Most of us have fond memories of “penny candy” and the sheer joy of being given a quarter and let loose at the candy store. Tally Holt wants to bring those memories back to life for todays children (and adults) and opens her own sweet shop featuring all those old fashioned candies we all remember. While the shop’s grand opening is a hit, things take a grim turn when the town handyman is found dead in Tally’s kitchen. Besides being the local “fixer”, Gene was also the mayor’s adopted son and a real ladies man. There are plenty of people who wanted Gene dead, but Tally and fellow business owner Yolanda (whose scissors were the murder weapon) are the prime suspects. Can these two enterprising women solve the crime before they lose not only their shops, but also their freedom?

A nice start to a new series! Unusually for a cozy, it's told from two points of view- that of Tally who owns a sweet shop (yum) and Yolanda who owns a basket store in the touristy town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Yolanda was dating Gene, a rat of a man who is found murdered. There's lots of suspects for his killer, especially among the various women he's more or less scammed out of money (including Yolanda who lent him dough). It's the classic cozy situation- Yolanda is a suspect and together with Tally they find the real perpetrator. Having the different povs worked well here and helped to establish both characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm looking forward to the next one!

Good start to a new series. Lots of potential for further adventures for the two ladies. Switching between the two was fine and kept the story moving along. Nice setting. I am eager to learn more about several of the secondary characters.

I was disappointed in this book. I didn't even finish it, nor did I lose any sleep over not finding out who the murderer was. The setting was enjoyable, as were the characters, The point of view changed which made it a bit disjointed for me. For those that like extras, there is one recipe at the end of the book, along with a excerpt from the next book - Deadly Sweet Tooth - coming out in June of 2020. Needless to say, I will be skipping that one.

A vintage candy shop, picturesque setting, and murder come together to make this first installment in a new series. The story starts a bit slow, but, don't give up as it turns into a solid first. An overall enjoyable read.

I enjoyed reading this well written and entertaining murder mystery. Good plot and cast of characters. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an arc from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

3.5 out of 5
REVENGE IS SWEET is the first book in brand new Vintage Sweets Mystery series by Kaye George. The reader is introduced to Tally Holt and her delectable shop, Tally’s Olde Tyme Sweets, and her best friend Yolanda Bella, owner of Bella’s Baskets. This is one of the very few cozy mysteries in which there are two protagonists with alternating points of view. I found that it was an effective way to impart information that wouldn’t appear from a single point of view. That said, I wasn’t expecting it and it took me awhile to become accustom to the switch between the two protagonists. It might have been easier to follow had the sections been labeled with the protagonist’s name other than the asterisks used, since the switches occurred mid-chapter.

The candy shop setting is oh so delicious and I enjoyed the descriptive language used. I felt like the characters weren’t quite as developed as they could be but given that this is a short and sweet read, I’m hoping we’ll get to know Tally and Yolanda better in the second book. This first story was a nice introduction and a good set up for future installments. The murder mystery starts off fairly early but when another murder takes place, the stakes prove to be even higher for both Tally and Yolanda. There are plenty of suspects and the author writes a hair-raising finale that gives me hope the second book in the series will find its stride.

Tally makes so many delectable vintage candies and treats for her shop from recipes handed down from her grandmother. I drooled over the yummy descriptions and could practically smell the sugar cooking and the chocolate melting! I’m enthralled by recipes that have survived for generations and have been passed down. Ms. George does include a recipe at the back of the book which sounds quite delicious.

Revenge is Sweet is the debut of the Vintage Sweets Mystery series set in Fredericksburg, Texas and featuring Tally Holt, owner of Tally's Olde Tyme Sweets and her friend Yolanda Bella, owner of Bella's Baskets. The two are best friends who have set up shops next to each other on the main street and work together with Tally supplying delicious desserts to include in the extravagant baskets that Yolanda makes for all occasions.

Yolanda has been seeing the mayor's adopted son, Gene Faust. Gene has a reputation for getting in trouble in his youth, being a womanizer, and borrowing money from people that he can't (or won't) pay back. Unfortunately, Gene has borrowed money from Yolanda and also hasn't paid his help, so it's not really a surprise when he turns up dead, the shock is that the murder happens in the middle of Tally's kitchen. When Tally sets out to clear her friends name, things get worse when one of Tally's employees is also found dead in the store.

