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kimdavishb's review
5.0
Ever since Jenny Kales debuted her first cozy mystery, ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK, earlier this year I’ve been looking forward to the second installment in her Callie’s Kitchen Mystery series! Fortunately, Jenny didn’t disappoint and is celebrating the holidays with her new release SPICED AND ICED! First off, the cover is whimsically festive and invites a reader in for some Christmas cheer, cookies, and murder. Callie is an enjoyable protagonist and I would dearly love to spend some time with her in her kitchen baking up some of the delectable treats she serves at her restaurant. In addition to being a wonderful cook, Callie has a caring personality. She treats her employees, friends, and family with equal respect and love and is a good role model to her ten-year-old daughter. I so enjoy her relationship with her Greek father and especially her “Aunt” Sweetie, visiting from Greece. It provides an opportunity to learn some bits and pieces of Greek words, culture, and customs which adds character to a terrific story.
The murder mystery provided suspense and kept me turning pages wanting to find out what happens next, while there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. Callie’s Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie also join in the sleuthing with humorous results as does the scenes where Callie finds out about the woman her father may or may not be dating. Callie is dating Detective Sands, who is in charge of the investigation. They are in the early stages of their romance but the author gives them room to grow, to learn to trust each other. I look forward to what is in store for them in future books.
And then there are the recipes the author includes with her book…so many yummy ones! I tried the recipe for her Paximathia, Spiced Greek Biscotti. My friends and family were impressed with how wonderful it was and I loved the fact that it's the author's family recipe passed down through the generations!
I provided a review after receiving an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The murder mystery provided suspense and kept me turning pages wanting to find out what happens next, while there were plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. Callie’s Grandma Viv and Aunt Sweetie also join in the sleuthing with humorous results as does the scenes where Callie finds out about the woman her father may or may not be dating. Callie is dating Detective Sands, who is in charge of the investigation. They are in the early stages of their romance but the author gives them room to grow, to learn to trust each other. I look forward to what is in store for them in future books.
And then there are the recipes the author includes with her book…so many yummy ones! I tried the recipe for her Paximathia, Spiced Greek Biscotti. My friends and family were impressed with how wonderful it was and I loved the fact that it's the author's family recipe passed down through the generations!
I provided a review after receiving an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
peggyemi's review
5.0
Spiced and Iced is the second book in the Callie's Kitchen Mystery series by Jenny Kales. I have been fortunate to have been asked to read both books by the author and have loved each one of them. This is the perfect holiday themed cozy and has everything that a reader looks for in this genre. Callie is a single mother who is trying to make a go of it with her business Callie's Kitchen. She is a wonderful character with a lot of warmth that jumps right off the page. As a reader, I instantly fell for Callie and her wonderful Greek family. In this book we get to meet some new secondary characters including Sweetie, a cousin who is visiting from Greece. What draws me to this series is that not only is it well written, but the author has captured a Midwest feel in terms of the people and the places that feel comfortable to me as a Midwesterner myself.
The mystery is just as good as the characters. Once again, Callie has the bad luck to stumble across another dead body and is drawn into helping try to determine the culprit. There are plenty of suspects and Ms. Kales certainly keeps the reader guessing with the real identity of the killer. There are some clues and plenty of twists and turns. The killer is revealed in a climatic conclusion that will have the reader holding their breath.
I can't wait to return to Crystal Bay Wisconsin for the next installment of this series.
The mystery is just as good as the characters. Once again, Callie has the bad luck to stumble across another dead body and is drawn into helping try to determine the culprit. There are plenty of suspects and Ms. Kales certainly keeps the reader guessing with the real identity of the killer. There are some clues and plenty of twists and turns. The killer is revealed in a climatic conclusion that will have the reader holding their breath.
I can't wait to return to Crystal Bay Wisconsin for the next installment of this series.
karen_the_baroness's review
5.0
Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales bring out the Christmas cheer and a dead body!
Will Callie solve the mystery before the snowstorm arrives?
