This short, "cozy" mystery (as the author describes it) is a heartwarming story of a break-in of an Amish bakery, the hunt for the culprit, and how an Amish community came together to support each other and outsiders.
This book is an easy read. Only around 150 pages (I read the ebook), I could have definitely finished in one sitting. The characters are likeable. Katie is a warm, caring Amish girl working at the bakery, whose kind heart leads her to embrace grace.
The story line flows easily. Miller uses vocabulary that might have been used by the Amish throughout the book, but provides a dictionary at the beginning of the book. To be honest, the use of these words didn't add to the story.
I feel as though the ending of the story could have been elaborated on; I was left wanting to know more about the characters. Maybe Miller will address this in her next book in this series.
I would recommend this book to individuals looking for a quick, light-hearted read and those who like Amish fiction. I'd give it 3.5 stars because the story line was somewhat simplistic, but overall it is a good read.
I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for completing an honest review for the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour.
About the Book
In the small town of Abbott Creek, mystery is as much a part of daily life as The Sweet Shop’s sugar cookies.
Katie Chupp spends her days at The Sweet Shop, taking care of customers and baking delicious treats . . . not exactly a profession where one expects to be thrown into the midst of mysteries and mayhem.
But when the bakery is broken into, someone has to find the thief . . . besides finding another place to do the baking and get the orders to the customers.
Is this a random theft, or is the thief trying to ruin the town’s Independence Day celebration?
About the Author
Naomi Miller mixes up a batch of intrigue, sprinkled with Amish, Mennonite, & English characters, adding a pinch of mystery – and a dash of romance!Naomi’s day is spent focusing on her writing, editing, and blogging about her experiences with writing. When she’s not working diligently to finish the next book in her Sweet Shop Mystery series, Naomi tries to make time for attending workshops and writers conferences. One of her favorites is the four-day event that the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) organization holds annually.
Naomi also enjoys traveling with her family, singing inspirational/gospel music, taking a daily walk, and witnessing to others of the amazing grace of Jesus Christ.
Guest Post from Naomi Miller
Hello! I’m Naomi Miller — and I’m honored to be featured on Celebrate Lit!I want to share with you how the title and cover for my debut book, Blueberry Cupcake Mystery, was chosen. This is a story I haven’t shared with anyone else — yet. The story behind the blueberry cupcake…
I was actually writing an Amish suspense novel last winter, when God placed it on my heart to write a shorter story — a cozy mystery, with no suspense, no danger, but plenty of faith, family, compassion and community.
While thinking of the best way to begin the story, my daughter made a batch of blueberry cupcakes, which happen to be one of my favorite treats. Of course, the idea to use a favorite treat was too good to resist. Then, during the early days of writing, I began experimenting with the idea of baking cupcakes — but adding blueberries before baking. Two favorite treats in one!
And there you have it . . . once we had a picture of a blueberry cupcake, the designer quickly sent back a cover I fell in love with (although there were a few more tweaks before the final cover was approved).
I actually began writing many years ago — 1990 to be exact. But I had just become a single mom and I didn’t have time to pursue it. I wrote notes, letters, articles, short stories, and I occasionally thought about a career as a novelist, but not once did I consider that dream to ever become a reality.
Several years ago, after my children were grown, my daughter challenged me to write a novel. I began a sweet, Amish fiction story about a young girl—but about halfway into the story, someone was almost murdered! Needless to say, I was surprised, but kept going. Once done, I went back to the beginning to do a major re-write on what was now an Amish suspense novel.
And that’s . . . the rest of the story.
I’m also excited to be doing two special giveaways — 1) a gift bag full of treats and 2) an advanced reader digital copy of Christmas Cookie Mystery (but you’ll have to wait for it)!
In the meantime, here’s the recipe for those delicious blueberry cupcakes
Blueberry Cupcakes
Ingredients1 white or yellow cake mix
2 cups fresh blueberries
3 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 1/3 cup water
Prepare cake mix according to the directions. Add blueberries and fold into batter. Bake following instructions on cake mix box.
Icing1 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 tbsp. milk
additional milk as needed
DirectionsPrepare icing, mixing small amounts of confectioner’s sugar with milk to desired consistency. Spread onto cooled cupcakes.
Blog Stops
August 23: A Baker’s Perspective
August 23: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: cherylbbookblog
August 24: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 24: Running Through The Storms
August 25: A Greater Yes
August 25: A Holland Reads
August 25: Mary Hake
August 26: Gypsy Road
August 26: D’s Quilts & Books
August 26: Cassandra M’s Place
August 27: Bigreadersite
August 27: Bibliophile Reviews
August 27: Christian Bookaholic
August 28: Lighthouse Academy
August 28: Book Babble
August 29: Karilyn Putt
August 30: Karen’s Krayons
August 30: Daysong Reflections
August 31: Quiet Quilter
August 31: Blossoms and Blessings
September 1: Lights in a Dark World
September 1: Just Commonly
September 2: Singing Librarian Books
September 2: His Grace is Sufficient
September 3: Bukwurmzzz
September 4: Ashley’s Bookshelf
September 4: just the write escape
September 5: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 5: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
Giveaway
Sounds like an interesting book. Also, the blueberry cupcakes sound yummy.
ReplyDeleteI will have to try that cupcake recipe!! I agree that it is a 'quick, light-hearted read.'
ReplyDeleteAn Amish mystery with a blueberry cupcake recipe...it doesn't get any better! Thanks for sharing! rw620 AT aol DOT com
ReplyDelete