Cover Image: Toxic Toffee

Toxic Toffee

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Member Reviews

Thank you @netgalley and @kensigntonbooks for the review copy of this cozy mystery. All opinions are my own.

Amish Candy Shop Mystery #4! This story picks up right where the novella, Criminally Cocoa, left off. Bailey has just returned to Harvest, Ohio after spending a few weeks in NY filming episodes for her new TV show. The quaint little Amish village is preparing for an Easter festival and Bailey has been tasked with carving a recording breaking bunny out of chocolate and toffee. Unfortunatley, toffee seems to be tainted when a beloved bunny farmer suddenly kills over in the town square. Bailey uncovers quite a few troubled secrets when she begins investigating his death.

I just adore this series. The mystery is always so well done and the clues are paced perfectly. Sybil was an interesting new character that introduced an intriguing storyline about Amish who wish to leave the faith. I’ve never considered the extra challenges that are involved in this hard decision. I also really loved Millie and her special skills. I see that she will be getting her own series later this year -An Amish Matchmaker Mystery. Book 1 is called Matchmaking Can Be Murder!!

Jethro, the beloved pig, has always been one of my favorite characters throughout this fun series. However, Puff is a great addition to the cast. I wouldn’t be a proper Easter book without an adorable cute bunny especially one that cuddles with a sweet kitten.

The ending definitley left me smiling. Can’t wait to see how the series continues. The book includes a toffee recipe at the end.

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5 Stars: 5/5 star rating
Bailey King has once again gotten herself into a sticky situation. (Pun intended) Bailey seemed to always be around when a murder happens, and much to her police officer boyfriend, she is far too curious and far too quick to investigate on her own. He fears for her safety as she plows ahead to find the killer. The Amish in the community trust Bailey where they don't tend to trust the police.
I am stuck to this book like toffee on a dress, and I just can't get enough of this delicious new title in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. I can't help rooting for Bailey and Aiden, both in solving the murder and their budding romantic relationship. This is book #4 in the series but it could easily be read as a stand-alone book. I personally have enjoyed meeting the characters and following their stories though in reading all the books in the series.
I received a digital copy of this book from netgalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

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Bailey King hasn't even been back in Holmes County for a day before Steve Raber falls down dead in the village square. It's Easter week and Margot has a new festival in the works and Steve Raber was watching over his rabbits in the village square. Everyone thinks he died of a heart attack, but it turns out he was murdered.
Bailey needs to make an 8 foot toffee rabbit for Easter week at the same time as she investigates what is really happening surrounding the Steve Raber murder. There are neighbor problems, relationship problems and Bailey finds herself in danger more than once.
This is a fun addition to the Amish Candy Shop mystery series. I enjoy Bailey, her grandmother Clara, Charlotte, Emily and Aiden. I am not as in love with Juliet and her pig. That whole situation is getting a bit out of control. I don't know how accurate the author's portrayal of Englischer and Amish relations is, but it works for the mystery series, at least for me.

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When I'm in the mood for quality cozy reading, Amanda Flower is my go to author. I know that I am in for a treat when I open one of her books and she certainly doesn't disappoint in Toxic Toffee. With her sharp wit, her lovable characters and her knack for keeping me guessing who done it and why, the author makes it such fun to return to Harvest, Ohio. I feel at home there with Bailey, her grandmother, her friends and the precious animals she finds herself surrounded by. This time around, it's bunnies and I mean lots of bunnies.

Bailey's candy making skills are top-notch and she's always commanded, I mean invited to participate in the towns festivities and when a giant bunny is needed for the springtime festival, she springs into action. Between her candy making, solving a murder and caring for the rabbit of the deceased Amish man she has a pretty hectic life. Now let's be clear, murder is not a laughing matter until Bailey gets involved, then I find myself laughing at the situations she finds herself in.

This series wouldn't be complete without the returning cast of funny and delightful characters like Jethro the comfort pig and his owner, Juliet who loves to wear polka dot clothing and kitten heels. Juliet wants her son to marry Bailey as much as I do and when she isn't busy helping the reverend at their church she is very vocal about her wishes.

I loved everything about this book and highly recommend it. There are a couple of things to keep in mind before starting it though like getting settled in your comfiest seat with some chocolate and carving out some serious reading time because you will not want to put this book down.

