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sjholmes's review
4.0
Chocolate makes everything better, right? I certainly believe so, and the delightful descriptions of the flavors and scents of chocolate making make this cozy an unforgettable read. Felicity Koerber new story is the fulfillment of a dream she and her husband shared--except that her husband passed away unexpectedly and suddenly a year ago, leaving her an all-too young widow. But right in the middle of the grand opening for her business, Felicity's young assistance very literally drops dead. Cue in the detective for her suspicious death as Felicity's own high school boyfriend whom she had not spoken with since their very public break-up. Felicity quickly seems to be not only a suspect, but the owner of a maligned business rapidly losing what contracts she had already gained.
Felicity hits the bottom when she is shot at by an intruder in her own home demanding she return--what? Scared but still wanting to pursue her own investigation, Felicity goes straight to Logan to help her as her bodyguard. Together, the two pursue uncovering the truth of what happened.
Some elements of the plot seem to detract or slow down the storyline. Parts of the storyline seem far-fetched, even for a a genre that often has touches of whimsy. I would have preferred fewer characters and stronger characterization, especially for the first of a series. Still, Felicity is likable and her pursuit of a new career as a chocolatier is something many of us wish for ourselves. I can definitely look forward to reading the next book.
Felicity hits the bottom when she is shot at by an intruder in her own home demanding she return--what? Scared but still wanting to pursue her own investigation, Felicity goes straight to Logan to help her as her bodyguard. Together, the two pursue uncovering the truth of what happened.
Some elements of the plot seem to detract or slow down the storyline. Parts of the storyline seem far-fetched, even for a a genre that often has touches of whimsy. I would have preferred fewer characters and stronger characterization, especially for the first of a series. Still, Felicity is likable and her pursuit of a new career as a chocolatier is something many of us wish for ourselves. I can definitely look forward to reading the next book.
hugbandit7's review
4.0
Chocolate, Murder, and a Hurricane
You might have noticed that I started with chocolate because that is the most important thing about the book. Well, in my eyes anyway! All the luscious dark cacao, the processing, and the love put into the single origin bars. This book will teach you a lot that you didn't know you needed to know about chocolate.
Chocolate aside (but really, who can put chocolate aside?!), this is a fun cozy mystery with a determined protagonist to prove her innocence and solve the murder, a loveable bunny that knows when to protect his family, and a storm that could create some havoc on Galveston, Texas.
I really liked Felicity. She is still suffering through the loss of her husband a year ago, yet foraging ahead in bringing their dream to life. She is also not afraid to jump into the thick of things and try and solve this crime despite knowing nothing about how to decipher the clues and figure out who the murderer might be. I like that she admits to all of her experience coming from books and TV mystery shows. Despite that, it doesn't slow her down and she does find herself in harms way several times while seeking the truth.
I really enjoyed how the story and the mystery came together. It built up to the conclusion, much like the hurricane that thrashed Galveston. I have heard that there are some that won't leave their homes even in the case of a hurricane, and this book was no different. In fact, there was a party at a local hotel for those that did not leave the island. Personally, I think that is nuts, but I suppose if you have lived through one (or more hurricanes) then this one won't be so bad.
While I suspected who the killer was, I discounted this character because I just didn't think it was possible and couldn't figure out the "why." It was quite a revelation and the pieces fell together like a puzzle in the end.
Outside of the mystery, I found the characters to be well rounded and intriguing. Many of Felicity's friends are very supportive, along with her aunt and uncle. I was suspicious of some of her friends/coworkers and their motives, but I attribute that to the author's writing and throwing some red herrings into the mix that made me question my suspicions.
There is a hint of a potential romance between Felicity and Logan. Logan is a former police officer, turned bodyguard, turned tour guide. Felicity has her reservations because she still misses her husband, but I think that this could develop into more in future books and I look forward to seeing how that relationship develops.
There was only one thing missing, recipes for her chocolate truffles and more. I salivated over the description of the truffles and I would love to know more about how to make them and infuse herbs and other flavors. Perhaps in future books, the author will share a few recipes with us.
This is a delicious new series and I look forward to future books that share mouth watering descriptions of chocolate, life in Galveston, and perhaps a mystery to solve.
You might have noticed that I started with chocolate because that is the most important thing about the book. Well, in my eyes anyway! All the luscious dark cacao, the processing, and the love put into the single origin bars. This book will teach you a lot that you didn't know you needed to know about chocolate.
Chocolate aside (but really, who can put chocolate aside?!), this is a fun cozy mystery with a determined protagonist to prove her innocence and solve the murder, a loveable bunny that knows when to protect his family, and a storm that could create some havoc on Galveston, Texas.
