Thursday, January 7, 2016

On Thin Icing - Blog Tour Review + Giveaway



Welcome to my tour stop for On Thin Icing by Ellie Alexander! This is the third book in the Bakeshop Mystery series and is now available for sale. The blog tour runs January 4-15 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.


Welcome to Torte-a small-town family bakeshop where the treats are killer good.

It's the dead of winter in the sleepy town of Ashland, which means no tourists-and fewer customers-for Jules Capshaw and her bakery. But when she's asked to cater an off-season retreat for the directors of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, business starts heating up...until Jules finds a dead body in the freezer.

"An intriguing new series."-Reader to Reader
Someone at the retreat has apparently iced the bartender, a well-known flirt with a legendary temper-that is, before a killer beat him to the punch. Then, from out of nowhere, Jules's own ex-husband shows up at the shop-and soon becomes a suspect. With accusations piling up higher than the snow-and thicker than a chocolate mousse cake-Jules has to think outside the (recipe) box to find the real culprit...and make sure he gets his just desserts.

"A delectable tale of murder and intrigue."-Portland Book Review on Meet Your Baker

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |  Powells 
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My Review:

*Happy Sigh* This was my first visit to Ashland and it may just be my favorite.  I was a little concerned going into this one because I knew we weren't going to be at Torte with Andy, Jules' mother, and the rest of the usual crew but there was no need to worry.  While I did miss the Torte crew and the residents of Ashland, Jules' new sous chef Sterling came into his own and was a delightful addition to the story.  We also had Lance who was just perfectly used.  We got enough of him and his theatrics that he was entertaining but not so much that he got annoying.  And the food... As Jules and Sterling catered this board retreat we got front row seats in the kitchen.  The food they prepared sounded absolutely amazing and I enjoyed watching Jules deal with more savory dishes instead of the usual drool-worthy desserts and pastries.
The mystery was well done and kept me turning pages which is what I have come to expect from Ellie Alexander.  I really didn't know who was the killer or even why until towards the end and I was pleased with the reveal.  Jules also gets a new complication in her personal life and I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next.
If you're not a big food person this might not be the mystery for you as the food descriptions are a large (and yummy) part of the book but if you enjoy foodie reads and you like a good cozy do not pass this series up!
Rating: Very Good
Don't miss out on the first two books!
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About the Author:
Ellie Alexander is a Pacific Northwest native who spends ample time testing pastry recipes in her home kitchen or at one of the many famed coffeehouses nearby. When she’s not coated in flour, you’ll find her outside exploring hiking trails and trying to burn off calories consumed in the name of research. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter to learn more.


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GIVEAWAY:
Triple chocolate cookie mix, Alpine spiced cider, Collection of Stash teas, Collection of gourmet hot chocolates, Oxford tea towel, Signed copy of On Thin Icing
US only
Ends Jan. 20, 2016
Prizing provided by the author. Must be 13 or older and have parental permission if under 17. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

14 comments:

  1. I like food and cozy books so I will absolutely be checking out this series now. Great review!!

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  2. I like cozy mysteries where the characters grow and things change as the series progresses, sounds like this series is like that. Plus the setting sounds fun. :)

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  3. So, I'd join in to the giveaway for the Stash Tea alone. I can buy it here, but I discovered it when we lived in Portland. This series does sound fun. No calories just reading about food, right? LOL

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  4. those food-centered cozy mysteries are fun aren't they. When I was younger I loved these Angie Amalfi cozy mysteries, and I should get into them again.

    I'm really glad you enjoyed this one.

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  5. Look at all those baked goods! Yum! This sounds like a fun series.

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  6. YAY! So glad you enjoyed! I love the characters in these books and the setting of course. :) Thanks so much for hosting a tour stop and sharing your thoughts!

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  7. As you know, I'm a sucker for a novel with some yummy food, and I'm gonna have to jump in this sweepstakes. (lol) Loved your review! Hugs...

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  8. Yikes a dead body in the freezer! I wouldn't be turned off my yummy food, I'd probably have to go do some baking!

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  9. I really want to try this series but just haven't had a chance yet. :)

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  10. I always love the titles of cozy mysteries. Great review!

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  11. I have this on my list of series I want to read.

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  12. I don't read too many cozy mysteries but I do usually enjoy them when I do. I love the food angle in this series. I will definitely keep an eye out for this one.

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  13. Ooo a bakery murder mystery..sign me up! So glad this worked well for you, I like that you were able to just drop in on the series.

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  14. Culinary cozies are the best! I'm glad you loved it.

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