I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.

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This is such a fun mystery series. Bailey King is the granddaughter of an Amish family. Her father left the faith but Bailey has come back to Harvest, Ohio, to help her Amish grandmother run the family sweets shop.

Bailey is a chocolatier of the first notch but is glad to have left the fast city life of New York City behind her for most of the year.

This is the fourth full length book in the series (there is also a 3.5 short length novel as well.) I started by reading a few pages in this book and enjoyed it so well, I went looking for the earlier books in the series before reading any further.

I’ve now read the prior books in order and recommend doing that as the characters and their relationships build slowly over the course of the books. It can be read stand-alone, however, I think you would find the most enjoyment out of getting to really know Bailey and crew.

This is a murder mystery, so of course, there is a murder. Each book has a whodunnit that is solved within the confines of the book. The rest of the story of Harvest, Ohio, is being slowly revealed, book by book. I must admit I am really enjoying the relationships developing at a speed that is more realistic.

It is Easter Days in Harvest, and the town is gearing up for the advent of city folk coming to see and buy Amish goods. When a body is found, Bailey is asked (though not by the sheriff’s office) to look into it and help find out who could have committed such an awful crime.

All of my favorites in this series, make an appearance. There are people and animals and more. I enjoy reading the books but often wish I had a piece (or two) of whatever candy is at the center of the book. Since, for the most part, I can eat candy, this is the next best thing – a fun mystery and lots of candy being talked about.

This is not your average Amish type story. I’ve read tough whodunnits and mild romances before but this is a rocking and rolling with laughter mystery. Have fun and give some thought to starting at the beginning as I did.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

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In this fourth book of the series Bailey has just wrapped shooting on her new cable television show and is headed home to Harvest, Ohio. When she gets home she receives a call from the towns notorious busy body, she wants Bailey to create an 8 foot bunny out of toffee. She agrees to the challenge and hopes that she hasn't gotten herself into something that she might not be able to accomplish in such a short period of time. While taking a walk around the park to look at all the festivities that are going on Bailey meets Stephen Raber, an Amish rabbit farmer. He has plenty of rabbits for people to purchase but loves them so much he will only give them to homes that he believes will treat them right. Bailey is talking to him about his rabbits when he keels over and dies. Much to her surprise, she finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. At first it look like he might have had a heart attack but after some investigating by the police she soon learns that he was poisoned. Bailey feels like she must help find a killer, especially after the man died right in front of her. His son even asked her to look after his most prized rabbit which she does reluctantly. During the process of asking questions and looking for clues they come upon a secret that has long been hidden. Will this new information lead them to a killer or will they set off in the wrong direction? I love this series and all its wonderful characters. The setting is one that I would definitely like to visit some day. The author brings to life the mixture of the Amish life and the English way of living. I'm always excited for the next book!!!

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Bailey King is back from New York City after filming her show and is ready to dive back in to making delectable candies with her grandmother and Charlotte and Emily at Swissmen Sweets. However, no sooner is she back in Harvest when another death happens literally right at her feet. Bailey feels compelled to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.

I always enjoy my time down in Harvest whenever I visit there and this trip during Easter Days is no exception. I look forward to going there again in the next Amish Candy Shop mystery.

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Easter is near and everyone's favorite organizer, Margot Rawlings, is marketing her new Easter festival which includes bunnies (the real ones you can pet), tons of chocolate and a giant bunny carved out of none other than toffee. Of course Bailey is commissioned to create the giant bunny. When Stephen Raber drops dead in the middle of the festival from an apparent heart attack, chaos ensues. Except it is determined that he was poisoned by a lethal dose of lily of the valley that was found among the giant toffee bunny. Suspects abound and of course Bailey conducts her own investigation into the murder.
These mysteries are fast becoming one of my favorite series. Mrs. Flower knows how to weave a great story full of warm, genuine characters and a sense of community that is welcoming. Bailey is a wonderful protagonist, strong and willful but also soft and lighthearted as well. The Amish elements are nicely tucked within the story to give it some extra depth. Also of enjoyment is the numerous animals that make an appearance including a spotted pig named Jethro, a white rabbit named Puff, a tabby cat named nutmeg and of course a handful of goats. The author also introduces us to Millie, an Amish widow who will be featured in a new series to be penned by Mrs. Flower soon. I look forward to reading the new series as well as further adventures in the Amish candy shop series.

