It was hard for me to finish this book because I wasn't feeling a connection to any of the characters. I really didn't mind the writing and I know some friends would really enjoy this book. I will pick up Cheryl Hollon's other series.

An interesting mystery with a good dose of "local" aspects.
The challenge with a debut book is to get all the necessary details in. You don't have past books in the series to cover extra material.
The author succeeds. But I wonder why: 1-There is the provision that she needs to have a working distillery within a certain time limit (especially given the local climate with several adamant anti-moonshine people) and 2- What's up with the moonshine authority she has working with her.

This book is a first in a new series by Cheryl Hollon. I'm a fan of her other series, so I was excited to read this book.
Unfortunately, this book just didn't click for me. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and I found the main character lacking a personality.

I could not put this book down with its enticing mystery that catered to what I enjoy in a whodunit. The mystery was tightly woven with a well-written story-line with a small pool of suspects that lent itself to this page-turning nature of this light drama. The pacing set the stage to how well this story was being told as well as the comfortable tone that made it easy to follow along as the author intended. Miranda is a great protagonist and I liked how first she is trying to save the family farm and then second try to clear her name and business. I enjoyed the little bit of information that was given for each character that helped ferret out the killer. There were a few surprises that enhanced my reading pleasure. The author knows how to tell a story with an eclectic cast of characters, multi-plot twists, engaging dialogue and visually descriptive narrative that set the mood for each scene as the story progressed. This was a good read from Ms. Hollon and I can't wait to see what adventure is waiting for her in the next book in this delightfully appealing series.

Loved this book! Really fun first-in-a-series read. Very enjoyable to read about a main character that has a different occupation than you normally read about. Fun to see a different setting, too and the way things are different for non-city folk. Great mystery. Lots of great side stories! Really enjoyed the history tie-in. The only thing missing was the spice cake recipe!

Fun read in the new Paint and Shine Mystery series! After Miranda inherits her uncle's country homestead, she decides to make a business out of it combining arts with moonshine tastings and local cooking. Being a cozy mystery, naturally there is a murder and Miranda has to find out who the culprit is if she's going to save her reputation and business. This was a good, fun read. Not too serious and at times a little silly, but definitely a nice distraction from real life. I enjoy this author's Glass Shop series and I'm glad to see her writing a new line of cozies.

I really enjoyed this book! The characters were interesting and complex. Miranda has moved into her uncle's house that he left her, and is trying to start up a new business. When murder happens it puts a damper on her success. Sandy, her puppy is precious! Lots of info about the way people are out in small country towns in Kentucky. I love the details the author puts in the story about her characters and the landscape. The story had a lot of twists and turns, different stories weaving throughout the book.I loved that the list of characters is listed at the end of the book and I loved that recipes for food and moonshine mixes are included at the back of the book. I am going to try the recipe for peanut butter potato pinwheels! I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

I enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series to see who the next suspect is for the next murder. I'd like to know more about the two law officer's past difficulties as well. The mystery kept me guessing. I liked the characters as well.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book in a new series. It really didn't work for me. I found the characters to be off-putting and strange. I kept thinking they were a parody of hillbillies, especially when the deputy passed out. Everything seemed a stretch to me and forced. I just really could not connect with any of the book.

Sadly, I just could not get into this book. Miranda inherits her uncle's homestead in Kentucky, and to make ends meet, decides to open a business teaching art classes with authentic moonshine chasers afterwards. The first class has a rough start, and rougher yet when the cook is killed.

I can't point to one thing that didn't make this book click for me. It was a different setting, which generally is a good thing to make it stand out from the pack, and the writing was good. It just didn't grab my attention, and I quickly lost interest. I can't recommend this book.

Miranda Trent inherits her Uncle's farmhouse in Kentucky, if she begins a moonshine business. She decides to start a business Paint & Shine until she can get the moonshine business started. She would take clients to a popular overlook called Lover's Leap, assist them with painting the vista then return to her farmhouse for local cuisine and moonshine dinner. On her first outing Mrs. Childers, her cook, is found stabbed to death in her kitchen. Miranda decides to save her business she needs to investigate and finds out who killed her cook.
The book seemed hurried, and I had difficulty getting into the story. Her characters seemed a little trite and not developed very well. Overall it was a nice cozy, but nothing special. #netgalley #stillknifepainting

A decent start to this new series with it's theme of outdoor painting trips, coupled with the rural country, moonshine and good food. I look forward to seeing how the characters and the storyline develops with the next installment.

Kindle Copy for Review from Net Galley and Kensington Books.

I received an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In this new series Miranda Trent inherits her uncle homestead in Eastern Kentucky. She decides to offer outdoor painting classes with moonshine in the summertime to generate money.

Unfortunately someone kills the cook, who happens to be known for her biscuits. Miranda becomes the prime suspect as she is the new kid in town and must find away to clear herself.

This is a nice new start to this new cozy series. Look forward to the next storyline.

Miranda Trent has inherited her uncle’s home in Red Rive Gorge, Kentucky where her Mother grew up and her family has a long history. A small town in Kentucky located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Miranda decides to use her experience as an artist and her time in New York City to build a business that takes tourists on a hike in the forest to paint a still life, then back to her farm house for some local cooking and moonshine tasting.

On her first outing, the painting goes well and everyone heads to the farmhouse for lunch. But when the cook is found in the kitchen with a knife in the middle of her chest, things look bleak for Miranda and her business as she is a prime suspect. Vowing to save her business, her freedom, and the farm, Miranda sets out to do her own investigation. With the help of her neighbor, Austin Morgan, a forest ranger, they use the local history and older residents to find out what secrets the murdered woman might be harboring that would cause someone to murder her. Will Miranda be able to clear her name or will she lose it all?

A cute new series set in rural Eastern Kentucky paired with lots of recipes, including some moonshine cocktails and southern dishes that will make your drool.

I just didn’t get on with this book. The writing style and characterizations were off-putting. It lacked that essential spark to keep the reader hooked.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.