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An Amish Candy Shop Mystery #5.5
Candy Cane Crime
A candy-striped caper . . .
Christmas is coming all too quickly for Harvest, Ohio’s famous chocolatier, Bailey King. Thanks to her new cable TV show, her shop has more candy orders than she can handle this holiday season. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is happy to take the Candy Cane Exchange off Bailey’s to-do list. After all, Charlotte has come to Harvest from her conservative home district to find her future outside of her family’s influence. What better way than by taking on the Englisch task of pairing the sweet notes everyone is exchanging with a peppermint treat, just in time for Christmas Eve delivery? But when Charlotte discovers some of those delicious missives are for her, suddenly she’s staking out the festive postbox, hoping to catch her secret admirer in his intriguing tracks . . .
When Charlotte sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking, she enlists the help of Sheriff Deputy Luke Little to find out if her unknown correspondent is none other than the town’s biggest suspect. And the surprising truth about her suitor’s identity has her contemplating leaving her Amish roots behind forever . . .
Christmas is coming all too quickly for Harvest, Ohio’s famous chocolatier, Bailey King. Thanks to her new cable TV show, her shop has more candy orders than she can handle this holiday season. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is happy to take the Candy Cane Exchange off Bailey’s to-do list. After all, Charlotte has come to Harvest from her conservative home district to find her future outside of her family’s influence. What better way than by taking on the Englisch task of pairing the sweet notes everyone is exchanging with a peppermint treat, just in time for Christmas Eve delivery? But when Charlotte discovers some of those delicious missives are for her, suddenly she’s staking out the festive postbox, hoping to catch her secret admirer in his intriguing tracks . . .
When Charlotte sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking, she enlists the help of Sheriff Deputy Luke Little to find out if her unknown correspondent is none other than the town’s biggest suspect. And the surprising truth about her suitor’s identity has her contemplating leaving her Amish roots behind forever . . .
3 pages, Audio CD
First published October 27, 2020
283 people are currently reading
1649 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
59books2,842followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 246 reviews
July 1, 2024
This is a cozy mystery, and this is 5.5 book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series. This is a short novella. I really enjoyed this book. I found it cute and the characters where great. The plot was simple, but good. I really enjoyed a mystery that was not a murder mystery. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Books) or author (Amanda Flower) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
September 5, 2020
4.5 stars
Candy Cane Crime is the 5.5 installment in Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This fun Christmas themed novella is told from the perspective of Bailey's cousin, Charlotte, who has volunteered to run the Candy Cane Exchange, a fundraiser to buy new costumes for the town's annual Christmas pageant. For one dollar, residents can purchase a candy cane with their personal note attached that will be delivered to their desired recipient on Christmas Eve. While tying the candy canes to the notes, Charlotte finds notes for her from a secret admirer. Naturally, she wants to know her admirer's identity and decides to do some sleuthing.
This is a delightful addition to the series. I enjoyed getting to know Charlotte better and seeing Harvest through her eyes. Her character and storyline are developing wonderfully and I can't wait to see what's in store for her in the future installments. There's no murder to solve, however, the mystery of Charlotte's secret admirer kept me engaged until the reveal.
All in all, I enjoyed this cozy, feel-good Christmas story and eagerly await the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Candy Cane Crime is the 5.5 installment in Amanda Flower's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. This fun Christmas themed novella is told from the perspective of Bailey's cousin, Charlotte, who has volunteered to run the Candy Cane Exchange, a fundraiser to buy new costumes for the town's annual Christmas pageant. For one dollar, residents can purchase a candy cane with their personal note attached that will be delivered to their desired recipient on Christmas Eve. While tying the candy canes to the notes, Charlotte finds notes for her from a secret admirer. Naturally, she wants to know her admirer's identity and decides to do some sleuthing.
This is a delightful addition to the series. I enjoyed getting to know Charlotte better and seeing Harvest through her eyes. Her character and storyline are developing wonderfully and I can't wait to see what's in store for her in the future installments. There's no murder to solve, however, the mystery of Charlotte's secret admirer kept me engaged until the reveal.
All in all, I enjoyed this cozy, feel-good Christmas story and eagerly await the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2020
A delightful Christmas short story. Cousin Charlotte is the lead in this story as she's in charge of the Candy Cane Exchange fundraising. Surprise! as Charlotte discovered notes to her from a secret admirer.
May 22, 2021
Candy Cane Crime by Amanda Flower is the third novella length book in the cozy Amish Candy Shop Mystery series that also has six full length novels so far. Candy Cane Crime falls between books five and six of the series in chronological order but as with the other books of the series it has it’s own mystery solved within so it could also be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. For those that follow from the beginning in the series though there is character building carrying over from book to book to tie them altogether.
The majority of the books of the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series feature Bailey King who had been working in New York as a chocolatier before she decided to return to Harvest, Ohio and help her Amish grandmother run their family owned candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. While Bailey is not Amish herself she does find herself fitting into the community with her Amish roots and trusted more than other outsiders. However, Bailey has again dropped to the background of this novella to allow her assistant and cousin, Charlotte Weaver, to step up and take over the lead in this novella as she did in Criminally Cocoa. Charlotte has volunteered to help with the town’s candy cane fundraiser when a secret admirer sends Charlotte anonymous notes so of course Charlotte needs to find out who wrote them.
