Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith has Daisy Swanson preparing for her eldest daughter’s wedding in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania. She cannot help but notice that that something seems to be going on with Karina Post, one of her employees at Daisy’s Tea Garden. Since Karina will not open up to Daisy, she is left with only one choice. Daisy and Jonas follow Karina one evening to discover that she is helping Keith Robert and his daughter, Mandy who are living in a van. Keith’s deceased wife has ovarian cancer which led to a number of medical bills and time missed from work. Keith lost his wife, his job and his home. The father and daughter duo have been living in the van with Karina providing food that she purchased from the tea shop and Keith earning money by selling antiques to Pirated Treasures. Jonas moves Keith and Mandy into his home while Keith works at getting back on his feet financially. Then Otis Murdock, owner of Pirated Treasures, is found bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin. Keith’s fingerprints are on it which makes him a prime suspect. Daisy and Jonas need to clear Keith’s name or Mandy will end up without her only parent. Murder with Cherry Tarts is the fourth novel in A Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series. It can be read on its own for those new to the series. Daisy is busy helping her daughter, Violet plan her wedding to Foster Cranshaw. She has an apartment created for them and they will be moving in after the nuptials. Violet is going to need her mother to get through the wedding and what lays ahead with the baby. Jazzi, Daisy’s sixteen years old adopted daughter, wants to invite her birth mother and her husband to the wedding. Jazzi wants to get to know her bio mom. As if Daisy does not have enough going on in her life, Karina has been acting odd. I like that Daisy was concerned about her employee and wanted to help her. In the real world, though, I have a feeling that following her would not fly. The characters are kind, thoughtful and relatable. The mystery was straightforward and those who read cozy mysteries frequently will have no problem fingering the guilty party. There were some clever developments in this whodunit that I enjoyed. I am not a fan of Detective Zeke Willet. I would like to see him replaced in the series. I thought the pacing was mild with it picking up near the end. Murder with Cherry Tarts focuses on the people. Daisy cares about her family and friends. She will go out of her way to help those in need. When it is time for a discussion, the food comes out. Cherry tarts and chicken soup were the two items featured in this cozy mystery. My favorite lines from Murder with Cherry Tarts is, “Happily ever after is not a fairy tale. It’s a choice.” Murder with Cherry Tarts is a lighthearted cozy mystery with tempting treats, wedding worry, mom melodrama, antique artifacts, and a disagreeable detective.

Murder with Cherry Tarts is the fourth installment in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series set in the Amish town of Willow Creek, PA and featuring tea garden owner Daisy Swanson and her two daughters. Daisy is busy planning for her pregnant daughter Violet's wedding to Tea Garden employee Foster Cranshaw while finishing up the apartment she has built for them over her garage and trying to support younger daughter Jasmine (Jazzi) efforts to get to know her biological mother a little better.

Daisy notices that one of her employees, the young single mom, Karina Post is beginning to ask to take all of the leftover baked goods and soups home with her at the end of her shifts. When a customer mentions that they've seen Karina in the "seedy" part of downtown, Daisy becomes curious and asks her boyfriend Jonas Groft to join her to tail Karina one evening. They discover that Karina is bringing the food to a single father; homeless and living in his van with his small and sickly daughter, Mandy. Jonas and Daisy quickly agree to try and help the father and daughter, giving them a home, finding them a job and getting Mandy the medical attention that she needs.

Keith Rebert has been supporting himself and his daughter since his wife died by buying and selling antiques and most recently he's been working with the local Civil War Shop, Pirated Treasures. The elderly owner Otis has failing eyesight so his nephew Barry has taken over control of the shop, but he's not treating folks fairly. Knowing the Keith is down on his luck, Barry takes full advantage of the situation by low balling the amounts his willing to pay. After a testy argument between the two men, Otis stumbles upon the bludgeoned body of his nephew and unfortunately the only person he remembers seeing the previous day is Keith. Daisy and Jonas are convinced that Keith is innocent and they set out to clear his name.

A fast paced and easy read. While this addition to the series can read as a stand alone I strongly encourage readers to start at the beginning in order to grow along with Daisy, her girls and her relationship with Jonas. I look forward to more adventures in Willow Creek.