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Toxic Toffee by Amanda Flower is book four in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries. Again, Flower has hit it out of the park.
Bailey has returned to Harvest from New York and it's close to Easter and that means chocolate Easter bunnies being made. In addition, the town square is having an Easter festival Now in addition to the chocolate bunnies and eggs,, she is enlisted to make a towing toffee bunny for the square, think 8 foot tall. Oh and it's needed by yesterday! In addition, the square is taken over by little bunnies from a local Amish farm. While meeting with the locals on the square she meets the Amish rabbit farmer and his pet bunny. It's not long before he drops over dead from an allergic reaction and the last thing he had eaten was a piece of toffee..
Again Bailey is in the middle of the investigation to find out who would want the farmer out of picture. Oh, and did I say, she is now the caretaker of his beloved pet. And will she be next.....
There are plenty of plot twists that will have you guessing to the end. Flower also gives us the normal likeable, relatable characters, a couple quirky ones, adorable pets, humor, and romance.
Overall this is a clean, easy to read, great cozy mystery that may have you hopping to get some chocolate..
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and Kensington books for an honest review.

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After wrapping up the shoot of her first cable show in New York, Bailey King returns to her home in Harvest, Ohio. With Easter just around the corner, Bailey is asked to make a giant toffee rabbit for the town’s Easter Days celebration. While at the park discussing making the toffee rabbit, a man falls over and soon dies. The man was Stephen Raber the local rabbit farmer, Mr. Raber’s son shows up at Bailey’s asking her to help solve his father’s murder. Can Bailey find out what really happened to Mr. Raber?

This the 4th book in the series but my first book. I had no problem understanding this book, so it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. I really enjoyed this book and have added the previous books to my To Be Read List. The characters are interesting and realistic. The setting of an Amish community is interesting to me, I really enjoyed reading and learning a little more about the Amish. The mystery is well plotted with several red herrings. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

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Toxic Toffee is the fourth book in The Amish Candy Store Mystery series.

It’s always a nice to visit with the folks of Harvest and to catch up with what is happening in Bailey’s life.

Bailey and Charlotte returned from New York City where Bailey taped six episodes for her TV new TV series, Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Easter is just a week away and Margot Rawlings, the towns super organizer has already started working on the celebration. She has asked Stephen Rader to provide a display of rabbits from his rabbit farm in the town square. Margot has been trying to see Bailey, who has been trying to avoid her as she is sure that nothing good will come of it. Margot finally catches up with Bailey and asks her to make a six-foot-tall rabbit to put in the town square. As they are discussing the rabbit that is to be made, Rader approaches looking as he is starting to get ill, and asks Bailey to hold his pet rabbit, Puff. No sooner had he handed Puff off to Bailey he grabbed his chest and collapsed, passing away in front of Bailey and Margot.

Later in the day Aiden Brody, Bailey’s romantic interest and deputy sheriff, informs Bailey that Rader did not have a heart attack but was in fact poisoned by a piece of toffee with a laced with Lily of the Valley.

A day or two later Eli, the son of the victim, approaches Bailey asking her to find the murderer of his father. He provides her with several threatening notes that had been left in a shed that houses the telephone that Amish nearby use. He quickly leaves without giving much any explanation as to what the notes might mean. The first thing Bailey does is give the notes to Aiden, with the thought that might let her do some sleuthing without giving her too much grief.

A couple of interesting subplots in this book center around Ruth Yoder and a new character, Millie Fisher. Ruth Yoder, the wife of district Bishop, has never had anything decent to say about Bailey since her return to Harvest. Ruth seems to think that the Bishop’s powers also apply to her. So it comes as a shock to Bailey’s ears when she asks Bailey to find the killer of Rader. She hears this at a quilting group at Millie Fisher’s home. Millie is affectionately referred to as the Amish Matchmaker. Mille will have her own series, the first book coming in December 2019.

This another well-written story that reads at a very smooth pace.

Delicious sounding candy recipes are included with the book.

I’m definitely watching for the next book in this delicious series.