I have followed the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series from the beginning and it has become one of my favorite cozies to pick up with each book that comes along. I love the fact that you are mixing a regular person into the Amish community and how the author has continued to expand the characters along the way with having another lead step up in the novellas and also now has started a spin off series with an Amish community member in the Amish Matchmaker Mystery series. With each book a new fun mystery comes into play and you feel as if returning to family so I’ll definitely keep returning as long as the series continues!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
The majority of the books of the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series feature Bailey King who had been working in New York as a chocolatier before she decided to return to Harvest, Ohio and help her Amish grandmother run their family owned candy shop, Swissmen Sweets. While Bailey is not Amish herself she does find herself fitting into the community with her Amish roots and trusted more than other outsiders. However, Bailey has again dropped to the background of this novella to allow her assistant and cousin, Charlotte Weaver, to step up and take over the lead in this novella as she did in Criminally Cocoa. Charlotte has volunteered to help with the town’s candy cane fundraiser when a secret admirer sends Charlotte anonymous notes so of course Charlotte needs to find out who wrote them.
I have followed the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series from the beginning and it has become one of my favorite cozies to pick up with each book that comes along. I love the fact that you are mixing a regular person into the Amish community and how the author has continued to expand the characters along the way with having another lead step up in the novellas and also now has started a spin off series with an Amish community member in the Amish Matchmaker Mystery series. With each book a new fun mystery comes into play and you feel as if returning to family so I’ll definitely keep returning as long as the series continues!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
December 26, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Christmas at Swissmen Sweets is a busy time. Online orders are flooding in along with all the people stopping by to pick up goodies for the family celebrations. Chocolatier Bailey King is worried they won’t get all the orders filled especially because she needs to make a quick trip to New York to promote her new cable television show Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Then Margot Rawlings comes into the shop and wants Bailey to handle the Candy Cane Exchange fundraiser she has organized to raise money for new costumes for the Christmas pageant. For one dollar residents can arrange to have a candy cane with a personal note attached for the person of their choice. Swissmen Sweets had already donated a supply of candy canes and Bailey tells Margot she just can’t take on anything more. Margot is a pushy woman and doesn’t understand why Bailey can’t handle getting the notes from the dropbox and attach the notes to the candy canes. Seeing her cousin Bailey stressed out, Charlotte steps up to take on the tasks required.
Charlotte is excited about her new Christmas assignment and visits the dropbox several times a day to collect the notes and the money. She gets flustered when she sees someone, a secret admirer, wants to send her some candy canes. She goes a little crazy wondering who her secret admirer could be. So much so, with a little help, she sets up a stakeout to try to find out who it is. But what she sees is a crime being committed. She talks Sheriff Deputy Luke Little into helping her catch the candy cane criminal in the act. She also learns the identity of her secret admirer.
Another quick trip to Harvest and just in time for the holidays.
I love that Charlotte was featured again in this story. The shy conservative young lady who is still on her extended rumspringa is getting a little more independent each day. She has a huge decision to make and the events that take place in this book are not going to make her decision any easier. I enjoy reading a story from her point of view because she has a unique voice when it comes to the world around her. She has immerged as a very strong character in this series, and I like where the author has taken her. I am excited to see what Charlotte’s future holds for her too.
No murder in Harvest this time though. A crime is uncovered and the mystery of Charlotte’s secret admirer and that was more than enough to keep me totally entertained.
The short novellas that take place between the full-length books are a real treat. There is always something happening in Harvest and this holiday story is a great way to help get people in the Christmas spirit.
Candy Cane Crime is a delightfully lighthearted story fans of this series are sure to love. It also gives new readers of the series a taste of what they have been missing. I recommend the entire Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series highly.
Christmas at Swissmen Sweets is a busy time. Online orders are flooding in along with all the people stopping by to pick up goodies for the family celebrations. Chocolatier Bailey King is worried they won’t get all the orders filled especially because she needs to make a quick trip to New York to promote her new cable television show Bailey’s Amish Sweets. Then Margot Rawlings comes into the shop and wants Bailey to handle the Candy Cane Exchange fundraiser she has organized to raise money for new costumes for the Christmas pageant. For one dollar residents can arrange to have a candy cane with a personal note attached for the person of their choice. Swissmen Sweets had already donated a supply of candy canes and Bailey tells Margot she just can’t take on anything more. Margot is a pushy woman and doesn’t understand why Bailey can’t handle getting the notes from the dropbox and attach the notes to the candy canes. Seeing her cousin Bailey stressed out, Charlotte steps up to take on the tasks required.
Charlotte is excited about her new Christmas assignment and visits the dropbox several times a day to collect the notes and the money. She gets flustered when she sees someone, a secret admirer, wants to send her some candy canes. She goes a little crazy wondering who her secret admirer could be. So much so, with a little help, she sets up a stakeout to try to find out who it is. But what she sees is a crime being committed. She talks Sheriff Deputy Luke Little into helping her catch the candy cane criminal in the act. She also learns the identity of her secret admirer.
Another quick trip to Harvest and just in time for the holidays.
I love that Charlotte was featured again in this story. The shy conservative young lady who is still on her extended rumspringa is getting a little more independent each day. She has a huge decision to make and the events that take place in this book are not going to make her decision any easier. I enjoy reading a story from her point of view because she has a unique voice when it comes to the world around her. She has immerged as a very strong character in this series, and I like where the author has taken her. I am excited to see what Charlotte’s future holds for her too.