I really liked Felicity. She is still suffering through the loss of her husband a year ago, yet foraging ahead in bringing their dream to life. She is also not afraid to jump into the thick of things and try and solve this crime despite knowing nothing about how to decipher the clues and figure out who the murderer might be. I like that she admits to all of her experience coming from books and TV mystery shows. Despite that, it doesn't slow her down and she does find herself in harms way several times while seeking the truth.
I really enjoyed how the story and the mystery came together. It built up to the conclusion, much like the hurricane that thrashed Galveston. I have heard that there are some that won't leave their homes even in the case of a hurricane, and this book was no different. In fact, there was a party at a local hotel for those that did not leave the island. Personally, I think that is nuts, but I suppose if you have lived through one (or more hurricanes) then this one won't be so bad.
While I suspected who the killer was, I discounted this character because I just didn't think it was possible and couldn't figure out the "why." It was quite a revelation and the pieces fell together like a puzzle in the end.
Outside of the mystery, I found the characters to be well rounded and intriguing. Many of Felicity's friends are very supportive, along with her aunt and uncle. I was suspicious of some of her friends/coworkers and their motives, but I attribute that to the author's writing and throwing some red herrings into the mix that made me question my suspicions.
There is a hint of a potential romance between Felicity and Logan. Logan is a former police officer, turned bodyguard, turned tour guide. Felicity has her reservations because she still misses her husband, but I think that this could develop into more in future books and I look forward to seeing how that relationship develops.
There was only one thing missing, recipes for her chocolate truffles and more. I salivated over the description of the truffles and I would love to know more about how to make them and infuse herbs and other flavors. Perhaps in future books, the author will share a few recipes with us.
This is a delicious new series and I look forward to future books that share mouth watering descriptions of chocolate, life in Galveston, and perhaps a mystery to solve.
shirin_mandi's review
4.0
Felicity Koeber is a chocolate baker, Jane Austen fan who lives on the island with a rabbit named Knightley (A literary bunny, guess his name). Felicity returns to Galveston, Texas, to start a new life, open a new chocolate shop. She and her late husband dreamed about having a bean to bar to make the chocolate. She tried hard to make this dream came true AND
BOOM!
Is murdering an employee on the opening day good for business?
It's not the worst part, Felicity’s high school ex-boyfriend is a detective now, he sure about Felicity’s guilt.
There are many things in this cozy mystery that makes it interesting to read. An engaging storyline with twists, unexpected suspects, and a hot guy name Logan which not Wolverine.
I liked the background detail on chocolate making. Every time I was reading it, I fetched a coffee with chocolate, I used more caffeine and sugar more than having needed. I look forward to the next bean to bar and recommended it if you like a delightful mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of Grand Openings Can Be Murder (Bean to Bar Mystery #1) by Amber Royer.
BOOM!
Is murdering an employee on the opening day good for business?
It's not the worst part, Felicity’s high school ex-boyfriend is a detective now, he sure about Felicity’s guilt.
There are many things in this cozy mystery that makes it interesting to read. An engaging storyline with twists, unexpected suspects, and a hot guy name Logan which not Wolverine.
I liked the background detail on chocolate making. Every time I was reading it, I fetched a coffee with chocolate, I used more caffeine and sugar more than having needed. I look forward to the next bean to bar and recommended it if you like a delightful mystery.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of Grand Openings Can Be Murder (Bean to Bar Mystery #1) by Amber Royer.
mchavarria228's review
4.0
Grand Openings Can Be Murder is the first in the new series by Amber Royer, the Bean to Bar Mystery series. The book follows Felicity as she opens her dream bean to bar chocolate factory after the passing of her husband. At the grand opening, one of her assistants is murdered and Felicity works to clear her name.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. All of the characters are likeable and you really end up caring about how this new business pans out for Felicity, and hope she is able to move on after her husband died unexpectedly.
In the beginning, there was a couple of times that the chapters seemed to end abruptly, or in the middle of an event and the next chapter would just move on. One chapter ended with Felicity needing to go to the police station, and the next didn't tell you what happened there.
However, after this, the story continued well and I really wanted to find out what happened. There were a few likely suspects, but the story kept you guessing until the end.
Would recommend if you're looking for a new series, and if you're a chocolate lover!
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. All of the characters are likeable and you really end up caring about how this new business pans out for Felicity, and hope she is able to move on after her husband died unexpectedly.
In the beginning, there was a couple of times that the chapters seemed to end abruptly, or in the middle of an event and the next chapter would just move on. One chapter ended with Felicity needing to go to the police station, and the next didn't tell you what happened there.
However, after this, the story continued well and I really wanted to find out what happened. There were a few likely suspects, but the story kept you guessing until the end.
Would recommend if you're looking for a new series, and if you're a chocolate lover!
pugmomsbookblog's review
5.0
A fun first in series! I really enjoyed the personalities of the characters and loved that there was a bunny rabbit instead of the typical cozy mystery cat or dog! Also, you can't go wrong with a chocolate theme and the descriptions of the different chocolates that the main character was selling in her shop was really interesting. Don't try to figure out the solution to the mystery because there are lots of red herrings that will keep you guessing until the very end! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
cgonya1's review
3.0
I received an e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion.