Callie Costas is happy to have a busy shop, and so many people want to hire Callie's Kitchen for catering. Her biggest job yet is for a bridal shower hosted at the English Country Inn, and it's a big ask since it's the holiday, so she's already busy. Callie is a great person for taking on so many new projects while keeping it together with everything to do at her business. She also has some things going on at her home front, but Callie doesn't have the time or energy to deal with that.
Callie has her aunt Sweetie coming to visit. I must admit I loved Sweetie when I met her on the Greek islands. Now meeting her in this book, and I love her more. She's the funniest character ever, and her antics with Viv are great. I feel bad for Callie, but they bring some laughter into her life.
I love all of the characters in this series, and Callie is doing great, remaining positive and not allowing anything to bring her down.
The Mystery
Callie Costas finds the party planner deceased on her way out of the English Country Inn after dropping off her food for the bridal party. At first, Callie isn't investigating as she has too many things on her plate. Especially considering that she still has things to do for the bride and run her shop and her kid. Except when a friend calls you, everything is off the table; that and two nosy relatives who can't help but stick their noses in it make it her business. Callie makes sure this time to give any information to Sands as soon as she learns it so that she doesn't get hurt again.
I have to say that I guessed who did it perfectly this time, but the reason had me stumped. Ms. Kales got me good with the motive.
Five Stars
I am giving Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. One of the things that I love about this series is that Ms. Kales brings together food, a good mystery, a tinge of romance, and family fun, all wrapped together in a good book. Ms. Kales is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series.
Seriously, one of these days, I might have to convince Jen to do a Greek recipe from this series! Speaking of recipes, don't forget to check those out at the end of the book. They are Spiced Greek Biscuits (Paxemathia) (Greek biscotti), Greek Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes), Blueberry Greek Yogurt Scones, Sweetie's Spinach Squares aka LAzy Spanakopita, Wisconsin Supper Club Cheese Spread, and Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All of these are mentioned in the book!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
Will Callie solve the mystery before the snowstorm arrives?
Callie Costas is happy to have a busy shop, and so many people want to hire Callie's Kitchen for catering. Her biggest job yet is for a bridal shower hosted at the English Country Inn, and it's a big ask since it's the holiday, so she's already busy. Callie is a great person for taking on so many new projects while keeping it together with everything to do at her business. She also has some things going on at her home front, but Callie doesn't have the time or energy to deal with that.
Callie has her aunt Sweetie coming to visit. I must admit I loved Sweetie when I met her on the Greek islands. Now meeting her in this book, and I love her more. She's the funniest character ever, and her antics with Viv are great. I feel bad for Callie, but they bring some laughter into her life.
I love all of the characters in this series, and Callie is doing great, remaining positive and not allowing anything to bring her down.
The Mystery
Callie Costas finds the party planner deceased on her way out of the English Country Inn after dropping off her food for the bridal party. At first, Callie isn't investigating as she has too many things on her plate. Especially considering that she still has things to do for the bride and run her shop and her kid. Except when a friend calls you, everything is off the table; that and two nosy relatives who can't help but stick their noses in it make it her business. Callie makes sure this time to give any information to Sands as soon as she learns it so that she doesn't get hurt again.
I have to say that I guessed who did it perfectly this time, but the reason had me stumped. Ms. Kales got me good with the motive.
Five Stars
I am giving Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales five stars and recommending it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. One of the things that I love about this series is that Ms. Kales brings together food, a good mystery, a tinge of romance, and family fun, all wrapped together in a good book. Ms. Kales is a fantastic author, and I can't wait to read more in this wonderful series.
Seriously, one of these days, I might have to convince Jen to do a Greek recipe from this series! Speaking of recipes, don't forget to check those out at the end of the book. They are Spiced Greek Biscuits (Paxemathia) (Greek biscotti), Greek Snowball Cookies (Kourabiethes), Blueberry Greek Yogurt Scones, Sweetie's Spinach Squares aka LAzy Spanakopita, Wisconsin Supper Club Cheese Spread, and Spiced and Iced Gingerbread. All of these are mentioned in the book!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spiced and Iced by Jenny Kales.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.
debrajoreads's review
4.0
I actually adore this one more than book 1 and I am already moving on to Book 3, Secrets and Pies!!