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This is the fourth book in the Amish Candy Shop series. Bailey is fresh back from her trip to New York where she was shooting her tv show Bailey's Amish Sweets. When she returns, she is tasked with making an eight foot tall rabbit out of toffee for the towns spring festival. While she is making the rabbit, Stephan Raber dies of an apparent heart attack in front of Bailey while she is holding his pet rabbit. Bailey sets out to find the killer.

This was a really good book in the series. I liked how it picked up right where the previous novella left off. I love the characters in this series. The mystery was well done and kept me guessing until the end. I can't wait to read more in this series.

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Another gem from Amanda Flower! I love being transported into Harvest and Swissmen Sweets; I love all of the characters (except for the killers of course) and the animals.

Bailey has just returned from NYC and is hounded by Margot to make a giant bunny out of toffee for Easter. Bailey meets seemingly sweet-natured Stephen Raber, an Amish rabbit farmer, and moments later he is dead. Bailey begins wondering if she really bad luck?

I like how to characters are developing as this series continues - especially the relationship between Bailey and Aiden. There are some surprises in this story, as well as red herrings (that is to be expected though) and was a good, fun, and quick read!

Amanda Flower has quickly become one of my favorite cozy authors.

4.8 stars.

I will post to Amazon and B&N when published.

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I absolutely love everything Amanda Flower writes. Having the opportunity to read the 4th installment of her Amish Candy Shop Mystery series was such a treat!

We continue to become more acquainted with the town of Harvest located in Amish country in Ohio. The colourful cast of characters is dynamic and lovable.

In this novel Stephen Raber - the jovial and kind "Santa Claus" like Amish rabbit herder and farmer dies of an apparent heart attack. Only it turns out he was actually poisoned by eating lily of the valley laced toffee which is fatal to those with heart conditions.

Bailey who has by now become a familiar insider in Harvest is approached by the Amish to help discover the murderer. This book also introduces us to a new character who will be the protagonist of her new Amish Matchmaker series.

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Three things I've learned to expect from an Amanda Flower book are murder, mayhem, and a multitude of animals to fall in love with. I certainly wasn't disappointed in Toxic Toffee because it offered all these things and more. This book had me smiling (and laughing) from beginning to end.

The small town of Harvest is all abuzz when rabbit farmer Stephen Raber dies of a heart attack (or is it?) right in front of the townspeople. Never fear though because Bailey King is on the case. Much to the dismay of her boyfriend, sheriff deputy Aiden. For as much as he tries to keep Bailey out of the case the more she gets involved. I enjoyed the relationship between these two characters and how it has developed over the course of the series. Aiden is a perfect balance of calm and reason to Bailey's "go get'em" attitude. Of course Aiden's mom, Juliet and her ever-present pet pig Jethro always lend a bit of comedic relief when the story gets a bit too serious.

I absolutely love the author's writing style. She has a gift of being able to draw readers into a story with wit and charm. I love all the quirky characters she creates and I still think she might gift each one with a small piece of her own personality which makes them all seem so realistic and lovable. Her books are easy and fun to read.

Cozy mystery fans are sure to love this latest installment in the Amish Candy Shop series. This book would also be a great introduction to the author's work. Though it is the fourth book in the series it can absolutely be read as a standalone. Grab a treat and a drink and go visit the fine folks in Harvest. You'll be glad you did! Happy reading!!

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

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Bailey returns to Harvest just in time for the Easter Days and the slightly daunting job of creating a 7 foot toffy bunny, because who doesn't want to see a 7ft taffy bunny next to a field of fluffy white bunnies raised by a humble Amish man named Stephen Raber. At least until Stephen falls down dead, apparently poisoned with a piece of toffy. Who would poison a man that everyone seemed to love? Well Bailey can't leave it alone especially when Stephen's son Eli asks for her help. The romance between Bailey and Aiden continues although not as quickly as Aidan's Mom would like as she continues to bring up the idea of a June wedding while at the same time acting as if she and the Pastor don't have a courtship going on. A new character is introduced as well, the newly returned matchmaker who will have a spin off series of her own. Another great Amish candy shop cozy with cousin Charlotte's toffee recipe at the end of the book.

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Toxic Toffee
(Amish Candy Shop Mystery #4)
by Amanda Flower

Kindle Edition, 304 pages
Expected publication: June 25th 2019 by Kensington (first published June 2019)



Goodreads synopsis:
A sweet tooth for murder . . .  
 
