bring vibrant life to her series and the charcters in this series are a delight and humorous. Her friend Cass is a welcome return and always a fun addition. The author has included a nice romance between Bailey and her new boyfriend Aiden which is done to perfection and does not overtake the story but adds to it. She leaves the reader guessing the identity of the killer. She keeps this avid mystery reader on my toes trying to figure out the murder. The writing is well crafted and fast paced just right with wonderful details of candy making .

The small town and community of Amish are perfectly described to include a sense of community and friendship. You feel as if you are present with the horse and buggies and Amish traditions to enjoy . I love the old fashioned feel to the books away from technology and present day pressures. Each book is a relaxing trip to another world and a feeling of contentment of life taken at a slower pace and fully appreciated with friends, food, community and traditions. This series is a delight in every detail and I look forward to the next in series. Thank you to Net Galley, the publisher and the author for the ARC for review. My opinions are my own. I highly recommend this series for all who enjoy a step back to a better way of life, a great sleuth and fun charcters in a lovely small town with added fun of some fabulous candy recipes and descriptions of old fashioned candy making . What a delight reading this book is !

Christmas is Bailey King’s favorite time of year. For her first Yuletide in Harvest, Ohio, the former big-city chocolatier is recreating a cherished holiday treat: peppermint combined with molten white chocolate. Her sugar high plummets when her ex-boyfriend walks into the candy shop. New York celebrity chef Eric Sharp and his TV crew have arrived to film an authentic Amish Christmas. Bailey’s not about to let her beloved town, and Swissmen Sweets, be turned into a sound bite. Unfortunately, she gets more publicity than she bargained for when Eric’s executive producer is found strangled to death—and Eric’s the prime suspect.

With Bailey’s sheriff deputy boyfriend out to prove Eric’s guilt, her bad-boy ex-tries to sweet-talk her into helping him clear his name and rekindle their romance to boost ratings for his show. Between a surplus of suspects and a victim who wasn’t who she seemed, Bailey’s edging dangerously close to a killer who isn’t looking to bring joy to the world this deadly Noel.

--

Series: An Amish Candy Shop Mystery - Book 3
Author: Amanda Flower
Genre: Cozy/Culinary Mystery
Publisher: Kensington Books


Amanda Flower is a delightfully creative and entertaining writer. Her characters in this series come to life. She weaves a web of clues and suspects that leaves the reader guessing the identity of the killer until the very end. Premeditated Peppermint is no exception. This is the third installment in the “Amish Candy Shop Mystery” series and will add to the pleasure of readers everywhere.

Bailey thought she was done with the big city and with her ex, Eric. But when both abruptly come back into her life, she is not thrilled. Yet, there are opportunities she cannot ignore. Torn between her commitment to her grandmother, Swissmen Sweets, and her desire to do the right thing for everyone, she isn’t sure which way to turn.

The characters in this story are insightful, humorous, and filled with the holiday spirit. Returning characters such as Bailey’s best friend, Cass, her grandmother, and her handsome boyfriend, Aiden add dimensions to the book that keep the reader turning the page and happy.

The suspects range from the obvious to the unsuspecting. The victim is likable, yet mysterious, with just enough personality to make the reader want to know more. The killer is personable, and like the victim, more than he/she seems. The story is fast-paced with smooth transitions, seasoned characters and an palpable delight in making candy. The recipes are delectably tantalizing. The sweet shop and the delicious concoctions they create will make everyone want to try to make their own candy.

The small town surrounded by Amish country gives the reader a sense of home. The community closeness as well as the personalities that abound throughout this book have the feel of small-town America at its best. Readers will want to take a trip to this beautiful area and surround themselves within its warmth.

Premeditated Peppermint is a trip into a world that is kept private even in today's age of cameras and computers that hurl everyone’s private life onto the worldwide web. It reminds us that there are places on this earth that still retain a feeling of privacy, of belonging, of commitment, and of a time that no longer exists for most. I am happy to recommend this book as well as the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series to readers who have a love of friends, family, and outstandingly well written mystery.


ARC Provided by NetGalley

Premeditated Peppermint by Amanda Flower is the 3rdbook in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series, and another great addition. I really love this series, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Bailey King left her job as a New York chocolatier to return to Harvest, OH to help her Amish grandma run Swissman Sweets, an Amish candy store after her grandfather died. Bailey King is excited for the Christmas season and the chocolates she will create, when her Ex boyfriend Eric Sharp, celebrity chef from New York, comes into the shop with a film crew. When a film crew executive is murdered, Eric becomes the main suspect. Bailey's boyfriend Sheriff Deputy Brody is set on nailing Eric for the murder, Bailey sets out to discover the truth. I love the quirky people and situations in this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book/ series.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Amish Candy Shop mysteries is a charming series. The latest tale is an interesting, exciting, and intriguing one. Romance, old and new, the pig and a new animal added humor, and the cat added to the story.