The novel introduces the main character Felicity as she is starting over in her hometown following the death of her husband. Felicity decided to leave her professional career to open her own bean-to-bar chocolate store, which was her and her late husband's dream. Unfortunately for Felicity, things start going wrong when one of her employees is murdered during the grand opening, and her former boyfriend now police detective believes she is the main suspect.
I liked this series but it wasn't my favorite. The beginning captures the reader and gets right into the plot and the action. Then, it starts to slow and becomes rather repetitious. Felicity spends most of the time accusing a person and then another. The rest of the time, she ignores what Logan (her bodygaurd) and Arlo (the cop) tell her about crimes and criminals.
I have nothing against anyone wanting to start over, especially after losing a love one. However, it becomes clear from the beginning that Felicity has not properly grieved for her husband. She likes Logan but fights it because "he's not her type." She also still feels an attraction to Arlo, but knows that she has to fight it. For someone beginning a new start, I was expecting a healthy mental state.
Overall, there was nothing wrong with the series. I rate this as 3 out of 5 stars. I am planning to read the second in this series when it comes out, because I would like to see the development.
The novel introduces the main character Felicity as she is starting over in her hometown following the death of her husband. Felicity decided to leave her professional career to open her own bean-to-bar chocolate store, which was her and her late husband's dream. Unfortunately for Felicity, things start going wrong when one of her employees is murdered during the grand opening, and her former boyfriend now police detective believes she is the main suspect.
I liked this series but it wasn't my favorite. The beginning captures the reader and gets right into the plot and the action. Then, it starts to slow and becomes rather repetitious. Felicity spends most of the time accusing a person and then another. The rest of the time, she ignores what Logan (her bodygaurd) and Arlo (the cop) tell her about crimes and criminals.
I have nothing against anyone wanting to start over, especially after losing a love one. However, it becomes clear from the beginning that Felicity has not properly grieved for her husband. She likes Logan but fights it because "he's not her type." She also still feels an attraction to Arlo, but knows that she has to fight it. For someone beginning a new start, I was expecting a healthy mental state.
Overall, there was nothing wrong with the series. I rate this as 3 out of 5 stars. I am planning to read the second in this series when it comes out, because I would like to see the development.
thatgirljamie's review
5.0
Felicity has recently moved and opened up a chocolate factory. On opening night, an employee drops dead, and unfortunately, Felicity is suspected for murder by her ex-boyfriend who's now a cop. Felicity and her rabbit work to clear her name. They also make some friends, and maybe more than friends, along the way.
This story was so much fun! I can't wait to read more in this series because I'm sure Felicity and her friends are going to have more trouble to get into and out of.
This story was so much fun! I can't wait to read more in this series because I'm sure Felicity and her friends are going to have more trouble to get into and out of.
annarella's review
4.0
A classic cozy mystery, entertaining and engrossing.
I liked the setting, the fleshed out characters and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
I liked the setting, the fleshed out characters and the solid mystery that kept me guessing.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
iknowpages's review
3.0
Welcome to Greetings and Felicitations! It is Felicity Koerber’s bean to bar chocolate factory/shop – and her refuge from the pain in her past. When she returned home to open it, she never imagined she’d be solving a murder – but now she will have to, to save her business’s reputation and avoid being framed as a killer.
Grand Openings Can Be Murder was quite a fun read. I went into it expecting a gritty mystery novel that had the sweeter notes of being set in a chocolate shop but got something slightly different. Although both of those points were true, and it was easy to read and follow, I sometimes felt like there was too much information.
As much as I appreciated a lot of the chocolate-making parts to the story, the crime fan in me just wanted more detail on the murder and mystery that this novel is centred around.
I also found that some of her interactions with Arlo, her high school ex-boyfriend to be a bit...typical? Although Felicity still holds onto the love of her late husband Kevin, I found it a bit frustrating when she assumed that Arlo was holding onto something from their relationship so many years ago. But that's just me
Grand Openings Can Be Murder was quite a fun read. I went into it expecting a gritty mystery novel that had the sweeter notes of being set in a chocolate shop but got something slightly different. Although both of those points were true, and it was easy to read and follow, I sometimes felt like there was too much information.
As much as I appreciated a lot of the chocolate-making parts to the story, the crime fan in me just wanted more detail on the murder and mystery that this novel is centred around.
I also found that some of her interactions with Arlo, her high school ex-boyfriend to be a bit...typical? Although Felicity still holds onto the love of her late husband Kevin, I found it a bit frustrating when she assumed that Arlo was holding onto something from their relationship so many years ago. But that's just me
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