No murder in Harvest this time though. A crime is uncovered and the mystery of Charlotte’s secret admirer and that was more than enough to keep me totally entertained.
The short novellas that take place between the full-length books are a real treat. There is always something happening in Harvest and this holiday story is a great way to help get people in the Christmas spirit.
Candy Cane Crime is a delightfully lighthearted story fans of this series are sure to love. It also gives new readers of the series a taste of what they have been missing. I recommend the entire Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series highly.
October 14, 2020
This novella is a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit where the snow is glistening in Harvest, Ohio and everyone is getting ready for the annual Christmas parade and pageant, both the Amish and Englisch. Bailey King, who helps her Amish Maami Clara King run Swissmen Sweets Amish Candy Shop and has her own television show, is off to New York City to do a promotion for her show. Town event planner Margot Rawlings has an event planned to raise money for new pageant costumes. The Candy Cane Exchange is an event where people drop off an envelope in a box in the town square with a dollar and a message for someone to be delivered to that person on Christmas Eve by the church youth group. Since Bailey is busy, Clara's young Amish cousin Charlotte, who works at the shop, volunteers for the job and is excited to have the responsibility.
Things are really busy and the Christmas spirit is high as townspeople drop off their money and a message. Charlotte is enjoying the work until she starts receiving messages to be delivered with a candy cane for her from a secret admirer. Who could it be? She cannot stand the suspense. Prank or sincere? Amish or Englisch? Charlotte is Amish but hasn't been baptized and is not sure if she wants to stay Amish or leave the church. So much for Charlotte to think about. It is fun to read more about Charlotte in this fun, quick holiday read.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Things are really busy and the Christmas spirit is high as townspeople drop off their money and a message. Charlotte is enjoying the work until she starts receiving messages to be delivered with a candy cane for her from a secret admirer. Who could it be? She cannot stand the suspense. Prank or sincere? Amish or Englisch? Charlotte is Amish but hasn't been baptized and is not sure if she wants to stay Amish or leave the church. So much for Charlotte to think about. It is fun to read more about Charlotte in this fun, quick holiday read.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
September 21, 2021
This novella is an eshort and is part of The Amish Candy Shop Mysteries. The main characters in this novella are Charlotte Weaver and Deputy Luke Little. I thought it was a cute Christmas read filled with the Spirit of Christmas. It was a fast read that can be read in one setting. All the regular characters that make this series so good were a part of this Christmas novella. No one was murdered in this novella but instead it is about the beginning of a romance during the most special holiday of the year. A season of love, joy and peace.
Margot Rawlings, community leader of the town of Harvest Ohio, is looking for someone to be the coordinator of the Christmas Candy Cane fund drive to take place on Christmas Eve. It will raise money for costumes for the Christmas Pageant held each year in the town’s square. Charlotte volunteers for the job . She will need to collect messages and money from the Christmas Candy Cane drop off box . People will participate by sending a message to someone and leave a dollar with each message. Charlotte is to keep checking the drop off box and collecting messages and the money. Then she is to attach the message to a Candy Cane and make it look Christmassy. The youth group from the church will deliver the messages on Christmas Eve day.
All goes well until Charlotte finds messages for her from a secret admirer. She has no idea who it might be. She can’t imagine who it would be. Who could it be? The messages keep coming and Charlotte tries to solve this mystery.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction ,Cozy Mystery and for those who love reading Christmas Novellas.
I read a Prime ebook copy of this novella. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Margot Rawlings, community leader of the town of Harvest Ohio, is looking for someone to be the coordinator of the Christmas Candy Cane fund drive to take place on Christmas Eve. It will raise money for costumes for the Christmas Pageant held each year in the town’s square. Charlotte volunteers for the job . She will need to collect messages and money from the Christmas Candy Cane drop off box . People will participate by sending a message to someone and leave a dollar with each message. Charlotte is to keep checking the drop off box and collecting messages and the money. Then she is to attach the message to a Candy Cane and make it look Christmassy. The youth group from the church will deliver the messages on Christmas Eve day.
All goes well until Charlotte finds messages for her from a secret admirer. She has no idea who it might be. She can’t imagine who it would be. Who could it be? The messages keep coming and Charlotte tries to solve this mystery.
I recommend this book to readers of Amish Fiction ,Cozy Mystery and for those who love reading Christmas Novellas.
I read a Prime ebook copy of this novella. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
October 13, 2020
This is a novella length Amish characters cosy mystery book. I enjoyed the straight mystery with no murder taking place. Seasonally themed for Christmas this book had all the charm you could ask for plus a candy shop filled with Christmas candies,falling snow and a fun candy cane exchange.
A fun plot and characters I enjoyed getting to know.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Pub Date 06 Oct 2020 by Kensington Books
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A fun plot and characters I enjoyed getting to know.
I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
Pub Date 06 Oct 2020 by Kensington Books
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
September 25, 2020
Candy Cane Crime is a short novella, and book 5.5 of the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. It can easily be read on its own, however.