With plenty of twists and turns the plot is good, however the story is difficult to follow as it's written from both the perspective of Tally and Yolanda and the narration switches back and forth. I was never able to really warm up to either character, but did fall in love with Nigel, Tally's Maine Coon Cat.

I received an advanced copy of Revenge is Sweet from NetGalley via Lyrical Press. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

2.5
I wasn't sure how to pinpoint what I liked/didn't like so, the easiest way to do that was to make a list.

What I Liked:
-NIGEL (Main Coon cozy companion)
-Setting has great potential. ( cute shop/small town - the staple of fun cozies)
-Sister/sister relationship between Yolanda and Violetta. I feel like this is one you don't see in too many cozies so it was really fun to see that representation in here.
-The chase scene at the end. This is a very detailed scene that definitely stood our from the rest of the story.

What I Did Not Like:
- One-dimensional characters. I didn't feel like I connected to anyone, and at times, it was hard to really differentiate among them all as their personalities seemed similar
-Unnecessary switching of perspectives. I think this would be a stronger book if the author chose to either tell the tell tale from Tally's or Yolanda's individual perspective, not both. The story is too short to really delve deep into both .
-Forgettable love interest? I am not even 100% certain if Allen was considered a love interest but if he was, I didn't even really care about him.
-Tally/Yolanda relationship. They are supposed to be Best Friends, and in the beginning you got that for sure. As the events of the mystery unfold, they didn't really seem that way. Always flying off the handle with each other and not being as supportive as you would think given the circumstances (IMO).
-Tally/Cole relationship. I was loving that Tally and her brother seemed close at the start... they just didn't seem like they were family throughout the rest. Not really seeming supportive and lack of dialogue that would develop their relationship.
-Overall family dynamics - I mention this because, while every family is different, it seemed like much of the family drama was just that, just negativity with no real contribution to the plot.

Thank you Kensington and NetGalley for the eArc.

Rich descriptions really help the reader become comfortable with Tally's Olde Tyme Sweets set in Fredericksburg, Texas in this first in a series mystery. Unfortunately, I did not find the characters very likable. The protagonist Tally Holt was surrounded by a number of flawed individuals which caused her to be irritated a lot of the time. I would have preferred more cozy and less negative.

Revenge is Sweet by Kaye George is the first in a new series The Village Sweets Mysteries. Normally I give my rating of a book at the end of the review. However, for this book I need to start with the rating. I rated this book three stars on Goodreads because I did not know what to rate it. This cozy was strange. 
Revenge is Sweet follows Tally Holt, a woman who owns a candy shop. Strange enough, a few chapters were from the point of view of the best friend. Which is unusual? 

Where do I even begin without spoilers? The victim was a cad and was sleeping with half the town; it seems. Including the best friend of our protagonist, Tally, Yolanda. Speaking of Yolanda, she does not seem to be true best friend material. Yolanda is hung up on Tally’s brother Cole and had said some rude things to Tally throughout the book. If anyone talked to me the way Yolanda did, I would not be friends with them anymore. 

Then there is the way Tally runs her shop. One of her employees is stealing from her. Tally has to think about whether she should say anything, let alone confront them. Her employees are not very professional, and I do not get it. How could anyone run a successful business like that? 

The minor subplots were irritating. A few subplots were unresolved at the books end. One subplot involved the person who I think was the red herring of the book. Then another murder takes place and throws off the balance. 

Overall, the books plot was a bit of a hot mess. I would read the second book which will be released in September. However, if the issues I had with the first book still exist, I will not read the third. The subplot with the candy shop annoyed me the most. If Talley hires new employees that are professional, that will please me.

The real issue is the book is fine, then something so outlandish or stupid happens. Suspension of disbelief is crucial to fiction, and that’s not the issue. Some subplots were stupid or over the top. You cannot help but feel thrown off and irritated. Once the book flows again, another issue comes along and throws off the balance. 

Some plot points were not realistic even for fiction, and as a person with common sense I could not get into it. Without, giving too much away one character lends another person they just met a lot of money. While I did not love the book it was entertaining enough when the plot was not a hot mess. 

Revenge is Sweet will be available March 10th. I recommend you read it.