I received an advanced copy of Murder with Cherry Tarts from NetGalley via Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

I enjoyed reading this cozy and can't wait to read more. This is my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more.

Murder with Cherry Tarts is a fantastic cozy mystery series. The characters are interesting and well developed. The storyline is entertaining and well written.

I really enjoyed the main character here--a mom who is really working to be a good mom to her own kids while struggling with her own complicated family relationships, too. She's a relatable person, but not annoyingly perfect. I also like her instincts to want to help people. All of that goes a little TOO easily, but at least there's a murder to add a bunch of road bumps!

An enjoyable escape for a couple of hours.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, just loved this book and series!!! Series just gets better and better. The characters are great, the storyline exciting, and the setting beautifully described. You can't go wrong with this one!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith
In Pennsylvania’s Amish country, Daisy Swanson has a tea shop to run, a daughter to marry off—and a murder to solve . . .
Daisy’s worried one of her employees at Daisy’s Tea Garden may be in a spot of trouble. Lately Karina’s been loading up on soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift—and while the shop’s scrumptious treats may be hard to resist, Daisy suspects there’s more going on, especially since Karina has been seen hanging out in a rundown part of Willow Creek.
Planning her own daughter’s wedding is enough to keep her busy, but Daisy can’t help feeling a protective maternal instinct—and an instinct to investigate. It turns out Karina has been helping a down-on-his luck single dad who’s been making ends meet—barely—by selling antiques at a place called Pirated Treasures.
But when an employee at the antiques store is bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin, Karina’s new friend is suspect number one. Though the motives are muddy and steeped in intrigue, Daisy is more than determined to flush the real killer out.
Includes delicious recipes!
This is Daisy Swanson and her two daughters, Jasmine, who is in high school, and Violet's story.
Jonas Groft, a retired detective and the owner of Woods, a handcrafted furniture store.
Daisy co-owns a quaint tea garden, Daisy’s Tea Garden, with her aunt, Iris Albright.
Keith Rebert and his young daughter Mandy.
Daisy employee Karina Post.
Daisy Swanson kept a keen eye on Karina Post as her server crossed to the sales counter at the end of their workday. Her twenty-something server with her purple hair and green neon clogs had given Daisy concern over the past couple of weeks. Daisy went by the philosophy that she should mind her own business . . . except when she shouldn’t. The mother of two teenage daughters, she couldn’t help but feel motherly toward her younger staff.
The aroma of sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate still rode on the cool currents from the air conditioner as Karina smiled at Daisy and approached the sales counter at Daisy’s Tea Garden. She was usually a self-possessed young woman with plenty of confidence and sometimes even brashness.
Now, however, Karina kept her eyes lowered as she asked Daisy, “Is it okay if I take some of the baked goods still left in the case?”
Daisy’s aunt Iris, co-owner of the tea garden, had caught a summer cold. She knew better than to be around customers or their tea and food.
“I spoke to her a little bit ago, and she feels she’s ready to come in tomorrow. Her sniffles are gone and so is her cough. But—I told her to come in for a morning shift. Can you come in for the afternoon?”
“Sure. I always like picking up extra hours.”
That evening, Daisy backed her purple PT Cruiser out of her home garage, made a K-turn, then opened the driver’s side door.
Her daughter Jazzi, sixteen now, had obtained her learner’s permit. Daisy dreaded thinking about Jazzi on the roads with all the crazy drivers who passed through Lancaster County, especially in the summer. On top of that, her daughter would also have to learn how to handle driving on the roads with horses and buggies. Sometimes there was a separate lane for the buggies, but most times there wasn’t. In an accident Chapter One
Daisy Swanson kept a keen eye on Karina Post as her server crossed to the sales counter at the end of their workday. Her twenty-something server with her purple hair and green neon clogs had given Daisy concern over the past couple of weeks. Daisy went by the philosophy that she should mind her own business . . . except when she shouldn’t. The mother of two teenage daughters, she couldn’t help but feel motherly toward her younger staff.
I highly recommend reading.
Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith is a 5 star book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.
more books by Karen
Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery
1. Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes
2. Murder with Cinnamon Scones
3. Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches
4. Murder with Cherry Tarts
5. Murder with Clotted Cream
Search For Love
1. Nathan's Vow
2. Jake's Bride
3. Always Devoted
4. Always Her Cowboy
5. Heartfire
6. Cassidy's Cowboy
7. Her Sister
8. The Wedding Promise
9. Forever In Her Eyes
and more.