I loved this story by Amanda Flower. Bailey, the owner of the candy shop in Harvest Ohio, is too busy to take on running the town candy cane exchange, so her cousin Charlotte steps in and begins collecting the messages that will be attached to candy canes and delivered all over town. To Charlotte's amazement, some of the notes are addressed to her, and a sweet mystery begins. Who is sending the notes?
This story is short, but fun, and does what a Christmas story is supposed to do--it transports you instantly to the Christmas season, no matter what time of the year it might happen to be. It didn't bother me a bit that the mystery was easy to figure out because the book was so enjoyable. The town of Harvest is brimming with life and fun, and I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series. And Jethro! I won't spoil it for you, but I loved Jethro.
I received a free copy of this story from Kensington Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
I loved this story by Amanda Flower. Bailey, the owner of the candy shop in Harvest Ohio, is too busy to take on running the town candy cane exchange, so her cousin Charlotte steps in and begins collecting the messages that will be attached to candy canes and delivered all over town. To Charlotte's amazement, some of the notes are addressed to her, and a sweet mystery begins. Who is sending the notes?
This story is short, but fun, and does what a Christmas story is supposed to do--it transports you instantly to the Christmas season, no matter what time of the year it might happen to be. It didn't bother me a bit that the mystery was easy to figure out because the book was so enjoyable. The town of Harvest is brimming with life and fun, and I definitely want to read the rest of the books in this series. And Jethro! I won't spoil it for you, but I loved Jethro.
I received a free copy of this story from Kensington Books via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
October 25, 2020
Candy Cane Crime by Amanda Flower is the 5.5 novella in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series, and another great addition. I really love this series, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. This story is about Bailey King's cousin Charlotte, and takes place over the Christmas holiday. The town is having a fund raiser, and Charlotte is in charge. People can pay a $1, and send a candy cane and a message to someone in town. When Charlotte starts getting notes for herself, from a secret admirer, she is determined to find out who it is. I love the quirky people and situations in this book. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book/ series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 6, 2020
Even though I have only read one other book in 's Amish Candy Shop Mystery series set in a family-run candy shop, Swissmen Sweets, I still jumped at the opportunity to read this one, as I enjoy a well written cosy, and this looked like it fitted the bill.
Bailey King is a chocolatier in Harvest, Ohio, and also has a new cable TV show. Bailey is going to be in New York to promote her show so she hasn't the time for this year's fundraiser, the Candy Cane Exchange. The fundraiser is a Christmas project where community members put messages for loved ones along with a donation in a candy cane postbox, then the notes will be attached to candy canes to be delivered on Christmas Eve. Proceeds will help to replace the tatty Christmas pageant costumes. Bailey's cousin, Charlotte, keenly takes over running the Exchange until she starts receiving notes addressed to her from a secret admirer. She wants to know her admirer's identity and decides to do some sleuthing...
Although there is some character building in these stories I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events, and this book can be enjoyed as an individual novella. The plot was fun and lively and although there were no dead bodies or a murder to solve, I was rewarded with an opportunity to get to know Cousin Charlotte better. Events moved along at a comfortable pace and in the end, everything connected in a neat Christmas package. I had a blast reading this highly entertaining cozy novella. I'm already looking forward to catching up with the folk from Harvest in book #6, , as well as grabbing copies of the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Bailey King is a chocolatier in Harvest, Ohio, and also has a new cable TV show. Bailey is going to be in New York to promote her show so she hasn't the time for this year's fundraiser, the Candy Cane Exchange. The fundraiser is a Christmas project where community members put messages for loved ones along with a donation in a candy cane postbox, then the notes will be attached to candy canes to be delivered on Christmas Eve. Proceeds will help to replace the tatty Christmas pageant costumes. Bailey's cousin, Charlotte, keenly takes over running the Exchange until she starts receiving notes addressed to her from a secret admirer. She wants to know her admirer's identity and decides to do some sleuthing...
Although there is some character building in these stories I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events, and this book can be enjoyed as an individual novella. The plot was fun and lively and although there were no dead bodies or a murder to solve, I was rewarded with an opportunity to get to know Cousin Charlotte better. Events moved along at a comfortable pace and in the end, everything connected in a neat Christmas package. I had a blast reading this highly entertaining cozy novella. I'm already looking forward to catching up with the folk from Harvest in book #6, , as well as grabbing copies of the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 31, 2022
WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE SINJGLE MOST BEAUTOFUL BOOK I HAVE READ IN MY LIFE!!!!!
Just when I thought Amanda Flower could do no better, she comes up with this gorgeous novella, candy cane crime.
In this one, we go back to following Charlotte Bayley, Kings cousin. Charlotte has been given the job of being a supervisor for a candy cane note delivery service. Everyone in the town is allowed to write notes to people and they will be sent with candy canes on Christmas Eve as a way of doing a fundraiser. Pop watch Charlotte did not expect was to find notes addressed to her. Not only are there notes addressed to her, but they are signed by her secret at Mira. Incredibly intrigued, Charlotte works really hard to discover the truth behind who her secret admirer is.
After not only reading a tonne of cosy mysteries, but also a tonne of books in this series this year, it was incredibly refreshing to find a mystery that was not a crime. Not only was it not a crime that it was actually a really beautiful mystery that I was so intrigued to try and solve. Charlotte is a protagonist is absolutely beautiful. She's the most gorgeous spirit and I just love following her as a character.
I actually solved the mystery!