I think what I like the most about this series is that the characters are so relatable. Yes its a small town and quite over the top in many cases, but the relationships and emotions as well as day to day routines are real. I feel like I have been in many of the same situations with family, exes, friends, budding romances, coworkers, etc. Well Done Ms. Kales.
Callie stumbles upon yet another dead body. Not being a suspect this time, she is ready to distance herself; however, a friend and fellow business owner asks her to keep an eye on the Inn while she is out of town. Did I mention the Inn is where the dead body was found? She is already dealing with the holidays, her ex and his wife moving back to town, her dad dating, and her best friend upset with her so add some sleuthing to Callie's already full plate, why not?!?!?! After all that, she is still concerned with her budding relationship with the handsome Detective Sands. Will she survive her problems or the killer that may be trying to cover their tracks? Start reading to find out....
I think what I like the most about this series is that the characters are so relatable. Yes its a small town and quite over the top in many cases, but the relationships and emotions as well as day to day routines are real. I feel like I have been in many of the same situations with family, exes, friends, budding romances, coworkers, etc. Well Done Ms. Kales.
Callie stumbles upon yet another dead body. Not being a suspect this time, she is ready to distance herself; however, a friend and fellow business owner asks her to keep an eye on the Inn while she is out of town. Did I mention the Inn is where the dead body was found? She is already dealing with the holidays, her ex and his wife moving back to town, her dad dating, and her best friend upset with her so add some sleuthing to Callie's already full plate, why not?!?!?! After all that, she is still concerned with her budding relationship with the handsome Detective Sands. Will she survive her problems or the killer that may be trying to cover their tracks? Start reading to find out....
dollycas's review
5.0
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s December in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. The snow if falling, frigid temps are setting in and Callie’s Kitchen is busy baking and making delicious things for the holiday season. She has agreed to provide her Greek snowball cookies for a bridal shower at The English Country Inn but before the shower begins Callie finds the party planner dead in the water. Her relationship with Detective Sands may hit the skids because she just can’t help investigating the death. Her aunt and grandma even get involved. As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, her ex may be moving back to Crystal Bay and her father appears to be dating. Christmas may be drawing near but Callie is determined to ice the killer just like he iced his victim.
I started reading this story and it felt like home. The author really describes everything about Wisconsin perfectly. The weather, the people, the food, the little language quirks, it warmed by heart.
Callie is a lovable character, she has a huge heart and is a hard worker determined to make her business a success. Her friendship with Samantha struggled a bit in this installment and their interactions were spot on. Her relationship with Detective Sands struggles as well but we learn more about this character as they work to turn things around. Max and Callie work together in the kitchen like a well oiled machine and he is a great friend to her. Callie’s aunt, “Sweetie” is visiting from Greece and she teams up with Grandma Viv for some laugh out loud moments. Her father’s life is in a period of change too. Callie is unsure if it is the situation or the woman that he is seeing that gives her concern. All these characters are well crafted, engaging and true to life.
The murder mystery itself was complicated. There were more suspects that I imagined at first and I was totally wrong about the murderer. Things got really exciting as Callie thought she too had it all figured out. We were both surprised, she actually found herself in what could have been a life or death situation. She was livid by the time she was able to literally track the culprit down. Wow Callie! You Go Girl!
I can’t finish this review without talking about the food. Good gracious, I was practically drooling every time Callie or Max were in the kitchen. I could almost smell the food cooking. I can’t wait to try the recipes in the back of the book.
Christmas in Wisconsin is delightful, (sans murders, of course), the temperatures may be dropping and the snow may be falling, but the food and friendships will warm you right up. Thank you Jenny Kales for this wonderful story.
