GIVEAWAY & REVIEW of Fudge & Jury: A Bakeshop Mystery by Ellie Alexander

(Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!

about book:

Welcome to Torte–a friendly, small-town family bakery where the pastries are delicious…and, now, suspicious.

It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crèpes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter—unless murder taints the batter.

Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for—literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream?
my thoughts:

Cozy mysteries are quickly becoming my go-to reads when I'm looking for something light and fun to read.  They are the perfect antidote to a grey and rainy day, especially when the winds are howling like mad.  Imagine my delight when this little tome found its way into my hands during one of the very rare cold fronts South FL has experienced this winter.  I grabbed me a cuppa, a warm blanket and settled in for the afternoon with Ellie Alexander's latest book in her popular Bakeshop Mystery series, Fudge & Jury.  Talk about bliss!  I devoured this book in one sitting and wished that I had more to read.  I just fell in love with Ashland, Oregon and its quirky inhabitants - they truly made for quite an entertaining read.

In this fifth book (in a six-book series), I met Jules, baker and owner of her family's bakery, Torte.  She's gearing up for the annual Chocolate Festival, while simultaneously getting her kitchen in order.  After saving up enough money, Jules and her mom are finally able to purchase new ovens for Torte.  Plus, they plan on painting and installing a new register.  They are excited and thrilled to refresh their bakery.  Of course, their top priority is getting everything made for the festival - they are one of the four showcase vendors, so they have to be ready in time.  Talk about stress and excitement combined. Unfortunately, Jules and Torte get thrown in the 'hot seat' when Evan, one of the other showcase vendors, dies after sampling Jules' confections.  Ack!  Death by chocolate?!  Well, nuts to be exact - seeing as he was allergic to them.  Uh oh!  What is Jules to do?  Apparently, she'll put on her sleuthing cap and get to figuring out what really happened to Evan.  Who killed him and why?

Alexander has written an engaging and rather delicious 'whodunit' story.  Filled with choco-tastic sweets, this book had my mouth watering non-stop.  I couldn't help but find myself craving all of Jules' yummy desserts.  Luckily, Alexander has included the recipes at the back of the book - hurrah!  Of course, I also found myself trying to figure out who was behind Evan's murder - I enjoyed all the twists and turns woven throughout the story.  Fudge & Jury was truly a fun read.  I plan on reading all of the other books in the series and can't wait to learn more about Jules and her sleuthing adventures.  I just know that I'm in for quite a treat.

I would happily recommend Fudge & Jury to fans of Ellie Alexander's, A Bakeshop Mystery series, and fans of cozy mysteries with a foodie bent - you will DEVOUR this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Fudge & Jury

GIVEAWAY:  Thanks to the publisher I am able to give away one (1) copy of this book! All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave me a comment. Don't forget to include your email address - that way I can contact you, if you win the book.  Last date to enter is January 20th.  US/Canada residents only.  Good luck!!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!