Which may not seem like a big deal, but I've only solved two cosy mystery mysteries this year. Funny enough, both of them came from the only two books in this series that follow Charlotte instead of Bailey King. LOL.
I also have to admit that I was happy that I solved the mystery and for who the person was. I also have to say just how much I love that we can have a cosy mystery where there is a mystery, but the mystery is not a crime of any sort. In the first novella in this series, we have a mystery that were trying to solve. That's not necessarily a murder, but it is still a crime, whereas in this one, the mystery was just a really nice, sweet, cute mystery an I was totally therefore it!
The only sad thing now that I've finished this book is that I only have two more books left to go until the series is up to date for me. I already know what a sad day that is going to be when I'm up to date and have no more candy shop left to read until Amanda Flower releases the next one, which I hope there are going to be more than 7.
Amanda flower. My final thanks goes to you. You are by far and away my favourite female author of all time and you so deserve that title. This series truly is one of the most, if not the most beautifully amazing series that I have read in my life and I cannot thank you enough.
5 (OVERWHELMING) Stars!
Xoxo.
Just when I thought Amanda Flower could do no better, she comes up with this gorgeous novella, candy cane crime.
In this one, we go back to following Charlotte Bayley, Kings cousin. Charlotte has been given the job of being a supervisor for a candy cane note delivery service. Everyone in the town is allowed to write notes to people and they will be sent with candy canes on Christmas Eve as a way of doing a fundraiser. Pop watch Charlotte did not expect was to find notes addressed to her. Not only are there notes addressed to her, but they are signed by her secret at Mira. Incredibly intrigued, Charlotte works really hard to discover the truth behind who her secret admirer is.
After not only reading a tonne of cosy mysteries, but also a tonne of books in this series this year, it was incredibly refreshing to find a mystery that was not a crime. Not only was it not a crime that it was actually a really beautiful mystery that I was so intrigued to try and solve. Charlotte is a protagonist is absolutely beautiful. She's the most gorgeous spirit and I just love following her as a character.
I actually solved the mystery!
Which may not seem like a big deal, but I've only solved two cosy mystery mysteries this year. Funny enough, both of them came from the only two books in this series that follow Charlotte instead of Bailey King. LOL.
I also have to admit that I was happy that I solved the mystery and for who the person was. I also have to say just how much I love that we can have a cosy mystery where there is a mystery, but the mystery is not a crime of any sort. In the first novella in this series, we have a mystery that were trying to solve. That's not necessarily a murder, but it is still a crime, whereas in this one, the mystery was just a really nice, sweet, cute mystery an I was totally therefore it!
The only sad thing now that I've finished this book is that I only have two more books left to go until the series is up to date for me. I already know what a sad day that is going to be when I'm up to date and have no more candy shop left to read until Amanda Flower releases the next one, which I hope there are going to be more than 7.
Amanda flower. My final thanks goes to you. You are by far and away my favourite female author of all time and you so deserve that title. This series truly is one of the most, if not the most beautifully amazing series that I have read in my life and I cannot thank you enough.
5 (OVERWHELMING) Stars!
Xoxo.
January 1, 2021
I won a digital copy of this book in a ŷ Giveaway which was quite a delightful suprise. This is a short story #5.5 in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series by Amanda Flower. Before I read the book I went back and started to read the series from the beginning. I personally hate jumping in a series in the middle without having a better understanding of the environment and the characters involved. This novella can absolutely be read as a standalone, however I find knowing more from previous episodes gives a much more comprehensive reading experience for me. The entire series is quite a pleasurable read the environment is very quaint and the characters are definitely just that characters who have me chuckling to myself a number of times. This was truly another enjoyable addition to the series as a short Christmas novella with a mystery that fortunately didn't have any dead bodies in it for a change.
August 31, 2022
A lovely little novella in the Amish Candy shop mystery series, this features a sweet mystery about a secret admirer at Christmas time. Since I have read these completely out of order, I need to go back and read a couple to catch up. But, this was still easy to follow and a very pleasant read.
August 19, 2020
This novella is the Amish Candy Shop series, is set at Christmas time in Harvest, Ohio. While the main character Bailey is occupied with the debut of her New York City cable show and internet sales, Swissmen Sweets is busier than ever. When Charlotte is asked to handle the candy cane exchange, she feels honored and ready to handle the responsibility. But when what arrives in the Candy Cane "mail box" are notes addressed to her, she is both and excited and nervous.
Both myself and my husband enjoy this series very much. The prior books are all written from Bailey's point of view but this one is from Charlotte's. She is a hard-working woman who is shunned by many in the Amish community because she has not yet been baptized and is living with Bailey's grandmother, instead of her own. I really admire her for not bowing to this pressure; it must be incredibly difficult. The ending is really a beginning and I am looking forward to the next "full" book in this wonderful series to see where her candy cane messages lead.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. My review is voluntary.
Both myself and my husband enjoy this series very much. The prior books are all written from Bailey's point of view but this one is from Charlotte's. She is a hard-working woman who is shunned by many in the Amish community because she has not yet been baptized and is living with Bailey's grandmother, instead of her own. I really admire her for not bowing to this pressure; it must be incredibly difficult. The ending is really a beginning and I am looking forward to the next "full" book in this wonderful series to see where her candy cane messages lead.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC. My review is voluntary.