I was laughing by the end of the first paragraph in Premeditated Peppermint book 3 in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower. The book starts with the lead character, Bailey King, ruminating on the many uses of peppermint: "It has a thousand uses. It has been used to freshen breath, flavor beverages, calm nerves, and even grow hair. But as far as I could tell, it did not have the power to repel ex-boyfriends."

Bailey's ex-boyfriend/celebrity chef Eric Sharp has arrived, unannounced, from New York City and now stands in Swissmen's Sweets, the candy shop run by Baily; Clara King, Bailey's Amish grandmother, and Charlotte, a young cousin to Clara. The shop is awash with peppermint preparations for Harvest's Christmas Market when her "ex-boyfriend crashed my candy shop. That was the moment when I realized peppermint's shortcomings."

Eric is in Harvest with a film crew from New York City and the plan is to film a Christmas special for his show--including getting back together with Bailey. But, there are complications. First, Bailey can't grant permission to film in the candy shop. Swissmen's Sweets belongs to Clara and she will need to get the permission of her church before any filming can take place. Second, Bailey has no intention or interest in Eric. She is far more interested in Deputy Aiden Brody, but work schedules of the two have interfered with starting any type of relationship. Aiden isn't happy with the New York City invasion of Harvest, but there isn't much he can do, seeing as how Margot Rawlings, a member of the village board of directors was always looking for ways to raise Harvest's profile and increase the flow of tourism dollars. She has granted the film crew permission to film in Harvest and they intend to do so.

Before filming can begin, outside of the shop since it is off-limits until the Amish deacon and bishop of Clara's church make a decision, a body is discovered in a gazebo on the village square. Eric is a prime suspect, and Bailey is the only person with any interest in proving his innocence. As much as she doesn't want him in her life, she knows he isn't capable of murder and now must uncover the killer's identity to keep Eric out of jail. But, the killer is determined not to be found and will do what he or she must to get away with murder.

As per usual with Flower's mysteries, she keeps the reader on their toes. She's an expert at sprinkling in red herrings throughout the story, and it's hard to figure out the real culprit before story's end. Humor is also sprinkled throughout, making her stories fun to read.

So if you're looking for a cozy mystery with humor, red herrings that keep you guessing, and a cast of well-rounded characters, including a pet pig named Jethro, I recommend Premeditated Peppermint and the other books in the series.

Christmas is approaching and Bailey is busy preparing peppermint candies for the Harvest Christmas market when trouble appears in the form of her ex-boyfriend, Eric.. He is in Harvest because his reality bakery show is filming a holiday special but he seems to have an ulterior motive.. Things go from bad to worse when there is a murder and Eric, who is the prime suspect, convinces Bailey to help clear his name. On top of that, Bailey is facing a decision that could change her life forever.

This well written story has characters you'll love and characters you'll love to hate. Set in Amish country you get a peek at the unique culture of the Amish people.

This is the third book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series but could easily be read as a stand alone. Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Eric might not have been the best boyfriend but Bailey doesn't think he killed his producer Rocky, even though Bailey found him standing over her. Bailey's love interest Aidan, a sheriff's deputy, however, thinks otherwise. Eric is a celebrity chef and he, along with his crew, arrived unannounced in Harvest thinking Bailey could get them access to the Amish community. Bailey is busy making treats for Christmas (recipes!) but now she's got to investigate as well. Flower writes a nice cozy- the small town setting, the characters, and the plots are all hit just the right note. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't worry if you didn't read the first two- you'll be fine with this as a standalone and you, like me, will be waiting for the next one.

I didn’t start reading amish cozies until about two years Ago. I absolutely love them and love books by this author. This was a stellar addition to the series and I can’t wait to read more. It was light and and quick read. So much fun!

Premeditated Peppermint
Amish Candy Shop, Book #3
Amanda Flower
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Christmas is Bailey King’s favorite time of year. For her first Yuletide in Harvest, Ohio, the former big-city chocolatier is recreating a cherished holiday treat: peppermint combined with molten white chocolate. But her sugar high plummets when her former boyfriend walks into the candy shop she now runs with her Amish grandmother. New York celebrity chef Eric Sharp and his TV crew have arrived to film an authentic Amish Christmas. Bailey’s not about to let her beloved town—and Swissmen Sweets—be turned into a sound bite. Unfortunately, she gets more publicity than she bargained for when Eric’s executive producer is found strangled to death—and Eric’s the prime suspect.