It’s December in Crystal Bay, Wisconsin. The snow if falling, frigid temps are setting in and Callie’s Kitchen is busy baking and making delicious things for the holiday season. She has agreed to provide her Greek snowball cookies for a bridal shower at The English Country Inn but before the shower begins Callie finds the party planner dead in the water. Her relationship with Detective Sands may hit the skids because she just can’t help investigating the death. Her aunt and grandma even get involved. As if she doesn’t have enough on her plate, her ex may be moving back to Crystal Bay and her father appears to be dating. Christmas may be drawing near but Callie is determined to ice the killer just like he iced his victim.
I started reading this story and it felt like home. The author really describes everything about Wisconsin perfectly. The weather, the people, the food, the little language quirks, it warmed by heart.
Callie is a lovable character, she has a huge heart and is a hard worker determined to make her business a success. Her friendship with Samantha struggled a bit in this installment and their interactions were spot on. Her relationship with Detective Sands struggles as well but we learn more about this character as they work to turn things around. Max and Callie work together in the kitchen like a well oiled machine and he is a great friend to her. Callie’s aunt, “Sweetie” is visiting from Greece and she teams up with Grandma Viv for some laugh out loud moments. Her father’s life is in a period of change too. Callie is unsure if it is the situation or the woman that he is seeing that gives her concern. All these characters are well crafted, engaging and true to life.
The murder mystery itself was complicated. There were more suspects that I imagined at first and I was totally wrong about the murderer. Things got really exciting as Callie thought she too had it all figured out. We were both surprised, she actually found herself in what could have been a life or death situation. She was livid by the time she was able to literally track the culprit down. Wow Callie! You Go Girl!
I can’t finish this review without talking about the food. Good gracious, I was practically drooling every time Callie or Max were in the kitchen. I could almost smell the food cooking. I can’t wait to try the recipes in the back of the book.
Christmas in Wisconsin is delightful, (sans murders, of course), the temperatures may be dropping and the snow may be falling, but the food and friendships will warm you right up. Thank you Jenny Kales for this wonderful story.
natesbookstack's review
5.0
The first novel of a series typically sets the tone for the entire series and the hope it that the second is just as good and draws you right in. Well Jenny Kales hasn’t heard of the Sophomore Slump because Spiced and Iced is just as wonderful as On the Chopping Block! Callie, Olivia, Viv, George, Sands, Samantha, Max and Piper are BACK and they are just as wonderful as ever. There is also a special guest star SWEETIE, who is Callie’s Aunt from Greece in town for the Christmas festivities! Can I just say that Viv and Sweetie need a spin off mystery series! They are hysterical together. It really geared me up for the Christmas season and made my mouth water with food recipes AGAIN!
wulfwyn's review
5.0
This book is the second book of the series, Callie’s Kitchen Mysteries. It can be read alone but is much better read in order. The setting is winter in Wisconsin.
I love Callie and her family. They are so warm. You feel as though you really know them and could just pop in for a visit. The mystery in Spiced and Iced was well done with several decent suspects. At the end there was plenty to wrap up as you were kept guessing with lots of reasons why. Everything does get wrapped up though I didn’t guess correctly until right before the reveal. I can’t wait to see what is coming next!
There are a few recipes, of Greek flavor, in the back. My favorite was Sweetie’s Spinach Squares aka Lazy Spanakopita. It is super easy to make and is so tasty, tasty. I could eat this everyday! If you do holiday baking, there are several recipes that will definitely have you in the kitchen.
I love Callie and her family. They are so warm. You feel as though you really know them and could just pop in for a visit. The mystery in Spiced and Iced was well done with several decent suspects. At the end there was plenty to wrap up as you were kept guessing with lots of reasons why. Everything does get wrapped up though I didn’t guess correctly until right before the reveal. I can’t wait to see what is coming next!
There are a few recipes, of Greek flavor, in the back. My favorite was Sweetie’s Spinach Squares aka Lazy Spanakopita. It is super easy to make and is so tasty, tasty. I could eat this everyday! If you do holiday baking, there are several recipes that will definitely have you in the kitchen.
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