August 21, 2020
Candy Cane Crime is a quick fun novella set in the Amish Candy Shop world. I really enjoyed this novella because it was a change from the rest of the series. The focus of this novella is on Charlotte. I liked the change in focus as it allows the reader to get to know Charlotte a bit better and we get a glimpse into the decision she must make soon regarding her faith. It's Christmas in Harvest and with that comes a Margot Rawlings fundraiser, which Charlotte volunteers to handle. With this responsibility comes a discovery that will, I think, play a part in the decision Charlotte must reach. For fans of the series, I think they will enjoy getting to know this character a bit better and it won't seem odd not to have the focus on Bailey and Aiden. Plus, I think the author might be laying the groundwork for a future storyline involving Abel Esch (just my opinion).
This is a terrific series and fans won't want to miss this little holiday glimpse into life in Harvest Ohio. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington Books, through Netgalley.
This is a terrific series and fans won't want to miss this little holiday glimpse into life in Harvest Ohio. I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington Books, through Netgalley.
January 12, 2021
Great story, although I do suggest if you have never read this series before to read the first book or might find yourself a bit lost. I loved the no murder storyline in this story, it was a pure mystery of who took the loot, and instead of the main character of the series trying to figure it out, her Cousin Charlotte gets to figure it out, totally different and I really enjoyed it.
October 28, 2020
So glad Jethro made an appearance in this novella. I can't wait to see how things progress with Charlotte and her "secret admirer." So cute!
November 16, 2020
Chocolatier Bailey King is in New York working on her new cable show. Before she leaves, Harvest's Margot Rawlings, who sets up town events with an iron fist, asks Bailey to run the town Candy Cane Exchange, a fundraiser for new costumers for the Christmas pageant. Bailey refuses, but her cousin, Charlotte, volunteers, despite the busy season.
What Charlotte finds in the box, though, is notes from a secret admirer. She tries to figure out who it is, while she is also wrestling with the decision of whether she should be baptized into the Amish faith, or not. But something else is going on with the Candy Cane Exchange, and it's up to Charlotte to put her sleuthing skills to good use, and figure it out.
I love these little novellas where Charlotte takes center stage. She is an intriguing character and she captures the readers hearts, or at least she does mine. I loved watching her step out on her own and take on the exchange. It was fun watching her try and figure out who her admirer was, and what was happening with the Christmas box.
The Amish Candy Shop series is one of my favorites. Kudos Ms. Flower for a job well done!
What Charlotte finds in the box, though, is notes from a secret admirer. She tries to figure out who it is, while she is also wrestling with the decision of whether she should be baptized into the Amish faith, or not. But something else is going on with the Candy Cane Exchange, and it's up to Charlotte to put her sleuthing skills to good use, and figure it out.
I love these little novellas where Charlotte takes center stage. She is an intriguing character and she captures the readers hearts, or at least she does mine. I loved watching her step out on her own and take on the exchange. It was fun watching her try and figure out who her admirer was, and what was happening with the Christmas box.
The Amish Candy Shop series is one of my favorites. Kudos Ms. Flower for a job well done!
November 19, 2021
Great addition to the series. I love these novellas about Charlotte.
September 30, 2020
There was no murder in this short novella, but it focused on a romance mystery. I haven't read any books in this series but I had no problem getting into the story. This book focuses on Bailey's cousin Charlotte. She has volunteered to raise money for the Christmas program. And it was something like secret santa, which we used to play a lot in college and my first workplace. But the highlight of the book was Jethro and Melchior. They were super adorable and funny 😁😁
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read this book.
October 29, 2020
Sweet, Christmas themed novella using the characters from Amish Candy Shop, but told in the voice of Charlotte Weaver, a young Amish girl who works at the candy shop. As Bailey is overloaded and stressed with all the extra orders for the candy shop, Charlotte agrees to coordinate a candy cane exchange to raise money for costumes for the Christmas pageant. Having a project to call her own is thrilling, but it comes with its own set of problems. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2021
This was such a cute story about Cousin Charlotte and her secret admirer. I think it would be fun to read whenever, but it is set at Christmas time, when Charlotte volunteers to help with a fundraiser that delivers candy canes and notes to people. I like Charlotte and I want to see how she develops. In fact, I suspect there are a lot of stories to tell in this town. I also liked the cute, spoiled little pig that is on the cover :)
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for letting me read a copy of this book!
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for letting me read a copy of this book!
August 2, 2020
Candy Cane Crime is the 5.5 book in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series.
Once again, Bailey’s cousin, Charlotte, steps to the front in this novella.
Christmas is just a few days away and Bailey is busy finishing up on mail orders for her family’s delicious sweets. The success of her TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets has had everyone very busy keeping up with store sales and mail orders. Bailey is putting the finishing touches on the last of the day's orders, when the last person she wants to see, Margo, approaches Bailey. Margo has organized a Candy Cane Exchange, to raise money for new costumes for the Christmas Manger cast. Bailey has already provided the candy canes and now Margo wants her to attach the notes folks will put in the Candy Cane Exchange box. Bailey explains that she will be leaving for New York City to meet with people from her cable show and won’t be able to help. Charlotte overhears this conversation and says she would be happy to take over and attach the notes to a candy cane and have them to the church on Christmas Eve so they can be delivered by the youth group.