With Bailey’s sheriff deputy boyfriend out to prove Eric’s guilt, her bad-boy ex tries to sweet-talk her into helping him clear his name . . . and rekindle their romance to boost ratings for his show. Now, between a surplus of suspects and a victim who wasn’t who she seemed, Bailey’s edging dangerously close to a killer who isn’t looking to bring joy to the world—or to Bailey—this deadly Noel . . . (Goodreads)


Review:

Bailey has her hands full preparing the candy shop for the Yuletide celebration in Harvest, Ohio. She hardly has time to spend with her boyfriend, Aiden, who is a sheriff deputy. So when her ex, Eric, shows up from New York to film a Christmas special, she is not very happy. And when the producer of the special is murdered, and her ex is the prime suspect, she is furious. But she knows that Eric would never kill anyone, so she agrees to figure out the killer.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. I enjoy spending time with Bailey, her grandmother and her friends. I was very happy that Bailey’s friend, Cass, was once again able to help with some sleuthing. I enjoy getting to read about their antics and conversations, they always make me laugh. And who does not love Jethro, Aiden’s mom’s pig, who goes everywhere with his mom.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there in Harvest, smelling the aromas in the candy shop and seeing all of the decorations around the square. The writing style flows smoothly and allowed me to have a very good understanding of the characters through their actions and words. The mystery was carried on well throughout the entire book and had enough twists and turns to keep me guessing.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. The author brings the Amish culture to life and that is a plus in my book. In my opinion, this is a must read book and series.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.

Amanda Flower has once again delivered a great cozy mystery. I loved the plot and the characterization. I highly recommend this to mystery fans. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my digital arc. This is my unbiased review

Premeditated Peppermint is the 3rd book in the Amish Candy Shop mystery series by Amanda Flower. This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and this book definitely didn't disappoint. Bailey King is a very likable character and I was happy to see her best friend from NYC, Cass, back in Harvest for a little while. I have to admit that I was surprised by who the killer was and why they did it. I love it when a mystery writer stumps me. I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series because of the teaser chapter at the end. I hope this series continues for many years to come.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Premeditated Peppermint by Amanda Flower is the third book in the cozy Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. Each book in the series features it’s own mystery to be solved so they can be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. However, there is character development that carries over from book to book so it’s most enjoyable to read from the beginning.

The main character in this series, Bailey King, was working in New York as a chocolatier before she decided to return to Harvest, Ohio and help her Amish grandmother run their family owned candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. Just when Bailey is experimenting with a new peppermint treat for her first Yuletide in Harvest she gets an unexpected visit from her ex, Eric.

Eric has brought a whole film crew to Harvest to hopefully include Bailey and her Amish ties in his television show but when the executive producer is found strangled to death Eric instead becomes the prime suspect. With Bailey caught in the middle between her new love interest, Aiden, who is a sherriff’s deputy and her ex as the suspect Bailey knows she needs to solve this murder and quickly.

I’ve followed the Amish Candy Shop mystery series from the beginning and have absolutely loved what Amanda Flower has done bringing in a regular American character into the Amish community. Each book in the series has been a lot of fun so far, this one included, although I will admit to a slight hesitation to bringing in a sort of love triangle to this installment leaving this one only at stars. However, the character and charm of the small town quickly won me back over after the hesitation and it’s still one of my favorite cozy series.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Premeditated Peppermint is the third book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower. The reader finds themselves back in Harvest, Ohio with candy shop owner Bailey King. Along with her grandmother and cousin, Charlotte, they are getting ready for the big Christmas Market on the town square. Swissmen Sweets has been assigned the Peppermint theme and the ladies are busy making every kind of peppermint treat imaginable.
Eric Sharp, Bailey’s old boyfriend and now TV Chef, shows up to win her back with the rouse of showcasing Bailey’s shop on his new TV series. But before she can decide what to do another murder victim is soon discovered by Bailey and all signs quickly point toward Eric. With Bailey’s new love interest, Aiden, on the case, she attempts to clear Eric’s name and help solve the mystery of who killed Rocky.
With twists and turns and unexpected ties, Amanda takes the reader on a delightful journey. Once again Jethro is front and center in the book and eager to be a big TV star, which this reader thinks would most certainly be possible.
Flowers does a great job bringing Harvest and the characters to life. She has given this reader a new reading genre of interest, cozy mysteries.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from netgalley.com and Kensington Books in return for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.