As a series debut, this story has done its job of keeping the readers hooked on and looking for more. Stella is clumsy too. She wants to prove that she's a world class detective. So off she goes poking her nose and accusing people (mostly innocents) of killing Simon.

Stella's single and 29. Emily, her best buddy thinks Stella is a spinster (at the age of 29!!!) Andy and Stella have been best buddies since school. Peter is a handsome reporter who has come to Nantucket to report on the Sterling wedding. He's handsome and single, unlike Andy who's dating an environmentalist or someone like that. I wouldn't call it a love triangle, not yet at least, but Stella feels weird when she's with Andy and Peter. There's also a celebrity in the story - Gina. Stella and Gina form quite a bond!

I liked the mystery behind Simon's death. The identity of the killer was an interesting choice! Unexpected and surprising, too! The story is well paced. The characters are interesting and likeable. Even the killer is portrayed in an interesting way!

Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable read. Also, this was something different from the cozy mysteries I have read so far. As a series debut, there was equal importance given to mystery and character introduction. I am looking forward to reading more of Stella's stellar performances!

4.5/5

This novel is a cute cozy mystery about a woman named Stella who owns a candle shop on Nantucket. Her best friend runs a wedding planning business, and the two of them were hired to work together on the event. The bride's uncle is murdered and both women are convinced the police have arrested the wrong man, so Stella does some sleuthing of her own.

It's a fun story, but I wish there was more backstory about the protagonist and her family. Most cozies I've read focus quite a bit on the main character so the reader feels a connection with them and their story, but this one seemed to gloss over it a bit. I will continue reading the series, and I hope the next book has more personal details about Stella.

The debut book for this author and the first book in the Nantucket Candle Maker mystery. Stella Wright owns a candle store, Wick and Fame on the island and is an expert on making unique candles for special occasions. Stella grew up on the island and a relationship with the island 's officer, Andy Southerland. Jessica Sterling is planning a wedding on the island. Stella has created a unity candle for the wedding party. What is a Unity Candle? The special scented candles will be everywhere in the inn and at the reception. One day, the wedding party finds Jessica's uncle died in his room. He had been kill by the Unity Candle and it lay on floor split into two. The visiting Captain decided that the bartender is guilty and arrest him. Stella and Andy work together to find the guilty party. Will they succeed before someone else dies. I highly recommend this book.

Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.

This was a fast-paced and action-packed tale that grabbed my attention immediately, quickly becoming a page-turner. This mystery was well-thought out with a solid plot that kept me immersed in all that was happening on the page. solid plot that had me immersed in all that was happening. The author did a great job in setting the stage with a few suspects but it was the backstory and clues presented that gave me a clear understanding on the possible motives. There were a few red herrings and surprises that narrowed down the list of suspects and it was fun watching it all play out when the killer’s identity was revealed. Stella is not afraid to put herself out by asking questions (okay, interrogating), following a person of interest and taking the wheel in a boat chase. All added to my excitement while reading. Stella is a likable character and I look forward to learning more about her as well as the supporting cast. I sense a love triangle, which I’m not a fan of, so I hope it is cleared up in the next book and I know who I like.

Ever since I saw the cover reveal for this new series, I have been waiting anxiously to see if I can snag an advance read. I was not disappointed! What a new and interesting series! I love that the main character isn't in a field that is the norm. Full of wit and mystery, this book trapped me from chapter one, and I am still enchanted. I cannot wait to read more!

Stella Wright, owner of Wick and Flame candle shop on Nantucket Island, has a knack for matching candle scents and colors to her customers. Working on her first wedding in Nantucket she has made the perfect candles for the wedding and a custom designed unity candle for the happy couple. When the bride’s uncle is found murdered with the unity candle the day before the wedding, Stella finds she also has a knack for getting herself involved in the mystery.

This engaging new series is the perfect mix of Nantucket Island location, celebrity encounters, and a whodunit mystery. As a but of a nose myself, I enjoy scents and blends that bring out the best of fragrances to build something delicious to the senses. Looking forward to seeing more aromas blend d together along with the stories as the series progresses.

Love this new cozy with it's lovely Nantucket setting. Candles, a family heirloom, a wedding and all that goes with it make combined with fun, likable characters make for a winning combination. Looking forward to more.

I live candles so this book absolutely appealed to me. As soon as I began reading, I was hooked.
The story was interesting without being overly detailed and the characters are fun and likable.
I was kept guessing until the very end and I am looking forward to reading more in this series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I thought "hmmm another wedding mystery" but as I read I was completely caught up in the plot. A family heirloom, a soon to be mother in law who isn't a big fan of her daughter's intended, and an estranged family member each have their own secrets that completely get in the way of everyone else's. And the candle making info was really interesting.

A wonderful cozy mystery with a solid plot line and interesting characters. I have fun reading this book and hope that more will follow.

Mother's No Votive Confidence is a good cozy mystery that has great twists. I learned that candles could be deadly. Well written.

I loved this new cozy mystery with its beautiful setting in Nantucket, interesting characters and its plot with plenty of twists and turns. I also loved learning about candles and how they are made, and loved the inside look into wedding planning and all that it entails. Stella Wright owns a candle making shop, the Wick and Flame on the beautiful island of Nantucket. Tourist season is beginning and Stella's best friend Emily, a wedding planner, has gotten Stella a job making candles for the society wedding of Jessica and Joe. When Jessica's estranged uncle Simon is murdered after being hit with the unity candle Stella made for the ceremony and the inn's bartender, Bill, a long time friend of Stella's is arrested for the crime, Stella makes a vow to free him. With a plethora of wedding guests, a diva movie star and a new potential love interest in the new newspaper reporter, not to mention continuing to run her business, Stella has her hands full, but she will not rest until she has found the true culprit. I can't wait for Stella's next adventure - color me a big fan!

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Kensington Books.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Who knew unity candles for can be so deadly? Stella Wright specializes in making unique candles for special occasions. As Memorial Day approaches she is asked to supply candles for a wedding but it soon becomes a murder scene.

The local bartender is arrested for the crime but Stella believes he is innocent. With the help of a charming reporter and a sexy cop she will seek justice for the victim before she is snuffed out.uring cand
Charming cozy read featuring candles.