Charlotte is anxious to start her job, so after closing Swissmen Sweet’s, she walks through the newly fallen snow to the square to check if there are any notes. There are and she is most surprised to find one for her from a “secret admirer�. She will receive several more. Charlotte is so surprised that she has an admirer and has no idea who that might be an Englischer or an Amish man.
No murders in the book, but there is a theft, and Charlotte will play a part in the apprehension of the thief.
It’s always a joy to visit with the folks of Harvest, Ohio.
Includes a delicious-sounding recipe.
Also, a sneak peek at the second book in An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series,
Once again, Bailey’s cousin, Charlotte, steps to the front in this novella.
Christmas is just a few days away and Bailey is busy finishing up on mail orders for her family’s delicious sweets. The success of her TV show, Bailey’s Amish Sweets has had everyone very busy keeping up with store sales and mail orders. Bailey is putting the finishing touches on the last of the day's orders, when the last person she wants to see, Margo, approaches Bailey. Margo has organized a Candy Cane Exchange, to raise money for new costumes for the Christmas Manger cast. Bailey has already provided the candy canes and now Margo wants her to attach the notes folks will put in the Candy Cane Exchange box. Bailey explains that she will be leaving for New York City to meet with people from her cable show and won’t be able to help. Charlotte overhears this conversation and says she would be happy to take over and attach the notes to a candy cane and have them to the church on Christmas Eve so they can be delivered by the youth group.
Charlotte is anxious to start her job, so after closing Swissmen Sweet’s, she walks through the newly fallen snow to the square to check if there are any notes. There are and she is most surprised to find one for her from a “secret admirer�. She will receive several more. Charlotte is so surprised that she has an admirer and has no idea who that might be an Englischer or an Amish man.
No murders in the book, but there is a theft, and Charlotte will play a part in the apprehension of the thief.
It’s always a joy to visit with the folks of Harvest, Ohio.
Includes a delicious-sounding recipe.
Also, a sneak peek at the second book in An Amish Matchmaker Mystery series,
October 5, 2020
Oh this was just so much fun!!! A candy-cane exchange!! HOW fun!!
This book is from Charlotte's POV and I do love her story. And this one is really good because you realize that she may be, finally, getting close to making her decision about whether or not she is staying or leaving the Amish. What is really great about these stories is how respectful the author is of the Amish and in this one, that shines through. She shows how difficult it has been for Charlotte to leave her family [that she loved, but that was oppressive and overbearing], knowing that she will more-than-likely never speak to them again and how grateful she is for her cousins Clara and Bailey for loving her and accepting her, no matter what she chooses - which is not always the case for those who decide to leave the Amish, so I am glad that in this case, Charlotte has family that will love her, no matter what.
There is no murder in this book [YAY!!], but there is a mystery [that you just need to read to find out what it is] and it is fun and sweet and makes for a lovely Christmasy read. And have no fear, Jethro the Pig makes an appearance as does Melchior the Camel [if you have read previous books, you will remember him!!], and there is a brief appearance of Millie the Matchmaker [who gets to smack Juliet down a little; in a loving, caring, way of course! ;-) ]. It is such a wonderful little story and it was so lovely to have this after some rather tough reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is from Charlotte's POV and I do love her story. And this one is really good because you realize that she may be, finally, getting close to making her decision about whether or not she is staying or leaving the Amish. What is really great about these stories is how respectful the author is of the Amish and in this one, that shines through. She shows how difficult it has been for Charlotte to leave her family [that she loved, but that was oppressive and overbearing], knowing that she will more-than-likely never speak to them again and how grateful she is for her cousins Clara and Bailey for loving her and accepting her, no matter what she chooses - which is not always the case for those who decide to leave the Amish, so I am glad that in this case, Charlotte has family that will love her, no matter what.
There is no murder in this book [YAY!!], but there is a mystery [that you just need to read to find out what it is] and it is fun and sweet and makes for a lovely Christmasy read. And have no fear, Jethro the Pig makes an appearance as does Melchior the Camel [if you have read previous books, you will remember him!!], and there is a brief appearance of Millie the Matchmaker [who gets to smack Juliet down a little; in a loving, caring, way of course! ;-) ]. It is such a wonderful little story and it was so lovely to have this after some rather tough reads.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2020
Candy Cane Crime
Amish Candy Shop Mystery, Book#5.5
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A candy-striped caper . . .
Christmas is coming all too quickly for Harvest, Ohio’s famous chocolatier, Bailey King. Thanks to her new cable TV show, her shop has more candy orders than she can handle this holiday season. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is happy to take the Candy Cane Exchange off Bailey’s to-do list. After all, Charlotte has come to Harvest from her conservative home district to find her future outside of her family’s influence. What better way than by taking on the Englisch task of pairing the sweet notes everyone is exchanging with a peppermint treat, just in time for Christmas Eve delivery? But when Charlotte discovers some of those delicious missives are for her, suddenly she’s staking out the festive postbox, hoping to catch her secret admirer in his intriguing tracks . . .