Bailey King’s in New York wrapping up a six-week shoot on her first cable TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets, when she gets a call from her Ohio town’s resident busybody. With Easter around the corner, Bailey’s been recruited to create a giant toffee bunny for the weeklong springtime festival that will also feature live white rabbits. But back home in Harvest, death becomes the main attraction when Stephen Raber keels over from an apparent heart attack—with Bailey and Raber’s pet bunny as witnesses.

Except it wasn’t Raber’s heart that suddenly gave out—a lethal dose of lily of the valley was mixed into a tasty piece of toffee. Who’d want to poison a jovial rabbit farmer who reminded Bailey of an Amish Santa Claus? To solve the murder, she and her sheriff deputy boyfriend Aiden must uncover a twenty-year-old secret. She’ll need to pull a rabbit out of a hat to keep a healthy distance from toxic people, including one venomous killer . . .

***

3.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Amish Candy Shop Mysteries by Amanda Flower.

This book was just okay for me. I think the whole Amish scene was a bit too tame for my action adventure covert ops missions taste. I am not saying the mystery wasn’t good or compelling. This was just a more wholesome cozy mystery than many I have read lately. The setting and Amish life characters almost force this to be a bit more of a backwards read.

There is more visiting and chocolate candy making than actual mystery solving. I am more about the mystery. I guess I am just a whodunit girl. I blame Nancy Drew. It’s all her fault.

When the deputy shot the head off of Bailey’s toffee rabbit, I think that was the most exciting thing that happened besides the actual murder. Most of the story is about a land dispute between three farms, The man with the middle farm has the phone shed on the outskirts of his property. This is where the murder occurred. The two properties beyond him have youngsters they plan to have marry and thus making these two farms one. Having a property between them might prove to be a bit difficult.

The plot was a roller-coaster ride and you will have to pay attention to the clues. There is quite a plot twist before all is discovered. I didn’t know whodunit until nearly the end.

Definitely pick this up if you are a cozy mystery lover.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

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I received this copy of Toxic Toffee from Kensington through Netgalley.

I loved it this book. The Amish we're dealt with very well, I felt. I loved Bailey's uncertainty regarding her relationship. And Puff the bunny!
There is an 8 foot rabbit involved, which causes some unexpected tension. The mystery (Who killed a guy who looked like an Amish Santa Claus?) was very interesting if not tragic.

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TOXIC TOFFEE, the fourth book in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series by Amanda Flower, is the first I’ve had the chance to read. It was so thoroughly enjoyable, I’m looking forward to starting at the very beginning and reading through the previous three books. Ms. Flower provides an intriguing look at the Amish culture in Ohio, one I know scant little of. I felt like she effectively wove their society into the story in a realistic manner without detracting from the plot. I enjoyed how the protagonist, Bailey King, lives with a foot in the Englisch world and, thanks to her Amish grandmother, has an inside to the Amish folk. I love the description of Bailey and her grandmother’s candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. Bailey gets to show off her epic candy-making skills when the town’s festival organizer convinces her to make an 8-foot-tall Easter Bunny out of toffee, which allows for some humorous situations. Sheriff Deputy Aiden Brody is the town’s investigator and is dating Bailey. They have a sweet relationship that’s moving much too slowly for Aiden’s mother’s liking. His mother, Juliet, provides some comedy with her meddling and her attachment to her pig, Jethro.

When an Amish rabbit farmer drops dead in front of Bailey before the start of the town’s Easter week celebration, she can’t help but get involved in finding who might have wanted him dead. While Aiden doesn’t want her to be put in danger, he does recognize that the Amish will be open with her because of her grandmother, while they’re closed to interaction with English outsiders, such as himself. There were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing and the twists to the plot had me turning pages faster and faster to find out what happens next. Ms. Flower effectively weaves in contrasting societies, memorable and entertaining characters, and a well-plotted mystery. The surprising reveal wrapped up all the threads into a satisfying read that will have me catching up on the series while I anxiously wait for the next installment.

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What is unique about the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series is that it is interesting as well as entertaining. I enjoy learning bits and pieces about the Amish lifestyle but there is also a well written mystery with diverse characters that I'd like to get to know better.

This is the fourth book in the series but could be read as a stand alone. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC. They opinions expressed are my own.

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