I was so excited when I heard I was getting the chance to visit Texas! Fredericksburg, Texas to be exact, and I was going to be meeting Tally Holt and her best friend Yolanda Bell. They own shops right next door to each other...Tally’s Olde Tyme Sweets and Bella’s Baskets….sounds like so much fun! Well upon arriving it was until…... Tally’s fridge broke down, and she had to bring in Gene Faust. Gene is Fredericksburg’s bad boy….and adopted son of the mayor. It seems Gene has been dating well….everybody, and these women rightly don’t want to share. Yolanda, Mart, and Andrea (that we know of). Now...I know I mentioned that Yolanda and Tally’s shops are right next to each other, but what I didn’t mention until now are Mart and Andrea. These two women are part time employees at Olde Tyme Sweets. This means in a very small town Gene was dating at least three women who worked within a few yards from each other….not smart Gene...not smart. Gene also had a tendency to use women, and borrow money that he didn’t have intentions of paying back.
So it’s no surprise that when Gene comes to fix the aforementioned broken refrigerator...things get a little sticky (get it cause it’s a candy shop lol), however murder seems a little drastic...but that is exactly what happened.
There are several suspects...considering all the people who didn’t exactly love Gene and his choices. Plus because he is killed in tally’s store with a pair of scissors from Bella’s Baskets these two friends are among the top suspects. So Tally and myself set out to find the real culprit. We really have our hands full...along the way her brother Cole stops in for a visit with Nigel a coon cat that seems he is more mountain lion then cat, money is missing from her stores till, and oh yeah a second murder!

My thoughts:
I really loved the setting! I love cozies in quaint small towns with lots of touristy shops. An old time Candy store really fits that bill. The author did a great job with the mystery...with lots of good suspects and motives! The cover art is cute...feels very cozy!

I didn’t care for the two narrators that flipped flopped sometimes without any notice. The character development needs to be stronger...including Tally and Yolanda. I think the author has a lot of potential in her secondary characters...again they just need more development. Her mom and dad sound like a hoot!

My actual rating for this book is 3.5 stars. This series has a lot of potential, and I look forward to visiting Tally’s olde time sweets soon! I recommend you stop in, and while you're there try one of Tally’s homemade whoopie pies!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Kaye George, and the publisher for this opportunity.

Tally and Yolunda, shop owners and best friends, are involved in solving this murder. Sweet talk and sweet treats help them to find the least likely suspect to be the true killer. Strong story line for the first book of this series I’ve read. Bonus chapter is always a treat.

4.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Vintage Sweets mystery series by Kaye George.

I enjoyed the complete mystery in this book as well as the theme of vintage chocolates. It never occurred to me that we could make our own versions of older treats. This would have been the perfect book for a recipe since I think the older readers among us would love to taste a bit of our own history.

Tally has started a vintage chocolate shop. Her shop next door neighbor is Yolanda at Bella’s Baskets. When Tally’s refrigerator goes out, she brings in handyman Gene who just happens to be the mayor’s adopted son. And this guy is quite the player. He must be dating like five different people. I am not certain how such a smooth talker can get away with so much deception, especially in a small town. Anyway, someone has enough of his sweet words and betrayal and plunges Yolanda’s conveniently placed scissors into his back. Now Yolanda is suspect number one. Not to mention, she was the one to originally find Gene’s body yet didn’t report it. Tsk. Tsk. That is just asking for the police to slap some cuffs on you straight away.

There was a clue found in Tally’s shop near the middle of the book that caused the police to slap some actual handcuffs onto Tally. I didn’t quite understand why. She really wasn’t a suspect at that point and so many people had access to her chocolate shop it wasn’t funny. Those types of red herrings just tick me off sometimes. I like to believe in the goodness of the main characters and I want all the book people to believe in their goodness as well. Of course, I don’t always get what I want. Dang criminal element!

I am super excited about this new series. I don’t think I have ever read anything by Kaye George before either. Double win. Great find for me! Definitely adding this to my must read list for the future!

If you love a good cozy mystery, you have to check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

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.