When Charlotte sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking, she enlists the help of Sheriff Deputy Luke Little to find out if her unknown correspondent is none other than the town’s biggest suspect. And the surprising truth about her suitor’s identity has her contemplating leaving her Amish roots behind forever . . . (ŷ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Charlotte is still on her Rumspringa and has not made up her mind what she wants to do. When Margot needs help with the Candy Cane Exchange, Charlotte is happy to help. When she finds out that she has a secret admirer who is giving her candy cane. She does not know who is doing it and what it means. But she plans on finding out.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. There were a couple of mysteries for Charlotte to solve, although none involved a dead body.
I would recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Although it was short, it still had everything that I look for in a cozy mystery. And we even got to spend some time with Jethro, the pig.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Amish Candy Shop Mystery, Book#5.5
Amanda Flower
5 Stars
Synopsis:
A candy-striped caper . . .
Christmas is coming all too quickly for Harvest, Ohio’s famous chocolatier, Bailey King. Thanks to her new cable TV show, her shop has more candy orders than she can handle this holiday season. Fortunately, her beloved Cousin Charlotte is happy to take the Candy Cane Exchange off Bailey’s to-do list. After all, Charlotte has come to Harvest from her conservative home district to find her future outside of her family’s influence. What better way than by taking on the Englisch task of pairing the sweet notes everyone is exchanging with a peppermint treat, just in time for Christmas Eve delivery? But when Charlotte discovers some of those delicious missives are for her, suddenly she’s staking out the festive postbox, hoping to catch her secret admirer in his intriguing tracks . . .
When Charlotte sees something underhanded going on beneath the merrymaking, she enlists the help of Sheriff Deputy Luke Little to find out if her unknown correspondent is none other than the town’s biggest suspect. And the surprising truth about her suitor’s identity has her contemplating leaving her Amish roots behind forever . . . (ŷ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Charlotte is still on her Rumspringa and has not made up her mind what she wants to do. When Margot needs help with the Candy Cane Exchange, Charlotte is happy to help. When she finds out that she has a secret admirer who is giving her candy cane. She does not know who is doing it and what it means. But she plans on finding out.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. There were a couple of mysteries for Charlotte to solve, although none involved a dead body.
I would recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Although it was short, it still had everything that I look for in a cozy mystery. And we even got to spend some time with Jethro, the pig.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
October 25, 2020
Candy Cane Crime by Amanda Flower is charming cozy mystery novella. It is book 5.5 in An Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series, but I highly recommend this charming series. This story is told from Charlotte’s point-of-view (Bailey King’s cousin). I like getting to know Charlotte better and seeing things from her perspective. Charlotte was raised Amish, but she is not sure if she wishes to become baptized or not. I love the characters in this series. They are just delightful. They are developed and continue to evolve along with the series. The mysteries in Candy Cane Crime were simple, but they suited this short novella and went with the theme of the book. I was especially interested in learning the identity of Charlotte’s secret admirer. The story has a sweet ending. Candy Cane Crime is a cute, lighthearted story that was enjoyable to read. It was over far too soon. I am looking forward to Lemon Drop Dead. Candy Cane Crime is a cozy Christmas tale with secret admirer sleuthing, a proliferation of peppermint, a precocious pig, and Christmas cheer.
August 28, 2020
I love a good Christmas story. This was the perfect book for me to read. As with previous novellas in this series, it was written from Charlotte's point of view and I loved that. Charlotte volunteered to run the Candy Cane Exchange, a fundraiser so the town could get new costumes for the Christmas Pageant. People leave notes in a bin and Charlotte is tasked with tying each note to a candy cane that will be delivered to its recipient on Christmas Eve. Charlotte finds notes for her in the bin from a secret admirer. She is naturally curious as to who they are from. I loved this story. I knew right away who was sending her the notes and it was so cute to see her figure it out. There is also a theft in the book that Charlotte helps solve. I received this book from netgalley and Kensington publishing in exchange for a honest review.
October 4, 2020
It is the holiday season and thanks to the Candy Cane Exchange, where people can send candy cane messages, love is in the air. When Charlotte volunteered to be in charge of the exchange the last thing she thought would happen is that she'd get anonymous notes from a secret admirer. Now the question is are they a prank or real.
Short but sweet this novella features Charlotte, a cousin of protagonist Bailey in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. For those of us who have read the whole series we get to learn more about Charlotte with some good hints about the future.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Short but sweet this novella features Charlotte, a cousin of protagonist Bailey in the Amish Candy Shop Mystery series. For those of us who have read the whole series we get to learn more about Charlotte with some good hints about the future.
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 3, 2021
Charlotte is put in charge of the candy cane exchange for the town's fundraiser. The mystery is something fishy may be going on with it.
This was a novella so it was a short. Not so much about a mystery but a sweet story about one of the endearing characters. It was from Charlotte's POV instead of the usual Bailey's which was a nice change of pace.
And I liked that it included most of the characters from her various series revolving around the Amish community in Ohio.
Who's her secret admirer? Will it be an Amisher or an Englisher? Hmmm....the plot thickens for that character. I like her so I want her to get an HEA if she can.
This was a novella so it was a short. Not so much about a mystery but a sweet story about one of the endearing characters. It was from Charlotte's POV instead of the usual Bailey's which was a nice change of pace.
And I liked that it included most of the characters from her various series revolving around the Amish community in Ohio.
Who's her secret admirer? Will it be an Amisher or an Englisher? Hmmm....the plot thickens for that character. I like her so I want her to get an HEA if she can.
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