This is an entertaining cosy mystery where the protagonist has a lot to do, including marrying off a pregnant daughter. I liked the plot and the mystery and several of the characters. I also didn't know who was the murderer until the very end.

Murder with Cherry Tarts is such an entertaining cozy mystery. Very good plot and I enjoyed the author’s writing. Mystery fans will love this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.

Daisy has lots of activities in this tale. She has a pregnant daughter to marry off. There are new and old friends to help. A little bit of history. Kept me guessing and surprised me at the end.

Daisy Swanson is one busy lady. She's trying to balance family, the tea shop and her relationship with Jonas. She's feeling the stress. Suddenly her life gets more complicated when she helps Keith, a homeless man, and his little girl. Now he's suspected of murder. Can Daisy and Jonas find who really killed Barry? I like Daisy. She's such a good and caring woman. With her understanding of people and their motives, she can be counted on to find the truth. I liked how Jonas is there to assist her. As a former policeman he has special skills that help Daisy get answers. I enjoy seeing Daisy and Jonas together. These two have such wonderful chemistry. I hope that they can find a future together. Karen Rose Smith has written a great book. It gave me insight into Daisy's family life. I enjoyed Vi and Foster's wedding. It was interesting seeing Jazzi establish a relationship with her birth mother. I found the murder of Barry was complex and filled with unexpected twists. I was shocked by the ending. I never saw it coming. The setting, the characters as well as the dialogue pulled me in. I enjoyed how Gettysburg and its history played a part in the mystery. I am anxious to see what will happen next in Willow Creek.

I love this cozy mystery series about Daisy's Tea Garden, filled with quirky interesting characters and a great story line filled with lots of twists and turns. A homeless man, a murder, oh my! I love Daisy, she is a wonderful character. A really fun interesting story. wonderful writing by a wonderful author! Please note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a fairly new series to me and I binge read them all. Can’t wait until the next one. Love the mystery that I can never seem to solve until the end and love the recipes. One of my fave authors now!

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith is book four in the Daisy's Teagarden series. This was the first in the series for me, but I was able to get up to speed quickly.
This is a well written mystery with enough plot twists to have you guessing until the end. The setting and cast of characters are enjoyable.
I am now a fan of this series.
I was given an ARC by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.

Daisy is trying to cope with keeping her tea shop running as well as preparing for her daughter, Vi’s, upcoming wedding/move into the newly renovated garage apartment/pregnancy concerns. And then there’s trying to help Jazzi sort out her feelings about her new relationship with her birth mother. So why does she feel she has to look into what’s going on with one of her employee’s when she notices her taking more than the usual share of leftovers at the end of her shift. When she asks Jonas to help her check it out, they find out she has been helping a down-on-his-luck single father and young daughter. What they didn’t expect was to get caught up in defending this young man from accusations of murder. I enjoy this series because not only does it provide an enjoyable cozy murder mystery, but it also has interesting main characters that provide the reader with a sense of family...one that definitely has its ups and downs, but tries to work things out as best as possible. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.

I was worried that this being the fourth book in the series it would start to become monotonous, however I was pleasantly surprised. The story kept me on my toes and intrigues me enough to not want to put down. Not only did I get the mystery I craved but I caught up with some old friends from the previous stories.

I really enjoy in this series and look forward to more of them.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

The fourth book in this series did not disappoint. Smith expertly weaves several storylines to bring on a cant put down read. The book can be read as a standalone but you will want to read them all after you read this one. I always love the rich family element in her cozies as well. I voluntarily read a copy I received from NetGalley

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith is the 4th book in a Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery, and another great addition.  Daisy Swanson, a widowed mother of two daughters. Daisy along with her Aunt Iris own Daisy's Tea Garden, in Pennsylvania. Daisy is busy planning her daughters wedding and running the tea garden. When one of Daisy's employees, Karina, keeps asking for leftover food at the end of the day, Daisy wonders why and followers her, with boyfriend Jonas, who is an ex detective. When they discover Karina is helping a homeless man and his daughter, they want to help him too. When the father is accused of murder, Daisy and Jonas is on the case. I love that Daisy accepts help from Jonas, and does not put herself in dangerous situations. Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you