Description
In the picturesque tourist town of Fredericksburg, Texas, Tally Holt has opened a new candy store with a vintage twist . . .but there’s no sugar-coating a nasty case of murder . . .Tally Holt has poured her heart, soul, and bank account into Tally’s Olde Tyme Sweets, specializing in her grandmother’s delicious recipes. Tally’s homemade Mallomars, Twinkies, fudges, and taffy are a hit with visiting tourists—and with Yolanda Bella, the flamboyant owner of Bella’s Baskets next door. But both shops encounter a sour surprise when local handyman Gene Faust is found dead in Tally’s kitchen, stabbed with Yolanda’s scissors. The mayor’s adopted son, Gene was a handsome Casanova with a bad habit of borrowing money from the women he wooed. It’s a sticky situation for Yolanda, who was one of his marks. There are plenty of other likely culprits among Fredericksburg’s female population, and even among Gene’s family. But unless Tally can figure out who finally had their fill of Gene’s sweet-talking ways, Yolanda—and both their fledgling businesses—may be destined for a bitter end . . .

My Review
Revenge is Sweet is set in the Hill County town of Fredericksburg where Tally is the owner of Tally's Olde Tyme Sweets.

Book 1 in the Vintage Sweets series shows Gene the son of the mayor dead stabbed by a pair of scissors that belong to Tally's best friend. Tally is hot on the trail to figure out who really killed Gene. Can she solve the mystery? The characters were well written and I enjoyed the plot.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. I give this a 4 star.

Sweet revenge by Kaye George.
I enjoyed this first book , definitely different from your usual cozy mystery especially the characters.
Not sure about Tally’s and Yolanda’s own thoughts got me a bit confused at times going backwards and forwards .
I thought Tally was the main character!
Overall a good and fun read .
I will look forward to reading the next book.

This is the 1st book in a new cozy mystery series, Vintage Sweets series, by Kaye George and it is a winner! It has everything I like about cozy mysteries- likable interesting characters, an intriguing cozy mystery, and friendship. What's not to like? Tally owns an old fashioned sweets shop. Their handyman has a lot of girlfriends and some enemies. When he turns up dead, Tally decides to clear her shop and her best friend's name by figuring out who the killer is. I guessed who it was but wasn't sure until near the end. A very enjoyable cozy mystery!

I DNF'd this at 20%. I probably could've finished it and it might still get a 3 star barely. But after wading through the first few chapters I had to conclude it just wasn't gripping me. Something about the dialogue and writing style felt off to me. The conversation felt stilted and unnatural. The writing style wasn't working for me and the way the events where described didn't pull me in.

Very quickly and in what I thought was a forced way we get introduced to a bunch of possible suspects. I didn't understand why Tally let a handyman she didn't trust fix things in her beloved store. The whole situation with her employees felt a bit off, something about how it got described and I wasn't sure if the situation was supposed to be awkward or not. I had trouble getting a good feel for the characters and didn't feel invested in what was going on.

What I liked. I liked the friendship between Tally and Jolene and the way these two best friends both had their own shops next to each other. I like the themes for their shops, the vintage sweets for Tally and the basket shop for Jolene. I haven't read about these types of shops before and I liked that. I liked the multiple point of views as that is unusual for a cozy mystery, although I can't fully determine whether I thought it worked well or not. It ruined some of the mystery about Jolene and at the same time I found it hard to get a good grip on both their personalities. I also think a more even split might work better or longer parts for Jolene as her parts where so short now that it was harder to get to know her than Tally.

To summarize: while this one had a fun set up, it wasn't working for me. The dialogue felt stilted and off. The writing style didn't work for me. And I didn't feel any connection to the characters or invested in the story. I liked the theme of the book with these two best friends having shops next to each other and the unique themes for these shops.

Revenge is Sweet by Kaye George is the first in the Vintage Sweets Mysteries. This was the first book by this author for me.
I was excited to read this from the description, as the vintage candy theme caught my attention. I did enjoy that part of the story. I also liked Nigel, the Maine coon cat.
The downfall for me was the story has two main characters and the story jumped back and forth without a warning.
I enjoyed the setting and the additional characters are promising for the next book. I had figured out who had done it a little off half way through. There is a bit of history and a hint of romance.
I am planning to read book two.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.

This story takes place in the beautiful, Hill Country town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Tally Holt is the owner of her new candy shop, Tally’s Olde Tyme Sweets. The local handyman and adopted son of the mayor, Gene, is a real ladies man. He has been friendly with most of the single ladies in town that Tally knows. Gene has been doing repairs for Tally in her sweet shop when he is found murdered by a pair of scissors that belong to Tally's best friend. Tally then takes it upon herself to find out who stabbed the handyman. Witty dialogue and characters make this book a solid four stars.