I am loving Daisy and family and friends. In this story they help Keith and Mandy, who have hit upon hard times. A lot of us could be in their same situation. I hope there is a Karina, Daisy, and Jonas around if you or I find ourselves in need of help. How nice is it that folks have the Tea Garden to go and visit with friends and just unwind from some of the stress in their lives? I love how close Daisy and her girls are even through they are both going through growing pains and changes in their lives. I can relate to some of the characters and I bet you can too. It’s fun to have some Amish facts come out in the story. They are of course in Amish country and I think they are a very interesting group of people. I hope Keith and Mandy will continue to part of this awesome group of folks that I have come to love. I also am very curious about Zeke. I can’t wait to see what direction he might take. I received an ARC of this book through Net Galley, but my opinion is my own. I will be waiting for the next book in this series, so I can visit with my friends again. There are also some yummy recipes included too.

This is the 4th book in the charming "Daisy's Teagarden" mystery series by cozy author Karen Rose Smith. I have read the series and loved each book. This may be my favorite of the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley with gratitude for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. This new release was so exciting I cannot wait to read the next in series !

This is a wonderful next in series with all the definitive elements of a cozy mystery that we love and a well crafted sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. Our beloved protagonist Daisy and her aunt run a tea shop in Willow Creek, a small town in Pennsylvania's Amish country. The descriptions of the town and the area are so charming . The author has brought Amish country and the kindness of the people alive for her readers. I adore the friendly nature of the neighbors and friends in this series. This series is a testament to kindness and what true community can be.

Daisy is busy planning her daughters wedding and first grandchild's birth. She is completing her upstairs apartment for her daughter and her new husband to move into after their wedding. She is enjoying her romance with her Jonas a retried detective which is a nice addition to this series. Her tea garden is successful and she is enjoying her business and creating new foods to serve with tea . The tea garden brings much joy to the community and visitors . I love the descriptions of the cherry tarts and other good foods the author describes in this series. Thank you to the author for including the cherry tarts recipe ! The family of Daisy, the tea garden and the wonderful mouth watering receipes are so endearing in this series.

When one of her employees is seen taking extra food home and acting sheepish Daisy ask Jonas to go with her to follow her out of concern. She finds that her kind employee has been helping to feed a homeless man and his little girl. Jonas offers the man a place to stay after he hears his story as a young widow struggling to raise his daughter amid trying to find enough work . Jonas ran a background check on him and realizes he has just fallen on hard times and needs some help. They find out he is very knowledgeable about antiques and has been buying and selling antique items to the local antique store. When one of the employees of the store is murdered unfortunately he is suspect number one as he was heard arguing with the victim before his death.

Daisy and Jonas are sure he did not commit murder as they get to know him and his exemplary charcter. Even with pressure of the police chief not to be involved Daisy investigates with help from Jonas and soon they have suspects abound as suspicions still. surround the young Father. Daisy is determined to help him and finds him housing with a one site job at a local farm and helps out by offering a scholarship for daycare. Once he is settled and proves to be hard working and a great dad Daisy is more determined then ever to clear his name and give him a fresh start in life .

As the case continues Daisy discovers multiple suspicious circumstances of the victims life that may have led to his death. The case is perplexing to Daisy with many clues and twist and turns. She has no hesitation to ask questions, do interviews and works to clear his name and find the real murderer. all while balancing her responsibilities to her family, her business and her Jonas. Daisy handles everything deftly with clever insight and kindness for all involved. She even makes time for the elderly antique store owner and other neighbors in need. amid her investigation. This was such a well crafted mystery that I was unable to part with the book until the last page and was pleasingly surprised at the conclusion . I love Daisy as a kindly investigator who is always thinking of others first and has the utmost in moral charcter. Very well done to the author. A thrilling addition to this wonderful series.

I highly recommend this next in series to all who enjoy a great sleuth, wonderful food and charming charcters in a scenic setting of the ideal small town. A very enjoyable read indeed ! I look forward to the next in series "Murder With Clotted Cream" in 2020.